Bike Week 2020 Daytona Beach Florida by DMAC Outreach in Daytona Beach helping to Keep America Great Again! This year, fellow Americans, is the time to get your shit together! Our country has the best President ever, and we need to keep him in office For 4 more! READ THIS ARTICLE ON BIKERNET – CLICK HERE

by Kyle Hyatt from https://www.cnet.com/

These bikes would likely share powerplants with the Pan America and Bronx.

When you’ve been in business for as long as Harley-Davidson has, it’s really easy to let things get a bit stale and boring. We’ve seen that from H-D for a while, but over the past year or so, it’s been working to shake things up with bikes like the Livewire and the Pan-America, as well as the middleweight Bronx.

It would seem, based on some leaked documents from an investor presentation, that it’s not entirely done shaking yet. Specifically, this document suggests that there are at least two more motorcycles in the works — non-traditional Harleys, all — and I couldn’t be more excited.

The first (and the one for which I’m most excited) appears to be a reimagining of the XR1200 flat-track racer homage that H-D released in the mid-aughts. The would seem to be an answer to Indian’s excellent FTR1200, and if we can get some of that competitive spirit to move from the flat track to the showroom, then I’m all for it.

The second bike is a more 1980s sport-bike-meets-cafe-racer thing, but it’s not especially original or exciting looking, at least compared to the Pan America or the Bronx. That said, unoriginal doesn’t mean bad. It’s packaged well, with the big Revolution Max V-Twin engine sporting a cool bronze hue. It’s like Harley went back to the Buell days and then stripped off all the weird stuff so non-nerds would buy them.

Seeing as these are just leaked mentions of bikes, we don’t have a ton of information about them. Based on the images, we see that they will share the Revolution Max engine with the Pan America and Bronx, though in what displacements, we don’t know.

We also don’t know when we’d expect to see these bruisers make their official debuts, let alone be released for sale, though with the current state of global affairs, we’d bet it’s at least a year or two off, if ever.

Harley-Davidson declined to comment on future product.

by Syed Shiraz from https://www.ibtimes.co.in/

Muscle bikes are the rebels of the motorcycle world. Let’s take a look at a few of them before the electrics finally take over.

What are muscle bikes? Well, the simple definition is: Muscle bikes are street legal drag bikes that can also cruise comfortably. In other words, these are bikes that can amble along easily with the laziest of cruisers but can also fluster the quickest sportbikes on dragstrips. Let’s take a look at some of the best muscle bikes in India.

Triumph Rocket 3

The Rocket 3, since 2004 when it was first launched, has held the record for being the motorcycle with the biggest engine in the world among series production motorcycles. It used to come with a monstrous 2.3-liter inline-three motor, but Triumph apparently thought that it was not big enough so they gave the all-new Rocket 3 launched last year a 2.5-liter mill.

It now makes a locomotive pulling 221 Nm of torque, which is again the highest figure in the world among all production motorcycles. While at it, they also brought the weight down of the motorcycle by 40 kilograms! It’s priced at Rs. 18 lakh.

Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are ex-showroom, PAN India prices.

Yamaha V-Max

This motorcycle has long been discontinued, but it earns a mention here as it’s the one that started it all, that too way back in 1985! In fact, it did something back then that no other motorcycle in this list (yes, not even the Rocket 3) does even right now—it made way more horsepower than the fastest sportbike of its time!

The 1985 Yamaha V-Max was pushing around 145 horsepower when the fastest motorcycle of the time, the Kawasaki GPZ900R, was making just around 115! The torque figures were not any less astounding either—the Yamaha produced more twisting force (112.7 Nm) than what Honda’s Gold Wing of the time (GL 1200) made (105 Nm).

Imagine any of the current muscle bikes making more than the Ducati Panigale V4 R’s 234 hp while still making more torque than the current Honda Gold Wing’s 170 Nm.

Well, the last V-Max was not far behind. It was producing close to 200 horsepower, which was more or less on a par with what the fastest motorcycles were making (Suzuki Hayabusa, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 R, BMW S1000 RR, Ducati Panigale 1299, etc.; the V4 R was nowhere in the picture back then). Torque output too, at 167 Nm, was not much less than the current Honda Gold Wing’s 170 Nm.

The V-Max was being sold for around Rs. 30 lakh by Yamana India. Used examples are hard to come by as owners don’t part with them easily.

John Abraham rides one.

Ducati Diavel and X Diavel

These are Ducati’s repeated unsuccessful attempts at making cruisers. They really wanted to make cruisers but ended up making drag bikes instead. The buyers aren’t complaining though.

The lightest motorcycles in this group are also the best handling of the lot. Prices start at Rs. 17,50,000 for the X Diavel and Rs. 17,70,000 for the Diavel.

Indian FTR 1200

The only muscle bike that will keep going even after the road ends, which makes it the best Indian for Indian conditions. It’s almost as light and as good a handler as the Ducatis, but cheaper than both of them. Prices start at Rs. 14.99 lakh.

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

It probably won’t be long until the electric motorcycle segment takes off, just like electric cars have started becoming more and more desirable not long ago. The difference is that in this case it will be the startups leading the charge, rather than established bike builders.

So far, the big names of the industry have steered clear of actually committing to electric bikes, with the exception perhaps of Harley-Davidson. The American-made LiveWire, once fully on the market, might just open up the buyers’ appetite for this kind of machine.

And the appetite is clearly there, even if prices for electric bikes are still extremely high. An example to that is Damon, a Canadian startup that is planning to make a splash with the Hypersport.

We’re talking about a high-tech bike that develops 200 hp from an electric powertrain and should provide 200 miles of range from a 21.5 kWh battery. These figures certainly place it at the top of the food chain in its segment.

It’s not only the powertrain that makes this bike unique, but also the technologies that were poured into it. Packed with cameras, sensors and radar, all ran by an artificial intelligence system, the Hypersport creates a virtual bubble of safety around the rider and the bike, sending the information it gathers via haptic feedback in the grips and on the windscreen edge.

These features seem to have prompted people into really liking the offer. At the end of March, as Damon announced it acquired Mission Motors, a supplier of electric vehicle components, the company’s COO Derek Dorresteyn hinted that the entire 25-units run of the Hypersport Founders Edition has already been spoken for, at roughly $40,000 a pop. And a good portion of buyers are millennials.

“Half the people ordering are under the age of 40. It really speaks to product market fit,” said Damon CEO Jay Giraud according to TechCrunch.

Hey,

This has been an amazing week. The virus is on its way out, and we can help. It spreads faster and to more folks than most flu, so if we stay clear of others and stay home if possible, we won’t fuck with our health care system and more folks will dodge a bullet. It’s beginning to warm up and the bastard will die and we can party again.

Life is a riot. As folks we gamble. I watched a movie last night called the Cooler, great flick. But you will see how a guy changes is luck by falling in love. His girlfriend sought guidance with the stars and astrology. Since I’ve been studying Buddhism, I hang out in Chinatown (not recently) and started to follow Feng Shui. When you are ever in a Chinese restaurant again, you’ll see a Chinese zodiac chart and the various years devoted to animals. I’m born in the year of the metal Rat. This year is the year of the Rat.

So, I looked at Lillian Too and her daughter, Jennifer Too’s book on how each month will pan out. The last couple of months haven’t been good, so I said, “Bullshit.” I tossed the book across the room, “No negative waves.” I should have taken heed. Last weekend I broke the Corona code and let a bunch of brothers come over and we fired up the Salt Torpedo for a test run, ‘cause the streets were empty. Well, you’ll read and see the results in the news.

Let’s hit the news:

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

HARLEY-DAVIDSON TAKEOVER–BMW announces takeover of Harley-Davidson
(MUNICH, GERMANY) Norbert Reithofer, CEO of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, announced today that Harley-Davidson Motor Company has accepted a friendly merger agreement by BMW and will combine their motorcycle manufacturing facilities.

“We have long felt the need to diversify our motorcycle production by adding models more attuned to the cruiser market,” Herr Reithofer said. “With our current BMW line, our Husqvarna line, and now the new Harley-Davidson line, we will be able to penetrate all parts of the worldwide motorcycle market.”

The move, which has taken the motorcycling world by surprise, was accepted by Harley-Davidson as a way to strengthen its capital base, which has never recovered from the 2008 financial meltdown. “We also are looking for ways to streamline our operations by combining research and development, design, and marketing components of our motorcycle lines.”

BMW showed off a prototype of the kind of combined work the new combined companies will be capable of by announcing the BMW H1600R, which features a Harley motor in the body of the current K1600GT, suitably modified, with a distinctive orange and blue paint scheme to combine the colors of the two companies.

There was also a clay mockup of a version of the current Road King Classic with the iconic BMW boxer motor, which is promised for fall introduction.

–Doc Robinson
Tech Editor
Heavy Duty Magazine

NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION REPORT–Turn Signal use on a Roundabout

One of the most basic rules of the road is that a driver must use a turn signal when turning right or left or changing lanes. But is this the case when exiting a roundabout?

The Indiana Court of Appeals says no.

The case started with a 2018 traffic stop in Warsaw. According to court documents, the defendant drove through a Kosciusko County roundabout and exited without signaling. An officer stopped him for failing to signal, and then he was promptly arrested due to the officer’s discovery of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

The man was subsequently charged with felony drug possession. Facing several years in prison, the defendant said the traffic stop itself was unlawful because it violated the state statute, and the evidence gathered should be suppressed. The state argued that when a driver leaves a roundabout, he or she is deviating from the normal flow of traffic and requires a turn signal.

The whole case hinged on the question: Must drivers signal when exiting a roundabout?

Traffic in a roundabout moves counterclockwise, and drivers usually have several options depending on the number of exits and lanes. Indiana law indicates that drivers are required when turning right or left to signal no less than at least 200 feet before turning or changing lanes.

The defendant won both his first case and the Appeals Court case because while roundabouts are not excluded from the Indiana statute, these special intersections were not widespread in the state when these traffic laws were established.

The Appeals Court wrote, “Any assumption that the signaling statute specifically applies to roundabouts fails to withstand scrutiny when the reality and logistics of roundabouts are considered.” Basically, due to the way roundabouts work, motorists cannot reasonably signal at the distance the law requires.

Apparently, this case raised more questions than answers according to the Court:

“Based on our current turn signal law, how and when would a motorist be required to signal his exit from a roundabout?

“Must a motorist signal when exiting the roundabout intersection, even when he has traveled straight through and is proceeding in the same direction on the same street upon which he entered?

“Would that be considered a “turn,” or does a “turn” occur only when a motorist chooses to take an exit onto a different street?

“Does exiting a roundabout, which often involves a driver veering to the right, involve a “turn,” or does it depend upon the angle of the exit and the degree to which the driver must rotate his steering wheel?”

Carmel, Indiana Mayor James Brainard, doesn’t believe the situation has to be this complicated. The self-pronounced roundabout capital of the country, the city of Carmel (population 92,000), has built 128 roundabouts since 1998. Brainard recently told the Indianapolis Star newspaper that he believes the state should require roundabout signaling and tickets for those who fail to do so.

The state Appeals Court agrees with Brainard that the law should be updated to include all the numerous roundabout varieties and configurations. The Court added, “All of this convinced us, that Indiana Code Section 9-21-B-25 is a square peg that cannot fit into a roundabout hole.”

The Indiana State Attorney General’s office does not agree with the Court’s ruling and is evaluating its next steps.

So, when should a driver signal in a roundabout? Here is what DefensiveDriving.com states about the issue:

One of the most common mistakes that people use on roundabouts is signaling incorrectly, or not at all. When appropriately used, indicators can be an excellent way to increase safety and convenience on a roundabout, by letting those around you know of your intentions. A good rule of thumb is to always signal immediately before your exit, using your right indicator, just as you would when turning. Correct indication on a roundabout goes as follows:

–When turning right (first exit), signal right as with a normal right turn.
–When going straight ahead, no signal upon entering, signal as you approach your exit.
–When turning left (last exit/three-quarters around), signal left upon entering, switch to right as you come to the exit.

We are interested in hearing from you. What do you think the rules for using (or not using) turn signals when exiting a roundabout should be? Email us at nma@motorists.org, and if we receive enough comments, we might present them in a future newsletter.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT IS STILL OPEN–apoplectic
[ ap-uh-plek-tik ]
adjective

extremely angry; furious: He became apoplectic at the mere mention of the subject.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF APOPLECTIC?
Apoplectic, “stricken with apoplexy,” comes from Late Latin apoplecticus (also apoplectus), from Greek apoplektikós “paralyzed” and apóplektos “disabled by a stroke.” Apoplektikós and apóplektos are derivatives of the verb apoplessein (also apoplettein) “to cripple by a stroke, disable in body or mind,” a compound of the prefix apo-, here with an intensive force, and the verb plessein, plettein, plegnýnai “to strike, hit, thrust at.” By the 19th century apoplectic developed the sense “furiously angry,” as in Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park (1814), “A short-necked apoplectic sort of fellow,” and Charles Dickens’ Pickwick Papers (1837), “A gentleman with an apoplectic countenance.” Apoplectic entered English in the first half of the 17th century.

HOW IS APOPLECTIC USED?
At the White House, Washburne was apoplectic. “Of all the times to let him go, this is the worst!” Washburne marched about the room waving his arms ….

GORE VIDAL, LINCOLN, 1984
Lenders were apoplectic. They warned CFPB officials that such a tight restriction, however well-intentioned, could cut off access to mortgages for many home buyers and damage the housing market further.

DAMIAN PALETTA, “FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS DRAMATICALLY EXPANDED EXPOSURE TO RISKY MORTGAGES,” SEATTLE TIMES, OCTOBER 2, 2019

NEWS FROM KENTUCKY MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION–
Primary Bills:

•SB 207 Create a new section of KRS 186.400 to 186.640 to require the Transportation Cabinet to establish a restriction category on the motorcycle operator’s license to restrict license holders to operation of 3-wheeled motorcycles only; amend KRS 186.480 to clarify the procedures for motorcycle skills testing by mandating that applicants who take the skills test on a 3-wheeled motorcycle shall be issued motorcycle operator’s licenses with the 3-wheeled restriction; amend KRS 15A.352 to allow out-of-state residents to take training courses; clarify that applicants who are exempted from testing by virtue of passing an education course have the same wheel restrictions if they took the training on a 3-wheeled motorcycle; amend KRS 15A.354 to require the instructors be reviewed every two years, instead of annually; amend KRS 15A.350 to conform. (Paul Hornback)

•We did have our annual Jr. Legislative Day in Frankfort; KY and I have attached a copy of our flyer and few photos. We do this each year and it promoted throughout the State and hosted by KMA/KBA Keith Roberts for the past five years to get our young involved.

•All else pretty much fizzled due to the virus, if it did not pertain to budget, virus and schools probably was not heard.

For a full text of bills and movement go to www.legislature.ky.gov

–Bonnie Hughes
MRF State Representative – KY
Treasurer / Kentucky Motorcycle KBA Safety Institute
859-663-5675

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2018 Indian Motorcycle® Scout® Icon for $9,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8613399

2018 Indian Motorcycles – Indian Scout Bobber

The Scout is a great platform, a bike that is plenty of fun and easy to handle. This bike is light and low making it perfect for new and small statured riders. The bobber is largely a facelift of the Scout, using the same engine and frame, and geared towards attracting new riders. The Bobber starts with the standard Scout and gets tracker bars, closer foot pegs, tires that are the same size but have blockier tread, a lower stance and lots of black.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

**Just 8,192 Miles**

Only 25″ seat height and 550 pounds but feels even lighter with a low center of gravity. Indian Motorcycle Red paint with raised tank logo is excellent. Vivid black airline gas cap. Vivid black 10″ mini ape with a phone mount, black grips, mirrors, vivid black hi-reflective headlamp, LED blinkers, fork, lower legs, on vivid black cast 8 spoke wheels.

Black loud short 2:2 exhaust. Black motor with vivid black ‘Indian” covers. Solo seat, forward slotted controls, and vivid black ignition switch. Black slotted chain guard, fender supports, drive sprocket, and a vivid black luggage rack. Vivid black LED rear stop / turn / tail lights, side mounted license plate, and almost new tires…

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100-point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether you’re looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

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EXCLUSIVE DAYTONA BIKE WEEK and EASYRIDERS REPORT– Went to Daytona and it was a big let-down a big disappointment Something has been lost. Beach Street was empty, NOTHING!

Main Street followed with another let-down. The only vendors were clothes and jewelry. Nothing to do with parts for your bike? The night-time parade on Main Street, another let-down. Main street has been ruined by a certain group with the kids big wheel bikes with 50 speakers riding 3–4 wide with the volume turned all the way up all playing different music? So what you get is one big distortion!

The only part of Daytona that I really got into was TROPICAL WILLIES OLD TIME CHOPPER SHOW! I have to say there was a good number of vendors at Rossmeyer’s.

I have been to Daytona a number of times and for me it was one of the worst. I think it is safe to say I won’t be back.

Onto a different subject: Since EASYRIDERS closed shop something is missing? There is a real disconnect between bikers. If not for BIKERNET and CYCLE SOURCE we would really be lost!

Seems there is no community anymore. I wonder if anyone would bring the old Easyriders back now, How would it do?

This new version is a joke! Okay these are my rants for today! Thanks for listening or not?

Later,
–STEALTH

The artist, one Tim Conder, had wished that someone would bring his artwork to fruition. Unfortunately, a daunting task such as this one had many failed attempts from a number of talented builders.

One lone biker working out of his modest garage with limited talent but immense tenacity started this project. It would take more than a decade of starting, stopping, other projects getting in the way, throwing out previous work because it just wasn’t good enough, but wouldn’t quit.

After untold number of hours, broken tools, busted knuckles, piles of chips and dust emerges what this biker saw in VQ so many years ago. Far from finished but closer than ever reality rolls into the early daylight.

Artist Conder had done just a few drawings and this builder unleashed a torrent of details that has driven him to the brink of insanity. Maybe over the brink. Living by the phrase “if you think that’s cool, look at this!” The underside of the sidecar is as detailed as the topside.

The builder has stayed true to the original artist concept because once in everyone’s lifetime they see a piece of art that they need to own. Since this was just a drawing the builder had to turn it into art. Passion? Insanity? or I just had to do it?

With many thanks to that editor whom had the keen eye to publish something so out of the norm, so cool and so very challenging to build I have to say Thank You!

–Dan Stern
PS. Should I enter this into the coronavirusbikebuildoff?

Hell yes, enter it and thanks.–Bandit

BANDIT’S ADAGE FOR A PROGRESSIVE LIFE— My adage is, “Fuck it, do something, even if it’s wrong.”

I need a pill, even the wrong one,

–Bandit

Bandit, you bastard,

That is actually my motto for life. I can’t believe we actually have something in common. Holy fucking crap. I say this to my ol’ lady when she freezes on a decision. I say it when EYE freeze on a decision.

It was the work motto at Bobs Big Boy, where I worked for ten years. it was The Standing Order of the Day for all employees. You never got in trouble for following it if you were in a panicked situation, which was common at Bobs in Van Nuys, it was a full-on food fest 18 hours a day.

–J.J. Solari

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS about COVID-19
I don’t like to send to many emails in a month, but this one is VERY IMPORTANT!
It is from one of our readers, Mark Treat, who is the on the front lines in the medical field as the Chief Strategy Officer at a large medical group specializing in primary medical and behavioral care for individuals with complex needs.

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (RNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
– 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

–from Capt. Bitchin

NASH ACTION--There’s enough tomfoolery already. Let’s do something else.

Let’s spread a little joy these days by way of bars.

Buy a set of Nash bars and we’ll throw a second of the exact same pair right into the shipping box. Take that second set and hook somebody up. You’ve got to know somebody who can use the lift.

It’s that easy.

[page break]

FLASH BACK THURSDAY–
Mustang and me in 1974,
Mike and me in Daytona at my 40th

–Sheriff
The Source SHERIFF MEDIA GRIUP SWEDEN

VIRUS IN ALASKA–
Good morning all! Bad news today.

Unfortunately, with the situation in Alaska escalating, my company has rescinded all vacations until after the end of May and instituted a required 2-week isolation for anyone returning from out of state. My job is such that 3 weeks out of the office is more than they are willing to accept, so I will be unable to attend BITB.

–BigDave
Dave “Big Dave Grizzly” Monroe
(907) 360-0517
MRF Alaska State Rep, MRF Rep’s Rep
https://mrf.org/

Board Member (Chair), Webmaster
ABATE of Alaska
http://www.abateofalaska.com/

NEW FROM BILTWELL—Oversized Bars.

4 1 3 0 C H R O M O L Y
New Oversize 1 1/8″ Bars

Here’s the deal on Oversize bars: Oversized and tapered 1-1/8-inch handlebars are common on lightweight dirt bikes and many European and Japanese sport bikes. Thanks to some progressive thinking by modern big-twin customizers, this technology has migrated to high-performance Harleys.

Unfortunately, the aluminum material used to make tapered bars is not ideal for big-twin bar construction. Also, dirt bike handle bars are 7/8” on the ends so you have to shim stock controls, which seems like a bandaid.

Our tapered and butted 4130 chromoly bars solve all these problems. We employ advanced tube tapering and CNC bending technologies to ensure every Biltwell OS bar is stronger than stock and straight as an arrow.

CNC slotting and notching lets you install stock H-D hand controls and throttle modules easily—no dangerous shims or drilling required.

HOT SHIRTS FROM FRANK BALL JR. TATTOO—Standard all black T-shirt with white custom print with my tattoo art.

Crew neck sweatshirts only in 2X and 3X currently. I’m sold out of the other sizes for now, but let me know if you want one.

Drop me a line and I’ll hook you up with pricing and how to pay.

Ride Free Forever

–Frank Ball Jr. 

FrankballJrink@gmail.com

OUTLAWS MC HELP WITH VIRUS--Coronavirus: Outlaws biker boss opens diner to homeless and anyone in need during crisis

The group’s global president has opened up his American style diner to do his bit during the Covid-19 outbreak

The biker boss owner of an American style diner has opened its doors to serve free food to anyone in need during the coronavirus crisis.

For six days a week Chicago 1935 American Diner on Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay – which is run by the global president of the notorious Outlaws Motorbike Club – hands out free soup, pasta boxes and sandwiches.

And according to Outlaws supremo Stuart Dawson, better known as Dink, it’s not just for the homeless, with many struggling to cope during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dink told North Wales Live why he felt compelled to do something to help: “Why not help? If more people did this sort of thing there would be less problems in the world.

“If everyone self-isolated where would we be?”

“We’ve got a great chef called Alex who was keen to help too, and the Chinese takeaway has dropped us off a lot of milk and bread which is nice.

Dink, 56, added: “I’m a dad of six and I’d hate to see any of my kids go hungry. We are seeing not only homeless people but people who until a few weeks ago used to have jobs…

–NorthWalesLive.com
Daily Post.co.uk

–From Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

NEWS FROM THE RODDER’S JOURNAL–Save 30% in the TRJ Swap Meet
It’s hard to beat a rod and custom pair like this. In the foreground is the Chuck Porter F-1 pickup, and in the background is the nailhead-powered ’34 three-window that Dave Lane built for George Poteet. There’s an interesting twist to that coupe’s story that we’ll be sharing at a later date.
Dear Rodder’s Journal Readers,

We would like to take a moment to inform you that all subscriber copies of TRJ #83 are at the new mailing house and being prepared to ship to you. As we promised last week, we plan to keep you in the loop every step of the way. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

COVID-19 has taken its toll on nearly every industry. It’s a particularly challenging time for small businesses—something we can attest to as a small business ourselves. But we’re still taking your calls, and we’re still taking and shipping orders. (If you happen to get our voicemail, leave us a message and we’ll call you back.)

If you’ve ever thought about ordering something from The Rodder’s Journal, now is the perfect time. From now until Friday at 11:59 p.m. East Coast time, we’re having an online swap meet. Use the code SWAP30 for 30% off storewide, and know that you’re helping support small business and keeping the spirit of traditional rodding alive for generations to come.

We’ve spent the past 25 years celebrating the best hot rods and customs in the world, and the personalities and history behind them, through in-depth stories and rich photography. We’re looking forward to many more.

To shop, click the red button below or give us a call at (800) 750-9550 in North America or (804) 496-6906 internationally. We hope you’re weathering the storm and staying safe with your loved ones.

Sincerely,
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal

ALL-NEW QUAD GLIDE HARLEY--We are so excited to announce the all-new, four-wheeled Harley-Davidson Quad Glide®, which is expected to arrive in our showrooms later this year and available from just £34,995 OTR.

Get all the premium features, starting with:
a mighty Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight® 125 engine, the BOOM!™ Box GTS infotainment system, enough storage space thanks to the front and rear trunks,
Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) utilising advanced chassis control, electonic brake control and powertrain technology.

To find out more and to check out even more of the innovative features the Quad Glide® has to offer, or to pre-order yours, click here.

Sorry, but we just wanted to give you a little something to chuckle about this morning.

April Fools 🙂
LIND the automotive family

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

THE INSURRECTION WEAPONS OF THE WEEK—Right across the street an engineer from the Port of LA caused a train to derail. He’s currently under custody, but shit is strange and the brothers are collecting ammo.

Here are the wild weapons of the week. As Agent Zebra said last night on a midnight call, “Why put a tiny pinhole in someone with a bullet, when you could slice and dice to your hearts content.” Such a thoughtful explanation.

Check these American made Tomahawks from American Tomahawk Company and the smaller one from RMJ Tactical, LLC, both manufactured at the same facility in Chattanooga, TN. These puppies are wild and well made.

Above, the Mini Jenny-Spike by RMJ Tactical
This product has been discontinued, snag one before they are gone!

The 9.4″ Mini Jenny Spike tomahawk may be the smallest tomahawk in the RMJ line up, but it is a very versatile outdoor tool. The Mini Jenny Spike fills the role of a high-quality, multi-use tomahawk that can be utilized as a useful tool on a simple day hike, or a week long camping trip. From cutting wood to camp site clearing and food prep, the cutting capabilities of this tomahawk are endless.

The Mini Jenny head features multiple sharp edges including the primary cutting head, the top line of the head, the bottom of the beard and the spike. Each of these surfaces can be used for cutting, scraping, fire starting and much more.

The Mini Jenny Spike offers full tang construction and 1/4″ 80CRV2 carbon steel (57-58 HRC) is used in its construction. 3D contoured G10 handle scales are incorporated for added grip and durability. The tomahawk has a Tungsten Cerakote finish that facilitates greater resistance to wear, corrosion, chemical damage, and impact damage.

The main edge measures 2 5/8″ in length, designed for heavy use in the field, chopping through anything you may need to cut, including brush, branches, and additional chores fit for the use of a sharp blade. The head, from the forward edge to the end of the spike, measures 5 3/4″. The spike itself is 1 3/4″ long, enough to breach or penetrate a variety of objects like car locks, windows, doors, tires and many more. When using this tool outdoors, the spike makes a great digging tool, and can even be used to drag logs.

Included is a molded Kydex Bottom-Eject Scabbard with low ride straps for belt carry.

Specifications

Overall Length: 5.625 in
Overall Height: 9.375 in
Forward Cutting Edge Length: 2.63 in
Blade Thickness: .275 in
Weight: 16.9 ounces (without sheath)
Blade Material: 80CRV2 (HRC 57-58)
Sheath: Molded kydex Bottom Eject sheath with Low-Ride M.O.C. straps

The Model: 1 from American Tomahawk

The Model 1 has a forged 1060 head featuring a forward cutting edge, and an aggressive 3.25″ long Spike ready for your biggest chores. The high mount allows you to choke up right behind the blade for finer work, food prep, etc. The forged head with a connected handle makes for a lightweight and traditional design that is easy to maintain.

The Model 1 is designed to be small and light enough to never be left at home, but big enough to serve as your lightweight axe/chopping/smashing tool. The Model 1 comes with a molded bottom-eject Kydex scabbard that includes Low-Ride MOC straps for belt carry. Please check out our full line of MOC mounting options for your Model 1, we have a shoulder strap option, MOLLE mounting and others available to purchase. Great for: Camp | Utility | Backpack | Throwing | Preparedness Kit | Emergency Tool

Features

Drop-forged 1060 carbon steel head with black powdercoat finish
Two Handle Choices: Dupont Supertough Nylon 66 (STN 66) anti-vibration handle with textured grip or classic Hickory
The Bottom Eject scabbard is compatible with all of our MOC mounting solutions. MOC Accessories

Specifications

Overall Length: 14.125 in
Head Length: 8 in
Cutting Edge Length: 2 3/8 in
Weight: 20 ounces (without sheath)
Blade Material: Drop forged 1060 (HRC 56-57)
Finish: Black Powdercoat
Handle Material: STN 66 Supertough Nylon or Hickory
Sheath: Kydex scabbard with Low Ride MOC Straps

If you are buying a Model 1 to throw, go with the Nylon version.

The forces of throwing will dramatically increase the wear on the hickory handle.

www.americantomahawk.com

OLD HAL ROBINSON ART FROM EASYRIDERS—He was the master and these are always classics.

We still have a few tees and limit edition prints available.

NEWS FROM VINTAGE RIDES–
Reshad, motorcycle guide turned travel expert

Age: 30 years old
Born in: Clermont-Ferrand, France
Origins from:
India, with parents born in Madagascar
Rider since: 12 years
Lives in: Lyon, France
Vintage Rides favourite trip: Nepal or Mongolia…
it’s hard to choose!
Nickname in the team: The Chatterbox

Hey Reshad, how’s it going? Where are you confined right now?

I’m confined in my apartment in Lyon. It’s not very big, but I’m lucky I have a balcony so I can get some fresh air. I’m with my girlfriend, Amandine. We’re expecting a little girl in July, so this forced confinement is good for us to take the time to prepare for her arrival. I’m specializing in a whole new field: I now know what an angel’s nest is and which stroller to choose!

I like cooking, but I usually don’t have much time in my everyday life. So, I now continue to practice my culinary skills, trying to reproduce recipes I have tasted around the world.

Although essential, I must admit that this restriction is not simple every day: I’m used to going out, riding… We have to be patient. So, I escape as much as I can: by watching reports on the different countries I’d like to go to, by reading books that transport me.

In spite of everything, I realize how lucky we are. Many of the countries I have visited are affected but do not have access to the same care as we do, so I put things into perspective and as I like to say: “travellers adapt in all circumstances”.

Tell us about your journey as an adventurer?

In 2016, I gave up a rather comfortable and stable life in France to go on a one-year trip around the world with my girlfriend. This decision represents my biggest risk to date: a dive into the unknown.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but this choice to go on an adventure was going to change my life. It is notably thanks to this trip that I finally met the Vintage Rides team in India and became a motorcycle tour leader.

My Vintage Rides adventure on the road lasted two years and took me several times to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Mongolia and Peru. For the passionate motorcyclist that I am, what could be better than being able to ride around the world every day? You can’t get tired of these incredible places, especially since our travels take us off the main tourist routes. So, I was able to discover these countries differently than if I had gone there as a simple tourist.

I think that’s what I appreciated the most in this job as a motorcycle tour guide is to be able to share my passion with the riders: to exchange with them about our different trips and about what this common taste for adventure brings us.

Today, I’m back in France and continue to talk about travel with the riders, but this time behind the scenes of the agency: I’m now a motorcycle travel expert. This new cap of adviser offers me a new challenge: to succeed in sharing my experience to allow others to live great adventures!

What kind of rider are you?

I started with a scooter as a teenager, then I got on a motorcycle when I turned 18, never to leave it again. I’m a jack-of-all-trades: enduro, circuit, Sunday rides… As long as I’m on a two-wheeler, I’m happy!

At the moment, and it won’t surprise anyone, I have a Bullet 500. Born in Auvergne, I have a great pleasure to ride in my region. For me, the Bullet is the perfect bike, the one that can take me to French regions as well as to the end of the world.

What is your definition of adventure?

When I go on a trip, the important thing for me is neither the departure time nor the arrival time: it’s everything that happens in between. I like to take my time without planning too much, to leave room for the unexpected. Because it’s when the unexpected happens that we have the most beautiful encounters.

Adventure also pairs in my opinion with escape. The greatest feeling of freedom I have ever felt was in the middle of the Mongolian steppes, without roads, signs or barriers. These endless expanses of land simply make you feel alive.

Can you tell us an anecdote from one of your motorcycle trips?

One of the most memorable was in Nepal. During my first trip as a motorcycle guide, a bike “fell down” in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately, and despite all our efforts, our mechanic couldn’t get the bike started again. It was really a baptism of fire, the bad luck of a beginner we can say, because it’s the only time it happened to me! Impossible to leave the Bullet on the side of the road, in the heart of the Mustang valley. We had to find a way to get it back. Miraculously, a bus passes by. All the sympathy of the Nepalese people was shown in a burst of generosity to help us hoist the bike on the roof of the bus: driver, bus passengers, riders: a great teamwork!

What is your next motorcycle adventure goal?

I have always dreamt of a motorcycle trip that would make a lot of sense to me: to ride Delhi to France on a Royal Enfield…

Photo credits: Leo Fvy / Amandine Paugnat

Vintage Rides
Lyon
(by appointment only)
hello@vintagerides.com
+442032898785

THE BIKERNET EAST COAST EDITORIAL—Harley is trying but they are not being true to their lineage. Build a 1340 bare bones bike with shocks in the back, air-cooled mechanical, easy to work on and customize without paying astronomical fees to the Bloomingdales dealer system. A Sportster/FXR, kinda low and slow club bike for 10 grand.

The young riders still want the outlaw kinda I’m badass bikes —they have too many clueless women and ex-Campbell soup CEO’s running the show. No one wants these wannabe jap or Indian clones.

Bring a Willie G. back to run the show. Well, that’s my 2 cents and I’m sticking to it
https://www.motorcycle.com/mini-features/harley-davidson-files-cafe-racer-and-flat-tracker-designs-with-revolution-max-engine.html

–Geno

PM Adds to Raceline Wheel Series--Californian manufacturer Performance Machine has come out with two new lightweight wheel designs in its CNC-machined forged aluminum Raceline Series of performance products for the performance bagger enthusiast – the ‘Assault’ and the ‘Revolution’.

They are both available in ABS and non-ABS versions with PM Raceline Series hubs and shipping with included 1″ brackets to raise the front fender for proper clearance.

The latest generation of PM Raceline hubs are lighter by a further 1.5 lbs each side at the front compared to the company’s standard ‘Image’ series hubs, and 1.5 lbs less at the rear for a 4.5 lb total weight reduction in addition to the saving achieved by the way PM cuts these wheels.

The ‘Assault’ features aggressive 11-spoke styling and lightweight agility. The rim lip is back-cut to reduce mass at the outer edges of the wheel for decreased rotational inertia and a reduction in unsprung weight.

The Raceline Series hubs are a design with all of the excess material machined away for improved weight reduction, “this wheel is serious about maximizing performance on the street or at the track.”
The ‘Revolution’ is a one-piece lightweight “masterpiece” that is also captured between the ultra-light modular PM Raceline Series hubs to create a wheel that weighs less than even the lightest stock wheels.

The nine-spoke transitioning to 18-spoke design and back-cut rim lip “provides the strength you need with the weight reduction and decreased rotational inertia you are looking for in a high performance wheel for the street or for the track.”
Both wheels are available in a 21″ x 3.5″ front and an 18″ x 5.5″ rear in choice of either black or gold anodized finishes.

PERFORMANCE MACHINE
www.performancemachine.com

Posted by DealerWorld

BIKERNET EDITORIAL SUGGESTION MEMO: Hey J.J.,

Here’s a great idea for an article by you. So, the Climate Alarmist win. They take over. You could have so much fun with this, with the laws and regulations they pass. We all end up living in tents because everything we have is made with fossil fuels. We can’t eat animals anymore and can’t cut down trees or even damage plants. We can only eat legumes, fruits and vegetables that naturally fall out of trees or off plants.

All the streets containing asphalt must be destroyed and allowed to seep back into the ground where the petrol came from. Even electric vehicles are banned, batteries are nasty stuff. We can’t have babies, they are the absolute worst in the effort to contain pollution. Hang on.

Folks are forced to take all their computers and cell phones into the streets and burn them, like the Nazis did to books. They are all oil-based products. Cars are gone and trucks. Products must be moved on the back of bicycles. Give it some thought.

All the best in a world of lost ventilators,

–Ming Ball
Monk
Temple of Bikernet Doom
At the base of the gray Mountain

Monk Ming,

I especially like the part about allowing the asphalt to seep back into the earth to become dinousaurs once again. I can actually see greta dumberg saying that with her demonically tweaked face.

Frankly, I am way beyond writing about this shit and am anxious to go to war. I don’t think I care who with.

–J.J. Solari

[page break]

BANDIT’S CANTINA IS ON LOCK-DOWN–We are living in a Bizarre World:

• If a dude pretends to be a woman, you are required to pretend with him.

• Somehow it’s un-American for the census to count how many Americans are in America.

• Russians influencing our elections are bad, but illegal Mexicans voting in our elections are good.

• It was cool for Joe Biden to “blackmail” the President of Ukraine, but it’s an impeachable offense if Donald Trump inquires about it.

• Twenty is too young to drink a beer, but eighteen is old enough to vote.

•Sexualizing children is bad, but 11-year-old drag queens are good.

• Illegals aren’t required to show ID, but citizens can’t buy cough medicine without it.

• Citizens are fined if they don’t buy their own health insurance, and then they are forced to buy it for illegals.

• People who have never owned slaves should pay slavery reparations to people who have never been slaves.

• Inflammatory rhetoric is outrageous, but harassing people in restaurants is virtuous.

• People who have never been to college should pay the debts of college students who took out huge loans for useless degrees.

• Immigrants with tuberculosis and polio are welcome, but you’d better be able to prove your dog is vaccinated.

• Irish doctors and German engineers who want to immigrate must go through a rigorous vetting process, but any illiterate Central-American gang-banger who jumps the southern fence is welcome.

• $5 billion for border security is too expensive, but $1.5 trillion for “free” health care for illegals is not.

• If you cheat to get into college you go to prison, but if you cheat to get into the country you go to college for free.

• Politicians who say that the President is not above the law put illegal immigrants and themselves above the law.

• People who say there is no such thing as gender are demanding a female President.

• Illegals don’t pay taxes, but they get tax refunds.

• We see other countries going Socialist and collapsing, and it seems like a great plan to us.

• Voter suppression is bad, but not allowing the President to be on the ballot is good.

• Fourth-of-July parades are bad, but parades of women dressed as vaginas are good.

• Some people are held responsible for things that happened before they were born, and other people are not held responsible for what they are doing right now.

• Criminals are catch-and-released to hurt more people, but stopping them is bad because it’s a violation of THEIR rights.

* And WORST of all is pointing out all this hypocrisy somehow makes us “racists.”

–El Waggs
Chief Investigator
Bikernet.com™

CRAZY SHIT FILE–Brazil’s Bolsonaro makes life-or-death coronavirus gamble– RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Even as coronavirus cases mount in Latin America’s largest nation, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has staked out the most deliberately dismissive position of any major world leader, calling the pandemic a momentary, minor problem and saying strong measures to contain it are unnecessary.

Bolsonaro says his response to the disease matches that of President Donald Trump in the U.S., but the Brazilian leader has gone further, labeling the virus as “a little flu” and saying state governors’ aggressive measures to halt the disease were crimes.

On Thursday, Bolsonaro told reporters in the capital, Brasilia, that he feels Brazilians’ natural immunity will protect the nation.

“The Brazilian needs to be studied. He doesn’t catch anything. You see a guy jumping into sewage, diving in, right? Nothing happens to him. I think a lot of people were already infected in Brazil, weeks or months ago, and they already have the antibodies that help it not proliferate,” Bolsonaro said. “I’m hopeful that’s really a reality.”

A video titled “Brazil Cannot Stop” that circulated on social media drew a rebuke from Monica de Bolle, a Brazilian senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

“Do you know what will happen, Bolsonaro? Brazil WILL stop. Your irresponsibility will bring thousands to avoidable deaths,” she tweeted Friday. “The destroyed lungs of these people, as well as the organs of those who won’t be able to have medical care, will fall on your lap. And Brazil will not spare you.”

Bolsonaro, 65, shows no sign of wavering even as the nation’s tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpasses 3,400, deaths top 90 and Brazilians overwhelmingly demand tough anti-virus measures. Pollster Datafolha this month found 73% of people supported total isolation, and 54% approved of governors’ management of the crisis. Bolsonaro’s backing was just 33%.

Does Bolsonaro actually believe, as he says, that the virus will be vanquished by a cocktail of drugs and Brazil’s tropical climate? It’s possible, but analysts say a more calculated political gamble may underlie his increasingly defiant position.

–David Biller, Associated Press
Yahoo News

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE CURE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 26, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_CURE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_March_26_2020.aspx

Thanks for that. We have four weeks of lock down here. Only places open are supermarkets and pharmacies. Fortunately, there is plenty of Bikernet history to catch up on and plenty of time to service my bikes. Cheers

–Steve
Nelson, Nelson,
New Zealand

BAGGER Nation ‘Fairing Drop’ Block Kit–Paul Yaffe’s Phoenix, Arizona based Bagger Nation has developed a simple and patented kit that helps to achieve the ‘Fairing Drop’ muscle Bagger look and dramatically increases the field of vision on 2015 to present Road Glides.

The CNC-machined ‘Drop Block’ is created from a solid block of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum and is a direct bolt-on part that allows you to lower the stock fairing 1.75″ – delivering that drop front look without any frame or permanent modifications for an entirely reversible install.

Along with the ‘Drop Block’ the kit includes the Bagger Nation stealth fairing support bar. “This precision fixture is TIG-welded by Arizona craftsmen and assembled from US cold rolled steel and supports your fairing from the inside.” Both are flawlessly gloss black powder-coated to disappear from sight when mounted – “allowing you to toss that ugly stock fairing support bar if you want. This is the most secure way to lower the fairing and it is a patented design.”

PAUL YAFFE’S BAGGER NATION
www.baggernation.com

–Posted by DealerWorld

GOOD NEWS NETWORK.ORG—Restaurants are giving away free food.

As a means of expressing their gratitude towards the healthcare employees working on the frontlines to combat the novel coronavirus crisis, these businesses and restaurant chains are offering up tons of free goodies to hospital staffers and emergency responders.

According to an open letter from Starbucks president and CEO Kevin Johnson, cafés across Canada and the US are now offering free small coffees to anyone who identifies themselves as a front-line responder over the course of the next month.

Although the North American branches are now operating solely as drive-thru locations, they will be providing the free coffees to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and hospital employees until May 3rd.

CHECK OUT: Hotels Are Opening Up Free Rooms to Healthcare Workers Battling the COVID-19 Outbreaks

“This moment in time, as the world is united in an effort to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, requires coordinated action by governments, health care providers, businesses, and people in every community,” wrote Johnson. “Working together, we are making a difference and, together, we will overcome this unprecedented challenge.”

International donut chain Krispy Kreme is also offering free boxes of donuts to health care workers every Monday starting today on March 30th for National Doctors’ Day.

“Just go to a Krispy Kreme drive-thru, tell us what you need and show us your employer badge,” reads the Krispy Kreme website. “That’s it. Pick up some free dozens on the way to work for you and your colleagues, or maybe a free dozen on your way home to family after a long shift.”

Plus John Krasinski has SGN news. It’s all good.

BELLY TANK FOR SALE–This belly tank lakester is reportedly based on a WWII-era 150-gallon fuel tank and features a custom steel frame which acts as a coolant reservoir, Austin-Healey front suspension, rear coilovers, head- and taillights, and four-wheel disc brakes.

Power is provided by a rebuilt 350ci V8 featuring World Products S/R cylinder heads and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a Chevrolet live rear axle. This custom lakester is offered by the selling dealer with a clean California title listing it as a 1957 Chevrolet sedan.

The body is reportedly constructed from a P-47 Thunderbolt drop tank, which shows remnants of its previous finish mixed with areas of corrosion. The frame is constructed of 2?x4? steel with .120? wall thickness, and serves as a reservoir for approximately 12 gallons of coolant according to the selling dealer.

BaT Essentials
Lot #29568
Seller: billo317
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
Chassis: B57031243
No Odometer, TMU
350ci V8
Muncie 4-Speed Manual Transmission
150-Gallon Drop Tank Body
Custom 2″x4″ Steel Frame/Coolant Reservoir
Austin-Healey Front Suspension
3.07:1 Live Rear Axle w/Coilovers
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
Private Party or Dealer: Dealer
Additional Charges From This Dealer:
Category: American

–Bring Trailer.com

GMA’s 2020 FWD Controls provide the Ultimate in Form and Function–

Custom forward controls don’t get any finer than those manufactured by GMA, a subsidiary of Belt Drives LTD. While their appearance is nothing short of stunning these cutting edge controls provide fine tuned operation with unequaled rider feel and feedback.

Mounting brackets on the most recent models have been completely reshaped to provide a noticeably lower profile. Additionally, control kits now feature a splined shift shaft and unique shift shaft arm with pinch bolt for plenty of indexing options.

The shaft is also larger in diameter and supported by an oil impregnated bronze bushing pressed into the left side mounting bracket. They’ve also fit an adjustable actuating rod and clevis design for the rear brake pedal, while retaining the adjustable indexing foot lever.

A nice touch to get both the brake and shift levers right where you want them. Controls are offered with either flat or banded round pegsThe redesigned mounting brackets make for a simple, unhindered installation and provide plenty of clearance for aftermarket frames.

The new controls will fit your standard OEM (3) hole left side and (2) hole right side FX and early FL style frames. GMA calls out 1986-1999, but they will fit earlier models back to the 70’s with use of a voltage reulator mount sold separately by Drag Specialties and others.

Manufactured 100% in the USA the high tech controls provide the ultimate in form, feel and function. For complete details visit the BDL/GMA site at www.beltdrives.com

MMA Announces 2020 Massachusetts Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period

Your Massachusetts Motorcycle Association is sharing news from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles that they have instituted a grace period for 2020 Motorcycle Inspections from May 31st to June 30th, 2020.

With the early onset of Spring in the Commonwealth, many motorcyclists are taking to the roads for fresh air and “wind therapy”, many of whom are still displaying 2019 Registration and Inspection Stickers. Your MMA reminds you that your Vehicle Registration is due with the calendar year, and may be renewed online here:

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-vehicle-or-trailer-registration

While many businesses remain closed or exercising reduced hours to accommodate “safe distancing”, the MassRMV has extended the deadline for annual inspections and licensing renewals, including Motorcycle Inspections to June 30th, 2020.

Your MMA reminds riders to remain safe in all aspects of their riding.

For more information, please see:

https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-rmv-extending-motor-vehicle-inspections-and-commercial-drivers-licenses-and

or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org.

VETERAN ABATE MEMBER SPEAKS OUT–
I’ve had a spare ABATE pin laying around here for eons. It’s an old vintage one, see attachment of my own old “youthful indiscretions” getup.

Since you’re practically a founder, from back in the day when they had the correct ‘A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments’ (LMAO) instead of the sorta’ lamo current ‘American Bikers Aimed Towards Education’ acronym, I thought I would share.

It just crossed my mind lately as I rummaged through one of my desk drawers containing old “treasures.”

Ride Free Forever,

–Andreas Dudda

Hollywood productions shut down in Malaga on the Costa del Sol will be a blow to Spain’s economy–

THE shutdown of Hollywood productions in Spain is a big blow to the economy but some stars are optimistic that the quarantine will end soon.

While many stars left Spain once the State of Alarm was announced, some high-profile actors and writers chose to remain and wait it out in the hope that the quarantine will be lifted by the middle of April.

Hollywood producer, Pat Andrew, a former executive of Wanda-Halcyon Television who is very familiar with and a great admirer of Spain said:

“The quarantine announcement was quite sudden though not unexpected however when your average production has 80-120 people involved, shutting everything down and going into ‘hiatus’ has a very dramatic impact.

This is not unique to Spain but has happened globally. For example, the production ‘Operation Mincemeat’ starring Colin Firth and Kelly MacDonald was filming in Malaga the weekend the State of Alarm was announced; a heartbreaking scenario and a logistical nightmare for the production team.

“Then you consider the internet sensation, Ciro Dapagio, of MobKing whose young family arrived from America and had to be informed of the ‘hiatus’ only days after settling into their new home on the Costa Del Sol.”

Andrew laughed when asked how Dapagio and his family took the news. He stated: “I was informed by the streaming service to tell all actors and production staff that we were going to be in ‘hiatus’ for four weeks and that they should go home, but Dapagio told me in true tough guy fashion and in no uncertain terms that he is not leaving as he loves Spain and came here to make a television show and no virus named Corona was getting in the way of him and his family taking care of business and making a great television show for his fans.”

According to Andrew, Ciro Dapagio was not the only Hollywood person loyal to Spain: “I called George Christie, lead actor and legendary Hell’s Angels icon and told him that we were going to have to stop production for four weeks and that he should go home, Christie laughed and said ‘Malaga is my home now and when adversity comes, some guys run and some guys stay’.” George stated that he would stay and just work out every day at home and practice his lines.

5-BALL RACING SALT TORPEDO TEST AND CRASH--We had a tough day last Sunday. The weather was clear and the roads around the Port of Los Angeles empty as we rolled the Salt Torpedo out of the shop.

It was supposed to be a final test run to determine whether the ignition stumble we discovered in the desert was remedied. We had also experienced a slight shimmy in the handling, so I added more rake for more stability.

Today before taking it off the lift we needed to adjust the toe-in and we did. With everything tightened we were ready for a final test run before installing the painted body work and preparations to haul ass to Bonneville. All seemed to be good to go as the Torpedo fired to life and Micah dropped the clutch.

He recently discovered he had another son, Eddie, who runs E2 Metal Works in Bakersfield, with his wife, Emilia. His business is all about CNC Plasma Metal Design and fabrication. Today, Micah arrived with his new son Eddie and his pal, Mike. We immediately set to work prepping for a pass down the street, which has its pitfalls.

It’s a city street complete with cops and we aren’t prepped with papers, plates or registration. The torpedo has no lights, no turnsignals, you name it. But since the virus has attacked our lives, the streets were void of traffic, especially on a Sunday as I asked Micah to take it easy and test the handling first.

There’s something about the Salt Torpedo that brings out the speed in a man. As soon as he caught a gear, he nailed it and felt the rear tire break loose as the Torpedo acted like a rocket ship that wants to fly into the next atmosphere. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. He reached the second block at about 80 and zip around the corner.

This puppy was designed to go straight, and I had added more rake to the dragster front end, almost 15 degrees. It wanted to go straight in the worst way. We’re not sure what happened, but he the turn hard, nailed the rear brakes and it flipped the Torpedo. He was unhurt, but we lost the front axle and perhaps both front wheels. We’ll bring you a full report in the very near future.—Bandit

To Do List:

Work with Ron Paugh on a new tank
Drill the gas cap
Have the two front wheels checked, trued repaired or replaced
Replace the front axle and check rack and pinion geometry
Replace aluminum steering rods with chromemoly
Check to see if we really need heavier components
Work with Eddie on spindle arms.
Face clamp plate.
Check to see that the frame isn’t twisted.

NEVER GIVE UP OR GIVE IN—There’s another code and it applies to the Salt Torpedo effort and to the Corona-Mona. We will survive and conquer. That’s what man is good at.

Even Sin Wu is doing her part, since the Chowder Barge isn’t doing well. She’s making reusable protective masks with Bikernet Bandanas. Not bad.

For some strange reason the content is flying into the Bikernet Editorial Board Room and we have another story from a retired club member about his first Evo purchase about 1984. You’ll get a kick out of it. It was a major transition point for Harley as they headed into seriously good times.

I’m working on two techs. One on the Salt Torpedo and one on the Pandemic. Should be stumbling together. Hell, I thought I was going to make major progress last week, but nothing arrived except clevis pin from Mc Master Carr. As long as the parts and the Redhead are arriving I could hang in the shop forever.

Rider fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

by David Schuyler from https://www.bizjournals.com/

Harley-Davidson Motor Co. senior vice president and chief operating officer Michelle Kumbier is leaving the company April 3, Milwaukee-based parent Harley-Davidson Inc. said in a regulatory filing Tuesday.

As chief operating officer since October 2017, Kumbier oversaw the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer’s U.S. and international markets in addition to responsibilities leading product and operations.

In the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) did not disclose a reason for her departure. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the filing.

Kumbier is the latest high-ranking executive to leave the company in recent months. Those departures include former president and CEO Matt Levatich, a permanent replacement for whom has yet to be hired.

Before adding chief operating officer to her responsibilities, Kumbier was senior vice president, Motor Company product and operations. In that role, she led a team of more than 4,500 employees worldwide to bring Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts and accessories and general merchandise to market.

Kumbier joined Harley-Davidson in 1997 in operations purchasing, and has since taken on roles with increasing responsibility in purchasing, strategic planning, new business development, and parts and accessories.

Kumbier’s former product and operations responsibilities will be assumed by Bryan Niketh, vice president of product development of the Harley-Davidson Motor Co., who has been promoted to senior vice president of product and operations. Kumbier’s global sales responsibilities as chief operating officer will be assumed by acting president and CEO Jochen Zeitz.

In another move, Harley-Davidson Inc. assistant general counsel Paul Krause, who has been serving as interim chief legal officer, has been hired for the role permanently. He’s also been promoted to chief compliance officer and secretary of Harley-Davidson Inc.

A number of high-ranking executives have left the company in the span of a half-year as the company struggles to turn around a years-long slide in sales. Levatich stepped down Feb. 28. Paul Jones left his role as vice president, chief legal officer, chief compliance officer and secretary of Harley-Davidson Inc. near the end of November 2019. In October 2019, the company removed Neil Grimmer from his post as president of global brand development following an investigation that the company said showed violations of the company’s code of conduct.

The same month Heather Malenshek, who was chief marketing officer and senior vice president, marketing and brand for Harley-Davidson Motor Co., left the company, according to her LinkedIn page.

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

Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-25R Racer Custom is a track-only version of the brand’s new 249cc four-cylinder sportsbike

Kawasaki has unveiled the all-new Ninja ZX-25R Racer Custom ahead of its official debut event which had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. The pandemic has caused a lot of confusion among global automotive industries with back-to-back plant shutdowns, event cancellations and rising losses. However, manufacturers have taken social media as an effective platform to introduce their latest products.

Coming back to Kawasaki’s latest product, the Racer Custom variant is essentially a track-focused, track-bred and track-only version of the Ninja ZX-25R that was unveiled last year. The sportsbike’s main highlight is its power plant — a 249cc DOHC liquid-cooled ‘inline-4’ engine that can rev up to a cool 17,500rpm!

So far, Kawasaki has not shared the exact engine specifications of the ZX-25R or its track-only avatar. Various reports state that it could generate around 45bhp and a lot of acoustic drama (way more for the Racer Custom variant). In fact, Kawasaki had shared the exhaust note of its new light-capacity four-banger. To many, it wouldn’t make any sense to split a displacement of roughly 250cc into four cylinders, but for the very few who likes to ride a motorcycle at its absolute limit (in a safe environment) will find a fun machine in Kawasaki’s new ZX-25R.

Kawasaki also plans to introduce a new one-make championship next year with the ZX-25R (and NOT the track-only Racer Custom variant). The race will be open to anyone regardless of their track hours. Meanwhile, Kawasaki has introduced a host of performance and cosmetic upgrades for potential ‘25R’ buyers. This includes racing cowls, tank pad, track tyres (Dunlop Sportmax ?-13SP), Showa suspension, new chainset, performance exhaust, carbon bits and many more.

Sources suggest that Kawasaki’s ‘baby ZX-10R’ will first hit the Indonesian market, after which it will be filtered down to further potential markets in Asia and Europe. India may not get it and we don’t expect Kawasaki to make the effort.

Even though the concept of low-capacity four-cylinder motorcycles is relatively unheard among the wider scenario, such motorcycles have been around since the late 20th century. Kawasaki’s iconic ZXR250 could be considered as the virtual predecessor of the new ZX-25R. One might find 40-45bhp to be a normal figure in this day and age, but these motorcycles require an expert to harness their full potential by shifting correctly in extremely narrow peak power bands.

by Florin Tibu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Damon Motorcycles’ Hypersport electric bikes revealed at CES were a huge hit, with the entire limited fleet of Founders Edition machines already sold out in pre-sale. The company now takes another big leap forward with the acquisition of the IP portfolio of Mission Motors, one of the strongest names in the EV powertrain segment.

The move might seem a bit surprising, but it shows that Damon Motorcycles are dead-serious about the development of future, more competitive models in this growing market.

Among the technologies that are now property of Damon we find the proven designs that helped break the AMA electric land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats, also setting new records at Laguna Seca in 2011, the 1/4 mile drag strip at Sonoma Raceway in 2012, or the Isle of Mann TT Zero race in 2014. The PM200 electric motor, the acclaimed Mission Inverter and the Skyline Telematics will now be further developed and integrated in new models that are en route to consumers.

While Damon’s Hypersport Founders Edition consisted of only 25 units, the company currently has two more special bikes on pre-sale. The Hypersport Premier Arctic Sun and the Midnight Sun, in white-gold and black-gold trim, respectively, each with a $39,995 price tag. Securing one requires a $1,000 deposit while offer lasts. If special editions are a bit off your budget, but you still want an electric Damon bike, you can also get the standard version, Hypersport HS, which tips the scales at a more palatable $24,995.

The Damon Hypersport is advertised with the “200 Making it count” punch line, emphasizing on the 200 horsepower, 200 mph top speed and 200-mile range figures. The bikes come with a liquid-cooled 21.5 kWh battery feeding a PMAC liquid cooled 160 kW motor that can do 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds. The advertised charging time is less than three hours on a Level 2 charger.

The combined highway/city range is said to exceed 200 miles, and Damon says that doing 70 mph on a highway yields a ~161 mile range, whereas doing only 60 mph increases the autonomy to 201 miles. Still, we all know these figures can vary quite a bit, depending on weather conditions or a heavy hand.

Among the notable technologies aboard the Damon Hypersport we see the Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspensions, alongside the two proprietary features, CoPilot and Shift. CoPilot is an advanced warning system that uses dual 1080p cameras, haptics and LED alerts for forward collising warnings and blind spot detection for 360-degree safety. Shift is yet another feature embedded in the Hypersport, allowing the rider to effortlessly switch the position of the seat, pegs, handlebars and windscreen for sport and commuting scenarios at the push of a button.

Now, with Mission’s knowledge and Damon’s drive for creating new and exhilarating electric motorcycles, we can expect even more machines in the near future, and hopefully, a more affordable option to expand Damon’s customer base.

from https://www.wmay.com/

The orders were straightforward and immediate: pick up the supplies, ride through the streets of New York City and make the deliveries.

There would be no detours, no diversions. The clock was ticking.

On March 21, Ryan Snelson and three other motorcycle riders geared up, divided up the supplies and took off from Montauk, New York, to meet their receivers in Tribeca and Queens. The supplies strapped to their bikes would help protect the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals battling the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic. New York City hospitals were running out of personal protective equipment (PPE) as the number of sick grew each day. The masks, gloves and gowns Snelson and his crew were in possession of could save patients’ — and doctors’ — lives.

Snelson, a longtime biker, took action against the virus the only way he knew how: by calling on his fellow bikers to join him in the cause.

“We’re just regular people who have bikes and have regular jobs in the city,” he told ABC News. “The motorcycle community is very active in New York.”

Snelson was intrigued after learning about Masks for Docs, a grassroots campaign that was started two weeks ago by Chad Loder, a computer security researcher and entrepreneur in the Los Angeles area. Masks for Docs, which is in the process of being recognized as a 501 (c) charity organization, connects people who have PPE with hospitals and health clinics around the country. Donors and receivers fill out an online questionnaire and Masks for Docs then shares the info with its local volunteer chapters to verify the applicants and distribute the supplies quickly to the requisite facilities.

“We’re getting photos from doctors and nurses who are wearing trash bags and bandanas [for protection],” Loder told ABC News. “We’ve had hospitals say they cannot accept donations but doctors are privately reaching out to us. We have to move faster than the virus.”

Individuals can donate surgical, construction and N95 masks, hand sanitizers, hazmat suits, disposable scrubs, face shields and gowns on the Masks for Docs site. Loder said local chapters are given guidance on acceptable donations as well as safety precautions when picking up and dropping off the PPE.

More than 60 riders have joined the New York “moto squad,” according to Snelson, and supplies have been delivered to all five New York City boroughs as well as northern New Jersey.

“It all happened so fast,” Snelson noted. “We’re figuring it out as we go … and we can start and stop based on our schedules.”

Meredith Balkus, who joined Snelson on the group’s first mission, recalled how eerie and still the city’s streets were that Saturday night, a “surreal” experience for the riders involved, she said.

“When this opportunity came up I was so excited,” she told ABC News. “We all understand the gravity of the situation and it’s really rewarding to help doctors who are on the front lines. It’s really dire in New York and there’s a lot of hunger out there to help.”

At least 776 New Yorkers have died from COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, and more than half of New York state’s cases, or 33,768, are in the city. Nearly 8,500 state residents are currently hospitalized. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio warned Sunday in an interview on CNN that hospitals have only one week’s worth of medical supplies.

Snelson said his team is cognizant of the infection risks and closely adheres to the safety guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are so smart every step of the way,” added Balkus. “We’re wearing a full face helmet and a mask underneath. We always stay six feet apart from each other.”

Moto squad’s riders will do whatever it takes to stop the outbreak and slow down the rate of transmission, Snelson said.

“The motorcycle community will help — always,” he said.

by Ron Kantowski from https://www.reviewjournal.com

There are advantages to coaching junior college basketball in a teeming metropolis, not the least of which is that one can recruit while riding a motorcycle.

Russ Beck, who recently was named coach of the College of Southern Nevada’s rebooted men’s basketball program, has signed 10 players. All are from Southern Nevada. All it has cost is a tank of gas.

“I’m probably the the only coach in America that can do his recruiting on the back of a Harley-Davidson,” Beck said.

Which he does.

His 2003 Sportster XL gets about 43.5 miles per gallon. It is 35 miles from CSN’s Henderson campus to Centennial High on the northwest edge of the Las Vegas Valley — probably as far as Beck will ever have to go to sign a 6-foot-4-inch power forward.

It may be more difficult finding a place to play than finding players.

There is no gymnasium on CSN’s Henderson campus, so the Coyotes will practice and play at CSN’s Cheyenne campus in North Las Vegas. Selected games might be played at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion or South Point Arena, if deals can be made.

“I’ve been at Western Nebraska in Scottsbluff, which is very rural, up in Twin Falls (Idaho), Cedar City and St. George (in Utah),” Beck, 41, said of coaching stops in basketball hinterlands. “(Here) I can see hundreds of players and do most of my recruiting within 45 minutes of the office.

“One of my selling points is you get to play in front of family and friends in a big city that is easy to get to for the Division I recruiters. All these coaches have been trained to come here because of the AAU (summer) tournaments. They know where to stay, where to eat, where the gyms are.

“Now they have another excuse to come out and watch basketball.”

Already on campus

Likewise, CSN didn’t have to go far to find its basketball coach. Beck was employed by the school as an athletic academic adviser. He had a relationship with CSN athletic director Dexter Irvin, who was AD at Dixie State in St. George when Beck was a basketball assistant there.

Beck also was an assistant at Salt Lake Community College and the College of Southern Idaho, teams he’ll now have to beat in the Scenic West Athletic Conference. He spent seven years as head coach at Western Nebraska CC, winning 124 games and helping the Cougars attain a national ranking.

Junior college teams have a reputation for playing firewagon basketball with an emphasis on the fast break. Beck said he is not averse to either. But he believes to run the floor, you first must lock down on defense in the half court.

“That comes from Coach (Jeff) Kidder at Dixie College, who won a national championship and was a hall of fame coach at the junior college level and did it with a lot of Vegas kids every year,” Beck said of his defense-first philosophy.

One of those Vegas kids was Cimarron-Memorial’s Marcus Banks, who returned home to star at UNLV before being drafted in the first round by the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. Banks could play defense when it was called for. And even when it wasn’t.

“Limiting teams to one shot will give you a lot of offensive freedom, but that only happens when you’re getting stops,” Beck said. “There’s no fast break if the ball goes through the hoop at the other end. Then you’re taking the ball out of the net and walking it up.”

Ultimate goal

Hanging in Beck’s office is a photograph taken at the NJCAA national championship tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, when he was coaching at Salt Lake. It reminds him of the ultimate goal.

But in the first year of the second start-up — CSN shuttered its men’s and women’s basketball programs in 2003 after one turmoil-riddled season — Beck said he’d settle for finishing in the top half of the Scenic West.

“I think we just have to be really gritty, take pride in who we are,” he said. “Maybe embrace the underdog role a little bit and that we’re in it for the city.”

As soon as the coronavirus pandemic ends and it is safe to break a sweat on defense, Russ Beck plans to jump back on his Harley and find additional 6-4 forwards (as well as some guards) who believe there’s no place like home.

“When your roster is full of kids from the same area, you can take a lot of pride in that,” he said.