My Harley Sounds Like a Sewing Machine, So Many Google Users Say
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
by Bogdan Popa from https://www.autoevolution.com
If you use Google’s search engine or Microsoft’s Bing to look for information online, you probably know that both services provide you with suggestions (or predictions, as Google calls them) as you type, all in an attempt to make the whole process faster.
So technically, if you go to Google and type “Harley-Davidson,” you should then be provided with a series of suggestions that are based on data like popular keywords that other people used when searching the web and trending topics.
One of the top searches related to Harley-Davidson shows that way too many owners believe their motorcycles “sound like a sewing machine.”
The suggestions for “Harley sounds like a” are “my harley sounds like a sewing machine,” “harley 103 sounds like a sewing machine,” and “honda that sounds like a harley.” Also, Google users also tried to figure out “what motorcycle sounds like a harley.”
On the other hand, if you turn to Microsoft’s Bing for searching the web, the suggestions are a lot different.
If you use the same “my harley sounds like a” keyword, you’re not getting a sewing machine suggestion, but something totally different. “My truck sounds like a harley davidson,” is the suggestion this time, which is a little bit unexpected since Harley-Davidson motorcycles sound pretty cool in the first place anyway.
Bing also has a few other suggestions for the sounds generated by a Harley-Davidson engine. “Harley livewire sounds like jet coming,” one suggestion reads, while another one potentially indicates a problem with the motorcycle because “harley sounds like it grinds on a cold start.”
Google calls these suggestions “predictions” because the whole system tries to guess what you’re more likely to type in the search box.
“We look at the real searches that happen on Google and show common and trending ones relevant to the characters that are entered and also related to your location and previous searches,” Google says.
These predictions could thus be a little different depending on your location and should be provided regardless of the device you use to search the web.The Slow March toward Forced Temperance
By Bandit | | General Posts
Editor’s Note: This piece first appeared as NMA Weekly E-Newsletter #571 which was emailed to NMA members on December 22, 2019. If you would like to receive the weekly E-Newsletter, a one-topic dive into an important aspect of motorists rights, become an NMA member today!
It’s been seven years since we wrote about the Driver Alcohol Detection System and Safety (DADSS) program–A Frog in the Pot, E-newsletter #187–and efforts to make ignition interlock devices standard equipment in all vehicles. Proponents of forcing all drivers to pass alcohol detection testing before being able to operate their cars are nothing if not determined.
The Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act of 2019, per U.S. Senate Bill 2604, and its counterpart House Bill 3159, keeps their hopes alive by requiring all new vehicles to have alcohol detection systems within four years.
We recognize the politically incorrect timing of addressing the issue of impaired driving during the holiday season, and restate that the NMA does not support, encourage, or condone drunk driving. Impaired drivers who put themselves and others at risk do not belong on the road. But we also do not support zero-tolerance concepts that subject the vast majority of non-imbibing motorists to intrusive testing every time they get behind the wheel.
The unreliability of detection technology is a major cause of concern. False positives are commonplace. Imagine a DADSS device that requires the driver to submit a breath sample to start a car, and to also give regular-interval samples while the vehicle is in motion, forcing shutdown at inopportune times and possibly under unsafe conditions. And if those “rolling samples” require active involvement by all drivers, distracted driving will become an even more widespread road safety concern.
SB 2604, sponsored by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Rick Scott (R-FL), currently sits with the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The House bill, 3159, is sponsored by six Republican congressmen and women and is being considered by the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Committee. Consider reaching out to members of both committees, particularly those who represent you directly. Ask them questions like:
- What is the false-positive rate of DADSS, and how will that be taken into account?
- How will DADSS distinguish driver vs. passenger BAC levels?
- Will DADSS include external reporting capabilities, e.g., be tied to V2X (“vehicle to everything”) connectivity? If so,
- Will the system report every episode of an intervention, false positive or not, to an authority for possible assignment of a penalty? What privacy safeguards will be put into place?
- How will the system determine who was operating the car at the time of the “incident?” Will the vehicle owner automatically be assigned blame?
- How much will the DADSS technology add to the cost of a new vehicle? Will that cost be borne by the consumer, and will there be an ongoing cost to the car owner to process DADSS data?
At the least, our elected officials should have satisfactory answers before supporting legislation that would subject all drivers to an unprecedented level of personal intrusion and regulation.
–Consider joining the NMA
New Jersey Man Gets DUI While Asleep
By Bandit | | General Posts
New Jersey appellate court reiterates drunk driving charges have nothing to do with actually driving a car.
Courts around the country have ruled that convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) do not have to involve driving, automobiles or even any alcohol consumption at all. The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division cited this evidence last month in finding John Thompson guilty of driving while intoxicated — even though he was sound asleep in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven in Wanaque when police found him on the night of September 7, 2017.
The officers woke Thompson, smelling the strong odor of alcohol on him. Thompson told them he had been asleep about 40 minutes. He had legally prescribed medications Cymbalta, hydrocodone, methadone and Xanax with him at the time. Thompson failed all the field sobriety tests and was arrested and convicted of DUI. The only question before the court was whether it is appropriate to charge someone asleep behind the wheel of a parked car with DUI.
“Although a violation of New Jersey Statutes Annotated 39:4-50 is commonly referred to as a DWI violation (‘driving while intoxicated’), the statute actually makes no mention of ‘driving’ as a fact that must be proven in order to convict an individual of this offense,” Clarkson S. Fisher Jr wrote for the three-judge panel. “The statute instead prohibits ‘operat[ion]’ of a vehicle while under the influence…. Operation, for example, includes sitting or sleeping in a vehicle, with the engine running, even when the vehicle isn’t in motion.”
The state Supreme Court has already ruled that proving someone had “intent” to operate is sufficient for a DUI conviction. This includes a drunk stumbling out of a bar who walks toward his car, but is intercepted before he can get in and drive away.
“For example, we sustained a DWI conviction where the defendant was not even in her vehicle but instead was looking for her vehicle in a restaurant parking lot while in an intoxicated state,” Judge Fisher noted.
The court explained that it published this opinion not because it was establishing a new precedent, but because it has ruled seven times in the last year on the exact same issue in unpublished decisions.
“We have been driven to publish because of the extraordinary number of times the court has recently faced this precise issue,” Judge Fisher concluded.
A copy of the unpublished ruling is available in a 100k PDF file at the source link below.
Source: 
New Jersey v. Thompson (New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, 2/10/2020)
–from TheNewspaper.com, photo from the Bob T. collection
The 8 Most Popular Cable TV Shows of the Last Decade
By Bandit | | General Posts
Below we’ve listed eight of the most popular shows that have aired on cable TV over the last decade, providing a brief description of the premise and some background information. We also included some notes on each in regard to who might want to check out or revisit the show, just in case you’re looking for something to watch.
Notes and Methodology
- We will not be considering shows that ran on major networks.
- For the same reason, we also won’t be including shows that existed primarily on streaming services.
- If a show started before 2010, we considered the time of its greatest influence.
- We will exclude some things such as news programs.
- As ratings are just one metric to go by in terms of popularity and cultural impact, we looked at multiple factors including online viewings, group viewings, cultural impact, and other considerations.
So, without further ado and in no precise order, here are eight of the most popular cable TV shows of the last decade.
1) The Walking Dead
Based on the extremely popular comic book and spanning the entire decade, The Walking Dead helped to start the zombie craze of the 2010s and it’s one of the few surviving relics of it, even launching the spin-off series Fear the Walking Dead. The fifth season premiere is cable’s most-watched series episode, and even if recent seasons have experienced a ratings drop, the show is still more popular than the vast majority of other shows on the air.
As for more details of the plot, the show starts with Rick Grimes, a sheriff’s deputy who is effectively the protagonist, awaking from a coma to a zombie-infested world, and in seeking a cure builds a core group of survivors around him that the show also follows. Going into any further detail from there would be providing unwarranted spoilers, but rest assured it takes enough twists and turns so that the show rarely becomes stale.
Air Dates: 2010-Current
Original Network: AMC
Peak Viewers: 17.29 million (Episode 5×01: No Sanctuary)
Watch If:
- You haven’t yet gotten your fill of zombies, or people showing at times that they can be worse than zombies.
- You are looking for a show filled with tension that doesn’t have its characters wear a full suit of plot armor protecting them from injury or death.
- You want excellent, emotional, and flawed characters who are trying to do the best they can, including dangerous villains who were some of the best on television at the time.
2) Game of Thrones
Even people living under three layers of rock have heard of the acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones (even if the last season was not so much a hit with the fans), which focuses on an ensemble cast of characters set in the continents of Westeros and Essos. There are several main threads, including who will sit on the iron throne, the dangers looming in the north, and other, more character-focused stories.
While to some it may sound like standard fantasy fare, even if a bit darker than usual, Game of Thrones takes everything up to the next level with spectacular production values, excellent acting, and building tension and a willingness to kill off characters that had people talking every week. Simply put, there isn’t enough room in this article to do it proper justice.
Air Dates: 2011-2019
Original Network: HBO
Peak Viewers: 13.61 million (Episode 8×06: The Iron Throne)
Watch If:
- You’re ok with sex, violence, and darker themes in your fantasy stories. In fact, it’s better if you prefer things that way.
- You’re looking for an epic story that lasts seasons and can take a while to build up.
- You want to watch a good show and want to understand what all those previously confusing references and names were all about.
3) Breaking Bad
In some ways, like Game of Thrones has gripped the nation with its storytelling and the flood of praise it has received, it would be impossible to ignore the impact of Breaking Bad no matter how you consider television in the 2010s. This multiple award-willing series and crime drama set in Albuquerque, in case you need a refresher, is about Walter White, who after a cancer diagnosis turns to creating and selling crystal meth. As he continues, he becomes more involved in the criminal world, and, to avoid spoilers, changes significantly as a result.
The other interesting fact is that while the show started in 2008, it was in the 2010s that the show truly took off, with later seasons getting multiple times more viewers than the first few, as critically acclaimed as they were. Word of mouth spread and people caught up with the show online to watch it live and discuss it from week to week, to the point where the finale became one of the most-watched events in the history of cable television.
Air Dates: 2008-2013
Original Network: AMC
Peak Viewers: 10.3 million (Episode 6×16: Felina)
Watch If:
- You haven’t yet, and your friends have been bothering you to get to it already.
- You want to watch one of the most acclaimed series in the history of television, complete with acting, directing, and more that many people consider to be some the best to ever hit the small screen.
- You enjoy long and complex character arcs, and stories that put characters into tense situations.
There are quite a few USA original shows that could be considered as one of the most popular cable programs of the last decade, but Burn Notice was one of the first and is generally considered one of the best. Following Michael Westen, a “burned” spy (effectively fired with nothing to their name) who, for several plot-related reasons, is stuck in Miami. Looking to find out what happened, Westen dedicates his efforts to finding out who burned him, why, and then clearing his name.
The show built a strong following outside of its live airings and lasted much longer than other series on the network. Mixing its ongoing plotlines with a problem-of-the-week format with narration and demonstrations of Michael’s (and his associates) skillsets, the show appeals to many audiences and in general ages well into the new decade.
Air Dates: 2007-2013
Original Network: USA
Peak Viewers: 7.59 million viewers (Episode 3×09: Long Way Back)
Watch If:
- You want something fun to watch whether you plan on binging it or plan on watching it an episode at a time when you have the opportunity.
- You like fun action series with a bit of spy flavor to them (and not the spy work you see in the movies).
- You’re a huge fan of Bruce Campbell, who plays a huge role in the series as one of Westen’s main partners.
5) American Horror Story
American Horror Story is something of a unique option, both in the fact that it’s in the sometimes niche horror genre as well as the fact that each season starts an entirely new plot, even if they share some design aesthetics and many of the same actors among them. The show’s creators intend to create a complete story with each season and based on results (millions of viewers each season), they have done just that.
While some may consider the show a little campy, others love the show for this very reason, and the excellent casting keeps you engrossed in the stories. We recommend watching a few season premieres to see what, if anything, draws you in, and if you’re curious about watching live, the anthology series has continued into the new decade.
Air Dates: 2011-Current
Original Network: FX
Peak Viewers: 6.13 million (Episode 4×01: Monsters Among Us)
Watch If:
- You like experimentation and the thought of a fresh story each season, or like the concept of one season and would be happy to jump right into one specifically.
- You enjoy horror in any form and would like exposure to plenty of different creepy stories.
- The concept of debating which series is best with other viewers appeals to you.
6) Mad Men
Many shows have tried to surpass or even imitate Mad Men, but it still stands tall as one of the premier series of the last decade. Following Don Draper, a flawed yet compelling advertising executive and set mostly in the 1960s, the show explores gender politics, heavier themes of commitment and infidelity, and the changing norms of the turbulent time period.
Air Dates: 2007-2015
Original Network: AMC
Peak Viewers: 3.54 million viewers (Episode 5×01: A Little Kiss)
Watch If:
- You’re looking to watch an ambitious prestige drama that has deep characters, complex relationships, and is willing to make viewers wait and wonder.
- You want to watch an impeccably produced period piece that has an aesthetic and sense of style that has rarely been matched on television.
- You prefer to watch shows that will make you think without explicitly telling you what to think.
At once a detective show and something so much more than just a detective show, True Detective is an anthology series that uses each season to tell a different crime drama story. For example, the first season followed a pair of detectives over 17 years as they worked on the case of a serial killer. That first season captured the attention of the country for a time, and the ratings quickly swelled as the show gained traction from word of mouth. Later seasons weren’t as popular but remained loved by millions and it is still some of the most popular television available.
Starring big-name actors (Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Mahershala Ali, and many others), the show has universally excellent writing, acting, and strong production values to match.
Air Dates: 2014-2015; 2019
Original Network: HBO
Peak Viewers: 3.52 million (Episode 1×08: Form and Void)
Watch If:
- You’re looking for an excellent series where you can watch the first season of (a complete story) over the course of a day.
- You love mysteries, crime dramas, and shows that may sometimes take a turn towards the strange.
- You want to appreciate an excellently made show that holds itself to high standards of production.
8) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The always irreverent, even sometimes by the standards of the irreverent, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has been around for far over a decade now, reaching a record-breaking 14 seasons for a live-action sitcom. The show follows “the gang”, which is a group of dysfunctional friends that own and operate Paddy’s Pub, a bar in Philadelphia. Given that all of the main characters are highly unethical, deeply dysfunctional, and quick to get into conflict, the show roots itself in dark humor and crossing boundaries, remaining hilarious throughout.
With a smaller audience than some of the other shows listed here, the show has been popular for its network and on streaming platforms (as well as syndication) and is easily rewatchable either as a whole or with certain episodes.
Air Dates: 2005-Current
Original Network: FX (now on FXX)
Watch If:
- You find the usual comedies and sitcoms either a little light or boring and want something with a darker sense of humor.
- You are looking for something absolutely ridiculous with some of the funniest scenes to hit television in recent memory.
- You can stomach the actions of protagonists who are horrible people.
Conclusion
This was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to popular cable TV shows that came out in the last decade. With some shows becoming full-fledged events, it’s easy to see that there are still possibilities for the future when it comes to extremely popular television programs in the future.
We can also come to experience popularity in different ways, due to DVRs, TV everywhere services, and more. We might see engagement online as a measure of popularity instead of raw viewership numbers or a similar metric take hold in importance. Regardless, we hope that you found something new and exciting in the above list and that you’ll find something just as exciting from cable television in the decade to come.
Bikers Arrested for Wearing Bandanas–from the Motorcycle Profiling Project
By Bandit | | General Posts
Louisiana motorcyclists in the Bossier/Shreveport area may be experiencing a mechanism of profiling that many are unaware of. It has been reported to the MPP that 17 motorcyclists in the area have recently been arrested for wearing bandanas, scarves, and even a bubble shield while riding because it conceals their identities in public. Local law enforcement contends that covering your face in public is a violation of Louisiana’s anti-mask law, LSA-R.S. 14:313, which carries a 6 month to 3 year term of imprisonment. Although every incident has not been confirmed, the MPP spoke to one motorcyclist directly and confirmed that he was arrested for concealing his identity on November 8, 2016.
The law used to justify targeting motorcyclists for wearing masks in Louisiana exists elsewhere. At least 15 states have what experts call “general anti-mask laws” that could be applied to motorcyclists. Applying anti-masking laws to motorcyclists covering their heads and faces with protective gear is an abuse of statute and demonstrative of motorcycle profiling. An exemption for public safety ought to be obvious.
Motorcyclist Arrested For Concealing Identity
While visiting Louisiana to attend and speak at a state Confederation of Clubs and Independents meeting in Alexandria, the MPP became aware of the alleged arrests for concealing identities in public. The MPP spoke to a member of a motorcycle club in the Bossier/Shreveport area that was able to confirm the validity of the rumors.
Although a traffic pretext was used to justify the stop, the MPP evaluated his citation and he was indeed arrested for concealing his identity, an alleged violation of state code LSA-R.S. 14:313. This individual was on his way to vote in the 2016 National Election. He was denied this opportunity. He was forced to pay a bond in order to obtain his release and as of this writing the issue has not yet been resolved.
(Notably, this same individual has been experiencing a pattern of harassment while riding his motorcycle. 9 days after the mask arrest he was again stopped and harassed for a series of pre-textual infractions preceding more questions about his club affiliations.)
Applying Law To Motorcycle Safety Gear Is Absurd
Originally the Louisiana law against wearing masks and hoods in public was motivated by the Ku Klux Klan wearing hoods and masks concealing their identity while they terrorized and intimidated others.[1] Louisiana’s law makes exemptions for Halloween and Mardi Gras, but none for public safety. Although clearly not the intent of the law, motorcyclists covering their faces to avoid bugs, wind, and rain may be subject to arrest.
Considering Louisiana’s mandatory helmet requirement based on public safety, the absurdity of applying anti-mask laws to motorcyclists is further demonstrated. Every helmet covers a motorcyclists head similar to a hood and all motorcyclists wear eye protection. The very act of riding a motorcycle legally requires concealment. A motorcyclist wearing a full face helmet could be arrested for concealing their identity if anti-mask laws apply. Remember, a full face helmet is considered the best protection among experts that advocate helmets.[2]
Some states that have similar laws have anticipated such conflicts and include an exemption for safety or sporting activities in their anti-mask statutes.[3] But 15 states, including Louisiana, have more general statutes that could lead to these abusive applications.[4] In fact, “general anti-mask laws proscribe the simple concealment of physical identity in public, regardless of coexistent criminal activity. Individuals have been prosecuted under general anti-mask laws for wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood, for dressing in the clothing and wearing the makeup of the individual’s opposite sex, and for placing a leaflet between the individual’s face and eyeglasses.”[5]
Possible Solutions
Numerous strategies may exist to combat anti-mask laws being applied to motorcyclists. Judicially, filing for a Declaratory Judgement arguing that the statute is unconstitutional is another option, although this has been attempted and has not always been successful.
“The conflicting court decisions, along with the varying scope of anti- mask laws themselves, reflect the uncertainty concerning when, if ever, the government can constitutionally ban public mask-wearing. Further complicating this area of the law is the apparent political bias of some of the courts that have ruled on the challenges.”[6]
Legislatively, an anti-motorcycle profiling law would eliminate discriminatory pretext stops at the source. Also, adding an exemption to state statute for safety and sport, including motorcycling, would prevent abuse and preserve the original intent of the law.
David “Double D” Devereaux is the Spokesperson for the Washington State Council of Clubs, Founder of the Motorcycle Profiling Project, and works with motorcyclists at the national level.
Corona Beer Still Struggling With Confused Consumers Amid Coronavirus Fears
By Bandit | | General Posts
There is no link between COVID-19 and Corona beer, plus more news to start your day
Please remember: there is no link between the novel coronavirus and Corona beer
Constellation Brands, the maker of Corona beer, has received backlash for a marketing push for its new Corona hard seltzer as the widespread effects of COVID-19, more commonly known as the novel coronavirus, sweep the globe and are likely to result in an outbreak in the U.S.
Social media users particularly took issue with a tweet from the brand, sent on February 24, that promises “one splashy entrance” for Corona hard seltzer, as well as a sponsored tweet that uses the phrase “coming ashore soon,” CNN reports. Critics of the marketing chastised Corona for “poor taste” and bad timing.
Corona’s brand seems to have suffered from the name’s likeness to “coronavirus.” Searches for “corona beer virus” spiked in January and are currently on the uptick again, as seen on Google Trends. A recent phone survey of 737 Americans (note: a fairly small sample size), conducted by 5W Public Relations, found that 38 percent of respondents said that “would not buy Corona under any circumstances now”; 4 percent of respondents who usually drink Corona said they would stop drinking; 16 percent of respondents “were confused about whether Corona beer is related to the coronavirus.” And according to market research and data analytics company YouGov, buzz surrounding Corona beer has trended negative since COVID-19 started dominating the news cycle.
CNBC reports that Constellation Brands will continue with its Corona marketing campaign as planned. “Our advertising with Corona is consistent with the campaign we have been running for the last 30 years and is based off strong consumer sentiment,” said a spokesperson. “While we empathize with those who have been impacted by this virus and continue to monitor the situation, our consumers, by and large, understand there’s no linkage between the virus and our business.”
–from Geno
Somewhere in Florida, enjoying a cold Corona.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO SUPPORT ANDROID AUTO™ FOR EQUIPPED TOURING MOTORCYCLE MODELS
By Bandit | | General Posts
Software Update Will Enable Android Auto on Boom! Box GTS Infotainment Systems
MILWAUKEE (March 6, 2020) – Through a recent collaboration between Google and Harley-Davidson, Android Auto will be supported on all Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle models equipped with the Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system. Harley-Davidson is the first motorcycle manufacturer to announce Android Auto compatibility with an on-board infotainment system. Harley-Davidson plans to make Android Auto available through a software update for existing Boom! Box GTS units in early summer 2020, and Android Auto will be a standard function on all 2021-model Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO™ and Trike motorcycles equipped with the Boom! Box GTS system.
With Android Auto, Harley-Davidson riders will be able to access favorite smartphone apps through the Boom! Box GTS and a wired connection to a compatible Android smartphone, making it easier to use favorite media, communication and navigation apps – including Google Maps™ – on the road while minimizing distractions. With the Google Assistant™ available on Android Auto, riders can perform actions by voice. Android Auto service is available in 36 countries (Google Assistant on Android Auto is currently available in Australia, Canada (English), France, Germany, India (English), South Korea, United Kingdom, and United States).
Harley-Davidson owners will be able to update existing Boom! Box GTS infotainment system software to enable Android Auto via a USB update on their own or with the support of an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. The Boom! Box GTS system also is available as an accessory that can be installed on many 2014-later Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike and CVO models that were originally equipped with the Boom! Box 6.5GT system.
The Boom! Box GTS system offers the contemporary look, feel and function of the latest mobile devices and tablets, with durability and features designed specifically for motorcycling. The 6.5-inch Boom! Box GTS is glass from edge to edge and has the sleek, modern appearance of the latest tablet devices and premium automotive displays. The Corning® Gorilla® Glass touch-screen surface is the same durable and scratch resistant cover glass used on billions of mobile devices worldwide. Boom! Box GTS will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay® compatibility (Apple CarPlay functionality requires use with optional Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories headsets) and can project phone functions to the screen, including streaming apps, weather, and traffic, so riders can enjoy and use familiar functions installed on their phone. The Harley-Davidson App helps riders get the most out of their time on the road with features including recommended rides, ride planning, ride recording, riding challenges and the ability to find Harley-Davidson dealerships, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, motorcycle events and other attractions. Learn more at www.h-d.com/app.
Bike Week Bikernet Weekly News for March 5th, 2020
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY-– Since it was such a crappy day, I sat in my recliner and started thinking about life. I came to realize that as I have grown older I’ve learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everyone off is a piece of cake.
Condoms don’t guarantee safe sex anymore, a friend of mine was wearing one when he was shot by the woman’s husband.
WHAT A DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!
QUICK – CLICK HERE TO READ THE WEEKLY NEWS
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Harley-Davidson T-Shirt Quilt Sells for $11,500, Money Goes to Charity
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
For more than a century, the Harley-Davidson name has grown so large that now it far exceeds the confines of just motorcycle manufacturer moniker. For some people – and they are not few – Harley has become a way of life.
For true fans of the brand there are few things that cannot be associated with this famous American name. From motorcycle-related hardware to less-so items, there are countless ways in which the brand is honored.
One strange, yet apparently very satisfying way the Harley name is used around the world is quilts. There is an entire industry dedicated to them, and the Internet is flooded with people bragging or trying to sell their quilts.
You can generally buy a Harley-Davidson quilt for sums that start from around $100 for a twin-sized U.S. bed. But this one here, pictured above, was sold at the end of February for $11,500.
It went for so much because there’s a story behind it. It was made by a British Columbia quilter named Bobbi Pardy to help Adaura Cayford, a 9-year-old currently undergoing treatment for an inoperable brain cancer.
Pardy spent around 60 hours assembling the quilt from donated T-shirt wearing the Harley-Davidson name and logos, sent to her from places as far as Saudi Arabia and Ecuador.
Once ready, the quilt was sold at the end of a 10-day auction event for $11,500. And even if that seems a lot, just think Adaura’s medication costs $5,000 per month, according to Alaska Highway News.
“I had to do something,” the creator of the quilt said according to the source. “I thought this was something I could do. It’s my time and that’s it. It’s a really cool T-shirt quilt.”
Despite the effort made by these people from British Columbia, Adaura’s fight continues. For those willing to help, a Go Fund Me page has been created where more money can be donated.
Indian Motorcycle Introduces All-New 2020 Scout Bobber Sixty
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
America’s First Motorcycle Company continues to move the industry forward by providing riders with a wide range of options of which to choose from. Today, Indian Motorcycle introduced the 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty, a more attainable and lightweight option for riders who expect the same premium quality and craftsmanship they’ve come to expect from Indian, combined with a stripped-down aesthetic.
Starting at $8,999, the Scout Bobber Sixty is powered by a 78-horsepower engine and comes packed with performance features that appeal to all riders seeking mean, old school styling at a competitive price point. In addition, staying true to their commitment to self-expression, Indian Motorcycle will also offer an array of over 140 accessories for the Bobber Sixty.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S NEW SCOUT BOBBER SIXTY MAKES MEAN, OLD-SCHOOL STYLING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE THAN EVER
Minimalistic & Raw – the Lightweight Indian Scout Bobber Sixty Features Stripped-Down, Blacked-Out Styling, and a 60 Cubic-Inch, Liquid-Cooled Engine
Minneapolis (March 5, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced the 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty – a 999cc version of its popular Scout Bobber, that is 24 pounds lighter. Starting at $8,999, the Scout Bobber Sixty is a more attainable option for riders seeking Indian Motorcycle’s premium quality and craftsmanship combined with a stripped-down aesthetic.
Powered by the same 78-horsepower engine as the Scout Sixty, the Scout Bobber Sixty’s light weight, nimble handling, and low center of gravity will appeal to all riders seeking mean, old school styling at a competitive price point.
“Bringing a stripped down, old-school Bobber priced at $8,999 is something we’re very excited about. We’re proud to provide such a dynamic offering at a price point that makes owning an Indian motorcycle extremely attainable to an even wider range of riders,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle.
The Scout Bobber Sixty maintains the stripped-down styling of the Scout Bobber, including chopped fenders and a confident riding position, while adding several cues that give the model a look of its own. The Scout Bobber Sixty features a blacked-out engine, a modern tank badge, perch mount mirrors, stripped down headlight, an all-black seat, and all new five-spoke all black wheels.
Riders looking to customize their Scout Bobber Sixty can do so by selecting from more than 140 authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories. Riders looking to venture outside city limits can enjoy a comfortable ride with Indian Motorcycle’s an all-new color matched comfort seat and passenger seat options.
Shipping to U.S. and Canadian dealers now, the Scout Bobber Sixty is available in Thunder Black and Thunder Black Smoke paint with ABS and non-ABS versions. Scout Bobber Sixty pricing starts at $8,999 with financing options as low as $111 a month.
Learn more about Indian Motorcycle and the Scout Bobber Sixty by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com and following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.