Hey,

The rally is starting next week and at the last minute we are buying a Bikernet Billboard in Sturgis. It’s another project, but what the fuck.



My son, Frank Ball, just flew out after a couple of days scrambling to get shit done around here. He helped a lot and then flew back at the crack of dawn to plant this tattoo on a girl’s leg. Amazing!






Frank and I rode around town. He rode the 5-Ball 2014 Indian and I rode my 1969 Panhead.



I devised a seat suspension system using a Harley buddy seat. I was concerned about the strength of the springs until I saw that Excelsior Hendersons used this system as their primary seat suspension. The Pan handled like a new Honda touring bike. I couldn’t get over it.



Before I changed the seat and the old glide to a new round Paughco springer, this puppy handled like crap on torn-up LA Harbor roads. Suddenly, I’m riding down brick roads from the turn of the century and this puppy glides with a rigid frame!



Amazing!

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.






Proposed Transportation Bill Amendment Fails–Late Monday night, three Congressional champions for motorcyclists’ rights asked Congress to add language to a massive spending bill that would help protect motorcyclists from profiling by law enforcement.

The amendment to a Department of Transportation funding bill would have prohibited federal funds being used to “Encourage States to adopt legislation, regulations, policies, directives or guidance to profile motorcycle riders, nor shall such funds be used by States to implement any activity with the primary intent of profiling motorcycle riders.”

The amendment failed, as the House Parliamentarian ruled it “not in order,” citing a prohibition on policies proposals like this being attached to funding bills. Of the nearly 700 amendments submitted, almost 400 other amendments were handed the same fate. Frustratingly, the Rules Committee members were not even allowed to vote on these provisions.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is disappointed that a commonsense concept like the one offered today was blocked by an unelected bureaucrat. Nevertheless, we will remain vigilant in our fight against the profiling of bikers. We thank Representative Tim Walberg (Michigan), Representative Michael Burgess (Texas) and Representative Troy Balderson (Ohio) for drafting the amendment and seeking ways to combat the profiling of bikers in the country.

Additionally, the MRF would like to thank the other members of the House Rules Committee who expressed support for the amendment including Rep. Cole (Oklahoma), Rep. Reschenthaler (Pennsylvania) and Rep. Fischbach (Minnesota).

All bikers should thank their fellow riders from Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas who lobbied members of the committee to pass this amendment. Rest assured that the MRF will continue to fight in the halls of Congress until lawmakers act on this important issue.







THE BULLSHITTING CODE–How to bullshit like a Pro – according to experts studying bullshit

“Bullshit is so ubiquitous because humans are social by nature, so if they can get social benefits from saying something, even if it’s not true, they will.” says Martin Harry Turpin, a Phd researcher at the department of psychology.

If you tell someone that you research bullshit for a living, they’ll probably think you’re just bullshitting them.

Read full article at:
https://www.vice.com/amp/en/article/akgyqg/guide-to-bullshit-and-sound-smarter-than-you-are

–Wayfarer
Reporter
Bikernet International News Desk





ZZ TOP BROTHER DIES AT 72—What a bummer, to lose such a talented classic of a brother, Dusty Hill, but he passed in his sleep in Houston. He was a member of the Uglies but left the club awhile back. Micah McCloskey said the club has a rule, “Once Ugly always Ugly.”

We will all miss him.

–Bandit






REGARDING CELEBRITIES TELLING YOU HOW TO LIVE— Me and an old girlfriend, Mickey, were emailing about that idiot Sean Penn giving orders to people to get vaccinated. She sent me this:


“When I worked in Malibu, a lot of celebs came in. Larry Hagman used to come in wearing a bathrobe, slippers, and a cowboy hat. What a putz.

So, this one day I was in the express line and there were maybe eight people in line, and one guy towards the back of the line was smoking. I told him that there was no smoking in the store, and he ignored me, so I yelled it out.

He got pissed and threw his smoking cigarette on the floor. Then when it’s his turn, all he buys is a 12-pack of beer. I ID’d him. He got pissed again, but got out his driver’s license. It was Sean Penn. HAHAHA, I didn’t even know it was him, but I’ve always hated him, and I was so pleased with myself for having the opportunity to harass him.”

The best part was the look on his ugly mug. Scowling, rolling his eyes, big, exasperated sighs, etc. It was hilarious.

–Mickey and J.J. Solari






TAT OF THE WEEK FROM THE BALL BRAGADE–Clown girl, the ‘payasa’. Fineline single needle black Grey made at Goodtime Charlie’s tattooland.

–Frank Ball Jr.
President 5-Ball Racing Leathers







NEW FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–1909 Thor X1-03. Founded in 1903 as a manufacturer of bicycles and motorcycles, Thor was a company within Aurora Automatic Machinery Company in Aurora, Illinois. While over time making a wide range of machines and home appliances, they were noted as the company that made the first Hedstrom-designed engines for Indian Motorcycle Company.

Thor gathered steam around 1907. While responsible for building motorcycles under several brand names and over time supplying engines to Indian and frame lugs and cycle parts to many…

Check the whole story on the NMM website







NEW SPORTSTER S RIDE REVIEW–
Trying to find positive in this bike, but that profile takes on the dorky side.

https://www.rideapart.com/reviews/521922/2021-harley-sportster-s-review/

–Geno





BROTHER STEPS UP FOR VETS–My name is Julian Rastrelli and I have been helping veterans with their disability ratings for a few years now. I have never offered this service professionally until now. My focus is on the veterans who have PTSD.

These are the veterans who have the need for help urgently, and I will strive to give them everything I can. That means I will not stop working on the veteran’s file until they receive the desired resolution.

I am new to this in a professional manner, so please bear with me. I have helped 78 veterans increase their service-connected VA disability ratings. My end game is to get a little political and have the policy change for the PTSD outreach and make sure the veterans who have PTSD get the help they need ASAP.

So far as recognition I have been honored at the Ducks Stadium here on long island `during a ceremony that is called “Heroes Of Thee Game.” It is a start to the awareness that I want to bring about of PTSD.

Also, I will be on a radio talk show on 103.9 for a 30 minute segment to do the same. Please understand that I am not doing this for any self-promotion. I am doing this for grant money that is ours as veterans to go to the veterans who need relief and who earned it as soon as possible.

I know that it is going to be a long and bumpy road, but I am prepared to do this. We need a change in policy and no one, I mean no one is doing this. There is a lot of talk but no action.

I am tired of it and I, along with my best friend and VP, plus our families are ready to do whatever it takes to get the changes made.

Thank you for your time. The name is going to be Vets helping Vets USA LLC.

–J.R.





BUILDER’S BREAKFAST AND MORE—Don’t miss the Builder’s Breakfast. A renowned chef will be on board. Strider bikes on display, Mike Lichter exhibit builders will hang out and K. Randall Ball will sign his biker adventure books.

Also including the flyers for the Evo show and my super-exciting women’s day at the chip and bike show! Did I tell you about the class in the show for best 2-up touring bike? A long neglected group of riders: passengers!


–Marilyn Stemp
Editor:
•Iron Trader News
•Kiwi Indian E-News
•Sturgis Rider Daily

Marilynstemp@gmail.com
828-205-8482







New Bikernet Reader Comment!

CRAZY TIMES BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 22, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/CRAZY_TIMES_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_July_22_2021.aspx


Comments:
RE: Motorcycle dealers in Canada blame rising insurance costs for drop in sales:

I smell what they’re stepping in. Michigan No Fault PIP costs will make your wallet scream, even if you carry your own pre-Medicare health insurance (Highmark BCBS and fee’s deducted from my pension every month) through a negotiated USW contract. SFD – Simply Fucking Deplorable we’ve allowed this Insurance scam/robbery by fountain pen by Michigan elected officials. After all – the other 49 states can’t be wrong, can they?

You find me a politician here in the State of Michigan, that will eliminate Michigan No Fault Insurance on the first day in office, and on day 2, I’ll go buy a New Harley.

— Doug
Buchanan, MI






Workhorse Speed Shop to Reveal Two Very Special Indian FTR Builds

Build Q&A with Brice Hennebert

Brice Hennebert, owner of Workhorse Speed Shop, has not wasted his time during lockdown. After creating Appaloosa V1.0 in 2019 for the Sultans of Sprint then re-working the Indian Scout build into Appaloosa V2.0 for the Baikal Mile Ice Festival, Brice has focused his attention on building two special dream bikes from the Indian FTR.

We caught up with Brice to get an insight into his latest projects, both of which are shaping up to be remarkably interesting, but quite different builds – just as we have come to expect from Workhorse.

It’s been a long time since you came back from Russia after taking Appaloosa V2.0 to the Baikal Mile Ice Speed Festival – that must feel like a dream now, are the memories still strong?

Yes, the memories are strong. With the lockdown, it was some time after coming back from Russia that I saw many of my friends. Every time I reconnect with a friend they always ask about the trip. So, I get to relive the memories regularly and so they are still strongly alive.

And when Appaloosa finally got back to Belgium after the Russian borders reopened, unpacking the bike, and reassembling it meant I got to relive the memories all over again.

Obviously, lockdown has changed the way we all work, but you have still been busy with brand-new builds based on the FTR. What are the concepts behind each project?

The concept for the first build, Black Swan, came a few years ago when I was racing at Wheels & Waves against the Miracle Mike Scout built by The Young Guns. During that time, I had the vision to build a sports bike for road use. But, really sporty, built like a GP bike. It’s deeply inspired by 90’s sports bikes, all made from carbon fibre. That’s what happens when I have total freedom from the commissioners of a project. And I’m even thinking about doing a small series of this bike for sale. It’s pretty unique!

The second FTR project is based on the 80s era AMA SBK race bikes and Rally cars. Black Swan and the FTR AMA project are for two brothers. The brother that commissioned Black Swan asked me to design a second build for his brother. Something colourful but sharp like a war tank. The only restriction was that it should have a Martini Racing livery.

After a little research and brainstorming, the main influence became the Lancia Delta HF. I’ve mixed this with a bit of the early Bol d’Or race bikes and some muscle bike flavour keeping an upright riding position, close to the original FTR which works so well.

With the Appaloosa v1.0 and v2.0 builds, you had some great partners providing advice, components, fabrication, and tuning skills. Who has stepped up for these FTR builds?

All of them and even more. I went to the Akrapovic factory a few days after the Baikal Mile to work on the Black Swan exhaust. I crossed the border to home for a few hours and they decided to close the border. That was tight.

Öhlins have shipped me a full set of custom components for Black Swan, quite impressive I have to say. Beringer Brakes is also in the game on both bikes with their new 4+ system. Super light, super nice.

I’m also working with Vinco Racing in Holland, Tim is taking care of all the CNC parts around both bikes. And there’s many of them.

My buddy Robert Colyns from 13.8 Composite is taking care of the carbon fibre fabrication.

On Black Swan, we will be fitting Rotobox carbon fibre wheels, they really are pieces of art! Liteblox Germany have made a bespoke carbon fibre battery for the bike, Cerakote Nl did all the black ceramic treatment. Jeroen from Silver Machine the seat works. Christophe from Forame design did all the 3D modelling from the Clay scan.

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

So, as you can see, I’m not alone on this bike.






CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?

Can you believe this nonsense? The bare minimum prize of a $2,500 Gift Card requires a rider to complete One Million Miles in the 2 month’s time – that too while other riders are competing for this useless pseudo prize of a GIFT CARD.

See the link – https://harleydavidson.promo.eprize.com/letsridechallenge/

The grand prize of one Harley-Davidson motorcycle requires Five Million Miles in 2 months while competing against others. Couldn’t anyone buy a H-D Bagger for less than the cost for petrol, servicing, repair, oil, food and stay at various locations, personal safety risk / cost for doing this in 2 months ?

Posted on Blog and Facebook.
https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-announces-lets-ride-challenge-sweepstakes/




QUOTES OF THE WEEK— Don’t expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.” – Calvin Coolidge

“The Destiny of Man is to unite, not to divide. If you keep on dividing you end up as a collection of monkeys throwing nuts at each other out of separate trees.” – T.H. White

“The world is a hellish place, and bad writing is destroying the quality of our suffering.” – Tom Waits

“Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know.”



“The best math you can learn is how to calculate the future cost of current decisions.”

“And I–I have shown him… that a man without hope… is a man without fear.” – The Kingpin, in Daredevil v1 #229

“An avidity to punish is always dangerous to liberty. It leads men to stretch, to misinterpret, and to misapply even the best of laws. He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.” – Thomas Paine, American Revolutionary and Freedom Fighter.

–Wayfarer
Intern
Political Department
Bikernet University







NEW FROM SUPPORT GOOD TIMES—They’re having a good time, but not a long time. Their latest 100 percent cotton, pre-shrunk classic T’s.

You can’t go wrong.

–Bandit

www.supportgoodtimes.com







HEADLINES OF THE WEEK–this week’s journalistic horror number five oh two.



Journalism rules 101 – if you make it to the New York times as a writer with your own name on your own articles….that means you have failed as a critter having any level of talent, intelligence or human ability on any level. And you will be writing articles like this one……



It’s official: air temperature ignites trees.

–J.J. Solari







COOL SHIT FROM WHEELS THROUGH TIME–This month our raffle special offer includes our brand new Traub Package with a tin sign and lapel pin in addition to your Raffle Tickets, Tee and DVD. This is your chance to take home a piece of the history of one of the most revolutionary motorcycles ever built and, at the same time, get your tickets on the iconic 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead that will go home with one lucky rider this November 20th!

One of the most asked about and recognized machines in the entire Dale’s Wheels Through Time collection is the incredible Traub motorcycle. Known as “The World’s Rarest Motorcycle,” the Traub is a one-off machine hand-built in 1916 by Richard Traub of Chicago, Illinois.


THE 2021 RAFFLE BIKE




1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead

This year’s Raffle Bike is the milestone 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead finished in Brilliant black and chrome. Featuring a 4-speed transmission, along with first-year aluminum heads and “wish-bone” frame. The revolutionary 74 c.i. machine was brought back to life in the Wheels Through Time restoration shop with its future in mind
GOING HOME WITH ONE LUCKY WINNER!!






THIS JUST IN FROM DENNIS KIRK–This week’s LICHTER NOTES goes retro as Michael Lichter recaps the The Cross Country Chase—an endurance race for vintage motorcycles.

You won’t want to miss his awesome tales from the road. This exclusive content is only available at the DK BLOG: THE AFTERMARKET EXPERIENCE. https://bit.ly/3rDwjaB

–John Eastman





[page break]




NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–The Bad Land custom H-D Softail from Japan has Paughco exhaust – our sponsor.
Breaking down the hype and understanding the H-D numbers for profit and sales:
North American sales are up 43 percent year-on-year in Q2, which is the only positive number when broken down by sales region. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (commonly referred to among some OEMs as “EMEA”) are down by 7 percent for the same period. Asia Pacific sales are down 13 percent, and Latin America sales are down 31 percent.

Harley had some explanations for some of the negative numbers, stressing that they’re all part of its overall strategy. EMEA Q2 retail sales, the Motor Company said, went down because Harley stopped sales of the Street and legacy Sportster models in the region.

Meanwhile, Latin America sales were negatively impacted by a dealer reduction across the region, as well as “pricing actions across the portfolio, which were executed as part of the Rewire strategy.”

The H-D1 Marketplace website will sell uncertified pre-owned motorcycles of the brand as well making it very different from other companies which sell their own pre-owned certified cars, etc.



https://www.rushlane.com/sunra-miku-max-electric-motorcycle-debuts-range-60-kms-12407233.html


–Wayfarer
Ruling Editor
Bikernet Blog
Bikernet.com™





THE SUFFRAGISTS MEET DUNLUP–Alisa Clickenger and Women’s Motorcycle Tours Partner with Dunlop Motorcycle Tires tor the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride

Dunlop Tires Sponsors 2021 Summer Events
NORTH CAROLINA, JULY 28, 2021 – Women’s Motorcycle Tours welcomes Dunlop Tires as a sponsor of the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride, July 31 – August 20, 2021 and the Women’s Motorcycle Festival & Conference, August 19 – 22, 2021. Dunlop Motorcycle Tires will keep the team rolling on great tires before, during, and after the event.

“Dunlop makes great tires, and they are incredibly supportive of women’s events and empowering women riders,” said event producer Alisa Clickenger. “I’ve been using their tires for a long time and one thing you always want is to be able to rely on: great tires. I am thrilled they are working with us on the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride and at the Women’s Motorcycle Festival & Conference.”

“We are happy to support the Suffragist Centennial Motorcycle Ride. I can’t wait to be a part of the sendoff event in Portland, OR and watch these amazing women start their cross-country journey!” said Dunlop’s Northwest Regional Sales Manager Misty Johnson

The entire Dunlop inventory is available on DunlopMotorcycleTires.com where you’ll be able to view tires, learn about the technology, search store locations, and more.

The SCMR2021 ends at the Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference in Arlington, Virginia on August 19-22, 2021. https://centennialride.com/






FROM THE CLIMATE DOOM FILES–German Emissions From Electricity Rose 25% In First Half Of 2021 Due To The Lack Of Wind Power, Not Willpower…

Is the German renewable energy effort about overcoming guilt?

German emissions from electricity generation increased in the first half of 2021 by one-quarter, or 21 million tons, according to German think tank Agora Energiewende. Gas-fired power plants increased 15%, coal power plants by 36%, and hard coal power plants by 44%.

Experts say it’s because Germany’s economy is growing more in its post-Covid recovery. “Overall, the recovery in demand is by far the main factor behind the increase in fossil fuel generation,” said a German energy analyst.

But the increase was also due to the lack of wind. Wind produced just 46.8 terawatt hours in the first six months of 2021 which is over one-quarter less than the 59.4 TWh they produced in the first half of 2020. Offshore wind generation, too, dropped by 16%, to 11.7 TWh during the period.

It’s true that there was a slight increase in solar power generation, wind was abnormally high in 2020, and things could improve next year. In contrast to 2020, there were no above-average wind and sun conditions in 2021.

But increased electricity from solar was from more solar panels, not more sunlight, and Germany couldn’t install enough of them to make up for the loss of electricity from wind turbines. Sunlight was down in the first half of 2021 even as solar panel installation was up. And the German parliament’s researchers recently concluded that Chinese solar panels were being made under conditions of genocide, which make sanctions, and fewer imports of China-made solar panels, inevitable.

Meanwhile, Germany is closing nuclear plants this year and next, which will result in more use of coal and natural gas, and thus increase carbon emissions. Of the 56% of German electricity that came from carbon-free sources in 2020, 24% overall came from nuclear, hydroelectric dams, and biomass, which are far more reliable than solar and wind.

Analysts say the closure of nuclear plants is directly responsible for higher electricity prices. Germany has the most expensive electricity in Europe and wind-heavy Denmark has the second most expensive. In the first half of 2020, German electricity prices were 43 percent higher than the European average.

As a result, Germany’s renewables experiment is effectively over. By 2025 it will have spent $580 billion to make its electricity nearly twice as expensive and ten times more carbon-intensive than France’s.

Germany’s rising emissions and electricity costs illustrate in dramatic fashion that modern nations cannot rely on weather-dependent energy sources to power their high energy economies. For environmental advocates of low-energy living, the pre-modern character of renewables has long been a feature, not a bug. But the rejection of modern energy by Germany in particular may also stem from its specific ambivalence over whether or not it wants to be a nation.

–Michael Shellenberger






STURGIS RALLY WRAP-UP PARTY REPORT–
MOTOvational Inc. is a federally registered 501(c)(3) charity that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those facing life’s challenges and hardships. As part of Why We Ride, our MOTOfamily is Inspired to Ride, Educate, and Give. This year MOTOvational Inc. and Treasured Lives have joined together to build the first crisis house in South Dakota for survivors of sex trafficking and CSE. THE TREASURED HOUSE

WHY:
There are no other temporary shelters specializing in victims of sex trafficking in the state and surrounding area. Due to this, Victims are often forced into Domestic Violence shelters who are not equipped to deal with the complex trauma found in sex trafficking. DV shelters often have “recruiters” strategically placed in shelter. Without a safe place to stay, victims are at high risk for returning to their traffickers. It is critical for the wellbeing of victims of sex trafficking and CSE to work with those who have come out of what they have experienced. Often victims have never met another survivor who has come out of the life.

There is shared understanding of each other’s experiences that is healing in and of itself. Our objectives for the Treasured House are 1) To provide a place of safety and hope, thus alleviating the need to return to victimization. 2) To assess strategical placement of victims to receive the best possible long-term care. 3) To begin healing process. 4) To assist in understanding the factors that put some individuals at higher risk than others.


HOW:
MOTOvational.org, Why We Ride and Rod Woodruff will host the 1st Annual Sturgis Rally Wrap Party at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event Center to raise funds and awareness. Your ticket fee and all raffle and auction items will be considered a tax deductible charitable donation. If you would like to become a supporter by purchasing a table, please contact us at events@WhyWeRide.com to hear about all the additional opportunities that are available for you and your brand.

WHEN:
Friday, August 13th at 6:00pm, Register @ www.SturgisRallyWrapParty.com

Please contact be before August 1st if you would like to become a supporter and purchase a table.


–Bryan H. Carroll
President/Founder
805-630-2951 US mobil
www.MOTOvational.org
www.WhyWeRide.com





OFF-ROAD EXPO Presented by General Tire at Ontario Convention Center–Tickets are now on sale for the Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire, Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, Calif.

Save money by purchasing discount tickets online at www.offroadexpo.com. Adult single-day tickets (ages 13+) are $16 when purchased online and $6 for kids (ages 6-12). Children five & under will be admitted free of charge.


At the gate, Adult single-day tickets (ages 13+) are $20 and $7 for kids (ages 6-12). Children five & under will be admitted free of charge.

Participating O’Reilly Auto Parts locations will also have discount tickets available, starting 30 days prior to the event.

The off-road and sand sports industries come together at the Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire as a full collection of leading companies including parts manufacturers, equipment suppliers, gear producers and industry experts/insiders unite for a full weekend of everything off-road and sand sports related.


 More details on event features will be announced soon. Stay tuned to the Off-Road Expo website and social media channels.

For more information on the Off-Road Expo presented by General Tire and to purchase discount tickets online, visit www.offroadexpo.com.






DAYTONA NEWS--This is from my ol’ pal who lives in Daytona. What a bunch of Victorian pussies this county became.

–Geno and Friends





BIKER ATTORNEY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT— Subject: Let’s Make it 5 Years In a ROW! – Wisconsin Law Journal 2021 READER RANKINGS – VOTE NOW

Michael Hupy supported and defended all aspects of the motorcycle industry from club guys, to accident victims, to rights violations for over two decades. He deserves our support.

wislawjournal.com/reader-rankings 

Hupy and Abraham has been named BEST PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM in this poll since it started in 2017.
This year, the firm has been nominated in 5 categories:
Best Construction Law Firm (Let’s not vote here as this does not apply to our practice)
Best Personal Injury Law Firm
Best Company to Work For
Best Employee Recognition Program
Best Innovative Workplace


This poll is only open through 08/01.
There are just SIX DAYS TO VOTE.
You can VOTE ONCE PER DAY, PER EMAIL ADDRESS.

I am asking you to log in once per day – from each of your email addresses 
*Please continue to cast 1 vote PER DAY (set your calendar reminder) in all categories.*
Each login/logout per email address should take about 2 minutes to vote.

Please feel free to share with family, friends and on your social feeds as well!
Thank you in advance for taking the time to vote daily!

Hupy and Abraham s.c.
(414) 223-4800
111 E Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202







LATEST FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT–“Fiddle” vs. “Violin”: Are They Different Or In Harmony?

What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin, anyway? They seem to look exactly the same, so why the different names? Was the fiddler on the roof secretly a violinist? And what exactly was Nero playing?

No fiddlin’ around—just answers to your burning questions about the fiddle and the violin.

Quick summary
The words fiddle and violin are two names for the same stringed instrument—fiddle is just an informal way of referring to the violin. In the context of classical music, it’s typically called a violin. In a bluegrass band, it’s more likely to be called a fiddle.



What is a violin?
A violin is a stringed instrument played with a bow. It has a double curved body and a long, thin neck, somewhat like a guitar. But it’s smaller and it’s held horizontally, with the bottom part tucked between the shoulder and chin and the top of the neck held in the hand. Sound is produced by drawing a bow across the strings.

Violins are known for their especially beautiful and flexible tone. They’re common in string ensembles and orchestras and are an important instrument in many classical music compositions. The violin family of instruments also includes the viola, which is slightly larger than the violin.

What is a fiddle? And is a fiddle a violin?
Technically, the word fiddle can refer to any instrument in the viol family (a family of stringed instruments that preceded the violin family). But most commonly, fiddle is simply used as an informal name for the violin.

The word fiddle is typically used when a person is playing the instrument in an informal context, like during a jig at a party or in a duel with the devil—not in a full symphony orchestra or a formal string quartet. Musicians playing the instrument in a bluegrass band are probably more likely to call themselves fiddlers than violinists due to the nature of the music and the performance. In contrast, saying that world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman “plays a good fiddle” would be done jokingly. But that doesn’t mean fiddlers can’t be excellent musicians.

–from Dictionary.com







LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK—’017 Harley-Davidson FXDLS – Low Rider S for $17,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10804283

This bike ***DOES NOT MEET CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS ******** NOT FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA****



ONLY 4480.00 Miles !!!!!

2017 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson DYNA LOW RIDER S



Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* Screaming Eagle 110c.i. motor
* 6-speed trans
* Two into One exhaust
* Big breather intake
* Solo seat
* Fairing



This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

***DOES NOT MEET CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS ******** NOT FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA****

Just $17,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155






BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY LESSON–
Civilizations, empires, nations in recorded history of mankind:
1. The Poor – work and work
2. The Rich – exploit the poor
3. The Soldier – protects both
4. The Tax Payer – pays for all three
5. The Banker – robs all four
6. The Lawyer – misleads all five
7. The Doctor – bills all six
8. The Goons – scare all seven
9. The Politician – lives happily on account of all eight.

–Wayfarer
Intern
Political Studies







QUICK, FROM BURMA SHAVE
The only thing worse than abortions /
is watching Rachel Maddow’s face contortions /
burma shave





CLASSIC SET OF BURT MUNRO POSTERS AVAILABLE—We are still finding stuff in boxes. It’s like buried treasure. I discovered a tube of Burt Munro, New Zealand beach races. It’s a bunch of them. The first person who buys a two-year Cantina membership gets this stash of poster.

–Bandit







BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Sturgis Shovel Part 1

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Sturgis_Shovel_Part_1.aspx

Comments:

I bought this bike about 2 years ago. We just got it together and, fuck me, it’s super bad ass! The only thing different I did was put a 3-inch open primary clutch on it. I may put some different wheels on it, haven’t decided yet.

I’m also thinking on selling it, don’t know how much yet, maybe you guys be interested?


— K.C. Wheeler
Kent, WA







ART FROM TV SERIES PRODUCED IN SPAIN–
What it all represent…….

Club Founder Big John in Blue cameo..President patch on collar, famed sunglasses

Colors-Gold, blood red, Royal blue, silver.
Spartan battle cry to enemies -“molon Labe”-means”…Come and take it…If you can! Coming out of the mouth of the Spartan helmet

American eagle to Honor the 101St Airborne at Bastogne/The bloody bastards of Bastogne.

American Indian snake represents-creative life force and rebirth

Triumph-To honor big john who saved the lives of jack crest and Jose Milan and won the navy cross for bravery.

–Pat Andrews





WE NEVER STOP AND NEVER GIVE UP—We are working with Markus Cuff on a Petersen Museum motorcycle exhibit featuring long distance motorcycles. Some wild bikes.



I wrote a story about a drug deal in the ’70s and the ride into the hills. We somehow ended in Palm Spring in the middle of a sand storm. The story has something to do with velocity stacks. Damn, speaking of velocity stacks, I need to modify the new one I received from S&S.




Hell, I’m working on the World Report for Cycle Source Magazine, and I’ll sign books for donations to Kid’s Ride at the Builder’s Breakfast coming up next weekend. Come by and get a set of signed books, cheap.



Never a dull moment. Micah called and we discussed the past and how many times we could have ended behind bars. I just spoke to an old friend/well known builder. He stumbled into a bad rental property, the wrong attorney and four years in prison. Just one wrong turn, one bad roll of the dice.

But we never stop or slow down and always fight for the freedom to ride fast and free.

–Bandit

Hey,

The Smoke Out commander rode in on Tuesday, from the south and so did Rogue, the Bikernet senior editor. My grandson is completing his first leg into Phoenix from LA for a pipe upgrade with Jeff Holt. Then the crew rode East and he reported in from Durango. Dr. Hamster flew in today.

The bros are rolling into town from every corner of the earth. It doesn’t matter if a country is trying to ban flights, if fossil fuels are under fire, if the Turbo Covid strain has peaked, if Masks are required or not, if Vaccines are lost, the bros are coming to party.

It’s amazing. It’s nuts. If you read the paper or watch CNN the world is imploding in hate and disasters, but not here. The bros and broettes are having a blast, mask free and who cares about vaccines. It’s a free country. Get a vaccine or not, it’s up to you.

Remember when we judged a guy by the bike he rode, now it’s the vaccine judge…

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.

HARLEY RETURNS TO INDIA—
Harley-Davidson back in India through Hero Motorcycles
from https://www.financialexpress.com

Around 100 Harley-Davidson bikes, constituting the first batch, have been completely pre-booked indicating robust demand for the iconic brand. “The other models include the likes of Softail, Fat Bob, and Street Bob motorcycles,” regarding the bookings, an industry source told PTI.

Hero MotoCorp has onboarded 12 Harley-Davidson dealers and increased its customer touch-points across the country. As per its licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has taken over the exclusive distribution rights of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts and merchandise in India, after the latter decided to close its operations in the country. The source said there would be more units assigned to the country as the first lot is totally pre-booked. The iconic American brand has already started taking bookings for the next batch, he added.

At Bikernet Blog: https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-back-in-india-through-hero-motorcycles/

Just shows how wrong the Harley-Davidson Management was about India not being a market for their motorcycles.

If they still had the models such as Iron and 48 and the previous Sportster, etc, they would have sold so much more despite “pandemic economy.”

One year of bad customer experience and disappointed authorized dealers in India – for the iconic brand name.

Tesla has announced it’s coming to India with their electric cars. They cost as much as a Mercedes or BMW luxury car but folks will buy these plenty here.

–Wayfarer
International News Correspondent
Bikernet News Bureau

Motorcycles as Art at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Meet the Legendary Builders & Photographer Michael Lichter at the Public Opening?Noon on Sunday August 8th – Free Admission

Located in the Buffalo Chip’s Event Center Gallery next to the East Gate (No Buffalo Chip Pass Required for this Event)
4-Days Only (Sun: 12-4:30pm; Mon-Weds: 2-10pm)

“More Mettle: Motorcycles and Art that Never Quit” will be on display in the Buffalo Chip’s 6,000+ sq.ft. gallery for four days only. Enjoy free admission to see the all-new custom motorcycles from thirty builders* including major reveals with BMW’s Shinya Kimura and Indian’s Paul Cox/Keino Sasaki factory sponsored customs. Celebrating renowned photographer/curator Michael Lichter’s 21st annual exhibition with over 100-framed photographs on display.

* “More Mettle – Motorcycles and Art That Never Quit” builder roster. These builders have all been in business for at least 20-years, and built at least 20-custom bikes. (Some are in business over 50-years and have built 100s of bikes!)

1. Arlin Fatland, Two Wheelers M/C Denver @2wheelersmc
2. Bill Dodge, Blings Cycles @blingscycles
3. Billy Lane, Choppers Inc. @choppers.inc
4. Brian Klock, Klock Werks @mrwerks, @klockwerks
5. Carl Olsen, Carl’s Cycle Supply
6. Cole Foster, Salinas Boys @thesalinasboy,
7. Cory Ness, Arlen Ness Enterprises @coryness1
8. Dan Bacon Carr, DC Choppers @dcchoppers
9. Dave Perewitz, Perewitz Cycle Fabrication @dperewitz, @perewitz_cyclefab
10. Donnie Smith, Donnie Smith Custom Cycles @dsmthmnmc
11. Fred Cuba, Fred’s Speed and Sport
12. Jeff Wright, Church of Choppers @churchofchoppers
13. Jerry Covington, Covingtons Customs @jerry_covingtonscustoms, @covingtons_customs
14. John Shope, Dirty Bird Concepts
15. Keino Sasaki, Keino Cycles @keinocycles
16. Kiwi Mike Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles @kiwiindianmotorcycles
17. Mark & Paul Shadley, Shadley Bros @shadleybros.motorcycles
18. Matt Olsen, Carl’s Cycle Supply @matthewolsen
19. Michael LaFountain, Raccia Motorcycles
20. Micah McClosky, Micah McCloskey Customs
21. Mondo Porras, Denver’s Choppers @denverschoppersmondo
22. Paul Cox, Paul Cox Industries @paulcoxindustries
23. Paul Wideman, Bare Knuckle Choppers @bareknucklepaul
24. Paul Yaffe, Paul Yaffe Originals @pybaggernation
25. Rick Fairless Strokers Dallas @rickfairless
26. Roland Sands, Roland Sands Design @rolandsands, @rolandsandsdesign
27. Shinya Kimura, Chabott Engineering @_____menacing___ayu_____
28. Taber Nash, Nash Motorcycle Co. @nashmotorcycleco
29. Tim McNamer, Ballistic Cycles @ballistictim
30. Tom Keefer, Franklin Church Choppers @franklinchurchchoppers

For more information;
Michael Lichter (Curator)
303-517-1726
mike@lichterphoto.com

FACT OR FICTION – HELMET USE:

On a nearly annual basis the media in this country is inspired to report stories about motorcycle fatalities on our nation’s roadways. Invariably, these stories paint motorcycle rider deaths as a product of irresponsible riders who live in states that have some level of helmet choice. Frequently they report statistics that prove their narrative but fail to paint a full and complete picture. The lens with which these stories are reported often takes the naïve view that crashes can be made “safer” if only bikers somehow followed government helmet mandates.

The only true solution to motorcycle safety and reducing fatalities are proactive measures, which prevent a collision from occurring at all, rather than reactive steps that may or may not offer some level of injury mitigation only after a crash has already taken place. Rider education, which prepares motorcyclists to interact with other roadway users by learning and practicing the skills necessary for hazard avoidance and developing a strategy to deal with real world traffic, is the primary component of a comprehensive motorcycle safety plan. Additionally, educating all motor vehicle operators to be alert and free of impairment as they share the road with others is critical in deterring crashes caused by inattention.

When coming across these stories keep in mind some facts that are omitted from their reports.

Fact: Over the last decade motorcycle related deaths have varied between years but for the most part remain flat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2019 shows 5,014 deaths, a decrease from the 2008 5,307 deaths NTSHA recorded. In that same time period registered motorcycles increased from 7.7 million in 2008 to 8.7 million ten years later. In other words, there are a million more bikes on the road and there were 300 less deaths.

Fact: Twenty-nine percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2017 were riding without proper licensure at the time of the collision. A valid motorcycle license includes a rider having a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement or possessing a motorcycle only license. Proper training and licensing are fundamental parts of motorcycle safety, taking unqualified riders off the road is a commonsense solution to lowering motorcycle fatalities.

Fact: The lack of a helmet mandate in the 31 states who have allowed freedom of choice does not prohibit someone from choosing to wear a helmet. In fact, a 2019 U.S. Department of Transportation audit showed that states without mandatory helmet laws still saw 56.5% of riders choose to wear a helmet.

Fact: A 2019 U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System report showed that in crash study data, where helmet use was known, 36% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet. Conversely 61% of motorcycle fatalities involved a rider wearing a helmet. The remaining 3% had unknown usage. These numbers closely mirror NHTSA data on overall helmet usage which shows 64% of riders wearing helmets.

Fact: Despite the constant drum beat from safety advocates, the media and Washington D.C. bureaucrats about the ills of helmetless riders, state legislatures continue to trust the judgment of bikers. Just last year Missouri passed a modified helmet law allowing the choice to ride without a helmet to those who are qualified. In at least three other states, West Virginia, Maryland, and Nebraska there are active campaigns to change their helmet mandates and let those who ride decide.

THE LATEST FROM THE MAGNIFICENT ARCH MOTORCYCLE–MOTUL NAMED OFFICIAL LUBRICANT FOR ARCH MOTORCYCLE

LOS ANGELES, CA. August 4, 2021– ARCH Motorcycle, the Los Angeles based bespoke production motorcycle company co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves, today announced its partnership and collaboration with Motul, a world-class French company specializing in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-tech powersports and motorsports lubricants.

Motul will provide lubricants for the entire ARCH Motorcycle lineup, including the ARCH KRGT-1 as well as the upcoming ARCH 1s and ARCH Method 143 models. Motul will also serve as a technical partner for ARCH Motorcycle’s new product development. Both companies share a “no-compromise” approach to developing the best products in their industries, and Motul’s offerings – such as their highly recommended Motul Twin Line oils – use a race-derived “Ester technology” to ensure proper performance on the street for ARCH’s motorcycle lineup.

“As ARCH celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and we look ahead to the future, we’re honored to have the opportunity to work with a brand that’s created a legacy like Motul has. The ability to work closely with Motul’s team plays an essential role in the performance and reliability of our current products,” said Gard Hollinger, co-founder at ARCH Motorcycle. “We’re excited to work with Motul to evolve our lubricant collaboration further through our ongoing product development program.”

“Motul is proud to partner with ARCH to assist in developing some of the most innovative and iconic motorcycles in the industry,” said Casey Thomas, Motul USA National Powersports Director. “Both ARCH and Motul set the highest standards for performance in their products, with customers that expect the absolute best.”

In addition, ARCH and Motul look forward to a successful partnership with some pretty exciting collaborations to come in the future. More details to be shared soon.

For more information on ARCH Motorcycle and its bespoke production motorcycles, please visit www.archmotorcycle.com. The ARCH press kit is available HERE. Information on Motul and its stellar lubricant offerings is available at www.motul.com.

ABOUT ARCH MOTORCYCLE

ARCH Motorcycle is a boutique manufacturer co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves that produces bespoke production motorcycles in their state-of-the-art Los Angeles area factory. ARCH creates over 200 unique parts in-house, which are proprietary to the currently available ARCH KRGT-1, the company’s first production model, as well as its upcoming ARCH 1s and ARCH Method 143 models. Designer and builder Gard Hollinger oversees a seasoned staff of devoted craftsmen who produce each unit to meet their client’s ergonomic and aesthetic preferences. ARCH Motorcycle delivers an unrivaled riding and ownership experience through an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence, and dedication to the rider.

Follow ARCH on social media platforms to stay updated with the latest news.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
A Victory in the Battle Against Tariffs
In a win for the powersports industry, the Office of the United States Trade Representative decided in July not to impose additional trade restrictions on Vietnam, where motorcycle riding gear and accessories are produced.

The MIC Government Relations Office fought for this outcome over the past 10 months in meetings and through written comments submitted to the USTR.

–MIC

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— Q. Why aren’t dogs good dancers? A. Because they have two left feet!

–Wrench
Waiting for a campsite outside the Buffalo Chip

CHOP CULT GIVEAWAY— I am in awe of people’s kindness and generosity, like artist Geraldo Targino. I share his creations through social media from time to time because I dig his style. Geraldo reached out and offered to paint something for CC to giveaway, so I contacted out to Tyler at Lowbrow Customs to see if we could get a tank. If you know Tyler, you know he’s down to support the community.

Tyler sent Geraldo a coffin tank, and Geraldo delivered! One lucky winner will take home this fine as hell custom tank on August 7th. Would you like to be that person? If yes, click here to play along. We all hope that the winner will rock the tank on their bike! Best of luck!- Lisa

Meet The Artist – “My name is Geraldo Targino. I am 45 years old and grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. I’ve been painting and building motorcycles since 1996. In 2007, I lived and worked in Italy, Spain, and I’m living in Los Angeles for the last seven years.

I came to work at a Garage Company, and for the last five years, I’ve restored and built motorcycles for another shop. We were doing some high-end projects. I built vintage motorcycles and bronze sculptures which are on display at the HAAS Museum in Dallas, Texas. In March 2021, I reopened my garage in downtown Los Angeles, and I work alone. I like to work on one project simultaneously, from the fabrication to paint and electrical to the final project.

My current project is a 1963 Bonneville triumph for Barry Weiss. Please follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more of my work.”- Geraldo.

MIXED FEELING ABOUT THE NEW SPORTSTER–Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2021 First Ride Review
by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com

While the Sportster S does feature rear cylinder deactivation at a stop, the tracker-style pipes not only contribute to the engine heat, but it also traps it under the seat.

Unsurprisingly, the rider’s right leg receives the first heatwave, but the engine’s port side follows suit in short order.

In motion, the warmth goes unnoticed, but from light to light, the heat forced me to rest my right foot on the peg at a stop. Otherwise, the exhaust was liable to broil my inner thigh to a medium-well shank.

At Bikernet Blog: https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-sportster-s-2021-first-ride-review/

–Wayfarer
Imperial Editor
Bikernet Blog™

Vance & Hines Ready for Action at 81st Sturgis Rally

August 3, 2021 – Vance & Hines, the nation’s premier manufacturer of motorcycle performance products, has rolled into South Dakota and is setting up for one of the biggest rallies ever.

There will be two Vance & Hines rigs at the rally this year. One located at Black Hills Harley-Davidson at Exit 55 of Interstate 90 in Rapid City, the second at J&P Cycles on Lazelle Street in downtown Sturgis. Both displays are based out of the company’s 53-foot event trucks and feature a full selection of the company’s Air, Fuel and Exhaust products. Experts from the company’s headquarters in California will staff the displays and the dealer’s technicians will be doing installations on-site for customers who want to get the look, sound and feel of Vance & Hines products immediately. Customers who prefer to have the installation done by their hometown dealer can have one of the Vance & Hines product experts write a Vance & Hines Make It Yours “prescription” for the exact parts needed to upgrade their motorcycle.

“Our team of product experts were anxious to hit the road for this year’s rally. We are planning for one of the biggest crowds ever and we’ve got everything we need to help our customers personalize their Harley’s at the rally,” said John Potts, Vance & Hines head of sales and marketing.

The Vance & Hines rigs will be operating at both locations through Saturday, August 14.

Terry Vance to Receive 2021 Moxy Award at 2021 Sturgis Rally

August 3, 2021 – Vance & Hines co-founder Terry Vance will receive the Buffalo Chip’s Moxy Award at the 81st Sturgis Rally this week. The award, originally presented in 2017, recognizes individuals who have built businesses and have served the motorcycling public and the motorcycle industry.

“Those who’ve demonstrated the backbone, skills, determination and cajones to start a business, grow it and prosper amidst difficult economic challenges in an intensely competitive marketplace have earned respect and recognition,” said the Buffalo Chip’s Rod Woodruff.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and want to thank Woody for considering me,” said Vance. “The real credit belongs to the team at Vance & Hines who have a passion for riding, racing and making great products for our customers.”

Vance and his partner, Byron Hines, began their relationship as drag racer and motorcycle tuner. After numerous wins and championships, the partners started Vance & Hines in 1979 to meet the needs of racers who wanted to emulate their on-track success. The company growth was fueled by quality products and great relationships with motorcycle manufacturers from around the world. Vance & Hines, based in Santa Fe Springs, California, is the nation’s premier manufacturer of air intake, fuel management and exhaust products.

GUN NUT REPORT–Comments on ATF’s New “Frame or Receiver” Rule Now Open

On May 21, ATF published a new proposed rule in the Federal Register entitled Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms. That publication triggered the opening of the proposed rule to public comments. The comment period will remain open until August 19, 2021.

While the Justice Department has focused on the impact that this new rule would have on privately made firearms, and the proposed rule would destroy that unique aspect of American freedom, the proposal goes well beyond privately made firearms.

The proposed rule would create new definitions for the terms “firearm frame or receiver,” “frame or receiver,” “firearm,” “gunsmith,” “complete weapon,” “complete muffler or silencer device,” “privately made firearm,” and “readily.” The new definitions make it possible for firearms to have more than one “frame or receiver.” A conclusion that is both at odds with the controlling federal statute and could disrupt the entire industry.

In addition to these changes, ATF is seeking to create an entirely new process for licensed firearm dealers to apply serial numbers to unserialized firearms that come into their possession and to require the indefinite storage of firearm records by licensees. That requirement likewise has no basis in federal statutes.

In effect, the rule would mean that many manufacturers would need to get pre-approval from ATF for new firearm designs.

Due to the discretionary scheme created by the rule, the ATF Director would be given an incredible amount of power over the firearm industry. This comes at a time when President Biden has nominated anti-gun lobbyist and gun ban proponent David Chipman to head the ATF. This draft rule is just one more reason why it’s extremely important for all gun owners to contact their Senators and ask that they vote against Chipman’s confirmation.

NRA-ILA will provide more detailed explanations of the many problems with this proposed in the coming weeks as well as filing comments on this terrible rule on behalf of all NRA members. If you wish to comment in the meantime, please keep the following in mind.

These are ATF’s instructions for submitting comments:

You may submit comments, identified by docket number ATF 2021R-05, by any of the following methods—

Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Andrew Lange, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 99 New York Ave. NE, Mail Stop 6N-518, Washington, DC 20226; ATTN: ATF 2021R-05.

Fax: (202) 648-9741.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number (ATF 2021R-05) for this notice of proposed rulemaking (“NPRM” or “proposed rule”). All properly completed comments received will be posted without change to the Federal eRulemaking portal, www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

ATF also provided the following contact information for any questions regarding the proposed rule:

Andrew Lange, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, 99 New York Ave. NE, Mail Stop 6N-518, Washington, DC 20226; telephone: (202) 648-7070 (this is not a toll-free number).

In addition to these technical requirements, it’s important to keep the following in mind when submitting comments.

Comments must be professional and respectful. While it is extremely frustrating, to say the least, that the Biden Administration is attempting to blame law-abiding gun owners for the actions of criminals, making comments that include profanity will make it easy for ATF to summarily reject those comments.

Comments should focus on the arbitrary nature of the proposed rule. The fact that it is essentially impossible to determine when a piece of metal or plastic becomes a firearm under the proposed rule and leaves such an important determination to administrative fiat makes the proposed rule incompatible with American principles of due process of law.
Comments should be individualized and focus on how the proposed rule would impact the commenter. A

TF will treat all identical comments as a single comment, so it is important to avoid using a form comment.

Comments can be submitted directly through regulation.gov. Please check back to www.nraila.org soon for more information on this burdensome, arbitrary, and unconstitutional proposed rule.

STURGIS RALLY 2021
DISCOUNTS ON SUSPENSION–FACTORY INSTALLATION • TUNING

Come visit the Progressive Suspension Team at Black Hills Harley-Davidson for “The Rally at exit 55.” Our suspension professionals will be happy to assist you in selecting and setting up the right combination for your unique bike, riding style and budget.

TESLA ELECTRIC TRUCK SALES SOAR–WTF this is beyond ugly? Are people so blind to good design now? Musk is punking us and laughing all the way to the bank.
Far from a Flop: Tesla Cybertruck orders surpass 1.2 million units

The Cybertruck, while not yet released by Tesla, is accumulating a significant number of pre-orders just months ahead of initial production. While CEO Elon Musk has recognized the fact that the Cybertruck could be a “flop,” reservation figures seem to point in a different direction.

–Geno

Art Supporting the Motorcycle Industry–
To keep the sport of motorcycling healthy, we are looking for the next group of riders. And we found them, they’re kindergartners!

We’re training them to ride by donating bikes to their P.E. classes. Here are the stats:

343 schools
42 states
Instructed 57,934 kiddos
That way, when they’re ready to make a decision about motorcycling, they’ve done the hard work.

Help us train up the next generation of riders by registering for our online silent auction. It’s easy, just click the link and register.

[page break]

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–015 Harley-Davidson® FLHXS – Street Glide® Special for $19,995.00

This bike has a lot of custom parts super clean

ONLY 28516.00 Miles !!!!!

2015 Silver Harley-Davidson STREET GLIDE SPECIAL FLHXS

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed trans.
* Apes
* Corbin seat
* Vance & Hince
* Klock werks windshield

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $19,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

NEWS FROM MAMA–The Flat Out Friday and Mama Tried crew are taking part of a few rad events this Aug/Sept and want you to join us! We’ll be hitting the road with our Boonie Bike Summer Series. $500 Overall Series Purse.

NEW MOTORCYCLE SALES— Up by Double Digits Through Second Quarter

New-model motorcycle sales among leading brands increased 15.2 percent through the second quarter of 2021, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council Retail Sales Report. The year-to-date sales figures, compared to the same period last year, jumped by double digits in the on-highway and dual-purpose categories, and scooter sales were up, too.

Only off-highway sales dipped slightly through Q2, by just 3.2 percent – and that was compared to a phenomenal first half of 2020 that saw off-highway sales rocket up by 50.3 percent, among leading brands, compared to the previous year. Year-to-date sales of on-highway motorcycles were up the most, by 25.2 percent. The dual category was up 16.7 percent. Scooter sales rose 8.3 percent.

“We’re seeing strong performance in motorcycle sales,” said Erik Pritchard, MIC president and CEO. “Through the second quarter of 2021, the increases with street-legal motorcycles – on-highway motorcycles, dual-purpose bikes, and scooters – demonstrates continued interest in our products and the lifestyle. Our industry continues to work hard at keeping up with strong consumer demand amid supply chain pressures.”

–MIC

BARRY’S BUDDY GONE–I had to let my best friend go Saturday. He was diagnosed
with a brain tumor.

At least we had 11yrs together, Zeus was one badass Boxer.

I will miss you big dog!

–Barry Green
Photo Contributor
Bikernet.com

PEBBLE BEACH AUCTION TEASER—Just got the Pebble catalog and the prices are astonishing. Don’t know yet what bikes are doing, but there’s a Ferrari listed at 12 million or a VW at $98,000…

MEETING OF THE MINDS 2021
DEMANDS FOR ROOMS INCREASING
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER!

With increasing interests on the 2021 Meeting of the Minds, the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, at the request of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, has increased the reserved block or rooms held for the September 23-26, 2021, event. DO NOT GET CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR RESERVATIONS! We may not be so lucky getting another block of rooms!

Missed Daytona? Can’t get to Sturgis? Too early to plan for Laconia?

Give yourself something that keeps on giving – 48 hours of in-depth workshops that will help protect motorcyclists’ rights beyond any over-crowded event in Florida, South Dakota, or New Hampshire. Join a few hundred of new and old friends and have something to show for it beyond a thin wallet and a hangover!

We sent out one of these reminders a few weeks ago and within days, we were getting emails that the hotel was out of rooms! The JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead is not out of rooms! However, we said the same thing about the hotel in Indianapolis last year!! And they did run out!!!

The September 10, cut-off date is rapidly approaching for hotel and registration for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds conference. Use this link to register: Meeting of the Minds 2021

Based on the input we received after Meeting of the Minds 2020, the MRF has “up’d out game” and this year’s event promises to rival anything we’ve done in the past few years. Keynote speakers are being lined up. Workshops are being finalized, plus a stack of legislative updates are on deck!

The 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds may not generate as much excitement in Atlanta as the two times the Atlanta Falcons went to the Super Bowl, but Monday morning quarterbacks won’t be second guessing the MRF’s game plan! Attendees will have the opportunity to attend workshops purposely designed to help biker rights advocates win at the local, state, and national levels in the fight to protect the rights of all motorcyclists!

Although we jam a lot into the Meeting of the Minds weekend, there’s always time for you to network with new and old friends. That’s an added benefit when 400 motorcyclists’ rights advocates are in the same place at once.

If you’ve been following the MRF’s successes in Washington, D.C., then you know that those successes don’t happen just because a hundred bikers meet with members of Congress. In our world, successes happen because you’ve taken the time to educate yourself on the issues, attend workshops and stay active on behalf of motorcyclists’ rights.

If our history repeats itself, we’ll have workshops with standing room only. We’ll have keynote speakers and presentations that will enlighten, entertain, and provoke you into even stronger commitments to the fight to protect motorcycling and the freedoms we enjoy.

Don’t cut it close. Follow these three steps and register today for the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds:

Register for MOTM 2021 using this link: Meeting of the Minds 2021
Yeah, you still have a little time before the pre-registration cut-off for the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference!!! Registration includes all workshops, workshop materials, and Saturday banquet. Registration questions call the MRF at 202-546-0983, or email Fred Harrell at fred@mrf.org

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you September 23-26, at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference!!!

Yours in Freedom,

Fredric Harrell
Director, Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation

P.S. A 2021 Meeting of the Minds t-shirt on your list? They go fast at the conference; to guarantee you’ll get your size, reserve your shirt now.

P.P.S. Getting in early? Then make plans to attend the MRF Board Meeting on Thursday, September 23; it starts at 8;00 a.m.

INFRASTRUCTURE BILL NEWS–Drunk-Driver Detectors for Cars Mandated in Infrastructure Bill

Backers say it will reduce the number of drunk driving deaths in the country, which, of course, is something we all want. At the same time, it presumes that everyone who drives drinks—guilty no matter what!

What kind of life is that—every time you get into your new car, you have to blow on a device even though you don’t even drink!

@motorists #NO2BreathalyzersIntoAllCars #NO2InCarSurveillance #DrivinginAmerica

Don Hamme Awarded Fritzie Baer Trophy
Laconia, NH – The 2021 Fritzie Baer trophy for above and beyond service to Laconia Motorcycle Week Motorcycle Rally has been awarded to Don Hamme of Erie, PA.

For the past fifteen years, Hamme has been a promoter of Motorcycle Week throughout the Western PA, Western New York and Eastern Ohio region giving talks, making calls and distributing the Rally News to motorcycle enthusiasts. Hamme is a tireless booster for the rally. At times, showing his dedication through acts such as meeting a train at 4:30am and lugging hundreds of pounds of magazines through the train station.

Recently, Charlie St. Clair, Executive of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, drove 1,000 miles round-trip to Erie, PA to surprise Hamme with the trophy as Hamme was unable to attend this year’s rally. St. Clair commented, “It was the least he could do for Hamme because of the dedication he has shown to the Rally.”

The Fritzie Baer Trophy was first awarded in 1996 and has been received by the likes of Governor John Lynch, Peter Makris of the Naswa Resort, Laconia Mayor Ed Engler and Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield over the past 20 years, just to name a few. Fritzie Baer was a true booster for the Rally leading the Red Hat Brigade, a group of supporters who raised funds to put on the Rally. Baer was the lead charge for the Rally and is credited with bringing the AMA Road Champion Races to Laconia in 1938.

New Bikernet Reader Comment!

Historic Porterville Attack

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

Comments:

My sister was scandalized to see a biker and his girlfriend go into the same bathroom at a gas station in town. Quite shocking for the time period.

–Brian Hackleman
Terra Bella, CA

COVID UPDATE–Latest Vaccine Update

There are now equal numbers of news stories saying the vaccines that keep you from getting covid 19 don’t actually keep you from getting covid 19 – covid 19 now consisting of TWO covid 19s; the original covid 19 and the new delta variant covid 19 – …….as there are news stories saying you need to get vaccine that keeps you from getting covid 19 so that you WON’T get covid 19: covid of course being the ailment the vaccines that you need to get so you won’t get covid 19…… won’t keep you from getting.

So, in other words, just to clarify…….you need to get the shots that work and that don’t work….so that you won’t get the ailment that the shots that work and that don’t work won’t keep you from getting. In other words, in case you’re confused……if you don’t get the vaccination that doesn’t work…..you will get the disease that the vaccination that doesn’t work…..won’t keep you from getting.

So, you need to get the vaccine. So that you won’t get what the vaccine that keeps you from getting covid 19……. won’t keep you from getting covid 19.

In other words, this is basically an experiment in “How stupid can we make this make-believe emergency before it dawns on anyone that we are just seeing how stupid we can get them to behave before we decide. Ok, they’re stupid enough, so we can stop now, they’re now all at the point we can tell them to get on board the free trains to Happytown and they’ll get on.”

–J.J. Solari
Chief Medical Authority
Bikernet.com™

QUOTE OF ANOTHER DAY—Evil folks are constantly worried that the truth is coming to get them.

–Bandit

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021: City Council Allowing Open Containers for First Time in 81 Years

written by Thad Mitchell

For the first time in more than eight decades, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees will be allowed to have a beer while walking the town.

Having an open container while walking the sidewalks during the event used to get you in serious trouble. Violators were often given a citation and a court date for such actions. But that is in the past now as the city council says rally goers may possess open containers of alcohol. The annual rally is a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country.

Each year, thousands of riders converge on the Western South Dakota town of Sturgis to enjoy fellowship with their fellow enthusiasts. The annual event takes place every August with bikers heading to the downtown portion of Sturgis. The small city only has a year-round population just south of 7,000 people and the annual motorcycle rally is a big moneymaker for the small town.

The small town’s City Council hopes new open container guidelines attract even more bikers this year. Sturgis leaders approved a temporary open container ordinance just a short time ago. The ordinance allows participants to consume certain alcoholic beverages in the city’s commercial district. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is spread out over 10 days with various activities throughout the week and a half event.

Sturgis city official Jerry Cole tells the Argus Leader that the hope for the ordinance is to get people shopping. Cole is the director of rallies and events for the city of Sturgis — a big job in the small town.

“Our hope is this will bring people outside onto the streets rather than crowding people in the bars,” he says. “It will hopefully get people out of the bar and walking along the streets to shops.”

–for the full story go to Outsider.com

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK–“If standing up for yourself burns bridges, I have matches. We ride at dawn.”

–Britney Spears

The only Mouseketeer besides Doreen Tracy with an actual spine. –J.J.

KEEPING THE BANDIT’S CANTINA CLEAN JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– What happens to a frog’s car when it breaks down?

It gets toad away.

–JDW
Laugh Factory

DOOMSDAY REPORT OF THE WEEK–
the first article suggesting that the removal of humanity from the earth is the answer to fixing the temperature just hit the net.

–J.J. Solari
Master of Doom

MORE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL–The Fight to Stop Right to Repair Continues

U.S. House Bill H.R.4006, the Fair Repair Act, introduced by Congressman Joseph Morelle, includes an exclusion for motor vehicles but may not apply to off-highway vehicles including motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

In a meeting with MIC Government Relations Office staff, Congressman Morelle’s staff signaled that it is not the intent to capture OHVs in the bill. The GRO will send formal letters to Congressman Morelle explaining the industry’s concerns and requesting the addition of “off- and on-highway vehicles” to the exclusion. If the bill is taken up in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the GRO will continue the push for amended language.

The GRO continues working to stop legislation, in more than two dozen states and Congress, that would force manufacturers to share their proprietary digital service codes with virtually anyone attempting to repair motorcycles, ATVs, or side-by-sides. If such bills are passed, manufacturers need to divulge their digital codes, which would allow anyone to tamper with critical settings and could impact emissions and safety features, as well as damage components. This type of tampering could void warranties, and dealers and company brands could be damaged by unwarranted claims of vehicle issues.

The Federal Trade Commission Targets Manufacturers and Sellers

–MIC

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–the japs have gone into psycho mode. a nuclear melttown……… and a tidal wave that killed 10,000 (ten thousand ) people, you didn’t hear squat.

[photo 1072578]

Now Reuters is claiming that “covid cases” are so extreme heart patients and stroke victims will have to be left to die. This is pushback against disobedience from the citizenry in mobbing the streets to see the races.

Trust me, obedience is all that matters, global obedience. I have to admit, I don’t know who’s running this show. But it ain’t me.

Despite the sudden medical covid crisis that is forcing doctors to let everyone but covid patients die………not one member of any Olympic team or their handlers has had to bow out due to the great and mighty plague.

It’s just the towns people. Who are not allowed into the stadiums. Hahahaha yeah, they’re telling the truth. Just like at Pearl Harbor hahahahahahaha.

–J.J. Solari
Media Specialist
Bikernet.com™

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN—
UK Guardian: “The lifestyles of around three average Americans will create enough planet-heating emissions to kill one person…according to the first analysis to calculate the mortal cost of carbon emissions.” … “The new research builds upon what is known as the ‘social cost of carbon’, a monetary figure placed upon the damage caused by each ton of carbon dioxide emissions, by assigning an expected death toll from the emissions that cause the climate crisis.” …

“The analysis draws upon several public health studies to conclude that for every 4,434 metric tons of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere beyond the 2020 rate of emissions, one person globally will die prematurely from the increased temperature. This additional CO2 is equivalent to the current lifetime emissions of 3.5 Americans.” …

“The figures for expected deaths from the release of emissions aren’t definitive and may well be “a vast underestimate” as they only account for heat-related mortality rather than deaths from flooding, storms, crop failures and other impacts that flow from the climate crisis, according to Daniel Bressler of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, who wrote the paper.”

Climate Depot’s Marc Morano comments: “We have officially reached peak climate madness. The climate community has been sitting by for over a year and a half watching COVID-19 fears and liberty destroying ‘solutions’ steal their thunder.

Climate activists have even gone so far as to propose adding climate change as a cause of death-to-death certificates. [See:Calls to add ‘climate change’ to death certificates – New study demands ‘climate change’ be added as ‘pre-existing condition’]

Climate activists are trying to now convince Americans that they are selfish for…being Americans! This is now sounding like a very Soviet-style climate community. Just like COVID-19 authoritarians claim that Americans who refuse to get vaccinated or wear masks or support lockdowns are ‘selfish’ and “murdering grandma” climate activists are now aping the same tactics.

Like your SUV? You just killed a Bangladeshi! Use your AC in the summer? You just murdered a Brazilian! Ate a hamburger for lunch? You just committed homicide against a Kenyan!

Unless American’s support the Green New Deal, renounce their single-family homes in the suburbs, quit eating meat, stop flying, stop driving gas-powered privately owned vehicles, and stop voting for climate ‘deniers’ we will be accused of murder!”

–Marc Morano
Supreme leader
Climate Depot

BIKERNET FINANCIAL TIMES--Harley-Davidson Reports Global Bike Sales Up 24 Percent In 2021 Q2

by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com

Breaking down the hype and understanding the H-D numbers for profit and sales:
North American sales are up 43 percent year-on-year in Q2, which is the only positive number when broken down by sales region. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (commonly referred to among some OEMs as “EMEA”) are down by 7 percent for the same time period. Asia Pacific sales are down 13 percent, and Latin America sales are down 31 percent.

Harley had some explanations for some of the negative numbers, stressing that they’re all part of its overall strategy. EMEA Q2 retail sales, the Motor Company said, went down because Harley stopped sales of the Street and legacy Sportster models in the region. Meanwhile, Latin America sales were negatively impacted by a dealer reduction across the region, as well as “pricing actions across the portfolio, which were executed as part of the Rewire strategy.”

At Bikernet Blog: https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-reports-global-bike-sales-up-24-percent-in-2021-q2/

–Wayfarer
Supreme Editor
Bikernet Blog™

HANG ON FOR ELECTRIC DOOM, ITS COMING–Developing countries pay environmental cost of electric car batteries

Growth in electric car sales is great news for the fight against climate change, but the mining of the minerals used in their batteries poses serious risks for the environment.

Global consumers are warming up to electric cars, whose sales are expected to jump from 3 million vehicles in 2017 to 23 million in 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.

Similar growth is expected for rechargeable batteries, with the market for cathode – the positive electrode of the lithium-ion battery – forecast to reach $58 billion in 2024, up from an estimated $7 billion in 2018.

While this is great news for efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, an UNCTAD report says the expected boom in mining for the raw materials used to make rechargeable batteries raises environmental and social concerns that must be urgently addressed.

“Most consumers are only aware of the ‘clean’ aspects of electric vehicles,” says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, UNCTAD’s director of international trade. “The dirty aspects of the production process are out of sight.”

This is because while most of the consumers live in industrialized nations, the lion’s share of the raw materials is concentrated in a few developing countries.

More than half of the world’s lithium resources lies beneath the salt flats in the Andean regions of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, where indigenous quinoa farmers and llama herders must now compete with miners for water in one of the world’s driest regions.

Lithium mining requires huge amounts of groundwater to pump out brines from drilled wells, and some estimates show that almost 2 million litres of water are needed to produce one ton of lithium.

In Chile’s Salar de Atacama, lithium and other mining activities consumed 65% of the water, causing groundwater depletion, soil contamination and other forms of environmental degradation, forcing local communities to abandon ancestral settlements.

“As demand for lithium increases and production is tapped from deeper rock mines and brines, the challenges of mitigating environmental risk will increase,” the report says.

Nearly 50% of world cobalt reserves are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for over two-thirds of global production of the mineral.

About 20% of cobalt sourced from the central African nation comes from artisanal mines, where some 40,000 children work in extremely dangerous conditions, according to UNICEF, the UN’s children’s agency.

The dust from excavation may contain toxic metals including uranium that are linked to health problems such as respiration diseases and birth defects.

The environmental risks are just as worrying. Cobalt mine sites may contain sulphur minerals that can generate sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water. This process, known as acid mine drainage, can devastate rivers, streams and aquatic life for hundreds of years.

The environmental impacts of graphite mining are similar. The use of explosives can blow dust and fine particles into the atmosphere, causing health problems in nearby communities and contaminating soils around the site.

About 80% of natural graphite reserves are in Brazil, China and Turkey.

The report says the adverse environmental impacts could be reduced by investing more in sustainable mining techniques and technologies that can recycle more effectively the raw materials found in spent lithium-ion batteries.

NEWS FROM BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–Check it out, Honda has used the design of a custom built motorcycle for a production model with a limited-edition release.

With so many well-known custom builders of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the company’s management never gave a thought about rewarding that talent and enthusiasm with such a Limited-Edition Production model.

Cheers to the Honda Marketing Team. Enfield’s Build-Train-Race program for women riders is also inspiring a new generation of young riders.

Performance-focused Honda café racer bike inspired by the CB1000RS 5Four built by Guy Willison, available with a factory-backed warranty, as a numbered Limited Edition production model.

Custom Motorcycle turned into Production Model by Honda

https://blog.bikernet.com/custom-motorcycle-turned-into-production-model-by-honda/

–Wayfarer
All Powerful Editor
Bikernet Blog™

[page break]

KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN MASK FREE– Q. How do dog catchers get paid?

A. By the pound!

STURGIS IS ALREADY IN THE MEDIA NEWS–right on schedule Sturgis is in the news as the ultimate destroyer of mankind via the virus from the bowels of ching lau bing bang. “The resident are powerless to stop it.” Why would the residents WANT to stop it? hahahahahahahahahahaha

Like the residents have a problem with this. Anyway, the faggots of the penis sucking aids infected press are in a rage of hissy fury. The superspreader event of the flu that never ends anyway is underway.

–J.J. Solaria

Media Analyst
Bikernet.com™

2022 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle Pinup Calendar.
The 2022 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcle PinUp Calendar features exciting new photography of beautiful centerfold models with incredible V-Twin Customs and Metric Cafe Racers from Yaniv Evan / Powerplant Choppers, Jamie Oliff Restoration, Richard Pollock / Mule Motorcycles, Russell Mitchell / Exile Cycles, Daniel Stern’s custom sidecar, Ron Baldonado, and Todd Daniel / BX Custom Design Bagger. Plus there’s one more special treat, legendary actor Steve McQueen’s 1942 Indian Scout from the collection of Daniel Schoenewald.

Also included this year are two historic Iron & Lace Calendar shoots with never before seen images: A Big Twin custom from legendary East Coast Hamster Club builder Dave Perewitz, photographed in downtown Los Angeles back in the early ‘90s with red haired 1989 Playboy Playmate Cynthia Brimhall. And Roland Sand’s / RSD “No Regrets” Big Twin street racer with August 2005 Playboy Playmate Tamara Witmer from one of our favorite shoots 17 years ago.

Just $24.95 each – Click on the Calendar Covers below to Order Now –
http://www.FastDates.com/IRONLACE.HTM

NEW FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM--1941 Indian Four

“Smooth flowing power that speaks in a whisper compared to other motorcycles. Remember – four cylinders! The Indian Four needs no salesman.” Quote from an Indian Four catalog.

The original Indian Four of 1928 used an Arthur Lemon and Bill Henderson-designed engine, a design obtained when Indian bought out Ace from the Schwinn Bicycle Company of Chicago. The bore and stroke was 2.75 x 3.25 inches for a displacement of 77.21 cubic inches, 1,265 cc’s. The Ace in-line layout produced 30 horsepower with overhead inlet valves and inverted, or side, exhaust valves remained constant except for 1936 and 1937 when the set-up was reversed making the “upside down Four”.

“The 1941 Indian Four had grown up to be the spring-frame Indian Four. Bigger tires further added to the appearance of weight. Power output had climbed. Most Americans thought bigger was better, so skirted-fender Fours fit right in,” Jerry Hatfield, author of the Indian Motorcycles book. But unlike the “spring frames” of the ’teens, this was a “plunger” design as you can see in the photos. Hatfield also takes our eyes to the right side of the bike and notes how the sweep of the down tube matches the curve of the fender. The high level straight exhaust pipe, however much heat it may put on the rider’s leg, looks great as well.

With America drawn into the World War on December 7, 1941, Indian Four production was essentially over. Thus ended an astonishing era of motorcycle history and development overall; the Indian versus Harley-Davidson war would soon be won by the Milwaukee firm. The Indian Four is, no question, a magnificent monument to the company and is highly prized among collectors. By May of 1953 the last American-made Indian had left the Springfield, Massachusetts factory. With tens or thousands manufactured since the late 1960’s by many manufacturers, the in-line four is a great smooth running design, just as it was some 80 years ago.

See the whole story on the NMM web site.

New Bikernet Reader Comment!

PRE-RALLY WEEK BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 29, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/PRERALLY_WEEK_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_July_29_2021.aspx

Comments:

Hey Bandit – would it be in bad taste if I told you that Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insurance is at the head of the line, with their hand out, in support of this Michigan No Fault Insurance Scam?

If you’re still wondering what the definition of “Sustainability” is. Sending the customer out of your shop with a “Paid In Full” receipt in his hand, while you still have your hand in his wallet. That’s Sustainability.

-Doug
Buchanan, MI

It’s the business model of the era. I bought a coffee pot. The company wants me to buy little goofy filters once a month. Hang On!

–Bandit

SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGE-– will hit auto industry well into 2021

By Marcus Williams

An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers.

The shortage is the result of a perfect storm, as the automotive industry experienced greater fluctuations in 2020 than any other industry buying semiconductors. At the same time, high demand from other industries led to capacity constraints in semiconductor facilities. The recovery in car sales and factory output that followed was faster than projected across all regions, driven by pent-up demand during the lockdown period.

Global supply bottlenecks
Those reductions are happening on a global basis in the first quarter of 2021. All major OEMs have been affected, including Japanese carmakers Honda, Nissan and Toyota, all of which are reviewing production targets.

Honda admitted it was facing some supply issues related to microchip-related parts as a consequence of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Production at the carmaker’s Swindon plant in the UK has been suspended for four days this week because of the supply shortage.

Read the whole story at: www.automotivelogistics.media

RPM ACT NEWS–
As a result, the early months of 2021 had the makings of a perfect storm, where the RPM Act was the logical safe harbor—it provides permanent certainty for racers and businesses that produce and sell race parts. The SAN has experienced an all-out explosion of its contact base—growing by 250% overall in recent months and now numbers more than 350,000 individuals ready to weigh-in on public policy.

At long last, this “grassroots” force holds a distinct advantage in the eyes of politicians with far more voters demanding a resolution this year than any other. Word travels online at light-speed, for better and for worse. The digital blitz by racers and fans made the U.S. Congress acutely aware of just how formidable and highly concerned our community is at present. And ready for battle.

The RPM Act must pass this year, and the odds have never looked more in our hobby’s favor. Congress simply can’t ignore the surge of support from enthusiasts—their constituents who elected them to office—demanding action to bring the bill across the finish line for good. This momentum must be sustained with newly reintroduced legislation eligible for consideration in the current session of Congress. The SAN worked in close coordination with U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) as they introduced H.R. 3281 along with 46 other original sponsors. A similar effort is underway in the U.S. Senate. Please do your part—keep up the heat!

FUEL THE FIRE: It’s go-time, so don’t let off the accelerator—your drive is as important as ever, please sign the letter: SaveOurRacecars.com Even if you’ve previously contacted your lawmakers about the RPM Act, we need your voice once again now that the bill has officially returned in 2021. The million letters sent are working and resulted in its reintroduction this session. Tell your lawmakers to do their part to finally save racing from government threat by supporting and passing the RPM Act into law this year.

In 2015, the EPA proposed a rulemaking that included language suggesting that once a vehicle has been certified as a street vehicle, that it cannot be converted into a racing vehicle even if that vehicle is trailered to the track and is never driven on public roads.
Following a huge SAN-led public outcry, the EPA withdrew the draft provision in April 2016 and noted that they had “no interest in vehicles that begin their existence as normal, EPA-certified production vehicles used on public roads and are then permanently concerted to sanctioned competition-use only vehicles.”

However, the EPA continues to assert that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition.

The agency has created a national compliance program and announced that enforcement against high-performance parts—including superchargers, tuners, and exhaust systems—is a top priority for this year and beyond.

–SEMA

NEW EASYRIDERS MAGAZING TO HIT THE STANDS–Haha I know, right?

“Omygawd, we are so excited! the new ER will be hitting the thtandth I mean stands in November, so get your shots and leave the house to buy one!

How about that pandemic, right? Omygawd! Tho, lithen, the new ER will feature such new departments as ‘Large Cocked Policemen’ which will be policemen who have really large cocks, the Rupaul schedules for the next ten years, articles on crossdressing, buying spices, how to make your own designer pandemic mask. Nancy Pelosi’s most fave hair-do’s, pictures of Jeff Bezos’ cock that we’ve all been waiting to be made public. Why biker gangs are not for us, a special Kardashian section featuring Kim’s hugely wonderful buttocks, oh and speaking of asses!….how about that J-Lo, uh? OMIGAWD!

So, yeah, Easyriders is back on the stands in November assuming there still are newsstands in November, but, hey, it will be on your grocery store magazine racks right alongside Redbook and Fatherly and Mens’ Health, which I THINK has Tom Cruise on the cover this month, who we are trying to recruit for an ER cover, omigawd is he dashing or what!!!”

Guess he doesn’t care for the new slant. –Bandit

WORD OF THE DAY FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY–
irrefragable
[ ih-ref-ruh-guh-buhl ]
adjective

not to be disputed or contested.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF IRREFRAGABLE?
Irrefragable, “not to be disputed or contested,” comes from Late Latin irrefragabilis, literally “unable to be broken back,” and an easy word to break down into its components. The prefix ir– is the variant that the Latin negative prefix in– (from the same Proto-Indo-European source as English un-) takes before r-. The element re– means “back, back again,” thoroughly naturalized in English; here re– forms part of the verb refragari “to oppose (a candidate); resist; militate against” (fragari is possibly a variant of frangere “to break”; refragari means “to break back”). The suffix –abilis is formed from the connecting vowel –a– and the adjective suffix –bilis, which shows capability or ability, and is the source of English –able. Irrefragable entered English in the first half of the 16th century.

HOW IS IRREFRAGABLE USED?
The court often assumes that a federal agency acted properly unless an employee offers “irrefragable proof to the contrary.”

The Senate committee cited this as one of many issues on which the court had misinterpreted the law and the intent of Congress. “By definition,” it said, “irrefragable means impossible to refute. This imposes an impossible burden on whistleblowers.”

ROBERT PEAR, “CONGRESS MOVES TO PROTECT FEDERAL WHISTLEBLOWERS,” NEW YORK TIMES, OCTOBER 3, 2004

Physical science magnifies physical things. The universe of matter with its irrefragable laws looms upon our mental horizon larger than ever before, to some minds blotting out the very heavens.

JOHN BURROUGHS, “IN THE NOON OF SCIENCE,” THE ATLANTIC, SEPTEMBER 1912

LATEST FROM BURMA SHAVE--Whether you’re stubbly /
Or completely unshorn /
Our products are better /
Than tentacle porn /
burma shave

Failed road sign submission.

–J.J. Solari
Advertising Hack

NRA CERTIFIED FIREARM TRAINING
FIND A COURSE NEAR YOU
ONE CLICK AWAY

Good news! Summer is here and most states have lifted COVID-19 restrictions. There is no reason to wait to get your NRA certified firearm training.

Whether you’re a new gun owner looking for a concealed carry course or an experienced marksman who wants to take their training to the next level, NRA Certified Instructors have a course for you.

Don’t wait, enroll today! Check out our selections below.

–Joe DeBergalis
Executive Director
NRA General Operations

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From basic pistol to concealed carry training, we have a course for you.

RIFLE TRAINING
Learn to shoot a rifle like a pro. Or, take a cartridge reloading course.

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Go here for defensive pistol training, concealed carry, and more.

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Learn how to safely handle and store firearms in the home.

Want to Know More?
For more information about NRA’s Firearm Training Courses, email nrainstructors@nrahq.org.

LATEST FROM THE LOWBROW CREW--Black chopper builders, Motorcycle Clubs & their affect on biker culture

Our friend Nick Haints loves choppers, and chopper history.
Basically, anything to do with choppers.

LATEST New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Sam’s Picks of the Month 8,2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Sams_Picks_of_the_Month_82021.aspx

Comments:

A good read. Brings back memories of my years spent out in the California, desert of courtesy Uncle Sam. So much of that sand/dust shaken out/off of my hair, clothes and bike.

But good, memorable times spent between San Berdoo, Bakersfield and the Colorado River. Best decade of my life between riding out there and playing with Uncles newest airplanes.

–Vern Moore
Kingsley, PA

THE MASTER OF LIGHT IS SET UP IN DEADWOOD— Headed to Deadwood! We will be setting up the gallery tomorrow morning and will be open for business every day through August 15th.

David just completed his second 2021 Sturgis Commemorative (to go along with “The Morning After” below.

This new piece (title TBD) features one of our favorite cowgirls, Paige Wyatt from David’s Lone Ranger series.

–David Uhl 2021

Buell Reigns Supreme Over the Weekend–
On the weekend of July 31st, 2021 Buell saw two wins. The first, where Logan Cipala rode his Buell® 1190HCR in the open class at the Big Hill Jam Motoclimb Super Series taking first place. The second on August, 1st 2021 Matt Smith rode his DENSO Buell® motorcycle in the NHRA Nationals winning first place.

Cipala ran in both the 450 and Open class during the Big Hill Jam. Cipala had the fastest qualifying run in the 450 class and he podiumed for third place securing some points for the season. Taking third only fueled his focus during his Open run. Cipala kept his Buell® 1190HCR tight to the ground to power up this climb, helping him pull ahead of Austin Teyler on their final Open Class race.

In the IRC Motoclimb Super Series Cipala holds first place with a 24 point lead with 140 points.

Meanwhile in Pomona, CA The DENSO Race team revved their Buell® engines for the NHRA Nationals at the Auto Club Raceway. In the second round it was a head-to-head Buell battle between Matt and Angie Smith. Matt took the win sending him on to race Scotty Pollacheck in the semi-finals, where he beat Pollacheck by .046 seconds. Boosting him into the Finals against Angelle Sampey.

“Our brand new red rocket Buell has won 4 of the 8 races this year and we’re looking forward to more wins,” said Matt Smith.

“Another double header for Buell,” said Steve Laham, Chief Products Office at Buell Motorcycles. “It’s exciting to know that the Buell teams hard work and efforts are paying off. This was evident this past weekend as Matt Smith powered his Buell to win at the NHRA Nationals and Logan Cipala was king of the hill on his Buell 1190HCR.”

Follow more Buell news and rider successes visit the Buell website at: www.BuellMotorcycle.com.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING NOW—I keep hoping for a leader to step up and deal with all the bullshit. Lay out the true facts and prove that freedom works.

I moved two riders into our cramped garage, so the Deadwood house is clear for the bros. Another bro reached out for a bed in Deadwood. I told him he would be charged for late registration, a pain in the ass fee and the bowed out and left us hanging surcharge.

We had a problem with the fridge door handles hitting the wall. Adam Croft came to the stylish rescue.

El Waggs is scrambling on a customized Buell Blast to bring to Sturgis for Urban to ride and impress the bros. I’m sure he’ll make it.

Never stops and is never dull around here.
Have a terrific rally, ride safe while in the region. This is a time to share good times with the bros and discuss freedom.

–Bandit

Hey,

It’s wild and the truth is still pending. Some brothers are excited about the super-strong rally. Others think the numbers are down.

My grandson rode out for the first time on his new Road Glide. His buddy rode his ’09 Dyna. He had it gold-leafed like old Perewitz paint jobs. The bike shows were jammed and Jeff Holt took on producing Baggers shows for Harley-Davidson.

We hit the builder’s breakfast and I signed books for the Kid’s Ride Charity. Then we peeled over to the Michael Lichter Heavy Mettle Bike exhibit.

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.

GOVERNOR RIDES WITH THE LEGENDS–
I thought that you may enjoy a few of these shots of the Governor yesterday at the Legends Ride.

–JACK MCINTYRE
PHOTOGRAPHER, SPECIALIZING IN THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY
JACK MCINTYRE PHOTO
IRON TRADER NEWS.COM
HOUSE OF CHOPPERS NATION.COM
FLYING PISTON BENEFIT.COM
BIKERNET.COM / CANTINA
JOHNNY MAC’S CHOPPER HOUSE, PHILLY

NEW DAV NATIONAL COMMANDER WRITES–
My name is Andrew Marshall. I am a combat-disabled Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was recently honored to be named DAV’s new National Commander. I am eager and excited to lead this special community of veterans forward throughout this next year.

DAV is a true champion in the fight to improve the lives of all veterans. In our 100-year history, we’ve made groundbreaking change for our nation’s veterans. And as a DAV member since 1975, I’m proud to have witnessed much of the great progress we’ve accomplished together.

But there are still so many big issues for us to tackle today, including:

Improving mental health services and suicide prevention efforts

Helping veterans exposed to toxic substances
Ensuring equitable benefits and services for women and minority veterans

As we tackle these issues head on, I promise to do all I can to enact real, positive change for our veteran community. And I promise to follow in the footsteps of the commanders before me and keep up the fight until ALL veterans have the chance to live the fulfilling lives they deserve.

Thank you for being a member of DAV — and for everything you do for this veteran community.

We are only a powerful force for veterans each day because of YOU. I look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together.

Sincerely,
–Andrew Marshall
DAV National Commander

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A lot of folks can’t understand how we came to have an oil shortage here in our country.
~~~
Well, there’s a very simple answer.
~~~
Nobody bothered to check the oil.
~~~
We just didn’t know we were getting low.
~~~
The reason for that is purely geographical.
~~~
Our OIL is located in:
~~~
ALASKA
~~~
California
~~~
Coastal Florida
~~~
Coastal Louisiana
~~~
Coastal Alabama
~~~~
Coastal Mississippi
~~~~
Coastal Texas
~~~
North Dakota
~~~
Wyoming
~~~
Colorado
~~~
Kansas
~~~
Oklahoma
~~~
Pennsylvania
~~~
a nd Texas

~~~

Our dipstick is located in the White House!

~~~
Any Questions?

–Sam Burns
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™

GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE AND PAULA DEEN TO MAKE SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS DURING THE EVENT–HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Thursday, August 12, 2021) – With over twenty-eight Top 20 singles, including 7 number one hits, Lee Greenwood and his 40-year career will be celebrated in Huntsville, Alabama, on October 12, 2021, at the Von Braun Center with over 35 music artists performing during the All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood.

Today, music artists from multiple genres including legendary names like Engelbert Humperdinck and Tony Orlando, Grand Ole Opry stars Craig Morgan, Jeannie Seely, and The Gatlin Brothers along with rock star Brad Arnold of the group 3 Doors Down and country hitmakers Billy Dean, Janie Fricke, John Berry, Neal McCoy, T. Graham Brown, Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon all were announced to participate in the special celebration. The Issacs will join Michael W. Smith to create a ‘moment’ in the show and Dean Martin’s daughter Deana Martin will perform a duet with Humperdinck.

Previously announced artists include Sara Evans, Lee Brice, Dustin Lynch, Michael Ray, Jamey Johnson, Rodney Atkins, Big & Rich, Randy Owen (of Alabama), Home Free, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Darryl Worley, Mark Wills, The Frontmen of Country – including Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart), and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas). The celebration is yet another marker in the illustrious career of Lee Greenwood, commemorating years of success in the music and entertainment industry.

“I am so looking forward to this night. I am going to get to see so many of my friends that I have not seen in a while and to know they are coming to truly honor my career and songs really means a great deal to me,” says Greenwood.

A variety of ticket prices are available from $25 to VIP Packages, which include a private dinner and Meet & Greet with Lee Greenwood on Monday, October 11th. For purchase, visit Ticketmaster.com or the Von Braun Center box office.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
HOT ACTION BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 5, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/HOT_ACTION_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_5_2021.aspx

Comments:

Digging that billboard! Are you going to have t-shirts and stickers with this design?

–Mike Pullin
Charlotte, NC

You never know. Great notion! We need to survive the rally first. –Bandit

BURMA SHAVE SLOGAN OF THE WEEK–I like people who have twats /

They can be used as pecker slots / sperma shave

–J.J. Solari

QUICK REPORT FROM BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–Apart from the new BMW tourer & bagger – what you can see at Sturgis this year is the first electric bicycle from Harley-Davidson – the Serial 1. From August 6-11, 2021.

2021 is a watershed year for Harley-Davidson – it introduced its first adventure bike, the Pan America, redefined the Sportster range with Revolution Max engine, started selling used H-D motorcycles at their dealerships and website, and launched the first electric motorcycle under new LiveWire brand.

After these launches, comes for the first time its Serial 1 electric bicycle lineup.

However, the production models do away with the nostalgia of the concept announced in 2020, in favor of a stripped-down, utilitarian aesthetic.

Harley-Davidson Rolls Out Serial 1 E-Bikes In Europe And North America

https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-rolls-out-serial-1-e-bikes-in-europe-and-north-america/

–Wayfarer

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Remembering Dick Allen

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

Comment:
I grew up on Cannon st. in Rockford ,Ill. just down the street was Dick Allen (known as Workie if I remember rite) Always working on cars and bikes back then. WAY back then. Always let us kids hang out. My son and his Son worked together at Elco tool company in Rockford. Of course that was Much later years.

–Patrick Ferguson
Avoca

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–The American Medical Association, the government that used to run America before the CDC took over in a silent coup, is suggesting that male and female not be listed on “the public portion” of birth certificates.

Because as you know some boys decide they are girls and some girls decide they are boys because we now get to decide reality.

So, you won’t actually know what a person is from their birth certificate because sex is now something decided by the person himself, not by his or her crotch. Still, there must be some way of designated what the fuck Spreadlegged Sally gave birth to.

This can be done objectively by just listing on the birth certificate “peckered” or “twatted.” This should leave room for the reader of the birth certificate – and as you know everyone reads everyone else’s birth certificates – this should leave room for later declarations of Newly Realized Identities.

thank you.

–J.J. Solari

HIGHWAY BILL PASSES THE U.S. SENATE–Tuesday morning, the U.S. Senate passed a $1.2 trillion dollar highway bill by a vote of 69 to 30. The bill includes increased funding for roads, bridges, safety programs and of interest to motorcyclists, the reestablishment of the Motorcyclists Advisory Council (MAC) at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Despite the efforts of bipartisan Senators including, Tammy Baldwin (WI-D), Marsha Blackburn (TN-R), Joni Ernst (IA-R) and Ron Johnson (WI-R) the bill fails to match provisions for motorcyclists that the House of Representatives included in its version of highway bill.

Nearly 500 amendments were offered to the Senate highway bill. In that group of amendments two focused on motorcyclists, one that expanded protections on the profiling of motorcyclists at check points, and one that included motorcyclists in studies of connected and autonomous vehicles. Frustratingly, these two amendments were not given a vote, as the Senate limited debate on amendments. Allowing only about 20 amendments of the 500 or so offered to be debated and voted on.

The Senate version of the highway bill now goes to the House of Representatives where Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has pledged to not bring the Senate highway bill up for a vote until the Senate passes a separate “reconciliation bill.” This bill includes $3.5 trillion in spending on sweeping programs to address climate change, health, education, and paid leave.

At this point, there are three possible outcomes to the highway bill. First, the House passes the Senate bill with no changes and the MAC is reestablished. Second, a conference committee is created where the Senate and the House merge their two bills into a new final bill. This opens the door not only for reestablishment of the MAC, but also inclusion of the check point profiling language and autonomous vehicle language from the House bill to be included in a final bill. Finally, with the September 30th deadline fast approaching, Congress could kick the can once again, extending the current highway bill for weeks, months or years…

Regardless of the potential stalemate in Washington D.C., the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is committed to sustaining the fight for motorcyclist rights. We will not rest until our voices are heard and our priorities are included in laws that protect our rights and safety. We will continue to keep riders informed of the bill’s status and advise you if any calls to action are needed.

NEW FROM LOW BROW–
In 1902 the first Triumph motorcycle was produced in Coventry, England

Triumph has a varied and interesting past… a brief sampling:

1938: Triumphs start being sold in the USA at a small shop in California

1940: WWII bombing of the Triumph Coventry factory

1953: Marlon Brando rides a Triumph in The Wild One

1955: The Triumph streamliner The Devil’s Arrow sets the absolute motorcycle speed record at Bonneville at 193.7 mph

And on and on!

Be sure to check out the excellent photos from the 119-year history of Triumph motorcycles at the Low Brow site!

NEXT ISSUE OF CHOPPERS MAG AVAILABLE NOW–Issue 6
Issue Six being printed now! Available for pre-sale, don’t miss out.

$12.00

Samson’s Baverstock and Klím Partner for Snowmobile Success–Samson Exhaust/Hammer Down Snowmobile Racing

Klím partnership announcement

Samson Exhaust President Mike Baverstock doesn’t spend all of his time making your American-made V-Twin sound loud and look pretty, he also spends the winter months drag racing snowmobiles in the Snow Outlaws series Pro Extreme 55 class.

And when a businessman like Baverstock sees an opportunity to partner up with another and advance their companies’ fortunes, they twist the throttle on the relationship. That happened a couple years ago with Baverstock and two-time NHRA Top Fuel Harley champion Tii Tharpe, who moonlights as president of Spevco.

Now it’s happening with Dustin Pancheri, Athlete/Sponsorship manager of Klím technical riding apparel. Klím is jumping on board as a major sponsor of Baverstock’s Samson Exhaust and Matt Musselman’s Hammer Down Racing Pro 55 snowmobiles.

“Dustin and I had a lot of synergy right out of the gate,” said Baverstock. “I think he’s just as excited about our partnership as I am.”

“I’m just super impressed with Mike,” said Pancheri. “The guy’s super passionate and he’s an all-in kind of guy. We love to align with those types of people, because those are the guys that are go-getters. They just get it done. But he’s also really personable, and I can tell that he’s very serious about growing the industry and his sport.”

Hammer Down Racing is led by Musselman, the son-in-law of Top Fuel Harley builder/tuner Jack Romine, and relies heavily on the head mechanic and building skills of Romine, the tuning skills of Mike Komisar, and the skills of Craig Campton, Glen Hall and the staff at Hypersports.

Baverstock’s 700 horsepower, 55mm turbocharged, ArticCat 1177cc Super Stroker motor is built by Hypersports and pushes his sled to 146 mph in 500 feet at Snow Outlaws events.

The series and the sport is accelerating as quickly as Baverstock’s sled, opening up opportunities for growth for companies like Klím. “In the snowbelt—the northern US and Canada—for us, it’s the big way to adapt to the wintertime,” said Pancheri. “I know people that pick up snowmobiling just because they don’t have anything else to do in the winter. And then pretty soon, they’re addicted to it, and it’s now their main passion. And they just really want to get through the summer as fast as they can so they can get back to snowmobiling! Their priorities have completely flip-flopped!”

Are Baverstock’s priorities also flipping? Snowmobiling’s warm weather version—grass racing—starts before snowfall, presenting a conflict with the overlapping NHRA series where Tharpe’s Samson Exhaust bike competes. “I’m so excited about Klim and grass racing that I’m skipping the Maple Grove Harley race to go to Hay Days,” said Baverstock.

Hay Days is the Sturgis of snowmobiling, a huge event in Minnesota that celebrates fall and the coming winter. “It’s like a State Fair on steroids, but if everything at the Fair were snowmobiles,” said Pancheri. “They have the world championship snowmobile grass drags there, so all the fast guys in the world show up.

“If you’re in the snowmobile industry, and you’re a vendor, you’re there. You have a booth there. It’s a big event for the snowmobile industry, and for Matt, having a grass drag setup, that’s the big stage.”

And Baverstock wants to be there to support his teammate and their new sponsor, a company of people that ride and use the solutions they manufacture and sell. “Our tagline is technical riding gear,” continued Pancheri. “Because we’re a company full of riders, we’re always just looking for solutions to things. So we’re really a company that’s out there trying to find things to make the riding experience better—make the rider more comfortable, make the rider more protected and help them perform better.

And the motorcycle drag racing world has noticed and wants a piece. Champion motorcycle drag racer Jeremy Teasley went up to Wisconsin and barely lost his first snowmobile race by only inches on Chris Connelly’s sled. Four time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Matt Smith and his racer wife Angie went north from their North Carolina home to snowmobile last winter and had a blast, posting many videos of their experience for their fans.

The first race this season for the team is at Great Lakes Dragway on August 21-22 with Musselman in the seat of his Hypersports HRC2 sled. Baverstock will wait for the snow in January at Mancelona Pro Stock Raceway.

for more information about Klím and their products: https://www.klim.com/

for more information about Samson Exhaust products: https://samsonusa.com/

email Samson at: info@samsonusa.com

ROYAL ENFIELD ANNOUNCES NEW ASSEMBLY FACILITY IN COLOMBIA–
All-new CKD facility in Envigado, Antioquia marks Royal Enfield’s second assembly plant to produce motorcycles outside of India

– Royal Royal Enfield, the global leader in the midsize motorcycle segment (250-750cc), is proud to announce the opening of a CKD assembly plant in Colombia, the third-biggest motorcycle market in Latin America, in partnership with its local distributor, Colombiana de Comercio (Corbeta Group). The motorcycle assembly plant in Envigado, Antioquia marks the second motorcycle assembly plant outside of India, a significant milestone for Royal Enfield.

Royal Enfield set up retail operations in Colombia in July 2014, with its first store in Cedritos in Bogotá. Since then, the company has expanded its retail network in the market and now has 15 exclusive stores in Colombia. Overall, Royal Enfield has 57 exclusive stores and 40 other retail touchpoints in all of Latin American countries.

The local assembly unit in Colombia will be based at Colombiana de Comercio facility located in Envigado, Antioquia. To begin with, the plant will locally assemble the Royal Enfield Himalayan, starting this month.

From 2014 to 2021, Royal Enfield has seen significant growth in Colombia. From January 2015 to the present, Royal Enfield has sold more than 7,000 motorcycles in the market. The brand has seen an almost 70% growth in sales from January to July 2021, over the same period in 2020.

Brazil, Argentina and Colombia are among the three most important markets for Royal Enfield in Latin America. Beyond India (the biggest market for the brand with over 2000 retail locations), Royal Enfield motorcycles reach consumers and enthusiasts in more than 60 countries worldwide, through 795 dealerships, including 143 exclusive brand stores in major cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Melbourne, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Medellin, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City.

STURGIS RALLY UPDATES— There are a lot of people who appear to be having a good time. Obvious larger than last year and all the reports coming in saying less issues with law enforcement. Personally, I am having a good time.

Edge says: 20 percent over last year

Dr. Hamster say: It’s way down.

Sturgis Rally Report: Tuesday

Black Hills Pioneer
DUI — 33 Last year to date — 41 Daily numbers are as of Monday morning.

Sturgis Rally three-day attendance more than 2020 but behind 2015, DOT traffic counts show

STURGIS, S.D. (KELO) — The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is not on pace to break records set in the 75th anniversary of 2015.

A total of 188,57 vehicles were counted over the first three days of the rally from Friday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 8, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation. A total of 236,283 vehicles were counted during the first three days of the 75th Anniversary rally.

Because the coronavirus may have caused fewer bikers to attend the 2020 rally, some officials speculated that numbers for this year could reach the 75th levels. Nearly 750,000 people attended the 75th Anniversary rally in 2015.

–Rae Yost
Badlandsmedia

OREGON HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–
Now, thanks to Kate Brown, everyone in Oregon can be as stupid and totally fucked up as the people in Portland.

–J.J. Solari

REPORT FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–I think Harley-Davidson as a company and brand name is just going through a phase, a bad patch. It has been through worse before. People like to celebrate the good times and the grand times – very few people stick with their love, passion, hobbies when going gets tough and rough. It’s true for couples / marriage, true for friendships, true for employees / shareholders, true for the whole society as a whole. Fond memories are preferred over dealing with ground realities.

Everyone thought Polaris a fool for again reviving the endlessly revived and died Indian Motorcycles brand. They are doing very well, and I think any dealer, customer, mechanic, racer, shareholder would agree.

Look at Royal Enfield with decades of nothing and ancient cast iron engine until they rebuilt the brand around 2008 and really made a change with the UCE engine in 2010. They soared to incredible heights.

If I had bought shares in the company instead of my first Enfield motorcycle, I would have been a millionaire by the time I sold that motorcycle ten years later (I sold the bike for the same price I had bought it ten years ago).

Now, the governments in India and Europe have made such extreme emission norms in the last 3 years that the oldest continuously in production model of 500cc Bullet was terminated by Enfield in 2020.

Now, the rising petrol prices, huge subsidies to EV and electric two-wheelers causing massive drop in electric motorcycle prices – along with government offer of free registration and zero road tax for buyers – this spells some hard times for Royal Enfield in near future.

I am sure there will always be specialty manufacturers to cater to niche market, you know like those who offer brand new rotary dial landline phone, typewriters, suspenders for trousers, pocket watch, etc. If the Electric Vehicle mania is to implode, it will soon enough, just like Zepplins or Concorde.

Why Harley-Davidson Dealers Struggle

https://blog.bikernet.com/why-harley-davidson-dealers-struggle/

–Wayfarer
Emperial Editor
Bikernet Blog™

[page break]

FAST, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Oil Transfer Problem on a 2019 Harley-Davidson

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Oil_Transfer_Problem_on_a_2019_HarleyDavidson_.aspx

Comments:

Great article, I feel the same, kind of a love hate relationship. I owned an ‘09 ultra for several years. Coming up on retirement, I started thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to have warranty for a worry free retirement.

Plus, those M8 are so smooth and powerful, very little mechanical noise to make you wonder. Well, 8000km on the new Ultra Limited and guess what, suspected oil transfer.

Dealer said according to H-D, I needed to ride another 1000km after service and bring it back for them to check. Tech reported 1700 ml in primary, about 800 more than there should be, leaving less than 300ml in the trans.

Harley paid to install the kit under warranty, I paid for 2 litres of oil. Apparently H-D don’t cover the fluids? So, looks like I rode 1000km very low on tranny fluid. Scary part is, what happened for the first 8000km?

So much for a worry-free ride.

–Wayne Glabais
High River, AB, Canada

MOVIE REVIEW OF THE WEEK–Have you seen the pothead stoner road-movie “Harold and Kumar” – it’s like a modern Cheech and Chong movie and as ridiculously funny as those old gems.

In the second movie titled: “Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay” (2008) the two clumsy citizens finally meet the President of USA, played by a look-alike of President Dubya Bush. After sharing a premium doobie from the cool President, the two adventurers ask the POTUS about life in America.

Harold Lee: “After all the shit we’ve been through, I don’t… I don’t know if we can trust our government anymore.”

George W. Bush: “Trust the government? Heck, I’m in the government and I don’t even trust it. You don’t have to believe in your government to be a good American. You just have to believe in your country.”

IMDB Link : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481536/

Check it out, it’s crazy funny.

–Wayfarer
Bikernet Film Critic
Bikernet.com™

WHY I AM NOT A PROGRESSIVE–
And Why, From Climate Change to Homelessness, Liberal People Are Giving Up

Michael Shellenberger

For all of my adult life I have identified as a progressive. To me, being a progressive meant that I believed in empowerment. In 2002, when I co-founded a labor-environmental coalition to advocate for renewable energy, the symbol we chose to represent us was of Rosie the Riveter, an image of a woman factory worker during World War II flexing her muscle beneath the words, “We Can Do It!” When President Barack Obama ran for office in 2008, it seemed fitting to me that he chose the slogan, “Yes we can!”

But now, on all the major issues of the day, the message from progressives is “No, you can’t.”

No: poor nations like Bangladesh can’t adapt to climate change by becoming rich, insist progressives; rather, rich nations must become poor.

No: we can’t prevent the staggering rise of drug deaths in the U.S., from 17,000 in 2000 to 93,000 in 2020, by helping people free themselves from addiction; rather, we must instead provide Safe Injection Sites and Safe Sleeping Sites, in downtown neighborhoods, where homeless addicts can use fentanyl, heroin, and meth safely.

Progressives insist they are offering hope. Many scientists and activists yesterday said that, while we have gone past the point of no return, when it comes to climate change, and that “No one is safe,” we can make the situation less bad by using solar panels, windmills, and electric cars, albeit at a very high cost to the economy.

And in California, progressive leaders say that we just need to stick with the progressive agenda of Safe Injection Sites and Safe Sleeping Sites until we can build enough single unit apartments for the state’s 116,000 unsheltered homeless, most of whom are either addicted to hard drugs, suffering from untreated mental illness, or both.

But progressives are talking out of both sides of their mouth. Yesterday I debated a British climate scientist named Richard Betts on television. After I pointed out that he and his colleagues had contributed to one out of four British children having nightmares about climate change he insisted that he was all for optimism and that he agreed with me about nuclear power.

But just hours earlier he had told the Guardian that we were “hopelessly unprepared” for extreme weather events, even though deaths from natural disasters are at an all-time low and that, objectively speaking, humankind has never been more prepared than we are today.

And on the drug deaths crisis, the consensus view among Democrats in Sacramento is that “the problem is fundamentally unsolvable,” according to one of the Capitol’s leading lobbyists. Facing a recall that is growing in popularity, Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday tried to demonstrate that he believes he can solve the problem. He came to Berkeley California and cleaned up garbage created by an open-air drug scene (“homeless encampment”) underneath a freeway underpass.

A reporter for Politico posted a picture of Newsom who he said was “looking tired, sweaty and dirty.” But a commenter noted that the video was shot at 12:12 pm and by 12:25 pm Newsom was holding a press conference. The governor hadn’t even bothered changing out of his Hush Puppies into work boots. People close to the governor say that it is Newsom himself who believes homelessness is a problem that cannot be solved.

On October 12 HarperCollins will publish my second book in two years, San Fransicko, focused on drugs, crime, and homelessnes. It and Apocalypse Never will constitute a comprehensive proposal for saving our civilization from those who would destroy it. What both books have in common is the theme of empowerment. We are not doomed to an apocalyptic future, whether from climate change or homelessness. We can achieve nature, peace, and prosperity for all people because humans are amazing. Our civilization is sacred; we must defend and extend it.

Check Michael’s new book quick:

QUICK,New Bikernet Reader Comment!–“MORE METTLE: MOTORCYCLES AND ART THAT NEVER QUIT”

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

Comments:

I look forward to this event with Michael every year, unfortunately my husband’s health was not allowing us to see it. I love the pictures and article from Rogue.

–Cat One Legged Blonde
Boscobel, WI

THE CALIFORNIA EX-GOVERNOR REPORT–most people take photos of themselves in the mountains or at the beach when they want a day of fun and stuff? Gavin likes walking through burnt terrain, especially when there are destroyed homes in the vicinity.

He’s like an arsonist revisiting the crime when it comes to horrific conflagrations. Homes burnt to the ground because Gavin won’t allow logging or clearing? He grins his spectre grin and off he goes to slog through the ashes like a pup in new snow.

–J.J. Solari
Political Investigator
Bikernet.com™

THE HISTORY OF Diners–

Do you ever wonder who first thought of Diners?

The history of diners begins in Providence, Rhode Island. There, in 1872, Walter Scott introduced the first “night lunch wagon,” which came out at dusk to serve workers on the late shift, theatergoers, and anyone out late and in search of a hot, inexpensive meal.

Customers would purchase their food and then sit on the curb to eat. Lunch wagons evolved into “rolling restaurants” that had a few seats inside. The first of these was run by Samuel Jones in 1887.

Soon, the name evolved to “lunch cars” and then “dining cars” – which was shorted to just “diners” sometime around 1924.

The first stationary lunch car began operating around 1913 and was made by Jerry O’Mahony, the founder of one of the factories that made and shipped diners. (Diners, unlike coffee shops, were generally manufactured elsewhere and then shipped to the site.)

When diners reached peak popularity in the 1950s, there were about 6,000 of them all across the country. However, the highest concentration of diners remained in the Northeast region.

Today, there are only about 2,000 diners left, with over 600 of those being in New Jersey. While the menus at many of these diners have changed to include heart-healthy options and vegetarian fare, the basic characteristics of the iconic American diner live on – it’s a friendly place to get an inexpensive, hot meal.

www.backthenhistory.com

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2017 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG – Tri Glide Ultra for $31.995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10852116

2017 Black Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG TRIGLIDE TRIKE

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just ($31,995.00) at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKE WASH–These are a few photos from the bike wash over the week end at California H-D. If the originator address is strange, I had my tech guy forward them to me. It was a small event, but Jodi said that since you have been advertising for them the business has gotten more active. Told Jodi about Bonneville and she said she would talk to management and get back to you.

— Gearhead

NEWS FROM THE FOX–You need to see the kind of comments left by people at the Fox News website – someone wrote “It’s not good parenting to have him associate with the lowest of the low: BIKERS.”

Maybe you could check out this kid and his family at Sturgis to show readers what good parenting is – getting the kid to earn for special toys like the Lego is a better life skill than buying him / her a new iPhone to post shit on internet.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/sturgis-motorcycle-rally-south-dakota-boy-donations-only-lemonade-stand

Lemonade Stand of 8-year old is popular attraction at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

https://blog.bikernet.com/lemonade-stand-of-8-year-old-is-popular-attraction-at-sturgis-motorcycle-rally/

–Wayfarer
Supreme Editor in Charge
Bikernet.com™

FROM THE BIKERNET BUDDHIST TEMPLE YET UNDISCOVERED IN THE BADLANDS–
Perspective from the gray mountain:

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” – Mother Teresa

“Positive thinking is not only about expecting the best to happen, but it is also about accepting whatever happens is for the best.”

“Forget mistakes. Forget failure. Forget everything except what you’re going to do now and do it. Today is your lucky day” – Will Durant

–Wayfarer
Monk in Training

Hamsters USA raise $538,252 for special kids
at LifeScape in Rapid City, South Dakota– Hamsters USA, the international motorcycle group with big hearts, roared into western South Dakota to make an unparalleled impact for local kids with disabilities!

These amazing guys came together to raise funds for LifeScape of Rapid City totaling an unprecedented $538,252, all staying local to support children with disabilities in western SD!

Hamsters USA has raised and donated funds at their annual meeting for the last 16 years, with a deep desire to give back to the greater Black Hills community, which many Hamsters consider their second home.

Their gifts help provide services to children in their Black Hills area homes and communities, delivered by LifeScape personnel who drive over 10,000 miles a month to provide services. Inspired by little Ruby Lehmann, who spoke on stage with her mom, Shannon, and her brother, David, the Hamsters stepped up to do more than ever before! Hamsters stormed the stage to give cash and credit card pledges, which were matched by John McCarthy and Bobby Garone. That piece of the presentation raised approximately $204,000 alone!

At only nine months of age, Ruby was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy after her parents noticed she wasn’t meeting typical milestones, such as rolling over and sitting up on her own. Doctors believe Ruby had a stroke in utero early in her development, which prevented part of her brain from fully forming. It affected three-fourths of her body – her entire left side and her right leg.

Ruby started physical and occupational therapy at 10 months, and at the age of three, began speech therapy, primarily for a “funky gag reflex.” She had braces on her feet and began receiving additional therapies through LifeScape. RISE Custom Solutions, a subsidiary of LifeScape, fitted her for a reverse walker and wheelchair when she outgrew the hospital walker.

Ruby now receives physical and occupational therapies at school, as well as through LifeScape. She is a very determined young lady, proving doctors wrong and surpassing all expectations. She is extremely smart and very artistic. She also thinks very literally, so a vivid imagination is not as evident, but she is very vocal and opinionated.

Ruby plans to start dance in just a few weeks and enjoys horse-riding therapy and water therapy. She has received Botox injections into her tight muscles to help with her gait, and it has made a difference.

LifeScape of Rapid City, SD, is affiliated with LifeScape, based in South Dakota. LifeScape is a private, independent, non-profit organization with a mission to empower children and adults with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.

PANDEMONIUM HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–
This breaking news just in, the word “pandemonium” has been used for the first time in a questionably true tale regarding the politically rampant and apparently immortal C-19 virus. Thus, is added to the currently frequent over-the-top vocabulary of “catastrophic,” “existentially horrific.” “armageddon-level ruin,” doomsday precursing,” “dystopian abyss,” “hopeless scenario,” “planetary incineration” the word “pandemonium” to the failed-novelist, or “journalist practitioner”‘s go-to trough of exaggeration and misdirection and pre-pubescent attempts at relevance.

Slapped foreheads of “why didn’t I think of that” were the norm all around the disintegrating globe in colleges and political offices at the appearance of “pandemonium” as a descriptor of the ongoing variety of the annual cold and flu season that lives-on in the press long after it’s disappearance as the “flu of the moment” which is now occupied by covid 21. Or, as you persist in calling it if you are a Transformative Being of Gaia, covid-19.

–J.J. Solari
Media Investigator
Bikernet.com™

TODAY, 12 August is International Youth Day–Young people play a critical role in the future of a society or nation and the world.

Recognizing and creating awareness for this is significant for everyone so as to build a life that benefits everyone including the youth facing difficulties and lack of basic resources to contribute to this ideal future of humanity.

In 1965 the United Nations General Assembly began making a concerted effort to impact the youth. They endorsed the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples. They began devoting time and resources to empower the youth by recognizing up-and-coming leaders and offering them resources to meet the needs of the world.

On December 17, 1999, the UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth, and International Youth Day was formed. It was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, and ever since the day has been used to educate society, mobilize the youth in socio-economic issues and manage resources to address global problems.

–Wayfarer
UN Correspondent
Bikernet.com™

JUST IN FROM THE LOW BROW CREW–A quick and easy way to improve the comfort and feel of your ride.

Here at Lowbrow we have been designing handlebar grips in different profiles, colors and materials for years.

They are fun to design and, of course, swapping out your grips is an enjoyable, inexpensive and simple upgrade for your motorcycle.

We wanted to share some great grip content we have put together, we hope you enjoy!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK—Can’t waste my time on the past or negativity. Got shit to do.

NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–
Climate statistician Dr. Briggs rips UN IPCC reports as being ‘wrong for decades’ but ‘always wrong in the direction our rulers want them to be’

Statistician Dr. Matt Briggs on IPCC report: “You can never be fired for being wrong in the right direction. The Experts making statements about how dire the climate have been wrong for decades, and they are still wrong in their sparkling new IPCC Climate Assessment Report 6 released Monday.

Now, as then, they warn that “extremes” are on their way. They haven’t got here yet, but they’re coming. They’re always coming.” … Or they have got here, but you need to have the kind of specialized training mentioned above to recognize them.

The difference between AR6, and ARs 1-5, is not so much in the kind of errors made, for these haven’t changed at all, but in the certainty expressed in them. It’s only a slight exaggeration to say that somebody did a “Find & Replace” of every instance of “very likely” in AR5 and changed them to “virtually certain.” Because they are always wrong in the direction our rulers want them to be.

Experts said every animal that is cute, photogenic, or delicious was going to die; whereas every beast or plant that bit, stung, or poisoned was going to flourish. Mountains of “research” was done to “prove” that everything we loved was going to be destroyed, where everything we hated was going to increase. Because of a tenth or so of a degree increase in global mean temperature.

New report will highlight ‘stark reality’ of warming – But ‘global temperatures, following record El Nino in 2015/16, are no higher now than they were two decades ago.

–Climate Depot

New Bikernet Reader Comment!

Where Are We Headed?

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

Name: Doug

Email: douglaswhite2478@comcast.net

Location: Buchanan, MI

Comments:

Stealth – This looks like the results of “Financial Sustainability vs Unit Reliability”….
-Low Pay
-No Pension
-No Insurance
I watched one of the best H-D Tech’s I’ve ever seen, quit Harley-Davidson, and go work for the Railroad because he was unable to sustain a family of 4, with what Harley had to offer in pay and benefits. You would have done the same thing. Yet, reading the Rapid City Journal, I see “Record Attendance” in the news….. This even smells like someone is full of shit. You want your new employee’s to gain interest, and not seek other employment avenues? Fix those 3 issues, train them well, and send them to Sturgis South Dakota at least once, so they can see the bigger picture, see what writes those paychecks they cash.

Remove 2/3’s of the seats on Harleys board of directors if that’s what it takes,(I don’t see them doing much anyway) and those that remain – let them work the next 2 years for the same pay as a new parts tech, at the counter, all while they multitask 2 other full time positions, and accomplishing very little at the end of the day. Let them see what it’s like to go home every day with less than sustainable compensation, and try to feel good about going to work the next day….with that same enthusiasm Harley Davidson expects!

Win If You Can…..
Lose If You Must…..
But Always Cheat…..

—Burma Shave

Couple of guys stopped by today. I masked up and kept my distance.

Here’s a shot of our billboard in Deadwood.

Frankie hit all the rides up Spearfish Canyon and to Rushmore. He’s tripping.

I’m a tad under the weather, but it was good to see the folks I got to run into. May everyone get home safe and without the stinking Covid.

Let us know how your rally week went. And keep riding fast and free until the end.

–Bandit

Hey,

The rally is over. I’ve heard incredible numbers. I’m monitoring illness all over the country searching for rally related outbreaks. Nothing much yet. Folks are fighting over Obama’s birthday party and a party the Texas Governor attended.

My son finally broke down and got vaccinated, but Sin Wu is holding out. She’s afraid of side effects. This vaccine is administered by one of the most harmless shots I’ve ever encountered. Hell, ya hardly know you got the shot before the nurse says, “See ya.”

Because of the quarantine, we won’t hit it to Bonneville this year with the Salt Torpedo. We could never reach the team at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials or receive any info. Plus, we needed a Sponsor or two, but the quarantine sealed the deal. Hell, I needed to find a trailer. We might look at the Ohio mile coming up.

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.

CHRIS MAKES THE SNAP-ON CALENDAR–My 1969 AMX is on the 2022 Snap-on mini Snap-Shots calendar!!! And just like I hoped, it is the car for July! I don’t have the hard copies yet, but our Snap-on® dealer, Kevin Griffith sent us this photo last night. Hopefully we will have them Monday. My husband Gabe had his 1946 Harley UL Flathead featured on the 2021 Snap-on® Snap Shots calendar.

The Mini Snap-Shots calendar reaches over a quarter million people each year.

The Snap-shots series of calendars was developed by Snap-on® Tools in 1995 as a tribute to the dedicated professionalism of automotive technicians and hobbyists who use Snap-on® products. The calendars annually have featured Snap-on® customers’ custom and classic vehicles they have created, restored or maintained.

Snap-on® franchises and representatives invite customers to submit photographs of custom or classic vehicles they own, which are then reviewed and narrowed down to a final group. I was notified in March that I had been selected as a finalist to be considered for one of the three calendars that Snap-on® produces: Snap-shots wall calendar, mini calendar and Tech Toys.

Snap-shot calendars are available from local Snap-on® Tools franchises or representatives and are distributed all around the world.

–Chris Gibbany
Moto-journalist/Event host/Bike builder
Old Iron Never Dies!

STUDY FINDS SUN—NOT CO2—May Be Behind Global Warming

New peer-reviewed paper finds evidence of systemic bias in UN IPCC’s data selection to support climate-change narrative

The sun and not human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) may be the main cause of warmer temperatures in recent decades, according to a new study with findings that sharply contradict the conclusions of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The peer-reviewed paper, produced by a team of almost two dozen scientists from around the world, concluded that previous studies did not adequately consider the role of solar energy in explaining increased temperatures.

The new study was released just as the UN released its sixth “Assessment Report,” known as AR6, that once again argued in favor of the view that man-kind’s emissions of CO2 were to blame for global warming. The report said human responsibility was “unequivocal.”

But the new study casts serious doubt on the hypothesis.

Calling the blaming of CO2 by the IPCC “premature,” the climate scientists and solar physicists argued in the new paper that the UN IPCC’s conclusions blaming human emissions were based on “narrow and incomplete data about the Sun’s total irradiance.”

Indeed, the global climate body appears to display deliberate and systemic bias in what views, studies, and data are included in its influential reports, multiple authors told The Epoch Times in a series of phone and video interviews.

“Depending on which published data and studies you use, you can show that all of the warming is caused by the sun, but the IPCC uses a different data set to come up with the opposite conclusion,” lead study author Ronan Connolly, Ph.D. told The Epoch Times in a video interview.

“In their insistence on forcing a so-called scientific consensus, the IPCC seems to have decided to consider only those data sets and studies that support their chosen narrative,” he added.

The implications, from a policy perspective, are enormous, especially in this field where trillions of dollars are at stake and a dramatic re-organization of the global economy is being proposed.

Paper Examines Sun Vs. CO2

Using publicly available data sets from the U.S. government and other sources, it is easy to explain all of the warming observed in recent decades using nothing but changes in solar energy arriving on Earth, according to the new paper.

Indeed, while it agrees that using the data sets chosen by the UN would imply humans are largely to blame, the study includes multiples graphs showing that simply choosing different data sets not used by the UN upends the IPCC’s conclusion.

If confirmed, the study, published in the international scientific journal Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics (RAA) by experts from over a dozen countries, would represent a devastating blow to the UN IPCC and its conclusion that man’s emissions of CO2 are the sole or even primary driver of warming.

—www.epochtimes.com

STURGIS BIKE WEEK “BUSIEST IN YEARS”
After a dip in average attendance during 2020, due primarily to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the 81st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been one of the busiest in recent memory, report officials at the event.

“There are more people here than in the 31 years I’ve been doing this,” Meade County Sheriff Ron Merwin told the Rapid City Journal. Sturgis Public Information Officer Christina Steele said officials have heard the rally numbers could reach the 2015 record level of more than 700,000 attendees.

Public health officials have been raising Coronavirus-related concerns about the rally since before it started, particularly with the more contagious delta variant spreading across the U.S., but South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R), who rode to the rally, baulked at the analysis, calling ‘super-spreader’ fears “fiction.”

–Bill Bish
NCOM Newsbytes

NEW FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–1948 Indian Chief

Indian released the Indian Chief in 1922, about twenty years after they began manufacturing. Like the Power Plus, at 61 cubic inches, it became their new Standard. The Chief from 1940 on is probably Indian’s most widely known design, famous for the streamlined skirted fenders and fuel and oil tanks. This 1940 on styling has become a very lasting design that has always epitomized the Indian brand. It’s a true American classic.

Famed Indian design engineer Charles Franklin penned the Chief as a larger version of the very successful Scout. It became Indian’s biggest seller. Like the Scout it incorporated a forward thinking gear primary which… minimized maintenance. Chiefs originally displaced 61 cubic inches, were enlarged to 74 cubic inches in 1923, then to 80 cubic inches in 1950 near the end of production which was in 1953.

After offering a “spring frame” for only a few years in the ‘teens, rear suspension came back in 1940, Harley’s rear suspension hit in 1958. Telescopic hydraulic forks were added to the Chief in 1950, a year after they showed up on Harley’s big EL’s and FL’s. While Harley-Davidson developed their overhead valve twin for the 1936 model year, Indian seemed to focus on styling and got a little behind in engine design, sticking with the flathead twin until the end.

For about 15 years up until 1940, E. Paul DuPont owned Indian, and paint colors offered reflect the DuPont paint company’s wide array of offerings. Dubbed “The Heavy Duty Plugger” in some literature of the time, the Chief was ideal for sidecar use. Indian offered a very stylish sidecar, color matched.

This fine Indian Chief is graciously on loan form Ben Farrar of Rock Island, Illinois. It’s one of about 25 Indians from very early in production up through the times when the marque was bought by a succession of entities wishing to revive the brand.

Specifications:

Engine: 74 Cubic Inch, 42 Degree V-Twin
Type: Air-Cooled, Side-valve
Transmission: 3-Speed, Tank Shift
Clutch: Foot Operated
Horsepower: 38HP
Primary: Chain Driven
Frame: Lugged, Tubular Steel
Suspension: Girder Fork/Plunger Rear
Electrics: 6 Volt Battery/Coil
Wheels/Tires: 5.00 x 16 / 5.00 x 16
Brakes: Drum, Front and Rear
Wheelbase: 62 Inches
Weight: 575 Pounds
Top Speed: 85 MPH

BANDIT SUPPORTS GOOD TIMES–Support Good Times x Bandit Tshirt. A collaboration between Keith “Bandit” Ball, Whiskey River Art, and Support Good Times. Available in black or white, with choice of front or back print on 6.1 oz. 100% preshrunk cotton.

I’m wearing one today. The classic art says a lot. I remember having my bike shot for the first time for Easyriders in 1971. I met Lou Kimzey and Pete Chiodo for the first time. We worked together for decades after that day.

www.supportgoodtimes.com

NEW FULL THROTTLE MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE

?AUGUST 2021
FULL THROTTLE
MAGAZINE
Click Below to View

Deadline for the September Issue is approaching!!!!
August 25th is the Deadline to get into the September Issue

SPECIAL DEAL – Buy 3 Months FULL PAGE AD – Get One FREE!!!!
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NEW CONNECTING RODS FROM WISECO–
Over three years in the making, Wiseco’s Racer Elite connecting rods were designed in-house and developed through extensive R&D, both with Wiseco’s in-house engine dyno and on the Supercross and Motocross circuits.

At the start of 2019, Wiseco began working closely with Dean Baker, head of engine development for JGRMX and 20+ year veteran of professional race team engine building and tuning. “Wiseco did a really good job of designing a rod that wasn’t going to have major failures or issues right out of the gate,” notes Baker.

“I didn’t have to re-work the first or second iteration, it was more of a progression. The revisions have now been passed on to the consumer.”

During testing, Racer Elite rods were put through an initial 20 hours of durability testing before being moved to an additional 30 hours of in-depth and real-world testing. These tests even involved taking engines well above their OEM RPM limit to ensure sustainability in extreme conditions.

“Proving out a part is an evolution, where you sneak up on being confident in a part or question it if failures occur,” explains Baker. “We did not have any failures with the Racer Elite connecting rod, so my confidence is high.”

Proudly made in-house in Wiseco’s Mentor, Ohio manufacturing facility, Racer Elite rods utilize proprietary steel forgings and are subject to several heat-treating methods, ultimately resulting in a high-strength part capable of delivering extended service life.

They are precision CNC-machined and held to tolerances as tight as one ten-thousandth of an inch, and feature a rolled-in bronze bushing in the small end, oiling slots and passages in both ends. Each and every Racer Elite connecting rod goes through in-depth inspection in Wiseco’s in-house quality control lab, using CMM equipment to measure all key dimensions.

The measurements and weight of each rod, along with a unique serial number, are recorded on a specification sheet and supplied in the box with each rod.

“The number-one benefit is the quality of the materials used. The OEM rod is a good part, but it’s also built specifically for what the stock horsepower output and RPM range is. If you’re using a Racer Elite rod, it’s taking a step up in allowable performance. It offers higher strength and quality, which are necessary to push the limits of what the engine can do in terms of horsepower and RPM,” concluded Baker.

Wiseco’s Racer Elite connecting rods are available for most newer model Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, KTM, Husqvarna and Suzuki motocross-specific four-strokes, as well as the Honda TRX450R and Yamaha YFZ450R ATV applications. Every Racer Elite connecting rod kit includes the rod, OEM-quality crank pin, big-end rod bearing, and thrust washers where applicable. For complete technical details on Racer Elite connecting rods and a list of available applications, visit:

blog.wiseco.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJkvP-xdbcE&t=10s

–Dealernews

TWIN POWER BRAND–Introduces Max+ Batteries, A New Line of
American-Made Batteries for V-Twin and Cruiser Motorcycles

Fort Worth TX – August 18, 2021 – Tucker Powersport’s Twin Power brand has added a new line of American-made, high-performance batteries to its product line and will begin shipping them to dealers today. The Max+ batteries feature the same AGM-technology as original equipment batteries and are a great solution for owners of V-Twins and Cruisers seeking a high-quality, OEM-type replacement battery, especially in a time of serious shortages in supply.

The new batteries are packed with features to enhance their cranking performance and longevity. Advanced AGM (Advanced Glass Mat) technology is employed in their design, and they are manufactured using a rugged OEM-style case and terminals.

The stainless-steel hardware and terminal inserts won’t rust or corrode. The factory-sealed, valve-regulated, maintenance-free design and leakproof pressurized vent system ensure safety and long life. Superior cold cranking amp performance and vibration resistance round out the impressive list of attributes.

“Most V-Twin owners are very particular about the products and accessories that they install, and many choose to use factory-supplied components. If you are looking for the same features and performance of your OEM battery, you will love the new Twin Power Max +. These babies check all the right boxes and are proudly Made in USA,” said James Simonelli, brand manager for Twin Power and Biker’s Choice brand products.

Max+ Batteries are available for most popular late-model V-Twin applications under several part numbers (485254 – 484257). Retail prices start at $124.95 for the TPM-14L, TPM-20H, TPM-20HL and TPM-30HL-type batteries.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON OF THE WEEK–vamoose
[ va-moos ]
verb (used without object)

to leave hurriedly or quickly; decamp.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF VAMOOSE?
Vamoose is an adaptation of the Spanish phrase vamos, and unlike the majority of recent borrowings from Spanish, which preserve the original spelling and approximate the original pronunciation, vamoose is one of a small family of terms borrowed over 100 years ago that changed so much in both letters and sound that their connection to Spanish is almost unrecognizable.

Alligator is one of these words; it comes from a Spanish phrase that means “the lizard.” So are buckaroo, an alteration of the Spanish word for “cowboy,” and cockroach, from Spanish cucaracha.

The closest relative of vamoose is savvy, which derives from Spanish sabe (usted), meaning “(you, formal) know,” and is still sometimes used as a verb in English.

HOW IS VAMOOSE USED?
Sitting beside Russo in the passenger seat of his wheezing Ford Galaxy, all throughout that long cross-country drive, was his mother. She’d decided it was time to vamoose, too, and who better to escape with than the son whom she always called her “rock.”

MAUREEN CORRIGAN, “CARING FOR MOM, DREAMING OF ‘ELSEWHERE,'” NPR, NOVEMBER 5, 2012

“The Brazilians prefer to make xixi in the streets,” he said. “We don’t have enough bathrooms for everyone.” Nearby, a woman was making her own bathroom right next to the entrance of a residential building, vamoosing only when the doorman, Clever Santos Chavez, chased her away.

TERRENCE MCCOY, “AT BRAZIL’S CARNIVAL, RIO DECLARES WAR ON A DAUNTING FOE: PUBLIC URINATION,” WASHINGTON POST, FEBRUARY 24, 2020

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–STURGIS RALLY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 12, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/STURGIS_RALLY_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_12_2021.aspx

Covid sucks!! Take care yourself! We just spent 9 days in the hills and got out safe. Great rally, our 32nd and every one of them are different. Welcome to the badlands!! Ride on

–Rik Savenko
Bismarck, ND

STURGIS HOOK-UP–
It was great seeing you again after all these years, I’m surprised our paths haven’t crossed in the interim! Thanks for showing us your bikes and other cool stuff.

I have attached the ER feature of Judy and the ’42 UL. I still have the bike in the garage but haven’t started or ridden it in quite some time.

The antiques are fun but there is a lot to be said about pushing the “start” button and riding off! I gave Judy your greetings and thank you for complimenting the boys, we are very proud of them!

Maybe we can get together again the next time we get out to the Crook City cabin. We hope you are feeling better and wish you a speedy recovery from the virus!

Regards,
–Eric

NRA GUN NUT REPORT–On Thursday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee will hear two anti-gun bills. SB 264 imposes further restrictions on gun shows and SB 715 further restricts Second Amendment rights of young adults. Please go to the NRA web site to contact committee members and ask them to OPPOSE SB 264 and SB 715.

Senate Bill 264 bans state officers, employees, operators, lessees or licensees from entering into any agreement to allow for the sale of any firearm, firearm parts, or ammunition on property that is owned, leased, occupied, or operated by the state. This imposes a one-size-fits-all restriction to prevent officials from deciding how to use venues. In addition, this prevents businesses from renting taxpayer-funded venues for lawful activities.

Senate Bill 715 limits when a hunting license satisfies the requirements for adults under 21 purchasing a long gun. This means an individual who has purchased a license for an upcoming season will not satisfy the requirements in order to obtain a firearm for hunting.

Thank you for making your voice heard against these bills!

Yours in Freedom,

Ken Lan
Communications Coordinator
NRA-ILA

http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

[page break]

TRUCKER REPORT–You Have Trouble Parking? At Least, You’re Not a Trucker

We need truckers—these men and women crisscross the country to bring goods to shelves everywhere, and without them, our economic engine would grind to a halt. Commercial truck driving is not an easy profession, but in 29 states, it is the most common.

Finding a place to park has become one of the biggest problems truck drivers currently face, and that is a safety problem for everyone on the road. Lack of available parking space ranks number three on the American Transportation Research Institute’s Top Industry Issues report.

The issue is not just about having enough parking spaces. Drivers have primary hour limits (or Hours of Service-HOS Rules) for property-carrying vehicles. They’re called the 14-hour limit and the 60/70 limit.

Under the first HOS rule, drivers cannot be on duty for more than 14 hours, can’t drive for more than 11 of those hours, and only eight of those hours may be driven consecutively. When truckers come on duty, they must have had ten consecutive hours off duty. The second HOS rule states that if drivers work over a period of seven consecutive days, they can only be on duty for a maximum of 60 hours over that period. If drivers work eight consecutive days, they can only be on duty for a maximum of 70 hours. Parking is critical to make those rules work.

Even though OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) has been highlighting this parking shortage for more than a decade, parking capacity remains a significant problem in every corner of the US. The Federal Highway Administration’s National Coalition on Truck Parking found that parking shortages exist at all times of the day, week, and year. The situation is more acute overnight and on weekdays. Major freight corridors and large urban areas present the direst of situations.

OOIDA’s Director of Legislative Affairs Bryce Mongeon explains how this impacts individual trucks and even other motorists:

“If you have a driver who is tired or wants to take a break or they are coming up on a federally mandated rest break, they need a safe place to park. Because of the shortage, if they can’t find a parking space, they are put into a no-win situation and have to decide, ‘Do I pull over and park on the highway shoulder? Do I pull over and take a break? Do I keep driving while possibly fatigued in violation of hours-of-service rules to find a legal parking spot?’ Obviously, that is stressful for truck drivers, but, more broadly, we are talking to Congress about how this is a safety issue for everyone on the road. If there are trucks parked illegally on the shoulder, that’s a hazard for other motorists.”

The FHWA claims there are about 313,000 highway truck-parking spots nationally: 40,000 at public rest areas and 273,000 at private truck stops. Currently, not many new spaces are coming online. Between 2014 and 2019, truck parking capacity has only increased six and eleven percent for public and private venues respectively.

This is such an issue that Congress plans to help alleviate some of the problem. In the House’s multiyear highway policy bill, some representatives want to fund a $1 billion grant program to help expand facilities for truck drivers nationwide. Specifically, the US Department of Transportation would be required to provide $250 million each year between 2023 and 2026 for truck-parking programs around the country. These would be safe rest areas for commercial drivers.

American Trucking Associations VP of Highway Operations Darrin Roth told American Trucker in December 2020 that most states don’t intend to increase capacity. He said the same is true with 79 percent of private providers. Roth noted:

“Whereas 38 percent of truck tonnage is in 32 urban areas, just 8.5 percent of truck parking spaces are in those areas. This is likely because land in large urban areas is scarce and expensive, and NIMBYism has likely prevented truck stops from being able to locate or expand in these areas. It’s critical to drivers that they are able to stay in locations where they’re making deliveries (primarily large urban areas) to maximize efficiency.”

Minneapolis is a prime example of the parking shortage and the problems that cities have with big truck parking on the street. On July 23, 2021, the city council voted to ban trucks over 6,000 pounds from street parking. Residents and businesses have complained that large trucks parked on the street obstruct signage and fire hydrants. The trucks are noisy, emit noxious fumes, and encroach on travel lanes and, of course, reduce parking availability for businesses and residents.

A truck parking ban is indeed a problem for owner-operators. Both OOIDA and the Minnesota Trucking Association have voiced strong opposition to the proposed parking restrictions. MTA President John Hausladen told Transport Topics that the measure provides no meaningful city resources to address the need for adequate truck parking. He added:

“The Minnesota Trucking Association is extremely disappointed with the action of the Minneapolis City Council today. We should be looking for ways to provide more safe parking for truck drivers, instead of pursuing a policy that would diminish an essential industry and do real economic harm to the city.”

Adequate parking is just one of the issues that truckers face—yet another infrastructure problem that the US needs to fix.

–NMA

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–

The Indian has been the iconic image for American big V-Twins down the years, due in no small measure to the motorcycles designed by Charles B. Franklin – the Indian Scout and the Indian Chief.

This book not only chronicles his life but also sheds much new light on the history of Indian motorcycles, and often turbulent times of the Indian Motorcycle Company itself.

An absolutely essential book for Indian enthusiasts, motorcycle historians, and all who love the classic American V-Twin. 352 pages – paperback.

Franklin’s Indians
$50.00

CANCELLATION ALERT–Motorcycle Competition on Pikes Peak – Decision Postponed Until 2021

September 23, 2020

The Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has announced that the decision of whether to include motorcycle competition in future years will be postponed until after the 2021 race.

In July of 2019, it was decided that to determine the long-term viability of the motorcycle program there would be no motorcycle competition offered in 2020. Race organizers planned to review all aspects of the event by gathering and analyzing data to determine the impact of the absence of the motorcycle program.

However, the COVID pandemic forced changes to the race in 2020 resulting in a program that was far from the norm including a 60-day postponement, the loss of nearly all international competitors and, most importantly, the absence of spectators.

“While we had hoped to make a decision post-race in 2020, there were just too many variables this year,” explained Tom Osborne, Chairman. “We worked very hard to stage the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year in the midst of the pandemic so that the tradition of this famous race could continue and it wouldn’t be a fair assessment of motorcycle program viability to make that decision now.”

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–360-Brake

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/360Brake.aspx

Can you please tell me if this type of 360 Brake System is still available for sale? I have this system on my bike and need replacement brake pads but am happy to purchase a new front/rear system.

If so, can you please provide me with a list of suppliers I may be able to contact in regard to this.

Thank you

–Bill Callister
billy1964@live.com.au
Brisbane, Qld, Australia

I was hoping a reader could help.–Bandit

NEW VEHICLE REGS IN THE EU— “By next year, the European Union will have, by far, the most stringent vehicle safety standards in the world with systems including Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), Emergency Lane Keeping Assist (ELKS), drowsiness and distraction recognition and Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) all mandatory. By 2024 every new car sold in the EU will need to be fitted with these technologies.”

NEW YORK IMS SHOW CANCELLED—Sept. 3-5

CoViD strikes again, as the IMS Outdoors New York City stop will not be happening this year, as announced; “As a result of the state of New York’s recent decision to enforce proof of vaccination and rapid testing for public events of scale, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the New York event.”

–Bill Bish
NCOM News Bytes

Watch for Bill’s full report tomorrow.–Bandit

Second Tattoo Inspired ‘Art-Bike’ Design
Revealed By Indian Motorcycle

Highly respected modern-traditional tattoo artist Shige transforms all-new Indian Chief with a design dedicated to the Japanese Oni Demon with a storm of falling cherry blossoms.

The second of three headline artists work to be revealed in CGI as part of the ‘Indian Motorcycle X No Regrets’ tattoo art collaboration.

Indian Motorcycle unveil the second of three unique tattoo inspired designs, created by three iconic featured tattoo artists – Mayonaize, Shige and Carlos Torres – whose Indian Motorcycle Chief based works of art will each be revealed in high-resolution computer-generated imagery over the next three months.

Hailing from Yokohama, Japan, Shige practices the art of tattooing from his private studio ‘Yellow Blaze’ where he has refined his style over the past 24 years, interpreting traditional Japanese themed body art with his own unique twist.

Shige perfected his highly technical artistic skills in the mid-nineties while working as a motorcycle mechanic by day and tattooing at night, that passion for American motorcycles translated into his choice of design for the Indian Motorcycle Chief.

Talking with Indian Motorcycle’s Ola Stenegärd, Shige explained his design:

Ola Stenegärd – “I first came in contact with Japanese custom bike culture back in the ‘90s, the more I learned about Japanese culture, I started seeing parallels in the culture of craftsmanship. Everything from custom bikes to the Japanese art of tattooing. What is the story of the design?”

Shige – “I picked the ‘Oni demon with storm of falling cherry blossoms’ design. My understanding of tattooing is different from what the majority thinks – who understand it mainly as decoration. The reason for the placement of an Oni-demon tattooed on the belly means you have Oni-demon in the center of the body and heart, this translates to the motorcycle fuel tank.

The Oni-demon stands for strong will and protection; Oni is a demon, but its meaning is not evil. It wards off bad luck and protects you from evil. Having Oni-demon tattooed on the belly shows one’s determination to live in this harsh world with a strong heart. The Japanese language is full of mystery, and it is believed that the stomach contains the entire human heart”

“A tattoo has to be beautiful as the body moves. The cherry blossoms have to be perfectly composed as they are there to balance the Oni-demon, together with the deep meaning of the flower. Cherry Blossoms means ‘the pathos of things’. This image of ‘a sensitivity to ephemera’ can also be related to the motorbike – or even one’s life. That’s the reason why I chose this image. Showing the Indian Motorcycle Chief and the dramatic depth of life itself. It is not just about looks. I desire to put emotional drama into the design of this motorbike. And the Oni-demon does create this drama”

Shige’s design will be applied to a real Indian Motorcycle Chief later this year and revealed in the metal at a VIP event in London in Spring 2022, alongside designs from artists Mayonaize and Carlos Torres. Forty more of the world’s leading tattoo artists will all compete to have their Indian Motorcycle Chief designs made a reality in steel and paint later this Autumn by public vote.

#createalegend #indianmotorcycle #nrstudios – Indian Motorcycle x No Regrets

Win Your Dream Tattoo

Alongside the three ‘Art-Bikes’ designed by the three featured artists, Indian Motorcycle and No Regrets are offering the chance for riders to win a dream tattoo.

By registering for a test ride online riders could win a tattoo of their choice, in a two day studio session compliments of No Regrets & Indian Motorcycle, valued at €6000.

For more information about Indian Motorcycle’s Test Ride and Win tattoo competition visit https://link-indian.com/NBX8VG

– Austria
– Denmark
– France
– Finland
– Germany
– Norway
– Poland
– Spain
– Sweden
– Switzerland
– United Kingdom

MIC FLY-IN CANCELLED–The MIC Board of Directors is postponing the 2021 Capitol Hill Fly-In, given the increasing uncertainty regarding the Delta variant of the coronavirus and the limited access to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Many Hill and federal offices remain on work-from-home status and are not conducting in-person meetings. Stay tuned for updates here in the MIC RideReport and on the MIC website.

–MIC

THE AFGHANISTAN QUESTION—I asked J.J. what he thought of Biden’s actions in Afghanistan.

You might ask how does anyone in the 8,000 years of the place do there? We armed a million Muslims in affagystan thinking they would go to war with 100 million Muslims. They’re all on the same side over there.

But the Pentagon and DC think Islam is a religion, but it’s a global war machine.

It’s job is to kill, rape, extort and enslave. Kinda like EVERY OTHER FUCKING GOVERNMENT IN HISTORY!!

thank you.

–J.J. Solari

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2015 Harley-Davidson FXDWG – Dyna Wide Glide for $14,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10785884

This bike is a super clean very low mileage Wide Glide

ONLY 5584.00 Miles !!!!!

2015 Red metallic sunglo Harley-Davidson FXDWG DYNA WIDE GLIDE

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-speed trans
* Two-piece seat
* Vance & Hines exhaust
* Forward controls
* Luggage rack

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether you’re looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $14,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–Ya know, here’s the thing: You don’t go down into a place called Valley of Hell and expect good things to happen. Unless you’re, ya know, a bit dim.

No, what you do is you go to places called Meadow of Delight. Or Sylvan Glade of Happiness. If you see on the map a place called Valley of Hell, you don’t get excited and say to the kids, “Hey, Valley of Hell! Let’s check it out!” No. You stay away. You don’t check it out.

There’s a reason we’re all in face masks for two years because of an illness no one seems to agree on what it is or where it came from or what it does. It’s because of the same reason that entices us as being a good idea to go check out a place called Valley of Hell.

Maybe instead of carrying masks around to keep from getting whatever it is the masks are supposed to keep us from getting we should be carrying DICTIONARIES!

Thank you.

–J.J. Solari
Senior Investigator
Bikernet.com™
Den of the Deep Doom

NEW FROM NAMZ–Letric lighting Co. is very excited to announce the arrival of new additions to our “Color Series” collection! We have added six new unique headlights.

Our all new “Color Series” LED headlamp line-up is available in your choice of three different colors (red, blue, or gold) and are 100% Plug-n-Play. Our 5.75-inch version offers 2200-lumen low beam and 4000-lumen high beam, while our 7-inch version offers 2600 lumen low beam, 4400 lumens high beam with a full halo. These “Color Series” lights feature, 6000K Color Temp, Cree LED Chips, IP67, DOT, SAE & E-Mark compliant.

These new designs will enhance the visibility and style of any bike. Best of all, Letric Lighting Co’s high-quality LEDs are backed by our limited lifetime warranty.

These complement our already popular Color Series members, the Royal Flush and 45-Caliber Turn Signals, also available in red, blue, and gold. The Royal Flush LEDs come in packs of six and can be used as sequential lighting when paired with one of our sequential lighting modules.

Our 45-Caliber LEDs come in packs of two and are available in single-function red, dual-function red, and dual-function white/amber switchbacks. Both are hard wired for universal fitment and can be installed wherever you want some extra light!

Check out our 7″ Color Series Headlights at the NAMZ web site.

[page break]

WORLD PREMIER! –New 2022 FastDates Motorcycle PinUp Calendars & Yearbook?

The new 2022 FastDates Motorcycle PinUp Calendars featuring Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycles and Garage Girls Hard at Work photographed by renown glamour and motorsports photographer Jim Gianatsis make their return for 32-year of publication!

Both the new Iron & Lace and Garage Girls PinUp Calendars feature the beautiful Calendar Kittens photographed with many of the world’s best Cafe Racers, Bobbers, Metric and American Customs. You will want to get both Calendars, one for the house and one for the garage. What better way to enjoy each month but with great photography of the world’s best motorcycles and beautiful girls.

Order now at http://www.FastDates.com.

The 2022 Iron & Lace Calendar this year features cool new V-Twin Customs and Metric Cafe Racers from Yaniv Evan / Powerplant Choppers, Jamie Oliff Fabrications, Richard Pollock / Mule Motorcycles, Russell Mitchell / Exile Cycles, Daniel Stern’s custom sidecar, Ron Baldonado, and Todd Daniel / BX Custom Design Bagger. Plus there’s one more special treat, legendary actor Steve McQueen’s 1942 Indian Scout from the collection of Daniel Schoenewald. Together with two historic Iron & Lace Calendar shoots with never before seen shots: A Big Twin custom from legendary East Coast Hamster Club builder Dave Perewitz, photographed in downtown Los Angeles with Playboy Playmate Cynthia Brimhall. And Roland Sand’s /RSD “No Regrets” street racer with Playboy Playmate Tamara Witmer. Beautiful new FastDates.com Calendar Kittens this year include are Maxim’s Karina Vélez featured i n black lingerie on the cover of both Calendars, plus Playboy centerfold Monica Sims and Penthouse centerfold Riley Anne.

The 2022 Garage Girls Calendar offers another look at the beautiful Calendar Kittens, some with some cool new Cafe Racer and Collector Bikes at the request of fans who miss the discontinued Fast Dates Superbike Calendar. One of the bikes is legendary actor Steve McQueen’s 1942 Indian Scout. These mechanics may not know how to tickle a float bowl or change a spark plug, but does it really matter?

These beautiful wall calendars are your exclusive 16-month pit pass to top custom and race bikes and prettiest centerfold models in revealing swimwear and lingerie. FastDates.com Calendars are highest quality full color 15 x 15″ wire spiral bound with hang clip, printed on heavy art stock art board. These 2022 16-month Calendars being with September 2021. $24.95 each.

The new FAST 2022 Calendar Yearbook with 124-pages is both an OnLine Digital FlipBook and a 12×12′ high quality Printed Hardcover Coffee Table Book talking you behind the scenes for an even more exciting look at the incredible Custom Motorcycles, Legendary Bike Buiders and the Calendar Kittens who tamed them! Included is a special tribute to Hugh Heffner and Playboy magazine which provided many of our Calendar Kittens from the beginning. Now online at http://www.FastDates.com. FastDates.com Calendars are also available in the USA at Amazon.com, Calendars.com / 1-800-366-3645; and in Europe at Zodiac Motorcycle Parts / Zodiac.nl, and Custom Chrome Europe / CustomChrome.de

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING WINS AT NEW YORK SHORT TRACK DOUBLEHEADER

Indian Motorcycle Privateer Sammy Halbert Captures First Win of Season aboard FTR750,

WEEDSPORT, N.Y. (August 16, 2021) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, continues its success within the 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) SuperTwins season, as Indian Motorcycle Racing privateer Sammy Halbert and Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees each captured wins at the New York Short Track doubleheader. Piloting the FTR750, Halbert secured his first win of the 2021 season, while Mees returned to the top of the box for his third win of the season.

On Friday, the two-time reigning SuperTwins Champion Briar Bauman was in a close and aggressive battle with Halbert. Living up to his nickname, ‘Slammin’ Sammy Halbert was able to pull away from the No. 1 plate and secure the victory – leaving the two Wrecking Crew factory riders, Bauman and Mees, left to duke it out for second. Ultimately, Bauman was able to fend off Mees and reach the podium for his eighth straight race.

“Sammy has been battling an injury over these last several weeks, so to see him come back and battle with Bauman and get his first win of the season says a lot about his competitive nature and drive to win. Hats off to him, Kenny and the entire Coolbeth-Nila Racing team,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “In round two, we all saw a classic Mees performance, as he came back with a chip on his shoulder. He knew he could have his way with this track, and that’s exactly what he did. For Jared, there’s plenty of racing to make a run at this year’s championship, but he knows each race is extremely critical.”

Round two saw Mees return with a vengeance and lead all but the first lap from the Main event. While the line changed dramatically throughout the weekend, Mees smartly adjusted to optimize traction. His best decision came when he took the high line allowing him to pass multiple riders and put him out in front, ultimately leading the way through the checkered flag.

Following the doubleheader at Weedsport Speedway, Bauman maintains his lead with 197, while Mees sits in second with 175 points. Indian Motorcycle privateer Brandon Robinson is third with 168 points.

The 2021 AFT season continues August 21 at the Peoria Motorcycle Club for the Law Tigers Peoria TT. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing and the Indian Wrecking Crew, visit IndianMotorcycle.com or follow along on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

DENNIS KIRK OFFERS A DISCOUNT ON S&S PARTS— Dennis Kirk has a great selection of parts and accessories from The S&S Cycle to take your ride from stock to sweet.

And remember, orders placed by 8PM CST ship the same day, with free shipping on orders over $89.

Ride More. Wait Less.

SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR ROCKS–Kristi Noem governs her state with rare humility and common sense

By Salena Zito

KEYSTONE, South Dakota — The only thing tiny about the size of this town, nestled in a valley in the Black Hills Mountains, is its 3-square-mile footprint, located a couple of miles below the ascent to Mount Rushmore.

As during most days that do not include snow, it was packed last week, with people sitting outdoors, eating at restaurants or pubs, shopping at local shops, or stocking up on bottled water for the last stop before their final destinations.

Most people in Keystone were heading to one of two places — Mount Rushmore, less than 3 miles away, or the Sturgis bike rally less than an hour away, in which South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem had just participated.

Noem, in an interview with the Washington Examiner, told me she is thrilled that most of them did both. “There is something very aspirational about attending the rally,” she said. “I think the people attending are all very unified in the fact that they’ve recognized the importance of freedom and personal responsibility. And by coming and participating in a long-held tradition with people that really do love our country, for them, is an encouraging and unifying experience.”

On Thursday of last week, as the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was coming to a close, the South Dakota Department of Transportation estimated that 423,273 motorcyclists had attended the annual event, nearly 13% more than last year, in the middle of the pandemic.

Noem said last year was quite a bit smaller than normal because of the pandemic. “I think they do very much feel like it’s a mission to take back their country in a way that brings people together rather than what we see on TV a lot, which is attacking each other,” she said.

Ahead of the event, Noem attended the rally that began on Aug. 6 and ended on Aug. 15. Anthony Fauci said the country was in the middle of a public health crisis and that he was “very concerned” the outdoor event would cause a surge in COVID-19 cases. He had not made any similar comments about, for example, the Lollapalooza festival event held in Chicago a few days before the Sturgis rally, which attracted well over 385,000 people, many of them using public transportation for the concerts.

–Yahoo News

 Something by a Selena Zito favorable about Noem. Gotta be a Chuck Zito relative, writing nice shit about biker disobedience. If there’s a Zito in journalism that can’t be a bad thing.–J.J. Solari

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–

Joe visits a red light district full of whorehouses. He sees a broker and asks, “What are the rates?”

Broker: “$1000 for a girl, $200 for me, $120 for police.”

Joe: “You have made my day! Go, first get me a damn cop.”

Police: “Right in front of you that thief grabbed that woman’s purse and fled. Why didn’t you try to help the struggling woman?”

Man on street: “Sir, I know that woman. Her Facebook status says, ‘I can handle my own problems – don’t underestimate the power of a woman’.”

Police: “Thank you for the ‘notification’.”

From Guide for drinking whiskey:
First shot – Digestion starts working
Second shot – Relaxation happens
Third shot – Feel Intelligent
Fourth shot – Feel Naughty
Fifth shot – Feel like a King
For more such wisdom invite me for drinks.

–Wayfarer
Certified librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad joke Library

WILD, New Bikernet Reader Comment!

HOT ACTION BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 5, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/HOT_ACTION_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_5_2021.aspx

I expect to see multiples of the 2022 version of that billboard on the roads into Sturgis and Bikernet banners hanging over the main drags in Sturgis, Deadwood and the big campgrounds when I hit town next year.

Both the wife and I will finally be retired and virus be damned, next year is our year to go west instead of just east coast events.

–Vern Moore
Kingsley, PA

I’ll work on it. Congrats on your retirement! –Bandit

LETTER TO THE LA TIMES–overland letter I just mailed to the la times. If I turn up dead under mysterious circumstances, they did it. tell the cops. thank you.

–J.J. Solari

re: your July 29 “all must obey us” editorial on universal vaccinations

Dear El Segundo Times Editorial Staff;

I read your July 29 Entire Staff Effort editorial that the unvaccinated are a risk to the galaxy.

There’s a reason untalented, unmotivated, unpopular, unattractive, unintelligent people become journalists. It’s because they are angry at Creation for having made them, basically, “seconds” versions of actual people.

Now, I can’t see any of your faces or see any of your probably muscle-free bodies, but I was able to navigate your combined prose offering in the editorial and would I be correct in guessing that the entire Times editorial staff is homely, misshapen 13-year-old frustrated, rancor-filled lesbians? Would I have that right?

You know, that very-badly-written editorial had not one shred of actual factual data in it regarding the annual cold and flu season which you insist is a contagion from another dimension of medical science.

All it had was snotty pouting sessions of badly-written frustration at having no actual power over others other than the ability to scare the crap out of bureaucrats and Screen Actors Guild members who dare to refuse to do what you say.

No one normal thinks twice about journalists and if they do it’s with the emotional version of a sour stomach. No one likes you failed novelists. Which you and me know is what you all are, though everyone else seems to think you hacks are explorers searching out truth. The only thing you hacks search out is new ways to corrupt vocabulary. What little vocabulary you have at your disposal.

You said, “hooray” in the editorial. You hoorayed some item of tyranny. No surprise there. You wouldn’t be journalists if you weren’t big fans of the obedience of all to the edicts of a few.

There wasn’t one reasoned argument in the whole childish terrible-twos mess. Just snotty insistence on everyone doing what you say. Or, just journalism, in other words.

Sincerely,

J.J. Solari
Senior Media Advisor
Bikernet.com™

Deborah Butitta Inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame–The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to congratulate board member and ex-officio Deborah Butitta, on her induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame during the 81st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Butitta was the recipient of the “Freedom Fighter Award” which recognizes individuals who have made a long-term, positive impact on the motorcycle rights community!

The Freedom Fighter Award recognizes the sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists through their efforts in the political arena and in grass-roots motorcyclists’ rights organizations.

Deborah Butitta was born and raised in Rockford, IL. To a modest family. As a young girl Deborah was around motorcycles and by high school could be seen riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle. In the early 90’s Deborah was introduced to ABATE of AZ, in 1994 Deborah joined the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

During her tenure with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Deborah held 3 different positions, including Corporate Secretary for 8 years. Currently Deborah is on the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Board of Directors, and she is the Chairman for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness and Education Board of Directors.

Congratulations Deb!

HELMET TESTING FAILURE–Summary of results based on aggregate testing data for the past seven years:

The sample size in 2020 was less than half that in 2015 and 2017. The problem with that is, the smaller the sample size, the less valid the result data will be. The only way to get the most accurate read on the true quality level of the helmets available to the purchasing public is to expand the sample size. To get the largest sample size possible, looking back over-testing results for several years is necessary.

Taking the look-back period out to seven years expands the total sample size to 183 helmets of all sizes, brands and models tested. Given the number of brands, models, and sizes of helmets on the market, even that number is woefully inadequate, but it’s all that is available to generate a reasonably current sampling of helmet products.

The percentage of helmets that were found to fail to meet the safety standards on one or more performance standards (what is tested to assess performance vs. labeling is described above) for the past seven years is 39.9 percent (73 out of 183).

That means that consumers who have purchased a helmet on the market in the past seven years labeled as “DOT Certified” have a four in ten chance of purchasing a helmet that does not meet the DOT safety performance standards, even though it may have a label on it that says “DOT Certified.” This percentage of failures is statistically about the same as it has been for the past several years.

–Ultimate motorcycling.com

QUICK MOVIE REVIEW–I know you are still busy but when you get a chance you should review the movie Born to Ride with John Stamos.

I don’t know when it was produced, but it had the cleanest Knuckle racer in it and a couple of stars.

I give it a B rating only because it was not a main line movie at the time. Good story line, highs and lows, and the guy gets the girl in the end.

–Gearhead

RARE RACING HISTORY AT WHEELS THROUGH TIME

We recently had the opportunity to acquire an incredibly rare racing machine for the Wheels Through Time collection. The serial #1 Factory Racing CAC, owned and Raced by Joe Petrali.

We’re proud to be able to preserve and share this piece of history for future generations!

As many of you know, Wheels Through Time is entirely funded through the generous contributions of our supporters. Through your support, we can continue to discover, preserve, display, and tell the story of the American motorcycle.

It’s incredible people like YOU that help fuel “The Museum That Runs.”

Joe Petralli’s Serial #1 CAC

This Factory machine was the personal race bike of Joe Petrali and was revived by the Harley-Davidson Factory in the ’70s. Petrali is considered by most to be one of the best racers of all time, capturing national championships in flat track, board track, hill climb, and even setting land speed records.

NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–We are home from Sturgis and things are hopping at the studio! Thanks to all who visited us in Deadwood. We are truly blessed that you carve time out of your rally schedule to come and see us!

Our production department is feverishly working to get a record number of pieces out in the coming weeks. If you have piece(s) on order, please know that they are working overtime and appreciate your patience!

Thought we’d send an update on this very eventful Sturgis and what’s on the horizon.

** Monday’s Legends Ride auction brought an amazing $55,000 for a 48×36 embellished True Grit signed by David and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

** Wednesday morning, at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame induction, David unveiled his new painting of Jessi Combs (she was inducted into the Hall this year). David is donating this original oil to the Jessi Combs Foundation and they plan on raffling it off to provide scholarships for women entering the trades. They are putting it together as I write this, so if interested please visit thejessicombsfoundation.com or The Jessi Combs Foundation on FaceBook and Instagram.

David took the reference photo a few years back at The Race of Gentlemen in New Jersey. We plan on offering an exclusive canvas print of this new piece, “Shooting Star” once the raffle for the oil concludes (most likely October). We are now taking a list of interested parties for the print, so please let me know if you’d like to be included. We plan on offering matching edition numbers for those who have “Jessi”.

For those looking for the first Jessi print, it’s been sold out for several years but I just learned of a 32×24 ($4,500) and a 40×30 ($6,000) for sale. Please let me know ASAP if either is of interest.

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
303-913-4840

CLASSIC HELMETS FROM BIKERLID–Do you know? Bikerlid’s German Mayan Style Is Lowest Sitting DOT Approved Helmet On The Market.

THE SOLARI ALERT— “We can win this war if everyone will follow the wise and thoughtful recommendations of medical experts and government leaders,” said the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, of Utah in a released statement regarding the Declared Pandemic, as I call it.

The statement did not offer any advice on how you tell the wise and thoughtful recommendations of the medical experts and the government leaders from the tyrannical and sinister ones. Which would have been helpful.

Of course, it could be ALL the recommendations of the medical experts and government leaders are wise and thoughtful. As is the case with all religions.

–J.J. Solari

LIFE IS NUTS AND THEN WE DIE—I had an epiphany today. That means trouble. Did you see the piece about Truckers? Environmentalists have attacked truckers for a long time. Now, they won’t let them park or rest.

It’s as if the younger generation wants to live in DisneyWorld without any access to the inner workings, industry, supplies, or power grid behind the colorful exterior. Oops.

I lived in a perfect example, Wilmington, California on the Port of Los Angeles. It turned into an industrial ghetto of homelessness. You could ride to Long Beach, a beautiful town of marinas and pristine beaches. Then ride into Wilmington where the trucks were bumper to bumper with junk yards, port cranes, and container parking lots. Folks drove around the town to avoid the industrial aspects. Citizens tried to regulate truck traffic and environmentalist constantly attacked air quality. Actually, the air quality wasn’t bad. 

Okay, so my epiphany was to have all the truckers go on strike until we have a national debate about Climate Doomsday, an open debate with all the scientists required to attend. It’s time someone paid for scaring the shit out of kids for 20 years and causing undo regulations and strife, not to mention extra pressure on truckers for doing their jobs. The country and the world deserve the truth.

What do you think?

We need to ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

Hey,

I received a report from the NMA last Sunday. I contained major concerns regarding Biden’s demand for 40-50 percent of manufactured autos to be electric by 2030.

I questioned the report, because he never mentioned Climate Doom. Here’s what I said: Why not one line about the most important controlling topic, Climate Doom. There are new books published weekly around false claims. Here’s the latest: Prominent Meteorologist & Hurricane Expert Bill Penky declares he is a climate skeptic – No evidence for ‘a supposed climate doomsday’ – Calls man-made climate fears ‘imaginary’ in new book

Here’s a study published last week: STUDY FINDS SUN—NOT CO2—May Be Behind Global Warming

New peer-reviewed paper finds evidence of systemic bias in UN IPCC’s data selection to support climate-change narrative

The sun and not human emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) may be the main cause of warmer temperatures in recent decades, according to a new study with findings that sharply contradict the conclusions of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The peer-reviewed paper, produced by a team of almost two dozen scientists from around the world, concluded that previous studies did not adequately consider the role of solar energy in explaining increased temperatures.

–Epoch Times

If we don’t start pushing back and force questioning in the news, all your consumer rhetoric won’t mean a thing. They are saving the planet, step aside…

–Bandit

Here’s Gary’s Response: Emissions standards are directly connected to the NMA mission of protecting drivers’ rights. Climate change is not. It is a topic that divides our membership, and even our board of directors. That makes sense because it polarizes the country, no, the world. If we take a position on climate change, we’ll end up spending our waking hours debating that issue instead of concentrating on the issues most people joined the NMA for — rational traffic laws (including speed limits), fair enforcement that meets our “innocent until proven guilty” system of justice, and curtailment of oppressive surveillance of road users, among other things.

–Gary
NMA

Here’s what I wrote back: Interesting,

I understand your plight. Although your first line is wrong. Climate Change is the control knob behind all emissions standards. If we can’t question the source how can you question the results?

I appreciate all you guys are doing. Keep after it.

All the best,

–Bandit

Okay, so this begs for several questions. Is Gary being bullied by a portion of his membership or members of the board. What’s wrong with debate? What’s wrong with education and critical thinking. Don’t folks want to know what’s happening on both sides of the debate? Don’t folks want to know the facts? I think they do, and I think the bully world is going to get its ass kicked.

Let me know what you think.

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.

FROM THE GEARHEAD DIARIES–
I was hanging out with Bandido Fred and some guys from the South Bay area of Los Angeles back in the late ‘70s. There was an opportunity for all of us to be extras on “Mask.” I missed the stage call because I was up in Nor.Cal. like always. The story line is put a bunch of owner operator bikers on the back lot with a lot of beer and that is a real abstraction. This story line was relayed to me directly from Bandido Fred.

The boys were raising all kinds of Hell on the studio back lot. They were drag racing and doing who can do the longest wheelies. The director was pretty ticked off. They just don’t understand, he told them . We don’t do boredom. Bandido Fred told them. So, all that is what I was told. Distraction!

I believe so.

–Gearhead

DENNIS QUAID ANNOUNCES 2021 FALL TOUR AND NEW ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE IN 2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Multi-hyphenate global superstar Dennis Quaid will return to the road this fall and take his high energy show to such prestigious venues as Sony Hall in New York, N.Y., Sellersville Theatre in Sellersville, Pa., The Sheldon in St. Louis, Mo. and many more during a 12-city jaunt. The tour kicks off in Frederick, Md. and concludes in Nashville, Tenn. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Audiences will experience the musicality and passion for playing live that have earned Quaid rave reviews. A riveting performer, Quaid captivates the audiences with engaging stories about his illustrious film career and stories behind the highly personal songs that will populate his forthcoming inspirational album set for release in 2022 via Gaither/Primary Wave.

During Quaid’s lengthy shows, he covers some of his favorite songs from Jerry Lee Lewis as a tip of the hat to the “the Killer” who Quaid portrayed in the box office smash Great Balls of Fire!, displaying equal ease on the piano with rock ‘n’ roll classics as well as country standards with his acoustic guitar. Musically his shows encompass country and rock driven by his distinct vocals and anchored by his gift for telling compelling stories in his songwriting.

Though he loves writing, recording and making movies, the stage holds a special place in Quaid’s heart, and for the last four decades, he’s toured extensively earning the acclaimed actor a reputation as a respected touring artist.

DENNIS QUAID ON TOUR:
Oct. 30 Ausherman Theatre – Frederick, Md.
Oct. 31 Sellersville Theatre – Sellersville, Pa.
Nov. 1 Sony Hall – New York, N.Y.
Nov. 3 Daryl’s House – Pawling, N.Y.
Nov. 5 Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, Pa.
Nov. 6 Kent Stage – Kent, Ohio
Nov. 7 The Acorn – Three Oaks, Mich.
Nov. 10 City Winery – Chicago, Ill.
Nov. 11 Ludlow Garage – Cincinnati, Ohio
Nov. 12 Sheldon – St. Louis, Mo.
Nov. 13 Grand Theatre – Frankfort, Ky.
Nov. 15 City Winery – Nashville, Tenn.

https://www.dennisquaidandthesharks.com/

GUN NUT ALERT–Please see your NRA’s statement on the cancellation of the 2021 NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, below:

FAIRFAX, Va. – Due to concern over the safety of our NRA family and community, we regret to inform you that we have decided to cancel the 2021 Annual Meeting & Exhibits. This cancellation applies to all events and meetings that were scheduled in Houston. We will provide future notification regarding a rescheduled date for the annual Meeting of Members.

We make this difficult decision after analyzing relevant data regarding COVID-19 in Harris County, Texas. We also consulted with medical professionals, local officials, major sponsors & exhibitors, and many NRA members before arriving at this decision.

The NRA Annual Meeting welcomes tens of thousands of people, and involves many events, meetings, and social gatherings. Among the highlights of our annual meeting are acres of exhibit space featuring the latest and greatest firearms, the display of countless accessories, and the offering of adventures and group gatherings that many travel hundreds, and some even thousands, of miles to experience. We realize that it would prove difficult, if not impossible, to offer the full guest experience that our NRA members deserve.

The NRA’s top priority is ensuring the health and well-being of our members, staff, sponsors, and supporters. We are mindful that NRA Annual Meeting patrons will return home to family, friends and co-workers from all over the country, so any impacts from the virus could have broader implications. Those are among the reasons why we decided to cancel our 2021 event.

We would like to thank our members, attendees, exhibitors, and staff for their understanding and support. We are grateful for the many contributions of the George R. Brown Convention Center, state and local officials, community organizers, area hotels, and countless event venues across Houston. We receive enormous support from Houston and the State of Texas – and we hope to return to the Bayou City for a full annual meeting experience.

The NRA looks forward to a Celebration of Freedom in Louisville in May 2022. In the meantime, we will support many other NRA local events and smaller gatherings – in a manner that is protective of our members and celebrates our Second Amendment freedom.

We wish continued health and safety to our entire NRA family.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to see you soon.

Yours in freedom,

Christian Ragosta
NRA-ILA
http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY MOTORCYCLE HISTORY MUSEUM--Charles Metz was bullish on the potential of his DeDion-Bouton motor tricycle to transfer motor power from the track to the street. In 1899 he took his conviction a step further with the development of the unique Orient “Autogo;” one part runabout— one part tricycle.

It immediately became the Waltham Manufacturing Company’s flagship motor machine for recreation and touring on America’s roads. Charles Metz pulled out all the stops and launched the first large-scale commercial marketing campaign in the U.S. for a motor-powered vehicle other than an automobile. In fact, to contrast his Orient Autogo from the automobile, he referred to them as “motorcycles” in his 1900 sales catalog.

–Sam Burns
Official Historic Contributor
Bikernet.com™

DEAL FROM BIKERLIDS–
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Our exclusive beanie low profile helmet is the world’s lightest helmet in the market today.
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WOMEN IN POWERSPORTS–
MIC Breakfast Meeting in D.C. Fuels Ideas and Passion

More than a dozen women in powersports gathered last week to discuss current industry efforts to help grow ridership and to share ideas on ways to inspire more women to ride.

The Women’s Business Meeting Powered by the MIC was held during the in-person Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference, hosted by Alisa Clickenger in Arlington, Virginia, right by the nation’s capital.

“This was a great opportunity for women in the industry to exchange ideas with one another and to network,” said Andria Yu, MIC director of media relations.

Yu gave a brief industry overview, sharing positive sales trends through the second quarter from the MIC Retail Sales Reporting System. She also talked about the MIC’s Ride With Us Moto Intro, which gives non-riders their first motorcycling experience within 45 minutes.

Breeann Poland of Royal Enfield talked about the company’s investment in women and flat track racing, and Sylvia Henderson of MindTeam Solutions, Inc., shared ways to develop leadership skills.

“I was really encouraged by the passion that everyone showed, and how excited everyone was about getting more women riding more,” Yu said. “There were a lot of fantastic ideas about mentorship and coaching, and I look forward to seeing some of them come to life.”

–MIC

ARTICLE TITLE OF THE WEEK–these are probably people who have spent most of their lives saying muslims are nice.

–J.J. Solari

2022 ROYAL ENFIELD 650 TWIN MOTORCYCLES GET NEW COLORS & UPDATES

Five new eye-catching colors for INT 650 and Continental GT 650

It Royal Enfield North America today announced the launch of new color ways for its 2022 650 Twin motorcycles—the INT 650 twin and the Continental GT 650 Twin. Both models also received a host of aesthetic upgrades, including blacked-out rims and fenders, and black fork gaiters, adding a stylish flare to Royal Enfield’s modern classics.

The 2022 Royal Enfield INT 650 Twin is now available in two new Standard (single-tone) colors—Canyon Red and Ventura Blue—and two new Custom (dual-tone) colors—Downtown Drag, Sunset Strip—along with a new updated version of the chrome variant, the Mark 2.

The Mark 2 Chrome INT 650 is an ode to the original Interceptor 750, a throwback to the golden age of 1960’s California motorcycle culture. The INT 650 Twin retains the single-tone Orange Crush color and the timeless Baker Express dual-tone option that has been extremely popular.

The 2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 café racer has also been introduced in five new colors. Taking inspiration from the Continental GT of the 1960’s and calls from die-hard fans of this beloved model, Royal Enfield has reintroduced the Continental GT 650 Twin in its most celebrated Rocker Red Standard (single-tone) and has also introduced the motorcycle in the British Racing Green Standard color.

The 2022 Continental GT 650 is also available in two new Custom (dual-tone) color ways—Dux Deluxe and Ventura Storm—and has an updated version of the chrome variant in Mister Clean.

With seven color options on the 2022 INT 650 Twin, and five new colors on the 2022 Continental GT 650 Twin, both motorcycles will get a range of aesthetic updates as well to compliment the new color ways. Royal Enfield is proud to reveal blacked-out rims and fenders on additional color variants of the INT 650 Twin, adding to its classic appeal.

This update was introduced following the overwhelmingly positive response on the blacked-out rims that were previously only available on the dual-tone models. In addition to the rims and fenders, both model lines will come equipped with black fork gaiters.

Royal Enfield continues its focus on growing the middleweight segment with affordable, approachable and accessible products ideal for motorcyclists from beginner-level to seasoned riders. The 2022 models in INT 650 in Standard color ways will be available at $5,999. Custom color ways for $6,199 and the chrome variant Mark 2 models are available at $6,699. The Continental GT 650 in Standard color ways will be available at $6,199, Custom color ways are available for $6,499 and the chrome variant Mister Clean is available for $6,999.

2022 Royal Enfield North America Pricing
INT 650 Standard: $5,999.00
INT 650 Custom: $6,199.00
INT 650 Special (chrome): $6,699.00
Continental GT 650 Standard: $6,199.00
Continental GT 650 Custom: $6,499.00
Continental GT 650 Special (chrome): $6,999.00

The 2022 Royal Enfield INT 650 Twin and 2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Twin motorcycles will begin arriving at North American dealerships mid-September.

BIKERNET MASK ALERT–
Friends, please put on a mask. It saves lives. Yesterday a friend of mine went out with his girlfriend and on the way he passed by his wife. His wife did not recognize him. The mask really saved his life.

–Wayfarer

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB– 86, COUNT THEM, 86 DEUS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES LOVINGLY REPRODUCED OVER 332 PAGES TO CREATE A SEISMIC THUD OF PAGINATED JOY.

THE LATEST OF DXM’S COFFEE TABLE CRUSHERS CELEBRATES THE COMPANY’S FIRST TRUE LOVE IN VIRTUALLY ALL ITS GUISES.

THIS VOLUME OF VELOCITY CHRONICLES BESPOKE CREATIONS FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE DEUS UNIVERSE: FROM ECCENTRIC, ONE-LUNG PUTT-PUTTS TO ELECTRIC, CARBON-COMPOSIT HYPERBIKES.

Buy Now

WORDS FROM THE BASE OF THE INSPIRATIONAL MOUNTAIN–Alphabet “O” from “Opportunity” is absent in Yesterday, available in Today and thrice in Tomorrow.

“When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” – Zig Ziglar

“Life and Time are two global teachers. Life teaches us to make good use of time, while time teaches us the value of life.”

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” – Joyce Meyer

–Wayfarer
Monk in Training
Emerald Temple
At the top of the gray mountain

The “Walter” Documentary Wins a Telly Award

The Edge Ltd., the producer of the “Walter” documentary, is proud to announce that the “Walter” documentary trailer has won a Telly Silver Award in the 42nd annual competition.

The Telly Awards, founded in 1979, is a prestigious showcase of the best-produced media receiving over 12,000 entries from the US and 5 continents annually. Telly Award winners represent the most respected producers in the industry. James Cutting, executive producer of “Walter,” is honored and thrilled with this Silver Telly and is confident that the “Walter” documentary will win additional accolades once it is released.

The Walter documentary will be premiering on September 2nd, 2021 at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with additional showings through the Fall of 2021.

“Walter” Synopsis & Trailer
“Walter: The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” is the story of the last-known Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Truck in existence, affectionately known as Walter.

This documentary chronicles the life and times of Walter the forecar from its early days of service on the streets of old Milwaukee, through many decades of desolation stored in a horse barn, and then decades of restoration to eventually become the most valuable service motorcycle in the world.

Along the way, the producer explores the history of three-wheeled motorcycles; the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s development of commercial service and delivery motorcycles, and most importantly documents one man’s adventure in restoring a motorcycle that had been in his family for nearly a century.

Independent producer James Cutting considers the discovery of Walter to be the most extraordinary barn-find of our times.
“Walter” documentary trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHvOfoRrZc

NEWS FROM THE LOWBROW CREW– A couple of years ago I would have said NO WAY…

But…
We are excited to share the news with you that we just broke ground on a big addition at Lowbrow Customs HQ!
We are doubling the size of our building, it should be done before the end of the year.

This means more space for creating, storing and shipping the highest quality, most innovative motorcycle parts in the world to you and all of our other supporters!

THANK YOU for your support. We are stoked to be able to do what we love, and we couldn’t do it without you!

–Tyler

INFRASTRUCTURE BILL REPORT–
Much is happening on the national stage in recent weeks that will have a tremendous impact on motorists for years to come. The laborious, and politically charged, process of negotiating two infrastructure bills has resulted in more than 4200 pages of legislation with plenty of anti-driving provisions contained within.

The other shockwave was caused by President Biden’s executive order to have automakers produce electric vehicles as 40 to 50 percent of their new car production by 2030. Media outlets wanted the motorists’ reaction to the Biden announcement so they contacted the NMA for a policy statement. This was our release to the national press:

NMA Statement on President Biden’s Executive Order on Electric Vehicles
and Vehicle Standard Emissions

August 5, 2021

The National Motorists Association believes it’s unrealistic to require 40 to 50 percent of all new vehicle sales to be zero-emissions electric by 2030. Currently, only 2.1 percent of the roughly 17 million vehicles sold each year in the U.S. are all-electric. In 2020, EV sales dropped by more than 3 percent from 2018. Not every car buyer is enthused by EVs. They will not answer the needs of many drivers who make long trips or who live in extreme climates.

Will the Biden Administration and subsequent presidents commit to technological advances over the next 15 to 20 years that will ease the concern of consumers who, to this point, are not risking their transportation needs to all-electric vehicles? Automakers may support the Biden goal, but sellers need buyers.

Concerns of climate change are the driving force behind the non-binding Biden executive order. Yet, concerns remain about the environmental impact of the lithium-ion batteries that currently power EVs. The cost-benefit effect on the environment of mining lithium in much greater quantities for the auto industry and what to do with the toxic waste from the disposal of used batteries needs further analysis.

An EV battery typically requires replacement every ten years, and today costs about $5,500. That is just one factor why U.S. consumers have not been very enthusiastic about buying EVs.

The 50 percent goal, even with the backing of major automakers, will require significant advances in technology and a selling job to the general public that the benefits of switching to EVs over the next 20 years outweigh the costs to them, to the economy, and the environment.

Those technological advances should also be applied to internal combustion engine designs. Set emission standards that are consistent across the country and that make sense. Produce vehicles, whether EV or ICE-powered, that meet those requirements and then let car buyers decide which option is best for their needs.

~~~

As of this writing, the wrangling over infrastructure priorities and spending continues between Republicans and Democrats. There is little reason to believe much will have changed by the time you read this.

In concert with the NMA’s government relations representative in Washington, the NMA is sending out a series of personalized, single-issue emails to the top aides of each congressperson who sits on either the Senate or House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. We must get their attention on the key items in the infrastructure packages that will affect motorists adversely for years, if not generations, to come.

–NMA

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
NEW ATTITUDE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 19th, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/NEW_ATTITUDE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_19th_2021.aspx

Regarding your closing comments on the leftist elite wanting to live in Disneyworld without seeing the dirty, nasty, unpleasant, depressing work and workers which makes that world go round. Been an observation on human society since first brought to the fore by Fritz Lang in the film Metropolis.

The elites depend on yet despise the blue collar class and as you point out, truckers are key to making their and our world go round while they are the most put upon segment of the underclass. I know. I was one after retiring from the military, until heart problems forced me out of the truck.

Ever increasing mandates, more and more restrictive rules, parking restrictions, ever increasing traffic, actively unfriendly motorists, governments using truckers as cash cows… Little wonder there’s a driver shortage, because who wants to put up with the ever increasing BS forced upon them?

You’re right about a trucker’s strike teaching a national lesson. That’s a continuous item of discussion in the trucking community. And I’m certain that one day it will happen organically out of frustration of not being able to do the job due to idiotic rules impeding them while pressure to get things done constantly increases.

Maybe sooner than many think given how quickly things are unwinding under Covid Joe and friends.

It’s inevitable that there will come the straw that breaks the camel’s back in the form of more restrictions or mandates that cause the truckers to say “No more.” One week of no trucks moving and everything Covid madness has done to kill the national economy will look like a walk in the park.

Keep your pantry well stocked and your gas tanks full, because that’s going to be the big hit to our modern life if the trucks stop rolling.

–Vern Moore
Kingsley, PA

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–If you ever feel useless, just remember that the US Government had to use 4 Presidents, thousands of deaths, trillions of dollars and 20 years to replace Taliban with Taliban in Afghanistan.

Motivation for the day:
“Every dead body on Mt.Everest was once a highly motivated person. So, maybe, calm down.”

Workplace Motivation:
1. If you don’t like your job, take a home loan. You will start loving it.
2. Take another loan and you will start loving your boss as well.
3. Get married. You will start loving long hours at the office.

“Existence is a scam made up by philosophers to sell more philosophy.”

Value of Friends:
A Doctor friend from a local club was chatting at a party with another close friend who is a professional Accountant.

The doctor asked, “How do I manage this delicate issue when people even at a party like this ask me about their joint pains and heartburn and gas trouble. Just because I am a doctor…. not fair!”

The accountant friend replied coolly, “Just tell them the right things politely but send them a bill from your clinic the next morning… only once! Word will soon get around and it will stop immediately!”

“Wow! Thanks for the tip,” said the doctor.

Next morning, the doctor got a bill from his accountant friend, “Consulting charges for Business Development.”

–Wayfarer
Imperial Editor in Charge
Bikernet Blog™

[page break]

NEW FROM RMJ—Snuckles!

We love multipurpose tools, and Snuckles fits that roll in so many ways. Lots of design time went into creating a four-finger meat tenderizer, napkin holder, paperweight, forehead scratcher, extreme exfoliator, DNA sampler thing. We wrapped all of those features up in a lightweight 3.5 ounce handful of aluminum. That’s less than a third of the original steel and brass models!

Instead of machining Snuckles, we decided that Investment Casting was a cool way to go. Investment casting, also known as lost-wax casting is one of the oldest known metal forming techniques, Investment casting has been used in various forms for the last 5,000 years. So, it’s got street cred and has a certain old school character that you can’t get with machining.

These aren’t for carrying around, they are a kitchen utensil. Don’t do dumb stuff and break laws. Texas and handful of states don’t mind if you slip them in your back pocket, and some states will issue a permit for such a crazy idea. Do yourself a favor and research it for your locality so you don’t make us say “we told you so!”

Specifications

Width: 5 1/8 Inch
Height: 3 1/8 inch
Finger Hole Size: 1 1/4 x 1 1/8 in
Material: 6061 Aluminum
Weight: 4.5 Ounces
Finishes: Black Cerakote and Tumbled
Will it fit my Big Hand? It should fit, we did some testing
Cool Factor: High
Great For: Your meat, but not your complexion

www.rmjtactical.com

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE FILE—We are still pondering a series of fiction stories around stolen motorcycles. We started a file to collect stories and it’s growing daily. Just need to find the time. –Bandit

This motorcycle thief – the guy first stole a car to drive to a home where someone was selling a motorcycle – then he took the motorcycle for a test-drive and never returned. LOL.

https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/maine-news/motorcycle-stolen-in-surry/

Missouri man desperate to locate stolen motorcycle painted with the ashes of his late mother.

A Harley Davidson motorcycle costs a pretty penny, but for a man, his bike has a much higher sentimental value than monetary.

Danny Shockey’s 2000 Harley Davidson Deuce was stolen from his front yard early Friday morning, despite being inside a gate, double-locked, with three cameras watching it.

Full News at:
https://ktvz.com/cnn-regional/2021/08/15/independence-mo-man-desperate-to-locate-stolen-motorcycle-painted-with-the-ashes-of-his-late-mother/

–Wayfarer

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME–Even when parked and silent, a Knucklehead Bobber grabs your attention. Stripped of a front fender, the springer fork gets more dramatic, the polished and chromed out motor is front and center. The tanks and top frame tube drive your eyes to the fat rear wheel and fender. Just as in Class C racing, less is more and this is about what a 45-inch WR for dirt track racing would look like, only street legal and a little flashier.

With a couple of prime kicks through the Linkert carb, a third kick and it roars to life, settles to a lope, rumbles through the fishtail straight pipe.

This is a real 1946 Harley-Davidson EL motor, frame and forks, stripped down years ago. Tank trim, badges, even the air cleaner and mirror are period, NOS Harley-Davidson. The taillight, you may notice, is a real PK “limp dick” piece and the dash, dash lights and speedo are original 1946 Harley-Davidson.

Cadmium plated and Parkerized fasteners are styling counterpoints; flash against a subtle industrial finish, set off by just enough chrome plating.

This Bobber, built over a decade ago, has been fettled, as the Brits say, and has logged 1300 miles by builder David Ohrt since its complete rebuild.

APPRAISAL VALUE IS $50,000.00!
Drawing is December 31, 2021
NEED NOT be present to win

BREAKING BIKERNET NEWS–3rd Wave of Covid has been postponed as all Media Companies are busy covering Afghan crisis and forgotten about Covid.

New release dates of all new variants of Covid will be announced soon.

Inconvenience is regretted.

–Wayfarer

H-D1 MARKETPLACE BECOMES THE LARGEST ONLINE DESTINATION FOR U.S. DEALER PRE-OWNED HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES
The Ultimate Online Home of H-D Certified™ Program

MILWAUKEE (August 26, 2021) – Since launching in July 2021, H-D1™ Marketplace has become the go-to on-line Harley-Davidson marketplace for dealer-based listings, with the largest selection of dealer pre-owned H-D® motorcycles in the United States. Uniquely, HD1™ Marketplace is the only place to easily search for H-D Certified™ motorcycles, ensuring the ultimate in pre-owned Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, Harley-Davidson
“With H-D1™ Marketplace, it was our intention to change the face of the online marketplace for pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles, aligned to our Hardwire priorities. We have seen the power of the H-D Certified™ program, driving desirability, enhancing the overall customer experience and providing an extra level of confidence for our customers in their purchase. We wanted to ensure that our riders have access to the largest selection of the best Harley-Davidson motorcycles, backed by the strength of our dealers – today, we have achieved that initial goal. H-D1™ Marketplace will continue to evolve and it’s our ambition that it becomes the ultimate online home for pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles.”

As of today, H-D1™ Marketplace has:
~22,000 pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycle listings
~1000 H-D Certified™ motorcycles
540 participating U.S. Harley-Davidson® Dealers

The Sturgis ‘Super-Spreader’ That Wasn’t.
The Leftmedia’s hyped COVID fears of the motorcycle rally proved unfounded.

As thousands of bikers converged in the Black Hills of South Dakota for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally during the second week of August, they were dubiously branded by the Leftmedia know-nothings as dangerous COVID “super-spreaders.” The Washington Post provided the typical hysteria with an articled titled, “Sturgis Motorcycly Rally revs up, drawing though sands and heightening delta super spreader fears.”

But it wasn’t just the Leftmedia that blasted South Dakota for allowing the rally. Dr. Anthony Fauci offered this politically tainted prediction: “I’m very concerned … that we are going to see another surge related to that rally. I mean, to me it’s understandable that people want to do the kinds of things they want to do. They want their freedom to do that. But there comes a time when you’re dealing with a public health crisis that could involve you, your family, and everyone else that something supersedes that need to do exactly what you want to do.”

Fauci’s authoritarian fearmongering came through especially strongly, likely because South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem has steadfastly refused to encroach upon her constituents’ constitutional rights.

Further demonstrating that Fauci’s concerns are tied more to politics than science was his silence over Barack Obama’s 60th birthday bash. Hundreds of guests turned up to celebrate at the former president’s estate on Martha’s Vineyard, yet not a peep came from the doctor over it being a potential super-spreader event.

Now that the end of the Sturgis rally is 14 days past — the accepted incubation period for the manifestation of COVID infections — has the event lived up to the Leftmedia’s hype? It sure doesn’t seem so.

As John Hinderaker observes: “The U.S. as a whole averaged 276 new covid cases per 100,000 population over the last seven days, while South Dakota averaged only 156. South Dakota has fewer new cases than all surrounding states except Minnesota and Iowa, which have 5% and 4% fewer new cases per 100,000 than South Dakota, respectively.”

Did the Leftmedia talking heads admit that their super-spreader concerns were much ado about nothing? As everyone already knows, the answer is no. And there will be no follow-up mea culpa, because the issue isn’t really COVID at all. The real issue is Americans being free to engage in their constitutionally protected right to assembly. That’s a freedom leftists don’t believe Americans should be able to exercise without permission.

–Thomas Gallatin
Patriot Post

DIME BAG LEATHERS GETS A JOB—Dan from Dan Starkeys called, “I have several leather projects.”

Adam dropped everything and blasted over state lines to work with Dan in his garage. Dan has been a garage builder and hopper enthusiast for years and won awards at several Daytona shows including ChopperTime, Willie’s Ratshole and Cycle Source shows.

Here’s Dan working on a Panhead Project.

@danstarkey

Wreaths Across America Invites All Californians to Join in National Flag Waving Effort Prior to September 11

This LIVE event will include stories from Gold Star Families, Veterans, First Responders and their families, whose service, courage, and sacrifice we honor.

COLUMBIA FALLS, ME – August 24, 2021 – National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) urges all Americans to join together on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, in waving the American flag in remembrance of the 20th Anniversary of September 11th. The event will be hosted LIVE on its official Facebook page and broadcast over Wreaths Across America Radio.

It will include Gold Star Families, whose loved ones answered the call to serve after 9/11, Veterans, and First Responders and their families. Now more than ever, it is so important that we come together as Americans to show support for those whose service, courage, and sacrifice, help keep America free.

WAA gathers every Tuesday morning from 9-10 am ET to raise the American flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance from the Freeport Flag Ladies Monument in Jonesboro, Maine, near the ‘tip lands’ where the balsam is harvested to make veterans’ wreaths for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day each December. The monument, located on Route 1, was built by Wreaths Across America and Worcester Wreath Company in September 2019, after the Freeport Flag Ladies retired following 18 years of waving the American Flag in Freeport, Maine, each Tuesday since Sept. 11, 2001.

“Now, more than ever, it is so critical for communities to come together to Remember all those who served, and Honor their service and their family’s service, especially those who volunteered during the War on Terror following the events of September 11, 2001,” said WAA Executive Director, Karen Worcester.

The flag-waving event will begin at 8:45 am ET and conclude at 10:05 am ET.
To sponsor a $15 wreath for an American hero, or to learn more about how to volunteer, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2015 Harley-Davidson FLHX – Street Glide for $19,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10919062

This bike is a clean Street Glide almost all Blacked out

ONLY 28873.00 Miles !!!!!

2015 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson STREET GLIDE TOURING FLHX

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed trans
* Vance & Hince cross-over exhaust
* High-Flo air cleaner
* Oil breather kit
* Blacked out Apes

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $19,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

JESSE ROOKE GO FUND ME EFFORT–I am the father of Jesse Rooke, I have started a GoFundMe campaign to try and complete the Memorial project for Jesse Rooke in Sturgis S.D.

I would ask you to please assist in getting the word out to the cycling community about this project in any way you can. Ideally you could become a team member, any donations from your link would go to your account. Any team reaching $15,000 will have access to one of the plaques at the base of the Memorial.

Check with me for more info if needed, please help spread the word. Click Here for the invite link.

–Daniel Rooke

NEW ZEALAND LOCKDOWN REPORT–Graeme Lowen’s personal view of his first two days of the New Zealand wide Lockdown for 2021.

Wednesday August 18th 2021. Lockdown No 2.
A community case of the Covid was located in the Auckland area only to find that the male had travelled to the Coromandel Coast as well before being confirmed that he had the highly transmissible Delta Variant which has been wreaking havoc in Sydney (Australia). Although the borders had been opened between NZ and Australia, they were closed about two weeks ago. The country was set into a three-day lock down as from Midnight Tuesday 17th.

There was a bit of talk about a Level 4 lockdown during the day, but it was announced on the six o’clock news. Then all the shoppers let loose. My experience was that I had been out in the van just before six and I had gone past the New World and there were about 20 cars there.

I went home, washed both windscreens and put the van away. Came inside and asked Maree if she would like me to go and get a couple of loaves of bread and a bottle of milk? She thought that would be a good idea and, armed with a few dollars I drove back up to the New World only to see the carpark totally FULL. I keep on driving through and went back home.

We did not need the bread and milk that desperately.

Later in the evening I got an e mail from a client out Ohai way and he said that he did not see me in the New World at 5 past six. I told him my version of events and he had been in there at six and by ten past the place was over full of excited people. I never thought to ask if they were all stocking up on toilet paper like last year.

My day went along the lines of this Day One of Lockdown No 2. I wasted some time sorting stuff on the computer until I got sick of it after a couple of hours. I then spent some three hours sorting out my bench with all the scrap metal bit on it. It was only some six weeks ago that Michael had it all cleaned up.

After Lunch I went back out and made up three different wooden boxes to replace the worn out cardboard boxes holding spare bits like leather and rubber gloves that I have brought home from America. I even found me another pair of knee pads from 2016! I even had the original invoice and they cost me only $22. 69 USD.

The wooden boxes were made of plywood I had lying about and some real timber that was originally a kitchen sink shelf from a house alteration out Drummond way. I made hand holds in each end by drilling two 37 mm holes, 80 mm between centers, and used the jigsaw to cut out between. All joints are glued and nailed so they should last long after I am gone. All this took up five hours using a skill saw and a straight edge held by two hand clamps that I had brought back from America in 2019. I will make a start in the morning to painting them.

Graeme continued with his report for several hours including how he painted the boxes, wanted to ride his bike, stormwater drain complaints, home plumbing projects and his vast array of event pins he’s collected in boxes and jars for 30 years… Oh and a political comment:

This Delta Variant has come in from Australia due to our opening of the borders and Kiwis wanting to come home as soon as something untoward happens. They were supposed to get a test clearance before leaving Australia but not all were honest about this. A group of a hundred tried to get back in without the required tests and this may well be the result of it all.

All those politicians and other people that had pushed for the borders to be reopened, are now strangely silent about their efforts. None of them have put up their hand and said that they were partly responsible for this out break.

MOTORCYCLE MISSIONS COMES TO BIKERNET–Thank you so much for reaching out. I appreciate your willingness to share our mission and our message, and appreciate any support we can get. I will definitely add you to our list and will keep you in the loop.

We do have an online auction going on for Motorcycle Missions you may be able to help me with. It is for a Ducati 848 that was in a Hollywood Blockbuster film, the Transformers.

The link for it is here if you know anyone that may be interested or if you can share it on your channels. I will also send it to you on FB so you can share it from there.

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Motorcycle-Mission-Charity-Auction-August-27—6-pm-ET.html?soid=1110322785231&aid=q8drRTCkRxs

It was a pleasure meeting you – my boyfriend and I won your books and are enjoying it. Gets us thinking more about the salt for sure.

God Bless.

–Krystal Hess
Founder, Executive Director
MOTORCYCLE MISSIONS
512-589-5468
www.motorcycle-missions.org

HANG ON FROM J.J. SOLARI–lofty romance from the toilet stall wall

I want my penis as your throne /
where you’ll descend upon my one-eyed bone /
and reign and rule from where you sit /
with my pecker in your sacred slit /
my cock will be a conduit /
that ignites us both to realms of wit /
and wisdom: for the circuitry /
that’s thus created /
when we are finally goinally mated /
will make us one great mighty being /
that will send all assholes into fleeing /
and,too, on schedule once a day /
my cock will send a semen spray /
up into where you’re eggs are hidin ‘ /
to create dragons to devour Biden / burma shave

–J.J. Solari

BORN FREE BLUES–The time has come to kick off our annual Ride to Born-Free contest. Here are the rules that you need to follow to enter:

1)Pack up your bike up and RIDE to Born-Free 12. No trailers are allowed, and you must travel 200 miles or more.

2} Share your trip on Instagram and add the following tags: @chopcult, @bornfreeshow, and #ridetobf12.

Three lucky enthusiasts will receive a plethora of gifts from our store, some of our advertisers, and industry friends. We’ll draw the names on Friday afternoon and announce the winners through Instagram. The winners need to meet at our booth on Saturday, August 28th, at 11 am to claim their winnings. Our booth is located in the row that Loser Machine kicks off (across from the food vendors), a couple of booths down next to Duane Ballard Custom Leather.

We want to thank the following brands for their never-ending support:

Biltwell / @biltwell
Lowbrow Customs / @lowbrowcustoms
Loser Machine / @losermachine
Duane Ballard Custom Leather / @duaneballard
Shinko Tires / @shinkotiresusa
Dixxon Flannels / @dixxon
Twin Power / @twinpowerusa
No School Choppers / @noschoolchoppers
High Side Coffee / @highsidecoffee
Sweatshop Industries / @sweatshopind
Harley-Davidson / @harleydavidson
Born-Free / @bornfreeshow
Rolling Heavy Magazine / @rollingheavymagazine
Motul USA / @motulusa
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys / @russbrown
ChopCult / @chopcult
Safe travels, we’ll see you soon!

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–Enfield is expected to launch an updated version of its bestselling model Classic 350 in India this month or next. The changes expected is it would have the new 350cc engine seen in the Meteor 350 and probably the simple efficient low-cost navigation tripper also first seen in the Meteor 350 model. Classic 350 has been the highest selling motorcycle in the 300 to 700cc motorcycle segment in India since its launch years ago.

September to November is festive season in India with about 3 major festivals being celebrated throughout the nation. It is the time all products including cars and motorcycles are offered at discounts and new features. After the terrible global economy of last year, companies believe there would be boost in sales this year.

However, electric motorcycles and scooters are the fastest growing segment with this year’s subsidies, tax relief and other benefits offered by the government. On top of that petrol and diesel are at a record high crossing 3 digits per litre for the first time in the nation’s history.

Uncertainty of neighboring Afghanistan and China’s claims on territorial waters may develop to become worse – causing new economic problems worse than Covid-19 in Asia region.

–Wayfarer
Supreme Leader
Bikernet Blog™

THE DIGITAL DISCOVERY AREA IS HOPPING THIS WEEK–This WW2 fire-fighting trike is the strangest, coolest thing we’ve seen all week.
–Nile Bijoux

During the early 1940s, pretty much every country that had manufacturing capabilities was working hard for their respective war efforts. Some were building planes, guns and tanks while others focused on the locals.

That’s where this 1941 Kurogane Model 1 Fire Trikes comes in, a three-wheeled firefighter used in Japan and Malaysia.

The story starts back in 1923, when a massive earthquake demolished the city of Yokohama, followed by tsunamis reaching as high as 40 feet and fires caused by overturned cooktops and ruptured gas mains, including a fire tornado.

It was later called the Great Kanto Earthquake and, after the dust settled, resulted in around 140,000 deaths.

Afterwards, Yokohama and Toyko, which was also battered by the quakes and fires, needed vehicles to help rebuild. Around the same time, Japan’s government wanted to bolster its motorcycle industry, instead of relying on American, Italian and British imports as it did previously.

Tricycles were already popular in Japan as many could be used without a driving license (only required for vehicles with a cylinder capacity above 750cc) and could easily access many areas, especially considering how the rail tracks would have been damaged in the earthquake.

It took a few years, but eventually, the Kurogane Fire Trike came to be, designed to be a local response unit for fires. According to Motorworld, a Russian motorcycle museum that is restoring the trike, it uses a transverse-mounted 1100cc V-twin engine of unknown origin and could well be the last one in existence. Many were destroyed in the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

Apparently, this particular model fought fires in Japan and Malaysia, which was where it was found. Interestingly, the instruments are all labelled in English, which would likely have been a product of the move to Malaysia, as the country was colonized by Britain until 1957. English would have then been spoken commonly, much more so than in Japan at the time.

www.stuff.co.nz

–Contributed by Graeme Lowen

EASYRIDERS UPDATE–
An update from the announced Classic Easyriders Digital Magazine Archive of all 554 issues.

The GIT Corp company of Ray Pelosi which announced the digital archive and new issues of the magazine as reported in NCOM News from July – the Support Team has stated today 21-August that the digital archive product which was to be launched and shipped on 15-August is delayed. They had been taking online pre-orders for the archive since July including shipping charges.

Now they say that their manufacturer is facing shipping problems with DHL AIR and so the manufacturer of the USB stick archive is shipping it by sea which will take additional 30 days.

So, customers who had paid for pre-order can either wait for another 30 days or Classic Easyriders team can ship the USB product they have in stock which has a different packaging. They say the only difference in the product is the packaging – the new one has a stock image of a woman riding a Harley whereas the original product has twin girls in bikinis.

The website now shows product launch and shipping date as 30 September which is of course more than 30-days wait time that has been informed to existing customers today.

https://classiceasyriders.com/shop/ols/products/classic-easyriders-complete-digital-magazine-collection

I don’t know who or where the manufacturer is but other than China, I don’t really think there are others who will make bulk quantity of customized USB drives at better price than the Chinese.

Anyways, the new packaging looks incredibly better than the previous Playboy porn type cover that is still seen on the product at their website. The new cover also does not have the previous statements of “World’s Largest Selling Motorcycle Magazine For Men” and “Celebrating 50 Years of Bikes & Babes”. They seem to have changed both the cover image and text.

The new packaging can be seen on GIT Corp website at:
https://gitcorp.online/shop/ols/products/classic-easyriders-complete-digital-magazine-collection

HANG ON!—My son finally got vaccinated. “I work too closely with too many folks,” he said recently, after fighting the vaccine business. Hell, I got vaccinated and still got it. Now they are saying that the vaccines wear off in six months.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you don’t get vaccinated or wear mask, just watch the social distancing. There are options.

Bonneville is starting this weekend and we can’t make it. I’m just off the quarantine and not prepared. That’s okay. We might look at the Ohio mile.

I rode the Panhead into Deadwood yesterday to check out my carb settings and check the Cool Deadwood Nights action. The town is fulla hotrods for the weekend. We are going to try to check out the action over the weekend.

Our electrician was supposed to make it out here today and he showed up an hour late with an issue. His guys cut through all of the Buffalo Chips phone systems. He wasn’t sure it was his fault or… He had to peel out. So, we’re hoping he’ll make it tomorrow and we’ll make electrical progress.

Then the plan is to ride into Deadwood tomorrow afternoon to check the action and the bands. I also started to talk to a builder about the shop extension. There’s never a dull moment in the Badlands.

Hang on and remember to ride free forever.

I’m reading a new book called Tale of Two Climates, One Real, One Imaginary, by Bill Pekney. It should be a text book for classrooms all over the world. It’s almost sad that Bill was forced to write it. It shows just how gullible much of the population is.

I’ll run a couple of quotes in my intro and ending of the news today. Here’s one from page 44. Pollutants vs. Carbon Dioxide: It is a quite common mistake to equate ugly and toxic air pollutants such as dust, smoke, soot, sulfur dioxide and so on with carbon dioxide, which is an invisible, non-toxic, clean, and useful molecule. We drink it in carbonated beverages. We generate it with every breath. Plants convert it to oxygen. Carbon dioxide is necessary for all life on this planet.

Starts to make you wonder. Hang on for more, later in the news. On the bright side Born Free went off without a hitch. My grandson, Frankie attended and tried to win a Knucklehead. Him and his girl, Em, bought a dozen tickets, but it was taken home buy a guy who bought just one.

I’m sure the local media called it a super-spreader, but it seems everything fills that bill recently. Stay safe and this too will pass. And the best solution for the Covid, for depression and for bad government is to go for a ride where only the wind disturbs your thoughts and cleanses you mind.

A brother of 47 years stopped by, Bob Bitchin. His massive home overlooking a lake in Berry Creek burned down recently and took his entire motorcycling and sailing history. He’s been fighting depression. We discussed meditation and calming the mind. Basically, meditation is all about taking the mind out of gear and letting it relax, but it’s much tougher than the photos of cute girls in lotus positions depict.

Two easy forms of meditation are riding motorcycles and lifting weights. Anything that takes your mind away from its current funky thoughts is the first step. Remember, anything disturbing you today, can be changed tomorrow. 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.

XDA Heads to VMP for Last Virginia Race in 2021–On September 10-12, the XDA Motorcycle Drag Racing series returns to Virginia Motorsports Park for the Inaugural Bike Brawl. This must-attend event is the sixth stop in the seven-race tour.

The event features the Orient Express Pro Street class running at speeds over 230 mph in only 6-seconds, and the “Running of the Bulls” Grudge Program on Saturday night with the baddest Grudge racers in the game!

Over 700 Professional, Sportsman, and Grudge motorcycle racers will also be in competition all weekend long, battling it out for over $80,000 in cash purse at this event…

TANYA TUCKER GOES TO THE DRAG RACE–NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Original female outlaw and music icon Tanya Tucker surprises the Top 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6 in the workroom during today’s episode streaming now on Paramount+. During the episode featuring Tanya, the Top 4 are challenged to write lyrics for a new song titled “This Is Our Country,” which will include a duet version with Tanya and Ru available everywhere Sept. 9.

Tanya appeared virtually during the episode and popped up on the screen to give the queens a few words of encouragement and explained that finally winning her GRAMMY® Awards were worth the wait. Each member of the Top 4 has been waiting a long time for their second chance at winning the show and the only thing standing in their way is their final performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkNzau5L00o

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Bandit’s Cantina: Episode 95

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bandits_Cantina_Episode_95.aspx

The first bike at the beginning by Robinson is great! It kind of grows on you. I loved finding this bike which was published in a “71” issue of “Easy rider” before the magazine was changed to “Easyriders.”

Hal was a hell of a talent! Hope the crew at Bandit’s Cantina gets out of LA safely and Margaret and her son get it together. And by the way, maybe Bandit should try throwing in some fiery strawberry blonds for a change of pace. He is such a babe magnet.

–Ann Robinson
Long Beach, CA

NEW FULL THROTTLE MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE–SEPTEMBER 2021 FULL THROTTLE
MAGAZINE

MOTORCYCLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE FROM LAW TIGERS– Part of owning a finely crafted piece of machinery like a motorcycle is taking care of it. We all love our bikes, no matter what style, price range, or how long we’ve had it- that’s our noble steed! You don’t have to be a DIY mechanic to take care of your ride (although many of us are).

However, you decide to take care of your motorcycle, it’s important to know the basics of bike maintenance. That’s why we’ve compiled tips on inexpensive motorcycle repair, motorcycle repair shop tips, and ways to make sure you’re spending as much time as possible actually riding.

Before you decide how you are going to take care of your bike, you need to know what you are looking for. Here’s a quick checklist of common motorcycle maintenance items so you can ride stress-free:

Pre-trip: This is a term used by truckers, but it applies to motorcycles as well. Basically, walk around and take a look at your bike- create a visual of what each part looks like, and if anything is abnormal, check it out. Look for leaks, cracks, stains, and test your moving parts. It sounds like a lot, and you don’t have to do it every time you ride, but having a routine pre-checkup will help your bike health greatly.

 Brakes: Get your tires up in the air, rotate your wheels, and check those brake pads! Check for warping, any sort of surface damage, and how much is left on the pads. Don’t run your brakes down too low- these are the last things you should be stingy about, as they’ll save your neck when they’re good, but can be dangerous when bad.

Fluids/Filters: Like brakes, these need to be checked based on time, mileage, and a general concern for your well-being. Coolant can be done every other season, but make sure to stay on top of your oil, transmission fluids, and primary fluids.

Controls: These will vary bike-to-bike, but you will want to start by checking the clutch and throttle for proper operation. Additionally, make sure your handlebars still turn properly, your mirrors are on tight, and that your pedals and shifters are in the correct position. Basically, you want to feel the same level of comfort each time you ride, and if these are out of place, you can be thrown off.

*What is T-CLOCK? T-CLOCK is an acronym riders can use to help them remember the inspection list below:

T – Tires

C – Controls

L – Lights

O – Oils

C – Chassis and chain

K – Kickstand

BASIC MOTORCYCLE REPAIR
For many motorcycle enthusiasts, the tinkering element provides just as much fun as riding. This almost never comes naturally; it comes with experience and a dedication to learning how to repair your bike.

If you want to learn how to fix a motorcycle, we recommend first learning everything you can about your specific bike via motorcycle manuals, YouTube videos, and bike forums. For better motorcycle repair skills, you can even take a motorcycle maintenance class. Once you start to get the hang of general maintenance, it should become second nature how to fix small problems that pop up here and there.

It’s a great way to do cheap motorcycle repair, but let’s be honest- it’s also extremely rewarding to know you are proficient at taking care of your bike.

MOTORCYCLE REPAIR SHOPS
If you aren’t an avid at-home mechanic, you’re going to have to turn to the professionals for help. This is not a bad thing by any means, but we recommend familiarizing yourself with best-practices for mechanics as well as the specific needs of your motorcycle.

Before you make a commitment to have a mechanic work on your bike, we recommend looking for the following things in a repair shop:

Certifications: Because motorcycles are such a diverse classification of automobile, there are many certifications that mechanics need. Bike styles, engine types, and all sorts of things come into play to get this. Read up on the ones that specifically affect your bike.
Experience: Motorcycle care is both an art and a science, and it requires experience even for newer machines. While we don’t want to fully exclude newer shops and mechanics, we believe that shops, techs, and mechanics with experience yield better results

Reputation: Whether it is from the locals, a riding club, or online reviews, be sure to see what other riders are saying about the shop. . The customer experience plays a role in whether you should be going to a shop, as well. Take things into account like shop security and the integrity of their offers. And always get a written guarantee.

MOBILE REPAIR SHOPS

A great alternative to taking your bike in to a mechanic is utilizing a mobile repair for your motorcycle. These can save time, and they can usually get to you in the event of an emergency. They also typically provide comparable professional work at cheaper prices. If your bike is actually broken down, towing it is often difficult without the proper equipment – another reason to use a mobile tech.

This doesn’t mean a mobile repair shop is always the option. They are typically less-established, might not be able to perform as thorough of diagnostics, and most highly experienced mechanics will have a full service shop. We recommend using a mobile repair shop with great reviews and one that can promise comparable quality to a mechanic shop near you.

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Many motorcycle brands have nuances that you might not trust a general mechanic shop to understand. Some bikes have intricate engineering or electrical systems, such as a high end Kawasaki or Harley-Davidson. At Law Tigers, we know if our Harley riders aren’t taking care of their bike at home, they’re looking for a specific Harley-Davidson motorcycle repair shop near them.

Ultimately, you’re going to have to decide whether doing the work at home, going to a mechanic shop as an intermediary, or going to a trusted specialist is best for your specific bike. There’s not a right or wrong answer, but the more you know about motorcycle repair, the better your experience will be.

Law Tigers Has Your Back

At Law Tigers, we’re proud to be active members of our local motorcycle communities. This means we are happy to act as a resource to help people find the maintenance repair options best suited for their personal situation. It also means we have riders’ backs. With Law Tigers, you never ride alone.

Request our free rider benefit card to get access to immediate benefits like a toll-free 24 hour accident hotline, free legal advice for all motorcycle riding matters, a $10,000 motorcycle theft reward and more.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY WISDOM CLASS–
Leadership is not about the size of your office or title on your business card. It’s about the depth of your commitment & your passion to get things done.

“Without frustration you will not discover that you might be able to do something on your own. We grow through conflict.” – Bruce Lee

Results of anger are more painful than the reasons of anger. Kind words cost nothing.

When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.

A person’s most valuable asset is not a brain loaded with knowledge…But a heart full of love, with an ear open to listen and a hand willing to help.

–Wayfarer
Professor
Bikernet University

WHY PROGRESSIVIES RUIN CITIES–
On October 12, 2021 HarperCollins will publish my new book, “San Fransicko”

I am pleased to officially announce that on October 12, 2021, HarperCollins will publish my new book, San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities. At nearly 400 pages, and with 1,100 end notes, the book is equal to Apocalypse Never. It is based on over 200 interviews, including with leading experts, advocates, and elected officials, over the last two years. I wrote it because I love San Francisco and am upset and ashamed of what has happened to it and to other progressive cities in the name of progress. Please consider pre-ordering copies now.

The subtitle will make some people defensive but I not suggesting that progressives only ruin cities, nor that they never save them. Nor am I suggesting that conservatives never ruin them. But I am saying that when progressives do ruin cities, they do so in similar ways, and for similar reasons. And while the crisis of disorder I am describing is strongest in progressive West Coast cities, it is spreading east, like many trends in America do.

In San Fransicko I explore how the conversation around how to use law and order to advance civil rights gave way to a debate over whether law and order is an obstacle to social justice. The question used to be carrots versus sticks. Do you reward people for not committing crimes, or do you punish them when they do? But that’s been superseded by a question from progressives: what if it’s a form of victimization to try to influence people’s behavior at all?

The governing majority in some of America’s cities seems to believe that the only real public policy problem is how to pay for letting people do whatever they want, from turning public parks into open-air drug encampments, to using sidewalks as toilets, to handing over whole neighborhoods to people who are heavily armed and purpose- fully unaccountable.

Progressives have been in charge of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, as well as California and Washington, during most of the decades in which the problems I describe here have grown worse. On the fundamental policies relating to mental illness, addiction, and housing for the homeless, moderate Democrats, conservatives, and Republicans have either gone along with the liberal and progressive agenda or been powerless to prevent it since the 1960s.

And it was Democrats, not Republicans, who played the primary role in creating the dominant neoliberal model of government contracting to fragmented and often unaccountable non-profit service providers that have proven financially, structurally, and legally incapable of addressing the crisis.

Not long after I began my research, I read what I felt then, and still feel now, were the three best books on homelessness, all published in the early 1990s, and all authored by liberals or progressives. At first the books inspired me. I felt as though three wise elders had reached forward through time to pass along essential truths. But then it dawned on me that, despite those three books having been widely reviewed and well received, including by America’s most influential newspapers, the crisis of untreated mental illness and addiction, as well as what we call homelessness, had grown worse, not better. What would prevent San Fransicko from suffering a similar fate?

That night, I confessed to my wife, Helen, that all I might be able to do was write a book that warned other places what not to do. She grew quiet and looked away. After I asked her what was the matter, she said, “We live here.” I needed to be as constructive as I was critical, she felt. And so at the heart of San Fransicko is a positive proposal for how to restore human dignity, not just law and order, to progressive West Coast cities. At both philosophical and policy levels it will, I hope and believe, resonate with the heads, hearts, and guts of reasonable conservatives and reasonable progressives.

So far it appears to have done so. San Fransicko has received positive reviews from leading scholars and thinkers. Joe Rogan has invited me to appear on his podcast and there will be several public book events, including in Washington D.C. at American Enterprise Institute, and in New York with New York Times columnist John McWhorter, to discuss San Fransicko as well as his book, Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America.

I wrote San Fransicko without giving much thought about what connected it to Apocalypse Never, but in recent weeks have started to write about the relationship. Neither book is conservative, but both describe why progressive policies have made environmental and “social” problems (drugs, crime, homelessness) worse. Behind apocalyptic environmentalism and progressivism is, I conclude, a religion, victimology, one that divides the world into victims and oppressors, promotes learned helplessness, and promotes anxiety, depression, and polarization.

The good news is that the backlash against the excesses of progressivism is already underway. We are still in the early stages of it, but the signs are everywhere. There are recall efforts against San Francisco school board members, San Francisco’s District Attorney, and California’s governor. There is growing resistance by students and parents to the obsession with race in schools. And there is a blossoming of world-class journalism on Substack. My hope is that San Fransicko will contribute to making the backlash, and what comes after it, positive, constructive, and humanistic.

–Michael Shellenberger

COMOTO FAMILY OF BRANDS JOINS FORCES WITH THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION’S 2021 RIDE FOR KIDS TO FUEL THE INDUSTRY AND INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY

RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and REVER come together to inspire communities and riders to help forge the path to a cure

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Aug. 12, 2021)—The Comoto Family of Brands officially launches its month-long Ride for Kids fundraising campaign this week. Comoto itself expects to donate over $100,000 to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) based on rider participation in the REVER Ride for Kids Challenge, local Cycle Gear store Bike Night fundraising events, and the largest “shop to support” campaign the company has ever done. Comoto will also be hosting the Eastern Pennsylvania Ride for Kids event at its Philadelphia corporate headquarters as part of the annual Ride for Kids taking place across the U.S. To participate in this month-long campaign riders and fundraisers can sign up at RideforKids.org/Ride.

Since 1991, PBTF has provided leadership and funding to accelerate targeted therapies for children battling brain tumors. The Foundation proudly equips families with the patient-family education, financial relief, and emotional support needed to navigate their child’s journey.

The PBTF Ride for Kids has inspired communities across the country for more than 30 years. Alongside American Honda, Comoto is joining forces with the Foundation to invite the powersports industry to make the Ride for Kids the biggest motorcycle charity event in the country. For decades, motorcyclists across the country have come together to ride in their respective cities and raise funds to help children with brain tumors–the leading cause of cancer death in children. Due to this ongoing commitment, Ride for Kids is the longest-running, most successful motorcycle charity event in the nation.

To ensure the success of this year’s Ride for Kids, Comoto has actively involved each of its brands within the family. For example, Comoto will be making a direct donation to PBTF of 2.5¢ for every mile logged (up to 1 million miles) in the REVER app throughout the course of the month-long 2021 Ride for Kids Challenge starting August 12th. Riders will have three ways to get involved: Ride with REVER and/or a local Ride for Kids event, donate directly to PBTF, and shop at Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and RevZilla (online and in-store) on Sunday, September 12th, when 10% of all sales will be donated to PBTF.

“We are honored to be working alongside American Honda to bring awareness to PBTF’s mission of supporting families affected by this disease. Partnering with PBTF provides an opportunity for us to bring our powersports community together and encourage them to enjoy their passion for riding, while supporting an amazing cause. We at Comoto are proud to have been joined in our efforts by many of our colleagues and vendors* who have pledged additional sponsorship and assistance,” said Ken Murphy, President and CEO of Comoto.

“Having the support of both the Comoto Family of Brands and American Honda means the world to us,” said Bob McNamara, National Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement for PBTF. “Finding a cure to this disease is an ongoing battle. Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to change the outcome for children with brain cancer, while empowering motorcyclists to support us by doing what they love most—riding.”

CALIFORNIA GUN NUT REPORT–Last week, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed Senate Bills 264 and 715, two anti-gun bills which would restrict gun shows in Orange County and Costa Mesa, and prohibit hunters under the age of 21 from purchasing a hunting rifle or shotgun. These bills will now head to the Assembly floor, where they will soon be eligible for votes. Please click the red button below to contact your Assembly member and ask them to OPPOSE SB 264 and SB 715.

Senate Bill 264, as amended, prohibits officers, employees, operators, lessees, or licensees of the 32nd District Agricultural Association from entering into any agreement to allow for the sale of any firearm, firearm parts, or ammunition on property or buildings that comprise the OC Fair and Event Center or properties in Orange County and Costa Mesa that are owned, leased, operated, or occupied by the District. This imposes a one-size-fits-all restriction to prevent officials from deciding how to use venues.

Senate Bill 715 limits when a hunting license satisfies the requirements for adults under 21 purchasing a long gun. This means an individual who has purchased a license for an upcoming season will not satisfy the requirements in order to obtain a firearm for hunting.

Thank you for making your voice heard against these bills!

Yours in Freedom,

–Ken Lan
Communications Coordinator
NRA-ILA

http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

NEW CAR MAKES AMERICA GREAT AGAIN–Amy white, who a lotta people can’t handle because they do not possess charm and delightfulness to be around, unlike myself, bought a car and has done this to it.

–J.J. Solari

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HANG ON FROM THE NASH TEAM–Though it shines dazzlingly, the Golden Knuckle Chopper is bronze (not actual gold) and is the latest addition of collaborative pieces between Nash Motorcycle Co. and Jason Momoa’s, On The Roam project.

These aren’t on the shelves yet, but you can pre-order yours now to make sure that you get one before Jason tells Instagram and they sell out. Visit the “Golden Knuckle” Chopper web page:

Go For The Gold Bronze Now!

NEWS FLASH–Story on Channel 7, 3pm news today.
Motorcycle Hogs will ride from L.A. to New York to honor firefighters who lost their lives.

I thought that this is a story of interest for you!
–A.J.

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
Little Bruce and Jenny are only 10 years old,
but they know they are in love.

One day they decide that they want to get married, so Bruce goes to Jenny’s father to ask him for her hand.

Bruce bravely walks up to him and says,
“Mr. Smith, me and Jenny are in love and
I want to ask you for her hand in marriage.”

Thinking that this was just the cutest thing, Mr. Smith replies, “Well, Bruce, you are only 10. Where will you two live?”

Without even taking a moment to think about it, Bruce replies, “In Jenny’s room. It’s bigger than mine and we can both fit there nicely.”

Mr. Smith says with a huge grin, “Okay, then how will you live? You’re not old enough to get a job. You’ll need to support Jenny.”

Again, Bruce instantly replies. “Our allowance, Jenny makes five bucks a week and I make 10 bucks a week. That’s about 60 bucks a month, so that should do us just fine.”

Mr. Smith is impressed Bruce has put so much thought into this.

“Well, Bruce, it seems like you have everything figured out. I just have one more question. What will you do if the two of you should have little children of your own?”

Bruce just shrugs his shoulders and says, “Well, we’ve been lucky so far.”

Mr. Smith no longer thinks the little shit is adorable.

–El Waggs
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™

PRISM SUPPLY ATTENDS BORN FREE–
Along with most others who were present at Oak Canyon Ranch this past weekend, Born Free 12 was the first motorcycle show we’ve been to since 2019.

Anticipation has been growing for this show for a long time now – builders spent their time perfecting their bikes while we planned our trip out west. To say we were eager to catch up with everyone would be an understatement and we were also excited to show off some of our latest projects. Our Sportster Hardtail kit was unveiled at this year’s show alongside a slew of our most popular parts including a variety of our tail lights, petcocks and control kits.

While we’re grateful that our parts have been well received, we’re most excited about getting to know a lot of you who have been supporting us over the years. We had a great time chatting with new and familiar faces throughout the weekend as we all got to enjoy what some of our industry’s most talented builders had to offer.

In between conversations and rounds of dice, we roamed around and shot photos of anything that stood out to us. We hope to see you later this year at our show with DicE Magazine, The Congregation Show, which is happening on October 9 here in Charlotte, NC.

See the whole tamale at Prism Supply.

Posted by Matt Best
Prism Supply

Micah crewed with TK, John Yeat’s nephew. They were able to spread John’s ashes during a pass. Over 200 bikes ran this year on four separate courses. Plenty of passes being made.

LORETTA LYNN’S RANCH HIT HARD BY FLOODING–The AMA and the entire motorcycle community saddened by loss of life and property at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and surrounding community

By Joy Burgess

The Loretta Lynn Ranch, located in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., was devastated this past Saturday by flash flooding, as was much of the surrounding community. Receiving a reported 17 inches of rain in just 24 hours, the community was caught off guard by the massive rainstorm and its aftermath.

Home to the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships for 40 years — the 2021 championship took place just a couple of weeks ago — the ranch experienced significant damage, although Loretta Lynn and her immediate family have, thankfully, been reported safe.

Tragically, longtime ranch foreman Wayne Spears was swept up in floodwaters and did not survive. Many others also lost their lives as a result of the flooding. Loretta Lynn posted about the tragic loss on her official Facebook page, commenting that the entire Lynn family is heartbroken at the loss.

“After 40 years of holding the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at the Loretta Lynn Ranch,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman, “we were deeply saddened to see the devastation at the ranch, but even more heartbroken to hear of the loss of the ranch’s foreman, Wayne Spears, and many others in the area as a result of flash flooding. Our thoughts are with the Lynn family and the entire community during this distressing time.”

“The local community surrounding the Lorretta Lynn Ranch has been helpful and supportive to the motocross racing efforts there in Hurricane Mills, and the motorcycle community will be there for them as they work to rebuild after this tragedy,” Dingman added.

To learn more about how you can help, visit www.road2recovery.com/cause-view/racers-4-waverly/

FOUR CORNERS Motorcycle Rally– We’re Coming for You

The Four Corners Motorcycle Rally is one of our favorite VTV Performance Bike Shows of the year! If you have a sweet ride, come on down to Durango Harley-Davidson and enter it in the show for a chance to win $1000 cash!

STURGIS 2021 RALLY STORY—A couple of brothers rode out and had a blast running from event to event. The younger brother, a barber from Venice California on his 2009 modified Dyna ran into a bald tire, but the shops and services were backed up. It took him a couple of days to get his tire replaced.

In the meantime, he couldn’t miss the action and the Badlands rides. So, just before they planned to leave, he decided to change in sparkplugs and broke one off. He didn’t just break the ceramic, but the nut off the plug leaving just the threads in the head.

He reached out to Jason at Deadwood custom Cycles, who had experienced a killer week and needed to take a week off. Cool Deadwood Custom Nights was coming up.

Brother two had to make decisions. He needed to return to the coast for work and decided to follow his brothers back in a rental car. But another play entered the picture, a stripper from the Badlands.

He made his move, but felt guilty because he had just hooked up with a broad on the coast. They were boyfriend and girlfriend for less than a week.

Okay, so he had a problem with the stripper, but she was honest and let him know she had the covid. He returned to be quarantined as he came down with the flu. He left his motorcycle behind, didn’t get laid and couldn’t go back to work. Plus, he got busted by his new ol’ Lady.

She wanted to know where he got the shit. Sound familiar?

–Bandit

THE BIKERNET CODE OF THE WEST FORUM–
This is so much better than most current news stories. Have a blessed day!

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly!

BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS UPDATE–
The Restore Bonneville program has stalled, bureaucracy has failed, and the legendary Salt Flats are at risk…but you can help

By Joy Burgess

“For motorcyclists,” Hall of Famer and former fastest man on two wheels Chris Carr told American Motorcyclist, “the Bonneville Salt Flats is one of our seven wonders of the world. If you want to go really fast, Bonneville is the most famous place in the world to do that.”

But according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), while racers were once able to push velocity limits on 13 miles of racetrack at Bonneville, today there’s only eight miles of straightaway available for those attempting to set land-speed records.

For over half a century, the land-speed racing community has continued to sound the alarm that government neglect and mismanagement is destroying the beloved Salt Flats. Since 1946, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been the custodian of the land. Their response to racers’ concerns? A long line of studies. “Frankly, Bonneville has been studied to death,” notes SEMA.

Over 60 miles long, the Bonneville Salt Flats are divided in half by highways and railroad tracks, with racetracks on the north side and a potash processing plant on the south side. Racing and mining survived side-by-side until BLM started issuing leases in the 1960s that allowed salt to be transferred south through miles of ditches without any proof that there’d be no damage to the racing portion of the Salt Flats. It’s estimated that 50 to 75 million tons of salt were removed from Bonneville, with much of that salt currently located in large evaporative potash processing ponds.

The potash mine’s owner and the racing community created a salt brine return system in the 1990s, which was implemented with BLM approval. For some time, pumping in an average of 1.2 million tons per year stabilized Bonneville’s crust and even led to some small increases, but the pumping volumes have been more limited in recent years.

In 1989 the Save the Salt Coalition (STS) was formed by a group of racers, community members and businesses with the mission to protect the Bonneville Salt Flats — which has been designated an “Area of Critical Environmental Concern” — and to promote its history and motorsports legacy.

“In 2015,” Stuart Gosswein, Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs at SEMA, told American Motorcyclist, “we had a summit bringing all the stakeholders together ­­­— including the BLM, Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Intrepid potash mining operation, the land-speed racing community, and State and Federal legislators — and what we called the Restore Bonneville program was conceptualized.”

Highlights of the program include: The Utah DNR and BLM will oversee the salt brine pumping program, and the program will be funded via annual appropriations from the BLM and the State of Utah; Intrepid will increase pumping volumes via infrastructure upgrades; the overall cost of the program will be approximately $50 million across 10 years, with most money coming from federal and state appropriations, with Intrepid donating the value of the salt, and contributions from the racing community.

“In April 2020,” Gosswein continued, “the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the BLM signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the Restore Bonneville program.” While this initially seemed like a huge win for the Salt Flats, bureaucratic inefficiency has the program at a standstill. Paperwork outlining the project’s scope and requirements is incomplete, and funding has been withheld as a consequence.

“We had an unspecified amount of money available,” Gosswein mentioned, “in the 2020 Federal Appropriations — likely around $1 to $4 million — that we could have tapped to start the program. And that money has gone by the wayside. We potentially have a similar amount of monies available for 2021, but right now we’re still trying to get that money released so we can start funding the project.” Gosswein added that there’s an additional $1 million in Utah matching funds available once federal monies are released.

In May 2021, the Department of the Interior briefed Congressional appropriators on the status of the program. BLM and Utah DNR officials are still outlining program specifics and measurables that will allow a release of federal funds. They want to review previous studies to quantify the effects of an increased salt laydown and confirm the program’s ultimate success, while also outlining the infrastructure upgrades needed to dramatically expand the pumping. So while there’s some positive news on the bureaucratic front, the project is spinning wheels until more salt is pumped.

Meanwhile, the racing community continues to move ahead. “Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials supports the responsible stewardship of the historic racing surface on the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the Restore Bonneville program,” says Delvene Reber, owner and operator of Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. “As history continues to be made every year by motorcyclists vying for FIM World and AMA National Land Speed Records, these restoration efforts are essential to ensure that future generations can continue to race.”

“There are very few places in the world where you can flat out go as fast as you want,” Carr said, “and racers down the road might not get a chance to experience this if something isn’t done soon. People have been racing there longer than I’ve been alive; knowing future generations might not be able to enjoy that is a scary feeling.”

Until the Restore Bonneville agreement is implemented, Bonneville remains critically endangered. Still, there’s the potential for a happy ending. You can send a message to the Bureau of Land Management and Utah’s Dept. of Natural Resources to let them know you support saving the historic Bonneville Salt Flats. Check americanmotorcyclist.com for the latest news on Bonneville or visit savethesalt.org to get involved.

–AMA

FAMILY ALERT–Wooing Chicks Above Your Station With Poetry

Dear Biker Slob; As you most probably fucking know, you being a Harley hard core denizen normal chopper dude with no fairing, etc., and probably no actual refinement……

Oh wait, let me tell you what “above your station” and “wooing” mean. Wooing means getting into a chick’s underwear, assuming she wears any, which normal chicks don’t. But we’re tryin’ ta upgrade yer fuck-fodder here, so bear with me.

Like, if you wanted to get into the pants of a violinist in an orchestra. Which is a whole nuther topic, believe me. And a good one. “Above your station” is old-fashioned English 19th Century jargon meaning “a step up in class.” Which in my case means any chick under 60 not living behind a dumpster. It pro’bly – or maybe not – has a different meaning for you.

So anyway, the way to “woo” these high-class broads is sometimes a tad more complex than just pulling up on your putt after you just got done slopping the hogs and sayin’ “Hop aboard, cutie, I’ll show you what fun is.”

Chicks in the “normal citizenry” need love poems. Makes ’em all delirious and woozy. It’s better than five sloe gin fizzes. Almost. You remember those, right? Ha ha, yeah, me too.

Anyway, I’ll pen an example in the near furture. Use it or write your own. I have confidence in ya.

–J.J. Solari
Love Doctor
Bikernet Medical Center

AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION–
Every year (with the notable exception of Covid-addled 2020, of course) the American Motorcyclist Association honors motorcycling’s most accomplished and significant people in a very special AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction celebration — which this year will happen at AMA Headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, on October 15.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2021 represents eight areas of influence — Ambassadors/Industry, Design/Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership/Motorcycle Rights, Motocross/Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition — and includes Dave Arnold, Nancy Davidson, Gary Denton, Tommy Hays, Loretta Lynn, Scott Plessinger, Kenny Tolbert and Ryan Villopoto.

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2021 includes men and women who have excelled in competition, promotion and advocacy of the sport we all love,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “They have advanced motorcycling in areas as diverse as amateur motocross to American V-twin culture. They have performed at the pinnacle of their disciplines and helped elevate riders and teams to new heights. We are humbled and honored to recognize these motorcycling greats this Oct. 15 at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

The induction ceremony will include a cocktail hour and dinner, all happening on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The following day will include an open house, as well as the installation of the Class of 2021 exhibit in the museum.

Reservations are available at https://form.jotform.com/212175016920043 or by calling (614) 856-2222.

A FEW HUMBLE WORDS–Get to base of Gray Mountain by using Google Maps:

Have you ever noticed how Google Maps never yells, condemns or castigates you if you take the wrong turn? It never raises its voice and says, “You were supposed to go LEFT at the last crossing, you idiot! Now you’re going to have to go the LONG way around and it’s going to take you SO much more time, and you’re going to be late for your meeting! Learn to pay attention and listen to my instructions, OK???”

If it did that, chances are, a lot of us might stop using it. But Google Maps simply Re-Routes and shows you the next best way to get your destination.

Its primary interest is in getting you to reach your goal, not in making you feel bad for having made a mistake.

There’s a great lesson in this… It’s tempting to unload our frustration and anger on those who have made a mistake, especially those we are close to & familiar with.

But the wisest choice is to help in fixing the problem, not to blame and accuse.

Have you had “Re-Routing” moments recently? With others, and also “with your own self”?

Be a “Google Map” to your parents, children, spouse, friends, teammate, colleagues, neighbors and all the people who matter, people you care about!!!

–Wayfarer
Monk in Training
Bikernet Cultural Center

BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE–
What’s the difference between what Jesus told his followers and what Mohammed told his followers:

Jesus told his followers “When you go into a town to teach the inhabitants the good news about their liberty on the physical level and their salvation on the spiritual level and they mock you, leave the town and then remove even the dust and the aroma of the place from your clothing and move on to another town.”

Mohammed told his followers “When you enter a town to teach the inhabitants the bad news about mandatory privation, ritualistic mandatory OCD, mandatory suffering, mandatory taxation, mandatory punishment, mandatory murder rape and plunder, and they mock you, kill the inhabitants and make slaves of the ones you find physically attractive and breed yourself to them against their will then subject your offspring to brutality and incest so that when they are adults they will be suicidal sociopaths like yourselves.”

Now…..Biden, the State Department and the Squad think Mohammed is the guy to take advice from. Just a heads up. For example, the Pentagon now has the Taliban as an ally: who do what Mohammed said. Not what Jesus said. In other words, DC and its Muslim allies are now united, and enthusiastically so, because there’s lotsa child-molestation-as-a-virtue involved for both groups giving the two of them virtually ALL goals in common….. against….Christians.

Welcome to Rome, 100 AD, Christians.

–J.J. Solari
Lead Reporter
Bikernet.com™

NEWS FROM THE AFGHAN FAILURE–Don’t know if this is true, but I am sure reliable news sources such as Reuters and others would have published the public data on any American military equipment now in possession of Taliban.

Lot of social media noise about this but CNN and Fox and BBC won’t be able to doctor any known public data about the cost or inventory of equipments.

It’s not like US or any nation publicly declares its military inventory in any location, whether within their borders or foreign locations.

So, $85 billion and thousands of vehicles, helicopters, etc. is something only the Government / Pentagon knows if true or not.

Anyways, the Afghans who helped Americans are surely screwed and that’s not something anyone needs to speculate about.

Only the Courts or DOJ or Congress Committee can force the numbers out into public domain.

So, meanwhile any politician / news agency can claim any numbers suiting their agenda.

There was news a few months ago of Germany shipping huge quantities of beer back to Germany after US & NATO Allies had decided to leave Afghanistan. Their vendors could not sell that beer to Muslims there (haraam – against religious teachings) so instead of leaving it in Afghanistan they paid to ship it back to Germany.

If they don’t even leave beer behind, it’s unlikely that billions of dollars of arms and equipment will be left behind.

It’s not as if US left Afghanistan overnight. The moving out was planned.

So, these claims and numbers seem doubtful.

Germany has announced it will fly more than 22,500 litres of beer home from Afghanistan, as Nato forces prepare to withdraw.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57386704.amp

–Wayfarer
Senior Reporter
Bikernet International News Bureau

INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT–Two weeks ago, the NMA launched an information campaign directed at the top aides of U.S. Congressional members who sit on either the Senate or House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committees. One single-topic email is sent per week on issues contained within the massive proposed legislation to fund an upgrade of the nation’s transportation-ish infrastructure. (We’re not fans of the “-ish” affectation, but the scope of the proposals goes beyond roads, bridges, tunnels and transit systems.)

What we really aren’t fans of are the infrastructure recommendations that are onerous to drivers. Below are examples of the first two NMA emails, personalized and sent to the staffers. We will be following with three or four more emails in the next few weeks on topics such as automated enforcement, funding of a mileage-based (vehicle-miles-traveled) road user fee pilot program, support for standardizing in-cabin driver monitoring systems, and one that never goes away, the federal funding of state-run high-visibility traffic enforcement campaigns that are measured by tickets issued rather than safety metrics.

We’ll share those emails with you, too, in future e-newsletters. If motorists are going to move the needle on any of these issues, it’s going to require the help of you and others in reaching out to the T&I Committee members with shared concerns.

Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee

House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

The staffer response we have received so far to the NMA emails shown below has mostly been a routine polite recognition of the issue along with a promise to share our concerns with the legislator. One legislative aide observed that for as long as her boss has been on the T&I Committee, she has never heard a negative word about Vision Zero. That remark is very telling, and is also why we linked stories of eleven major North American cities with VZ programs either ineffective or outright failing despite massive public funding. The question is whether she, and more importantly, her boss, will read those accounts with some degree of alarm.

We know the messages struck a chord with the legislative director of a U.S. Representative, who wrote, “Thank you so much for flagging this. My boss completely agrees with the sentiments you outlined below regarding Vision Zero. Let me know if you have time this week to discuss the issue and potential paths forward on pushing back on this madness.” That is precisely the kind of response upon which we will be building.

NMA August 9th/10th Email to Senate and House Top T&I Aides
H.R. 3684 Infrastructure Bills: Concerns of the Motoring Public,
Part 1 – Vision Zero

Dear Kara,

Congress appears to be getting ready to approve a $1 billion investment in Vision Zero and Safe Streets state programs over the next five years. Is that really the right thing to do with taxpayer money when time-after-time these programs have failed to meet expectations despite having hundreds of millions of dollars pumped into them already?

Traffic safety improvements can and should be made, not by pursuing an unrealistic “zero traffic fatalities at all costs” approach, but by providing funding for more robust driver education programs across the country that include advanced-skills training, and for the safety training of other road users such as bicyclists. That would be a billion dollars much more effectively spent toward lowering roadway accident and fatality rates.

Please encourage Senator Whitehouse, as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, to give the proposed appropriation for Vision Zero programs a critical review, especially with the abysmal track record of previous VZ efforts.

Some recent, high-profile examples of those expensive failures:

Austin, TX
Austin, TX traffic fatalities nearly triple in January (Feb 2020)

Chicago, IL
Several years into a ten-year “Vision Zero” target, some cities that took on a radical safety challenge are seeing traffic fatalities go up (Nov 2019)

Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles’ Vision Zero Plan is Not Working…Yet (Feb 2020)

New York, New York
Vision Zero Sputters As NYC Traffic Deaths Reach Highest Level of De Blasio Era (Oct 2020)

Philadelphia, PA
As traffic deaths spike, Philly reveals updated Vision Zero action plan (Nov 2020)

Portland, OR
City of Portland dissolves Vision Zero task force (Feb 2021)

San Francisco, CA
City Performance Scorecard (Dec 2020)

San Jose, CA
With traffic deaths on the rise, San Jose renews focus on safety (Jul 2020)

Seattle, WA
24 Deaths in 2020 Show Seattle Still Falling Woefully Short of Vision Zero Pledge (Feb 2021)

Toronto, Ontario
Why Toronto’s approach to Vision Zero isn’t making streets safer (Oct 2019)

Washington, DC
D.C. traffic deaths rise during pandemic, impeding plans for zero-death goal (Oct 2020)

If you have any questions about the issues from a motorist’s perspective, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration, and for the attention Senator Whitehouse will give to these important issues for motorists and taxpayers.

Kind regards,

Gary Biller
President/CEO

National Motorists Association
Empowering drivers since 1982
Email: gary@motorists.org
Telephone: 608-849-6000
1001 Arboretum Dr, Ste 120, Waunakee, WI 53597

NMA August 16th/17th Email to Senate and House Top T&I Aides
H.R. 3684 Infrastructure Bills: Concerns of the Motoring Public,
Part 2 – Speed Limits

Dear John,

Two key elements of Vision Zero will open the door for local authorities to lower speed limits without regard for current engineering standards and significantly expand the use of photo enforcement—speed cameras, in particular—to monitor compliance under the threat of significant penalties.

Part 1, sent last week, illustrated the ineffectiveness, at great cost, of Vision Zero programs in major cities around the country. This email addresses the safety and community-trust ramifications of arbitrarily lowering speed limits to reduce traffic fatalities. Please forward this information to Representative LaMalfa for consideration when reviewing the bipartisan “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” and the parallel “INVEST in America Act” package.

State Departments of Transportation (DOT) understand the essential need to post viable speed limits based on typical safe driving behaviors. The Iowa DOT is not unique in affirming publicly, “When a good speed limit is set based on data-driven decision-making, drivers adapt, and less enforcement is needed. Sometimes we are asked to reduce speed limits in hopes of preventing crashes, but in most cases, lower speed limits aren’t the solution. When a speed limit is set too low without supporting data, we see more variability in speeds. This creates conflicts and makes assessing the speed of other drivers difficult to determine.”

In fact, the seminal study on speed limit changes, the Federal Highway Administration’s publication, FHWA-RD-97-084, Effects of Raising and Lowering Speed Limits on Selected Roadway Sections, by Martin R. Parker & Associates, shows no safety benefits for (and often adverse effects resulting from) limits posted below established traffic speed patterns.

By funding Vision Zero programs with $1 billion over the next five years, Congress will be giving the green light to eliminating the current requirement to gathering speed-study data as a necessary component of speed limit determination. Posted speed limits will be based on the individual decisions of engineers (or administrators) in thousands of different jurisdictions across the country.

The word “uniform” is prominent in established standards set by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Uniform Vehicle Code for a reason. Without a coherent, engineering-based national standard for setting speed limits, drivers can drive safely but become unwitting violators as they travel from one community to the next. Do we want drivers focused more with eyes down on their speedometers or with eyes up on the road?

Traffic enforcement has a long history of being applied inequitably, as many of today’s headlines too often make clear. Funding Vision Zero programs will promote the lowering of speed limits by default, not by engineering methodology, and encourage the proliferation of automated enforcement cameras. The federal government would be paving the way for drivers, particularly those from low-income and marginalized communities, to become vulnerable to higher ticketing rates. This is at a time when trust between the police and community must be strengthened, not damaged further.

The NMA encourages Rep. LaMalfa to vote against the federal funding of ineffective and wasteful Vision Zero programs.

Thank you for your consideration,

Gary Biller
President/CEO

National Motorists Association
Empowering drivers since 1982
Email: gary@motorists.org
Telephone: 608-849-6000
1001 Arboretum Dr, Ste 120, Waunakee, WI 53597

[page break]

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–THE EDUCATIONAL BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 26, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_EDUCATIONAL_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_26_2021.aspx

So, does this mean Easyriders may pay up? Should I hold my breath?

About trucking, did it most of fifty years. At 68, I got out, paperwork, tattletails, tracked from space and rules of service that seemed too change daily.

I do not miss it, and on a recent trip to TN, seeing all of the 18 wheelers looking for a place to park before being out of hours, not good.

I still have my class a cdl and a current health card, just in case I get hungry enough.

— Alex Jemery
Deland, FL

The Easyriders crew have taken care of some subscribers, or maybe you’ll get a sub to the new ER. –Bandit

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–

Did you know the Royal Enfield with a sidecar was used by fire-fighters in the past. Attached an old photo of sidecar fire-fighting motorcycle from the internet. The license number plate on the Enfield motorcycle is of UK.
https://regarchive.com/plate/CUH457

In modern times, companies have pitched a two-wheeler Enfield motorcycle for Fire Departments of India’s major cities. They showcased a working fire-fighting motorcycle – on two-wheels.

In the news from 2016, a company uses the all-terrain Enfield Himalayan for its fire-fighting motorcycle.

News Links below:
From 2012: https://www.motorbeam.com/fire-fighting-royal-enfield-bikes-cost-rs-7-lakhs-each/
It says – Similar fire fighting motorcycles are being used by the States of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra. These are Royal Enfield Electra 350 motorcycles which are fitted with Compressed Air Foam (CAF) and a water system. The kits mounted on the bikes can be carried along by the firemen in case the bikes can’t reach the exact spot of fire.

From 2016: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/firefighting-fire-brigade-officers-mumbai-royal-enfield-mumbai-fire-brigade-350414-2016-11-05
It says – Enfield Himalayan model used for custom made fire-fighting motorcycle. The tank is integrated with a high pressure pump power capacity derived from a motorcycle engine and delivers 10 litres of water per minute at 100 Bar pressure. It also can throw water mist and jet up to 20 metres.

In India, the police have various motorcycles for fast response for traffic incidents or for routine patrol. Just like the fire-fighting, the police also issue tenders for their vehicles.

–Wayfarer
Editor in Supreme Charge
Bikernet Blog™

Indian Motorcycle expects to garner 25-30 pc share in India’s premium motorcycle segment–

US-based niche bike maker Indian Motorcycle is seeking to replicate the growth in India which it has witnessed in other global markets, and expects to garner 25-30 per cent market share in the premium motorcycle segment, having suffered a “washout” in 2020, according to a senior company official.

The company, a wholly-owned division of Polaris Industries Inc that sells a range of imported bikes priced between Rs 15.68 lakh and Rs 43.96 lakh, was unable to operate fully in the Indian market due to non-availability of BS-VI compliant models besides the disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Globally, we are registering growth everywhere, we are getting market share. There is a double-digit growth in North America, in Asia-Pacific, in Europe and in Japan. It gives a clear indication that the brand is growing everywhere,” Polaris India Pvt Ltd Country Manager Lalit Sharma told PTI.

As for the Indian market, he said last year was very tough for everyone and unfortunately or fortunately, it was more of a “cooling period for us because we were not having any Euro V (BS-VI) motorcycles at that time. We received the new set of motorcycles early this year only”.

However, Sharma added this year is pretty strong with the company.

“We have a new set of motorcycles… The new Chief series and more affordable bikes are coming up… Customer inquiries and orders have gone tremendously up. New customers are coming in and dealers are pretty positive,” he said.

Before 2020, Indian Motorcycle had around 25-30 per cent market share in the country’s premium bike segment that is, at present, close to around 1,000 units a year.

When asked if Indian Motorcycle would look to regain that market share this year with the arrival of the new bikes, he said, “I think we will focus on that because that’s the kind of solid growth which we are targeting this year. And definitely, we will see the overall industry by the end of this year and where we are and what needs to be done in the next year.”

Commenting on the impact due to the pandemic, Sharma said, “If we talk about premium motorcycling, it’s all about brotherhood and it’s more of a social gathering (through group riding). Technically speaking, it has been impacted by the pandemic globally, not just in India.”

Due to the pandemic, the rides that the company used to organise in different parts of India were completely halted, he added.

However, with the situation improving, Sharma said the company is keeping a close eye with the local regulations and has started allowing dealers to organise regional rides in small sets of customers by following all COVID-19 protocols.

“Now, the rides are picking up slowly. The customers are coming forward and they are showing keen interest in the new set of motorcycles and things are shaping up very well,” he added.

However, while inquiries have gone up ‘tremendously’ , doing demonstrations to customers continues to be a big challenge as many of the customers are still not willing to visit the showrooms and are not very eager to take a test ride.

On the prospects of the premium motorcycle market in India, he said that while many people are not that comfortable in spending Rs 20 lakh to Rs 40 lakh for buying a motorcycle but there are “a set of customers or enthusiasts who are fans of certain brands”.

“They’re spending money and definitely we are targeting them and we are moving in the right direction,” Sharma said.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/two-wheelers-three-wheelers/indian-motorcycle-expects-to-garner-25-30-pc-share-in-indias-premium-motorcycle-segment/articleshow/85732708.cms

–Wayfarer
Senior Reporter
International News Desk
Bikernet.com™

RED CROSS ALERT–Hurricane Ida

Hurricane Ida made landfall along the Louisiana coast near Port Fourchon today as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic 150 mph winds, disastrous flooding, dangerous tornadoes and a life-threatening storm surge to the same region still recovering from last year’s devastating storms.

Ida will continue to produce heavy rainfall today through Monday across the central Gulf Coast from southeast Louisiana, through coastal Mississippi to far southwestern Alabama.

People from Louisiana through Alabama should be prepared for prolonged power outages, storm surge, destructive winds and flying debris and major, life-threatening flooding. States of emergency has already been declared in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many areas are under either mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders.

It’s thanks to generous supporters like you that we are able to be ready, on the ground, to support the communities that will need us.

Alongside our partners, the Red Cross has mobilized hundreds of trained disaster workers and relief supplies to shelter and support people in evacuation shelters.

Some 600 Red Cross volunteers are on the ground supporting relief efforts.

Across Louisiana and Mississippi, the Red Cross and other organizations have opened dozens of evacuation shelters offering safe refuge for hundreds of people.

In addition to shelter, the Red Cross is ready to provide cots, blankets and comfort kits, along with tens of thousands of ready-to-eat meals.

This relief effort would not be possible without the generosity of our incredible donors like you.

Our Red Cross staff and volunteers are on the ground today providing immediate aid, shelter and critical resources. But your help is needed now to ensure we can continue to provide support to families and individuals facing the aftermath of this dangerous storm.

In the days ahead, we will continue to keep you updated on our response and how you can make a difference.

Thank you for your continued support,

Disaster Response Team
American Red Cross

P.S. We urge people in the path of this storm to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. We encourage safety and staying out of harm’s way above all. Full information on hurricane safety is available here. Visit www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to be connected to your local chapter.

FACTORY NEWS–
This is great news for H-D considering their focus on premium motorcycles instead of the many affordable models they suddenly cancelled.

I am curious to know what bikers think of this news and of the CEO Zeitz effort to make the legendary company profitable again.

Of course, this is just North America market but it was always Harley-Davidson’s largest market and it was losing its market share on its home turf for years.

H-D Pan America™ Becomes No.1 Selling Adventure Touring Motorcycle

https://blog.bikernet.com/h-d-pan-america-becomes-no-1-selling-adventure-touring-motorcycle/

–Wayfarer
Supreme Editor
Bikernet Blog™

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2020 Harley-Davidson FXBRS – Softail Breakout 114 for $19,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10992873

This bike is a Monster with a H.D. STAGE 4 M8 114c.i. with super low Mileage

ONLY 1627.00 Miles !!!!!

2020 Black Harley-Davidson BREAKOUT FXBRS

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 114 Stage 4 M8 Motor
* 6-Speed trans.
* S&S Exhaust
* 21 inch front Wheel
* Corbin seat
* Drag bars

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $19,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–
Scientists rip UN IPCC report: MIT’s Dr. Richard Lindzen: ‘Demonizing CO2 is just crazy’…’Ignore the climate crisis’ — Dr. Nir Shaviv of Hebrew U.: ‘They’re totally missing fact that the sun has a big effect on climate’

MIT Climate Scientists Dr. Richard Lindzen: When asked his opinion of Israeli solutions to climate change, Lindzen said: “Solution implies there is a problem.” The real question is if the plan’s worth doing. To that, he replied: “Not at all.” “Demonizing carbon dioxide is just crazy,” said [MIT climate scientist Richard] Lindzen. “It means we have a population that’s forgotten elementary biology. They don’t remember photosynthesis. We’ve already benefited due to the increase in CO2 by probably over a trillion dollars increase in agricultural productivity. The earth is greening due to this.”

Nir Shaviv, a professor of physics at Hebrew University, told JNS that he feels many climate scientists are under pressure to produce alarming reports. There is “such a large climate industry that people need to publish things that show a large effect [from man-made emissions], or they don’t get grants,” he explained. Shaviv said the IPCC’s scientists are not looking at all the evidence. “The thing that they’re totally missing is the fact that the sun has a big effect on climate. We can simulate it in large-scale simulations.” Shaviv: “So I’m totally confident after 20 years that the link is there, the sun has a large effect on climate.”

–Marc Morano

If you are being bullied by anyone, there should be a number to call.–Bandit

ROAD SHOW POSTPONED–Tucker Powersports: Tucker Powersports VP Announces Road Show Postponement
Tucker Powersports VP of Sales, Brad Turner, recently sent a note to Tucker dealers announcing the postponement of the 2021 Tucker Road Show Tour.

LATEST FROM LOWBROW— Why do you need new spark plug wires?

A few reasons are to:
Improve performance
Customize your ride
Properly maintain your bike

At Lowbrow, we have ready-to-go spark plug wire kits to fit your motorcycle.

We also have all the highest-quality, USA-made spark plug wire components to build your own custom sets.

Plug Wires

Be sure to check out the original cloth-covered spark plug wires from Lowbrow Customs. We have been making them specifically for motorcycles since 2007.

Not sure what you need? CONTACT THE LOWBROW CREW

DENNIS KIRK BRINGS YOU STURGIS 2021 BY MICHAEL LICHTER–
Sturgis 2021 is in the books, and so is the exclusive Dennis Kirk Blog series form world-renowned motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter. Check out his recap of this year’s rally, complete with awesome photos and interviews: https://bit.ly/3DHQE3Z

And catch up on his past Sturgis posts on the Lichter Notes page: https://www.denniskirk.com/blog/lichter-notes/

–John Eastman
Director of Digital Marketing

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY POLITICAL STUDIES–American Politicians Explained

The problem is not the office holder currently holding the office. The problem is that the office actually exists. Even though there is no actual job description for it.

Other than stopping people from doing things before they do them and punishing them for doing things after they do them. And the “things” list of what not to do or else get punished… and what to get punished for if you DO them….. doubles in size every day.

What kind of a person do you think would WANT a job like that? That’s right: a shithead, worthless, lying, impotent, probably child-molesting, psychopathic monster.

Thank you.

–J.J. Solari

AMAZING SHOP TIPS OF THE DAY—
https://www.facebook.com/5Minute.Crafts.Men/videos/544733686692775

5-Minute Crafts Men – Helpful repair tricks to fix everything like a pro

Helpful repair tricks to fix everything like a pro: Superb gadgets to turn your kitchen tasks easier. Kitchen gadgets, cleaning gadgets, car gadgets

–from El Waggs

FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT—This is the single most important Climate chart in the world: Showing what has happened to Climate related disasters as humanity used more fossil fuels. Climate-related disaster deaths plunge: Fossil fuels haven’t taken a safe climate and made it dangerous. ‘Fossil fuels have taken a dangerous climate and made it safe’

–Alex Epstein

LIFE IS NUTS, BUT IT’S COMING AROUND—Hell, we just featured a 1-million buck Crocker on Bikernet, the last one built.

Easyriders events and the magazine are coming back.

I’m still reading Bill’s book. Plus, I covered several Climate related topics. I’ll cut you some slack.

I’m meeting with a contractor tomorrow morning to discuss building my shop extension. Would love to have it completed before the winter sets in. I’ve got shit to build, the Salt Torpedo to prep for Bonneville next year, an old Rapido to restore for the Redhead, and some brothers offered to sell my Sturgis Chop back to me.

If that doesn’t happen, I’ll bet I will start another project or two, maybe three. Can’t wait.

Keep the faith, the bullshit and bullies are losing their grip. Let’s ride free forever!

–Bandit

Hey,

This should be a good one. I’m working on my first stolen motorcycle story. I’m going to base the series in a saloon in Sundance, Wyoming, and I should drop a few shady episodes in Thermopolis and Worland where my Wyoming girl lived until she died of cancer.

She worked in fields as a kid where they were crop dusted. More and more cancers are caused by environment and genes. If both are working against you, you’re in trouble. Markus Cuff, a photographer for Easyriders, American Iron and Cycle Source has cancer. He didn’t smoke, was a vegetarian, and never worked in a Coal Mine, yet he still got it. Musta been in his genes. I’ll dive away from this topic.

Remember, we’re living in the best of times, but the control freaks need more control. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s a power/money deal.

So, I’m setting up the characters who become the team to help brothers and sisters get their Prize Possessions back. Not sure what to name it. Maybe I’ll name the series after my first book Prize Possession, which I wrote after my bike was stolen out from under the Easyriders offices.

I was thinking about Chopper Chronicles, but I have a sneaking suspicion that name is taken. Let me know. Sounds familiar. 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.

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—TAILWHIP for FXRs Double-Diamond Seating
Overview

Taking our popular Kickflip one step further! If it’s more comfort for the passenger or just another platform to let your adventurous side explore, the whipped-up tail will give you what you are looking for!

Shown with Double Diamond seating area. Also available with Basket Weave, Pleated Stitch and our new Gripp Tape material – for when traction is needed! Many other custom materials and stitch graphics are available as well!

Mounts with your stock hinge and latch kit. Hinge and latch are not provided.
Specs

Driver Seating:
11″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
6.5″ Wide

MSRP:
$551.00

Part Number:
L-588DD [’82-’94]

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK— immy kimmel, who is basically an anvil being pulled along the ground behind the oxcart of late-night television…..is now a medical advisor.

–J.J. Solari
Media Consultant
Bikernet.com™

Honda BigWing is an authorised dealership which offers the high-end expensive motorcycles of Honda such as GoldWing or CBR1000RR. They are handful in number compared to the many authorised dealerships that offer the many different models of Honda commuter motorcycles and scooters of less than 300cc capacity engines.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter in India on Monday launched Honda BigWing virtual showroom as part of its focus on the digital customer interface to offer contactless services.

The digital showroom offers customers 360-degree virtual product demo, online documentation, direct-to-home delivery and virtual chat support, among other features, HMSI said in a release.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/two-wheelers-three-wheelers/honda-motorcycle-scooter-launches-virtual-showroom-to-offer-contactless-services/articleshow/85973013.cms

–Wayfarer
Bikernet International Business Correspondent

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT INSPIRATIONAL WORD OF THE DAY–indefatigable
[ in-di-fat-i-guh-buhl ]
adjective

incapable of being tired out; not yielding to fatigue; untiring.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF INDEFATIGABLE?
Indefatigable “incapable of being tired out” has changed little in spelling and meaning since its origin as the Latin adjective indefatigabilis “untiring” or, more literally, “not-tire out-able.” This adjective derives from the verb fatigare “to tire,” the source of English fatigue (via French), but its ultimate origin is unknown. The most compelling theory is that fatigare comes from a hypothesized adjective, fatis “gaping open” or “yawning,” found also in the verb fatiscere “to grow weak” or “to crack open.” Indefatigable entered English in the late 1500s.

HOW IS INDEFATIGABLE USED?
[W]ith enlarged lungs adapted to life on the 15,000-foot-high, oxygen-starved Tibetan Plateau, Nangchen steeds were bred to be inexhaustible and sure-footed on snowy passes. … I am captivated by the possibility that back in the deep valleys Tibetans might still ride their indefatigable horses along the original trail.

At the age of sixty-eight, Tolstoy was given a tennis racket and taught the rules of the game. He became an instant tennis addict….All summer long, Tolstoy played tennis for three hours every day. No opponent could rival Tolstoy’s indefatigable thirst for the game of tennis…

ELIF BATUMAN, THE POSSESSED: ADVENTURES WITH RUSSIAN BOOKS AND THE PEOPLE WHO READ THEM, 2010

BOOK REVIEW—Tale of Two Planets, One Real and One Imaginary by Bill Pekny

I’m going to try to make this as simple as possible. This should be a text book used in schools all over the world.

We are being bullied into another witch hunt. Did you know that some communities in the 1600s burned all the women at the stake, because of witchcraft rumors?

Bill tells us that Science is Never Settled. He explains the Scientific Method which is not being used by climate Doomsday Sayers all over the world.

The Climate is not controlled by Man, but by the sun and the earth’s orbit. In other words Mother Nature.

CO2 is one of the best elements in the atmosphere. Life cannot survive without it. It is not a pollutant. Man improved desperately low CO2 levels by burning fossil fuels over the last 75 years.

If C02 gets below 150 ppm plants die and we starve. It got down to 180 when we started driving cars. In the past 100,000 years it was as high as 7,000 and life flourished. It is now just 410 and we are doing alright, but it could be higher.

Climate Doomsday Sayers are denying the facts. They are denying the Scientific Method and History.

Driving your cars is good for the planet. It does not create forest fires, bad forrest management does.

Basically, we are living in the best of times. Read Bill’s book and find out the facts.

–Bandit

QUICK GUN NUT REPORT–
Provisions of AB 1237 that would make available to certain researchers a litany of information on gun owners (including personal identifying information) have been resurrected in the Legislature. Please contact your lawmakers and ask them to OPPOSE AB 173 and SB 173.

Click HERE to Take Action!
Assembly Bill 173/Senate Bill 173 require that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) supply state information, including personal identifying information, to the UC Gun Violence Research Center at UC Davis, and allows the DOJ to provide this same information to certain non-profits and state agencies. This legislation creates grave privacy concerns, as well as concerns that this information could be provided to groups that create biased “research” to push gun control policies without actually researching root causes of violence.

Only a few days remain in the 2021 legislative session, so please take action now!

Yours in Freedom,

Ken Lan
Communications Coordinator
NRA-ILA

http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2015 Harley-Davidson FLHX – Street Glide for $19,995.00

SEE IT HERE https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10804284RE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10804284

This bike is a really sharp Street Glide with lots of custom color matched paint.

ONLY 14589.00 Miles !!!!!

2015 Black cherry candy Harley-Davidson STREET GLIDE TOURING FLHX

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed Trans
* 14-inch apes
* Color matched (legs, passenger floorboards, air cleaner, brake & clutch master cycl.)
* DNA cone slip-on’s
* Dash chrome kit

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether you’re looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $19,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

THE COFFEE TABLE OF THE WEEK–Finally making a little progress on my double engine Triumph coffee table.

Not that the Panhead desk is too slow, I’m just looking for something quicker!

Believe it or not most of the parts were buried in the corner of my garage. My old boss’ handy work. Still need to restore this.

–Dan Stern

THE PANHEAD BUMMER PROJECT–
This happening has really bummed me out. My cherry Bob George motor exploded. Here are a few pictures, still can’t believe it.

I see you moved. Pedro to Deadwood wow. Seems like more and more people are leaving Calif. The caldor fire up here by me (Placerville) has been bad. I didn’t have to evac, but it was close.

The fire went east, and crested echo summit then went down in to South lake Tahoe basin but they saved the town and the fire is going east. Over 200,000 acres with this fire. Pretty scary, I’m in the middle of a forest here. Praying for rain. Talk to you soon.

–Kerry Crist

I hooked him up with Carlo and Emma’s shop. They recently hired Painter Joe who is a master with Panheads. And now Micah McCloskey is nearby. He should be back on the road shortly.

—Bandit

TUCKER POWERSPORTS TO ACQUIRE KURYAKYN— Tucker Powersports, a leading distributor of powersports products for motorcycles, ATV/UTV’s, snowmobiles, personal watercraft as well as a range of electric bikes and scooters, announced today that it is acquiring Kuryakyn Holdings LLC.

Tucker will incorporate the Kuryakyn product offering and product development into the Tucker organization this year. Kuryakyn’s employees and suppliers were informed of the acquisition earlier today.

The acquisition will move Kuryakyn into the Tucker organization, rather than Kuryakyn operating as a separate business unit. All Kuryakyn operations, assets, and R&D programs will move from Somerset WI to Tucker’s headquarters in Fort Worth.

“This is a tremendous move for Tucker, for the Kuryakyn brand and for the dealers we serve,” said Tucker President and CEO Marc McAllister. “Kuryakyn’s industry-leading products will continue to be available to dealers and customers while Tucker becomes an even stronger supplier to dealers in not only in custom, cruiser and touring, but new market segments as well.”

Kuryakyn is one of the nation’s leading developers and retailers of motorcycle accessories for the V-twin, cruiser and touring motorcycle rider. The brand’s newest products include a range of audio speakers for on and off-road use, LED lighting and motorcycle luggage. Founded nearly 30 years ago, the company quickly became known for a range of chrome and custom accessories for motorcycles.

Tucker leadership expects the transition will be complete by the end of the calendar year. Some of Kuryakyn’s Somerset WI employees will have an opportunity to join the Tucker staff in Fort Worth TX. Many of those moves will take place in the next 30 days. Kuryakyn’s R&D department and equipment will move shortly thereafter.

NEWS FROM THE ROCKING K–
Custom Leather, by Howard Knight. Welcome to the NEW e-commerce site that showcases ideas as well as lets you order directly from the store.

Want a custom piece? Visit the “Contact” section and email or call to design your own fine art in leather.

Please enjoy 15% off your first purchase.

CODE: NEW15

Some of our most popular items
Image of Suede Alligator Belts (Statement Colors)
Suede Alligator Belts (Classic Colors)

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Stevensville, Montana 59870

GATHR JUMP STARTS THEATRICAL ON DEMAND FOR RE-MASTERED, DIGITALLY ENHANCED 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF “ON ANY SUNDAY”

Oscar-Nominated Documentary, Regarded as Best Film Ever Made on Sport of Motorcycle Racing, Starred and Was Financed by Movie Icon and Motocross Weekend Warrior Steve McQueen; Will Be listed on Sports Illustrated’s SI Tix

Media company GATHR will showcase the re-mastered and digitally enhanced 50th Anniversary edition of the Oscar-nominated 1971 documentary ON ANY SUNDAY via its fan-driven cinema distribution model Theatrical On Demand.

The documentary, financed by and starring movie icon and motocross weekend warrior Steve McQueen, is regarded as the best film ever made on the sport of motorcycle racing.

Screening event tickets will be available on the new Sports Illustrated ticketing exchange, SI Tix.

“At SI Tix, we are committed to giving fans the opportunity to enjoy the best live event experiences the world of sports and entertainment has to offer,” said David Lane, CEO, SI Tix by Sports Illustrated.

On Any Sunday, a Bruce Brown Films documentary directed by Bruce Brown (The Endless Summer), was nominated for the Best Documentary Academy Award in 1971. The original film was financed by Steve McQueen’s Solar Productions and features motorcycle racing enthusiast McQueen along with two of the sport’s icons: Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawwill.

On Any Sunday is credited with changing stereotypical attitudes of “bikers” and influencing the boom of motorcycle sales in the 1970s.

Highlights include movie star Steve McQueen’s real-life weekend warrior racing in the desert and at the famed Elsinore Grand Prix; legendary racer and designer Mert Lawwill’s attempt to regain his Grand National #1 place in dirt track and road racing, and icon Malcolm Smith’s other-worldly skills at the International Six Days Trial and at Baja.

Now Bruce Brown Films pays tribute to the entire motorcycle community by presenting the re-mastered and digitally enhanced On Any Sunday 50th Anniversary edition. This newly released masterpiece boasts color correction and image restoration and stunning PCM 5.1 surround sound of the original audio and soundtrack.

A pre-recorded panel with film principals Mert Lawwill, famed motorcycle racers Dave Aldana and Keith Mashburn and Dana Brown, son of the legendary director Bruce Brown, will be shown at every Theatrical On Demand screening.

Yamaha, which was the major sponsor of the original film, is offering all eligible Yamaha dealers 50% co-op funding support for On Any Sunday screening packages.

Movie Poster: Courtesy of Bruce Brown Films Archives

COMEDY HEADLINE OF THE WEEK—

–from J.J. Solari

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RIDER JARED MEES SWEEPS
SPRINGFIELD MILE DOUBLEHEADER

Back-to-Back Wins Closes Gap Between Mees & Points Leader Briar Bauman,
Two-Man Wrecking Crew to Battle for Championship with Three Races Remaining

Indian Motorcycle Racing, carried out its 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season with back-to-back wins during this weekend’s doubleheader at the Springfield Mile I and II.

Ultimately, Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees swept the weekend and closed the gap with the factory teammate and season’s points leader, Briar Bauman.

During Sunday’s Springfield Mile I, Mees and Bauman battled closely, as the two were neck-and-neck during the final lap. Though it was Mees who edged out Bauman to capture his sixth-career Springfield Mile victory, while Bauman finished second. Indian Motorcycle privateer Brandon Robinson rounded out the podium with his sixth podium of the season.

On Monday, knowing he still had ground to make up on the leaderboard, Mees came out to the Springfield Mile II and dominated the field – ultimately reaching the finish line more a second before Indian Motorcycle privateer Sammy Halbert. The win marked Mees’ seventh-career Springfield Mile win and reignited a championship battle with just three races remaining.

“Anyone who knows Jared or has been following his career knows this was a typical Jared Mees performance. With his back against the ropes, a pair of wins were his best option to keep his championship hopes alive,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “That said, I’m sure he didn’t go popping champagne bottles, as he’s quickly moving on to the next and preparing for the final three races of the season.”

Mees, a five-time Grand National Champion who last won in 2018, has his sights set on reclaiming the No. 1 plate. Facing a 12-point deficit, Mees will have his work cut out for him as Bauman, the two-time reigning SuperTwins Champion, has remained consistent all year, as he’s reached the podium in all but two races this season.

The 2021 AFT season will continue Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12, at the Sacramento Mile doubleheader. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET PUBLIC SERVICE CENTER–
Regarding lifting weights as an easy meditation – it is very true and many may not understand how.

When you are lifting weights, you have to pay attention to each rep. Because it weighs a few pounds, your mind is forced to focus on the weight and be attentive to how your body is responding to it with proper posture for lifting it.

There is no choice for the mind to wander into other thoughts, worries since the primal mind wants to avoid injury. Distractions around you, whether physical presence or mental worries are pushed out by the mind. The subconscious mind then gets a further boost of hormones released through such weight training exercises.

Riding motorcycles are similar too and gets you out of the house or office. On the motorcycle, the rider must pay attention to controlling the machine, physically and mentally. It is very unlike taking a long drive in a car with radio playing and mobile phone ringing – allowing already existing thoughts to surface. On a motorcycle all senses are alive plus the need to feel free.

So, an easy first step for meditation is definitely getting into lifting weights or getting outdoors on a motorcycle. It forces you be present in the moment.

For others, the Kriya Yoga form of meditation also does not require any mental effort nor do you have to close your eyes nor sit still, etc. It is very suitable to modern lifestyle. Forcing your mind to not think of something or to think of a particular thing is not really a meditation many people are capable of.

Creating a duality in the mind by suppressing your own thoughts or denying urges is unnatural state of mind – just like telling a regular city-dweller to take a vow of celibacy and not have sexual relations. It’s like telling a man on the mound to now climb Mt. Everest as the next step for his training.

In Kriya Yoga, there is no loss of benefits from practice even though a thousand thoughts and worries occupy your mind during practice. You don’t need to close your eyes nor close your mind to all the distractions around. It works just the way weight training works through biological processes in the body and brain.

Tai-Chi form of martial arts is also called “meditation in motion” by many, because just like Kriya Yoga, there is no demand from your mind as required in various popular meditation techniques.

Let thoughts come and let them branch out into other thoughts. Look at those thoughts like witnessing a dream and let your mind analyze, evaluate and process them. Talk to someone about your thoughts and worries if you think it will help you. But living in self-denial and suppressing your thoughts, feelings and emotions is not at all a “meditation”. It is not the freedom of spirit which is the purpose of doing meditation / yoga in the first place.

Useful Links: https://www.satyamyogaprasad.net/
A Free digital library of the entire collected publications of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Bihar Yoga tradition. It includes Free eBooks, video and audio recordings of practices.

I would recommend by starting with the book “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Only if you enjoy the exercises in that book would it benefit you to read and see the videos for more comprehensive yoga exercises, which you can find in:
“Hatha Yoga Pradipika” by Swami Muktibodhananda – and then the true encyclopedia –
“A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The primary benefit is that Swami Satyananda wrote his books originally in English language itself, hence there is no missed meanings seen in various translations of ancient texts.

Details at: https://www.biharyoga.net/satyam-yoga-prasad.php

–Swami Wayfarer
Master Practitioner
Bikernet Monastery
Base of the Gray Mountain

SEMA MASSACHUSETTS NEWS–“As a Massachusetts resident and an avid car enthusiast, I am enthused to see the introduction of a bill to remove the front plate requirement for the state,” noted Josh Shapiro to his lawmakers earlier this year.

“I believe that the removal of this requirement will both improve the appearance of all cars in the state, but more importantly, it will help residents of Massachusetts by not requiring them to drill holes in their front bumper, which can help improve the appeal of Massachusetts owned cars in states that do not require a front license plate.

This bill has the ability to bring Massachusetts in line with other states that have moved to lift the same requirement and would accommodate cars that were not built with having a front plate in mind.” He and fellow residents are still waiting for the legislature to take action on the bill this year.

–SEMA

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–

RIDE TO STURGIS AND HOME 2021

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

Love the Black Hills and time with great friends and family. Loved the article Rogue much love and respect

–Cat AKA OneLeggedBlonde

Boscobel , WI

BIKERNET MEDIA REVIEW–The New York Times hard at work singlehandedly creating more chaos than the Taliban can only dream of. Meanwhile they are happy to announce that “lawmakers” – which would be unemployable idiots who run for office and win…..are going to take charge of altering the climate of planet earth.

These apes couldn’t pull a basket of fries out of the fryer at MacDonalds without having them broiled into impenetrable tree bark. Meanwhile the hacks at the Times see this – idiots taking charge of peoples’ futures…..as a step in the right direction!

–J.J. Solari
Media Review Imperial Editor
Bikernet.com™

FUCKIN’ ASSHOLE’S ’48 PAN—That’s what Mike Kane’s wife calls him. He built this Pan recently with a Superman theme.

It’s sold now, but a couple of artists have made it shine even more.

And Mike kept the Superman spirit alive by casting the fender version of Superman. They were originally sold through J.C. Whitney in the ‘50s and were pot metal. He broke one and decided he better cast it. If you are interested let me know.

Mike made the seat rail with Clark’s name. Too cool! This guy is a helluva builder. Watch for more of his bikes to be featured on Bikernet.

–Bandit

WHAT PRICE FREEDOM? YOUR MOTORCYCLE?

What’s the price tag you’d put on freedom? Your motorcycle? Your rights? Your lifestyle?

What’s the price tag you’d put on motorcycling? Outlaw certain models? It’s been tried.

What’s the price tag you’d put on riding anywhere you choose? Days of the week? Certain hours of the day? There are public roads in the United States where motorcycles are banned.

What’s the price tag you’d put on association? No identifying club colors? Police departments everywhere are profiling club members and non-club members daily.

What the price tag you’d put on a driverless vehicle in the lane next to you or on the road heading toward you? Your life or the life of someone you love? They’re being tested today.

What’s the price tag you’d put on getting advance warning at the gas pump that Ethanol-15 could wreak havoc on your motorcycle’s engine? The fuel is out there with no warnings at the pump.

Would you invest a weekend of your time to strengthen your knowledge on how to protect your motorcycle, your rights, and your lifestyle? That’s what the Meeting of the Minds is all about. Since when is one weekend of your time not worth the price to help protect a lifetime of riding?

Not once, but for nearly 40 years, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has stood against the tide of anti-motorcycling laws and regulations. Keeping anti-motorcycling legislation at bay is what the Meeting of the Minds is all about.

The September 10 cut-off date is rapidly approaching, for hotel reservations call JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead @ 404-262-3344 and mention MRF. For Meeting of the Minds registration, use this link: Meeting of the Minds 2021

Registration includes up-to-date presentations on what’s going on with motorcycle related legislation, 15 workshops, all workshop materials, and Saturday banquet. Registration questions call the MRF at 202-546-0983, or email Fred Harrell at fred@mrf.org

A weekend in Georgia could be just the ticket to protect the freedoms motorcycling represents – that’s what the Meeting of the Minds and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are all about.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you in Atlanta at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference!!!

Yours in Freedom,

–Fredric Harrell
Director, Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation

P.S. One more question… Do you know that the European Union is considering an “End-of-Life” study of motorcycles? Think it couldn’t happen in the U.S.? Think again… California’s “Cash for Clunkers” is just another name to call it. Is a weekend in Atlanta still too much to pay to help protect your rights, your motorcycle, and your lifestyle?

P.P.S. A 2021 Meeting of the Minds t-shirts go fast. To guarantee you’ll get your size, reserve your shirt now.

JACK’S GALLERIES COME TO THE CANTINA

Jack McIntyre is a world-renowned photographer who covers motorcycle events all over the country. If you came to this page because of Jack’s Galleries you can Join and help support your favorite photographer at the same time. You will also receive complete access to all the departments in Bandit’s Cantina.

–Bandit

[page break]

Damon Motors Hits $35M in Preorders and Expands Executive Team to Support Global Demand for HyperSport Motorcycle

Damon Motors today announced the company hit a new $35M milestone in preorders for its flagship HyperSport, the world’s smartest, safest, fully electric motorcycle. The company also announced the expansion of its leadership team with Broc TenHouten as chief strategy officer and board member, Chris Efstathiou as VP, supply chain, and Mike Galbraith as chief financial officer and senior VP, operations. The appointments come as the company moves into its next phase of global growth with ramped-up production and upcoming delivery of the critically acclaimed superbike.

“Our goal is an ambitious one: we are committed to building a crashless future,” said Jay Giraud, founder & CEO, Damon Motors. “The $35 million in preorders validates that the HyperSport is delivering safety that riders want in two-wheel transportation today. To meet this demand, we have bolstered our experienced world-class team with Broc, Chris and Mike to continue to grow the company and deliver the first HyperSports to the road.”

Broc TenHouten is an experienced technical leader with a general management background in the commercialization of new technology vehicles. Broc was COO and chief engineer of Divergent 3D, developer of the 3D-printed 21C hybrid hypercar. Previously, he also led engineering and technology development at Wrightspeed, EnerSys Advanced Systems, and Coda. Broc began his career at General Motors, where he held various positions in safety, validation, and chassis design. In his role at Damon, Broc is leading the strategy and corporate development efforts to deliver the safest and cleanest motorcycles on the road.

“Damon is set to transform the motorcycle industry by building the safest and most technologically advanced motorcycle company,” said Broc TenHouten, chief strategy officer, Damon Motors. “I’m excited to be part of the team that’s changing the way the world views motorcycle safety and the place of electrification in simultaneously achieving next-level performance and environmental sustainability.”

Chris Efstathiou has built, scaled, and operated some of the most complex and leading supply chains at global technology companies. He started at Dell in 1990, playing a key role in the creation of the supply chain that transformed how people bought computers, and continued on as the head of Procurement and Supply Chains at Marconi, BlackBerry, Amazon Robotics, and Mattel. At Damon, Chris will develop global best-in-class supply chain capabilities for the company. His responsibilities range from realizing Damon’s battery technology IP to sourcing the supply of parts and components through a global network of ISO9000 and ISO/TS 16949 qualified suppliers.

“As Damon builds the world’s most advanced motorcycles, it is imperative to bridge traditional automotive and high-tech supply chains to bring the motorcycles to market,” said Chris Efsthathiou, VP, supply chain, Damon Motors. “I look forward to generating production efficiencies and ultimately reducing cost to our riders.”

Mike Galbraith is a proven finance and operations executive with more than two decades of experience. He previously served as CFO at North and raised $200M from top-tier institutional and strategic investors, growing the company to a leader in all-day smart glasses with a successful exit to Google. Prior to North, Mike held SVP, finance and operations roles at BlackBerry, scaling from a few hundred employees to a $20B revenue global leader. As CFO and senior VP, operations at Damon, Mike will implement the business, financial & operating processes to manage the company through its growth phase and maturity.

“Since its launch of the HyperSport, Damon has been riding a wave of momentum, and is building toward becoming the next great Canadian company,” said Mike Galbraith, CFO & senior VP, operations, Damon Motors. “I am eager to unlock new markets and revenue, and aggressively scale the Damon business into a global mobility powerhouse.”

For more information on Damon Motors, visit www.damon.com.

NEW HARDTAIL CHOPPER PIN-UP GIRL–
These are great trim pieces for bikes, rat rods, semi rigs, anything that rolls. Models were sculpted by Richard A Moore in Portland Oregon.

These are polished stainless steel. Two mounting posts on back side. Gingerbread trim was popular on older bikes. These are the new collectors’ items.

When I’m gone, there gone. Available only from Hardtail Choppers. $150 each shipped in USA or a matched set (right and left) for $280 shipped.

Not posted on my website yet but there are more images and info on Instagram at Hardtail Choppers . Shop # 360-750-6780 give me a call or write to John@hardtailchoppers.com.

–John

5-BALL RACING 5/8 JACK SHIRT REVIEW—
Yo Bandit, this unit is the bomb. I left the house last night to go to the burger joint gathering. I hit the 91 East, and brother I did not want to stop. That unit is sooo comfortable that it ain’t even funny. Plenty of shoulder space and absolutely no elbow bind, like most motorcycle jackets. I could have kept going until I got to the border and still just kept on moving.

You should have called the 5/8 Jak shirt ape hanger’s delight. That unit is the bomb for all of us ape hanger guys. The most comfortable leather shirt I have ever worn on ape hangers.

Thank 5-Ball enterprises for me.

–Gearhead

Thanks much for taking to time to write us a review.

–Bandit

AND MORE LAND ACCESS–
Another State Adds an Office of Outdoor Recreation
Arkansas announced the creation of an Office of Outdoor Recreation, and seven other states – Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia – have joined the National Governors Association’s Outdoor Recreation Learning Network in 2021.

State offices of outdoor recreation work to enhance outdoor recreation within a state. These offices work to bolster the state outdoor recreation economy through promoting health and wellness, education and engagement, and ensuring proper stewardship of public lands and waters. The offices also serve as a point of contact for businesses, stakeholders, and different levels of government that are involved with the outdoor recreation industry.

The NGA’s Outdoor Recreation Learning Network helps states explore strategies to leverage their unique natural, cultural, and historical resources for economic, social, and environmental benefits.

The MIC, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America work with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, a coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations and organizations, to encourage more states to create offices of outdoor recreation.

–MIC

BURMA SHAVE SLOGAN OF THE WEEK— If I fucked you in the forest /
It’s hard to say who’d be the sore-est / Burma Shave

–J.J. Solari

As we recently discussed, I found a copy of your book, Terry the Tramp on Amazon. I’ve been carrying that book around with me for two months and finally got the time to read it while traveling to the Born Free Show and Texas over the past two weeks.

I have admitted I’m completely clueless as to the ins and outs of the biker culture and also of its history. Your book cleared that right up. In my line of work, one has to be a history buff. Learning the history behind what WWII vets then Korea and VietNam vets dealt with was enlightening. I was surprised that in your book you trace the roots of the culture to the heavy handedness of the AMA. It makes perfect sense. I was equally amazed, not surprised, at how corrupt many police departments are. Sure I knew it existed but did not understand how bad it was. It only takes one guy at the top of any department to make a group of bad people.

Anyway, I’m preaching to the choir. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the book and the lessons learned.

–Keith S. Kizer
AMCA Executive Director
P.O. Box 663

LATEST PROJECT FROM THE PRISM GANG–1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead

Sid Tangerine’s 1948 Panhead is the latest project to leave our shop and we’re really happy with how it turned out. Duane’s Powertrains built the engine while we focused on the rest. Check out the Bike Gallery on our site to see the complete photo set.

www.prismmotorcycles.com

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
WILD BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for September 2, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WILD_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_September_2_2021.aspx

Hey Bandit – I’ve got a dumb question, or two.

We’ve all seen the post Ida photos, and the human suffering associated with this disaster. Homes, buildings and industry destroyed, submerged vehicles by the thousands, and the surrounding devastation…..

In Climate Doom Perfect World – after natural disasters like hurricane Ida. How safe will it be for those unfortunate folks and wildlife, after wading through the chemicals from all those future electric vehicles? Petroleum products – that’s one thing – but battery juice? Will there be any wildlife left?

We have reasonably effective cleanup methods for petroleum…..cleaning up battery juice is like trying to spank a porcupine. Mother Nature wins every time.

— Doug
Buchanan, MI

First, we need to be honest, and we will discover Mother Nature does win every time.

–Bandit

FRED KODLIN 2021 Inductee into the Sturgis Hall Of Fame—
Pushing the boundaries of what a motorcycle can be, Fred Kodlin has built a reputation for radical custom bike building, cutting-edge product design and high-quality manufacturing. Fred Kodlin grew up in Germany and started riding at age 13. Loving everything that burns gasoline; motorcycles, racecars, and boats, he built his first Bonanza Handlebar for a Zuendapp Supersport he rode as a teenager.

After finishing his apprenticeship as a welder, Fred worked for a heating company. Although he was making a decent living, his passion for motorcycles and customizing only grew stronger. He wanted to create things that were different and unique; things he didn’t see on bikes or on the streets.

Paving the way to owning his own business, Fred completed a Master’s degree, in Vehicle Construction and Blacksmithing. He opened the doors to Kodlin Motorcycles in 1984 and started manufacturing his own products two years later. After the introduction of the Evo engine, Harley-Davidson’s popularity exploded in Europe.

Fred started to import hundreds of bikes a year from the US, customizing them in his unique style and then selling them to customers throughout the European market. Always loving a challenge and striving to be the best, he started to build ground-up custom bikes and presented them to the world at the legendary Bike Shows like Rats Hole and Boardwalk Shows in Daytona Beach, FL.

Competing among the best talent in the world, Fred started amassing numerous Best of Show trophies, along with the respect and recognition of his American peers. He loved the excitement and competition and it only drove him to keep evolving. Fred introduced fabrications that

Evo engine with two front cylinders, hubless front and rear wheels and hidden brake and secondary drive systems.

Kodlin Motorcycles, under Fred’s leadership and vision for over 36 years, has built a reputation for unique hybrid designs. Being inspired by both American and European influences, Kodlin bikes and accessories have distinct form and functional characteristics recognizable as implicitly Kodlin.

Fred continues to drive the daily operations at Kodlin Motorcycles at its headquarters in Germany and is involved in every bike build and product life cycle. His skills in the fab and metal shop are unmatched.

In 2020 another dream came true for Fred when Kodlin USA was incorporated with its headquarters in Morgan Hill, California. Besides winning many Bike Shows and awards, Fred is particularly proud to have his son Len now blazing his own creative path within the Kodlin Motorcycles team and continuing the Kodlin legacy.

The US and particularly the Black Hills, feel like a second home to Fred. He’s been attending Sturgis Bike Week since the late 80’s and riding with his fellow Hamsters since 2004.

Being inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is an incredible and unbelievable honor for Fred, a seemingly intangible accolade as he started out and steadily built and achieved his dreams. Fred lives his life going against the grain and to be recognized and celebrated in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame where he can serve as inspiration for generations of riders to come, will be forever cherished.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS FROM THE MRF–
Arizona has had a good state legislative session so far this year. As of this writing, we are still awaiting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. So, we are still working to make sure infrastructure funding is made available.

We didn’t really have to “kill” many bills except for the ongoing CARB emissions bills that get introduced every year. We had two introduced this session. Both were killed almost immediately.

Here is a short list of the better bills we helped across the finish line this session:

HB2110:
CIVIL PENALTIES; TRAFFIC; MITIGATION; RESTITUTION

HB2115:
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FUND; CONTINUATION

HB2134:
COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSES; THIRD PARTIES

HB2173:
COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSES; RENEWAL TIME

HB2770:
MASK MANDATES; BUSINESS EXCEPTION

HB2810:
CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE; CONVICTION; PROCEDURES

HB2813:
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

–Michael Infanzon
ABATE of Arizona

WE ARE LIVING IN THE BEST OF TIMES–
I subscribe to NEXTDOOR, a local email news site. Here is a positive message left by another subscriber that I thought you’d like to read:

Finding Good Samaritan to Say Thanks! Yesterday my daughter had a flat tire driving on I-20 in a remote area this side of Weatherford. A motorcyclist stopped and changed her tire. For safety, she texted me his license plate numbers. She knows how to change a tire but I’m grateful for the kindness.

–from Sam Burns

ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment! –The Story Behind the Notorious Widows Sons

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

Love to see unity of brothers around the world come together for women and children of the United States and nations. I am very proud of the Blue Lodge brothers and sisters of Arkansas, and around the world who stand behind what is real and support we the people…… of the United Nations Especially the brethren.

Thank you for everything, now I am a proud master mason of 341 lodge Texarkana Arkansas…….

–Carl Delmar Aaron Jr
Texarkana, AR

QUICK, OPEN BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
A man is in prison serving three years. After just a year and a half, the warden comes to him and says, “You’re free.”

“What?” asks the man. “I was given three years.”

“I know,” says the warden, “Your wife convinced the judge to reduce it.”

“It figures,” says the man, “She never did let me finish a sentence.”

Airport Check-in at Delhi: Non stop flight to San Francisco, 20+ hours.

The attendant was apologetic to a man, “I’m sorry sir, the flight is really full today. We couldn’t allot you and your wife nearby seats. Your seat number is 14A and your wife’s is 42H.”

Man: “Do I need to pay anything extra for this? For future flights?”

Marriage definition: A way through which two people come together to solve the problems they never had before.

It takes a lot of courage for a man to admit that his wife is wrong.

When a boy is getting married, he promises the girl’s parents that he will keep their daughter happy for the rest of his life.

Have you ever heard a girl promise any boy’s parents anything like this? That I will keep your son happy for the rest of my life?

No! Because girls don’t tell lies.

–Wayfarer
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

CLASS OF 2021 AMA INDUCTEES

Dave Arnold worked for American Honda from the mid-1970s through 2013, developing some of the greatest talents in the sport and helping forge the program’s legendary dominance in AMA Motocross and Supercross. Arnold contributed to 60 titles on factory and factory-supported teams. Arnold’s talents transcended race operations to research and development, resulting in advancements in production motorcycles that impacted motorcyclists all over the world, and will continue to do so for decades to come.

Nancy Davidson, wife of Willie G. Davidson, was one of the most recognized women who had a positive impact on the motorcycle community. She contributed to charity rides and support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the Harley-Davidson Dealer network. As a strong advocate for the AMA, she espoused the freedom and adventure of the motorcycle lifestyle and influenced ridership across the globe. Mrs. Davidson passed away in July 2021.

Gary Denton won the AMA ATV Grand National Champion for eight consecutive years, excelling in both motocross and dirt track and establishing himself as perhaps the most dominant ATV racers in the history of the sport. Denton also founded, along with his family, Denton Racing to provide ATV-related services, parts and accessors to his fellow racers.

Tommy Hays was the most successful Class C dirt tracker prior to World War II, and arguably the most successful racer from the pre-Grand National Championship era (1933-1953) who is not yet inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Even though he died at an AMA National in 1941, Hays’ seven AMA National TT wins are still the fourth most ever in AMA history.

Loretta Lynn
Since 1982, country music icon and superstar Loretta Lynn has continuously hosted the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., known as Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. For the past 39 years, she has welcomed the AMA’s youngest and brightest amateur athletes for the weeklong annual national motocross championship – an event known all over the globe as the “world’s greatest motocross vacation.”

Scott Plessinger was one of the top off-road racers of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was a four-time AMA national champion with two Grand National Cross County titles (1994 and 1995) and two AMA National Hare Scrambles titles (1989 and 1992). The Hamilton, Ohio, resident had 41 national event wins competing on KTMs.

Kenny Tolbert is the second-most successful tuner in AMA Grand National history, behind legendary tuner and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bill Werner. Tolbert-tuned motorcycles have claimed eleven AMA Grand National Championship, 117 AMA Grand National wins, six AMA 600cc Championships and 31 AMA 600cc wins, since 1988.

Ryan Villopoto, from Poulsbo, Wash., is one of the greatest champions in AMA Motocross and Supercross, competing in the professional series from 2005 to 2014, winning five AMA Motocross and four AMA Supercross National Championships. Immediately after turning pro, Villopoto won three straight AMA Motocross Lites Championships and one AMA Supercross Lites title. Then, after moving up to the premier class, Villopoto won four consecutive AMA Supercross Championships to close out his career. Throughout his career, Villopoto racked up 31 outdoor national wins and 41 AMA Supercross main event wins.

HELMET LAW RUMOR IN COLORADO–
Since the end of our legislative session there have been talks of CDOT wanting to push some legislator to bring up a mandatory helmet law for everyone.

This is supposedly because last year’s mc death total was a new high at 139. We are keeping our ears open and have some “friendlies” in the legislature who will give
us a heads up. Hopefully this is just another bad rumor, but as we all know, this is no time to let our guard down.

–Dale ‘Bear’ Meade
ABATE of Colorado

NEW FROM BURMA SHAVE–The Covid-19 protocols /
are claimed to be the Great Cure-Alls /
but I think that the protocols /
are just designed to bust my balls / Sperma Shave

–J.J. Solari

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG–
I have never seen this American TV show “Outlander” or read the novels on which it is based. He seems to be very popular in UK. He has in the past also posted photos of himself wearing Harley-Davidson branded jackets.

Outlander’s Sam Heughan cruises on a Harley Davidson as he holidays in LA

https://blog.bikernet.com/outlanders-sam-heughan-cruises-on-a-harley-davidson-as-he-holidays-in-la/

–Wayfarer
Supreme Editor
Bikernet Blog™

QUOTE OF THE WEEK—Outlaws love freedom. We use it, abuse it and fight for it with all we have.

–Bandit

HERO MotoCorp opens booking for next batch of Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250—

Synopsis: In October last year, Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson announced a partnership for the Indian market. As per the licensing pact, HeroMotoCorp has taken over the exclusive distribution rights of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle, parts and merchandise in India after the iconic American motorcycle maker pulled out of the Indian market.

September 5: Two-wheeler major Hero MotoCorp on Sunday announced opening of bookings for the next batch of Harley-Davidson adventure tourer bike ‘Pan America’ 1250 after the first lot completely sold out. The company also said that the bookings for all the 13 existing models and the Sportster S are currently open, along with the expansion of customer touch-points and service centres for Harley Davidson.

Hero MotoCorp now has an expanded network of 14 full-fledged dealerships and seven authorised service centres across the country, exclusively for Harley-Davidson customers, it said in a release.

“The Pan America 1250 is one of the most anticipated motorcycles of 2021. Considering it is Harley-Davidson’s first foray into the adventure-touring segment, the motorcycle has already generated immense excitement among customers. With the first shipment being completely sold out, it is truly heartwarming to see how the market has responded to the product,” said Ravi Avalur, Head of premium segment business unit at Hero MotoCorp said.

The bookings are open for the next lot of ‘Pan America’ 1250 after the first batch of the bikes has been completely sold out, Hero MotoCorp said, adding that the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S will be the next model to be launched in India towards the end of the year.

“Bookings for all the 13 existing models and the Sportster S are currently open,” it said.

Taking yet another significant step forward in their journey together, Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp have expanded the touchpoints for the customers in the country, said the release.

“With the Harley-Davidson India dealer network now fully operational, our next objective is to resume the HOG (Harley Owners Group) events. We are gearing up for the next annual Rally to be held in Goa between February 3-5, 2022,” he said.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/two-wheelers-three-wheelers/hero-motocorp-opens-booking-for-next-batch-of-harley-davidson-pan-america-1250/articleshow/85948831.cms

–Wayfarer
Investigator
Bikernet International News Bureau

LOUISIANA LEGISLATIVE REPORT–Current Status: This was heard
by the Louisiana Law Institute on August 16th. They went over what had happened previously in the committee meetings and the legislature. There will be another committee meeting September 15, 2021 at 2 pm by Zoom.

They will tweak the bill and then have a meeting with the D.A. and Criminal Defense Attorneys on the Committee and the
head of the D.A. Association that
are the biggest oppositions. If we
cannot get the DAs on board the
chances of passage are small.

2) HB-150 Dead Red Bill, Rep.
Dodie Horton (R-LA). Will allow
motorcycles to proceed through
a Red Light under certain circumstances.
Current Status: Met with opposition from Secretary of DOT and State Police. The Bill was Voluntarily Deferred, Pending further
amendments.

3) HB-565 Hands Free While
Driving, Rep. Mike Huval (R-LA).
Proposed law prohibits all drivers
from calling, text messaging, or using social networking on a handheld
telecommunication device while
driving on a public road or highway.
Current Status: Failed on 1st vote.
Was put on the calendar for reconsideration where it failed to be brought back up before the session ended.

I am also the Vice-Chair of the
Mid-South MILE. This year’s MILE
will be held in Dallas, Texas, 24-26
October 21. Please visit https://
www.midsouthmile.org/ to make
your reservations. It’s going to be a
very educational event.

–Rick ‘BRICK’ Lindsey
ABATE of Louisiana

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK—We work damn hard for every crumb and morsel.—Jimmy Steward in Shenandoah

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? – Life is interesting and lots of folks are trying to tear the shit out of it, because they can. They can burn your building down and drive a car home, order a pizza and watch it on TV. Okay, no negative waves.

Maybe it’s because they don’t have positive projects. Why tear a statue down if you could build one you like. Hell, why burn a building down if you could fix one and build a shop in it or start an art gallery or build a chopper.

I find myself surrounded by projects including reading about the history of this region and exploring, which we struggle at because of the home projects and building the shop, finding out where the electrical lines run, get pricing on the siding and chasing down the permits.

You know why I’m pushing for the shop, don’t you? The winter is looming ahead and how can I build another motorcycle without a shop, goddammit. Each project has a mission: Improve, build and create. I love every step.

Ride fast and free forever,

–Bandit

Hey,

This is a wild day fulla project progress. Working on a stained-glass project for the front door, a house number plaque on the property with polished aluminum diamond plate and brass numbers. Will need to do some machining. The pipe pieces arrived to level-out the mantle.

I received a bid on the shop for our Ranch house. It was almost twice what I was hoping for, but I was prepared for the worse. The shop could be finished by the first of the year. Talk about an exciting year. 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.

INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORIST ASSOCIATION—The sausage-making is in full swing as opposing parties in Washington wrestle the Senate’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and the House’s $3.5 trillion version to the ground. In Infrastructure Urgency, Part 1, NMA E-Newsletter #659, we shared the first two in a series of NMA emails directed to members of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committees from both chambers. We urged them to strike proposed funding for anti-motorist Vision Zero programs and anti-engineering speed limit reductions.

While the likelihood of our advocacy efforts swaying the opinions of most legislators remains to be seen, the responses received so far are helping us identify pro-driver champions with whom we can work.

The same is true of subsequent rounds of personalized NMA messages sent to the T&I Committee members recently. View our Automated Enforcement email to Capitol Hill below. In next week’s newsletter, look for our criticism of the proposed pilot programs for implementing new mileage-based road user taxes and a very interesting reply from a member of Congress.

NMA August 23rd/24th Email to Senate and House Top T&I Aides
H.R. 3684 Infrastructure Bills: Concerns of the Motoring Public, Part 3 – Automated Enforcement

Dear Richard,

The real question with automated enforcement is whether the public wants the federal government to fund automated ticketing programs that include a profit motive for cities and camera vendors. For-profit photo enforcement has been the trigger for a long list of prosecuted corruption and fraud.

As noted in Parts 1 and 2 of this email series from the National Motorists Association, a nonprofit driver advocacy organization, the funding of Vision Zero programs to the tune of $1 billion through 2026 will signal the federal government’s tacit approval to restrict driving beyond established norms while simultaneously increasing enforcement efforts. The net effects, particularly when automated enforcement is part of the equation, are increased non-compliance with traffic laws by safe drivers, higher ticketing rates, and increased distrust between communities and law enforcement.

There are also a number of constitutional objections to automated enforcement, not the least of which is that the cameras don’t positively identify the driver in an alleged violation, so the ticket is automatically issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. The owner may or may not have been behind the wheel at the time of the incident. This becomes “guilty until proven innocent,” which can be difficult to defend against, even if truly innocent.

There is nothing more detrimental to public trust than enforcement methods that place or are perceived to place profit motives over fairness and safety. But the revenue extracted from automated enforcement programs comes close because, over the past 17 years, as this crime line so aptly illustrates, more than seven dozen prosecuted instances of fraud and corruption have been instigated by operators of red-light and speed camera programs. A sampling of some notable lowlights follows my sign-off below.

If federal funding of automated enforcement is to be done, it must be on the basis of break-even operation. With discord between the police and community continuing to simmer, tickets by camera — especially those that line the pockets of others — is a recipe for creating an even wider societal divide. And, this should be no surprise, when camera programs are forced to relinquish profits and are no longer money-makers, history shows that the hardware is typically removed in due time. That wouldn’t be so if safety was the primary motivation for automated enforcement.

One more question related to something you live with every day in DC. Do Senator Merkley’s constituents really want this type of command-and-control enforcement in their own cities? Based on the regular feedback we get from motorists, the answer is more likely than not, “Not in my backyard.”

The NMA, a nonprofit organization representing the nation’s motorists, encourages Senator Merkley to oppose the federal funding of automated enforcement directly or through Vision Zero programs.

Thank you for your consideration,

Gary Biller
President/CEO

NAMZ HOSES AND CLAMPS–For over 21 years, NAMZ has offered the finest American made electrical components for your motorcycle needs! But did you know that NAMZ also offers a variety of other products that will help you achieve a ride that’s custom to your lifestyle.

Made in the USA, our top of the line 25ft hose spools are sold in the most common sizes of 1/4″, 5/16″, and 3/8″. Spools are manufactured using Thermoid brand reinforced rubber hose that is braided with 100% brass, copper, and stainless materials for the NEW or “old school” look you’re after.

THE IRON BUTT OF IRON BUTTS–Chris Hopper

Hop is moving right along and has surpassed the old record of 45,000 miles in 45 days and is presently in uncharted waters.
Let’s all join in and give him a big “Hell Yeah”!!

–Rogue

https://www.facebook.com/groups/714962975227532/user/100000187400018/

I definitely won’t be that grandpa who gets to tell his grandkids about back in the day he used to sit in his garage polishing his chrome for 3 hours. Instead, they’ll get to hear cool stories of amazing rides and sites seen around the country.

Get out there and ride, don’t spend so much time washing and polishing something that’s steadily depreciating anyways. Use that money and time for gas and go make some memories, but do stupid shit like this, lol. The same my way for ceramic coating and polishing will get you 300-500 miles down the road—easy choice!

Doing the Heart of Texas Rally this weekend, and unfortunately the weather wasn’t pleasant, but I persevered and got the points I was after.

TESLA CONCEPT: The ‘SOKUDO’ by Make Haste Corp.

Similar to the impact that the custom bike world’s had on the design of production motorcycles, the makers of today’s track and performance-focused cars have increasingly looked to modern concept artists for inspiration and influence when penning widebodies and aero bits. And two of the most eminent artists currently working in this space are Ash Thorp and Carlos “colorsponge”

Born in Spain and now based in London, Carlos has amassed more than 15 years of experience in the digital realm and has contributed to everything from vehicle designs to episodes of Netflix’s Love Death + Robots. Largely self-taught, Ash boasts a portfolio that’s is no less impressive, having worked on numerous triple-A video game titles and big-name movies including 2014’s Robocop, Ghost in the Shell, Ender’s Game, James Bond: Spectre, and various high-profile vehicle projects such as designing Ken Block’s Fox-bodied “HOONIFOX” Ford Mustang Gymkhana Car and penning the design for the mid-engine muscle car-style Batmobile for the latest Batman flick — just to name a small fraction of the accolades on Pecino and Thorp’s resumes.

The pair is also the force behind the Make Haste Corp. (or “M.H.C.”), a fictitious brand and the name of a long-term project in which the duo aims to produce a total of two dozen digitally rendered vehicles over the course of the 2021 year. “It’s a false company name I created when Carlos and I were building our other project Evinetta. We loved the logo and the name so we kept it and appointed it as the title to the potential 24 builds we’ll be doing this year,” Thorp tells us.

A FEMA survey shows that a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles is rejected by more than 90 percent of the motorcyclists that took part in the survey.

In July and August 2021 FEMA conducted an online survey on motorcycle emissions and a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles. The survey was available in 12 languages and was filled out by 23,768 people (1,188 women and 22,580 men).

When asked ‘What do you think about a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles?’, 92.91% of the motorcyclists that responded rejected such a ban. There are differences between countries, but the disapproval rate of a possible ban on the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles does not fall below 80% in any European country.

In comparison to the survey FEMA conducted in 2016, we see a larger group of motorcyclists that would be willing to buy a newer motorcycle if older bikes (pre-2006) were to be banned from entering the city (55.46% in 2021, against 44% in 2016). Of the respondents over 44% would consider another mode of transport if such a ban occurred, which could lead to a major mobility shift in certain cities.

This could be an even larger issue when city authorities decide to ban fossil fuel vehicles from entering the city, because in that case over 76% of the respondents would change their mode of transport, rather than switching to a non-emissions motorcycle (electric/fuel cell). This could have drastic effects on urban mobility as we know it.

A large majority (88.75%) of those that would be willing to switch to a non-emissions motorcycle in the case of banning fossil fuel vehicles from entering the city, is not willing to pay more for such a motorcycle than for a motorcycle with a combustion engine that runs on fossil fuels.

When asked what they would do If the sale of new petrol-powered motorcycles was banned, a majority of 53.38% would stop riding when they are no longer able to buy a new petrol-powered motorcycle. 38.96% of the respondents would buy a zero-emission motorcycle when there are no new or used petrol-powered motorcycles available anymore. Only 7.67% would already buy a zero-emission motorcycle when there are still petrol-powered motorcycles available.

When asked if they could you enjoy a non-emission bike as much as their current bike, if a total ban on all fossil fuel vehicles would be introduced, or if they would stop riding, 58.92% would stop riding. This is a major change in attitude since 2016, when 46% of the respondents said they would stop riding. Of the respondents, 41.08% could enjoy riding a non-emission motorcycle, against 54% in 2016.

Click for all results from the survey.

The current plans from the European Commission and some national governments to limit the sale and the use of fossil-fueled vehicles lead to more questions than there are answers at the moment.

How realistic is it to rely fully on electric vehicles? Will there be enough electric vehicles on the market, will there be enough electricity, will there be enough charging points, will the grid be able to deal with the extra demand, will electric bikes ever get sufficient range? And how about e-fuels? Can those be developed to a level where they can compete with the fossil fuels we know today, if we look at the cost and effectiveness? Will all these alternatively fueled vehicles be affordable for the average user?

FEMA’s general secretary Dolf Willigers said: “Motorcycles are becoming more fuel economic and cleaner. Compared with cars, that tend to use more fuel and that use more space to drive and park, especially in the cities, motorcycles are becoming much more economic and less pollutant than they already are. We see a bright future for motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers, provided that the European Commission and the British government leave room for the internal combustion engine for motorcycles. With the non-fossil fuels that are already in development, motorcycles will stay affordable and become clean and CO2 neutral.”

FEMA president Anna Zee said: “Several national governments are considering a future ban on the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines, a development that may have a huge impact on our choice of vehicle and on our lifestyle. Although FEMA understands and supports the further development and integration of electric vehicles, we will work for a future with electric motorcycles and motorcycles with an internal combustion engine side by side.”

The motorcycle industry seems to focus on producing electric powered two-wheelers for urban use and is not (yet) producing significant numbers of bikes that could possibly replace the current fleet of larger bikes. Antonio Perlot, the secretary general for ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers, told FEMA: “ACEM expects that the predominant share of the urban mobility powered two-wheeler market will be electric by 2030, with increasing spill overs on the whole motorcycle range towards 2050. Needless to say, whilst established manufacturers are also entering the electric motorcycle segment, for most pure electrification is focusing mainly on smaller, short range vehicles, aimed mainly at the urban environment, where the perspective of higher volumes is in line with their industrial dimension.” Click here to read the full ACEM statement.

Written by Wim Taal

Could You Handle the Meanest Viper on two wheels?–
The Dodge Viper holds a special place for many auto enthusiasts due to its raw performance, stunning looks, and the fact that it remained an uncompromised driver’s car for all of its existence. Of course, the heart of the Viper is its unique powerplant, an all-aluminum V-10 developed to be the meanest naturally aspirated track terror that Ma Mopar ever cooked up. Over the years the V-10 grew from an already massive 8.0 liters and 400 horsepower to 8.3 liters and 500 hp … and finally 8.4 liters and 640 hp. The mighty, tire-shredding V-10 made the Viper one of the most capable—and also the most feared—track cars available, so naturally someone would drop the torquey powerplant into a motorcycle. Because that makes sense.

https://www.hagerty.com/media/motorcycles/could-you-handle-the-meanest-viper-on-two-wheels/

This Viper-powered creation, a two-wheeler built by Allen Millyard and referred to appropriately as the Millyard Viper V10, is an actual motorcycle and does actual motorcycle things. Since building the hot-rodded cycle in 2009, Millyard has racked up more than 9000 miles and ridden it in excess of 200 mph. In this video from last year, Millyard goes over some of the more interesting parts of the bike’s fabrication, from building a suspension out of two Yamaha coilovers and a pair of car springs to engineering an ingenious ratcheting center stand. The swingarm, brake system, single-speed gearbox, and hand- and foot-operated clutch are also works of art and serve as fantastic examples of problem-solving.

You may be thinking that Dodge built a Viper-powered motorcycle back in the day. Well, sort of. Dodge built several copies of the Tomahawk concept, a four-wheeled, Viper-powered creation that was more sculpture than vehicle. It could lean, and test rides (drives?) proved it was functional, if not without its quirks. Millyard’s creation is a triumph and shows what can be done with some machine tools and a lot of brilliant thinking. Perhaps most remarkable is that the nearly 1400-pound creation looks like a proper motorcycle. Just watch the video and be amazed at Millyard’s fabulous creation.

–by Brandan Gillogly, Hagerty Media

RIDING IN THE RAIN TIPS FROM THE LEADERS–Seven Tips for Safer Riding in the Rain
Tip #1: Be Bright

You don’t have to look like a construction worker, but a reflective vest will go a long way toward you being more visible to cage drivers.

Tip #2: Consider Extra Lights

“Fog lights” or auxiliary driving lights come in two general varieties: a short-but-wide light pattern, or a longer-and-narrower light pattern. Either will make you more visible to traffic.

Tip #3: Tires

We just replaced the tires on Tim’s Honda Interstate because, frankly, why take a chance? In addition to good treads, keep an eye on the pressure (under-inflated tires are more prone to hydroplaning).

Tip #4: Speed/Distance

It’s simple math (or maybe not so simple depending how you feel about math!). If you’re traveling at 60 mph, you need 5.4 seconds to come to a stop on a good day. In the rain, it will take longer. (Math nerd? Get details by clicking the button below!)

Tip #4: Braking

Never apply the front brakes alone (it can cause your front wheel to slip, which is worse than it happening to the rear). A 60 rear / 40 front ratio is ideal (click the button below for tips on how to do that.)

Tip #6: Read the Road

Leaves, crosswalk lines (or other painted surfaces), tracks, or spills all have the potential to mess up a rider more when it’s wet/rainy. Be aware to be safe!

Tip #7: Last but not least: Reduce your Speed.

(Are we noticing a theme here? Slower is better in the rain!)

There’s more at the Leader Web site.

Leader Motorcycle Assessories
959 236th Avenue NW, Saint Francis
MN 55070 United States
facebookyoutubepinterest
612-387-5650
zoom@leadermotorcycle.com

WaPo Worried About ‘Climate Despair’ That It’s Been Peddling For Years – Promotes ’10-step program inspired by’ Alcoholics Anonymous to cope
WaPo: “Yes, the planet will get hotter. Sea levels will rise further. Extreme weather will worsen, and more people will suffer,” writes WaPo. “[M]ore people than ever could experience serious challenges to their mental health as a result.”

“A nonprofit organization called the Good Grief Network, [created] a 10-step program inspired by the structure of Alcoholics Anonymous whose meetings provide ‘social and emotional support to people who feel overwhelmed about the state of the world,’ says it has reached over a thousand people in four years. Steps in the program range from accepting ‘the severity of the predicament’ to reinvesting ‘into meaningful efforts.’”

–Climate Depot

Too bad it’s all bullshit. We need more CO2 and greenhouse gasses are good. Here’s a quote from Bill Pekny’s book, Tale of Two Climates: Even if C02 increased twofold from 410 ppm to 820 ppm, or tenfold to 4,100 ppm in the future, the story would still be the same. Natural water vapor rules the radiative, heat-retaining capability of the atmosphere. Said simply: Water vapor always dominates the greenhouse effect, never C02 nor any other gas in the air, whether natural or human-caused. WTF –Bandit

CHECK OUT THE SHOP OF THE WEEK–Jake Wells
Jake’s Custom Cycles Inc.
655 Long Lane
Upper Darby PA19082
Jake’s Custom Cycles is located at 655 Long Ln in Upper Darby and has been in the business of Retail – Motorcycles since 2000.

610 259 4600 shop 610 721 2323 cell

LATEST FOR SALE AT SIERRA MADRE MOTORCYCLE COMPANY— Can’t go on vacation without finding more old junk!

1913 Fielbach Limited.

Otto Fielbach started building moto-cycles in 1904. In 1913 he introduced this beautiful V-Twin design with 1,130 cc displacement. It was only built two years, 1913 & 1914. His machines were too high of quality and price as compared to more mass-produced Indians and Harleys. Plus, Harley Davidson was involved in blocking Fielbach from receiving additional finances to grow his company. Thus, Fielbach Motors closed its doors in 1914.

This machine is 1 of only 6 remaining in the world and only 1 of 3 I have ever seen. I hope you enjoy seeing this wonderful piece of early two wheeled transportation.

–Steve Klein
SierraMadreMotorcycleCompany.com
“An Honest Alternative”

Maybe Melody can go in search of a new city with Zero-Accidents in the next Cantina Episode.

–Wayfarer

LEE GREENWOOD AND HELPING A HERO AWARD TWO ACCESSIBLE HOMES TO WOUNDED VETERANS—
Special ceremony took place Friday, September 10 in Nashville, hosted by Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Helping a Hero and Bass Pro Shops held a ceremony Friday, September 10th in Nashville, Tennessee to award accessible homes to LCpl Eric Frazier (USMC, Ret.) who lost his legs in Iraq, and SGT Antonio Mullen, USA (Ret.) and their families.

Country music icon Lee Greenwood, the National Ambassador of Helping a Hero, Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee, award-winning singer Tony Orlando, along with Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Kelley Paul, wife of Senator Rand Paul and General Rob Givens, USAF (Ret.), Corp. Sue Downes and Shilo Harris celebrated with the deserving veterans and their families.

In addition to the awarded homes, Greenwood presented Kelley Paul, wife of Senator Rand Paul, the Lee Greenwood Patriot Award for her continued selfless efforts to help our wounded veterans.

Friday’s ceremony featured patriotic musical performances from Greenwood, Conlee, Orlando, and SPC JP Lane, USA (Ret.), including a color guard presentation from the Hendersonville Fire Department with hundreds of people to cheer and support these heroes as the community celebrated their journeys to new homes.

The ceremony also commemorated the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a symbolic bell ringing, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, wreath laying, 21-gun salute, playing of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes, and a Tennessee National Guard flyover of two Army Black Hawk helicopters while the 13 names of those service members lost in the attack in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26th were read.

NASCAR’s Richard Childress hosted Helping a Hero’s Lee Greenwood Patriot Awards event at Childress Vineyards last May where Johnny Morris, Founder of Bass Pro Shops, announced he would fund ten Helping a Hero homes. In addition, Morris has pledged 25% of the funding needed for the next 100 Helping a Hero homes. Helping a Hero and Johnny Morris have launched the 100 Homes Challenge and invite Americans and companies to join the challenge to fully fund these 100 homes.

These wheelchair-accessible homes make daily living easier, featuring wider doors, a roll-in shower, a roll-under sink, and other important safety features.

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!

The Art of Buck Lovell

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

Sick

— President Obama
The Moon, Pussy, Thailand

Sand Sports Super Show this Weekend at OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa

Sand Sports Super Show presented by Nitto Tire is this weekend at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 19.

The Sand Sports Super Show presented by Nitto Tire brings hundreds of exhibitors to Southern California for the biggest and most exciting dune and sand sports expo in the world. Attendees can get up close to the latest UTVs/ATVs, Side x Sides, Sand Rails, Toy Haulers, accessories, apparel and a whole lot more, during a full weekend of festivities.

Within the sand sports community, the Sand Sports Super Show plays a pivotal role in uniting and mobilizing enthusiasts, cultivating growth, and fostering safety awareness.

The American Sand Association, in partnership with Polaris will raffle off a Polaris RZR XP 4 Turbo 2, customized by SDS Motorsports. The winning tickets will be drawn Saturday, September 18 at the Main Stage. Tickets can be purchased at the ASA Booth. The winner does not have to be present to win.

The Sand Sports Super Show will take place on Friday, September 17, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, September 18 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discount tickets are available in advance online at www.sandsportssupershow.com.

At the gate, single-day tickets are $20 (Adult- ages 13-over), with kids (ages 6-12) $7 and kids five and under, free.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram @SandSportsSuperShow.

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NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–Artist David Uhl – Update

Hello to all! Wanted to update everyone on a few things and ask your assistance on something.

** We’ll be taking the gallery to Custer State Park next week for the Buffalo Roundup. They hold an art exhibition as part of the festivities and we’ll have a collection of David’s western works on display September 23-25.

** Our production team continues to crank out the shipments. We appreciate everyone’s patience!

** David’s first-ever “coffee table” art book is scheduled to be out in November. Stay tuned for my announcement about the special art book/art packages we’ll be offering, in addition to the book.

Finally, we are considering taking the gallery to Daytona for Biketoberfest October 14-17. In order to make this long trek from Colorado successful, we’re looking for other shows in Florida shortly after that one. If you know of any motorcycle, aviation or Fine Art events, please let me know!

Thanks in advance for your help and please let me know if I may be of assistance!

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios

303-913-4840

ANOTHER BROTHER PASSES–Clyde “Clyde the Glide” Fessler, Hamster, Arizona

Clyde was proud to be a Hamster and wore yellow wherever he went. He also loved telling people about the Hamsters to anyone that asked (and often to those who didn’t!). As his only son, I salute all of you Hamster brothers and all the Hamster spouses. I’m not kidding when I say my dad would have been lost in retirement without all of your love, kinship, and connection.

My father transitioned into Heavenly Hamster Hill on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 5:28pm in Scottsdale, AZ.

They say that you die twice. Once when you leave this earth and the second when you’re forgotten. Let’s honor my dad’s memory in ways that allows us to heal and cherish the man we called “Clyde the Glide”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. From the entire Fessler family, we say a heartfelt thank you to all of you.

–Clyde Derek Fessler (son)

Annmarie Satriano-Hoskins (Derek’s partner)

Clyde Donovan Fessler (grandson)

Xander Fessler (grandson)

Lorelei Fessler (granddaughter)

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Once upon a time…a small boy named Basheer lived in a tiny Moroccan village.

All his classmates hated him for his stupidity…especially his teacher who was always yelling at him “you are driving me crazy Basheer”

One day his mother went to check out how he is doing at school and the teacher told her honestly that her son is simply a disaster, getting very low marks in exams and never had she seen such a dumb boy in her whole career.

The mother could not accept such a feedback and she took her son out from that school. She even shifted to another city.

25 years later, that same teacher had a cardiac disorder and she was advised to undergo an open heart surgery.

It was a complex surgery which only one surgeon could perform.

Left with no other choice, she travelled to consult the surgeon and the surgery was successful.

When she opened her eyes, she saw a handsome doctor smiling at her.

She wanted to thank him but being under the effect of anesthesia, she could not talk.

The doctor too was staring at her face which had started turning ominously blue.

She was raising her hand trying to tell him something but in vain and eventually died.

The doctor was shocked and was trying to understand what just happened, till he turned back and saw our friend Basheer working as a sweeper in that hospital, who had unplugged the ventilator to connect his vacuum cleaner.

If you were thinking that Basheer became a doctor, it is because you have been watching too many movies, TV series or have read too many motivational messages on social media.

Basheer is Basheer.

PIC OF THE WEEK FROM SAM–The café racer culture began in the streets of England in the 1950s. The term café racer was used to describe kids who liked to hang out in what was known as transport cafés and enjoyed racing their bikes, that could reach top speeds.

–from Sam Burns

LATEST FROM WINDVEST–You’ve got T-Bars….

We’ve got you covered!!

These set up are for T-bars. It can be mounted any place on the straight up portion of the risers. The hardware is available in several different diameters (1″, 1.25″ or 1.50″ diameter).

The finish comes in either chrome or powder coat black

Give us a call or email us with any questions. If you have something totally custom, we might be able to help!

WindVest Motorcycle Products | www.windvest.com
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1917 HENDERSON ARRIVES IN NEW YORK CITY– from LOS ANGELES
On this day in 1917, Alan Bedell left Los Angeles, California on his Henderson motorcycle arriving in New York City (3,296 miles) in seven days, sixteen hours and fifteen minutes later, breaking the record set by “Cannonball” Baker on an Indian Twin.

The Henderson suffered just one flat tire, went through three sets of Champion spark plugs and used three Duckworth chains. Bedell suffered just one crash, which somewhat damaged his knee, on a wet road in Indianapolis and averaged 17.89mph.

Using the stock 3.5gal gas tank, Bedell’s only changes to the machine were the addition of a Mesinger air cushion saddle and a Carlton generator to power the original Coffman spotlight.

Unfortunately, the young Californian was not to make or break many more records, as tragically his young life ended a short time later when he fell victim to the influenza epidemic of the First World War.

Photo: Alan Bedell when he set a transcontinental record in 1917.

–from Sam Burns

FROM THE NEW BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE AT PILLAR PEAK–
“It is wise to direct your anger towards problems – not people; to focus your energies on answers – not excuses.” – William Arthur Ward

“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl

We are never too old to become better version of ourselves.

The hardest work is working on yourself.

Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some difficulties in life come to clear your path.

–Wayfarer
Monk in training
Bikernet Thought Temple
Pillar Peak, South Dakota

NEW 5-BALL RACING—
The name 5-Ball Racing came from a long line of thugs and mugs. We started the name in 2006 when we went to Bonneville for the first time in 16 years. Keith “Bandit” Ball was a member of the Easyriders Streamliner team that set the world land speed record at Bonneville at 321 mph. That record stuck for 16 years.

Check our leathers at:

https://fiveballracing.com/

–Frank Ball jr.
Supreme Leader
5-Ball Leathers

THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUCCESS SUGGESTION BOX–
Was wondering if anyone has sent in anything new for “Suggestion Box” for Harley-Davidson.

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

The new financial results declared recently and the success of the Pan America after the “Panning” of their first electric motorcycle LiveWire – people must be having something to say.

Maybe revive that Suggestion Box now.

All the top motorcycle brands such as Honda, Yamaha, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Indian Motorcycle, etc did not rush in to launch an Electric Motorcycle just because media and politicians said that’s what’s gonna happen through legislation in a few years.

They are spending time and resources for thorough development to ensure feasible models that their existing customers would be interested in trying out. BMW has only this month presented their Concept Model AMBY (Adaptive Mobility) – not launched it for sale at every dealership, nor have they stated any timeline for retailing such electric two-wheelers.

Every company, car or motorcycle, launch various petrol/diesel models every few years to test new designs – but a whole new technology platform of electric vehicles is not something they just launch to be the first one to compete against new Tech Start-ups.

None of the big car brands cared to compete against Tesla until Tesla car sales (and performance of their electric cars) showed big numbers and brand loyalty. Only then they put serious money into developing electric powertrains, battery systems, software, etc.

–Wayfarer
Master Technician
Bikernet.com™

THE CARB GOD PASSED–Sad news in the motorcycle world, Mike Millay has passed away due to COVID-19 related pneumonia at age 81. He was a frequent vendor at antique motorcycle swap meets and was known as the “Linkert Carburetor Guy” receiving carburetors to be repaired from all corners of the world.

He also restored many antique motorcycles before, during and after his restoration work for the Harley-Davidson archives. His craftsmanship and attention to detail can be seen in many of the motorcycles displayed at the H-D Museum.

–from Sam Burns
Certified Historian
Bikernet.com™

CALIFORNIA H-D BIKE NIGHT ACTION–Shots from the California H-D event. It all started off at 6:00 pm Friday. Jodi was the coordinator of the event. She had a lot to offer in vendors. The event had something for all Harley enthusiasts.

There was a tattoo vendor, an assortment of beer at a 2 dollar price, a t shirt vendor and a couple of exotic dancers. You could go inside with an open container and look at all the inventory. Good time was had by all, patched or no patch. We all got along well all night.

Jodi and her California H-D team put on a hell of a party. Till next time.

–Gearhead

TERRORIST THREAT OF THE WEEK–
the grooming process is continuing. eventually Islam will be declared mandatory. Everything ELSE will be crimes subject to beheading. This is fact.

–J.J. Solari
Media Consultant
Bikernet.com™

EPA FINES SPEED SHOP AS PART OF ITS NATIONAL COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE–As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) targets and increases enforcement against automotive aftermarket companies through its National Compliance Initiative, the federal agency is harming legitimate businesses in the motorsports industry.

Despite the EPA’s nonbinding, informational claims that it is not targeting aftermarket companies that produce parts for dedicated race cars, the EPA continues to pursue cases based on supposition, impose inordinate monetary fines, and pursue legal actions to the contrary.

Recently, the EPA issued a fine against PFI Speed, a small speed shop in Colorado, for selling just 37 Hondata S300s over a two-year span. The fine was issued after company owner Brent Leivestad complied with an EPA inquiry for details about the company’s sales. Without any other contact from the EPA, Leivestad was shocked to receive a letter accusing the shop of selling illegal products. The letter included an $18,000 fine that, if not paid within 30 days, could increase to as much as $180,000.

“I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t even believe it,” said Leivestad. “I am a speed shop and sell race parts—I didn’t know that was wrong. I didn’t understand the basis of the EPA’s claim, I didn’t go in front of any trial or talk to anybody from the EPA, and the threat of ‘settle and pay within 30 days or else’ felt like a real shakedown intended to deny my rights.”

To protect the motorsports industry against further EPA overreach, PRI is calling on the racing industry and enthusiasts to unite and urge Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. The bipartisan bill will clarify that it is legal to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars, and that businesses can legally produce, market, and install racing products.

“There are thousands of legitimate motorsports businesses that are at risk of EPA overreach,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) President. “The EPA is putting these businesses—which are typically small, home grown, less sophisticated shops—in situations where they have to take on the full might of the federal government. The EPA is doing nothing to validate its enforcement efforts, and these small businesses are left with little choice but to comply.”

The EPA, which is responsible for enforcing the Clean Air Act (CAA), a 1970 law that regulates motor vehicles on streets and highways throughout the United States, has been fining businesses such as PFI Speed for producing, selling, and installing race use-only products. The products are often used on vehicles that began as street cars and were subsequently converted into dedicated race cars that are trailered to and from the track, and never driven on streets or highways again.

The CAA only applies to vehicles driven on streets and highways, and the EPA contends that it is not targeting race-only vehicles. However, the EPA has pre-classified many motorsports products as illegal and is issuing fines without investigating the circumstances. Companies selling these products are presumed guilty by the EPA, regardless of the product’s use.

“The RPM Act must be passed into law to provide the racing community with certainty and confidence in the face of EPA threats,” said Meyer. “Without the RPM Act, businesses will shut down and the entire motorsports community will be severely impacted. It’s time for the motorsports community to push back and protect our racing rights.”

Leivestad agreed: “I’ve been doing this for 20-plus years, and it sounds like the EPA is trying to put us out of business. We need to get behind the RPM Act and get it pushed through now, more than ever.”

www.competitionplus.com
–NMA

MIC Represents Motorcycling on National Transportation Safety Board Roundtable
The MIC’s Scott Schloegel spoke on behalf of the MIC, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and motorcycling during a virtual roundtable on safe vehicles hosted last week by Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board – the independent U.S. agency responsible for civil transportation accident investigation.

The two-hour discussion covered a wide range of topics from automated driving systems to anti-lock brakes, operator impairment, and safety training. Homendy herself has taken MSF rider training and has been considering a motorcycle purchase.

“I am actually going to take more motorcycle safety classes before I do purchase one,” she said. “(The MSF is) a great program and I will say there are actually advanced programs after that, that I plan to take, and the place I took mine actually offers private lessons as well. So, it’s fantastic.”

Schloegel, senior vice president at the MIC Government Relations Office, discussed motorcycle industry development of ABS, cornering ABS, traction control, riding modes, and radar systems.

“More and more they are becoming options that are available on those bikes,” he said. “With…the advancement of that technology…they take up less space on the bike, which is critical for a motorcycle, and they are also less weight. You are seeing those advancements continue and more and more of that is becoming standard.”

–MIC

Pirelli Congratulates Army of Darkness Race Team on Capturing the WERA/N2 Endurance Championship–

DIABLO Superbike Slicks Lead Army of Darkness to Summit Point Raceway Series Finale Victory and 17th National Championship

Pirelli Tire North America congratulates the Army of Darkness (AoD) racing team of Chris Peris and Ben Walters on capturing the WERA/N2 endurance victory at Summit Point Raceway and their 17th national endurance championship. The AoD Yamaha YZF-R1 relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike 125/70R-17 SC2 front and 200/65R-17 SC1 rear slicks to take the race win and secure the Heavyweight and overall championships for the fourth consecutive season.

“Endurance racing is definitely making the most of a lot of variables together to give the team the best chance to win in the long run,” said Oscar Solis, senior racing manager, Pirelli. “Army of Darkness have managed to do this both on and off the track this year. We applaud them for their tenacity. This not only proves Pirelli as a great tire for a single race, but also for an endurance of four hours. It has been great to work with the team to secure the championship.”

Peris managed to put in an incredible time during qualifying that saw him take pole position with 1.5 seconds to spare on his nearest competitor. Peris would go on to set the fastest laps of the race and was backed by his teammate Walters’ strong, consistent laps and the team’s quick pit stops, making it too much for their competition to overcome.

Chris Peris set the quickest time for pole position and would go on to set the fastest laps of racing at Summit Point Raceway.

“There have been 18 WERA/N2 endurance races over the last four years and I’ve been privileged to be a part of AoD winning 13 of them,” said Walters. “There are thousands of things that can go wrong with the bike, track, or another competitor and then we still have to bring a fast platform to the track and turn the lap times and, after all that, still have perfect pit stops. If you told me at the start of 2018 that we were going to win over 70 percent of the races going forward, I wouldn’t have believed it. We have had very strong competition each year, but racing fortune is smiling upon us and we keep pulling off the late-season rally to win the championships. It’s like a storybook ending each year!”

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

DIABLOTM is a registered trademark of Pirelli Tire S.p.A

BE THERE. BE THERE–18th Annual Indian Larry Block Party
Date: Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021
Location: 70 N 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

The Indian Larry Block Party returns for the 18th year and trust us– you don’t want to sit this one out. This year’s block party will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2021 beginning at 12 p.m., and we’re thrilled to announce our plans for the event. Read below for more details on what to expect at the 18th Annual Indian Larry Block Party.

Grindhouse Gallery: Motorcycle + Art Exhibition – This year, Indian Larry Motorcycles will host the first ever “Grindhouse Gallery: Motorcycle + Art Exhibition” during the weekend of the 18th Annual Block Party. The gallery will take place in a beautifully renovated warehouse/boiler room located in the back lot of the shop. Grindhouse Gallery will feature a hand-curated display of 20 motorcycles from some of the most talented builders in the country including Billy Lane, Paul Cox, and Roland Sands.

Grindhouse Gallery will also feature work from renowned artists and craftsmen in the bike industry including Darren McKeag, David Uhl, and Jeff Decker. The gallery will open on Friday, September 17 with a VIP cocktail event that evening, and will be open to the public on Saturday, September 18 during the Block Party. Stay tuned for more information regarding the opening event taking place on Friday.

Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death – For the first time since the 1930s, The Wall of Death is coming to Brooklyn! The Wall of Death is a classic carnival sideshow attraction that has been around for over a century, and Rhett Rotten is one of the few modern-day stunt riders who keeps the tradition alive. Block Party goers will experience the thrill of watching Rhett Rotten ride his motorcycle around the Wall of Death while performing stunt tricks along the way.

Additional Block Party Features:
Eastcoastin’ Crew
Live Bands
DJ in VIP Area
Vendors
BBQ + Drinks
Free Indian Larry Tattoos for Tips

CLICK HERE FOR VIP TICKETS. YOU’LL RECIEVE THEM AT ILM.

AHDRA Nitro V-Twin Thunder Coming to Orangeburg–AHDRA motorcycle drag racing series pre-race report

event: AHDRA Southern Nationals

when: September 17-18, 2021

where: South Carolina Motorplex, Orangeburg, South Carolina, USA

AHDRA all-American motorcycle drag racing is bringing their thundering Nitro V-Twin show to the home of the Southern Son. The AHDRA Southern Nationals will blister the South Carolina Motorplex in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on September 17-18, and you will not want to miss the sights, sounds and smells of AHDRA’s nitro and gasoline Harleys and Indians.

Ryan Peery has won the last two NHRA Top Fuel Harley races, including the huge U.S. Nationals, and now will see what his championship-bound bike can do on the eighth mile in Orangeburg.

Peery will be joined by Bad Apple Racing’s Tracy Kile, Dr. Jimmy McMillan, and more.

Local second generation star Armon Furr will lead the Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike field, but he’ll have Sam White, Rocky Jackson and points leader Michael Balch to deal with.

Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel will have a large field of carbureted nitro bikes, including South Carolina’s White, Jackson, champ Preston “President” Bartlett, Jim Martin, and more.

GMS Racing Pro Open features the hottest, no-bar Harleys in the world. These gas burners add power with turbos or nitrous to haul some serious ass.

Zippers Performance Pro Modified, Pingel Modified, and Horsepower Incorporated Hot Street are all out-the-back-door, pro gasoline classes.

Law Tigers Pro Bagger run their bags out the back door, while T-Man Performance Bagger Eliminator racers run to a dial-in. Expect big fields of both.

Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson 6.35, Universal Fleet & Tire 7.00 index, 5.95 index, 6.60 index, 7.35 index, and Mad Monkey Motorsports Eliminator will all be competing, along with the Trophy class.

So, bring your American made V-Twin motorcycle, your safety equipment, and start drag racing! Find out how your bike and skill level measures up, or just come and watch.

Bill Rowe, his family, and the AHDRA community welcome you to drag racing action on the South Carolina Motorplex eighth mile!

The AHDRA website is at http://raceahdra.com/

BIKERNET BRINGS YOU ALL THE ANSWERS TO LIFE–Jesus vs Government

The difference between Jesus’ version of Christianity and the Government’s version of Christianity is Jesus’ version of Christianity is voluntary. The Government’s version is not only mandatory it’s demonic. For instance in an actual epidemic spread by contact you only avoid other people when you are actually afflicted or dangerously contagious, such as for example, with tuberculosis. Or Pneumonia. And you do this out of a personal sense of responsibility and empathy.

In a Government Declared epidemic, such as the Out of Nowhere Contagion of Covid 19 which statistically leaves 99% of its “victims” unscathed, you are ordered to isolate yourself even when healthy or immune or having received the unapproved vaccination which is not actually a vaccine by definition of “vaccine”….you are ordered to “be responsible”, meaning “obedient” by command as a “duty” to all the rest of mankind, which you are personally now the caretaker of.

Which of the two above “burdens” and “yokes” is the light one. Which is the one impossible to successfully bear.

And there you have it: the difference between good and evil, the eternal question tossed about in utter bewilderment by philosophers for 8,000 years, explained simply and easily by me. You are quite welcome. Go your way and be stupid no more…

–Dr. J.J. Solari

BREAKING NEWS: RPM Act Reintroduced in U.S. Senate for 2021—Act Now!

Our voices have been heard once again! After receiving more than 1.5 million letters from enthusiasts like you, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act) has been reintroduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate in the 2021-2022 session of Congress!

The RPM Act must be enacted into law to guarantee your right to modify street cars, trucks, and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, and ensure that industry can offer parts that enable racers to compete.

More than ever, now is not the time to take our feet off the gas. Even if you’ve previously contacted your lawmakers about the RPM Act, we need your voice once again now that the bill has officially returned for consideration in both houses of Congress in 2021! Tell your federal officials to do their part to finally save racing from government threat by supporting and passing the RPM Act into law this year.

CLIMATE DOOM HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–
apparently this global-warming roulette wheel is rigged so that the house always wins: no matter WHAT the fucking weather is HAHAHAHAHA

–J.J. Solari
Certified Weatherman
Bikernet.com™

[page break]

IRISH RICH MOVES TO THE BADLANDS—He’s escaping Colorado, but he’s moving his entire operation to Sturgis, but across the city line into Meade County. More reports in the near future.

–Bandit

THE NAKED TRUTH–Naked woman driving a golf cart interrupted police during six-hour stand-off

Are you ready for this? Because it sounds like something straight out of an action-comedy movie.

A woman was arrested in Florida after she interrupted a police stand-off by ploughing through the tense scenes on a golf cart – while naked.

Jessica Elisabeth Smith, 28, now faces a charge for resisting an officer without violence after her antics that disrupted the police, who say they were in the middle of a six-hour armed standoff with suspects in Dunedin, near Tampa, when Smith made things even more difficult.

Police were first on the scene due to reports of someone shooting at others from the roof of a home, according to WFLA. When the suspects fled the area, officers chased after them.

A gun was fired by one of the suspects towards bystanders, but fortunately, no one was injured, police said – though, during their attempted escape, the suspect allegedly shot himself in the leg.

As all this was happening, Smith drove into the crime scene in her golf cast, despite several Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars marking the area, according to court documents.

Despite being warned by officers to get out of the cart, Smith allegedly ignored their demands and continued to drive toward the target’s home. Her “actions and inability to follow directions put multiple deputies at risk for potentially getting shot at,” the affidavit read.

Police were eventually able to get Smith out of the golf cart and apprehend her with handcuffs.

By Sinead Butler, Newsbreak

NHDRO’s Racing at Norwalk!
September 14, 2021–NHDRO motorcycle drag racing series pre-race report

event: NHDRO Midwest Fall Nationals/World Finals presented by Liguori Drag Racing

when: September 17-19, 2021

where: Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, USA

The Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series—NHDRO—is making their first trip to the Midwest’s favorite dragstrip—Summit Motorsports Park. The Midwest Fall Nationals/World Finals presented by Liguori Drag Racing marks a sudden finale to NHDRO’s championship points season, and the whole NHDRO racing family is in for a real Big Money, Shootout-laden treat.

NHDRO’s Shootout Friday kicks the weekend off with a $10,000 Box vs. No-Box Shootout. Bracket Racing stars Tom and Joe Klemme, Dustin Lee, Robert “The” Mann, Norwalk stars Kevin and Craig Adams, and many more will all be cutting lights and taking stripes, measuring each other against the best in the world.

Friday will also be Ryan Schnitz Racing Road Course day—the no-time class that’s taking the nation by storm. Kyron Drake’s wild rides took the win last time out, but this class is just now getting serious. Martin runner-up Nico Grier, Mitch Pennington, “Kawasaki” Steve Adams, and many more have been tuning up and calling out competitors for this one.

Friday will also see the first round of qualifying for all Pro and Sportsman classes, including the big-tire nitrous and turbo studs of Grothus Dragbikes/Klemme Performance Motorcycles Pro Ultra 4.60

Dan McCarten has a strong 57 point lead in the 4.60 championship fight, with Jeff Jones in second. Joey Brandgard is another 8 points behind, and 7 points ahead of Les Stimac.

The MTC Pro Street championship battle is very tight, with Rudy Sanzottera 13 points ahead of Josh Ford and his nitrous Suzuki Hayabusa. Sanzottera’s Quicktime teammate (and brother-in-law) Brad Christian is another 28 behind in third.

Christian is the defending champ. Will Rudy break through this year for a well-deserved championship?

Jeremy Teasley has a short 8-point lead over Thomas “Turtle” Cole for the Schnitz Racing Top Gas 8.20 index championship, with Ryan Schnitz another 35 points back.

But there are other big Top Gas stories this weekend. Doug Fisher and David Beshera will run the rain-delayed U.S. 131 Top Gas final. Beshara is fifth in points and an extra win would help him make a big move at this event.

And both Beshara and Fisher will be hoping to win the $500 (plus interest?) bonus that “Kounselor” Kenny Schwartz is paying to the delayed Top Gas winner,

Teasley also has the BB Racing Super Comp 8.90 index points lead by 27 over Greg Mallett, who has 11 on Joe Klemme. Young Trevor Schnitz is another 50 points back.

Marty White leads M2.Shocks 8.70 Quick Street points on his mysteriously quick “Katanabusa,” 34 points ahead of veteran racer Dave Page. Eric Yost is another 12 back, followed by Rashad Rowe.

Marty also leads Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET points, just 30 ahead of John “Spooky” Markham. Look out! When Spooky can sniff a championship, he’s a dangerous, dangerous man.

Justin Blackford and Rashard Rowe are tied for third, 80 points out of the Street ET lead.

Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 9.30 is the other class that didn’t finish at Martin, and Joe Klemme and Rylan Rowe will also race that final at Norwalk. These two are also locked in a championship battle in the class, with Klemme ahead by 51 points. Todd “Bounty Hunter” Smith is third.

Klemme also has the points lead in MPS Pro ET, 20 points ahead of Beshara, who’s 60 points ahead of Doug Fisher.

Saturday night will see the Stock Wheelbase Shootout, another no-time class. Expect to see Martin winner Dustin Clark back for more, along with Drake and anyone else with a stock wheelbase and confident clutch hand.

VooDoo Grudge will throw down between all the Shootouts and late-night bracket racing till midnight each night.

Brian and Niki Welch look forward to welcoming the NHDRO family to everyone’s favorite track—Summit Motorsports Park at Norwalk!

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com

THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL WIDE OPEN–My wife was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She was not happy with what she saw and said to me,
“I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you
to pay me a compliment.’

I replied, “Your eyesight’s damn near perfect.”
And then the fight started……

I rear-ended a car this morning…the start of a REALLY bad day!
The driver got out of the other car, and he was a DWARF!!
He looked up at me and said, “ ‘I am NOT Happy!”
So, I said, “Well, which one ARE you then?”

That’s how the fight started.
________________________________

as a Christmas gift…

The next year, I didn’t buy her a gift.
When she asked me why, I replied,
“Well, you still haven’t used the gift I bought you last year!”

And that’s how the fight started.
____________

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.

She said, “I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.”

I bought her a bathroom scale.
And then the fight started……

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me
for my driver’s License to verify my age.

I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that
I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, “Unbutton your shirt.”

So, I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.

She said, “That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me,” and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, “You should have dropped
your pants. You might have gotten disability too.”

And then the fight started…

–El Waggs
Official Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

Two-time 2020 GRAMMY winner Tanya Tucker and Emmy-award-winning RuPaul release their empowering new anthem– “This Is Our Country,” and the lyric video via World of Wonder’s WOW Records, today. “This Is Our Country” was written by RuPaul, Leland, Freddy Scott and Tom Campbell to celebrate love, self-empowerment and unity when the division in our country has hit an all-time high.

To stream and download “This Is Our Country,” click HERE.

Love is the answer,
Love always wins,
Love has the power to be born again

The track premiered first on the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6 finale last week when the top 4 queens were tasked with writing original verses to the song. Tanya and RuPaul have a long history of being fans of the other, and Tanya most recently appeared virtually during the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 6 to give the queens a few words of encouragement and explain that finally winning her GRAMMY® Awards were worth the wait.

For real-time updates, visit TanyaTucker.com

DC BIKERNET REPORTER CHECKS IN–
if DC shut down all operations except the military and war-machine departments and got rid of all the other departments and so called “services” that no one wants – which is why
DC has to force people to pay for them even if they don’t use or want them, and as long as the war department kept making new cool shit….overnight America would be great again.

We wouldn’t even NEED Trump to do it. EYE could do it. MAKE ME PRESIDENT! Thank you. Yhis isn’t complicated.

–J.J. Solari
Bikernet Presidential Candidate

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!

BEST OF TIMES BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for September 9, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/BEST_OF_TIMES_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_September_9_2021.aspx

How about Stolen Dream Catchers

Made me think about when my ’49 pan was stolen in ’72. The builder got into something over his head and left MA for Cali. I was told latter his life was on the line. JR, the builder, never tried to contact me once he made it to the west coast. And I never saw my unfinished bike again.

–Rhys
Daytona Beach, FL

Thanks for this: I started on the first episode. It’s a tough one, because all the other episodes with be centered around the characters and the circumstances developed in the first one.

I will appreciate your input once I have the first draft on Bikernet. Fortunately for the web, we can make changes quick.

–Bandit

BIKERNET MEDICAL ALERT–The Department of Health and Human Services, which is run by the formerly man and now woman pictured, who does not appear healthy and may not actually be human….he, she or it is now going to create a new entity that will By Its Command make the weather nice, or maybe not nice, and will order everyone to have the same degree of healthiness. Which will probably be a very low degree of it.

One should not be surprised at what this person is planning to do to you considering what it already did to itself.

–Dr. J.J. Solari
Bikernet Medical Center

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB FINDINGS—These came directly from the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Let’s get started:

The Liberators: Military Harley-Davidsn Motorcycles: 1939-1952
By David Sarafan

As Allied soldiers advanced through occupied territory in Europe in the closing months of WWII, the first Americans the townspeople say were scouts mounted on WLA Harleys.

This book includes photography of the various derivations, photo example of too kits, and production numbers for WLAs. There are also photos of data plates related to various Harley military motorcycles, including the WLA, the Canadian WLC, the Big twin UA, the experimental flat-twin XA and the Knucklehead-powered three-wheeled TA.

It’s 118 pages and available from Portrayal Press: www.portrayalpress.com

Harley-Davidson 1915-1929 Pocket Valve Big Twins: An Identification and Restoration Guide
By Steve Slocombe

Steve, president of the AMCA’s European chapter and former AMCA board member set out to create a formerly uncover model guide.

Steve is well-known for his work on Harley VL flathead twins from the ‘30s, having published a four-volume guide that is the definitive collection for anyone looking to own or work on these bikes. And in “Harley-Davidson 1915-’29 Pocket Valve Big Twins: An identification and Restoration guide,” he provides the same authoritative perspective on the pocket-valve era.

It’s arranged in a large-format, spiral-bound book that you can peruse in your easy or lay out flat on your work bench.

It’s 220 pages and available from www.replicantmetals.com

Bumper’s Garage by Geoff Holladay

In “Bumper’s Garage,” author Geoff Holladay tells the story of Steve, a young boy who is having problems with the chain on his bicycles. His dad knows just the guy to help—a gray-haired man named Bumper who tinkers in an old repair shop.

It’s a kids book and only 32 pages for only $14.95 through www.bumpersgarage.com

Here’s another group from Velcoce

Product Details
Publisher: Veloce
ISBN: 9781787110991
By Jeff Clew

Paperback or eBook • 20.7x25cm • 144 pages • pictures • Flowing format eBook

A Veloce Classic Reprint.

For those who were there, and for those fascinated by 1950s British culture, Jeff Clew’s insight to motorcycling in the ‘50s will provide a delightful nostalgic journey into the past, while those younger riders who cherish 1950s motorcycles today will discover a whole new dimension to their enjoyment of the machines.

Reprinted after many years of absence! For many, a motorcycle bought at the beginning of the 1950s was a first taste of the freedom offered by personal transport.

Although British postwar austerity was fading, money was still tight and new machines virtually unobtainable, but there were plenty of cheap prewar machines around and an ex-War Department motorcycle could be bought from one of the big city dealers on the never-never; better still it would be sent to your local railway station. Ex-army dispatch riders’ coats and boots would serve to keep the weather at bay as the new motorcyclists explored and enjoyed the quiet roads in a pre-motorway era.

The decade would become a Golden Era of motorcycling as manufacturers brought new and excitingly advanced machines to an appreciative audience which had never even heard of a Japanese motorcycle.

Motorcycle sport mushroomed in popularity at a time when you actually had to go to the race to see it and helped to reinforce the public’s ever-growing enthusiasm for the motorcycle. the era would also see the arrival of the moped, scooter and bubblecar.

For those that were there, Jeff Clew’s insight to motorcycling of the ‘50s will provide a delightful nostalgic journey into the past, while those younger riders who cherish 1950s motorcycles today will discover a whole new dimension to their enjoyment of the machines.

Product Details
Publisher: Veloce
ISBN: 9781845840785
By Richard Skelton

Paperback or eBook • 20.7x25cm • 144 pages • pictures • Flowing format eBook

A celebration of the sports moped charting the history of a genre created unwittingly by the government in 1972 and killed off by more legislation five years later. ??This book recaptures the spirit of happy and carefree times and looks at the bikes that gave freedom and mobility to a generation.

If you’re red-blooded and somewhere between 35 and 50 the chances are that your first bike was a sports moped.

This book takes you on a nostalgic full throttle trip back to the heady days of the 1970s and early ‘80s when these fabulous little superbikes were available to 16-year-olds.

Packed with photos from past and present, this book will revive wonderful memories of the machines, the people, the fashions, and even the music of the time. Includes coverage of AJW, Batavus, Casal, Cimatti, Derbi, Fantic, Flandria, Garelli, Gilera, Gitane, Honda, Kreidler, KTM, Malaguti, Motobecane, Negrini, NVT, Puch, Suzuki, Testi, Yamaha and Zundapp.

Charts the extraordinary rise of the sports moped in the 1970s and early ‘80s
Fascinating detail on a huge number of machines.

Owners recollections
Social history too, music and fashions of the era
Superbikes for 16 year olds!
A nostalgic road trip through history

Product Details
Publisher: Veloce
ISBN: 9781787111196
By Ian Grainger

Paperback or eBook • 22.5×22.5cm • 128 pages • 380 pictures • Flowing format eBook

Back in print after a long absence!

Guides you through the scootering way of life and all its factions, giving a unique insight into the modern scene and all its diversities – warts and all! Includes interviews with well known scootering personalities, plus over 150 colour photos of award-winning custom scooters.

Back in print after a long absence!

There has been plenty said and written about scooters over the years, but until now there has been no definitive look at the culture surrounding the riders’ chosen way of life. Many authors have written about mods and the infamous and often over-hyped beach battles of the 1960s, but hardly any have tried to capture the atmosphere of the modern scene in print.

The original mods are still responsible for fuelling the imagination of past, present and future generations, and for leaving a rich scooter heritage behind them. Although the mod way of life was the spark which lit the fuse for many of them, the majority of scooter riders have evolved into lifestyle scooterists.

As the author says “We may not dress in a particular style, our scooters may not be adorned with lights and mirrors, but we still burn with the same passion as our scooter riding ancestors. It’s over sixty years since the first Italian scooters rolled off the production lines, but there is still a buzzing and vibrant lifestyle surrounding them.

The small capacity machines have overtaken the lives of thousands of us, often to the detriment of everything else we hold dear. Careers, relationships and families have suffered for this overwhelming and expensive addiction. An addiction to which there is no cure.

We live and breathe the sickly-sweet smell of synthetic two-stroke oil and worship at the altar of our chosen gods, Lambretta and Vespa (or occasionally Gilera and Italjet). Our hands are permanently ingrained with the oily ‘tattoos’ of a thousand engine rebuilds, and our major organs have suffered the long term effects of our hedonistic lifestyleor a.”

Including interviews with well-known scootering personalities, over 150 color photographs of award-winning custom scooters, best-selling scooter models, and information on rallies and events, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in these fun machines.

Nostalgia with a modern twist
Interviews with prominent scooterists, past and present
Scooter rallies, from the inside out
The scooter scene as a way of life
People, friendships and comradeship
Custom scooters, what’s wrong with spending £25k on a scooter?

The machines, what’s hot and what’s not
Racing, who ever said scooters are slow?
Over 150 colour photographs

Product Details
Publisher: Veloce
ISBN: 9781787114463
By Ian Falloon

Paperback or eBook • 20.7x25cm • 160 pages • 163 pictures • Flowing format eBook

When the great Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni designed the 750 Ducati in 1970 there was no way he could comprehend how important this model would be. The 750, the Formula 750 racer and the Super Sport became legend: this book celebrates these machines. Year-by-year, model-by-model, change-by-change detail.

When Ducati s great engineer Fabio Taglioni designed the 750 Ducati in 1970 there was no way he could comprehend how important this model would be. His design was unlike any other before or since: a 90-degree V-twin with single overhead camshafts driven by a train of bevel gears. Taglioni soon developed his 750 into a Formula 750 racer, and in 1972 beat the rest of what the world had to offer at the Imola 200. With this victory, the desmodromic 750 became a legend.

Ducati responded by producing a hand-built limited production desmodromic Super Sport. They also continued to produce the touring 750 GT and sporting 750 Sport until legislation killed them at the end of 1974. Today, this triumvirate of 750s represents the end of an era; the era before cost accounting and government design requirements.

These were amongst the last pure, unadulterated sporting motorcycles built and it is not surprising they have inspired a new generation of retro classics, the Sport Classic of 2005 and 2006. Author, Ian Falloon, is a Ducati expert with several books on the marque including the best-selling Ducati Story, and Ducati Twins Restoration Guide. He has owned several 750s over the years and has a particular enthusiasm for this model, still owning the 750 Super Sport he bought back in the 1970s.

Now in paperback
The definitive reference/sourcebook on Ducati’s classic bevel-twins
Written by a world-renowned expert

Product Details
Publisher: Veloce
ISBN: 9781787112483
By Rod Burris

Paperback or eBook • 22.5×22.5cm • 224 pages • 450 pictures • Flowing format eBook

The definitive development history of the most famous Velocette motorcycles, this third edition includes updated information and the most comprehensive appendices ever published on this historic marque.

The definitive development history of the most famous Velocette motorcycles, written by an acknowledged expert. Based on the author’s earlier work, which was out of print for many years, this edition has been fully revised and updated, and includes the most comprehensive appendices ever published on this historic marque.

As one critic said: “THE best book about Velos – I know because I’ve got the lot. Go buy it.”

Now reissued in paperback, due to popular demand.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2019 Harley-Davidson FLHT – Electra Glide Standard for $18,995.00

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BEST HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–I’m the guy that said there are never any good news headlines. Turns out…That’s not always the case. I don’t know who Tana Mongoose is but she looks like good news to me.

–J.J. Solari

NEVER GIVE UP—I can’t believe everything that’s going on and how brothers and sisters are not giving up or staying home. There’s action everywhere no matter what.

Hell, most aftermarket companies like S&S and Paughco are having banner years.

Brothers doubted that I actually married the Redhead again, after 30 some years. Another brother complimented the Redhead and shot arrows at me. “She looks great, but you’re just another old, grubby biker.”

The Redhead is after me for a puppy. We had two mutt, black labs. The last one passed away while I was in the Badlands. Still breaks my heart. Tore me up. Don’t think I could outlive another pet. The bastard better attend my funeral.

In the meantime, I can’t stop or slow down. It’s the code. Gotta Ride fast and free until the end, and fuck anyone who doesn’t like it…

I’m proud to say I would rather weld than watch commercial TV.

I walked into an engraving shop yesterday and after we chatted for a while, the woman asked, “What brings you to the Badlands.”

I looked at her sorta stunned and said, “Motorcycles goddammit!”

–Bandit

Hey,

What’s the deal today? It’s motorcycle month.The sun is shining in Deadwood. And politicians are fighting all over the country, when we’re living in the best of times. The news is packed, and I’m waiting to close on our Sturgis property so I can unpack.

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.

PRISM DEAL OF THE WEEK— 30% Off Tool Racks
Get all Tool Racks for only $17.50 today, May 6.
Sale lasts from 8 AM through midnight EST.

www.Prismsupply.com

SOMEONE HAD NICELY EXPLAINED–The irony in the present situation:

Never have I seen
such a mess in life.

The air got cleaner but
wearing a mask is
mandatory.

Roads are empty
but it is prohibited
to go on long drive.

People have clean
hands but they are told to
stop shaking hands.

Friends have time to
sit together but they
cannot get together.

The cook inside you has learned recipes,
but you cannot call anyone for lunch or dinner.

Every weekday,
the heart longs to go out,
and the weekend does not seem to end.

Those who have money, have limited ways to spend it.

Those who don’t have money, have no way to earn it.

There is enough time on hand but you can’t pursue your dreams.

The culprit is all around but cannot be seen.

Be positive but test negative.

–Wayfarer
Emperor Editor
Bikernet News Bureau
India

BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY–
Moving Forward & Making It Happen

Your MRF is moving forward & making it happen. However, we need your help…

Have you registered for Bikers Inside the Beltway? It’s free but time is running out!

GO TO THE MRF WEBSITE TO REGISTER

Have you made your appointments to visit your members of Congress? Make your appointments now in your district or in Washington, D.C.
Have you made your hotel reservations?

Final date for hotel registration, May 13, 2021: 703-684-5900 Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is moving forward to make the 2021 Bikers Inside the Beltway our most effective event ever.

Thank you for your commitment to the MRF’s mission. Thank you for making appointments with your members of Congress. Thank you for taking action and asking your members of Congress to support H.R. 2141. Click here to see the position paper on H.R. 2141.

Thank you for your membership and support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
.
–Fredric Harrell
Director, Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
P.O. Box 250
Highland, Illinois 62249

MOTO ANATOMY x Royal Enfield Rider Johnny Lewis Captures Fifth Place at Atlanta
Lewis charged from the back of the field after first lap incident

Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis captured fifth place during the American Flat Track (AFT) Atlanta Super TT at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lewis was fast all weekend and despite a crash on the first lap that forced him to start from the back of the field, Lewis made quick work of the back half of the field and settled into fifth. The top five finish showcases the development work the team has done since the opening round in Volusia.

The Super TT format played well into Moto Anatomy X Royal Enfield rider’s strengths, as Lewis is an accomplished supermoto rider and rides motocross regularly as part of his training. During the opening lap, Lewis made a strong start, but high-sided coming out of the first corner, breaking his helmet visor and inflating his airbag suit. After the field was red-flagged, Lewis was able to regroup and rejoin the race at the back of the field.

“We showed great speed all weekend, but the incident on the first lap meant we had our work cut out for us,” said Moto Anatomy x Royal Enfield rider Johnny Lewis. “The team has been working extremely hard since Volusia. David and Bryan Lloyd along with the rest of the team have put in long hours to get more power out of the Twins FT. We ran at the top of the field all weekend and feel great about the progress we’ve made. Obviously, we had hoped for a podium result but that’s racing.”

The Atlanta Super TT course utilized both the front straightaway of the NASCAR oval and portions of dirt in the infield grass. The track made for great racing action and Lewis was running in the top two during practice and qualifying, then won his semi-final race in convincing fashion. The fifth-place finish and the speed shown by Lewis all weekend highlights the behind-the-scenes work the team continues to do in search of furthering the performance of the Twins FT package.

The American Flat Track season will return on May 22 at Texas Motor Speedway for the Mission Foods Texas Half Mile Presented by Roof Systems. Lewis will look to take the momentum from his fifth-place finish into the next round in Texas.

During the race weekend, the Get On! Moto Show will also take place around the speedway, with demo rides, custom bike displays, music, food and more Friday through Sunday. Johnny Lewis will also be hosting a Royal Enfield Slide School powered by Moto Anatomy that weekend as well.

To learn more, visit Get On! Moto Show or purchase tickets directly at AmericanFlatTrack.com.

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–According to this the swiftness of the reopening of normal life was stunning to the NY inhabitants. 18 months before you pull your head out of your ass and that’s considered being alert.

–J.J. Solari
Media Research Consultant
Bikernet.com

H-D DEALERSHIP INVESTIGATION–Does anyone have a clue as to what is going on at Harley-Davidson? I’m standing in a dealership. We have only 8 new bikes on the showroom floor, and it’s May?

Get this, there are ten New models, but we can’t get them? Won’t be many dealers left by the time this new CEO finishes. This reminds me of the ‘70s. Walk into a dealership and you would maybe see five new bikes? Someone in Milwaukee needs to wake up, FAST!

–STEALTH
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com

“This is one of the biggest human rights stories on earth.”

America’s leading climate and environmental groups including Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Energy Foundation, and Environmental Defense Fund have not responded to repeated queries about evidence that China is forcing Uyghur Muslims to make the solar panels that the three groups promote as a core solution to climate change.

NRDC, Environmental Defense Fund, and Energy Foundation are the three most influential environmental organizations within the Biden Administration and among Democrats in Congress. In December, President Joe Biden named NRDC President & CEO Gina McCarthy as his National Climate Advisor. The organizations routinely denounce abuses of human rights and issue regular calls for environmental justice.

Why, then, aren’t they calling for a ban on solar panels made in China?

Yesterday, the Solar Energy Industries Association issued a set of guidelines, or a “protocol,” for solar panel companies to use to avoid the use of genocide labor. “Solar customers expect their products to be ethically produced, and this protocol helps ensure that solar products coming into the United States are not made using forced labor,” it says.

But conditions in Xinjiang are determined by the Chinese government which is repressing the Muslim population. “It has become almost impossible to talk of voluntary labor among a group of people who are in immediate danger of being incarcerated for no reason whatsoever,” said a Xinjiang expert.

Noted the Wall Street Journal, “Chinese manufacturers aren’t always transparent about where they are getting their raw materials, and wafer makers sometimes mix polysilicon from Xinjiang and other regions together.”

The Association did not respond to my query as to whether or not it would support a ban on solar panels from China until the protocol can be implemented. Republicans have introduced legislation to ban solar panels made in China but have not been joined by Democrats.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government shows no sign of supporting a relocation of its solar panel industry from Xinjiang, and continues to deny claims of genocide.

NRDC, EDF, and Energy Foundation receive over $100 million each from mostly anonymous donors. One of EDF’s largest donors is oil, gas and renewables investor Julian Robertson, who has donated $60 million to EDF and sits on EDF’s governing board.

NRDC had at least $70 million of its own funds directly invested in natural gas and solar panel companies through BlackRock, a shadow bank whose former senior official, Brian Deese, is head of President Biden’s National Economic Council.

All three have large offices in China. People close to the organizations told me on background that their offices would be jeopardized if any of these groups criticized China for genocide.

In 2018, a “senior strategic director with NRDC published a book, Will China Save the Planet? a book which praised the country for “leading the development of a global system of green finance.”

After NRDC was criticized by members of Congress for being too cozy with China, an NRDC spokesperson said, “We’re proud of our work, in China and elsewhere, helping to create a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Last year, BlackRock raised $5 billion for its Global Energy & Power Infrastructure Fund which invested in businesses connected with “renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro and waste-to-energy).”

The same relationships bind EDF. “EDF has served as an advisor on China’s highest international advisory body on the environment,” the organization’s Chinese staff boast, “which reports directly to the Premier every year.”

Jeffrey Sachs Says It’s Not Genocide

Some environmentalists like Columbia University’s Director of the Center for Sustainable Development Director, Jeffrey Sachs, recently called the genocide claim “flimsy.” “There are credible charges of human rights abuses against Uighurs,” he adds, “but those do not per se constitute genocide.”

However, the parliaments of the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands and many other nations have described China’s policy as one of genocide.

After I emailed Sachs, who was head of Columbia’s Earth Institute from 2002 to 2016, to ask if he accepted funding from the Chinese government, he replied, “I have no funding from the Chinese government. None at the Center, and none of my projects when I was director of the Earth Institute. Of the approximately 850 staff of more than 25 centers at the Earth Institute, I do not know.”

In 2018, Sachs wrote the foreword to a policy position paper, used for lobbying regulators and policymakers, by telecommunications giant Huawei, and shortly after penned a column urging the Trump administration to back off efforts to restrict the Chinese company.

On Twitter, Sachs wrote, “I respect Huawei’s technologies, its vision of ICT for development, and the many benefits of Huawei technologies for sustainable development. I was not and am not paid by Huawei.” Then, 13 days later, after being criticized for his involvement with Huawei, Sachs deleted his Twitter account.

The Chinese government claims that it is fighting terrorism in Xinjiang, an argument Sachs repeated.

Some Democrats recognize that China’s treatment of the Uyghurs is a problem for solar. “We know we have solar supply chain issues,” said Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) at a Senate hearing last month.

But, noted Bloomberg, “Biden can’t just flip a switch to make the problem go away. Instead, his team may have to come up with a phased strategy to address the issue,” and that would take years to implement.

And even if China were to move all its solar panel production out of Xanjiang, China’s genocide would continue. “Episodes of forced labor have also been reported in Chinese facilities outside Xinjiang,” notes the New York Times.

So Much for “Never Again”

CNN reported last year that China is torturing many of the two million Muslim that are being held in concentration camps in Xinjiang. Like reporters from Vice and Bloomberg, CNN reporters were constantly followed and harassed by secret Chinese police, including demands for identification at 1 am in the reporter’s hotel room.

“It’s nearly impossible to freely report on the hundreds of thousands of people that are likely languishing in camps right now,” the CNN correspondent repeated. “And that means that the rest of the world can’t really see what’s going on there.”

China’s genocide is high-tech, reports CNN, and global. The government uses facial recognition, GPS tracking devices, and collecting DNA samples from all residents between 12 and 65 years old. The Chinese government is even harassing Chinese nationals in other countries around the world.

Like other researchers and journalists who have been to Xinjiang, the CNN reporter became emotional and spoke in very strong language about the situation. “This is one of the biggest human rights stories on earth. And as we saw firsthand, China is actively trying to cover it up.”

For decades, Hollywood’s leading lights, Harvard professors, and environmentalists have defended the rights of oppressed racial and religious minorities, including Muslims, and promised “never again” in the context of genocide.

And yet all three institutions — Hollywood and the entertainment industry, Harvard and other academic institutions, and environmental groups — have sacrificed “never again,” and concerns about genocide for money, access, and power.

Columbia University reported none of the money it received for “The Confucius Institute” to the US Education Department, which “is part of a network of chapters believed to be quietly undermining academic freedom on campuses across America,” writes a Columbia graduate student.

“Confucius instructors, hired and trained by Beijing, have always banned certain topics” including “Xinjiang, where up to 2 million Uyghur Muslims languish in concentration camps.”

Sachs, for his part, criticizes the researchers who allege genocide. “The genocide charge is being fueled by ‘studies’ like the Newlines Institute report,” he says, which has “an apparently conservative policy agenda.” Sachs makes no mention of any financial conflict of interest.

–Michael Shellenberger

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!
Cantina Episode 93: 1VEGAS

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Cantina_Episode_93_1VEGAS.aspx

Good for Bandit! He acquired another great knife to add to his collection! Will Melody be the real deal, or will she become just another redhead in Bandit’s collection?

–Ann Robinson
Long Beach, Califa

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–I had hoped to get a visit in today, found out he was on hospice last Sunday at the benefit. Lately I seem to be one Saturday too late, happened with an uncle as well. For some reason I waited to ride the Shovelhead over there as it was finally running.

That young lady Ms Amanda was only the 10th person to ever have the surgery she had on Monday, she is still in the hospital.

So last year I was able to contact a member of Lindsey Stirling’s management and was approved that day, I think. This year I haven’t heard back, yet. Going for my sixth consecutive tour, which started with Bikernet in 2012.

–RFR
Rock Star Journalist
Bikernet.com

NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD— One, Two, Free. It’s that easy.

Well, it happened. We’ve finally lost our minds and have decided to give away more free riding days. To everyone. Starting now. For free.

How does this work? Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy. Rent twice and we will give you a free day.

Really? Yes. Really.

Does it cost anything to join? No. That’s what “for free” means.

What’s the catch? There isn’t one.

How do I learn more? Click here.

Boom (drops mic).

– Austin

NMA CALLS FOR MORE HANDS ON DECK–

This grassroots campaign is focused on convincing the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that key components of its planned update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) will make the roads less, not more, safe and significantly less drivable. That latter part seems intentional.

Over 90 percent, nearly 200, of the comments added to the public record for the proposed FHWA rule change in the few days since the NMA alert was issued have been in opposition to the agency’s recommendation to minimize the importance of data analysis in setting proper speed limits. You can read those comments, and add your own if you haven’t already, here. Responses are accepted until May 14th.

The same response rate is needed now to address another alarming aspect of the proposed changes to the MUTCD: How and when all-way stop signs are used.

Where the current requirement is to post all-way stops by exception and only with justification by data analysis, the new FHWA guidelines to local traffic engineers would be to add all-way stop signs at intersections if the mere presence of pedestrians or bicyclists is anticipated.

This NMA April 20th alert explains how the new rules could lead to a proliferation of disruptive, all-way stops instead of two-way stops or yield signs at non-signalized intersections. Environmentalists should be at the front of the line objecting to the rule change that would cause tens of millions of cars to stop and reaccelerate needlessly many times daily, burning more fuel and generating more carbon emissions.

Chris DiPrima, NMA Board Members, posted this comment on the docket for the proposed rule:

“Regarding stop sign guidance under Section 2B of the proposed MUTCD: On safety grounds, I oppose any weakening of the engineering standards regarding the implementation of stop signs.

“I live in San Francisco, a city where almost every neighborhood street is controlled by a 4-way stop. All that this has done is lead to widespread disobedience of stop signs because one can be reasonably certain that 99% of stop signs will have neither crossing vehicles nor crossing pedestrians. It also leads to no end of frustration for drivers and cyclists alike (since cyclists generally ignore unnecessary stop signs). Implementing more unnecessary stop signs will only increase disrespect for stop signs.

“Removing the requirement to conduct traffic studies means that stop signs without justification will become even more prevalent. People will decide to travel via residential streets rather than keeping onto the collector and arterial streets which have been designed to handle through traffic.

“The MUTCD should require (“must”) municipalities to conduct engineering analyses before implementing new traffic signals.”

Others have added similar sentiments on the record after the latest NMA alert was published. But just as with the speed limit issue, it is going to take a large volume of personalized responses to sway the FHWA from its mission of subjugating drivers to pedestrians and bicyclists in a misguided attempt to improve safety for all.

Here, again, is the link to the site where your comments to any or all of the FHWA-proposed changes to the MUTCD can be posted. Click the blue “Comments” button and let the government agency know what you think about its plans to change speed limit and stop sign requirements.

Not an NMA Member yet?
Join today and get these great benefits!

The PAN-AMERICAN could be yours!

There are 250 tickets, and one prize. The Pan-American.

You get one raffle ticket with each purchase of a Sacred Panhead sticker, $100 each.
1979 Harley-Davidson frame with clear title
S&S P93 93″ Panhead Engine
Baker 6 Speed Transmission
W&W Cannonball Wheels
ALL the best quality and performance parts available!
Includes shipping to the winner’s door in the lower 48 states. Drawing takes place live on June 1st, 2021.

CONNECTICUT HELMET LAW UPDATE–
Editors Note: This just sent to me about Connecticut Bikers make sure the Mandatory Helmet Law that we Beat back in 1976.–Rogue

We finally did it made sure that Connecticut stays the way it is– let those who ride still decide if they want to wear a helmet. The helmet law was repealed in 1976 in Connecticut, and they tried to bring it back this year and it was voted against thank you for keeping part of Connecticut free and thank you to John Rogue.

For information on the Original Helmet law repeal (in the best year in the world) 1976 in Connecticut back when Rogue was part of a legendary mc along with pappy and a whole lot of what I like to refer to as legendary and original men.

My father was also one of these men as well as my wife’s father so thank you to all of you who helped out with this the original helmet repeal and the 2021 vote out that is giving us some freedom in a state/world that we slowly lose more of everyday.

–Jr. Paul

http://www.bikerrogue.com/Articles/Biker_Rights/Meet_Pappy.htm

BIKERNET’S WORLD WIDE WEATHER DOOM WEEKLY REPORT–Ya know, there is nothing worse than a runaway ice melt. The melting of ice has been shown in studies to cause coronavirus. Runaway ice melts have been shown to increase Chinese bat populations which in turn cause wet-market drainage into the melting ice creating pandemics for which there are no vaccines, but for which there will be in two weeks causing more cases unless we all slow the melt.

Meltage modellings show that with the use of charts and graphs the meltage of the pandemic protocols can in fact according to sources, reports and pancreatic cancer readouts influence concomitant future parameters. This is science.

Please stop doing things, stay inside, wear a mask, turn around in a circle three times, face the holy city beneath Zanzibar and remember, global weather, global health, global prosperity, and global happiness of the Sixth Circle of the Lotus Mysteries of Queen Hupsetsut are ours to claim if we all just obey the Paris Accordions.

Thank you.

–J.J. Solari
Chief Weather Strategist
Bikernet University
Nepal

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK--2016 Harley-Davidson® FLTRXS – Road Glide® Special for $19,995.00
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OUR PETS ARE DOOMED–
Climate activists now trying to cancel pets! Pet Police have arrived: ‘Expert suggested reducing rate of dog & cat ownership in favor of other animals’ to reduce ‘pets’ carbon footprint’ – Equal to emissions of 13 million cars!

VOX mag goes full pet police, asks: “Are our pets gobbling up the planet?”: Gregory Okin, a Professor in the Departments of Geography and the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability: “Reducing the rate of dog and cat ownership, perhaps in favor of other pets that offer similar health and emotional benefits, would considerably reduce these impacts.”

“Proper poop disposal is important. Okin found that pet poop is equivalent to the annual trash of 6.6 million humans.” That’s more trash than Maryland produces!

–Climate Depot

QUICK OPEN BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— Me: Would you like to be the sun in my life?

Her: Awww… Yes!!!

Me: Good then stay 92.96 million miles away from me

–Juzaboy

Why are frogs always so happy? They eat what ever bugs them

–London Pro
Laughfactory.com

Some guy called me a tool. So I got hammered and nailed his girlfriend. Guess he was right.

–Funnydude
Laughfactory.com

FINALLY, They Admit Renewables Are Terrible For The Environment–New research from Princeton University and Bloomberg confirms that renewables require 300 – 400 times more land than natural gas and nuclear plants

Over the last few years, I have been pushing back against the idea that renewables are good for the environment. In 2019 I published, “Why Renewables Can’t Save the Planet,” which was the most-read article of the year at Quillette, and gave a TEDx talk by the same name, which today has 2.5 million views. And last year, in Apocalypse Never, I pointed out that wind and solar projects require 300 to 400 times more land than nuclear or natural gas plants, and that 100% renewables would require increasing land used for energy from 0.5% today to 25% to 50%.

Needless to say, the renewable energy industry and its boosters haven’t liked what I’ve written, and have sought to cancel me. Last year, a group of activist scientists denounced me as factually wrong, and demanded that I be censored by Facebook. They drew on junk science to claim that solar required just 3.6 times more land and wind just 5.8 times more than nuclear and natural gas plants. In response, Facebook censored me and denied me the right to appeal their verdict.

But now researchers at Princeton University and Bloomberg News have admitted that I was right, and my critics were wrong. They have just published research showing that wind farms require 370 times more land than nuclear plants, and that shifting away from nuclear and toward renewables, as Biden’s climate plan would do, would have a devastating impact on America’s natural environments.

“A 200-megawatt wind farm,” notes Bloomberg, “might require spreading turbines over 19 square miles (49 square kilometres). A natural-gas power plant with that same generating capacity could fit onto a single city block.”

Everyone agrees that we can increase, to some extent, the amount of electricity from solar panels and wind turbines. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, whose mission is to promote renewables, claims 74% of California’s electricity could come from solar panels. Princeton estimates that 11% of electricity could come from offshore wind projects by 2050.

But after generating just 23% of its electricity from solar panels, California is suffering from blackouts and price spikes stemming from over-dependence on weather-dependent energies. Imagine what tripling solar production would do.

And it’s highly unlikely that the U.S. will add anything close to that amount of off-shore wind. Today, there are total of just seven off-shore wind turbines. Generating 11% of our electricity from them would require building 20,000 of them. And that’s unlikely to happen given widespread opposition from conservationists, fisherfolk, and local residents.

The U.S. would need to triple the amount of transmission lines, according to Princeton researchers, under a high-renewables future. But new transmission lines are being successfully opposed by a grassroots conservationists worried about whooping cranes and other endangered species. The same thing has occurred in renewables-heavy Germany.

Notes Bloomberg, “in 2011, former President Barack Obama created the Rapid Response Team for Transmission to speed the permitting of five Western transmission line projects. Only one is under construction so far. Three still face permitting delays. The fifth was canceled.”

The better alternative, Bloomberg notes, from an environmental point of view, is to build a lot of nuclear power plants, and use carbon capture and storage. “If the U.S. wants a carbon-free economy by 2050 using the least amount of land, it will need to rely far less on wind and solar and instead build hundreds of nuclear plants and natural gas plants outfitted with systems to capture the carbon dioxide before it escapes into the atmosphere.”

Bloomberg correctly notes that “Biden’s plan doesn’t need to entirely rest on wind and solar. Nuclear energy, which requires far less space, is also emission free.” But in its current form, Biden’s plan would result in the loss of half of America’s nuclear power plants between now and 2030, which would nearly wipe out nearly all of the electricity Princeton researchers say could be generated by off-shore wind.

Despite repeated appeals by Environmental Progress and the world’s leading environmental scientists, Congressional Democrats have rejected proposals to even modestly level the playing field by offering nuclear plants a fraction of the subsidies Congress has been giving solar and wind.

Anti-nuclear Democrats in Congress demanding 100% renewables have the strong support from progressives in the news media. “Unlike fossil fuels — which get more expensive as we pull more of them from the ground, because extracting a dwindling resource requires more and more work — renewable energy is based on technologies that get cheaper as we make more,” claimed New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo last week.

But fossil fuels have become cheaper over the centuries and decades, not more expensive. In fact, the biggest story in energy over the last decade has been the declining cost of natural gas from fracking, which is the main reason the U.S. reduced its carbon emissions more than any other nation in history. For years researchers have calculated that the fracking revolution resulted in $100 billion being added to the U.S. economy every year in the form of lower energy prices.

And every serious student of technology knows that declining cost of producing energy is one of the largest factors driving economic growth. Fewer people are required to produce energy, which allows us to do different things.

–Michael Shellenberger

HEALTH NEWS ITEM OF THE DAY–
“I had my second dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, and I had a fever and chills for 36 hours after.
My side effects were common, and a sign that the immune system is learning from the vaccine.“ –Actual reporter’s report

So, let me see if I have this right: you were fine; you got the flu shot; you got the flu; but it was NOT the flu….it was your immune system “learning” what the flu is and reacting to it in a way that is just like “getting the flu”…….but is not actually getting the flu…..so that if you DO get the flu……your immune system will….know what to do. And, just to review….you were FINE before all this happened.

Yeah: you’re definitely a savvy typical 21st Century journalist.

–J.J. Solari
Chief Medical Research Specialist
Bikernet Medical Center

NEW FROM NASH MOTORCYCLE COMPANY–The Knuckle Chopper is offered for a limited time. Your pre-sale purchase insures you’re on the list when these start to ship BEGINNING WEEK OF MAY, 2021.

The Knuckle Chopper is the latest addition of collaborative pieces between Nash Motorcycle Co. and Jason Momoa’s, On The Roam. Inspired by our mutual love for Harley’s first OHV motor, the iconic Knucklehead.

First developed in 1936 this motor transcended the 2nd World War and developed a cult following from Harley enthusiasts and custom bike builders around the globe.

The Knuckle Chopper is also inspired by Jason’s passion for throwing hatchets, axes, and tomahawks. Cast in H11 tool grade Stainless Steel with an antique finish and polished Knuckle nuts.

Handmade and fitted with a hickory wood handle from the good ol’ U.S.A. This one-of-a-kind axe is built to handle anything that comes its way. Hand stamped with Jason’s “On the Roam” logo as well as the Nash Motor Co. logo.

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL REVIEW–National Review has decided that maybe they need to take a look at this climate change business and see if it’s on the up and up. Are they on top of things or what!!! They used the word narrative–faggots.

Questioning the Climate-Change Narrative

https://www.yahoo.com/news/questioning-climate-change-narrative-103032320.html

NEW FROM KODLIN–M8 Fatboy and Breakout Wider Rear Fenders in stock!
MSRP $599 – Dealer $419

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

Kodlin Steel Wide Rear Fender for all H-D M8 Softail Breakout and Fatboy models from 2018-up

The Kodlin Wide Rear Fender fits the wide M8 Softail frame for 240/250 rear tires. Comes in raw steel, unpainted. State of the art quality, bolts right on to the frame. No modifications to the frame required.

Check fitment prior to painting.

TUV approved for superior quality!

Stock seats do not work with Kodlin fenders. Please check our seat selection for specific applications that were designed to match your bike and to work with stock tanks or the Kodlin M8 Softail Custom Tank.

Retail $599.00 – Dealer $419.00

Details on www.kodlinusa.com

STREET ALERT–Court Says Snapchat Can be Sued for Deaths of Trio Using App During Fatal Crash

The US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled on Tuesday Section 230 does not apply. Parents of three young people killed in a 2017 car crash can now sue the social media site Snapchat.

Twenty-year-old Landen Brown opened Snapchat and pulled up the app’s speed filter, which video broadcasts how fast a user is going. This happened right before Brown hit a tree while going approximately 113 miles per hour. Two teenagers in the vehicle were also killed.

Until now, Section 230 of the federal communications law has protected digital services from some liability for the speech and action of users. The case will have strong implications for both traffic safety and freedom of speech.

RESEARCH & STATISTICS FROM THE MIC—
First-Quarter Motorcycle Sales Jump Way Up
Year-to-date sales of new motorcycles and scooters through March increased 37.2 percent among leading brands, compared to the same period last year. The data comes from the MIC Retail Sales Reporting System, gathering new-unit numbers from 14 leading manufacturers and distributors in the U.S., providing a strong indicator of sales trends.

More detailed information by model type is available in the MIC Retail Sales Unit Summary. All MIC members who have signed restricted use agreements may access the summary on the MIC.org website.

MIC members can also access the MIC Tire Sales Report, showing year-to-date motorcycle and scooter tire sales among nine major brands. The quarterly report is an indicator of tire sales trends, as well as motorcycle usage, vehicle population, and aftermarket sales.

–MIC

THE LATEST FROM KURYAKYN–WanderBar Portable Soundbar by MTX

Audiophile meets wanderlust. The new Kuryakyn WanderBar Portable Soundbars by MTX Audio provide incredible sound in a rugged, go-anywhere package designed to match active lifestyles.

Available in 10” and 14” sizes, WanderBar Portable Soundbars are powered by an internal 35W dynamic/stereo amp that feed six total speakers: two 2”x 3.2” neodymium woofers, and four 1” teteron dome tweeters.

Integrated passive radiators produce thumping mids and lows not typically achieved in a compact soundbar, while keeping the waterproof design intact, unlike ported designs. Additionally, true audiophiles will appreciate the crystal-clear sound and immersive depth thanks to an integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that delivers peak performance at all volume levels and in any environment.

All-weather construction in accordance with IP65 rating plus available mounting kits (sold separately) make the WanderBar™ perfect for use on motorcycles, side-by-sides, ATV’s, golf carts, or virtually any recreational vehicle. When not mounted on a vehicle, the onboard rechargeable lithium battery ensures hours of powerful wireless playback on the road, at home, or wherever you wander.

Amplifier 2 x 27W RMS, 2 x 35W Dynamic
WanderBar™ Motorcycle and Recreational Mounting Kits sold separately (P/N 2722 or 2723)
Available in 10” and 14” sizes to suit a variety of applications

Integrated DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for peak performance at all volumes and all environments
Each channel has dual 1″ teteron dome tweeters and one high-sensitivity neodymium 2″ x 3.2″ woofer (six total speakers)

WanderBar 10” features one (1) passive radiator; WanderBar 14” features dual (2) passive radiators (radiators are 2.25” x 3.6”)

Passive radiator provides distortion-free mids and lows, and maintains a waterproof seal unlike ported speaker designs.
Chargeable lithium battery provides approx 6 hours of playback at 50% volume (battery can be charged with included USB wall charger or via vehicle mounting kits, sold separately).

Internal Bluetooth receiver allows wireless connectivity to any Bluetooth-enabled device
Integrated 100-lumen task light, plus back-lit buttons and battery indicator light for high-vis accessibility day or night.

Integrated USB charging port for phones/devices
All-weather construction in accordance with IP65 rating
14” long x 5” wide x 4” tall (5.2 lbs), 10” long x 5” wide x 4” tall (4.3 lbs)

www.Kuryakyn.com

MOTORCYCLE PROFILING BILL–
Last Friday, champions of the motorcycling community in the House of Representatives introduced a resolution addressing motorcyclist profiling. The resolution H. Res. 366 has three key points:

(1)promoting increased public awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling;

(2)encouraging collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement to engage in efforts to end motorcycle profiling; and

(3)urging State law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcyclist profiling in written policies and training materials.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) applauds Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX), Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI) for introducing this bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives.

During the 116th Congress, a record 138 Representatives cosponsored a similar resolution to the one introduced today yet it failed to reach the House floor for a vote. This came on the heels of the United States Senate unanimously passing a related resolution in 2018.

Legislative action against the profiling of motorcyclists is not limited to Washington, D.C. Across the country, state legislatures are considering measures aimed at combating the profiling of motorcyclists. The MRF is joined by the Motorcycle Profiling Project, state motorcyclist’ rights organization, motorcycle clubs and individual riders taking a stand on this issue.

With the U.S. Senate on record on the topic and state capitals around the nation taking action it is imperative the House of Representatives follow suit and pass H. Res 366.

President of the MRF, Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard, stated “We thank Representatives Walberg, Burgess, Bustos and Pocan for their leadership on this important issue. Motorcyclists in every state are impacted by profiling. This issue isn’t going away, and it’s well past time for the House of Representatives to go on the record about the need to end motorcyclist profiling.”

Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983

–MRF

IT’S ALL NUTS REPORT–U.S. auto suppliers oppose setting gas-powered phaseout date

Argue for regulations to improve internal combustion engines instead.

A group representing auto suppliers will tell U.S. lawmakers on Tuesday it opposes setting a firm date to end the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger cars and expects those vehicles will be sold for at least another 20 years.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), which represents more than 1,000 vehicle suppliers, will tell a Senate Commerce subcommittee on transportation that the Biden administration should continue to set regulatory requirements that ensure suppliers keep working to improve internal combustion engines.

Ann Wilson, MEMA’s senior vice president of government affairs, will tell the panel that new gasoline-powered vehicles “will likely be on the road for an additional 20 years.”

Climate change concerns “will not be met unless the propulsion system containing the internal combustion engine continues to improve its efficiency,” she added.

Wilson warned that a “fully electric vehicle fleet will require significantly fewer supplier jobs, with some experts arguing that the supplier industry could lose up to 30% of its traditional workforce.”

“Engines, transmissions, aftertreatment systems, and other parts will simply not be manufactured for battery electric and fuel cell vehicles,” she said.

The governors of a dozen U.S. states including California, New York, Massachusetts and North Carolina, and many U.S. lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden to back ending sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035.

Biden’s infrastructure plan seeks $174 billion in spending and tax credits to electric vehicles and charging networks but does not call for phasing out gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.

California said in September it planned to end sales of new gas-powered passenger vehicles by 2035. Biden’s campaign said last fall he did not support California’s phase-out plan.

Last week, White House climate adviser Gina McCarthy said the administration had not set any specific EV adoption targets.

“We’re not making any demands right now because this is about basically using the market to generate the kind of reductions we need,” McCarthy said.

Reporting by David Shepardson.
—Autoblog.com

ONE FINAL CLIMATE NOTE–
An Earth Day Reminder: ‘Global Warming’ is Only ~50% of What Models Predict– Climatologist Dr. Roy Spencer ‘There is no Climate Crisis. There is no Climate Emergency. Yes, irregular warming is occurring.’

Joe Biden’s slip of tongue admits climate futility: ‘I rejoined the Paris Accord because if we do everything perfectly it’s not going to matter.’ – Biden joins Kerry in admitting climate pacts useless

Climate Depot Response: “Biden admits it’s all a waste of time and he joins John Kerry in admitting it as well! First off, the climate accords not only won’t impact the climate or weather, but these climate pacts do not even impact global emissions!

See:Shock graph of rising CO2 emissions despite ‘planet-saving’ UN climate pacts shows ‘farce’ of ‘climate action’

Greenpeace co-founder Dr. Patrick Moore: “What a farce the IPCC Paris Accord and all previous ‘agreements’ to reduce CO2 emissions have been. If only the collective billionaire-class would recognize that CO2 is entirely beneficial we could get on with making the world a better place.”

Climate Depot’s Marc Morano: “Get ready for more futility as the Green New Deal will continue meaningless ‘climate action.'”

–Climate Depot

Following article by Liz Peek

Joe Biden: “I rejoined the Paris Accord because if we do everything perfectly it’s not going to matter.”

“The United States accounts for less than 15 percent of carbon emissions. The rest of the world accounts for 85 percent. That’s why I kept my commitment to rejoin the Paris Accord, because if we do everything perfectly, it’s not going to matter.”

President Joe Biden, contrary to expectations, said something consequential in his first address to members of Congress…by mistake.

It was a whopper that went unnoticed on Wednesday night; with just a few ill-chosen words Biden utterly toppled any justification for the Green New Deal, which plays a central role in his $2.3 trillion American Jobs Plan and which, without a doubt, puts our economy at risk.

This is what he said, according to a New York Times transcript of the president’s remarks:

The United States accounts, as all of you know, for less than 15 percent of carbon emissions. The rest of the world accounts for 85 percent. That’s why I kept my commitment to rejoin the Paris Accord, because if we do everything perfectly, it’s not going to matter.”

That was not in the version of the speech the White House handed out ahead of time.

No wonder House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris looked visibly anxious throughout the president’s remarks: they were petrified he could make just exactly this kind of goof.

This is not a “gotcha moment,” where a politician is caught embellishing his life story or fabricating excuses for some misdeed. On the contrary, Joe Biden was being honest.

And, for once in his life, Joe Biden was completely correct. Even if the Biden White House clobbers our economy, puts every last coal miner and oil driller out of work and drives down U.S. fossil fuel production and consumption, it will barely bend the curve on rising global emissions.

Why? Because the rapid growth in emissions from China and India, and other developing countries will dwarf any action taken by the U.S. and will continue to push global carbon output higher.

The EIA predicts that, with current laws in place and no Bidenesque manhandling of our energy industries, U.S. carbon emissions will decline from 2023 to 2035 as we continue to shift away from coal and towards greater use of natural gas and renewable energy. After 2035, a growing population and consequent rise in energy demand will tilt emissions slightly higher; by 2050 our energy-related emissions will be roughly 5% more than the amount in 2020, which was severely depressed by Covid.

In other words, over the next thirty years, even if Uncle Sam does not demand Americans switch to electric cars or stop eating steak, our emissions will still be 20% below the peak total in 2007.

It is the rest of the world we must be concerned about. The EIA projects that between 2018 and 2050 emissions from non-OECD countries will grow 1% per year. China today accounts for 28% of global carbon output; India produces 7%. The U.S., as Biden accurately noted, contributes only 15%.

It is primarily China and India that continue to burn coal and add new coal plants as they rapidly industrialize. China not only consumes more coal each year, it is also opening new coal mines, even as older facilities are shut down. Xi Jinping has zero intention of sacrificing his country’s economic expansion on the altar of climate change.

It is worth noting that at the recent global climate summit, at which Biden opened the proceedings with a fervent call to action and offered up an unrealistic pledge to cut U.S. emissions 50% by 2030, other leaders were noticeably mute.

As the Scientific American reported, “China, the top emitter worldwide, resisted diplomatic pressure to reduce its carbon output over the next 10 years. So did India, Russia and Australia.”

Unlike the leaders of those countries, Biden is willing to roll the dice for a policy that, as he admitted, won’t make much difference. Even the New York Times noted the president’s plan is risky and that it met with considerable “skepticism”, especially about Biden’s promise of “good-paying jobs that can’t be outsourced.” As the Times notes, Democrats have been promising those “green” jobs for decades.

KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN— A blonde drops off her dress to the dry cleaners

The lady says, “Come Again!”

The blonde says, “No, it’s toothpaste this time.”

–Anonymous

Beer Bottle: You break me, you get 1 year of bad luck!

Mirror: You kiddin’ me? You break me, then y’all get 7 years bad luck!

Condom: Hahaha… (Condom walks off laughing)

–Yo Daddy
Laughfactory.com

AND NOW FOR A REPORT FROM ACROSS THE POND–As European nations dominate in mining in Africa for anything and everything since many centuries – gold, diamonds, precious minerals, metals for modern technology in computers, mobile phones, electric batteries, etc – now the European nations want to say, mining for Electric Vehicle components and batteries does not cause environmental pollution. Why? Because they wanna dig around in some regions within Europe. LOL.

Of course, coal miners or other mining and wood logging in Europe has never been the horror for human and other life the way it is in Africa and South America – so Europe will do just fine. But nothing’s gonna change for people and wildlife in those third-class third-world regions of Earth. Are they “life-forms”? (can they be considered as humans if it’s acceptable to treat them this way in 21st century?)

–Wayfarer
—————————————-

No longer dirty? EU leaders want to challenge perceptions of lithium mining

Governments say mining could attract investment and create jobs but lithium projects face opposition from environmentalists and local communities who fear irreversible damage such as soil pollution or destruction of the natural habitat of various endangered species.

by Catarina Demony and Sergio Goncalves from Reuters

LISBON: Environmental worries have boosted anti-lithium sentiment across Europe and EU officials say it is crucial to show local populations that mining the metal used in electric car batteries is no longer a “dirty operation.”

Tapping European deposits of lithium is an important part of the bloc’s ambition to secure more of the battery value chain as carmakers roll out electric vehicles, with Portugal central to the bloc’s bid to cut its reliance on imports.

The country is Europe’s biggest lithium producer for the ceramics industry and its miners are now preparing to produce the higher-grade metal used in lithium-ion batteries.

Governments say mining could attract investment and create jobs but lithium projects face opposition from environmentalists and local communities who fear irreversible damage such as soil pollution or destruction of the natural habitat of various endangered species.

Speaking at a conference on so-called green mining in Lisbon on Wednesday, Portuguese Environment Minister Joao Matos Fernandes said more effort was needed to align economic and local interests and address the social perception of lithium mining as dangerous to the environment.

“Green mining must also be challenging such sentiments through the involvement of the local population in understanding the mutual benefits these projects could bring,” he said.

Peter Handley, head of the European Commission’s raw materials unit, said it was essential to let people know lithium mining would be done “the right way, in full compliance with regulations”.

“Mining in the past was a very dirty operation,” Handley said. “It is becoming highly technological these days.”

Spain’s Energy Secretary of State Sara Munoz also said it was “critical” to improve public awareness around mining, calling for social responsibility and an open dialogue on the subject.

Spain hopes to develop an ambitious cross-border lithium project with Portugal.

The European Environment Bureau (EEB) says mining will only gain public acceptance if the best technologies are used to mitigate environmental effects, and if companies comply with laws and respect local communities.

“Local people are on the front line,” said Jeremy Wates, the EEB’s secretary-general.

Source: https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto-components/no-longer-dirty-eu-leaders-want-to-challenge-perceptions-of-lithium-mining/82408037

–Wayfarer
Environmental Editor
Bikernet News Bureau
Mumbai

ANOTHER HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–all the other countries are apparently doing ok weatherwise. The USA however is heating up.

–J.J. Solari

FROM THE BIKERNET MEDITATION TEMPLE
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” – Zen proverb

“Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.” – Julie Isphording

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T. S. Eliot

“People will laugh at you for having to start over. Meanwhile, they haven’t even started.” – Mike Tyson

–Wayfarer

SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM HAL ROBINSON— Did you find Hal’s signature? Hint: Find the skull and then you will see it. You might say it blends so you have to look for it. I find it has a mysterious quality.

I saw a recent artist who used this style with his bike illustrations on bikernet.com and used lots more of the sparkles. Hal used them in 1971, but just where there is chrome. Interesting.

–Hal2

A FRESH NEW BEGINNING—Sorry, the news was packed with climate stuff. A few years ago, no one would mention climate. It wasn’t important. Now it’s nuts. It’s only nuts because one side won’t embrace the truth. The bottom line: Science is never settled. It makes me laugh when I think about doomsday.

For centuries folks have come up with various Doomsday scenarios, but now it’s from mainstream media. Hell, they are no more accurate now than Alien invasion scenarios 60 years ago. It’s fear mongering, when we are living in the absolute best of times.

I joked to J.J. Solari about a test community for AOC, a place where she could implant all her notions and test them. He dug it and we will publish his findings in the next couple of days.

In the meantime, we wait for the Wilmington building to close and for the exchange to close on the Sturgis property and for the mover to arrive and be able to unload into the new facility without too many problems.

Remember: Rest and be kind, you have nothing to prove.

–Bandit

Hey,

I started out in this industry working on bikes and then as the manager of ABATE National fighting for freedom. I was maybe 23. I’m still fighting for the freedom to ride fossil fuel machines. Fighting for Freedom has always felt like fighting for the truth.

I haven’t run into a situation yet when the truth didn’t coincide with freedom. Just like this case. We are now discovering, and science will prove that the use of fossil fuels is beneficial to the planet and to humans across the globe. I can’t be more excited. So, I will continue to share the truth in the hopes it leads to more Freedom, compassion and benevolence worldwide.

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.

Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program urges motorists to ‘Share The Road’ for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month— As May welcomes in warmer weather and the motorcycle riding season begins to peak, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) wants to remind all motorists that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the message is to “Share The Road.”

DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore encourages motorcyclists to be aware of their surroundings and use caution at all times.

“The best way to celebrate Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is to always wear a helmet and to support all-rider laws to ensure fellow riders do the same,” Moore said.

He also reminds all motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclist who may be difficult to see.

“Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” he added.

GMSP promotes motorcycle safety awareness as a year-round effort. May brings special attention to the Share the Road campaign as a call-to-action to motorcyclists and drivers of safety issues that directly impact the motorcycle community.

In addition to promoting motorcycle safety awareness, GMSP encourages motorcyclists to take rider education courses, whether you are a first-time rider or an experienced rider.

“The DDS GMSP rider education courses are a good way to hone your skills whether you are a beginner or have many miles experience,” said Moore.

To learn more about motorcycle safety, visit www.dds.georgia.gov/gmsp-riders; www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles and www.iihs.org/topics/motorcycles#helmet-laws.

Georgia Department of Driver Services

–Walker County Messenger

THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER–We are now quarantining vaccinated people HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. At some point everyone will gladly board the trains to the gas chambers, just to get out of the house HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

–J.J. Solari

TVS MOTOR COMPANY SIGNALS NEXT PHASE OF NORTON REVITALIZATION WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM TO TAKE THE FAMOUS MARQUE INTO NEW ERA–

Norton Motorcycles will be led by Robert Hentschel as Chief Executive Officer and Vittorio Urciuoli as Chief Technology Officer as the historic British company enters the next phase of its transformation with ongoing investment from TVS

Norton is undergoing a comprehensive transformation since being bought out of administration by TVS and is now being positioned for future growth and to take the brand into the future.

Dr Robert Hentschel is appointed CEO and Vittorio Urciuoli will take up the newly created position of CTO. Both roles will be pivotal in delivering the TVS vision for Norton.

The new leadership team brings exceptional global automotive leadership and engineering experience, including senior roles at Ricardo, Ferrari and Lotus
The announcement represents another strategic milestone for Norton under TVS ownership, building on the move to a new Solihull-based factory HQ announced earlier this year.

After playing a key role in stabilizing the company, John Russell will end his tenure as Interim CEO as the business transfers smoothly to the new leadership team.

A QUICK POSITIVE NOTE FROM THE BIKERNET CULTURAL CENTER– “Kindness, Honesty and Humility may be the pillars of a good relationship – but the foundation is always Love. If you love someone, the rest follows naturally.”

“Just as love blindfolds you and you see no faults, so hate blindfolds you and you see no virtues. ” – Moshe Ben Ezra

–Wayfarer
Doctor of Philosophy
Bikernet University
International Campus
India

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION UPDATE–Bikers Inside The Beltway
Moving Forward & Making It Happen

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation maintains that federal authorities must require robust testing of manufacturers of automated driving systems, guaranteeing they have accounted for motorcycle recognition and responsiveness. That’s the MRF position because driverless vehicles are currently being “beta tested” on public roadways without motorcycle recognizing algorithms. When identifying bill numbers are attached to this position, you will be notified. See the attachment for more details. In the meantime…

Have you registered for Bikers Inside the Beltway? It’s free but time is running out!

Have you made your appointments to visit your members of Congress? Make your appointments now in your district or in Washington, D.C.
Have you made your hotel reservations?

Thank you for your commitment to the MRF’s mission. Thank you for making appointments with your members of Congress. Click here to see the position paper for Automated Driving Systems.

Thank you for your membership and support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
.
–Fredric Harrell
Director, Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
P.O. Box 250
Highland, Illinois 62249

5-BALL LEATHERS LIGHT PIT CREW VEST—With the summer coming this pit crew vest is the shit. It breathes and it protects, while made of ballistic Nylon. When it’s hot out and you want to ride, but you need to carry your stuff, this puppy works.

With two deep gun pockets, you can carry a handgun, cell phone, night glasses, a flask, note book, spare parts you name it. It also contains our exclusive media pocket in the back, so you can carry a manual to a brother’s house, your latest Cycle Source Magazine, divorce papers, you name it.

Check it out.

–Bandit

GLOBAL WARMING HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–
This will actually be blamed on global warming. mark my words. Ya know…..when you are being told it’s snowing because the earth is heating up………at some point you have to wonder…..”what ELSE am I being lied-to about that I’m actually believing?….”

–J.J. Solari
Media Investigator
Bikernet.com

ON TOP OF COMPONENT SHORTAGES, YAMAHAS AND DUCATIS TRAPPED ON EVER GIVEN–It’s been a frustrating year for motorcycle manufacturers. On top of component shortages and… supply chain disruptions that have hit the motorcycle industry (and many others), we now know that two companies, Yamaha and Ducati, have products delayed because they are stuck on the MV Ever Given, which you may know as the ship that made headlines last month by blocking the Suez Canal.

The situation got so bad for Yamaha Motor Europe that the company recently released an apology video to its customers and dealers. Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. President and CEO Eric de Seynes said things were looking up as demand for Yamaha’s motor vehicles returned to pre-pandemic levels for the 2021 season. Unfortunately for Yamaha, and every other motorcycle manufacturer, global shipping and supply issues were much worse than anticipated.

“The long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain are becoming clear,” said de Seynes. “These effects are making it difficult to fulfill our key duty of making enough product available.”

To make matters worse, the Ever Given was transporting thousands of Yamaha products and components when things went sideways. Those products are in limbo for the foreseeable future because once the ship was re-floated, authorities seized it and its cargo of 18,000 shipping containers, then impounded it in Egypt’s Great Bitter Lake. Authorities are holding the ship and cargo until their demands are met that Evergreen Marine, the shipping company chartering and operating the Ever Given, pay nearly a billion dollars for the disruption. $300 million is for “loss of reputation” alone. Even if a resolution is reached, there aren’t even any cranes large enough to unload the ship in that region of the world.

Yamaha isn’t the only manufacturer affected by the Ever Given’s predicament. Ducati also has containers stranded on that ship. The products inside “probably will not respect the estimated delivery time,” Ducati says.

While the Ever Given connection makes for a catchy headline, it’s only a single example of the global supply chain disruptions that are affecting the entire motorcycle industry, as well as others. Ford recently reduced its projected production for the year because of a shortage of semiconductors. The global semiconductor shortage has also impacted Yamaha’s factories, de Seynes said. A single missing component can delay production, or even close production lines, while shipments lag.

Our recent article on the strong used motorcycle market noted that high prices for used bikes are partly fueled by a low supply of new motorcycles. Beyond the blockage of the Suez Canal, backups at other major ports, such as Long Beach in California, have led to shortages of many goods and components and all that is affecting how many motorcycles are available at your local dealership.

–ANDY GREASER, Revzilla

New Image of Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible 7’

NEW FROM PAUGHCO–ROCKER PEDALS

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Beefy kicker shafts that will hold up to all 100 kicks before your bike actually starts. We are proud to be the very first to ever offer kicker pedals that match your engine. Sold exclusively through PaughcoParts.com.

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK—CHINESE VARIANTS
First it was the Chinese variants. Then it was the Brazilian variants. Then it was the African variants. Then it was the English variants. Then it was the Thai variants. Then it was the New Zealand variants. Now it’s the Indian variants. The crashed space debris will contain Venusian variants. I put the odds at 60-40 FOR that news item to make its appearance PROBABLY within the next month. Guaranteed.

–J.J. Solari

NEW FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–George’s 1967 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster

Most of us have a favorite old motorcycle, the one we enjoy riding the most, the one we know model history on. For long time J&P Cycles employee, then National Motorcycle Museum part time guy, George Barnard, it was the Harley Sportster, the performance Harley-Davidson that hit the streets and drag strips in 1957.

In fact, George’s email handle began; 58sport. Many moons ago George acquired a second year XL and it was a constant project to accumulate needed parts to complete this early Sportster. But the subject of this week’s story is George’s modified 1967 XLH, his regular rider until he passed away October 26 during the never-ending pandemic.

Even most people who grew up with the Harley Sportster don’t know everything about them. Back then nobody paid much attention to crankcase “belly numbers” or “date codes” on the frames, but as the earlier XLs have become collectible, the collectors have begun to document how the various models changed over the years.

George listened and learned at swap meets and at bike shops for a couple of decades and was quite learned on the street models, knew parts fitments and interchangeability, even race parts. Learning on the internet began, a new place for us all to hang out, and George was there, sometimes with the handle “Curious George.”

While George respected the Harley-Davidson Sportster as it came from the Motor Company, he sought to improve the ride, sound and performance of his 1967 machine. Highway pegs are cleanly attached to the front motor mount plates. Passenger pegs are in place no doubt to take one of George’s cherished granddaughters for a short ride. We see dual disk brakes taking over for the stock “hamburger” full width drum at the front, but the entire front end is from a later bike.

No doubt, George talked with a tech at Progressive at one of the dozens of J&P Cycles Open Houses he worked, and got the best damping and spring combination. The better shocks may have compensated for the stiffer banana seat. Mixing fuel and air for the 900, aka 883, is an S&S carburetor and filtration system. A Sportster always seems to look just right with “staggered duals” a more open and throaty exhaust system, but George’s are aftermarket.

When Harley-Davidson bought into Aermacchi, along came a wide array of relationships for components made in Italy. Boranni rims began to appear as catalogued race bike components for XLRs and the like. A fan of metal finishes, George bead blasted the centers on his flanged rims but used standard plated spokes for the 19-inch front, 18-inch rear wheels. Just in case, the sheet metal screws are there to secure the tire, the eight holes actually drilled and counter bored at the factory.

I’ll let you pick out all the pieces George had chrome plated as there are many. Ditto the dozens of polished stainless steel cap head Allen bolts. Just about every modification George made is reversible; nothing was chopped off the frame to build up this immaculate expression of the Harley Sportster.

Alas the bike sits silent now as we lost George in October, and soon at the Museum we will celebrate George’s life. Whether handing out massive J&P Cycles catalogs at gatherings like Bike Week or Sturgis, or hustling raffle tickets for the Museum at an AMCA meet, George’s deep voice was at once familiar and inviting.

“Win the Knucklehead! A $5 donation gets you a chance to win! Support the Museum! You might be the winner!”

Specifications:

Engine: 45 Degree Overhead Valve V-Twin
Displacement: 54 Cubic Inches / 883 cc’s
Bore & Stroke: 3.00? x 3.81?
Carburetor: S&S
Primary: Triplex Chain
Clutch: Dry, Multi-disk
Transmission: 4-Speed, Foot Shift
Ignition: 12V Battery, Points & Coils
Horsepower: 61HP
Frame: Steel, Double Down Tube
Suspension: Telescopic Fork / Dual Shocks, Swingarm
Brakes: Dual Disks / Drum, Internal Expanding
Wheelbase: 58.5?
Weight: 530 Pounds
Wheels/Tires: 3.50 x 19 / 4.00 x 18

ARCH Motorcycle Official Apparel Store Now Open

Hello Keith,

The past year has definitely been tough on everyone, but we’ve been hard at work developing our first-ever apparel line and wanted to share some exciting news. The Official ARCH Motorcycle Apparel Store is now open!

We thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this new endeavor. We’ve created a small line of hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and more to kick things off, but we look forward to expanding the line with even more products in the future. For now, please enjoy the latest goods from our initial offering.

GUN NUT REPORT–3 Things to Know About Second Amendment’s Return to Supreme Court

But last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear New York State Rifle & Pistol v. Corlett, a case that could have much broader implications for the future of strict gun control than its mooted predecessor.

Here are three important things to know about the high court’s latest Second Amendment case.

1.This case is about the right to carry firearms in public.

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Corlett provides the Supreme Court with the opportunity to address a very important question it so far has declined to answer: When the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, does it mean a right to bear a handgun in public for purposes of self-defense?

According to New York and a handful of other gun control-friendly states, the answer has been a resounding no. In these states, the right to “bear” arms has been effectively restricted to a right to possess and handle a gun in your home, and nothing more.

If you want to protect yourself with a firearm in public, the state considers it a privilege you can exercise only after showing “good cause” above and beyond a desire to protect yourself from crime in general.

In essence, law-abiding citizens in these states have no right to “bear” arms outside their homes.

The petitioners in the new case include two New York residents who have extensive experience and training with firearms. Both applied for and were denied carry permits for their firearms because they did not “face any special or unique danger to [their] life.”

It appears the Supreme Court finally has five justices willing to vindicate the rights of these petitioners. We know that Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh have publicly decried the court’s reluctance to take up cases involving similar “good cause” laws and affirmed that there is, indeed, a right to bear arms.

Meanwhile, Justices Samuel Alito and Amy Coney Barrett have evidenced a faithful adherence to the text, history, and tradition of the Second Amendment in different types of gun control cases. They would seem unlikely candidates to side with New York’s interpretation that the right to bear arms is only a privilege for the select few determined to meet arbitrary “good cause” requirements.

2.‘Good cause’ and ‘may issue’ requirements have racist roots.

For the first 70 or so years after the Constitution was ratified, Americans undeniably maintained a general right to bear arms in public, with perhaps some state authority to regulate the mode of carry.

A minority of states eventually prohibited or heavily regulated the act of carrying a concealed firearm in public. But no state completely eradicated an ordinary citizen’s ability to carry some type of firearm in public in some manner without first having to seek permission from the government.

Well, all white Americans enjoyed a right to bear arms in public.

Laws heavily regulating the public carry of firearms were, like all early forms of restrictive gun control, reserved for the subjugation of slaves and other individuals who were, at the time, legally considered as falling outside of “the People” of the United States.

Even after slavery was abolished and the 14th Amendment forbade race-based gun restrictions, many southern states looked to racially neutral but highly discretionary gun control laws to effectively disarm black citizens.

A Florida Supreme Court case in 1941 provides some insight into just how blatantly and openly states used discretionary permit systems to deprive black Americans of their rights. The court overturned a white man’s conviction for carrying a handgun in public without a permit, in apparent violation of state law.

Justice Rivers Buford nonchalantly explained the racist origins and enforcement of the law in his concurring opinion:

The original Act of 1893 was passed when there was a great influx of negro laborers in this State. … The Act was passed for the purpose of disarming the negro laborers … and to give the white citizens in sparsely populated areas a better feeling of security. The statute was never intended to be applied to the white population and in practice has never been so applied.

The reality is that today’s “good cause” requirements may not be overtly racist, but in practice they serve to disproportionately exclude people of color from the ability to protect themselves in public with firearms. Constitutional implications aside, this makes discretionary licensing poor public policy.

Who ends up getting concealed carry permits in the most restrictive “good cause” jurisdictions? Overwhelmingly, the permits go to wealthy white men—especially those who are well connected to whatever public official happens to have sole discretion over granting permit applications.

It’s also little wonder that such incredibly discretionary schemes lend themselves to rampant corruption.

3. Public carry will not turn us into the ‘Wild West.’
Many gun control advocates insist that if the Supreme Court strikes down “good cause” requirements then the nation will be turned into a “Wild West” of gun violence.

In other words, the Second Amendment shouldn’t protect a right of ordinary citizens to bear arms in their own defense, because ordinary citizens largely are incapable of acting in a reasonable manner when armed in public.

Decades of plain data show just the opposite.

Between 1990 and 2000, 16 states changed their concealed carry laws from either “no issue” or “may issue” to “shall issue” permitting. During that time, national rates for violent crime, homicide by gun, and other gun crime plummeted.

Since 2000, the trend toward more permissible public carry laws not only continued (42 states and the District of Columbia are either “shall issue” or “permitless carry”), but public interest in obtaining permits skyrocketed. Over 19 million American adults now possess a concealed carry permit, up from roughly 3 million adults in 2000.

If gun control advocates were correct about their Wild West hypothesis, surely the last two decades would have been an increasingly violent mess.

But the data clearly do not bear that out. Violent crime rates continued a general downward trend while gun homicide and other gun crime rates remained consistently low after plateauing around 2011.

It turns out that ordinary, law-abiding citizens absolutely can be trusted to “bear” arms in public, just like the plain text of the Constitution envisions.

Hopefully, the Supreme Court soon will vindicate the tens of millions of American citizens currently deemed to have “insufficient cause” to exercise their constitutional rights.

This commentary was corrected May 6 to accurately report the status in 42 states and the District.

–Amy Swearer, Daily Signal

Have an opinion about this article? To sound off, please email letters@DailySignal.com and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state.

PRIZE POSSESSION REMEMBERED–Ya know what? I’m gonna start bein’ nice to you. I was scrounging-around Bikernet and came across something called “Prize Possession,” and I’m going why does that sound familiar?

Then I checked it out, and I go oh yeah, it’s that ancient paperback. Then I’m readin’ where you said, what did you say, you said I am one of the “great writers who gave you some sort of impetus or roadmap or something to emulate?”

I’m goin’ to myself …..so THIS is what “feeling honored” feels like…..” so…..I ain’t gonna forget this. Anything you want from me just ask. Worst can happen is I’ll say no. So ask for something else! No, really: I’m ALMOST at a loss for words. and that just ain’t natural.

–J.J. Solari

[page break]

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY—1. A Jewish grandmother is giving directions to her grown grandson who is coming to visit with his wife.

“You come to the front door of the apartment. I am in apartment 301. There is a big panel at the front door. With your elbow, push button 301. I will buzz you in.

Come inside, the elevator is on the right. Get in, and with your elbow, push #3. When you get out, I’m on the left.. With your elbow, hit my doorbell.”

Grandson asks, “Grandma, that sounds easy enough, but why am I hitting all these buttons with my elbow? ………

“What . . . .. . You’re coming empty handed?!!”

2.Wise Italian Grandfather

Why Italian Fathers and Grandfathers pass their handguns down through the family.

An old Italian man is dying. He calls his grandson to his bedside, Guido, I wan’ you lissina me. I wan’ you to take-a my chrome plated .. 38 revolver so you will always remember me.”

“But grandpa, I really don’t like guns.. How about you leave me your Rolex watch instead?”

“You lissina me, boy. Somma day you gonna be runna da business, you gonna have a beautiful wife, lotsa money, a big-a home and maybe a couple of bambinos.”

“Somma day you gonna come-a home and maybe finda you wife inna bed with another man.
“Whatta you gonna do then? Pointa to you watch and say, ‘times up’ “?

3.Irish Blonde…

An attractive blonde from Cork, Ireland arrived at the casino. She seemed a little intoxicated and bet twenty thousand dollars in a single roll of the dice.
She said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier when I’m completely nude.”

With that, she stripped from the neck down, rolled the dice and with an Irish brogue yelled, “Come on, baby, Mama needs new clothes!”

As the dice came to a stop, she jumped up and down and squealed. “Yes! Yes! I won, I won!” She hugged each of the dealers, picked up her winnings and her clothes and quickly departed.

The dealers stared at each other dumbfounded. Finally, one of them asked, “What did she roll?” The other answered, “I don’t know – I thought you were watching.”

MORAL OF THE STORY

Not all Irish are drunks, not all blondes are dumb, ….. BUT, all men… are men!

Global Facts About Sex

At any given moment:
FACT: 79,000,000 people are having sex – right now.
FACT: 58,000,000 are kissing.
FACT: 37,000,000 are relaxing after having sex.
FACT: 1 old person is reading emails.
You hang in there, sunshine!

–El Waggs

DON’T MISS THE FANDANGO COVERAGE–Why Cherokee Is Successful when the AMCA has seemingly been out of touch with members for so many years?

Greg and I joined the Cherokee Board around December of 2013 (if I remember correctly) Greg, myself and one other new board member at that time simply felt our little club of 26 members (two had died and no one knew?) could perhaps do a better job of doing rides and fun events for our members, plus focus on getting new blood into the club.

What transpired the next 6 years was simply epic. We not only found new ways to become visible, we grew the club to almost 300 members, added a newsletter, Greg pioneered our Website /Social Media presence, and we became the Club to copy in the AMCA.

We did it the hard way by recruiting members all across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas as well as members from all over America and several foreign countries. From the Southern tip of Texas to the top of Oklahoma is 800 miles. We found out however that people like to belong to something worthwhile!

We have a very inclusive, energetic and family based club today as a result. Steve got a bit burned out after 6 straight years, 2 as Membership Director, followed by 4 years as Prez. Greg took this membership mass energy and planned and launched Fandango.

Victor will bring organizational knowledge, technology and communication strengths to our years ahead. In the end, Cherokee is strong because of Team Focus and Team Effort.

Lastly we have two terrific members you must meet. Rebecca Cunningham, Red Flier Media does all our video production work. Wes Brown (less cute than Rebecca), ShutterHog has done photography of our events for years. Also, Wes attends all Texas Legislative Sessions to ensure no stupid language gets inserted into laws that would be uncool for motorcyclists.

Again, we think it is a huge step to be recognized by you with your followers. I have told Greg and Vic that I invited Bikernet to Fandango 3 on April 1-3, 2022. I will take care of your accommodations and provide you with a golf cart and a motorcycle to allow you to “Getting Your Fandango On!”

–Steve Klein
Past President Cherokee Chapter

See the recent Fandango Report on Bikernet: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14836

NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOMETOWN RALLY SET FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND–
Milwaukee Will Host a Bigger, Better Biker Bash with Music and Special Events

The biker bash of the season is back and bigger than ever. Harley-Davidson has announced plans for the all-new Hometown Rally, a Labor Day weekend celebration of moto-culture centered in Milwaukee, the city where it all began for the Motor Company. The Harley-Davidson Museum will serve as a central rally point Sept. 2-6, 2021, for events taking place at that downtown site and at six surrounding Harley-Davidson® dealerships.

“The Hometown Rally is an event no Harley-Davidson fan will want to miss,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “It will be a celebration of all things Harley, a chance to re-connect with other riders who share the desire for adventure, freedom and community that is the real heart of the Harley-Davidson experience.”

Throughout the Hometown Rally weekend, the 20-acre campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum will host the party of the summer, with free live concerts on three consecutive nights, food-and-beverage sites, stunt exhibitions and skills demonstrations, 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle demos, and motorcycle showcases hosted by Born Free and V-Twin Visionary. The Museum will be open for general admission during the event.

The Museum will also host a H.O.G. member Check-In, and there will be a H.O.G. member Check-In at each of the six participating Harley-Davidson dealerships in the area. Event H.O.G.® merchandise will also be available.

Milwaukee-area Harley-Davidson dealerships will also be hosting Hometown Rally events and entertainment. Those dealerships include House of Harley-Davidson (Greenfield), Milwaukee Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee), Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson (Thiensville), Uke’s Harley-Davidson (Kenosha), West Bend Harley-Davidson (West Bend) and Wisconsin Harley-Davidson (Oconomowoc).

Hometown Rally details and schedules will be finalized and revealed throughout the summer. Check for updates at www.H-D.com/hometownrally, where links to dealer sites for specific info on those schedules and events will also be posted.

Harley-Davidson relies on local health guidelines to inform our participation and protect our staff, our riders and our communities.

PAN AMERICAN COMMENT–Not sure this will fly? too pricey compared to the competition I feel.

I see more and more trikes out there, but they are big and fugly and lack that raw mechanical H-D’s 1970s mystique that we all love.

Maybe a stripped to basics bare bones dangerous looking Trike?

–Geno

Sam Burns sent us a batch of Trike images from mild to super-wild. We need a trike story to show respect to the 3-wheel alternative. Drop me a line if you have one to share.

–Bandit
Kball945@Gmail.com

Rolling To Remember secures RFK Stadium as staging area after I-Team gets involved

Some good news developing for AMVETS after a huge struggle by the group to secure a staging area for its annual Rolling To Remember event in the District on Memorial Day weekend.

AMVETS just told 7News investigative reporter Scott Taylor it has secured RFK stadium as a rallying location after the Pentagon turned them down.

The I-Team has been covering this for weeks. Investigative Reporter Scott Taylor revealed AMVETS got their parking permit application into the Pentagon last July and the Defense Department approved it in March. Days later, the permit was revoked and later denied due to the ongoing pandemic.

AMVETS Executive Director Joe Chenelly told the 7 News I-Team he received a call from the Pentagon with the bad news.

“A gentleman at the Pentagon told me that after careful consideration, our permit application was denied. He said considerations involved the continued spread of COVID-19 in the region and the nature of our event being that we are proposing a large gathering for an extended period of time.”

But D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser gave the OK this week to rent out the parking lot of RFK to AMVETS as she is lifting outdoors restrictions.

AMVETS tell the I-Team the Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Mayor’s Office worked with it to help make Rolling To Remember a success.

You can expect 50,000 veterans on their motorcycles in the District over Memorial Day weekend.

–Scott Taylor
ABC news

ABATE OF IDAHO CHECKS IN–2021 has been a difficult year as all of us have been aware of and it still is going into springtime. Its effects all of us making it a very strained year to get things accomplished in Boise. We fortunately had our
Distracted Driving law updated to include the use of hands free GPS, while we are in our cars with no changes to the existing law as it was written.

ICMS has been working very hard on getting the Covered Load Bill (HB 159) updated
so that it would read for all loads to be covered while on the open road. We all have experienced gravel and chip trucks to know the importance of this getting done as it not only concerns all riders but motorists as well. It has a House sponsor but ICMS is still working on the Senate.

We’re working on Lane Filtering… this has passed in our adjoining states of Montana and Utah this past year and ABATE of N Idaho has reached out to the AMA and others to gather as much information as possible to further this cause. This will take a lot of education to help all riders and the driving public to understand how this potential bill will pertain to them and how it works for all of us.

Both ICMS and ABATE of N Idaho had May 1st Motorcycle Awareness Rallies. ICMS
had their rally in the Boise Capital and ABATE of N Idaho holds their rally in Coeur d Alene. Both of these events have been going on for a very long time and are always well attended and garner a lot of respect from our Brothers and Sisters. ICMS has a very well know escorted ride to the Capital steps and ANI has local speakers with a ride following to our long time Cataldo Swap Meet.

–Duane Justus
ABATE of North Idaho

QUICK, Purchase Advance Discount Tickets for Sand Sports Super Swap on Saturday, May 22–
Discount tickets can be purchased in advance online for the Sand Sports Super SWAP at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Saturday, May 22.

Please Note: We are not able to sell tickets on-site in person the day of the event due to California COVID precautions. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. Ticket prices will go up online the day of the event.

Pre-sale tickets (ages 13+) are just $6.50 until May 21, online. Day of Show Tickets are $11.50 on May 22, online only. Children ages 12 & under are free.

The Sand Sports Super Show is a one-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome.

The Sand Sports Super SWAP is open for business from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 22.

To purchase discount tickets in advance online as well as for information on being a Vendor at the Sand Sports Super Swap, visit www.SandSportsSuperShow.com.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is focusing on proper riding gear during this week of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. In addition to widespread posting of this short video on safety apparel, the MSF is reminding everyone about its downloadable materials that can be used by anyone or any group to raise awareness with public service announcements, social media posts, and the hashtag #SeeMotorcycles.

–MIC

Structural Crack Closes Mississippi River Interstate Bridge (I-40 between Arkansas and Tennessee) Indefinitely–The Hernando de Soto Bridge arches 9,432 feet from West Memphis, AR to Memphis, Tennessee over the mighty Mississippi River. The busy 47-year-old bridge has 37,000 vehicles crossing daily. All those vehicles will now have to divert to the I-55 Bridge that was built in 1916. This is just one of the many bridges that have issues in America today.

–NMA

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2017 Harley-Davidson FXDB – Street Bob for $14,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10461517

The mile-eating performance of our Dyna chassis wrapped in no-nonsense, stripped-down, hardcore bobber style.The time-honored art of getting rid of everything that doesn’t matter.

The original bobber fanatics invented the style, and they had one rule: if it’s not essential, get rid of it. That’s the Street Bob. 103 cubic inches of Harley-Davidson V-Twin power. Solo seat. Chopped rear fender.

Mini-apes. Blacked out fork lowers and triple clamps, blacked out engine finish with highlighted fins. Time to cut and run. Only $14,995.00! Come see it at Lifestyle Cycles TODAY! We’re open 7 days a week and offer EZ financing! Call us today at (714) 490-0155.

Get In On the Action at Laconia Motorcycle Week!–
Tuesday, June 15th, the popular Tower Street Hill Climb Expo returns to Lakeside Avenue for a throwback event to the original 1916 hillclimb. It’s back by popular demand and has been extended an hour so you have more time to watch vintage bikes scream up Tower Street, in the center of Weirs Beach, just like they did nearly 100 years ago. Hosted by the United States Classic Racing Association.

Wednesday, June 16th, don’t miss the Gunstock Hill Climb at Gunstock Mountain Resort. Back will be hundreds of riders tearing up the mountain on a 70-meter dirt slope, known in winter as the Torger Tokle Memorial Ski Jump. This year’s adrenaline-packed hillclimb, hosted by Ridge Runner Promotions and presented by Eastcoast’n Enterprises will be an AMATEUR event. Anyone can register, provided they are a NEHA member and sign up by May 15th. A rider limit has been set at 180 and the event is first come, first serve. Free camping is available for competitors and their families Tuesday and Wednesday.

And of course, races and exhibitions all week long at NH Motor Speedway, including the FIM North American Vintage Championships starting on Saturday, June 12 and ending with the 98th Loudon Classic on Sunday, June 18th.

Stay tuned for more information on this and other exciting Motorcycle Week events as we get closer to #98!

Call to book your room now. Motorcycle Week books up quickly so they only take reservations by phone.
603-366-4341

“Laconia – Where Rallies Were Invented”

Samson and Spevco Sponsoring Top Fuel Harley at NHRA zMAX–

Samson Exhaust and hardcore specialty vehicle builder Spevco have already partnered together for three years sponsoring two-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Top Fuel Harley (TFH) champion Tii Thape. Now they’re jumping in to help the class, sponsoring the ground-pounding, flame-throwing nitro Harleys at NHRA’s Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina.

Tharpe isn’t just a rider, he’s also the Spevco president. He and Samson president Mike Baverstock both agree that putting their companies’ money into NHRA TFH isn’t some charity deal just to support the class—it’s good business.

“Mike is really, really good about keeping metrics,” said Tharpe. “And he knows that when we race on Sunday, he sells on Monday. If we win on Sunday, he sells more on Monday.”

“Win on Sunday, sell all month,” corrected rabid analytics hound Baverstock. “NHRA is a great piece of advertising for Samson. We see it in our sales all during the racing season.”

“We’re focused on NHRA,” agreed Tharpe. “They have a good platform, with TV and thousands of fans, that really helps us.”

Tharpe’s Jay Turner Racing teammate Randal Andras and his AB Steel company will sponsor the Houston race, Tim Kerrigan’s TKR and Associates will sponsor Indy, and AMRA racer John Toth and his company JT’s Auto & Cycle will sponsor Maple Grove.

“It’s nice to see everybody pull together. Hopefully we can attract a class sponsor for next season in these next four races.”

Tharpe’s Spevco will be going all out, representing themselves and Samson Exhaust on the zMAX midway with a private 3000 square foot hospitality center, providing a luxurious space and advertising both companies’ products.

“It’s a VIP center for our guests, our employees and our friends,” said Tharpe. “Obviously, Charlotte’s the home track for me and Spevco (based in Pfafftown near Winston-Salem). We’ll have about a hundred employees and guests there and we’re looking forward to educating people about Spevco—who we are, really gain awareness for both our companies, and put Samson at the forefront of Harley-Davidson exhausts. And I think we’ll do that.

“Mike is going to be giving away a Samson Exhaust system that weekend and is offering a discount code (TII4WIDE) for that event. That’s exciting, and he always sees it as a real positive. We’re looking forward to seeing that motorcyclists get their ear-tunes from Samson.

“We’re also looking forward to firing up my bike a couple times in a big way at our exhibit.”

Tharpe admits to being a little overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. “I feel now what Jay Turner has to deal with working on five bikes,” said Tii. “Getting the bike decaled, getting the exhibits decaled, getting content built, getting volunteers and staffing, and it’s coming down to the wire. It’s not been boring.”

Also, on Tharpe’s to-do list is to make sure that the Charlotte business community, who may not have NHRA on the their radar, learn what NHRA—and Spevco and Samson—have to offer them. Tharpe knows that this is one big chance to get more than the usual suspects out to the dragstrip. “Oh yeah, our sales staff is definitely working this event,” said Tii. “And we hope to get some big time Charlotte area business leaders right out there on the starting line and show them what fuel is about.

“Usually, I just get to focus on the racing. But this is a good experience for me personally to merge what our companies do with what I love to do and see if we can generate return on investment. So, this is a good case study to go to potential sponsors of our class and say, ‘Hey, this is what I experienced.’

“I’m really excited because NHRA has been good to me, allowing us very good deliverables. I see their deliverables have great value. I would recommend to any potential sponsor that what they have to offer is of value—you definitely get your money’s worth.”

“Mike can show those results time and time again, so that that is good for attracting a class sponsor. And I’m hoping that if Spevco can lease, rent, or sell a unit, like the hospitality unit, or any of our services, just one time it will justify this one event.

“Maybe we can inject some kind of new life into our motorcycle community, and help find a way to attract more sponsors to the individual teams as well.”

Baverstock has seen Tharpe’s commitment to the class first hand. “Before I committed Samson to joining Spevco in sponsoring Charlotte, Tii was actually willing to put the sponsorship money he receives from Samson into the Charlotte purse for the class. That’s how important this class is to him.”

And Mike expects to see that commitment achieve results on track this weekend—from Tharpe and the whole class. “I think we’re gonna see a helluva show in Charlotte,” said Baverstock. “From the second round of qualifying on, it’s gonna be something to see. Our team is hungry right now, it’s time for us to get a win.”

“We always show up to win, and that is the plan,” agreed Tharpe. “And if Samson and Spevco could be the sponsor of the class at the event and we win, that would just be freakin’ amazing.

“We’ve not had the opportunity to race at zMAX until now, so we’re definitely looking forward to that and showcasing to the Charlotte community what these Top Fuel Harleys can do, and how the NHRA interacts with fans and sponsors. We’re happy to be at Bruton’s facility here.

“We’re stoked. I think Samson, Spevco, and Jay Turner Racing are gonna make a good appearance, especially from the marketing and track presence side.

“We’ll also continue to race with AHDRA and AMRA. I have the utmost respect for what Bill Rowe’s doing over there at AHDRA, and AMRA’s always been there for us.”

Samson has seen a tremendous boost in sales since Baverstock and his business partner bought the company. His “Loud Pipes Win Races” attitude is translating from strip to street with top quality, American-made, aftermarket exhaust for Harleys and select Indian motorcycles at an affordable price.

Samson’s biggest challenge now is getting enough raw materials to keep up with demand. They’ve recently acquired a CNC milling company and automated powdercoating lines, and have been getting heavily into the class 8 truck industry, manufacturing shackles, manifolds, etc.

So the zMAX race will be a celebration of sorts for Samson that Baverstock hopes ends up with a Wally posed on the seat of Tharpe’s Top Fuel Harley. “I hope we get a strong field, Tii’s number one qualfier, and wins the race—that’s what I want to see.”

“Hell yeah,” added Tharpe. “I can agree with that.”

for more information about Samson Exhaust products: https://samsonusa.com/

email Samson at: info@samsonusa.com

MRF ACCOMPLISHMENTS–MRF Accomplishments

• MRF has provided a strong, unyielding lobbying effort on behalf of motorcyclists in Washington D.C. since 1987

• Ensuring the responsible use of renewable fuels, especially regarding the labeling, dispensing and availability of higher blend ethanol fuels such as E15.

• Led the effort to repeal federal blackmail laws trying to force states to pass mandatory helmet laws for all riders

• Stopped federal legislation that would have classified any group of three or more riders wearing similar clothing as a ‘gang’

• Stopped unfair insurance provisions targeting motorcyclists

• Helped to overturn road bans attempting to stop motorcyclists from using roads we pay taxes to maintain

• Overturned the ‘superbike’ ban attempting to stop the sale of high-performing motorcycles

• Stopped governmental agencies from using taxpayer dollars to lobby against motorcycling

• Continuing to ensure that motorcycles are accounted for in autonomous (self-driving) vehicle designs

• Working to stop motorcycle profiling and bogus check points by law enforcement agencies

• Supporting voluntary rider education efforts to decrease motorcycle accidents, and helping rider education programs to obtain government grants

• Protected the motorcycle industry from onerous and restrictive federal regulations that would have severely damaged the motorcycle aftermarket, and along with it, all riders’ ability to modify their bikes the way they want to.

• Continuing to work to stop distracted driving

• Stopped unfair EPA regulations that, if endorsed, would have forced riders to use only ‘Approved OEM’ parts on their bikes

• For more than 30 years, the MRF has spearheaded a network of strong motorcyclists’ rights organizations protecting rider’s rights. The MRF has made sure that we can ride the kind of bikes we want to ride, with the people we want to ride with, wearing what we want to wear, on the roads we want to ride, and make the
changes to our bikes that we want to make.

If you’re not already a member of the MRF, why not?

[page break]

NEW FROM BDL–BDL’s ERCPS-100 clutch plate kit is a direct replacement for stock plates used in any BDL round dog basket. Featuring Aramid disc material the high performance plates are designed for smoother, more positive lock up and quieter running. The kit is made up of 15 application specific BDL plates and retails for $157.50.

For additional details and ordering information go to www.beltdrives.com

ENGINE OF THE WEEK–Sometimes being a hoarder pays off. Johnny Gardner and his son were doing some spring cleaning in the shop and found a box of blown-up small block Chevy parts. Not wanting to see the parts go to waste, it turned into a challenge to build something with them. The result was a one-of-a-kind two-cylinder V-Twin Chevy engine!

Two-Cylinder V-Twin Chevy Engine

Johnny Gardner

31G Shop

Little Rock, AR
https://www.enginebuildermag.com/

LATEST FROM THE TWISTED ROAD–ROTMR 2021 is Roaring Into Austin June 10-13

The Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally (more commonly known as the ROTMR) brings bike riders and enthusiasts from all 50 states and international locations to Austin, Texas for the largest “turnstile” (paid ticketed attendees) motorcycle bike rally in the United States. ROTMR Rally is widely known for its eclectic blend of motorcycles, attractions, and vendors paired with the rich culture of Austin, Texas.

Every June, Austin plays host to the three-day event where attendees can find everything from a tattoo convention to vendors selling high-performance motorcycle parts. If you’re into motorcycle culture, ROTMR has tons to offer. In the past, the rally has featured stunt shows, custom bike builders, flat track and Supermoto racing, hundreds of vendors, food trucks and more.

Because Austin is considered the “Live Music Capital of The World”, the Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally prides itself in the presentation of some of the best musical acts in the business. From legends like ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd to up and coming local acts, the music scene at the rally has something to offer everyone. Performances are featured on the Main Stage in the rally midway where larger headliners perform nightly.

Austin’s natural beauty and proximity to the Texas Hill Country makes for some of the most enjoyable, scenic riding in the south. Plus, ROTMR’s nearness to downtown Austin offers riders and attendees access to Austin’s vibrant culture. Don’t miss this year as the rally celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a bash as big as Texas.

Find motorcycles to rent in Austin for your ROTMR experience.

–Yvette Streicher
Twisted Road Motorcycle Rentals

NMA ALERT–Richardson, TX Police Department Traffic Division Under Review after Some Officers Say They were forced into an ongoing Ticket-Writing Competition

If officers did not participate, they would face disciplinary action or low evaluations. The officers decided to speak out since ticket quotas violate state law.

A retired officer stated, “It’s almost a little bit more dangerous than having a quota because you are constantly competing to be better than everyone else.”

Another veteran officer added that citizens are paying the price, “…Not everyone needs to go to jail, not everyone needs a ticket, you should be able to function as a police officer and treat every situation and person different.”

Apparently, this has been going on for years. Officers are ranked for tickets and arrest on a board each week. The city council is looking into the situation, and the officers have also contacted the Texas Rangers and the Dallas District Attorney’s office to investigate.

–NMA

CORRECTION FROM H-2–Dildo of The Road; Easyriders – May, 1976, vol.36

We ran this classic Hal Robinson illustration in the News last week without the title. Now we know when it ran in Easyriders in 1976. I may have been the editor at the time. If not, I was still an associate editor.

–Bandit

FREEWHEELING— The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art

Woody in a Woody 2016 Oil on Linen 30 x 30 inches

Produced in collaboration with the Highlands Motoring Foundation, I’m flattered to have four works included in this special exhibition.

May 11 – August 21, 2021

The Bascom Center for Visual Arts
323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC
Please visit www.allangormanart.com

Order fine art prints and originals in a wide range of sizes and styles.
There’s lots of images of paintings and original photos to choose from
and a special 15% savings for first time buyers.

ABOUT THE NEW HARLEY ELECTRIC BRAND–Just read where Harley-Davidson is launching A new brand, The Live Wire? I had to read it twice!

My first, is how many of you have seen a Live Wire on the road? Not everyone at once now? I am still waiting for the answer? Yes sir, that’s what I thought none or very few!

The powers that be at Harley-Davidson must have seen thousands on the road? To invest in this dead horse they must see something we do not see! They say there is great interest in these electric bikes?

In my work I never hear any interest in these bikes and I work in this industry every day. Let me tell you in the real everyday world of bikers and Harley riders there is NO interest!

Harley says or the powers-that-be say they are trying to attract younger riders with these creations. Really, have you seen the price tags on these bikes? Not many young guys have that much coin!

These electric bikes are not practical, ride for an hour and try to find a charging station? Good luck with that! With the new leadership at Harley-Davidson it is clear they have lost sight of tradition and heritage with electric bikes and this Pan American dirt bike.

Harley-Davidson did not make their mark with electric bikes and dirt bikes. They made their mark on the highway and the streets with thumping v-twin power, not something that sounds like a household appliance!

The problem at Harley-Davidson lies at the top. They need a boss who lives, eats and breaths Harley-Davidson motorcycles! Anyone come to mind? How about Willie G. Davidson? Remember when he was there? Remember the models he had his fingerprints on? That is what is needed, someone with heart and soul not a fast talking CEO who has no roots in Harley-Davidson!

In closing take a minute and think of what Harley -Davidson could do with the money they are investing in these electric bikes and this dirt bike, think of the new models they could develop? And don’t delete tried and true models like the Sportster.

I guess only time will tell how this turns out?

Until next time, RIDE!
–STEALTH
Official Factory Spy
Bikernet.com

EDITORIAL FROM AUTOWEEK–Will the Pan America Adventure Motorcycle Save Harley-Davidson? Does the storied 118-year-old company even need saving?

Harley-Davidson enters the adventure bike segment for the first time with the all-new Pan America.
The 150-hp, 1250cc V-twin is also all-new, with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing.
The bike comes with a sophisticated suspension, too.

There’s no question the all-new Harley-Davidson Pan America adventure bike is well-designed, well-engineered, innovative, and maybe even cool. It has an innovative semi-active suspension, it lowers the seat for you at stop lights so both feet of shorter riders can reach the ground, thus opening up the potential market considerably.

It can hold the bike in place when stopped on hills so you can more easily accelerate away after an uphill stop. It has unique-for-the-class “beakless” styling on the nose. It’s powered by a new 150-hp V-twin that would go well in almost anything Harley chooses to put it in. It has hydraulic lifters so you never need to adjust the valves. And it starts at $17,319, or $19,999 for the Special with all the above-mentioned features.

After a long day’s ride in desert dirt and over asphalt highway it felt (mostly) as good as the leaders in the class and better and more innovative in some ways. But don’t take my word for it, you can go to your Harley dealer right now and ride one yourself, since the official market launch is listed simply as “May.”

First, the larger question: Is the all-new Pan America (and all-new Livewire electric bike) enough to save the nation’s second-oldest motorcycle maker? Answer: Who the hell knows, but it’ll certainly help.

Harley-Davidson has had so many ups and downs over the last 118 years, you gotta think it’ll pull through this, too. The Motor Company has made motorcycles continuously (though not always profitably) through two World Wars, one Great Depression, and countless recessions and labor problems.

In recent years things have been particularly tough, with sales steadily declining each year, tumbling 46 percent from what they were at their most-recent peak. Worldwide sales were 270,000 in 2014 but slid to just 180,000 last year. In the pandemic year of 2020 Harley was slapped with ginourmous tariffs for its European sales (just like the protective tariffs Harley asked for and got from the US government in 1983), laid off 700 employees worldwide, let go of its CEO, brought in a new guy from tennis shoe maker Puma, and announced yet another five-year plan to profitability.

Also—and this could be costly—a year ago in a big, big gamble, Harley introduced an all-new electric motorcycle called the Livewire. It was generally well-received by those who have ridden it, including our own John Stein who wrote about it in 2019, but it costs around $30,000. That’s almost 50 percent more than its closest electric competitor, the Zero SR/F.

The Livewire is an impressive bike. It accelerates like the well-known bat out of Hades, hitting 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. It has an EPA-listed range of 146 miles city but will travel less than half that far when ridden on the open highway. Our man Stein said he got 92 miles range on one ride, for instance.

The Livewire also gets its own division within Harley-Davidson solely dedicated to developing them, which can’t be cheap. Harley doesn’t release Livewire sales figures but published figures based on a recent recall and extrapolated from there suggest around 3,000 Livewires were sold in 2020, which would have been more than the estimated sales of the Zero. That would suggest Harley has met its stated goal to lead the electric motorcycle market, at least so far.

“There is a lot of interest in the Pan America, for sure,” said Bill Bartels, owner of Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina del Rey, Calif. “If we could get them, we could probably sell 10 immediately.”

–BY MARK VAUGHN
AutoWeek.com

NEW W&W Cycles Additions—The Cyclery IOE Cylinders

Protect valuable and irreplaceable original crankcases from worn-beyond-repair original cylinders (a.k.a. time bombs) with these accurate reproduction IOE (Inlet Over Exhaust) cylinders. Cast from state-of-the-art alloys to modern specs, W&W says they “stand up to all horsepower you can pack on an IOE lower end.

Now, you can finally have both, that stock factory look and a safe engine. Racers around the globe have been using them with great success for years.” Sold as pairs only, they are made in Australia and come with a cast iron, cast finish. There are versions available for most applications.

CHP Scavenger Pumps for Flatheads

W&W says these are “the perfect complement for CHP feed pumps to compensate for the increased supply volume.” The wider gears of the CHP scavenger pump effectively raise the return oil volume by about 40%. They will also work with stock feed pumps. The pumps are Swedish made in cast iron/steel with four studs for Big Twin Flathead 1937-1948 and 45″/750 cc Flathead 1937-1973 (except K-models).

Fork Enduro Fairings

This one-of-a-kind Enduro style fairing is made in Japan from cast aluminum with a cast finish. It takes a 4-1/2″ headlamp and its dimensions are 152 mm wide by 320 mm high. A bolt-on mounting kit for H-D 39 mm forks is available as an additional option.

W&W CYCLES AG
www.wwag.com

GUN NUT ACTION–
On Tuesday, May 25th, your NRA Institute for Legislative Action will be hosting an online workshop starting at 7:00pm Eastern, and you are invited! During this online workshop, you will hear from some of our most active Frontlines Activist Leaders from across the country as they share best practices and ways that you can get actively involved with your NRA-ILA. To RSVP, click on the button below.

Sign Up Today!

We hope you will join us for this dynamic virtual event on Tuesday May 25th, in support of the Second Amendment and to learn more about how you can get involved in this fight.

Yours in Freedom,

Ken Lan
NRA-ILA Grassroots Programs & Campaign Field Operations
http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

Veterans group to stage Memorial Day weekend motorcycle ride around National Mall

WASHINGTON — Tens of thousands of motorcyclists will gather in downtown Washington on May 30, shutting down the streets around the National Mall for about 15 hours to conduct a traditional Memorial Day ride.

In a change from previous years, the riders will be staged on the roads around the National Mall, rather than at the Pentagon parking lot. The Defense Department barred the motorcyclists from gathering at the Pentagon this year, citing the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the size of the expected crowd. Organizers are preparing for up to 100,000 motorcycles and nearly twice as many people.

AMVETS, the national veterans’ group organizing the ride, is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to stage riders in downtown Washington. Roads will be closed starting at 1 a.m. May 30 until the ride is over about 4 p.m.

Using the roads around the National Mall was the group’s second backup option. After the Pentagon fell through, AMVETS attempted to host the riders at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in northeast Washington. However, the D.C. government never responded to the permit request.

“We’re not worrying about where we’ve been, we’re focused on the plan now,” said Joe Chenelly, national executive director for AMVETS. “We decided this is too important to not do it.”

The ride, called Rolling to Remember, aims to raise awareness for prisoners of war and troops still missing in action, as well as the issue of veteran suicide. It was planned as a replacement for the annual Rolling Thunder event, which was held every Memorial Day weekend for 32 consecutive years before ending in 2019.

Last year’s event was canceled because of the pandemic. Chenelly said that AMVETS is working to make this year’s event safe, despite ongoing risks.

Motorcyclists will be staged six feet apart, and riders will be asked to wear masks in situations where socially distancing isn’t possible, he said. The group is also training “Covid marshals” who will encourage social distancing and mask wearing. AMVETS has about 200,000 masks to give away the day of the event.

The staging area will be smaller than it would’ve been at the Pentagon or RFK Stadium, Chenelly said.

“The Pentagon’s decision and the indecision from the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office of D.C. has made it more difficult to keep it safe by continuing to drive it into a smaller space,” Chenelly said.

The relocation is also costing the group more money. AMVETS will pay about $200,000 to host the ride this year, including the cost of portable restrooms, water stations and barricades around the National Mall. The Pentagon would’ve charged about $100,000, which accounts for overtime for the Pentagon police, as well as the presence of emergency medical, fire and rescue personnel.

The biggest drawback of the plan will be the inconvenience for people who live around the National Mall and those who want to visit over Memorial Day weekend, Chenelly said.

“We don’t want to block people from the mall,” he said.

AMVETS plans to release more information this week about the route of the motorcycle ride and the exact location of the staging area.

–By NIKKI WENTLING
STARS AND STRIPES

HILLBILLY MOMS LETTER
Dear Son, I’m writing this slow ’cause I know you can’t read fast.

We don’t live where we did when you left.
Your dad read in the paper that most accidents happen within twenty miles of home, so we moved.

Won’t be able to send you the address as the last Arkansas family that lived here took the numbers with them for their house, so they wouldn’t have to change their address.

This place has a washing machine. The first day I put four shirts in it, pulled the chain and haven’t seen ’em since.

It only rained twice this week, three days the first time and four days the second time.

The coat you wanted me to send to you, Aunt Sue said it would be a little too heavy to send in the mail with them heavy buttons, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.

We got a bill from the funeral home, and it said if we didn’t make the final payment on Grandma’s funeral bill, up she comes.

About your sister, she had a baby this morning. I haven’t found out whether if it is a boy or girl so don’t know if you are an Aunt or Uncle???

Your Uncle John fell in the whiskey vat. Some men tried to get him out, but he fought them off playfully, so he drowned. We cremated him and he burned for three days.

Three of your friends went off the bridge in a pickup. One was driving and the other two were in the back. The driver got out. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. The other 2 drowned. They couldn’t get the tailgate down.

Not much more news this time. Nothing much happened. If you don’t get this letter, please let me know and I will send another one.

Love, Mom

“Walter: The Missing Link” Documentary Premiere
September 2nd, 2021 at Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, Wisconsin–Celebrate the history of Milwaukee with the “Walter” documentary premiere in Old World Milwaukee at the Turner Hall Ballroom.

Walter, a famous Milwaukee-made product, and one of the last survivors of the pandemic of 1918 leads us out of the COVID pandemic with an inspiring story of rebirth. Walter, a 1913 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Truck and the subject of the film quite possibly rode past the historic Turner Hall during its deliveries in the early twentieth century and is now headlining at the Turner over a century later.

“Walter: The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” is the story of the last-known Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Truck in existence, affectionately known as Walter. This documentary chronicles the life and times of Walter the forecar from its early days of service on the streets of Old Milwaukee, through many decades of desolation stored in a horse barn, and then decades of restoration to eventually become the most valuable service motorcycle in the world.

Along the way, the producer explores the history of three-wheeled motorcycles; the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s development of commercial service and delivery motorcycles, and most importantly documents one man’s adventure in restoring a motorcycle that had been in his family for nearly a century. Independent producer James Cutting considers the discovery of Walter to be the most extraordinary barn-find of our times.

Join us for “Walter: The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” documentary premiere on Thursday evening, September 2nd, 2021 at the historic Turner Hall Ballroom (1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203). More information on the event will be available soon.

“Walter” documentary trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHvOfoRrZc
For more “Walter” documentary content visit www.walterdoc.com

Please visit The Vintagent – Motorcycle Arts Foundation direct link to the “Walter” trailer
https://thevintagent.com/2021/04/05/the-vintagent-trailers-walter-the-missing-link/

NEW FROM BILTWELL–100% waterproof, dustproof and just the right size, the EXFIL-65 is the perfect fit for any motorcycle adventure. It works mounted vertically on a sissy bar, or laid down on or across a luggage rack. Multiple tie-down points on each side and six rows of MOLLE give plenty of options for add-ons and mounting.

–Biltwell

ACTION FROM ABATE OF ILLINOIS–
A big thank you goes out to Elizabeth Winters, and Paulette Korte for sitting in for me at our State Steel meeting. Somewhere around 15 signed up to the
MRF, between Lapsed, Renewal, New, Clubs, & Organization too. Thanks again Ladies for the help! Also, a thank you goes out to Elizabeth Winters for stepping up to become an Assistant State Rep. for the MRF.

Bills on the watchful eye in the Illinois state house, at the time of this writing.
• IL-HB36 VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX. “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB90 VEH CD-FINE WAIVER “WATCH”
• IL-HB96 VEH CD-TINTED WINDOWS “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB280 ELECTRIC VEHICLE REGISTRATION “WATCH”
• IL-HB656 VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE PASSENGERS “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB682 VEH CD-PERMANENT TRAILER PLATE “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB720 NON-HIGHWAY VEH-55 MPH “WATCH”
• IL-HB1718 VEH CD-REPEAL REDLIGHT CAMERAS “WATCH”
• IL-HJR11 PFC MEARI MEMORIAL HIGHWAY “SUPPORT”
• IL-SB58 REVENUE-VEHICLES “SUPPORT”
• IL-SB70 LICENSE PLATES NON-HWY VEH “WATCH”
• IL-SB150 ALL-TERRAIN VEH & OF-HWY VEH “OPPOSED”

From Josh Witkowski ABATE of Illinois State Legislative Coordinator.

ABATE of Illinois was able to find out the following on TA plates:
In 2019 there were approximately 450,000 of these plates. After the renewals in 2020 the number shrunk to 300,000. Of those 150,000 missing plates 40,000 of them appear to have been converted into semi-trailer plates.

Regardless of the missing 150,000 plates, the state of Illinois took in nearly 28 million in additional revenue thanks to this 500% fee increase.

–Dennis Yeager
ABATE of Illinois
From American Bikers Journal

THE ACTION IS HOT AND HEAVY HERE—The movers arrive tomorrow, and we will scramble. A Skidster is being delivered today to help with the crates.

I arranged insurance on the new home today and the list of improvements is expanding. Everything is costing way too much, but we’re hanging in there.

Bikes will arrive next week, maybe. Jason Mook, the owner of Deadwood Custom Cycles just announced all of his Memorial Day happenings. And the Redhead said our new home is being infiltrated by a very active woodpecker. WTF over?

Let’s party and ride Free forever.

–Bandit