Let Interior Secretary Bernhardt know BLM funding is essential   The land speed racetrack at Bonneville — once 13 miles long — is now less than 8 miles, due to salt erosion. It is critically important that the U.S. Department of the Interior contributes funds toward a 10-year restoration program that will dramatically increase the amount of salt pumped onto Bonneville Salt Flats. Help restore the Salt Flats before it’s too late.   The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, local company Intrepid Potash and the land speed racing community have identified a strategy and are collaboratiing to restore Bonneville. Please urge Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to fund the Restore Bonneville program through the department’s fiscal 2020 budget.   By following this link Take Action and providing your contact information, you’ll sign and send our email to Bernhardt, explaining the importance of the Bonneville Salt Flats and how he can directly affect funding for the needed restoration.   Even better, if you personalize the email by adding what Bonneville means to you, it will have far more impact. An easy way would be including a sentence at the beginning describing what it is like to attend or even take part in a race on the Salt Flats. Also feel free to amend the subject line of the email to read “I visit” or “I race at” the Bonneville Salt Flats.   Thank you in advance for commenting. If you do submit edited comments, please forward a copy to us at grassroots@amacycle.org. Please forward this alert to your friends and ask them to submit comments, too. –from the AMA

New Rewards Program Available to Pirelli-Equipped Riders in the Top-10

ROME, Ga. (March 9, 2020) – Pirelli Tire North America is set to contest the 79thrunning of the Daytona 200 with a star-studded lineup, including the return of defending champion Kyle Wyman on his No. 1 Pirelli-equipped N2 Racing/Bobblehead Moto/KWR Yamaha YZF-R6.  Pirelli will once again bring its race-proven DIABLO™ Superbike tire lineup as the weapon of choice to Daytona International Speedway when riders take to the grid on March 14. Pirelli will be offering a variety of compound options that include last year’s race-winning Daytona compounds. Kyle Wyman is set to defend his Daytona 200 title and will once again be on Pirelli slicks. | Photo – Brian J. Nelson “Everyone at Pirelli is excited about returning to one of America’s most legendary racetracks and hopefully replicating our success from last year,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “We have Kyle Wyman returning with the No. 1 plate and a lineup full of great riders who should be plenty capable with our DIABLO™ Superbike slicks. Thanks to our distributor Orion Motorsports and trackside vendor Mark Tenn Motorsports, riders competing on Pirelli will now have the opportunity to take advantage of an all-new rewards program.” Wyman, who emerged victorious in the 200-mile endurance race one year ago, relied on Pirelli’s Daytona compound rear tire in 200/60-17 sizing, while opting for a DIABLO™ Superbike SC1 in 120/70-17 sizing on the front. Pirelli will bring its full line of DIABLO™ Superbike slicks for riders to choose from, including special Daytona Compounds. | Photo – Brian J. Nelson “It’s great to be back on Pirelli slicks as I look to defend my Daytona 200 title,” said Wyman. “I had an incredible race last year, and truly credit part of that to my Pirelli tires, so I’m hoping we can keep the momentum rolling into this year. Strategy is an important part of this race and I’ve got a great crew behind me to go get myself another Rolex!” In addition to Wyman, riders using Pirelli will include 2016 Daytona 200 winner Michael Barnes, former Superbike Rookie of the Year Jake Lewis, KTM RC Cup Champion and 2019 Daytona 200 top-five finisher Brandon Paasch, and AMA Pro Road Racing Daytona HD winner Tyler O’Hara. Several Florida-natives such as Alex Coelho, Christian Miranda, Dustin Richards, Alejandro Rei, and Daniel Spauldingwill be competing on the big stage and looking to make a name for themselves at one of the nation’s most prestigious races. Pirelli-equipped riders will have the opportunity to benefit from an all-new rewards program for 2020, courtesy of Pirelli distributor Orion Motorsports and trackside vendor Mark Tenn Motorsports. The rewards program will offer tire credits to riders placing inside of the top-10. For complete details regarding the 2020 Daytona 200 rewards program, CLICK HERE. Pirelli Daytona 200 racer list to include but not limited to: Kyle Wyman – N2 Racing/Bobblehead Moto/KWR Jake Lewis – Bobblehead Moto/Karns Performance/N2 Racing Brandon Paasch – TSE Michael Barnes – Sheridan Morais – Puraglobe Syntainics Powered by Penz13 Jason Farrell – Farrell Performance Tyler O’Hara – Floyd’s of Leadville CBD Racing Ryan Jones – Ryan Jones Seven West Racing For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com

NEW –  GNX 4.5” Slip-on for HD Touring models

The M8 engine is a powerhouse, but a low idle combined with a plugged up exhaust conspire to mute the true sounds of freedom this machine was designed to roar. Not to worry, the folks over at S&S have created the GNX slip-ons with one thing in mind and that’s belting out the flag waving, eagle flying song of the American v-twin. Combining a 4.5” shell with a tuned baffle and race inspired tip, the GNX lets the sound and power flow out of the M8. Wait, you only want one eagle and a few flags? Not a problem, they include a removable dB reducer that lets you tune the sound to suit your version of the American dream. Made (and chromed) in America, the warranty friendly GNX is also available in their new Guardian Black finish and relieved for shocks up to 13.5”.

All this freedom and they still managed to come in at $474.95 per pair in black and $589.95 in gleaming chrome.

Check out the GNX Slip on on their site or hit up your local dealer for more info. https://www.sscycle.com/letfreedomfly

 

 

by Bruce Brown from https://www.digitaltrends.com

Pros
A mature e-motorcycle design
Excellent driving per charge range
No gears, no clutch, no shifting
Powerful brakes and suspension
Inexpensive to fuel and maintain

Cons
Forward-leaning rider posture
Rider and passenger pegs high
Expensive for an entry-level bike

MSRP $10,995.00

Zero Motorcycles‘ 2020 Zero S is the most highly-evolved version of a vehicle with the longest production history in a product class that most people don’t know exists. Most people would be surprised to learn electric motorcycles are on the street today. They’re even more surprised to hear the first arrived over 12 years ago.

Founded in 2006 by a former NASA engineer, Zero Motorcycles’ first production model was the 2009 Zero S, making 2020 its 12th model year. Depending on the buyer’s choice of installed power pack, the Zero S price varies from $10,995 to $18,390. The most powerful (and expensive) Zero S has a 223-mile maximum city driving range.

Design and performance

I asked Zero Motorcycles to suggest which model in its nine-model 2020 lineup would be the best choice for an e-bicycle rider who wanted to pick the Zero as their first motorcycle. After discussing the lighter, taller, more off-road-bike-looking Zero FXS, I decided on the Zero S with the lowest power battery pack. I tested the base 7.2 kWh Zero S, priced at $10,995, which the company describes as “ideal for the first time rider looking for an entry-level street motorcycle.”

The 2020 Zero S base model ticks the boxes for e-motos. Acceleration is immediate with the S’s full torque on tap from a standing stop. Other than tire noise and a slight whirring sound from the carbon fiber drive belt, the bike is quiet. There’s no clutch and no shifting because there’s only one gear. So, as with most electric motorcycles, you don’t need to know how to use a manual transmission to ride it.

To ride the Zero, just turn the key and wait a few seconds for the indicators on the display panel to settle down. Zero includes two throttle intercepts to protect riders from unintentional acceleration from a standing stop. A motor stop switch on the right-hand grip cuts out power to the motor, and the bike won’t move if the kickstand is down.

The Zero remains silent when it’s on and ready to move. If you’re only familiar with vehicles that have gas or diesel engines, the lack of noise may lead you to think it’s not on. Oh, but it is. It definitely is.

I was cautious with the throttle at first. Electric motors can deliver full torque from a standing stop, so it’s a good idea to approach with caution. However, I’m happy to report you can ride comfortably at slow speeds on the Zero S. The throttle isn’t overly sensitive, with excellent “feel” and granularity.

The Zero S’s regenerative braking slightly recharges the battery when you roll off the throttle. If you’re familiar with engine braking in a car with a manual transmission, regenerative braking feels roughly the same, just quieter.

If you need to stop quickly, the Zero S’ brakes have more stopping power than you may ever need. I found the learning curve for modulating the potent brake system steeper than getting used to the throttle. The Zero S has Bosch ABS disc brakes, with dual 320mm calipers in front, and a single 240mm caliper in the rear.

This nearly-naked sportbike has no fairing and little bodywork covering the functional components. The rider geometry (the relative positions of the handlebar, seat, and rider footpegs) requires a moderately forward-leaning posture. Forward-leaning is excellent for going fast and carving turns and canyons. Entry-level riders with previous experience on a more upright bike will need to adjust, but not as dramatically as with more aggressive bikes.

Speed and range

Motorcycle companies are typically cautious with quoting acceleration numbers. I didn’t time my runs, but I have heard from others Zero riders that 60 mph comes in under 4 seconds. My butt says that’s about right and, speaking as someone who’s not a veteran rider, it was exhilarating.

My test bike, with the basic 7.2 kWh power pack, has a 98 miles per hour (mph) maximum top speed with a sustained top speed of 80 mph. The rated driving ranges for the Zero S with the base power pack are 89 miles in city driving, 45 miles at 70 mph on the highway, and 60 miles combined.

If you are willing to pay for more range, the Zero SR, which is essentially the same bike, has a 14.4 kWh battery pack. The SR starts at $15,495 and boosts the range to 179 miles for city driving, 90 miles on the highway, or 120 miles combined. For the maximum possible driving distance with Zero S models, you can also add the 3.3 kWh Power Tank for $2,895. The Zero SR with the Power Tank is rated for a maximum of 223 miles in the city, 112 miles on the highway, or 150 miles combined.

Note that larger power packs don’t just drive up the price. They weigh more. The 7.2 kWh Zero S weighs 313 pounds. The Zero SR with the 14.4 kWh power pack weighs 408 pounds, and if you add the 3.3 kWh Power Tank for a total of 18 kWh, the weight climbs to 452 pounds.

Your choice will balance cost, range, and weight. You can’t switch power packs or add the Power Tank later, so it’s essential to buy the right power combination from the start.

Charging the battery

The Zero S has a 1.3 kW integrated battery charger and a thick power cable that plugs into a standard 110/220 power plug. Charging the Zero S requires 4.7 hours for a 95% charge, or 5.2 hours to charge 100%. With a $600 optional quick charger, it takes 3.1 hours for a 100% charge, or 2.6 hours for 95%.

A third option is to buy an optional Charge Tank ($2,495). With the Charge Tank, you can plug into a standard Level 2 charge station for a 95% charge in one hour, or 100% in 1.5 hours. Note that you can’t order a Zero S or SR with both the Power Tank and Charge Tank options.

Riding modes and app

The Zero S has two preset performance profiles, Eco and Sport. The profiles control maximum speed, torque, and regeneration levels.

As set by the factory, Eco mode cuts the top speed to 70 mph, limits the torque, and dials up the regen-style engine braking effect. Sport mode unlocks the top speed of 98 miles per hour, full torque, and little or no regenerative braking. You can customize both profiles with Zero’s mobile app.

I rode the Zero S most of the time in Eco mode through suburban neighborhoods, in small towns, and on country roads and highways. The Zero S is well-balanced, so riding slowly is easy. I quickly became used to its smooth throttle operation to roll on speed as desired. The dialed-up regeneration setting in Eco mode meant I rarely needed to use the brakes until I came to a full stop.

It’s quiet. Too quiet?

Electric motorcycles’ are silent, and that can be a mixed blessing. Motorcyclists are used to noise alerting pedestrians and other drivers, but you don’t get that with an electric powertrain. It’s a good idea to locate the horn button on the left grip, so you can alert anyone who needs it.

The upside of running silent is there’s less chance you’re going to disturb your neighbors with the Zero S, and certainly not with the noise. On one of my first rides checking out the bike’s operation, a neighbor used to seeing me on e-bikes came over to check out the Zero S.

“That’s an actual motorcycle?” he asked. I was able to answer without raising my voice over the Zero S’ motor because, of course, it was silent. On a regular motorcycle, I wouldn’t have even heard him unless I stopped and turned off the engine.

Our Take

I thoroughly enjoyed riding the Zero S, and was particularly impressed by its balanced, quiet ride. Seasoned sports bike riders would likely switch right over to Sport mode and fly with it. The power, brakes, and handling are certainly there.

Ease of operation makes the Zero S accessible for beginning riders. My only hesitation is that new riders will need to get used to the forward-leaning riding position.

Is there a better alternative?

In a few years, there will be many more choices for people shopping for electric motorcycles, but Zero already has a 12-year lead. No other company has Zero’s experience and range of current electric models.

The Harley-Davidson Livewire makes fans of most who ride it, and Harley has been showing other concept electric bikes, but the Livewire’s $30,000 price tag limits its appeal. The Lightning Motorcycles LS-218 is the fastest production motorcycle, but starts at $38.888. Both bikes target experienced riders with money to spend.

Several companies make much smaller e-motorcycles, like the Ubco 2×2 and the Cake Kalk OR. They’re more affordable, but often focused on off-road or multi-surface riding, with a lower top speed and less range.

How long will it last?

Zero Motorcycles include a two-year general warranty and a five-year warranty on the power pack. Zero is an established company with dealers throughout the United States, so parts and service shouldn’t be concerns.

Should you buy one?

Yes. If you want an electric motorcycle for recreational riding or commuting, the Zero S is a great choice.

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

In the first month of of 2019, Harley-Davidson released the results of a research that showed just how beneficial riding a motorcycle can be for the mental well-being of humans. As it seems, motorcycling is even good to treat more serious conditions.

Back in 2015, Harley started supporting the efforts of an organization called Wounded Warrior Project. The group provides services and programs for war veterans post-9/11, and among these programs there is an idea called Rolling Project Odyssey.

This Odyssey is centered around bringing together soldiers and help them heal their mental scars through adventure-based learning. And that includes riding Harleys in groups, just as a Harley should be ridden. This type activity has been found to be beneficial in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other things.

The Harley research we mentioned earlier, conducted by scientists at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, showed that riding a motorcycle for 20 minutes can increase the heart rate by 11 percent, reaching a level similar to that achieved while performing a light exercise.

That in turn increases alertness, and helps decrease hormonal stress biomarkers by 28 percent. The study’s findings were based on data taken from 50 experienced motorcyclists that were made to ride their own bikes on a 22-minute route.

“Rolling Project Odyssey was a life-changing experience for me,” said in a statement Jonathan Goolsby, an Army and Rolling Project Odyssey veteran.

“The experience has taught me many things that I have been able to implement into my daily life, like finding my center and keeping my cool when things start to get tough.”

This year’s Rolling Project Odyssey kicks off at the beginning of next week starting in Jacksonville, Florida, and going through Daytona, where the Bike Week marks the start of the riding season on the American continent.

March 6-15, 2020

Daytona Bike Week, the world’s largest motorcycle event, is celebrating 79 years in 2020!

It’s an event you won’t want to miss. This year’s 10-day event proves it’s high-octane with street festivals, concerts, motorcycle races, bike shows, rallies, manufacturer showcases and more. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world enjoy spring riding in Daytona Beach along historic Main Street to Midtown, Scenic A1A Highway and through the best of old Florida, the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop. The celebration continues at Daytona International Speedway, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, and the U.S. 1 corridors in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach.

Looking for a place to stay? Book your hotel now.

Get even more excited and watch this video! OfficialBikeWeek.com for event information including parking.

Watch video: Enjoy 10 days of high-octane street festivals, concerts, motorcycle races, bike shows, rallies, manufacturer showcases, and more.

 

By H. Sterling Burnett, Heartland Institute

At least some journalists and scientists appear finally to be admitting that many people promoting the theory that humans are causing a climate crisis have been wildly exaggerating the likelihood the most extreme climate harms will occur.

Prior to the of the release of the Fifth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the purported human causes of climate change, researchers developed four different scenarios, referred to as, “Representative Concentration Pathways” (RCPs), to describe how carbon emissions might change through 2100. The most extreme of these scenarios, RCP8.5, projected a 500 percent increase in the use of coal, which it referred to as the “business as usual” scenario. IPCC projected RCP8.5 could result in a warming of more than 6 degrees Celsius by 2100, resulting in all manner of catastrophic consequences.

More than 2,000 research papers, including U.S. Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) produced in late 2018 by holdovers from the former Obama administration, referenced RCP8.5, treating it as the most likely outcome of the present rate of human greenhouse gas emissions. The mainstream media counted these reports as authoritative and used them to shut any who disagreed with the IPCC’s claims out of news reports covering climate change, saying continued debate was not just unjustified, but, because of the seriousness of the purported crisis, dangerous.

The problem is RCP8.5 was never a likely outcome, and IPCC modelers knew this at the time they produced it.

Due to improved efficiencies and the increasing use of natural gas and renewable energy sources, global coal use was slowing in developing countries, and declining in the developed world, even before IPCC produced its RCP projections, including the extreme business as usual RCP8.5. Indeed, the chance of RCP8.5 of occurring is less than three percent. For political and economic reasons, deep state bureaucrats, crony capitalists, progressive politicians, the press, and government funded scientists, ignored this, instead treating RCP8.5 as if it were the most likely course for the world absent radical restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.

The scientists involved with producing RCP8.5 now say they didn’t do a good job of communicating the likelihood of its projections of disaster coming to pass—Gee, ya’ think? I would argue careful calculation led to their silence for more than four years, in allowing the least probable of the climate scenarios they produced to be treated as the most likely to occur.

A recent paper by the Competitive Enterprise Institute notes, “[C]ontrarians have been documenting the implausibility of RCP8.5 for years, citing the very research allegedly confusing thousands of scientists.” CEI cites numerous peer-reviewed articles demonstrating the folly of treating IPCC RCP8.5 projections as if it were in any way representative of reality. Of course, truth being extremely inconvenient for their political agendas, climate activists, politicians, the press, and scientists benefitting from scaremongering conveniently ignored this research.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal wandered Main Street, chatting with folks about their Bike Week experiences. Here’s what some of them had to say:

Nothing says “crowded” like Main Street in Daytona Beach during Bike Week.

Friday, the first day of Bike Week, saw thousands of bikers, tourists, residents and beachgoers packed into the narrow street enjoying loud music, cold beer and sunny weather underneath sheltered patios and white-topped tents.

Suburban moms took their kids out for strolls, posing for pictures in front of Harley-Davidsons and tricked-out motorcycles that could only be created by those who have been in the biker scene for decades.

Whether the culprit was classic rock, rap music or the guttural growl of engines, there wasn’t a square inch of peace and quiet in the area, and most people seemed to like it that way.

1911 Flying Merkel Twin

As you can see by close study of this rare, unrestored original paint example, Joseph Merkel was among the most innovative of early motorcycle designers. Merkel experimented with self-starting and rear suspension almost 50 years before some American makers adopted it. In 1902 Joseph Merkel set up shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to produce motorcycles. Merkel hired the best competition riders. Mechanical developments from racing led him to design a fork so good it was used by other brands as well. Most remarkable for the time…

Read & View More

www.NationalMCMuseum.org