Hey,

I’m confused today and most days. A lot of the info circulating about the Coronavirus is doomsday bad. I believe we have a handle on it, and hopefully we will know by Monday.



Reports are circulating that 70 percent of the population will be infected. That’s not even close during this cycle and with social distancing. It could be less than 20 percent. A death rate of 3.5 percent is also being circulated. It could be as low as .07 percent. That’s half of what the regular flu death rate is.

Think about those numbers. The President’s team is looking hard at all the data this weekend and will report on Monday. Since I’m old, I’ve been sequestered in the Bikernet Headquarters, my favorite place on earth. Yesterday, I worked with brothers on articles, helped post some articles and posted articles on the Blog.



I’m beginning to work on an article about Dr. Hamster’s Panhead project for Sturgis, which is supported by the crew at Paughco. We are calling it the Pandemic, seems right. It’s going to be a classic.

Yesterday, a brother stopped by who has also been hiding out. He bought a cool box from Home Depot for the back of his truck for storing tools. It had forklift legs and they needed to go. I was waiting on some parts, so I told him to get over here and we would handle it. We kicked around a few notions, he told me a great beginning biker story, which I will try like hell to put into writing, we cut off the legs and I sent him on his way.



Then I turned to the Torpedo. I spoke to Micah McCloskey the other day and he volunteered to ride through virus ridden Los Angeles to the Headquarters on the coast for a final test run on Sunday. That did it, I needed to finish my Torpedo projects and get ready. I’ll cover them in the News ending. In the meantime, let’s hit it.



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







STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM Hall of Fame Highlights–Class of 2020

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is featuring Hall of Fame Highlights of this year’s outstanding new group of inductees. Here is a glimpse at what they had to say. For the full story join us at the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (tickets available below). Congratulations and welcome to this year’s Freedom Fighters Wayne & Susan Lettau.

*Please note: Hall of Fame Highlights will be published as we receive them from the Inductees. We look forward to sharing information about all of our Inductees in the weeks and months to come.



Wayne & Susan Lettau


Wayne & Susan Lettau’s journey together began in high school. Wayne and Susan eventually got married, moved a couple times and settled in a house outside of Sturgis. Soon after settling in the local ABATE chapter called, they needed some help with their annual Easter Seals Poker Run. Wayne & Susan jumped on board and have never looked back. By the end of 1997, Wayne was chapter Secretary and Products Manager and Susan was chapter Treasurer.

By 1998, Wayne had taken over as State Secretary, while continuing as Chapter Secretary. Wayne’s job as Chapter Secretary meant he was responsible for the newsletter and membership. Susan took back over the Treasurer position in 2003.

When the chapter was looking for a new Secretary, no one was interested in taking over the Newsletter Editor and Membership Secretary along with the Secretary position. So, Susan took over those positions along with Treasurer and still does all three jobs along with MANY other ones to this day.

ABATE and motorcycle rights have been a big part of Wayne & Susan’s adult lives. As with all things, there have been successes and failures, but it has always been worth the effort. The many wonderful people they have met and worked with along the way have made their lives very rewarding. Neither one of them could imagine a life lived any other way.

2020 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

Wednesday, August 12

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM MDT

The Lodge at Deadwood
100 Pine Crest Drive
Deadwood, SD 57732





BUELL BROTHER AND BONNEVILLE—I spoke to Drew who took over Buell brothers and loves his wife and Bonneville almost as much.

He mentioned that a Tim Remus book on Bonneville inspired his efforts to go after salt flats racing. He mention that his first effort on the salt was guided by our book The World’s Fastest Panhead, around our 2007 Bonneville effort and an old SCTA manual. He still has our book, published by Tim Remus on his desk.



He is now working with Ray Wheeler to take Ray’s race bike back to the Salt. Ray spent well over four years working on and investing in his wild racer. He has health issues and we would love to see his speed monster make a pass.

–Bandit




RSD COMBATS PANDEMIC BLUES WITH THE CORONA VIRUS BIKE BUILD OFF–
The team at RSD has come up with a cure for the quarantine boredom, enter the #CORONAVIRUSBIKEBUILDOFF. With lots of cash and prizes up for grabs, we want to see your best builds. The C.V.B.B is a global contest open to all things two wheels …maybe even three.

The Corona Virus Bike Build is the “if I only had the time to work on my bike” incarnate.

As most of us are sequestered to our homes, we are encouraging bike builders from all backgrounds to help flatten the curve and finally tackle that project that’s been sitting idle either in the garage or your imagination.

We’ve teamed up with key industry sponsors @motulusa @ridedunlop @bell_powersports @fox @paughcoparts @pit_viper @lexinmoto and @bikergearclub to kick in cash and prizes to aid in the completion of your builds. RSD has even discounted most RSD hard parts at 19% off across our website.

Like most things we do, the rules are loose.
Rule #1 Build what you like, we’d prefer it be two wheels and motorized, but if you build a badass trike or a bicycle, we won’t be mad.

Rule #2 #hashtaging a completed build is ok, but you probably won’t win.

Rule #3 We don’t know when this shit show is going to end, so as of this time, there is no official end date. Our best approximation is Mid May or five to eight weeks from today. That said, things could change and be extended or shortened due to severity.

Rule #4 Socialize!! Have fun with it. Talk about it, hashtag, share it with friends, basically do everything you’re not supposed to do right now, just do it on social media. Show your fellow builders support, like and comment on projects that you love or maybe ones you think need a little extra help. Keep it funny, treat people with the respect you afford yourself and stay away from everyone!!!

Rule #5 This is a worldwide competition. We are all in this together borders and oceans may separate us, but the heart of the two-wheeled culture is alive and well and lives through all of us and the Corona Bike Build Off.

Judging will take place all online with special guest judges, so make sure you are following our channels and using correct hashtags to get noticed and have a chance to win. Post often and Tag always. The more active you are the better your chances.

There will be specific giveaways pertaining to the sponsors, so be sure to stay in touch and follow the #coronavirusbikebuildoff hashtag on Instagram for up to date info. And tag #coronavirusbikebuildoff @rolandsandsdesign @rolandsands @motulusa @ridedunlop @bell_powersports @fox @paughcoparts @pit_viper @lexinmoto and @bikergearclub

“What are ya gonna do when there’s nothin to do? Why not build a motorcycle!” says Roland Sands of RSD.“This is the time to get after those projects we’ve been meaning to get around to since the entire motorcycle community is on collective pause.”

Be vigilant, stay home, build bikes, have fun. Put that quarantine to work and put that work in while on quarantine!






SPEAKING OF RECORDS–My name is Florin Moraru. I’m contacting you in the possibility of a future partnership.

Right now, I’m preparing myself and my motorcycle, a 2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, to set a new world record for the longest distance made in 24 hrs.
All the info regarding this project can be found here https://www.gofundme.com/f/j7qhs-harley-davidson-world-record .

After this project, I plan to make another adventure travelling all the National Parks in US, then to make from Alaska Aric Cercle all the way to South Argentina.



This are for 2020.

Also, in 2021 I plan to make a second world tour, but because in the previous tour I traveled only 51 countries and 3 continents, now I want to reach 160 countries and all 5 continents.

Everything will be upload on my website www.advcruise.com , my Instagram profile and my Facebook page.

Also I will collaborate with local and national media and tv in order to promote and obtain visibility.

In case you see an opportunity and want to become partners/sponsors in this type of project this is my personal email address and my cell phone is +1 7025920483

https://www.facebook.com/florin.moraru.967422
https://www.instagram.com/p/B99r3s1DkvK/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/j7qhs-harley-davidson-world-record
https://www.facebook.com/GSworldriders/






DIRECT FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY–For the first time, China reports zero local infections.

China on March 19 reported no new local infections for the previous day, a milestone in the ongoing fight against the pandemic. The news signaled that an end to China’s epidemic could be in sight.

However, experts said the country would need to see at least 14 consecutive days without new infections for the outbreak to be considered over. And the announcement did not mean that China recorded no new coronavirus cases. Officials said that 34 new cases had been confirmed among people who had arrived in China from elsewhere.







NEWS FROM OPERATION GRATITUDE–
As the safety of our volunteers, staff, and recipients is always of paramount importance, we have been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation locally and nationally.

In accordance with the guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other public health organizations, and as a precautionary measure, we have canceled our March 21st Assembly Day in Los Angeles.

Through this decision and in our daily operations, we are actively taking measures to reduce the exposure or accidental transmission of COVID-19. We will continue to assess the situation, and provide routine updates through our website, social media and “Weekly Briefing.”

While we wait for a time (hopefully soon!), when we can get back to our usual business of taking action to say “thank you” to all who serve and forge strong bonds, I want to share this two-minute video of the first Assembly Day at our new FOB which beautifully captures the energy and dedication of our volunteers:


“Volunteers are the heart and soul of Operation Gratitude. Without our volunteers, we cannot accomplish our mission.” That’s why we have launched our new Facebook Group for you. Operation Gratitude In Action is a community that allows our dedicated volunteers to get to know each other, share their Operation Gratitude stories, recruit other volunteers, and keep up-to-date with amazing opportunities to give back in a hands-on way.

Making connections is an important part of our mission – and with this new Facebook group, you will be able to stay connected to one another and to us here at Operation Gratitude, even during times when it may not be possible for us to get together face-to-face. There are always actions we can take — even from home, even as individuals, to support all those who serve. I’m excited to be part of this new group with you, and to see how a community of volunteers can inspire each other to take action every day, and call on others to join our movement!

Also on Facebook, be sure to check in next week when our Chief Operating Officer, Paul Cucinotta, starts his monthly Facebook Live Q&A series, “Ask Paul!” What questions do you have for Paul about our operations? You can reply to this email or to him directly at PaulC@operationgratitude.com with your questions, and he will read and answer them live on Facebook.

As a final note, I want to express my sincere appreciation to you by sharing the email from deployed Soldiers who received the Care Packages that we assembled and shipped on February 29th.

“We are currently deployed and we would like to take a moment to say thank you for all of the care packages. So here are a few pictures of us. We really appreciate EVERYTHING you guys have done for us. It has helped us out tremendously! You have made us smile with these boxes. THANK YOU AGAIN VERY MUCH!!”

We will have plenty more emails like this one from recipients around the world to share with you in the next “Weekly Briefing”, as well as an update about the impact of COVID-19 on our operations nationwide. Until then….

With Gratitude and Semper Fidelis,

Kevin M. Schmiegel
Lieutenant Colonel USMC (Ret.)
CEO, Operation Gratitude






MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION ALERT–COVID-19 Lobby Ban

As Congressional leaders seek to implement massive legislative initiatives in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, numerous policy changes are being considered. Some of these initiatives are unrelated to the underlying situation and are being put forward by both political parties.

One legislative proposal put forward by the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R.6379 – Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, would ban lobbying by corporations that accept Federal aid in any stimulus legislation. You can read the legislative proposal in Section 407, CONDITIONS ON FEDERAL AID TO CORPORATIONS. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) believe that one of the most important rights guaranteed in the First Amendment is the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The MRF prides itself on actively petitioning the government on motorcycle related issues and the curtailing of that right, even if not aimed at our organization, is troublesome. We understand that these are trying times, but any infringement on our fundamental Constitutional Rights is not the answer.

“While the MRF continues to monitor the ever-changing legislative initiatives out of both chambers, I want to let you know that we are still busy being a ‘watchdog’ on Capitol Hill,” stated MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “I want to reassure you that we will continue to navigate and execute our political mission with our long-standing ‘Total Vigilance’ in the coming days and weeks.”

We will continue to monitor the legislation as it moves through Congress and keep you updated as it pertains to anything motorcycle related or the operations of the MRF.







SPRING ROAD HAZARDS ALERT FROM THE LEADER–Spring is just around the corner (or maybe where you live it’s already here)! It’s a good time to review some of the more common road hazards we riders face.

Here are Nine Common Road Hazards to be ultra-aware of.

Rough roads
Gravel
Edge breaks
Expansion & bridge joints
Animals
Slick surfaces
Rain/water
Railway tracks & crossings
Debris or objects in the road
For tips on how to handle each of these hazards, click here.



$30 Off eCaddy SLIDE Mount
The SLIDE mount might just be the most secure mount for phones, GPS and other devices.

Its flexible design accommodates a variety of devices (with and without case/cover) and make it safer and more convenient to use a phone or other device on a motorcycle.

Select styles up to $30 off.

–from Leader Motorcycle Accessories




LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2012 Harley-Davidson® FLTRXSE – CVO™ Road Glide® Custom for $18,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8613397

2012 FLTRXSE – CVO Road Glide Touring Screamin’ Eagle 110ci



With its classic design, the Harley Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom is considered one of the most wanted hot rod touring models in its class. The 2012 Harley-Davidson FLTRXSE CVO Road Glide Custom is offered with an exclusive multi-color paint scheme, a new high-output sound system and a host of fresh custom components.

Its distinctive feature is the shark-nose which not only protects the rider from wind, but also gives the entire bike a pretty unique look. Then, there is the strong, air-cooled, Twin Cam 110 engine, which is mated on a 6-Speed Cruise Drive gearbox and delivers a combined fuel consumption of 41 mpg. Plus a parade of CVO goodies too numerous to get all in this writing!!!



ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

**Just 23,856 miles on this 09’**

White / Black paint is like new with raised Willie G (skull) tank logos. Vivid Black tank strap with CVO graphics. Vivid Black 14″ apes, H-D chrome/rubber grips, black levers, round mirrors, tinted wave windshield and a raised Willie G emblem on the front of fairing. Dual hi-reflective headlamps, chrome smoked lense blinkers, vivid black fork shroud, chrome lowers, axle caps on 7 spoke cast chrome / vivid black wheels.

ABS anti-lock braking system, 110 motor badges and chrome exhaust with custom chrome tips. Vivid black motor and engine covers including Screamin’ Eagle chrome 90* stage one air cleaner with black contrast cut cone, timing with chrome H-D logo cover and 110 derby cover. Solo diamond stitch seat, pillion, chrome / rubber floorboards, passenger pegs, mini padded backrest and quick detachable vivid black luggage rack. Chrome engine guard and LED fender support rear tailights. Much more…

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to roll!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Only $18,995 at Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155









SENIOR EDITOR ON THE MEND—Rogue, the Bikernet Senior editor had shoulder surgery in February and his healing nicely. “Hanging in doing Rehab and shoulder is doing well,” reported Rogue, “I can sit on motorcycle and reach the handlebars as part of rehab. They want me wait a couple of weeks before I actually do road test. But all is good.”






ALERT FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–
“Dear Museum Supporter,

If you recently received our mailing regarding the opportunity to win this Retro Bobber pictured here, we hope you respond soon.

If we missed sending a mailer to you, please call (319) 462 3925 or email us at museum@nationalmcmuseum.org and we’ll add you to our next mailing.

You can also go to WIN a MOTORCYCLE! or click on the photo below and purchase tickets right from the website or download an entry form to mail back.

Thanks very much for your important support of the National Motorcycle Museum.

–Jill Parham,
“Chairman of the Board”




MC NICHOLS STILL IN BUSINESS NATIONWIDE–Hole Customer:

As we mindfully operate our business during this uncertain time, the well-being and safety of our customers, associates, and communities remains a top priority.

McNICHOLS® products and services are regularly used in critical manufacturing, infrastructure, military, and medical applications. It is for these and other reasons that we have been deemed an “Essential Business”, and therefore our nationwide Metals Service Center locations will remain open to support your vital projects and needs.



At our Company Headquarters and in all Metals Service Center locations, we have enacted several protocols to keep our customers and associates safe in our day-to-day business. These include, but are not limited to, following social distancing guidelines, sanitizing facilities in our customer waiting and service areas, and keeping our operations areas hygienic. If you would like to learn more about our protective measures, additional information is available at https://www.mcnichols.com/about-us/newswire.

Please allow me to remind you that our in-stock inventory and nationwide coverage has never been stronger. Additionally, each location is equipped with processing and fabrication equipment to deliver “install-ready” specialty metal products that our customers rely on to operate their businesses daily.

Since 1952, our goal has been to provide superior service and quality, and our team of knowledgeable associates are delivering on this promise, safely. Your needs are essential, and so is our commitment to serve you. If you have any questions regarding your McNICHOLS service, a Customer Service Specialist is available to assist you at 800.237.3820, sales@mcnichols.com, or via Live Chat at mcnichols.com.

Inspired to Serve!®


–Scott McNichols
President




NEWS FROM THE GRIFTERS--We hope everyone is staying safe out there. We wanted to update everyone on our situation. Our new production has stopped due to the outbreak, we hope to be back up an running soon.

In the meantime we are offering up 20% off everything on the website. If your item is not in stock, we kindly ask for your patience as we will sewing once we get the green light from the local government. If your item is in stock, we are still shipping daily.
Stay Safe! We will all get through this together!

Our mailing address is:
Grifter Company
1827 Reynolds Ave
Charleston, SC 29405





A BIKERNET LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT–
You and your team are doing a tremendous job all-around and with the virus. The media has no responsibility or culpability to the American public, only to their selfish agenda to get the story of the day or week. They don’t care how hard you work, or if it you’re upset or pointing out their fake news. They don’t care.

We are about to face an opportunity to embrace a worldwide question. As you know, many countries and states have taken on the Zero mandate to save lives. They fail to embrace the notion that Zero means Zero freedoms and ultimate control, which will never work except for the annual agency budget requests. It’s nuts.

Now, we face decisions regarding the Coronavirus. Do we prevent more illness or deaths, or set our people free to work and live again. Or we can put it: Do we continue to try to curb the virus with every effort to save a single life and let a major portion of our society go broke, starve and live in terror.

At some point we need to embrace and celebrate risk. Risk means we live, party, ride motorcycles, invent, climb mountains and have a blast, but in the process, some will get sick and even some will die. What’s it going to be?




THE END IS NEAR—Not! We will continue to party until the end, whether they like it our not.



I hit the Torpedo yesterday afternoon. I adjusted the trail to be almost 14 degrees of rake. As soon as someone is brave enough to stumble into the shop, I will get help checking the toe-in again. I had it at exactly 1/8 inch.

I made a guide to hold the throttle cable and clutch cable out of the way of the body, for ease of assembly. I’ve replaced all the lead sheet fasteners with countersunk bolts. I’m trying to make the body happy and to slip into place with ease. We don’t need to be fighting it on the salt.



I attempted to adjust the chain. It seemed too tight and I need to safety wire the axle. I got close and will complete it later today. Tomorrow, I should to check on the paint progress, if I’m allowed on the streets.

I need to put the battery tender on the Torpedo battery, and finally take the Torpedo off the lift, check the tire pressure, fire it up and prep for a Sunday test run.

It’s never a dull moment around here. I’m hoping for a batch of Paughco parts to arrive. The Pandemic is flying together. My Funky Pan is ready for the next run to Deadwood.

Okay, I’m certain the administration will come to a conclusion about this virus over the next few days and hopefully we can get back to being alive. Then we can ride free once more…

–Bandit

Hey,

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

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

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

Let’s hit the news:

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Doc Robinson
Tech Editor
Heavy Duty Magazine

NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION REPORT–Turn Signal use on a Roundabout

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

The Indiana Court of Appeals says no.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEWS FROM KENTUCKY MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION–
Primary Bills:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018 Indian Motorcycles – Indian Scout Bobber

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

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

**Just 8,192 Miles**

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

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

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

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

**Open 7 Days a Week**

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

Only $9,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later,
–STEALTH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hell yes, enter it and thanks.–Bandit

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

I need a pill, even the wrong one,

–Bandit

Bandit, you bastard,

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

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

–J.J. Solari

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

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

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

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

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

-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

–from Capt. Bitchin

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

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

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

It’s that easy.

[page break]

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

–Sheriff
The Source SHERIFF MEDIA GRIUP SWEDEN

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

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

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

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

NEW FROM BILTWELL—Oversized Bars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride Free Forever

–Frank Ball Jr. 

FrankballJrink@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–NorthWalesLive.com
Daily Post.co.uk

–From Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal

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

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

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

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

April Fools 🙂
LIND the automotive family

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Specifications

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

The Model: 1 from American Tomahawk

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

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

Features

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

Specifications

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

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

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

www.americantomahawk.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us about your journey as an adventurer?

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

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

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

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

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

What kind of rider are you?

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

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

What is your definition of adventure?

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

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

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

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

What is your next motorcycle adventure goal?

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

Photo credits: Leo Fvy / Amandine Paugnat

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

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

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

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

–Geno

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

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

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

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

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

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

PERFORMANCE MACHINE
www.performancemachine.com

Posted by DealerWorld

BIKERNET EDITORIAL SUGGESTION MEMO: Hey J.J.,

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

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

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

All the best in a world of lost ventilators,

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

Monk Ming,

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

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

–J.J. Solari

[page break]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–El Waggs
Chief Investigator
Bikernet.com™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–David Biller, Associated Press
Yahoo News

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

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

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

–Steve
Nelson, Nelson,
New Zealand

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

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

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

PAUL YAFFE’S BAGGER NATION
www.baggernation.com

–Posted by DealerWorld

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Bring Trailer.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MMA Announces 2020 Massachusetts Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, please see:

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

or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org.

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

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

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

Ride Free Forever,

–Andreas Dudda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Do List:

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

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

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

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

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

Rider fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

Hey,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–from Bob Clark

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

SKU: WA20A-A222

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

AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Idaho

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

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

–AMA

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

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

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

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

The Buckleguy Team
WWW.Buckleguy.com

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

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

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

–Geno

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

52100 Tool Steel
Nomad (Knife)
Weezerker
Outpost
Knighthawk
Bushcrafter

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

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

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

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

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

Kestrel Feather
Kestrel Trail Light
Ragnarok
Kukri
Snuggles

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

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

Sparrow
Coho
UCAP
Unmei
Dragonfly
Jungle Combat
Korbin

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

–Agent Zebra
www.AmericanTomahawk.com

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

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

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

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

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

A tender-hearted attorney story

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

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

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

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

“Bring them along,” the lawyer replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The grass is almost a foot high.”

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

Look at Congress — over 300 Lawyers!!!

–EL Waggs
Prominent Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Library

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

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

Waiting on steering arms and rods from Eddie.

–Bandit

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

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

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

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

Seats for Long Distance or “Touring”

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

Day Cruising Two-up Seats

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

Low Profile Two-up Seats

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

Renegade Solo & Pillions

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

Slammed Solo’s (S3) Seats

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

Pro Series Seats

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

Café Seats

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

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

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

[page break]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Nurse Corps

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Bandit

FACTORY NEWS–Harley Accepts Investor Board Appointee Plan.

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

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

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

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

Stop Press

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

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

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

–from DealerWorld

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

–RFR
Tech Correspondent
Bikernet.com™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–from Sam Burns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMA NEWS–South Dakota

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

[page break]

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

Photograph ©2014 Michael Lichter.

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

USING TURN SIGNALS on a Roundabout; Reader Comments Part 1

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

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

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

Readers’ Comments Part 1

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

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

–Jim Garry, New York

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

–James Crue, Minnesota

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

–Michael Lawler, California

–James, Texas

–Pat, Arizona

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

–Jeff Talbot, Oregon

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

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

–Donald, Wisconsin

–Mike Siedlecki, Oregon

–Jim Ely, Virginia

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

I have begun signaling a right turn before leaving a roundabout, if I need to change lanes, and as a courtesy to drivers who may be waiting to enter downstream.

–Aarne Frobom, Michigan, NMA Foundation Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The house also featured a secret escape tunnel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AND OF COURSE

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

–by Sam Atchley

–from Sam Burns

AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Connecticut

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

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

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

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

–AMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, we can ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

Hey,

It’s been an odd week. Remember, this is supposed to be the kick-off to our Roaring ‘20s and now we’re locked down. Plus, the Governor of California said recently about opening that everything will change in the future. No more major sporting events, etc.

What about dances and parties, will we all wear masks? Tough to smoke a joint or take a shot of Jack with a mask on? WTF, over.

Here’s another odd one. This Pandemic bodes well for individual transportation, like cars and motorcycles. All those folks who want us out of our cars and stuffed into electric subways or busses are going to need to rethink their plans. It also doesn’t work for a homeless population left to hang out wherever they want. 

Let’s hit the news and see what else floats to the surface. At the end I’ll report on all the shop projects and the kick-off to another Chance Hogan book.

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

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Unmet Needs Program offers grants up to $1,500 to eligible Veterans, service members and military families.

Since 2004, the VFW has provided more than $5 million supporting Veterans and military families who face an unexpected financial hardship related to their military service. The VFW program can directly pay eligible expenses with no obligation of repayment. VFW also provides referrals to other organizations should additional assistance be required.

After five combat tours in the Marine Corps, Sergeant Dustin Ellison was suffering from the post-war effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and severe PTSD.

“I thought [Dustin’s discharge date] would be the happiest day since he came home from service… I was wrong,” explained Heather Boyd, Dustin’s sister. “It was 100 [times] harder after war. It breaks my heart to watch my brother go through life like a ghost carrying guilt from serving for his country.”

Heather hoped Dustin’s struggles would end after being accepted into a 12-week program specifically designed to treat military-related TBI and PTSD. But when the severity of his condition and medical complications requiring surgery unexpectedly extended Dustin’s treatment, Heather feared her brother would leave the program if he was unable to keep up on his bills.

After learning about the VFW’s Unmet Needs program during a wounded warrior PTSD focus group, Heather reached out to VFW for help. An Unmet Needs grant came through just in time.

“I personally had depleted the money in my bank account… this was not only a relief for myself, but it allowed him the opportunity to focus on treatment and not stress about his lack of income,” said Heather.

Receiving an Unmet Needs grant provided the assistance Dustin needed to stay current on his bills. More importantly, it provided him the freedom to focus on his health – culminating with his graduation in January.

Heather explained that while Dustin still has work to do and will likely face daily struggles for the rest of his life, thanks to the VFW Unmet Needs program, he’s functioning better than ever.

VFW Unmet Needs Eligibility
Applicants must be the service member, Veteran, or eligible dependent listed under the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

The financial hardship must be due to one of the following:

Currently on active duty, whose financial hardship is a result of a current deployment, military pay error, or a discharge for medical reasons.
Discharged on or after Sept. 11, 2001, whose financial hardship is a direct result of military service connected injuries and/or illnesses.

The financial hardship cannot be caused by:

Civil, legal or domestic issues, misconduct, or any issues that are a result of spousal separation or divorce.
Financial mismanagement by self or others, or due to bankruptcy.
All grants are paid directly to the creditor and applicants must provide the most current bills due.

Household expenses – mortgage, rent, repairs, insurance.
Vehicle expenses – payments, insurance, repairs (major repairs for vehicles over ten years old
will not be considered).
Utilities.
Food and clothing.
Children’s clothing, diapers, formula, school or childcare expenses.
Medical bills, prescriptions & eyeglasses – the patient’s portion for necessary or emergency
medical care only.

Credit cards, military charge cards or retail store cards.
Cable, Internet, or secondary phones.
Cosmetic or investigational medical procedures & expenses.
Taxes – property or otherwise.
Furniture, electronic equipment or vehicle rentals.
Any other expenses not determined to be a basic life need.

The eligible and ineligible expense lists are not all inclusive. Each case will be carefully reviewed. Upon approval, payments will be made directly to the creditor. All applications are individually reviewed and the VFW reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact Unmet Needs at 1-866-789-6333.

The application is provided online only. To apply, click here to start your application.The process can take up to 20 business days while a caseworker reviews the application and supporting documents. Include the most recent bills due and the assigned caseworker will reach out to the creditor to verify all expenses. Payments will be mailed directly to the creditor after research is complete.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of the VA.

Aristeo Hernandez, Joseph Cardinal and Alyssa Morford are student interns working with VA’s Digital Media Engagement team.

–VA News

Harley-Davidson lays off staff, cuts salaries, amid coronavirus outbreak--The announcement comes weeks after the motorcycle maker withdrew its earnings forecast for this year, saying pandemic-induced disruptions could dent its ability to supply and sell motorcycles.

Harley’s shares were last trading down 5.7% at $18.25.

With the pandemic hitting their revenues and drying up cash flows, companies of all sizes are trying to conserve cash and bolster liquidity.

However, worries about the impact of the highly contagious virus, which causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19, on Harley’s business have prompted both Fitch and Moody’s to downgrade its credit ratings.

Harley has yet to quantify the impact, but Fitch says the company could see a 25% decline in sales this year.

Separately, Moody’s expects declining sales to undermine Harley’s liquidity position. At the end of 2019, the Milwaukee-based company had $2.6 billion in cash and committed credit facilities, which the rating agency says would marginally cover the $2.3 billion of debt that is due to mature in the coming twelve months at Harley’s financial arm.

As part of the cost cuts, Harley said it would “significantly” reduce all non-essential spending.

Its chief executive officer and board of directors will forgo their salaries, the company said, though it didn’t say for how long.

Salaries of the executive leadership would be cut by 30%, while most other salaried employees would see a reduction of between 10%-20% in their paychecks.

Outside the United States, it will take similar actions.

Harley said salary reductions will be reassessed at the end of the second quarter.

The company said it will also not hand out merit increases for 2020 and will freeze hiring.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Nick Zieminski
WWW.reuters.com

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA COVID ASSESSMENT BUREAU– Until further notice the days of the week are now called thisday, thatday, otherday, someday, yesterday, today and nextday!

Can we uninstall 2020 and reinstall it again?… I think it has a virus …

Just asked a 6-year-old if he understands why there is no school. He said yes because they are out of toilet paper

On the bright side, I am no longer calling this shelter-in-place. I am an artist-in-residence.

After years of wanting to thoroughly clean my house but lacking the time, this week I discovered that wasn’t the reason.

Where is your next travel destination?
– Las Kitchenas
– Los Lounges
– Santa Bedroomes
– Porto Gardenas
– Los Bed
– Costa del Balconia
– St Bathroom
– La Rotonda de Sofa

You’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home. One word can change your attitude and one cough can change your life.

Coronavirus has turned us all into dogs. We roam the house all day looking for food. We’re told “no” if we get too close to strangers and we get really excited about car rides.

If you thought toilet paper was crazy … just wait until 300 million people all want a haircut appointment.

2020 is a unique Leap Year. It has 29 days in February, 300 days in March and 5 years in April.

Wearing a mask inside your home is now highly recommended. Not so much to prevent COVID-19 but to stop eating.

–Dr. Sam Burns
Chief Physician
Bikernet Medical Center

BOOK DEAL OF THE WEEK–For the next 3 days, Kozmoto offers Bikernet readers a FREE download of his prophetic adventure thriller,THUNDERTAKER:

Zac and his sultry sidekick, Liz are on a motorcycle adventure in the Himalayas. They’re warned by Tibetan monks of an impending global pandemic launched by an underground Chinese faction to create financial destabilization.

Operation “Thundertaker” battles the evil faction, toxoplasmosis mind-control, and a hidden agenda that shakes humankind to its core.

Go to WWW.KOZMOTO.COM SCROLL DOWN AND CLICK ON (Send Me My Book)

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2016 FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide for $12,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8613395

The 2016 FXDWG pays homage to its predecessor yet embodies present technology. The Twin Cam 103 is an awesome power plant and with the weight to power ratio this Wide Glide kicks to 110 mph very quickly.

The safety of standard ABS brakes confidently slows you down.
Absent from the Dyna line in 2009, the FXDWG returns for its third tour of duty with a down-’n’-dirty, old-school-chopper-inspired look. The long, low look is largely a product of new suspension that has been shortened by 1 inch at both ends.

A black “wire? sissybar, which helps give the Wide Glide a 1970s street-chopper vibe. The black steel swingarm is controlled by a pair of preload-adjustable Showa shocks.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

Charcoal Pearl with flames and raised tank logos is like new. Vivid black console with chrome fuel caps and gauge accent ring. Vivid Black 12″ TBars, black mirrors, chrome hi-reflective blinkers, vivid black headlamp with chrome bezel, chrome fork, polished crossties, lower legs on vivid black 6 twin spoke cast wheels.

ABS anti-lock braking system. DanMoto black 2:1 exhaust. Chrome open stage one air cleaner. Black powder motor and covers including timing with vivid black H-D cover, trans with ‘six speed’, chrome horn / 103 derby covers, vivid black coil cover and battery case with chrome ‘wide glide’ band. Solo seat, pillion, forward controls, passenger pegs and very mini sissy bar.

Vivid black fender supports, swing arm, chrome adjustable shocks / chain guard, and black drive sprocket with a polished rim. LED stop / turn / tail rear lights with side license plate and good tires…

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to roll!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Only $12,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

BIKERNET DEADWOOD HEADQUARTERS—Some you don’t know it, but we bought an 1880s Chinese Whorehouse in Deadwood, SD. We know Chinese stuff ain’t currently popular, but some of the guys around here still love the soft creamy skin of Chinese girls and we are searching for Chinese Brass dragons for the whorehouse restoration.

For years we shopped in Chinatown in Los Angeles and in particular Angie’s family store, Wing Wa Hing Gifts & Arts Co.

Unfortunately, the major of Los Angeles has jailed all Chinese restaurant, laundry and shop owners. I was told they were being tortured in the city’s underground sewer system.

We are praying for them in hopes we can find just the right Brass Chinese dragons we need. –Bandit

LONG ROAD UPDATE– Hello everyone! Just a little update on the 2020 Long Road. I know we have all been going through some tough and scary times the last month or so. I hope and pray you are all well and that none of your family or friends health has been affected by what I shall leave unnamed as we are already pretty sick of hearing the name.

I’m really hoping we are still able to start the ride when we all meet at Nelson Ledges Quarry in N.E. Ohio on Sunday June 28th. I haven’t seen anything posted on LowBrow Customs website about them cancelling the GetDown from Fri. June 26th to 28th (for those who want to arrive early for the event) but I’m watching! The timing and progress of what’s going on makes things look like they may not happen at that time, but I’m keeping the date set at that for now.

If June 28th ends up becoming dead in the water as a start date, come HELL OR HIGH WATER, I still want to do a ride at some point in the summer and see as many of you as I can! We will all need something to look forward to, to brighten our spirits once this is over! Unlike the big events that are cancelling due to the tremendous logistical issues, we can be flexible as to a start date, provided the campgrounds actually open up AND, they open the borders so me and my fellow Canadians can into the US! Even if we have to schedule into late August or early September, I’m game!

My plan, as it sits, is still the same, starting at Nelson Ledges Quarry (whether the LowBrow GetDown happens or not), heading over to, and south along the Ohio River to the first stop. We then ride southwest through the heart of Kentucky to the Natural Bridges area about 40 miles southeast of Lexington. From there, we will head southwest through KY, into Tennessee, to a stop in the Crossville area, providing they’ve recovered from apparent tornados. Then, we will travel south into Alabama, where we will head west to the northwestern side of Alabama for a final night of revelry and debauchery!

Riding will take place with a departure from Nelson Ledges Monday morning to our final stop Thursday in Alabama, where we part ways Friday morning to head home.

I’d love to hear from each and every one of you, whether you are planning on doing the ride or not, just to hear that you and those around you are doing ok. I haven’t seen or heard from some of you in a number of years, so shoot me an e-mail, even if it’s only a couple of lines! Also, let me know how flexible you are on a future date or any other ideas!

Take care and stay healthy!
Uncle Ben (Brian Sauer) Guelph, Ontario, Canada

DAVID UHL ART WEARS A MASK–We are pleased to announce a very different, new piece by David Uhl. He plans to make this a series of watercolor paintings in different locales around the world, time stamped at these very interesting times we find ourselves in currently.

In David’s words, “One of the most fascinating effects about these times we are experiencing is the empty cities and landmarks around the world. I thought I should commemorate this unprecedented phenomenon with a series. This is Duomo di Milano, which is normally a large mass of humanity… So the pigeons have it to themselves lately…”

“Live to Ride, Ride to Live”

We will be offering prints on watercolor paper in two sizes at great prices. Each piece will hand-signed by David Uhl, numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The prices below are for the unframed prints. Framing is an additional $200.

** Image size appx 18×14, edition of 30 prints, $95 unframed

** Image size appx 24×18, edition of 6 prints, $325 unframed

Future pieces in the series will feature various cities and landmarks around the world.

Those purchasing this first piece in the series will have the first right of refusal for their matching edition numbers on future pieces in the series.

The original watercolor (measuring 20×15) is available. Please inquire.

You can place your order by return email, or by calling me at 303-913-4840.

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840

Uhl Studios Website

THIS IN FROM THE CROFT LEATHER WHAREHOUSE--I have been working on Dimebag. I’ve got the steel templates almost complete. The wallets will now feature card slots. Also looking at leathers and three different size.

Dimebag logo steel stamps to fit the wallet, card wallet and watch cover. Once I get all the material this week, I will be able to finalize the first three leather pieces.
I got to visit with a lot of new friends in Dothan, Alabama. Thank you all.

I gotta say getting to meet Berry at Accurate Engineering was like meeting up with a longtime friend.

If anyone needs a custom leather seat, please call or text 309-262-3179
I wonder if Dimebag could be a Dimebag Chopper Shop?

All the Best
–Adam Croft

[page break]

WOMEN’S MOTORCYCLE CONFERENCE ONLINE--A Virtual Gathering of Women Riders from Around the World
The first-ever Women’s Motorcycle Conference Online starts Friday with more than 14 workshops and 25 presenters over three days.

The focus for the virtual gathering, for women around the world, is reinvention, under the guiding principles of unity, community, and the freedom of the road.

Alisa Clickenger, of Women’s Motorcycle Tours, is the conference creator. She’s also the author of “Boost Your Confidence Through Motorcycling: A Woman’s Guide to Being Your Best Self On and Off the Bike.”

Register for the Women’s Motorcycle Conference Online here. Read More

–MIC

CNN publishes Chinese propaganda praising China, degrading the US Navy–

CNN this week published a report copying almost word-for-word a Chinese Communist Party press release praising the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s efforts to contain the coronavirus and degrading the U.S. Navy’s failures to do likewise.

Almost as bad as CNN’s promotion of Chinese propaganda is the network’s defense of its decision to run state-sponsored agitprop.

The story was a “single update from our international site’s 24-7 Live Story,” a CNN spokesman told the Daily Caller. He added, “[The story] explicitly states the sourcing as a PLA story and identifies the Global Times as ‘a state-run tabloid.’ That transparency is key as a global news source serving a global audience.”

His explanation, however, contrasts sharply with the fact that CNN has made significant edits to its report following online criticism — almost as if someone realized just how bad it looks for a supposedly serious and free news organization to repeat Chinese Communist propaganda nearly verbatim.

For starters, the headline to the CNN story originally read, “China’s PLA Navy is controlling coronavirus and aircraft carrier’s deployment proves it, report says.”

The opening paragraphs also read, “A Chinese naval flotilla headed into the Pacific over the weekend, evidence that the People’s Liberation Army Navy has done a much better job controlling coronavirus than the US Navy, according to a story posted on the PLA’s English-language website.”

The original version of the CNN report continued:

The report said that the Chinese carrier was carrying out this operation while four US Navy aircraft carriers – the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the USS Ronald Reagan, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Nimitz – have reported cases of coronavirus, crimping their operations.

The Roosevelt, now docked in Guam, has been hit the hardest by the virus, with 585 cases among its crew of more than 4,000 people. Almost all of them have been moved ashore on the island and work is going on to disinfect the ship, delaying its ability to deploy.

The PLA Navy has no such issues, Chinese military experts told the Global Times.

“Through the voyage, the Liaoning showed that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has done a great job in the epidemic prevention and control work and COVID-19 epidemic has not had an impact on its deployment and operations,” the story says, citing Xu Guangyu, a senior adviser to the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.

“It showed that the PLA can dispatch troops stationed anywhere at any time, with the troops always maintaining vigorous combat capabilities. The Chinese people can always count on them,” Xu is quoted as saying.

Just so we are all on the same page: CNN reported this week that, according to Chinese officials, the Chinese military has done a better job than the U.S. Navy of controlling the viral pandemic that the Chinese government tried to cover up.

Everything about the People’s Liberation Army “report” cited by CNN screams that it is government propaganda, yet it ended up on CNN’s website anyway.

How?

The original CNN story, bylined to an “international homepage editor” based at CNN’s Hong Kong bureau, was based entirely on a “news report” that appeared first on a Chinese government website. It is not the sort of place where an “international homepage editor” for a free press would normally trawl for genuine news items, unless the point was to contrast.

The author then made the judgment call that the Chinese government “report” was worthy of serious attention and news coverage, a decision that presumably required the backing of an editor. The author then wrote an article based entirely on a “report” that says the People’s Liberation Army believes the People’s Liberation Army is doing a great job. The CNN article was then (presumably) edited, double-checked by CNN web producers, and then published online. Considering the number of CNN employees who were likely involved in bringing the story to life, it is remarkable that no one flagged it for propaganda or even questioned the news value of a report that states simply that China believes China has handled the pandemic wonderfully.

A spokesman for CNN did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.

As mentioned in the above, the CNN story has undergone significant changes, including to its headline, which now reads, “Chinese state media claims country’s navy is not affected by coronavirus.”

The opening paragraphs have also been heavily amended. They now read:

The coronavirus outbreak, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year, has spread to more than 180 countries and sickened close to 2 million people, including more than 80,000 in China. Yet according to the Chinese government, not a single serving member of the country’s military has been infected.

The reported absence of cases among China’s armed forces comes despite the fact that thousands of military personnel were sent to Wuhan to assist in front line medical efforts. It also comes in sharp contrast to other military powers, notably the United States, which have seen an uptick in cases in recent weeks.
That is not as egregious as the original version, but the updated version still quotes “Chinese military experts” who say China has done a superb job of controlling the virus.

The fact that there is not even a single, solitary reported case of coronavirus in China’s military says only one thing: China is clearly lying about the severity of the viral pandemic within its borders. Amazingly, ostensibly serious and free news outlets are treating these lies as if there is some debate about whether they may be true or not.

There is no reason to trust China’s government on a good day. There is even less reason to trust it on a subject where it tried to fool the world.

by Becket Adams, Washington Examiner

ABOUT THE GENERAL MANAGER OF VINTAGE RIDES–Jules, Assistant General Manager for South-East Asia, South America, Africa & Mongolia

Age: 27 years old
Born in: Paris, France
Rider since: 4 years
Lives in: Lyon, France
Vintage Rides favourite trip: Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills
A motorcycle inspiration: Maxwell Hazan Motorworks

Hey Jules! How’s your confinement going?

I’m confined in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region with my brother, our girlfriends, our dogs and their cat! I’m very busy with my daily work, but during the weekend I appreciate being able to take the time to cook for everyone. Fresh pasta, risottos, vegetable stir frys… a real pleasure!

I feel reassured to have been back in France for a few months, and I think of those who are confined in worse conditions than me, unable to enjoy a large house with a garden. Of an optimistic nature, I tell myself that all this will certainly be over by this summer.

You’re one of the new recruits to the team. Can you tell us a bit more about your background?

I joined the Vintage Rides team just two months ago. My new position: Assistant General Manager. I make sure that our trips to South East Asia, Peru, Africa and Mongolia are playing out well. This includes booking hotels, managing the motorcycles for the different tours… I make sure that the passengers have a comfortable seat, that a member of the team greets the riders at the airport, in short, that all the details that make a successful motorcycle trip are taken care of, to guarantee unforgettable memories for our riders.

This is a new step for me after having worked for several years in the hotel and tourism industry abroad. A great experience that allowed me to backpack a lot since I lived in Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Burma and Lebanon. I intend to put this knowledge of the hotel industry to good use in the management of our future trips!

What kind of rider are you?

I rode a lot with my Royal Enfield Classic 500 during my two years in Burma, as well as a custom Scrambler on a small Honda Tiger base. The latter was ideal during my stay in Indonesia, for the winding roads of Bali!

Measuring 1m95, it’s hard to find a bike that doesn’t look like a Dax when I’m on it… My dream would be to own a Yamaha T700 that looks like a Dakar and can go everywhere. I also love Blitz or Baak custom bikes on old Triumph or CB550 bases, where the pleasure of riding exceeds the comfort.

Since my return to France, I have unfortunately not been able to ride a lot because I was very busy with my move to Lyon, but I plan to discover the region and take a tour of the Alps soon.

What was your first adventure?

In 2018, I set off with a friend on a two-week round trip from Delhi to Leh and back by Royal Enfield, without any mechanical assistance or any real preparation. On the menu: passes at over 5000m altitude, ball bearings that give up in the mountains, freewheeling descents of passes, with the engine off, to conserve fuel, and the discovery of mountain sickness! I left my comfort zone in order to give chance to chance, encounters, and mistakes. More than pride, it’s a multitude of memories that I will keep in mind and it’s certainly my most beautiful motorcycle experience.

With hindsight, I think we were a bit unprepared because even if we both had the motorcycle level, we were not well equipped! The only protection I had was a helmet and I hadn’t anticipated the rain gear at all. This experience helped me understand the importance of having the right equipment for the weather conditions as well as protective gear such as a jacket, a back protector and high boots (and rain gear!).

Could you share a nice encounter you were able to experience during one of your adventures?

During a road trip in Burma, in the Shan region, I had the chance to attend a traditional wedding in a local village. It was organized a little at the last moment but the spontaneity of this celebration touched me, as well as the natural kindness of the people.

What are your next motorcycle adventure desires?

I would like to develop my mechanical knowledge to participate in the creation of a custom or a renovation. I would also love to discover a craft with indispensable know-how in the motorcycle world such as saddler, metalworker or welder.

In terms of travel, having left France at the age of 5, my desire is to discover our beautiful country: I would love to discover the roads of the Pyrenees, Auvergne or Vercors.

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

ARCH MOTORCYCLE OF THE WEEK–

The ARCH 1s is a motorcycle that draws influence from both cruiser and street-sport riding to create a motorcycle that defies normal industry categorization. Featuring the first production single-sided billet aluminum swingarm from ARCH, the 1s also debuts new mid-controls to provide a more aggressive riding position and handling.

At the heart of the ARCH 1s sits the 124ci, high-torque ARCH/S&S V-twin downdraft fuel injected engine complimented by an ARCH designed exhaust system. The unique styling of the ARCH 1s utilizes a carbon fiber fuel cell integrating the air intake and filtration system. Striking use of steel and billet aluminum chassis elements combine with carbon fiber to create unique performance architecture, giving the 1s it’s distinctive styling.

ARCH Components

In addition to the hundreds of parts manufactured in-house ARCH Motorcycle also work in partnership with carefully selected brands to create proprietary parts purely for ARCH.

These include ARCH/Ohlins suspension, ARCH/S&S V-twin performance engines, Bosch Antilock Brake System (ABS), BST carbon fiber wheels, Michelin tires and more. ARCH Motorcycle utilizes the latest digital and CNC technology to produce parts that have been designed for each model in-house.
Wheels

BST 17×3.5-inch front and 17×8.5-inch rear carbon fiber wheels provide excellent handling characteristics and responsive feel.
Brakes

Dual six-piston ISR monobloc calipers and 320mm floating rotors (front), four-piston caliper and 266mm rotor (rear)
Suspension

The ARCH / Öhlins rear shock and FGRT front forks feature compression, rebound, and preload adjustability.
Bodywork

Aerodynamically-efficient, weight-reducing carbon fiber fuel cell flows into the sleek tail section to give the ARCH 1s an unmistakably aggressive profile while providing tailored performance ergonomics.

Powertrain

A fuel-injected ARCH/S&S 124ci American-made V-twin engine and six speed transmission produces instant torque in every gear delivering a powerful riding experience.
Chassis

More aggressive chassis geometry (26° rake and 4.4 inches of trail), a shorter wheelbase, redefined rider position via mid rear-set foot controls combine to communicate a comfortable and sport inspired riding experience.
Build

Assembled at ARCH Motorcycle’s Los Angeles, California facility, each 1s is built to order and the entire process takes 90 days or less to complete the motorcycle.

1S Specifications

124ci (2032) ARCH/S&S Cycle T124 45-degree downdraft fuel injected V-Twin engine
Proprietary six-speed drivetrain with compact high torque main-shaft and compact dry clutch
Billet and tubular steel frame with CNC machined aluminum backbone and sub-chassis
CNC machined single-sided billet aluminum swingarm
Carbon fiber fuel cell with CNC machined billet aluminum air intake, ARCH/K&N Engineering filtration components and integrated fuel filler enclosure
ARCH/Öhlins proprietary FGRT series fork, fully adjustable
ARCH/Öhlins proprietary rear shock with reservoir, hydraulic pre-load adjustment, fully adjustable
Front Brakes: ISR dual six 30mm piston monobloc radial mount calipers with ISR floating dampened discs
Rear brakes: single ISR four-piston monobloc radial mount caliper with ISR semi-floating disc
17” BST carbon fiber wheels
Michelin Power RS tires
ARCH/AIM Digital instrumentation display
Proprietary stainless steel / carbon fiber exhaust
High-output adaptive LED headlight
Custom tailored fit and finishes
CARB / EPA compliant

BIKERNET COVID REPORT—Bikernet Bandanas being tested all over the country. Here’s the lastest.

If you buy a book, a patch or a leather from the 5-Ball Racing shop you will receive an official Bikernet Bandana for free.

–Bandit

Rock Art meets Robotics–
Scribit robot draws the world’s oldest painting to your wall–At a time when public exhibitions are inaccessible and we must all stay at home, Scribit brings humankind’s oldest paintings to your wall, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the discovery of the Chauvet Caves in France. The drawing – inspired by one of the 32,000-year-old cave paintings – aims to make the restricted Cave accessible to all.

The 25th anniversary of the discovery of the world’s oldest painting in the Chauvet Cave in Southern France; a celebration of curiosity and adventure, has coincided with the current worldwide lockdown that has forced us all to discover new ways of enjoying our time.

At a moment when home is the safest place, Scribit – the write&erase robot developed by Carlo Ratti Associati – takes inspiration from our ancestors to bring the masterpieces of Chauvet’s 32,000-year-old paintings to your wall to bring you the excitement of exploration and the magic of rock art. The latest installment of the Scribit Originals series aims to raise awareness of the Chauvet project and the work that goes into preserving the delicate cave paintings, highlighting their importance as records of our history.

People can use the Scribit robot to reproduce the “Grand Cheval de Chauvet”, one of mankind’s most striking artworks, inaccessible to the public since its discovery twenty-five years ago. The project represents an unprecedented encounter between rock art and robotics, drawing continuity between human expression across the ages and technologies.

Scribit’s invention was inspired by Werner Herzog’s movie “Cave of Forgotten Dreams”, entirely filmed within the Chauvet Cave.

The cave paintings at Chauvet can be considered amongst the world’s great works of art; they are the earliest recorded marks made by man and more than twice as old as the next oldest paintings known to us. In a time when our curiosity is flattened by boredom, fast-paced scrolling and seconds-long attention spans, Scribit aims to reduce our screen time, acting as a low-refresh screen to provide an analog format for consuming digitally produced and shared content.

Scribit will recreate the Cave’s ‘forgotten dreams’ as it follows the gestures of the hands of the prehistoric cave painters, placing the user into the vein of history that flows from Chauvet into our homes today to bring us closer to our collective past.

Designed by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, the award-winning design and innovation firm led by MIT professor Carlo Ratti, Scribit is a write&erase robot that can turn any vertical surface into a low-refresh screen on which to display information from the web, user-generated content, and art.

Functioning as a “printer for walls,” Scribit ushers in a new way of presenting digital content and allows the user to instantly reconfigure and personalize a vertical plane. Following one of the most successful global crowdfunding campaigns of 2018, the device is now in mass production, with the first 1,000 units already sent to the backers. Scribit has been awarded in 2019 by Time magazine among the Best Inventions of the Year.

I found this interesting from an historic prospective and imagine when you can order this unit and have it paint a David Uhl or Scott Jacobs painting on a wall. Could be amazing. –Bandit

PAUGHCO ANNOUNCEMENT–
With business probably being a little slower than usual in your shop this Spring, we thought we’d take this opportunity to remind you that Paughco offers a very complete line of Trike Conversion Kits and components for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Plus, we would like to introduce you to our new line of Springers with round rear legs which replaces our original half-round style at lower price points, without sacrificing any quality. As with all of our other product offerings, the items shown on the following pages are 100% American-made in our manufacturing facility in Carson City, NV.

Until we all emerge from this public health-related economic downturn, we would like to remind you to stay safe and be well, and we’ll be here for all of your parts and accessory needs when business returns to normal.

Until then, we’re still open for business… so don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-423-2621 or visit our web site at www.paughco.com Best regards…

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY FREEDOM ALERT--Freedom…first they take your privacy…sb

CALLER: Is this Gordon’s Pizza?

GOOGLE: No sir, it’s Google Pizza.

CALLER: I must have dialed a wrong number. Sorry.

GOOGLE: No sir, Google bought Gordon’s Pizza last month.

CALLER: OK. I would like to order a pizza.

GOOGLE: Do you want your usual, sir?

CALLER: My usual? You know me?

GOOGLE: According to our caller ID data sheet, the last 12 times you called you ordered
an extra-large pizza with three cheeses, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms
0and meatballs on a thick crust.

CALLER: OK! That’s what I want …

GOOGLE: May I suggest that this time you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula,
sun-dried tomatoes and olives on a whole wheat gluten-free thin crust?

CALLER: What? I detest vegetables.

GOOGLE: Your cholesterol is not good, sir.

CALLER: How the hell do you know?

GOOGLE: Well, we cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records.
We have the result of your blood tests for the last 7 years.

CALLER: Okay, but I do not want your rotten vegetable pizza! I already take
medication for my cholesterol.

GOOGLE: Excuse me sir, but you have not taken your medication regularly.
According to our database, you only purchased a box of 30 cholesterol
tablets once, at Drug RX Network, 4 months ago.

CALLER: I bought more from another drugstore.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your credit card statement.

CALLER: I paid in cash.

GOOGLE: But you did not withdraw enough cash according to your bank statement.

CALLER: I have other sources of cash.

GOOGLE: That doesn’t show on your last tax return unless you bought them using an
undeclared income source, which is against the law.

CALLER: WHAT THE HELL?

GOOGLE: I’m sorry, sir, we use such information only with the sole intention of helping you.

CALLER: Enough already! I’m sick to death of Google, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and
all the others. I’m going to an island without internet, cable TV,
where there is no cell phone service and no one to watch me or spy on me.

GOOGLE: I understand sir, but you need to renew your passport first. It expired 6 weeks ago…

–Sam Burns
Official Bikernet Official
5-Ball, Inc. Nerve Center

[page break]

5-Ball Vest in Rehab-– We’ve had a few extra days of cool weather allowing me to use my vest again.  Rode to physical therapy today. I’m still lacking muscle strength, but will bend enough to get on the mid pegs so that’s a plus.  Maybe it’s time to finish the mid control replacement then.

–RFR

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK--Description: Willie G. Davidson with the number “1” logo he created in 1969 to celebrate Mert Lawwill’s Grand National Championship win, in the “Willie G Davidson – Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend” exhibition at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Milwaukee, WI, USA. September 4, 2015.

Photography ©2015 Michael Lichter.

Filename
150904_MLWI_151856.jpg

If you are looking for a particular bike or event shot for framing, reach out to Mike. He’ll have what you need.

–Bandit

TWISTED ROAD COMES TO BIKERNET.COM–How it works

01Find your motorcycle

Search from thousands of motorcycles all over the country. Looking for a particular brand or location? We’ve probably got it.

02 Book your days

PIck your days. After a short approval process, you’ll meet the owner to get your keys and inspect your ride.

03 Ride the world

Enjoy the ride of your life. Be safe. Be respectful. Have fun. Don’t forget to leave the owner a stellar review.
Learn more about how to list your own motorcycle on Twisted Road.

https://www.twistedroad.com/

If you check it out, let them know Bikernet sent you.–Bandit

STRIDER BIKE NEWS–Proceeds from auction support getting children on bikes in Kindergarten PE Class

Xavier is best known for being a musician – but as of late, he has come into his own in the motorcycle industry at his Texas-based Providence Cycle Worx. He’s built a few notable bikes, among them a Pan/Shovel called “Grace” that was recognized as the Easyriders 2019 Bike of the Year, and he has twice been invited to the prestigious Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Motorcycles As Art Exhibition curated by Michael Lichter.

Xavier, also known as “X”, was honored to be asked to build a tiny Strider Custom, especially given the roster of builders he would be included with.

X noted that he wanted to build his Strider Custom Bike for a little girl. He’s a strong proponent of women in motorcycling, and he’s also a believer in getting kids started young on two wheels.

As far as the custom build, Xavier left the frame of the 12” balance bike stock, painting it hot pink while making a custom tank and fenders to match the profile of the Strider.

The “tins” on the bike are also pink, with pink lace panels, pinstriping and tiny detailed fuel lines. He made custom mini apes to give it a chopper feel and to allow the rider to grow into the bike. The low-profile fender has ribbed fender struts to match. He also used the same style tank mount as he did on an S&S Shovelhead-style build he did last year.

The little gem of a bike is clean and sparkling, just perfect for a first experience on two wheels and a striking example of pure eye candy – just the thing to attract new riders! The Flying Piston was delighted to have X join the 2019 Custom Strider Program.

This one-of-a-kind Xavier Muriel creation will be auctioned off, starting Tuesday, April 14th at 12pm MT and will run for a 72-hour period.

Place your bid here: https://striderbikes.com/buy/auction/xavier-muriel-of-providence-cycle-worx/

About All Kids Bike®:
All Kids Bike® is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. 100% of the proceeds will support All Kids Bike and its mission to get Kindergarten Learn-To-Ride PE Programs into schools across the United States. For more information visit www.allkidsbike.org.

About The Flying Piston:

The Flying Piston is an organization that produces charitable events to assist in raising awareness and funds for nonprofits. The Flying Piston works with sponsors to increase their brand awareness and integrate their participation with cause marketing. Flying Pistons does this by developing programs and providing materials that sponsors can use for their outreach and to increase their effectiveness. The Strider Custom Bike Program is one such example.

For more information visit www.flyingpistonbenefit.com.

Check out the rest of the bikes at https://striderbikes.com/strider-custom-bike-auction/.

–Breiane Williams
breiane@striderbikes.com
605.342.0266

TATTOO ART OF THE WEEK FROM FRANK BALL JR.—He’s scrambling to fix his FXRP again. He broke an exhaust stud off. I coached him for several nights, but he kept breaking off the easy-outs.

Last night he removed the rear head. He’s considering a new set of modified Branch heads. He has these prints available on Instagram. Just search for Frank Ball Jr.

–Gramps

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
OPPORTUNISTIC BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 9, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/OPPORTUNISTIC_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_9_2020_.aspx

In my opinion politicians are the problem, a lot worse than the virus. So are we going to relive history and go to war with someone?

That seems like the procedure for getting economies fired up, maybe we could put the politicians on the front lines. Is Mc Namara available?

On turn signals, as a retired long-distance truck driver one of my pet peeves and still is, the turn signal. How goddammed hard is it.

One last thing, I have other Vietnam Vet friends, when we meet we shake hands, even if it’s the first time we meet. Anyway, have a good day.

I think I may go for ride.

–Alex
aj846@lycos.com
Deland, FL

We don’t need a war this time. We have a guy, who is not a politician as our President. He’ll fix the economy. Hopefully, part of the fix will be infrastructure… –Bandit

NEW FROM NAMZ–“Where the BRIGHTEST ideas come from!”

So Letric Lighting Co. has been on the scene for over a year now and as we continue to expand our product offerings, one thing remains the same, quality. We want to be sure to provide the very best and innovative lighting products on the market and we feel we are doing just that. Along with quality is value and being a lower priced lighting option, we feel that we have accomplished that as well.

But as you know, it’s not all about quality and value, it’s also about service. SERVICE, a very big word and one that carries a lot of weight. We do our very best, every day to respond within minutes for any message left on email, voicemail, Facebook or Instagram. Not just because it’s our job but because we want to prove that we are the best as what we do. Thanks for your support over the last year, more importantly during this pandemic that has swept the world by storm, we will always have your back!

And now we’re back in the office, we’re happy to release our new lighting sections for Indian® and multi-fit motorcycles! All of our Indian® 7″ headlamps will fit 2014-2019 models and they come with an adapter harness to allow fitment on 2020-Up models, EXCEPT the Scout®. Our passing lamp kits come with pigtails to allow the fitment of our passing lamps on models with OEM incandescent or LED passing lamps. No need to buy anything else when you purchase our Indian® lighting, 100% plug-n-play, easy to install, all at an affordable price!

Check our our entire lighting lineup at www.letriclighting.com!

–NAMZ

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—Here’s the ultimate is slick and slim contoured solo seats. Super simple design, Low profile and stripped down.

Perfect for any style bike: stock or custom
Fitment

06-UP DYNA
97-UP TOURING
04-06 SPORTSTER
10-UP SPORTSTER
FORTY-EIGHT
SEVENTY-TWO

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATES
Summaries of Latest Legislative and Regulatory Actions Available Now
The MIC’s Government Relations Office has a new roundup of regular reports to inform members of pending government proposals and actions that affect our industry. It’s free for MIC members.

More than 100,000 bills are introduced each year in state legislatures and Congress, and regulatory agencies account for thousands of additional initiatives. For the latest MIC reports, members should visit the government relations page, then click the relevant tab to access the new PDFs.

March 2020 Federal Legislative Update (GRB 20-003). Under the Bulletins tab, this update tracks current federal legislation of interest to the powersports industry.

State Legislative Summary – April 2, 2020. Under the State Legislative Summaries tab, this report summarizes all important powersports-related state legislation.
1st Quarter 2020 State Laws Summary (GRB 20-002).

Also, under the Bulletins tab, this summary reviews all significant powersports-related state laws that have been enacted through the first quarter.

1st Quarter 2020 Regulatory Review (FRAN 20-012). Under the Federal Regulatory Action Notices tab, this report provides an overview of current regulatory actions affecting the powersports industry.

–MIC

COVID REPORT FROM CANADA–
Just thought I’d drop a line.

Hope you and the whole Bikernet Crew are getting through this Bullshit. I’m safe, I got a gym in my house and I’m on an acre.

Love this picture. That is my style of a chopper. Cool Dude on it as well.

Take care guys.
The Best,
Terry Lovering & Family

Thanks brother. I know you’ve got it made until this passes. We are cool here as long as motorcycle parts keep arriving. –Bandit

SALT TORPEDO LIST—Here’s the ongoing list after the testing wreck. Hang on for a full report in a week.

Order new axle—Done

Order new fasteners for the spindled caps.-Done.

Take exhaust off and have the mouth straightened. I have removed the extension and will remove the system today to take it to my local muffler shop for adjustment and making another extension. This is done and Tim has finished it at San Pedro Muffle. I need to pick it up.

Take rear wheel off and check caliper bracket and rotor. The caliper bracket appears to be bent. Since the muffler was crushed against the lower caliper this needs to happen.–Done

Find someone to repair and true the wheels. Peformance Wheel in Long Beach can do the trick.

Check frame level.

Face front shock plate.

Fix damage fender, which I may do today.—Almost done

Make new fender brackets to fit new steering arms.

Total of 4 chromoly heim joints—they are here sans locking nuts.
8 spacers
2 rod ends.

The tank was shipped to Paughco and I had an initial discussion with Ron Paugh about it. We will get specific when he receives it. I discovered one of the tank mount tabs bent today.

Tank List:
The tank can’t move forward at all. It’s only 1/8 of an inch from the pilot’s roll cage now. The gas cap needs to stay in about the same spot. We cut a hole in the body so we could reach it. We are hoping you can install the recent venting system, so we don’t need to run a vented cap. Not a big deal.

If possible, we would like to move the petcock out bound about as far as possible. After we adjusted the alignment of the engine, the petcock was too close to the front of the rear rocker cover.

The tank can’t be taller but it can be wider by at least a ½ inch on either side and longer by a couple of inches.

That’s my list currently. The body will be completed Tuesday morning. I’m anxious to see this puppy. We considered flames, but the pilot vents made it impossible to fit flames in.

I ordered a less stiff set of springs for the front shocks from Suspension Technologies.

Rock and roll,

–Bandit

Buyers Are Still Shopping–
List Your Unit on Cycle Trader Today

Interested in selling your motorcycle or need cash? Let Cycle Trader help. Over 4 million buyers are looking for their next unit on Cycle Trader this month – now is the time to list yours.

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“My motorcycle sold within the first 24 hours after I listed it with CycleTrader.com. I was overwhelmed with the response.” – Bud O.

Ohne Titel Zwei Poster (or Print)

A few years ago, a customer sent us a postcard featuring this ‘Motorbike Monster’ painting by award-winning German artist Michael Sowa. Art can be very subjective, so we’ll leave it up to you to as to the meaning of this one, but we thought it was cool enough to share. The title of the original is “Ohne titel zwei”, which translates to “Without title two”…leaving it open to even further interpretation.

Regardless of that, it seems like Michael understands a bit about riding’s relationship to our inner lives. If this painting speaks to you, or if you know a rider who might enjoy it, select from a framed 8.5×11″ print mounted in a classic black 11″x14″ frame with mat, or prominently display the large 29″x20″ poster print on the wall in your home, office, garage or workshop.

Poster: $15.00 / Framed Print: $20.00
**Posters available now. Prints on back order and may take longer than usual to ship.**

www.aerostich.com
Our mailing address is:
Aero Design and Mfg. Co. Inc.
8 S 18th Ave W
Duluth, MN 55806

AMAZING, THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN–Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
DONALD TRUMP: I’ve been told by many sources, good sources – they’re very good sources – that the chicken crossed the road. All the Fake News wants to do is write nasty things about the road, but it’s a really good road. It’s a beautiful road. Everyone knows how beautiful it is.

Joe Biden: Why did the chicken do the…thing in the…you know the rest.

SARAH PALIN: The chicken crossed the road because, gosh-darn it, he’s a maverick!

BARACK OBAMA: Let me be perfectly clear if the chickens like their eggs they can keep their eggs. No chicken will be required to cross the road to surrender her eggs. Period.

AOC: Chickens should not be forced to lay eggs! This is because of corporate greed! Eggs should be able to lay themselves.

JOHN McCAIN: My friends, the chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.

HILLARY CLINTON: What difference at this point does it make why the chicken crossed the road.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don’t really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either with us or against us. There is no middle ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where’s my gun?

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken.

AL GORE: I invented the chicken.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken’s intentions. I am not for it now and will remain against it.

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white?

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won’t realize that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he is acting by not taking on his current problems before adding any new problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which is why he wants to cross the road so badly. So instead of having the chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I’m going to give this chicken a NEW CAR so that he can just drive across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

ANDERSON COOPER: We have reason to believe there is a chicken, but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road.

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he’s guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

MARTHA STEWART: No one called me to warn me which way the chicken was going. I had a standing order at the Farmer’s Market to sell my eggs when the price dropped to a certain level. No little bird gave me any insider information.

DR SEUSS: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes, the chicken crossed the road, but why it crossed I’ve not been told.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone.

KING DAVID: O Lord, why dost the chicken cross the road? And why art the chicken hawks beset around it? Surely in vain, the road is crossed in the sight of any predator.

GRANDPA: In my day we didn’t ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough for us.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn’t that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heartwarming story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

BILL GATES: I have just released eChicken2014, which will not only crossroads but will lay eggs, file your important documents and balance your checkbook. Internet Explorer is an integral part of eChicken2014. This new platform is much more stable and will never reboot.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

OKAY, SO WHAT’s GOING ON AT THE BIKERNET INTERGALATIC WORLD HEADQUARTERS?—Where to start. I’m working on the first Pandemic build story. It’s about a Panhead project for Dr. Hamster. He bought a bad basket case, but with several months of searching and rebuilding, we are getting close. Hopefully, the first report will be launched tomorrow.

I’m also getting close to a post-wreck Salt Torpedo report. Most of the parts will be in the shop this weekend. I spoke to Mike Stevenson, who once worked on 200 mph cars. He gave me a lot of clues and some new alignment tools. Hang on for more reports. The paint is in the gym but I’m not putting the body on until we know this puppy is aligned and the weight is properly distributed.

I started another Chance Hogan book, and I’m trying to get into my awake at 6:30 mode, so I can hammer at the keys until 8:00 in the dark shop, before life fires up and all hell breaks loose every day.

There are other projects around the shop and my grandson, Frankie, is constantly on the phone with his FXRP projects. We are working on a new order of Leathers and I’m trying like hell to have some Bandit’s Cantina Stickers made and a new batch of Bikernet stickers.

I’m looking forward to the weekend and working outdoors. I’m making a bench out of a Buell motorcycle galvanized pallet

Never a dull moment.

Stay healthy, this too shall pass, so we can ride free once more.

–Bandit

Hey,

I love all the doom and gloom, the blame and the conspiracy theories. As you will see, Joe Smith sent us some damn interesting images from the Spanish Flu era in 1918 that killed 500,000. We survived to have an economic collapse in 1929. There’s never a dull moment in life. The light at the end of the tunnel is bright!

I’m watching a lecture series about energy. The PHD explained in the last lecture that fossil fuels will run out shortly and from an historic prospective the whole industry will be just a blip on the history chart. Like oil came into play in the 1800s and will be gone in the 2000s, done deal. He thinks renewables might take over, but he’s not sure. Did you know that some countries are electrically powered solely with human waste. They make so much power, they can sell power to other countries.

Get this, we started to build a shitty waste industry here, but it became unpopular and was dropped, interesting. And nuclear energy is very efficient and less polluting, but because of Japan’s problem, we stopped building plants and went back to coal. By the way, coal is the most efficient energy making product on the planet. Just don’t breathe the dust. Let’s hit the news and have some fun.

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

NEW FLAT OUT LEATHER VEST FROM 5-BALL RACING—We’ve developed this from a notion by Jeremiah Soto. After awhile, we discovered several improvements and went to work on manufacturing a new model.

This puppy is too cool with comfortable invisible hand pockets in the front, traditional western leather chest pockets with snaps. Two deep gun, phone or camera pockets on the inside and out official, exclusive media pocket in the back. And the price is right.

–Bandit

BONUS TIPS for Riding in the Rain–Make sure your rain gear fits properly and is in good shape.

Choose bright colors for increased visibility.

Transfer wallet, keys, and other essentials to waterproof outside pockets.

Watch windshield wipers of oncoming cars to see if it’s raining ahead.

Put on all your waterproof gear and have someone turn the hose on you to check for leaks!

Rogue did the above test recently with a new H-D rainsuit. –Bandit

Source: www.leadermotorcycleaccessories.com

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
ODD BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 16th, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/ODD_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_16th_2020.aspx

It’s April 22, just tried watching the news again. When I came home in ’67, I wondered where the country I left in ‘65 had gone. Now I know, all of those hippies and draft dodgers became politicians, so it looks like they have found gift in this virus.

I cannot believe Americans will give up their rights this easily. The Spanish Flu killed over 500,000, but we did not give up our rights. These little dictators in public office are feeling the power. At least Nancy has her ice cream.

It’s crazy, it looks like a repeat of brown shirts taking away our freedoms. Shit enough of this conspiracy shit, went for a great ride today. Plan on the same tomorrow.

Good luck commifornia.

— A.J.
deland, FL

NEVER ENDING VIETNAM PTSD–It’s the way to deal with “survivors guilt“ in having survived the whole Vietnam experience. I have never come back from the ‘NAM.

I was just there again, last night.

–Dave Zien
Vietnam Vet
Wisconsin Senator

DEALERSHIP CLOSURES NEWS–
This just in, Tilley Harley-Davidson in Salsibury Nc has just announced the closing of this location after 22 years in business.

The store will be consolidated with their store in Statesville, NC. The dealersship was known for its Bike, Blues and BBQ events every September The event drew bikers from surrounding states. Sad to see this happen

–STEALTH
Official Correspondent
Bikernet.con™

NATIONAL MOTORISTS REPORT--Turn Signal on a Roundabout; Readers’ Comments

Editor’s Note: Part 3 will be the final chapter for readers’ comments on our Newsletter #585. More than 40 readers emailed us their thoughts on roundabouts. We did a tally on how many believe in signaling or not signaling in roundabouts:

46 percent for signaling
32 percent opposed to signaling
22 percent who did not indicate either way
For additional comments, please read Part 1 and Part 2.

Readers’ Comments Part 3

As you point out, the standard is to signal 200 feet before changing lanes. I can enter and leave pretty much any roundabouts in this county before my car has traveled 200 feet. If I’m at a 4-way roundabout, and I want to take the third exit, I would have to have my right signal on pretty much as I enter, then pass the other two exits without exiting at them, contrary to my signal. That is actively misleading the other drivers. If instead, I only signal after I pass all the exits I won’t be taking, and I’m going to be barely within the reaction time of anybody behind me who would care. The entire concept is ludicrous and unworkable.

CD, Arizona

Having driven in Ireland, where roundabouts are the norm rather than the exception, I followed the practice of signaling just before the exit. When driving on the left, roundabouts are clockwise and seemed easier than in the US, maybe because drivers are used to them!

Russell, New Mexico

First, let’s look at the reason we have turn signals. It’s basically to remove uncertainty (or surprise) by other motorists about actions you take that affect them.

Following that idea, in my experience with roundabouts, the most important place where uncertainty needs to be removed is the uncertainty on the part of a driver who is entering a roundabout, regarding whether the next car coming around will exit at that point (typically upstream of his entry point) or proceed around. “Is this guy exiting, in which case I can proceed to enter, or is he coming around, in which case I wait?” Of course, at some point, you find out one way or the other, but the uncertainty here (as in many different traffic situations) leads to hesitation at best, and an accident at worst. This makes the case that turn signals should be used when exiting the roundabout.

Using signals upon exiting the roundabout also addresses the second most important place where uncertainty needs to be removed— signaling the driver behind you of your intent to exit and of possibly slowing down.

Conversely, what good would using a turn signal when entering a roundabout do? Is there any doubt in other drivers’ minds that a car sitting on the approach to the roundabout intends to enter? There’s no possible element of surprise here. But what’s so bad about a little hesitation created by uncertainty? Not much, until you take the big picture view of the traffic system and multiply one little hesitation by millions of situations. It makes the difference between the free-flowing, coordinated choreography that we all dream driving could be, and the stop-and-go, jerk-action, desperate-last-second-lane-change situations that we actually experience.

Jim Toscas, Illinois

The funny thing about roundabouts—New Jersey used to be the king of circles, and the butt of Jersey jokes. NJ has all but eliminated them now, and I believe it is because out-of-staters (like me) never understood how to drive in them. I always figured the person with the least fear had the right-of-way. In Pennsylvania and other states, new roundabouts have signs detailing the right-of-way.

I was not aware of any law for signaling, but since I signal almost by instinct, I use that right turn signal to let oncoming drivers know I’m leaving, and they can consider entering the circle. I had hoped to create a trend by example, but it’s not working so far. No matter, I feel funny when I don’t signal (please do not consider me a holier-than-though; I simply drive a lot and have too much time to think about things like this).

Jeff, Pennsylvania

Totally moot. Nobody signals their turns (or stops), and the stupid state doesn’t use its overhead freeway displays to “remind” stupid drivers to do even simple things: move to the right, signal your turn, turn left from the left lane, right from the right, etc.

Big Wayne, California

Roundabouts come in many forms. Our county roundabouts are both single and dual lane.

For a single-lane roundabout, there doesn’t seem much sense in signaling at all. No lane changing because there’s only one lane. Signaling left to go left could defy the facts of turn signal mechanics, which decree that the turn signal goes off if the wheel is turned opposite to current direction, i.e., activate the right signal while turning left.

In our two-county dual-lane roundabouts, I use turn signals only when changing lanes within the turnabout. Good sense requires letting others know that I’m changing lanes.

Generally, the turns in turnabouts are gentle enough that reducing speed below the already slow turnabout speed is not required. Thus there is no impediment to traffic when a motorist proceeds out of the turnabout. I disagree with DefensiveDriving.com that signaling is necessary to exit turnabouts.

Roundabouts are very efficient traffic flow devices. They should be built everywhere possible to replace stop signs. Good sense and situational awareness have kept traffic moving since the first one was created. Adding complications like how many feet from a roundabout “out” to signal, or whether to signal, just impose an unnecessary burden on the driver.

Art, Colorado

While not elucidated anywhere in statute, lane positioning is a less obvious way of handling this. If you think about it, your position in the lane is strong, but a less obvious signal of your intended path. Activating your signal is, in a way, a conscious break in your driving flow, but in a roundabout, signals must be too precisely spaced for noncompliance to be reasonably ticketable.

It’s almost as if this case opens up a new venue for descriptors of reasonable driving. Acts and omissions that, while not ticketable, should be part of the conscious awareness of every driver.

How does a government or other sanctioning body define and disseminate rules and guidelines like this?

It makes me think of the difference between Japan and the US when it comes to issuing licenses in the first place. Think about how easy it is to get a license in the US vs. Japan. Now think about how easy it is to get a motorcycle license in the US vs. getting a 750cc MC license in Japan. We’ve made our choice in the US—we choose to license drivers with minimal instruction and make it possible to get a license without learning about subtleties like roundabouts. Yet, the mayor of Carmel, IN, wishes to penalize drivers for not learning about these manifestly untaught subtleties.

Eric, California

Everyone entering must turn right, so signaling does nothing but distracts both the signaler and the signaled. Everyone leaves by turning right, but they should be in the right lane unless it is a two-lane exit (rare), so nobody is affected, no need to signal.

Signaling lane changes in multi-lane rotaries is a good idea. A rotary where all exits are on the left would flow better, but requires expensive over/underpasses! There is a natural conflict between entering and exiting traffic with the right entry and exit. Also, we need education, so people realize that they can go around again if it is hard to get off!

David Pickett, New Jersey

No signaling. There are too many roundabout configurations which would require many different signaling rules. Signaling affects a driver entering the roundabout from the same road the car is exiting. Anyone who believes the signal of a car exiting is a fool. There are too many instances of cars mis-signaling to rely on the signals of a car exiting.

Mike Smyth, Washington State

The whole question of turn signals in roundabouts is ridiculous. In even the simplest roundabout (the intersection of two perpendicular streets), the last place a driver looks at is the taillights of the car in front of him. Safety demands he divides his attention between looking left and behind him for traffic that has the right of way, and cars entering from his right who may or may not judge his position correctly. Add to that, a requirement that he calculate distance from the next exit to know when to switch from signaling left to signaling right.

Turn signals should be used to alert other drivers that you are going to depart from straight ahead, so they can back off and give you room to do that. Everyone in a roundabout is going to turn, either right now or very soon. Everyone knows that. Turn signals simply add complexity for zero benefits.

The only safe way to negotiate roundabouts is to SLOW DOWN and be prepared to yield. Remember, the alternative is sitting and waiting for a red light to change. Just as a lane merge on a highway goes faster and more safely for everyone when drivers slow down, be courteous, and alternate, roundabouts are faster and safer for everyone when drivers do the same thing.

Stephen Leonard, Idaho

I just read newsletter #585, and I find the roundabout signaling issue to be a huge issue in my area. I agree that the right turn signal should be used. Especially as a vehicle approaches a roundabout to turn right, as that would allow a car waiting at the roundabout to yield to his right, yet still enter the roundabout, knowing the oncoming driver is turning, and his progress will not be impeded.

Signaling a left turn as approaching is ridiculous, in my opinion, as no driver actually tracks, or needs to follow, every other vehicle through 270 degrees of travel.

Where I live, confusion about what it means to yield is a significant issue in roundabouts. It seems many drivers feel the need to wait for at least one approaching vehicle to their left, whether they needed to or not, based on distances. Since this lengthens the time for every driver behind them, in a one-lane roundabout, traffic can back up for a mile in all directions during peak times, or if it is snowing. Yielding to the right of way does not mean you have to wait for one vehicle, which might be 600 feet from the roundabout. Roundabouts are made to slow drivers down. Now, drivers wait for a car that slowly enters and passes through the roundabout.

Tom, Wisconsin

I think this is the most ridiculous thing I have heard recently. It seems to me that the powers that be simply are, yet again, looking for a source of revenue, a reason to interject themselves into the personal life of ordinary citizens and have absolutely no interest in furthering traffic safety and protecting the lives of the citizens.

In some traffic circles, the distance between exits is so short that I believe confusion would be a significant problem. Of course, the government sees dollar signs. It is irresponsible government, like the ones pushing this in Indiana, who are turning law enforcement into tax collectors and diminishing their reputation in the eyes of the public.

Jeffrey, Pennsylvania

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK--2017 Harley-Davidson® FXDB – Street Bob for $15,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8475410

2017 Harley-Davidson FXDB – Dyna Street Bob 103ci

Power comes from an air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 engine that delivers a maximum torque of 98.8 ft-lb at 3,000 rpm. As far as efficiency is concerned, the engine delivers an average fuel consumption of 43 mpg.

The engine was carefully designed to work together with a modern Six-Speed Cruise Drive transmission that is perfectly suited for long journeys. For enhanced comfort the Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob is equipped with a slammed low rear suspension.The combination stop/tail/turn lighting and side-mounted license plate keep the chopped rear fender clean and smooth.

The Street Bob can be further personalized through our in-store parts department that allows customers to select options that personalize fit, function and style in more than 2,000 combinations. Add your touch to this bike.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

**Just 4,762 Miles!**

Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake Dyna with tank graphics is simply awesome and looks like a custom paint. Black powder console, chrome gas and fuel gauge caps with speedo ring. Vivid black 16″ T-bars, Roland Sands black contrast cut grips, polished levers, chrome mirrors, and blinkers.

Paint matching quick detachable quarter fairing, chrome fork, vivid black crossties, headlamp, lower legs on vivid black chrome laced rims. Chrome 2:2 exhaust. Circular chrome H-D logo stamped air cleaner. Black powder engine covers including inner primary, cam with vivid black 103 logo cover, rockers with polished band, chrome horn cover, vivid black battery case, coil cover, and polished 103 derby cover. 2-up ribbed seat, mid controls, passenger pegs, and vivid black back rest. Chrome adjustable shocks, vivid black fender supports, swing arm, and black drive sprocket with a polished rim.

Black powder chain guard and black drive sprocket with a polished rim. Black powder LED lit center mounted license plate and almost new tires. Chrome hi-reflective stop / turn / tail lights. Custom looking Dyna 103!!!

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection and can come with Lifestyles 90 day/1,000 mile limited warranty. 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**

Only $15,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

COOL ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE OF THE WEEK--Shot this cool racer in Daytona this year during Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed bike show at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley shop at Daytona Bike Week.

–Adam Croft

[page break]

BILLY BOB’S TEXAS & CAVENDER’S COLLABORATE FOR THE GOOD OF THE LONE STAR STATE--Performers Announced for Virtual Benefit Concert Saturday, April 25th.

Free, Donation-Based Virtual Concert Benefits Texas FFA Foundation
FORT WORTH, Texas – Billy Bob’s Texas and Cavender’s have partnered together to present “You’re Still Farming & We’re Still Singing” – a free, donation-only virtual concert benefitting the Texas FFA Foundation – on Saturday, April 25 at 7 PM Central.

Performances by
Aaron Watson – Casey Donahew – Cleto Cordero – Cody Johnson – Jack Ingram – Josh Abbott – Kevin Fowler – Koe Wetzel – Mike Ryan – Neal McCoy – Parker McCollum – Pat Green – Randy Rogers – Tracy Byrd – Wade Bowen – William Clark Green

Streaming on Billy Bob’s Texas Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/BillyBobsTexas
The virtual benefit concert will be the second for Billy Bob’s Texas. The club celebrated 39 years on April 1, but instead of a concert at the 100,000 square foot honky tonk, the concert was streamed online in order to uphold the Tarrant County stay-at-home declaration intended to limit the spread of COVD-19.

“This opportunity to continue to involve our yearlong Billy Bob’s Partners in a virtual concert for an organization that is benefitting kids in this western and agricultural industry is wonderful. It is such a creative way for this tight-knit group to all stay connected and supportive as a community during this time apart,” said Katherine Kolstad Laramore, Corporate Partnerships at Billy Bob’s Texas.

“The agriculture industry is as important as ever as it continues to fuel and feed America. The FFA is shaping the leaders of tomorrow and we at Cavender’s have pledged to lift them up. We have a 55-year history of supporting the communities where we have stores and this is a unique opportunity to support the future leaders of the great state of Texas,” said Jennifer Green, Public Relations and Special Events at Cavender’s. “We are very excited to be part of this event. We love to support Texas country music and the FFA. There really couldn’t be a better combination for Cavender’s,” said Clay Cavender.

The concert is free to enjoy, but donations will be accepted to help provide scholarships and leadership development opportunities for students and agricultural science teachers.

“Texas is blessed with three vital and renewable resources: youth, agriculture, and leadership,” said Aaron Alejandro, Executive Director, Texas FFA Foundation. “Our program empowers the dreams of our members today, ensuring they are dynamic influencers in the future. Together we will help our students be resilient today, so they will be stronger leaders tomorrow. Your support is helping make Texas a better place to live, work, and raise our families.”

The Texas FFA Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Charitable Contributions to the Texas FFA Foundation are deductible for federal tax purposes.

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK-– Alex Trepanier, of California, riding his single-cylinder single-speed 1913 Indian class-1 bike over the treacherous to motorcycles, wooden Wabash Cannonball Bridge in St. Francisville, Illinois during the Motorcycle Cannonball Race of the Century. Day-4 ride from Bloomington, IN to Cape Girardeau, MO. USA. Wednesday September 14, 2016.

Photography ©2016 Michael Lichter.
Filename
160914_MLMC_105032.jpg

For 40 years Michael carefully documented biker action all over the world. If you’re looking for a magnificent photo of an event, custom bike or chopper builder, slip over to his site and order your dream shot. —Bandit

RIDING FREE FROM DC: Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.

Congress Working from Home?

Like most American workplaces, Congress is trying to adapt to our new normal. The Capitol Complex remains closed to the public, and Congress has pushed back its return to D.C. until early May. Most Congressional staff is working from home, and most lawmakers have returned to their home states.

One interesting fact is that both Senate and House rules require that lawmakers must physically be present to vote on legislation. As many of you have attended Bikers Inside the Beltway will remember, Members of Congress are often seeing scurrying from their offices to the House or Senate floors for votes. Last year, some of our members gave the “elevator pitch” to a Congressmen heading to vote. By the time the ride was over, he had agreed to cosponsor our legislation.

If you haven’t seen the cosponsor numbers change on some of our legislative priorities, this is also a product of the Congressional lockdown. To add a cosponsor to a bill, Congressional staff must physically submit a form on the floor when Congress is in session. With Congress gone and access to the floor strictly limited, adding cosponsors has been nearly impossible.

There are growing calls to change these rules and allow for some form of electronic voting or proxy voting. Yet, at the moment, these proposals have been rejected. Lawmakers that live within driving distance of Washington D.C. have been told to be ready to return to the Capitol on short notice if and when votes are required. What’s considered driving distance to D.C.? Well, we at the MRF have members ride all the way from California to attend Bikers Insider the Beltway, so let’s hope lawmakers aren’t afraid of a long drive back to D.C. if needed.

Push and Pushback on AV Legislation

Last week Republicans in the House of Representatives pushed the idea that AV technology could aid in the fight against COVID-19. A statement released by Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee stated,

“Americans are wisely moving their daily lives to their homes during COVID-19 and following recommendations from public health officials to distance themselves from others. At the same time, these changes present hurdles as people seek to stock up on medical supplies, groceries, and other necessities without exposing themselves to this virus. Self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles, can be a part of the American advantage in meeting this challenge—if Congress steps up.”

Not surprisingly, this was met with push back by critics of past and current AV proposals, including Consumer Reports and the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. Consumer Reports stated in a letter to Congressional leaders,

“At this time of national emergency, Congress should be focusing on ensuring the health and financial well-being of families and individuals, not rushing forward with inadequate AV legislation that puts the interests of the auto industry and tech companies ahead of people’s safety on the road.”

This back and forth on AV legislation is an example of the political adage that you “never let a good crisis go to waste.” Both political parties are looking for opportunities in the massive pieces of legislation moving through Congress to win policy victories.

We as motorcyclists need to remain steadfast and ensure that the rights and safety of motorcyclists are not ignored in a rush to pass legislation. In the coming weeks, we will roll out additional calls to action. We thank all that have answered past calls and help spread our message far and wide.

State News – Idaho passes a distracted driving law

Distracted Driving HB 614 passed both the House and the Senate and has been sent to the Idaho Governor Little to sign it into law. After a rash of injuries and deaths in North Idaho starting about three years ago, ABATE of North Idaho (ANI) held a rally to find out how to end the needless accidents and deaths. We found that Idaho only had a No Texting law, and the journey began. ANI spent two years building a coalition of like-minded groups such as the Trucking Association, Tow Truck Operators, Law Enforcement Agencies, Bicycling, and Running groups. Even with a growing coalition working diligently, they remained unsuccessful in passing a law.

On the third year, the coalition grew by adding the Idaho Insurance Lobby, Idaho Coalition of Motorcycle Safety (ICMS), Fallen Rider Fund Idaho along with gaining the statewide support of Law enforcement, the legislation passed with a heavy majority vote from both chambers. The law takes effect in 6 months, with only warnings being issues until that time.

This legislation became law only through the hard work that everyone involved in the beginning by recognizing the importance of building a coalition and getting ICMS, FRFI, and Law Enforcement during the final year. Thank you to all who were part of this journey, as this would never have gotten completed without everyone’s help.

The very best thing about its passage is that it helps and protects everyone in the state. It is for all Idahoans, not just the motorcycle riders. Still, it only shows that we can all work together for the betterment of all.

From the D.C. Team

Typically, we do not send out “Riding Free from D.C.” when Congress is not in session, but we wanted to keep you up to date on issues that are important to us. They are not expected back in town before May 4th. I anticipate that we will continue to roll out our legislative priorities for you to engage with your elected officials over the coming weeks. We might not be working from our desks just south of the Capitol, but we are working home.

If you have any questions, concerns or want to share a funny meme, you can reach me at (202) 725-5471 or by emailing tiffany@mrf.org.

How are you staying sane during the quarantine? The D.C. team has picked up some new hobbies to pass the time. Rocky is growing a quarantine beard, and Tiffany is learning how to build guns.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

NEWS FROM OUR BANK–
Valued F&M Bank Client:

The U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are warning Americans about fraud surrounding Economic Stimulus Payments. Fraudsters may ask you to pay a fee to get your stimulus payment or convince you to give them your personal information in order to intercept your payment.

Farmers & Merchants Bank would like to remind clients to remain vigilant against fraudsters and to share the following FTC tips.

4 Tips for Avoiding a Stimulus Payment Scam

You don’t have to pay to get your stimulus money.

The IRS won’t tell you to deposit your stimulus check then send them money back because they paid you more than they owed you. That’s a fake check scam.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/coronavirus-stimulus-payment-scams-what-you-need-know.

If you are ever unsure about the authenticity of a phone call, text message, or email you have received, a good rule of thumb is DO NOT RESPOND and, instead, seek out the customer service phone number online, on the back of your credit or debit card, or on a monthly statement to call directly.

If you have questions or concerns, please call the F&M Bank Client Care Center at 866-437-0011 during the hours of Monday through Friday 7am – 9pm, Saturday from 8am – 9pm, and Sunday 8am – 5pm PT.

As always, thank you for being a Farmers & Merchants Bank Client.

–Daniel K. Walker
Chairman of the Board and CEO

WE HOPE the 7th Annual Beautiful Bikers Conference Returns to Long Beach, CA!–
Our 7TH ANNUAL BEAUTIFUL BIKERS ® CONFERENCE (BBC) Presented by INDIAN MOTORCYCLE, POLARIS will take place November 20 – 22, 2020 at the Courtyard Marriott, in beautiful Downtown Long Beach, CA.

The BBC serves as a destination for women who aspire to ride and women who are seeking new motorsports adventures. Our conference highlights the fearlessness and sisterhood of women who embrace the passion of the biker lifestyle. We honor female motorcycle riders and clubs, in celebration of their triumphs and accomplishments on ground. REGISTER NOW

www.blackgirlsride.com

Director of Reentry Initiatives for Right on Crime, John Koufos to Testify at DOJ Hearing on Crime Reduction and Reentry

Austin, TX–The President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, led by Attorney General Barr and the Department of Justice, will hold virtual hearings on the Reduction of Crime and Reentry.

Right on Crime’s Director of Reentry Initiatives John Koufos will be testify on effective reentry strategies that lead to greater employment and safer communities. Mr. Koufos has worked in criminal justice for over 15 years, including as a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney and as executive director of a large reentry program. He currently leads the Safe Streets & Second Chances project and works with government and the private sector to create better reentry systems across the country.

Thursday, April 23rd, Reentry Hearing, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Eastern Time – State of Reentry Panel
John Koufos, National Director of Reentry Initiatives, Right on Crime
Tony Lowden, Executive Director, Federal Interagency Council on Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry
Jason Hardy, Author of The Second Chance Club: Hardship and Hope After Prison, and Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Grant Duwe, Director of Research, Minnesota Department of Corrections

For more information or to schedule an interview you can reach out to me at mshirley@sbpublicaffairs.com, or via my cell at 571-449-1091

GRIFTER Turns 6!!!–All Gloves on Sale for only $59–We wanted to thank everyone for your support over the years by offering all glove styles at one low price of only $59. This means some pairs are up to 50% off! Grab yours today.

Please allow for longer shipping times due to demand and the Covid 19 Crisis.
We are back to work and sewing everyday.

www.grifter.com

ECONOMIC AID UPDATE–
Paycheck Protection Program,
Small Powersports Businesses
May Get Much Needed Boost

Small powersports businesses may be able to gain assistance from the Paycheck Protection Program, which is on a path to having its funds replenished after the U.S. Senate unanimously voted for another round of stimulus to help employers through the coronavirus pandemic. The House is expected to pass the bill tomorrow, and the president has indicated he would sign it into law.

“The bill includes $480 billion, most of which will benefit small businesses including $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program and $60 billion allocated to emergency injury disaster loans,” said Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president at the Government Relations Office. “Small powersports facilities across the country are still struggling and this will allow them to apply for assistance.”

For those applying for PPP funding, generally available for businesses with 500 or fewer employees, the MIC’s GRO issued a bulletin to hundreds of MIC members on Monday. To help ensure that small businesses are benefiting, PPP applicants must abide by “affiliation” rules. Businesses may be considered affiliated when one business controls, or has the power to control, another – and control may come through ownership, joint management, or other relationships, interactions or business practices between the parties.

The MIC joined more than 150 national trade organizations last week, writing to House and Senate leaders and calling on them to “act expeditiously to assure that the PPP will have the resources it needs….” The letter noted that “some companies have not even applied yet due to difficulties with, or uncertainty about, the program,” and that “there is unquestionably additional demand for this program that current funding cannot provide.”

“During these challenging times, the MIC remains dedicated to working with federal and state governments, as well as other trade associations, all on behalf of the powersports industry,” Schloegel said. “And we are committed to informing members about what they need to know and what resources are available to them.”

–MIC

SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK--2014-2020 Chief/Chieftain Heated Roadsofa™ CF Seat with Drivers Backrest

Brand Fitment: Indian
Model Fitment: Chief Classic/Vintage/Dark Horse, Chieftain/Classic/Limited, Roadmaster/Classic, Dark Horse, Springfield/Dark Horse
Year Fitment: 2014-2020

The Roadsofa™ is crafted specifically for riders that love lay down 500+ miles of the open road in a day. It is the ultimate long-distance touring seat for Harley-Davidson touring models. Standard features include rider and passenger Gelcore™ Technology, a split-cushion lumbar area designed to sit you into the Gelcore™ instead of hammocking your body onto the cover like most OEM and aftermarket seats on the market.

Upgrade options include driver’s backrest, extended reach profiles for the taller rider that needs that extra room, rider and passenger heated options, trunk pad covers and more.

Our Gelcore™ Technology (explained) is a guarded company secret that no other manufacturer can duplicate. Don’t be fooled by other companies foam only, air and gel stories. Our Gelcore™ is formulated and manufactured in house and is engineered to dampen, divert, and deflect energy through a mechanical process resulting in a smooth, therapeutic ride.

• Designed and made in the U.S.A.

• SaddleGel™ in front and rear reduces tailbone pressure and increases circulation and comfort for both driver and passenger.

• Our tall lumbar support and wide driver saddle-support the back and legs for superior comfort, while the streamlined nose improves the rider’s reach to the ground.

• The refined split-cushion design separates the seating surface from the lumbar support, reducing tailbone and back pressure from maximum long-range comfort.

• Every cover is constructed with contrasting carbon-fiber weave and Original Saddlehyde™ for that show stopping look.

• Hi/low seat heaters provide warmth, comfort, and the convenience that today’s riders demand. (Available on some models)

• Matching passenger backrest / Tour-Pak pad cover completes the custom look. (Sold Separately)(for models that require)

• Models available with a built-in backrest that eliminate additional brackets that mount to the fender. (Does not accommodate Saddlemen or H-D fender-mounted Backrest)

LATEST FROM HAL ROBINSON—Here’s another classic from the master. We are selling three pieces and T-shirts from the ‘70s in the 5-Ball Racing shop.

Check ‘em out.

–Bandit

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
ODD BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 16th, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/ODD_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_16th_2020.aspx

That’s my style chopper too…recognized the Pat Kennedy style, just gorgeous.

–Johnny
Humble, TX

ARCH MOTORCYCLE OF THE WEEK—The Method143.

The ARCH Method 143 is the ultimate production concept motorcycle. Created to realize an ambition of what could be achieved in motorcycle design, to offer the opportunity for ownership of a motorcycle normally not to be obtained… a concept.

A concept led by the design idea of layers and materials, carbon fiber, aluminum and fine leather. Layers that slide under or cover one another, intersect without interrupting the full intention of the master shape or continuity. Founded in an ultra-light carbon fiber mono-cell chassis, providing fuel storage, air filtration and strength, never before used in an American production motorcycle.

Each ARCH Method 143 ownership experience mirrors the rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind concept motorcycle.

The ARCH/S&S Method 143ci (2343cc) power plant exhilarates with power and confidence. The largest, most powerful engine employed within an ARCH motorcycle expresses either the outer-limits of two wheeled performance or cultivates itself within the boundaries defined by its dual ride modes.

Limited only by the number 23, each ARCH Method 143 will be unique unto its owner.
Wheels

ARCH/BST proprietary and exclusive to the ARCH Method 143 Ultra-thin Blade ‘Turbine’ Seven Spoke carbon fiber wheels (17×3.5-inch front and 17×8.5-inch rear).
Chassis

A first ever American production carbon fiber mono-cell motorcycle chassis incorporates fuel cell, air induction and ARCH/K&N Engineering filtration. The investment in rigorous design and engineering of the ARCH Method 143 mono-cell chassis provides unrivaled rigidity, weight reduction and handling defining ARCH Performance Architecture.

Powertrain

143 cubic inches of pure American muscle, the Method 143 is a torque-laden powerhouse equipped with a Six-speed transmission and dry clutch setup.

Hand-assembled at ARCH Motorcycle’s Los Angeles, California facility, the Method 143 is a limited-production motorcycle with only 23 units available for sale worldwide. Each Method 143 takes approximately 90 days or less to complete upon receipt of deposit.
Exhaust

ARCH/SC Project MotoGP-inspired titanium/carbon fiber/billet aluminum exhaust system.
Bodywork

Artfully machined textures express the ARCH METHOD 143 aluminum fuel cell and tail section exteriors. Leading the Method 143 layered concept is the stepped carbon fiber front fender and billet aluminum headlight housing, fork aero-foils, windscreen, air intakes, aerodynamic belly-pan, completed by the carbon fiber stepped rear fender.
Build

Hand-assembled at ARCH Motorcycle’s Los Angeles, California facility, the Method 143 is a limited-production motorcycle with only 23 units available for sale worldwide.

LATEST, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
Pandemic Project Panhead: Part 1

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Pandemic_Project_Panhead_Part_1.aspx

I got a headlight that is old chrome. It has a crack in the bucket. Braze it and call it a day. It has the mounting bracket. Can we horse- trade if you can use it?

–Gearhead
Torrance, Calif

You bet. –Bandit

FROM THE ADAM CROFT WORKSHOP–Working up ideas for a chain for the Dimebag leather wallet. A braided leather 12″ bull whip style with caps and hardware.

Adam Croft
Dimebag Leather

KAWASAKI SALES EFFORT–Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is proud to lead the way in revolutionizing the powersports industry yet again, streamlining the purchase process of Kawasaki vehicles, parts, accessories and apparel for the modern era. Working closely with our nationwide dealer network, KMC will be able to provide delivery of Kawasaki products to your home, all while ensuring a safe, timely, and professional experience.

“In these unprecedented times, Kawasaki is looking to ease some of the burdens facing everyone and give them the opportunity to experience Good Times™ again,” said Kawasaki Senior Vice President, Sales & Operations, Bill Jenkins. “We are proud of our dealer network for working with their customers to give them the Kawasaki vehicle delivery experience, while also following the guidelines set out in their local areas.”

In light of recent stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions, and social distancing recommendations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, participating dealers are now able to deliver Kawasaki products directly to your home or business. Our goal is to help facilitate purchases of Kawasaki products by those who cannot or may not wish to visit a dealership. These products include vehicles, parts, accessories and apparel.

Our Kawasaki dealer network is committed to providing a first-rate experience for vehicle deliveries, replicating as closely as possible the vehicle pickup experience at a dealership. This means that vehicle inspections will be performed at the dealership prior to delivery, and all required delivery checklists will be completed in your presence. Your vehicle will be delivered by trained dealership personnel who can provide a thorough briefing on vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety information, and not by a third-party delivery services or common carriers.

Parts, accessories and apparel will be delivered via third-party services or common carriers. Delivery for parts and accessories ends May 31, 2020, and other limitations may apply.

Due to variations in state and local stay-at-home orders, home delivery of vehicles may be unavailable in some areas. Accordingly, please contact your local dealer for additional information and to confirm that they are able to offer home delivery.

DESERT DAWGS RAIN GUARDS–Cut Down on Annoying Updrafts and Helmet Buffeting

Desert Dawgs soft lower motorcycle chaps (aka rain guards) eliminate road spray and keep you warmer without a bulky motorcycle fairing! Excellent fit; installs easily on motorcycle engine guard bar, highway bar or freeway bar.

Install in minutes

Protect your legs and feet from rain and cold
Protects your chrome from dirt, salt and bugs
Made of the highest quality materials and crafted in the USA

No temperature restriction – you won’t overheat!

Won’t rust or corrode

Ride longer – enjoy it more!

From a convenience standpoint alone, the Desert Dawgs win hands-down. Factor in a reasonable price and weigh that against the additional hours of enjoyment you’ll get while riding with the Desert Dawgs, and it’s a no-brainer!

Quality American manufacturing … check out the difference!

Photo #1 shows why there is no temperature restriction on the Desert Dawgs. While most of the air flows out and around the Desert Dawgs, our patented design allows enough air flow into the engine so you’ll never have to worry about overheating.

Photo #2 shows the Desert Dawgs on the right. A good sewing job means the Desert Dawgs will never come unravelled. The quality of the Desert Dawgs’ leather-like material is superior to the thinner vinyl material on the left.

Photo #3 shows the competitive product on the left (the white inner lining is a scratchy material), versus the soft lining (really a second layer) inside the Desert Dawgs (it will never scratch your chrome!). It also shows how seamlessly the Desert Dawgs connect – three well-placed snaps (versus a long line of velcro) ensure a tight fit every time.

WWW.Leadermotorcycle.com

NEWS FROM H-D– Weekly Coloring Sheets Hit Social Media

Print the XR750 coloring page to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this legendary flat track racing machine.
?

2020 marks the 50th year since the debut of the XR750 – the winningest motorcycle in AMA Pro Racing history. What better time than now for artists of all ages to be inspired by this Jet Fire Orange race bike?

The XR750 coloring page is one part of H-D’s plan to keep people engaged and connected throughout these times. We’re dropping coloring sheets each week and sharing our fans’ completed artwork that we find posted to #harleydavidsondrawing.

HISTORY OF THE LEGENDARY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® XR750 MODEL

Born in 1970 with the advent of the new AMA Racing equivalency formula, the XR750 was created by Harley-Davidson’s Race Team Manager Dick O’Brian and team to replace the highly successful outgoing KR750.

Using a Harley-Davidson® Sportster-based engine, the XR750 utilized modified cast-iron heads and cylinders, a magneto instead of generator, and improved oiling. In 1972 a new, more powerful all-aluminum alloy XR750 engine was introduced.

The perfected machine dominated flat track racing for decades to come. Between 1972 and 2008, the XR750 would go on to win 28 of 37 AMA Grand National Championships. The XR750 racked up more wins than any other motorcycle in AMA racing history and earned the description of being the “most successful race bike of all time.”

In addition, the XR750 became a cultural icon with legendary stuntman Evel Knievel at the handlebars. Evel Knievel began jumping an XR750 at the height of his career from 1970 to 1976, and alongside the exploits of the racing versions of the XR750 inspired a generation to ride.

THE SHOP REPORT–
Our 100 percent cotton bandanas have become so Covid popular we are now selling a Bikernet Bandana package with two bandanas and Bikernet Bling for less than 20 clams. Check out the 5-Ball Racing Shop.

I’m beginning to slip in the Morris Mag rebuilt mag into the Pandemic project and make up a set of spark-plug wires. Then I will shift to the carb. After that I need to install the front brake and install a new generator, wire it, install the Deny paint and go for a ride. Hang on for the next report.

This weekend I will shift to working on the Salt Torpedo. I still need the wheels checked and balanced. This time, we are going to slip through a much more advanced alignment process. Hang on for the next report.

I’m into the second chapter of my next Chance Hogan adventure. I’m thinking about posting the Chapters in the Cantina as I rough them out. Let me know your thoughts.

A couple of other techs are headed your way. Jeremiah installed a larger diameter Arlen Ness front brake rotor on his Dyna. That was a success so he bought a matching rear one and installed it yesterday. We will bring you the short install and rear wheel alignment tech next week.

Plus, Graeme from New Zealand sent me a story about buying a Goldwing in the states and shipping it back to NZ. Hang on for that.

We started the Builder of the Month reports with Michael Lichter photos. It’s going to be cool.

Diane, the lovely mermaid surfaced recently. I sent here a couple of Bandanas and she hand-painted this ball-cap for me. Very cool.

Rest and be king, this too shall pass…

–Bandit

Hey,

Is life wonderful or not. As we roll into May, more bored folks are coming up with wild conspiracy theories regarding the Covid attack, from political twists to Chinese takeovers.

I’m too busy repairing the Salt Torpedo, working on the expanding headquarters in Deadwood, building Dr. Hamster’s Pandemic Panhead and hammering away on the second chapter of my third Chance Hogan book. A friend from Simon and Shusters recommended, years ago, that I write a series. I spoke to the recently passed, Clive Cussler, from Phoenix, who wrote one series after another. He agreed.

Just be thankful for what you got–William De Vaughn 

See, life is amazing from the plants blooming in the Bikernet patio, to the lines on Christian’s bike, to the scalloped paint job Deny 925 is creating, to another magnificent sunset over the harbor and the thoughts of building another shop in Deadwood surrounded by rolling pine covered hills.

We will deal with this punk virus and keep riding towards the light. It’s an interesting news, hang on.

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

WINDVEST IS BACK–Harley Davidson Sport Glide Replacement Windshield

WindVest offers a variety of sizes of our WindVest Windshields for the 2018-present HD Sport Glide. They are designed with our unique flip at the top of the windshield, which gives the screen the ability to work taller than what it is.

This will give the rider the advantage of looking over the windshield and not through it. We use a high impact Acrylic/GE Plexiglass with all of our products.

Function, durability and performance are our goals. Sizes that are available range from 6” to10” in height.

For more details please visit our website at www.windvest.com or give us a call at 408-762-7180
sales@windvest.com

WindVest Motorcycle Products
16840 Joleen Way, Ste B2
Morgan Hill, CA 95037

BIKERNET STIMULUS PACKAGE—Advertising is cheap on Bikernet, but with Covid haunting the world, we’re going to make it cheaper. We are dropping our inexpensive rate by about 15 percent. Hope it helps.

Just reach out to us and we’ll explain.

–Bandit
Bandit@Bikernet.com
310-528-9258

POLITICAL PREDICTION—What if the President saved millions of lives, ended all the wars in the middle east, made us all rich, fixed immigration in the country, lowered crime, fixed the infrastructure for a growing population and fixed all the deals with other countries to have them pay their fair share?

The democrats would still say he didn’t do it soon enough, so he failed. Oops.

–Bandit

NEW FROM BDL--Enclosed conversion for early Tapered and Splined shaft kicker models

BDL’s enclosed drive part #61-39-SK-2 is designed specifically for fitment to 1955-1964 H-D Big Twins. The “S” in SK stands for splined engine shaft and the “K” stands for Kick start only. This is an 8mm belt, enclosed primary drive kit that accepts the OEM clutch hub most commonly known as the 3 finger hub.

The 61-39 indicates sprocket tooth count, 39 front and 61 rear. These two pulleys are the smallest BDL makes for the early model bikes in 8mm. The kit will work on several other splined shaft kick start models.

Call for details.

BDL also offers this conversion for tapered shaft models 1936-1954. The tapered shaft kit part number is 61-39-TK-1. Both kits run just $381.50 and can be ordered direct from BDL and BDL dealers worldwide. Phone 714-693-1313 ext 232 or 227 www.beltdrives.com

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WEEKLY VOCABULARY LESSON–ylem
[ ahy-luhm ]
noun

the hypothetical initial substance of the universe from which all matter is derived.

WHY WE CHOSE YLEM
Today’s word was submitted by one of our readers as part of our Word of the Day Giveaway Sweepstakes! The winner, Matthew Winter, told us: “It makes me think about how everything is connected. All living and inanimate things originate from the same source; we are all ylem.” Congrats, Matthew!

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF YLEM?
The modern definition of ylem is “the hypothetical initial substance of the universe from which all matter is derived, originally conceived as composed of neutrons at high temperature and density.” The spelling of ylem comes from John Gower’s 33,000-line poem Confessio Amantis (A Lover’s Confession) finished in 1390: “That matere universall / Which hight Ylem in speciall” (“That universal matter which is called Ylem in particular”). Gower’s ylem is one of several Middle English spellings (also ile, ilem, ylem) from Medieval Latin hy¯lem or y¯lem, the accusative singular of hy¯le or y¯le, from Greek hy¯´le “forest, woodland, wood, firewood”; Aristotle uses the phrase pr?te hy¯´le “primary stuff, matter, material.”

In 1948 Robert Herman and Ralph Asher Alpher, associates of Russia-born U.S. nuclear physicist George Gamow, adopted the medieval word because, as Alpher said,” it seems highly desirable that a word of so appropriate a meaning be resurrected.”

HOW IS YLEM USED?

One can call the mixture of particles ylem ( pronounced eelem ) -the name that Aristotle gave to primordial matter.

GEORGE GAMOW, “MODERN COSMOLOGY,” SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, 1954

The Ylem is the primordial—the Ur-stuff—out of which everything else is made.

JEREMY BERNSTEIN, “OUT OF MY MIND: THE BIRTH OF MODERN COSMOLOGY,” AMERICAN SCHOLAR, VOL. 55 NO. 1, 1986

—www.dictionary.com

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—Amazing Boot Cut Inlays.

Overview

All of our stitch patterns and inlays are crafted by hand – no computers!

The Boot Cut Inlay shown features genuine red ostrich on our Silhouette Solo with leather seating MSRP $483.00.

More material options can be found here.

Please contact your local dealer or contact us for custom pricing.
Pricing

Embossed Inlay MSRP :
Starting at $170 + std seat price

Genuine Exotic Inlay MSRP :
Starting at $324 + std seat price

EXCLUSIVE HAL ROBINSON T-SHIRTS AND PRINTS FROM 5-BALL RACING AND HAL’S EX–
Received the Hal Robinson T-shirts and the mug print, the latter of which was unexpected and appreciated.

But I really wanted to thank you for the novel. I’m enjoying it immensely. I can’t believe I’d never run across it before, but it comes to me now at the perfect time in my life.

Also, If you ever find the Miraculous Mutha stickers I’d like to buy several.

–Dave Lierz

NEW AMCA ISSUE AVAILABLE– The current issue is in the mail now. If you are still awaiting the mail man and have not yet received your copy in the mail, you JOIN and then slip over to the AMCA site to see exactly the same magazine, containing every page, every story and every ad, from your desktop computer, your laptop, your tablet or even your phone!

If you’re a New Member or a recently renewed member whose membership expired before April 1st, your first (next) printed issue will be the following issue but please enjoy this digital issue this month.

For those in the U.S. you will receive your printed copy within days, or may have already received it. Members in Canada and Mexico in a week or so and overseas in several weeks. That’s the main reason for this email. Regardless of your postal worker’s speed, everyone gets this version at the same time.

The digital edition is an invaluable tool for members who want to find a story from an old magazine. As new magazines are posted, we are building up an archive of past issues you can refer to anytime, without fumbling through that stack of printed magazines in the corner of your shop.

All you’ll need to take advantage of this wonderful benefit is login at our website and start reading.

In the May/June issue, you’ll get:

— The story of the season-opening Sunshine Chapter National Meet that brought together classic
machines and warm weather in Florida.
— A look at a rare 1912 Pierce Runabout, the lesser-known single-cylinder machine from the pioneer
of American fours.
— A glimpse into the inner workings of the British BSA brand as it tried to reinvent its product lineup
in the face of Japanese competition in the late 1960s.
— Plus much more

So go ahead, join , and experience The Antique Motorcycle Digital Companion Edition.

A WORD FROM THE TEAM AT S&S–We get that a substantial portion of our market is essentially on standby, but for the few guys that are still at it building bikes, we wanted to say a special thank you and flow them a fresh Stealth Air Cleaner kit.

We are insanely thankful and looking forward to a return to riding. ~DZ

Founded in 1958, S&S Cycle has weathered its fair share of storms. With each challenge, we’ve become even more grateful to the shops and riders who’ve continued to support our brand. As our small way of saying thank you, we’d like to offer a Stealth Air Cleaner Kit ($170 value!) for each exhaust purchased between now and May 31st, 2020.

That’s right, buy nearly any S&S Exhaust and we’ll send you a free Stealth air cleaner (good for up to 6Hp!) and some S&S gear as our way of saying thank you for continuing to support us even through difficult times. Offer is good in the US only and requires a receipt to redeem. Take a look at the S&S site for more details and we hope to see you out on the road very soon! https://www.sscycle.com/horsepower-stimulus-package

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE BRIGHT LIGHT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 23, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BRIGHT_LIGHT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_23_2020.aspx

Hey Man, just so you know the Pandemic Poem that was deemed to be written in 1869 was actually written in 2020 by Catherine M. O’Meara.

–Steve Scharrer
cycle1915@charter.net
Allenton, WI

I don’t get it. Why do people lie. Just tell the true and let it roll. Thanks for the correction. –Bandit

THE BIKERNET MEMORIAL DEPARTMENT–
Heavy heart and strong spirit of motorcyclism forever. RIP Goodtime Charlie—Adam Croft

Charlie had been out riding with friends and 2 miles from his house he was going around a bad curve and made contact with an oncoming vehicle.

Reports are he died at the scene.

–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com

Our thoughts go out to all the family and friends of former Easyriders staffer Kai Raecke, who passed away April 22 after battling brain cancer.

Due to Covid, only 10 peeps may attend his service, but the family is holding an open memorial ride in Canoga Park, California, on Friday, May 1.

VINTAGE RIDES STAFF INTERVIEW–Cindy, a Vintage Rider turned Office Manager

Age: 32 years old
Born in: Vichy, France
Rider for: 12 years
Lives in: Lyon, France
Vintage Rides favourite trip: On the Trail of Genghis Khan in Mongolia
Nickname in the team: The “Swiss Army knife”

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

I’m doing pretty good. I’m confined to my house in Mions on the outskirts of Lyon, with my partner and my cat Sic!

What I miss the most is going on motorcycle rides with my friends from the Moto Club association, of which I am a member. To pass the time until my next ride out, I avidly read Road Trip magazine as soon as I receive it. I also watch motorcycle travel videos: those of Vintage Rides of course, but also the adventures of the Viking Adventurer. I’m also watching videos of motorcycle reviews because I want to change mine. It’s time to get good information but it’s frustrating not to be able to try them out!

You’re one of the newest additions to the team. Can you explain what you’re doing?

I’ve been Office Manager for Vintage Rides for five months. My job is to be the Swiss Army knife: a bit of accounting, finance, HR and a bit of legal… I also support the other departments in the company. One of the nicest assignments I’ve been given is to work with an architect on the plans for our new office in Lyon. I have to make sure that everything is done to make the members of the French team feel comfortable there. It’s going to be our new cocoon and we want to be able to welcome our riders there. The work had just started when the confinement was announced, so I hope they will be able to start again soon!

What motivated you to join the team?

I was seduced by the spirit that I first perceived as a rider on what remains the most beautiful journey of my life: the Trans-Himalayan, guided by Josh. Riding on the highest road in the world… What a memory! I was 30 years old and I wanted to make this trip to mark a milestone.

In addition to discovering a culture so far away from ours and grandiose, breathtaking landscapes, the Trans-Himalayan was a true enlightenment. I learned a lot about myself and my limits in terms of motorcycle riding. Before starting this adventure tour, I had no off-road experience, especially on mountainous and winding roads.

Between the complicated and wearing traffic conditions (alternating between asphalt roads, fords, rocky tracks, muddy roads…), the dense traffic where priority is given to the biggest vehicle, and the altitude which, on the 3rd or 4th day, causes unbearable headaches, everything is played out in the mind.

I got a bit scared because I fell during the first days by not going at the right speed in a passage full of mud. But what a satisfaction it is to push your limits and keep moving forward!

At the end of the road trip in Delhi, I met two other people from the team who had come to debrief us at the hotel and they offered me a visit to the office. I loved the atmosphere. That was two years ago and at the time I had no idea I was going to end up applying for a job with Vintage Rides.

At the time, I was working as a lawyer in a very big company with almost 100,000 employees. Even though I didn’t understand it at the time, this trip turned me upside down. India made me want to live more simply and do something that makes more sense to me. I made the choice to end my career as a lawyer. I was still following VR’s social networks, so when I saw the ad for this job in Lyon I applied right away! I now have a job that I am passionate about and I hope to contribute to make other riders travel and dream.

What kind of rider are you?

I took my license at 20 years old, my father passed down his passion for motorcycling to me. I started riding a Suzuki SV 650 in 2008. I quickly became attached to my bike and I kept it until 2014. Now I have a Triumph Street Triple 675, on which I have ridden more than 40,000 kilometres.

I go out on my bike as often as I can, alone, in pairs or in a group, for short rides of a few hours, over a weekend or for several days. Next to Lyon, we have a lot to choose from. Since 2017, I have been part of a motorcycle club mounted by friends. There’s about thirty of us and we often ride together, we look for nice roads and beautiful landscapes but above all human experiences. Like in this Beaujolais gîte where we spent the evening chatting with the biker owners who share our love of old bikes.

I have already ridden a good part of the French roads (Alps, Corsica, Cevennes, Pyrenees…), and I am starting to tackle Europe (Italy, Switzerland, Spain).

What’s your dream bike?

I’m not sure there’s only one… I’m just thinking about my next one and the choice is complicated. I’m torn between a bike that’s made for adventure, like a trail bike, and a bike that makes me vibrate more, like a coffee racer or a scrambler. I recently tried the new Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, and I have a real crush, but I’m not sure that the café racer style is really suited to my desires.

I also recently rode on a Royal Enfield Bullet that I discovered in India, I was like a kid rediscovering the sensations of travelling.

I also dream of a Voxan Café Racer, for the mythical side of French motorcycling, but here again, it would be more of a collector’s bike, more than a bike to carve the road and go on an adventure.

In short, it’s hard to choose!

Do you have an anecdote to share with us about one of your motorcycle trips?

I have dozens of them! Often related to breakdowns, small glitches that can happen and also bad luck with the weather.

For example, with my Moto Club, we went for a weekend ride in Auvergne, in September 2017. We left Lyon in a rainstorm, we rode all Saturday in the rain, on our way to Puy Mary. At the summit, at only 1783 meters altitude, still under waterspouts, it was barely 2 degrees. At that moment, we settled down at a picnic table, still with our equipment, helmets, gloves and rain suits, to take a souvenir photo, laughing all together about the situation and completely forgetting about the cold.

What is your next motorcycle adventure goal?

The next trip that excites me the most is of course a trip with VR to Mongolia! Everybody tells me about it at Vintage and the immense steppes as far as the eye can see call me… Especially after several months of confinement, we all want to be in open space and nature!

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

[page break]

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8797820

At this price, this bike WILL NOT LAST! Custom paint and exhaust system, Only 2,695 miles. Too much cool stuff to list. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles 101-point safety/mechanical inspection.

2013 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Breakout®
The Harley Davidson® FXSBSE CVO™ Breakout® model is a premium custom motorcycle that mixes top-of-the-line features and detailing with a low, long and slammed power profile. Individually crafted and hand-finished, high-impact paint and graphics come standard on this CVO™ touring custom motorcycle.

Driven by a powerful Twin Cam 110™ Engine with 110 cubic inches of power, with a low cruising RPM for comfort and massive torque for performance, the Breakout® Harley® CVO™ model is a street machine with stylish appeal. The Breakout® FXSBSE model sports a unique polished metal paint with amazing hand-crafted graphics, the first time this kind of custom paint has been applied to a production model.

The Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Breakout® model has a chopped, slammed custom style that’s low, long and aggressive. Its LED headlights and two-piece saddle with pillion are high quality features that add distinctive custom styling. Don’t miss this all new model debuting as a CVO™ premium custom vehicle from Harley-Davidson®.

Exclusive CVO™ Enhancements

All the quality. All the legacy of the Harley-Davidson® name. Plus custom touches and performance that distinguish you from every other bike on the road. Sure there’s a little vanity. Premium custom. Big, tricked-out wheels. Deep attention to details.

Twin Cam 110™ Engine Heritage

The knowledge of what makes an engine truly move a rider runs deep at The Motor Company, and it was put to good use when we created the Twin Cam 110™ engine. We sweated bullets perfecting every cubic inch, pushing design and technology forward. And we did it all without compromising one bit of Harley-Davidson®’s unique styling.

Artfully Hidden Technology

Harley-Davidson® leverages the latest in technology without compromising style and function. That means we hide electronics. The whole wiring harness is skillfully routed behind the jewels of the bike—the tank, engine and all the other eye-popping features you want to see. It’s just another way The Motor Company goes the extra mile to give its bikes that premium, top-of-the-line fit and finish.

Low Seat and Pillion (Solo or Two-up)

Roll and stop with comfort and confidence as you sit slung close to your ride with the road in easy reach of your boots. This two-piece seat-and-pillion saddle sports rich black and brown leather styling with Hornback Gator accents. Together with the new CVO™ Breakout® model’s polished metal paint, the saddle creates a custom style that’s unmistakably premium.

THE BEST, New Bikernet Reader Comment!--THE BRIGHT LIGHT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 23, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BRIGHT_LIGHT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_23_2020.aspx

Uh, since we’re experiencing such a National Health crisis, please budget for additional Bikernet Medical Center nursing staff.

— Pauly D.
Chicago, IL

We’re all over it, er, her. –Bandit

STURGIS MAY BE CANCELLED—A secret meeting is planned for June in a Deadwood basement to make the final decision. The three armed men will be sitting at the first social-distancing black jack table.

We will report on the outcome.
–Bandit

LATEST NEWS FROM THE WHITEHOUSE–
For the most up-to-date information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, its common symptoms, and measures you can take to prevent its spread, please visit www.coronavirus.gov. To learn more about how you can help those affected by the coronavirus, including information regarding the need for medical supplies or equipment, please visit www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.

If you or your business have been impacted financially by COVID-19, please reach out to learn more about resources available to you. You can also visit the Small Business Administration’s website to find information regarding relief programs for those affected by this pandemic.

President Donald J. Trump believes the strength of our country lies in the spirit of the American people and their willingness to stay informed and get involved

Sincerely,

The Office of Presidential Correspondence

NEW FROM THE BUCKLE GUY-– Buckleguy.com with new sizes in our 1035 Heel Bar Buckle!

We are excited to bring into stock our classic 1035 Heel Bar Buckle in 2 inches! The sizing refers to the inner dimensions of the buckle. Our 1035 buckle is made from solid, low lead brass, and comes in all of our major finishes.

1035 Center Bar Buckle in 2″ Inches:
Antique Brass
Natural Brass
Nickel Plate
Nickel Matte
Thank you everyone, and stay safe!

The Buckleguy Team

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS–
Midwestern States Easing Business Restrictions

Michigan and Minnesota loosened some restrictions on businesses and manufacturers, allowing some to reopen.

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order that allowed industrial, manufacturing, and office-based businesses that are not customer-facing to return to work, with conditions. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer relaxed restrictions on some businesses and outdoor leisure activities, and the opening of state parks for day-use.

A new map on the MIC’s COVID-19 Updates page details reopening plans state by state.

A strip club in Oregon has had to alter its business model due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced restaurants, bars and venues to close their dining and showrooms. So, to help its employees continue to make money during the shutdown, the club opened up a drive-thru experience.

Shon Boulden, owner of the Lucky Devil Lounge in Portland, Ore., told Fox News that the idea for his club’s new drive-thru lane came about after he was contacted by a local event company.

Boulden said employees at the event company were also out of work due to the shutdown, but that they were willing to work with the Lucky Devil Lounge to create a new experience in the club’s parking lot. Boulden said he mulled over the idea for about a week.

“I didn’t want to bring the wrong kind of attention,” he explained. He says that his club has been following strict safety protocol since news of the outbreak first broke, and he didn’t want to do something that would look like they aren’t taking it seriously.

After figuring out a way to pull off the idea while still keeping the dancers safe and maintaining social distancing, Boulden said the club’s parking lot was transformed using tents, stages, music equipment and barricades.

After setting it up, he invited some friends and coworkers to try it out. He installed a GoPro on top of his car and drove through. When he reviewed the footage, he said, it was “awesome.”

“It reminded me of driving through a haunted house,” he said. “There’s lights, fog and a giant disco ball.” It basically works like this: Cars pull in and the DJ starts playing a song. Several dancers — wearing gloves and face masks — perform for the length of a song and then the customer’s food is brought to their car. The club even throws in a free roll of toilet paper (another item that’s been in high demand since the outbreak).

“They’re happy to see other human beings and to get the strip club experience.” One group even traveled all the way from Seattle to experience the drive-thru, and at least one regular drove through three times in one night, Boulden said.

“The dancers are happy to be working and be labeled as essential workers,” Boulden said.

–Michael Hollan
Fox NEws

BONNEVILLE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIAL OFFICIALLY CANCELLED—Delvene Manning, the boss, spoke to her dad on Wednesday. They informed the AMA and the BLM. Dennis suggested calling the Casinos in Wendover, Nevada. I said don’t forget the whorehouses.

See you on the salt in 2021.

–Bandit
Minion team member
5-Ball Racing Team

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2ortQpF-5I&feature=youtu.be

FOOD REPORT FROM TEXAS CONFIRMED--It’s easy to confirm on a dozen different news sources reporting. This is just neat because it’s straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak. So, it’s more emotive than a NYT article, for example.

–Agent Zebra
Official Undercover Investigator
Bikernet.com™

LACONIA POSTPONED– FYI – posted tonight on Laconia Motorcycle Week Rally FB page . . .

Tonight, the Laconia City Council voted to postpone this year’s Rally to August 22nd-30th, 2020. The Laconia Motorcycle Week Association wishes continued good health and safety to all fellow riders. #LaconiaMCWeek

Paul W. Cote
www.CheckTwiceSigns.com
www.RidersHelpingRiders.org

THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT– 97th Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week® Rescheduled for August 22-30

LACONIA, New Hampshire, April 29, 2020: Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week has officially been postponed to August 22-30, 2020. The announcement was made shortly after the Laconia City Council unanimously decided to reschedule the rally in keeping with the governor’s mid-May extension of the state’s stay-at-home order. The consensus was that June was too early for a gathering of tens of thousands of people in Weirs Beach and beyond, particularly considering that most visitors travel from out of state.

Organizers are working tirelessly to maintain the look, feel and logistics of the rally by reaching out to vendors and event hosts in an effort to reschedule the signature events that make the world’s oldest motorcycle rally so popular, as evidence by the millions of dollars it pumps into the state’s economy.

Already, New Hampshire Motor Speedway has announced that the 97th Annual Loudon Classic will be moved to August 29th, continuing its tradition of closing out the week. The rally traffic plan will stay the same, with Lakeside Avenue closed to motorcycles only, centerline parking and serving as home to Rally Headquarters for the duration of the 9-day event.

Says Deputy Director, Jennifer Anderson, “We know these are unusual times and are doing everything possible to make this year’s rally the best it can be within the parameters of ever-changing health and safety guidelines. We’d like to thank local businesses and the city of Laconia and town of Meredith for their commitment to ensuring this historic spring event endures. In our 97-year history, this is certainly a first. But, as riders, circumstance has given us the opportunity to experience August in New Hampshire, when the state is in full bloom and the warmth of summer is in the air.”

Stay tuned for event updates over the next several weeks as the rescheduled 97th Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week takes shape. Any/all updates will be posted to LaconiaMCWeek.com, through their e-newsletter and on all LaconiaMCWeek social media channels.

Laconia Motorcycle Week® gives great appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: Progressive, AMSOIL, and Team Motorcycle as well as the State of New Hampshire for their large financial support of our rally each year.

“Laconia – where rallies were invented”

NEWS FROM THE MASTER Artist David Uhl–

David Uhl’s 3rd and final offering in the Strange Days series will be released next week. In the meantime, today we are announcing a sale on a brand new piece!

This piece, titled “Legends in the Light” comes from our trip last summer to the Legends Motorcycle Museum in Springville, Utah. An amazing place, run by fantastic people…as we all get out from under this current environment and plan our rides, this museum should be on your itinerary! You can learn more here: https://legendsmotorcycles.com.

While there, David caught some fantastic late-day lighting coming through the front windows and snapped several photos. He brought this one to life in watercolor.

“Legends in the Light”

Signed, numbered prints are now available on watercolor paper at incredible prices. But, they will only be available for 24 hours. At 8:00 am (Mountain Time) tomorrow, Thursday April 30th, we will close the edition.

Print edition specifics:

** Image size 11 x 15, $95.00 unframed

** Image size 15 x 20, $295.00 unframed

NOTE: Framing is available for $250 on either size

The original watercolor is available as well. For anyone wanting to own a beautiful David Uhl original at a very reasonable price, this is your chance. Framed price $4,500.

We anticipate shipping all of the prints will take a few weeks – – edition (print) numbers will be assigned and prints will be shipped according to when orders are placed, so we encourage you to move quickly if you want this one!

Prints will come hand-signed by David and numbered, along with Certificate of Authenticity.

You can place your order by return email, or by calling me at 303-913-4840.

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840

THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER–Now come the heavy guns. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter also stimulates the body’s organs by increasing oxygen intake to the heart, lungs and muscles, and triggers the release of endorphins. It also helps people handle stress by easing tension, relaxing the muscles and lowering blood pressure.

But considering the pandemic that our world is currently facing, the most important thing is that laughter increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving our resistance to disease. So, as weird as it sounds, memes really can help you to fight the coronavirus. You’re welcome.

SUGAR BEAR UPDATE–
Talked to Sugar Bear yesterday, he said he just got home after a 2-week quarantine in Los Angeles due to exposure to covid-19. He and his people are all ok though. Told me he is waiting to get my frontend back from the chrome shop. Says they are dreadfully slow now. Understandable. He is guessing 2 to 4 weeks. Hope he’s right.

Also said whether they have the Sturgis rally or not, he is not going. Sealed the deal for me. I was on the fence anyhow, but if he ain’t gonna be there, neither am i. Don’t think anything will approach normal until a preventive vaccine is found.

We talked about you for a spell. He said he needs to get a hold of you. I asked him to say hello for me. He really loves his place near Bakersfield. Happy for the old bird.

Take care. By the way, are you all settled in Deadwood?

Later man,

–Andy Assel
King of the Wild Frontier

GEORGE CHRISTIE INTERVIEW-– In our catch up with George Christie, we thought we would ask him some introspective questions from his apartment in Malaga, Spain:

LC: So you achieve a rare thing…you publish a book based on your life experiences that was received well. How did you turn that amazing feat into a television deal?

George: I was told by several people in the entertainment business my expectations were too high, but I kept following my vision to tell my story. In my travels I met studio executive Pat Andrew, who is really just an artist stuck in a suit..he completely got it. It sounds like an overused cliche, but the rest is history…we’ve become good friends.

LC: There’s a lot of positive buzz about the future television show on social media etc…Who would you like to be cast as a young you if you could choose any actor in the world?

George: I like the intensity of Oscar Isaac.

LC: As someone who has read your fantastic book, there are some interesting female characters that I understand will be adapted for the television show. In that vein, what kind of woman is a man like you attracted to?

George: I like strong women who will take a dare.

LC: Tell us something really interesting about yourself that no one knows and that your fans would love to hear about? Eg,. I interviewed the enigmatic author of Catcher in the Rye, Mr JD Salinger and asked him this very question….he told me that he was in the Battle of Normandy as an Intelligence officer with the top secret OSS. So, give us something good!

George: In the late seventies I worked as a communication trouble shooter for the Department Of Defense, with a top secret security clearance. Now, keep in mind this is in the height of the cold war with Russia. Just off the Southern Californian coast are the Channel Islands. On one of the islands was a submarine surveillance system that ressembled something out of a James Bond movie. It had a direct line to Washington and more than once I had direct conversations with high ranking military “brass”. Now what makes this story unique is, at the same time, I was President of the Los Angeles Hells Angels….

LC: For fans who want to get a book or manuscript optioned and made into a television show, what advice would you offer them?

George: That you go into any pitch or creative meeting with an open mind, take suggestions and criticism, if its reasonable, and don’t let your ego get in the way.

–Lucy Carver

For the original news story, please visit https://www.prdistribution.com/news/george-christie-former-hells-angels-president-of-ventura-california-filming-in-marked-the-unforgiven-in-europe.html.

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK–

Description: Richie Pan’s last ride. Richie out riding with the coast-to-coast “Stampeders” Saturday morning during the Smokeout. Rockingham, NC. USA. June 20, 2015.

150620_MLSC_121015A.jpg

If you would like a classic photo from Mike, of your favorite event or builder, don’t hesitate to reach out to him.–Bandit

NEW BIKERNET ADVERTISER—Suspension Technologies recently came on board Bikernet as a Salt Torpedo Sponsor and Bikernet Advertiser.

If you are a builder or have a special shock application and you want a flexible company to work with, drop Mike Alex a call or an email. –Bandit

Traditional American Excellence

We are mission-driven, high-performing motorcycle component engineers. The mission is to stay focused on doing things right and on doing the right thing to improve upon what is possible. We are seasoned and accomplished elite professionals who know that exercising “discipline with follow-through” is the only way to excel. We are clever enough to achieve responsiveness, comfort and dependability without waste.

It’s an honor to provide the resulting value to the community who rides on the legendary
American motorcycle platform.
https://suspensiontechnologies.com/

–Mike Alex

NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD–INTRODUCING: NICK’S PICKS
Meet Nick. Twisted Road’s resident “all things motorcycle”. If you are part of the Twisted Road community, odds are you have “met” Nick and he’s taken good care of you. And now he’s sharing his love of bikes with us all—10 at a time.

Dreaming about getting out in the fresh Spring air—warmer weather, and outdoor adventure? Spring brings many things to mind and one of them is finally getting back on a bike. For those of us that have been braving a bone-chilling winter, it’s time to explore some warm weather roads on two wheels.

Every landscape has a different version of Spring. Take them all in on one of the bikes below—for a day, a weekend or as long as it takes to take it all in.

Community is more important than ever right now. Here at Twisted Road, we are grateful to have such an amazing community of riders to share bikes, stories and kick-ass routes. Ride safe!

Click each bike to learn more, or visit www.TwistedRoad.com to explore even more bikes.

[page break]

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
THE BRIGHT LIGHT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 23, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BRIGHT_LIGHT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_23_2020.aspx

I was thinkin’ that the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ was in Fayetteville, Arkansas in September. Does the North Carolina dealership sponsor it?

— Sam
TX

So far, can’t seem to find out. –Bandit

BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB--How to Build a Patina Volkswagen: Including Bugs, Buses and Derivatives

by Mark Walker

Give your VW a fashionable care-worn look

The explosion of Patina Volkswagens on social media has inspired those car fanatics who realise that you don’t have to restore a car to end up with a good-looking ride. At last, you can stand out from the crowd, even on a tight budget. The look of the cars that result from patina builds is honest, unspoiled, and characterful; it has also inspired the media, movie stars and celebrities.

Covers the appraisal, buying, strip down, repair and sympathetic renovation of original paint and patina Volkswagen cars and vans/Buses across the air-cooled range. This includes matching original paint or patina to repaired areas, coming up with a style and popular modifications.

PRICE: £30 UK • $45 USA • $60 CAN SKU: V5500
FORMAT: Hardback • 25×20.7cm • 160 pages • 333 pictures

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING CLASSES UPDATE— Rider Training in Pennsylvania

On a conference call (Colorado rider training) and was just informed all training in Pennsylvania has been suspended for the rest of this year.

I am told PA is a Total Control state — Lee and the State have come to an agreement to end this year’s contract.

Deb Craig
MRF Corporate Secretary

Same in Massachusetts, but that will depend on whether the current Stay-at-Home (through May 4th) is extended, and until when.

We’re also adding a virtual classroom option.

— Paulette Korte

Illinois is supposed to start June 1. Will see with the governor shutting us down for another 30 days.

–Paulette

Minnesota seems to still be on.
— Doc D’Errico

LINDBY CRASH BAR TECH COMING--The reason why that bar does not fit properly is because It is a Knockoff. Unfortunately, when buying through ebay there Is a huge risk of encountering knockoffs, or sometimes they are our parts but they are miss-labeled or come with different or missing hardware.

Obviously, we cannot accept that bar for an exchange but we can go ahead and send
You the correct Linbar for your Dyna and it would be a great idea if Bikernet
can incorporate news about knockoff bars onto the story write up. That way you bring a bit of light and awareness to the public the risks of purchasing knockoff products through sources like ebay. Not only do they not fit correctly but the cheaper quality in material. Tubing integrity is a Huge risk in the Safety for the Rider.

–Henry Sandoval
Lindby Customs

We’ve run across this issue before. Just pick up a swap-meet knockoff and pick up a true Lindby Bar. Amazing difference in weight due to thin-wall tubing and tabs. –Bandit

ASCOT NEWS–What do Chuck Norris, Ronald Reagan and Steve McQueen have in common? The reverential yet forgotten Southern California racetrack known as Ascot.

A nationally known institution, Ascot Park can be spoken in the same breath as Indianapolis and the Daytona Speedway as one of the most famous oval tracks in history.

Ascot cultivated more rising car and motorcycle racer careers than most, and even launched Evel Knievel’s daredevil ploys on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. This half-mile track drew out thousands of race crowds, five days a week amid a hunger for speed, Americana and spectacle you cannot replicate.

LOS ANGELES STREET RACERS USE EMPTY STREETS–But where some see emptiness, others see an opportunity for racing.

In recent weeks, police across California say street racers have been quick to turn the state’s cleared-out roadways into their own personal playgrounds. From Southern California to the Bay Area, racers have been challenging one another at dangerous speeds on surface streets or rushing intersections to perform burnouts and other dangerous vehicle stunts, investigators say.

–By JAMES QUEALLY, RICHARD WINTON
LA Times

JUNK YARD FINDS ON THE INTERNET–Hello! Tired of ebay restrictions and fees? We sure are! For auto parts and tools….there is an alternative!

JunkYardFind.com is a GREAT way to turn spare parts into cash! If your just cleaning out your garage or a professional seller, our website is a FREE online parts swap meet. NO Listing Fees, NO Final Sale Fees, NO Commissions of any type.

We are a Motor Sports only venue that offers Parts & Tool categories for Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Water Sports, Off-Road & more. We also have a vehicle category for new & used vehicles of every type.

NO listing fees
NO final sale fees
NO commissions
NO fees period to list items

Optional Store & Website link upgrades direct to your listings!

List as many items as you want…WITHOUT extra fees!

Use up to 9 pictures per item and much, much more!

It’s easy to use, has video tutorials on everything and is a good opportunity to gain added internet exposure for your shop or business!

ANOTHER, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–THE BRIGHT LIGHT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 23, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BRIGHT_LIGHT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_23_2020.aspx

I am confused. Not anything new, but when we elect or hire these politicians and petty bureaucrats did we agree to give them the rights to take away ours?

— AJ
Deland, FL

They take an oath to protect our rights, but some miss the, “our rights” portion. They think they’re in office to protect us… Oops. –Bandit

CRAZY—I’m waiting on a call from Performance Wheels in Long Beach. They advertise that they fix mag wheels, but when I showed up, the boss started to buckle. He threw one excuse at me after another.

I pointed out that they mounted the tires. Anyway, they agreed to give it a shot and polish the wheels.

I’m waiting for a call for a guy about a real estate deal that could toss my life into a blender and flip it on high.

I’m waiting for a call from a movie producer about turning one of my books into a major film.

I’m waiting for a call from a woman in Deadwood. I’m waiting for a leather shipment. I’m waiting on a couple of quiet hours to finish this Chance chapter. I’m waiting on a generator for the Doctor’s Panhead.

Hell, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s never a dull moment around here, I don’t care if we’re at war, under terrorist attack, global sea-rise, or a fuckin’ Pandemic. Let’s party and adore pretty women.

 

Soon, we will ride fast and free forever, again!

–Bandit

Hey,

This virus thing speaks at so many aspects of society, from fossil fuels, cars, homelessness and socialism. Kick it around. Folks out there would like to kill our cars and motorcycles. Think about how many more folks would have died if we were all forced to ride in public transportation, buses, subways and trains.

This problem doesn’t work for letting the homeless park rusting RVs or tents just anywhere they please. And remember when the socialist media said, “China is doing it right and we’re all wrong.”

Check this: A Department of Homeland Security analysis has concluded that China hid the early spread of the coronavirus so it could hoard medical equipment, keeping it from other countries that would have bought it if they had known of the danger that was coming their way from Wuhan.

Specifically, DHS found, with 95% statistical confidence, that changes to China’s personal protective equipment import and export behavior were highly abnormal and not random.

Early warnings from China about the scale of the coronavirus outbreak and its threat of becoming a pandemic could have given other countries time to take actions that would have saved lives. It looks like the Chinese government deliberately misled the world so that it could stockpile crucial supplies.

For those of us who have been chronicling China’s mendacity on the coronavirus for months, this revelation is not surprising. But it is certainly outrageous.

China’s lies are piling up rapidly. It lied about the virus being capable of transmission between humans. It threw whistleblower doctors in prison. It refused to let the World Health Organization and other authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention see early data. It stopped tests and had test samples destroyed. It allowed its citizens to travel from Wuhan to other parts of the world, taking the disease with them, and then had the gall to complain when foreign nations (belatedly) restricted travel from China. The tyranny continues to restrict international scientific access to Wuhan, and it sells faulty coronavirus tests, masks, and protective equipment across the globe.

–Washington Examiner

So much for the socialist nation that doesn’t allow free speech.

It’s so interesting, and as I constantly tell questioning folks: Time will tell and shit will smell. Let’s hit the news and then go for a ride.

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

HAL ROBINSON’S EX WANTS TO MAKE A HAL TRIBUTE BANDANA—We put her in touch with our Bandana manufacturer.
But she will need to clean up the shading. Shading doesn’t work for Bandana designs. It must have clean, sharp lines.

Like our Bikernet Bandana, but we still sell a few T-shirts with original Hal artwork featured.

–Bandit

BONNEVILLE TRACK AT RISK–
AMA Calls For Action

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 contribute funds toward a 10-year restoration program that will dramatically increase the amount of salt pumped onto Bonneville Salt Flats.

The AMA needs your help in urging Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to fund the Restore Bonneville program in 2020 from funds allocated by Congress.

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 collaborating to restore Bonneville. But without federal funding, the project cannot succeed.

COMP CAMS FOR M-8—We ran into Gene’s Speed Shop recently and then I spoke to the boss of Strictly Hawg, Charles. M-8s are getting stupid performance and and the performance doctors are loving them. They are a lot like the simple Evo but bigger and tougher. “I’m getting 145 HP and 133 pounds of Torque out of a 117-inch M-8,” Charles said.

He had a 107 and bored the barrels to 117 inch, added CP PISTONS, let the doctors at Branch Flowmeterics handle the headwork, installed the new, high flow, S&S Air Cleaner, used new DynoJet Power vision tuner, Comp Cam 248C, Barnett Clutch and Bassini Pipe.

Hang on for more reports.

–Bandit

SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES COMES TO 5-BALL RACING—They build custom shocks and worked with us on the Salt Torpedo. We went through several sets of shocks to come up with the perfect four shocks.

They are reaching out to custom builders all over the country to help them with projects and custom applications including Cole Rogers, of 295 Custom Fab, who manufacturers a custom girder.

If you have a special project that needs custom shocks, give Mike Alex a call at Suspension Technologies.

–Bandit

SMOKE OUT NEWS– I guess by now everyone knows there is no SMOKE-OUT this year. Does anyone know if the rights to the event are being sold?

–Stealth

S&S TO THE RESCUE–There’s a reason very few companies make a flywheel assembly for the M8, this was a tough one! Hundreds of hours of design and durability testing went into the project and we’re finally happy with the results! ~ DZ

S&S has been building stroker cranks since the 50s and has it down to an absolute art. Their latest efforts are aimed at the Milwaukee Eight platform (2017 and newer big twins) and open up a whole new level of performance for these engines. Stronger, more durable, and trued to a spec others can only dream of, these new flywheel assemblies are the best of the best to build your high performance engine around.

Using a heat-treated 4140 material, each assembly is harder and 114% stronger than factory parts. S&S High Strength Connecting Rods are designed using Finite Element Analysis to eliminate weak spots and create a part that can handle substantially more power. Available in 4.375”, 4.5” and 4.625” stroke with tapered or high strength full-width wrist pin to accommodate even the most instance of builds.

Each of their flywheel assemblies are also available with or without the counterbalancer gear. We’re particularly interested in their 4.625” stroker crank and figure we could combine that with the S&S 128” Power Package and build a 131” monster! Take a look at the details on their site https://www.sscycle.com/feature/lower-end/flywheels-for-m8-models

–David Zemla

STRIDER BIKES GET KIDS TO RIDE–Let’s get active for ALL kids’ health.

Whether you walk, run, or bike, you can participate in this virtual event AND support bringing two wheels to schools across America when that school bell rings once again!

Between May 1 and May 31, choose a sunny day and complete a 7k! By going the EXTRA distance, you will get some good, old fashioned exercise, and directly support bringing the complete Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Program to schools on the All Kids Bike waitlist. Every $4,000 raised together as an active community moves a school off the waitlist, and teaches kids to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.

We suggest running/ walking/ biking/ hiking a 7k. WHY?

On average, kids under the age of 18 spend over 7 hours a day on an electronic device. We are on a mission to encourage children to spend more time with friends and family outside and being active! By embracing the 7k distance, you are going the extra mile for kids’ health.

Not interested in a 7k? No worries! Choose the distance and activity of your choice — it’s all about getting active and having fun!

All participants will receive a swag bag complete with the All Kids Bike Spring 2020 Handlebar Hustle shirt, virtual race bib, and virtual finisher certificate.

Be sure to tag @AllKidsBike and #HandlebarHustle to show your support of getting bikes in schools!

All Kids Bike® is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. All Kids Bike is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.

THE TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–Nice 111- mile early morning, pre-breakfast ride Conroe, Willis, Huntsville. Grandson in town so came back early.

Got all the parts to complete the mid-control replacement, trying to decide if I want to order another V&H Fuelpack 3 or try for a Thundermax setup?

She still needs so many things, front highway pegs once the controls are changed, front suspension upgrade, front fairing, want an FXRP but may just go smaller, rear chain conversion, Cams, and on and on and on!

–RFR

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK– Chopper Dave Frestonchopp at his shop, in Hawaiian Gardens, CA. USA. Tuesday June 26, 2018.

Dave is known for cast aluminum fun parts and can make custom shit for any application on a chopper.

Photography ©2018 Michael Lichter.

If you are looking for a special builder shot or something from the last event you attended, check out his site. –Bandit

CHARLIE BRECHTEL AND THE DEACON JONES– Thought you’d like to have this shot from a very special time.

Still traveling. Currently @ Spartan, Charlotte MI for chassis service. Idaho, June. Spearfish-Deadwood, July, CO, August. L.A., Sept. TX-TN Oct. FL winter/spring.

–Jeff Krause

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY– Just wanted to let you know that this year 7th May is celebrated as Birth Anniversary of Buddha.

It changes every year as per lunar calendar.

Many best wishes and peace to you on this Honored Day.

–Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com
International Editor
Bikernet News Desk, India

JAPAN REPORT FROM THE SHERIFF–VIBES JAPAN did a Corona Special
Yours truly took the moment of five second fame!

Stay safe SIR!

SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP
S-36030 LAMMHULT
SWEDEN

LIQUI MOLY PLANNING SESSION–
“They never come back”

LIQUI MOLY Managing Director Ernst Prost on the demands of the coming upswing

In today’s circular letter, Ernst Prost, Managing Director of the oil and additive specialist LIQUI MOLY, prepares his colleagues for the demands of the coming upswing. The service campaign of recent weeks will bear fruit and it is important to be prepared when sales figures pick up again.

–Peter

NEWS FROM THE VA–
Mission BBQ: free sandwiches for Veterans, military during Armed Forces Week

Mission BBQ will offer Veterans and active duty military a free sandwich in May on the following dates:
U.S. Army: 5/11
U.S. Marines: 5/12
U.S. Navy: 5/13
U.S. Air Force: 5/14
U.S. Coast Guard: 5/15
All branches: 5/16
Mission BBQ is also hiring Veterans.

AIMExpo Moves to January–
The struggling American International Motorcycle Expo is moving to January 21-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Previously scheduled for October, North America’s final attempt at a powersports show is changing more than timing; the show will become a trade-only event and emerge as an integral part of the buying season.

Transitioning to the first quarter has been part of a desperate plan to save the AIMExpo.

FOUR WHEEL NEWS--Pickup trucks outsell cars for the first time, and it may not be temporary.

The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado have been the best-selling light vehicles in America for a long time, but for the first time ever, the pickup truck segment as a whole outsold the car segment in the month of April, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

The difference was by a large margin, too, with pickups outselling cars by more than 17,000 units. Five years ago, cars outsold trucks by half a million units in a single month, according to Bloomberg.

State restrictions of certain businesses has led to more vehicle deliveries in middle America, where trucks are preferred, than the coastal states. Truck sales especially have been boosted by 0% financing for up to seven years, as well.

While some of this pendulum swing is attributable to effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it points to a larger trend that has seen pickup trucks evolve from workhorses to luxurious family haulers. At the same time, cars have diminished in the opinions of car shoppers.

This could have a lasting effect on the vehicles offered by automakers. In 2014, crossovers and SUVs overtook cars as America’s vehicle of choice. They now account for nearly half of all new vehicles sold, with each automaker offering an average of five different crossovers/SUVs in their lineups. Automakers are cutting production of coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks to about two models per automaker on average.

The Detroit Three truckmakers—Ford, GM, and Fiat Chrysler—have led the charge, killing off once-popular compact and sedan models en masse. Ford killed the Fiesta, Focus, and Taurus, and now only sells the Mustang muscle car and the Fusion mid-size sedan, which is on the chopping block.

Pickups are more lucrative for automakers, and with dozens of configurations for each model, there is a truck for every preference, it seems. It’s a lot easier to build one platform with interchangeable body styles and engine options than an entire car model. At least 50 different car models are still on sale, while there are only about a dozen truck models. Increasingly, full-size pickup trucks such as the best-selling Ford F-150 are complemented on either side by redesigned heavy-duty work trucks and smaller mid-size pickups such as the Ford Ranger.

Car lovers might encounter more trouble seeing down the road, literally and figuratively. With many factories preparing to open after weeks of closures, the truck inventory available on dealer lots is running low, The Detroit News reported. That means trucks are still in high demand, and likely will be again through the month of May, if not longer.

–NMA

FROM THE MASTER, DAVID UHL--We are pleased to announce the release of David Uhl’s third and final piece in his Strange Days series. “Exiting the Curve” is set in our nation’s capital as we begin to climb out of this situation we’ve been in.

“Exiting the Curve”

As with the first two in the series, we are offering prints on watercolor paper in two sizes at great prices. Each piece will be hand-signed by David Uhl, numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The prices below are for the unframed prints. Framing is an additional $200.

** Image size appx 14×18, edition of 30 prints, $95 unframed.

** Image size appx 18×24, edition of 6 prints, $325 unframed.

As promised, those who bought the first two pieces in the series have first right of refusal to add this new one (with matching edition numbers).

Please let me know if you have any questions, and have a great day!

Thanks, Greg

Reaper from Bob T.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT–How Cities Are Taking Advantage of the Coronavirus Shutdowns.

Empty streets are allowing construction crews to complete long-needed infrastructure projects at record speed.

RUSSELL BERMAN, The Atlantic

In normal times, it’s faster to walk along Seventh Street in downtown Los Angeles than to drive. The traffic is so constant—some 16,000 cars a day—that closing the street for repairs was virtually unthinkable. Aside from fixing dangerous potholes, officials in America’s most notoriously car-clogged city hadn’t repaved the cracked, uneven roadway in more than a decade and weren’t planning to do so anytime soon.

Then came the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting statewide lockdown, which cleared Los Angeles’s polluted air as well as its congested streets. California allowed construction to continue, and city officials seized an opportunity too serendipitous to pass up. Crews resurfaced a crucial half-mile stretch of Seventh Street in two days—less than half the time it would normally take, and without the traffic headache it would otherwise cause.

“It looks amazing now,” crowed Adel Hagekhalil, the executive director and general manager of Streets LA, the city agency responsible for the upkeep of Los Angeles’s 23,000-mile road network. Like a proud father, Hagekhalil texted me before-and-after photos of the Seventh Street project, and of heavily protected, socially distancing construction workers laying down fresh pavement on an otherwise deserted street in broad daylight.

It’s a rare—admittedly modest—bright spot amid the death and economic decay of the pandemic: In many parts of the country, the elusive Infrastructure Week is here at last. Cities and states are taking advantage of reduced air, train, and road traffic to speed up construction projects that either were under way or planned for the summer months.

Crews that are usually relegated to overnight hours are now working during the day as well. And instead of delays and cost overruns, they’re completing jobs ahead of schedule and, in many cases, significantly under budget.

“They can go a lot further, a lot faster, if they don’t have to be interrupted,” said Sean McGarvey, the president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, which comprises 14 unions in the construction industry. “They’re trying to make big gains while we’re in the situation that we’re in.”

In Los Angeles, the city has already moved on to resurfacing dozens of other heavily trafficked arteries, so that when residents finally emerge from their forced hibernation, they’ll be driving over new roads that are smoother and safer than they were before.

Florida officials announced that they would accelerate highway projects by as much as three months. New York’s Westchester County Airport, barely operating during the pandemic, is shutting down entirely to repave a runway it had planned to tackle later this year. It hopes to complete the project in just one month instead of four.

And in the Bay Area, California’s Department of Transportation had warned that a July project to replace a 70-year-old bridge deck traversed by nearly a quarter million cars a day would result in hour-long backups. Instead, it finished the job last week in half the scheduled time, and the cars still on the road had to wait just an extra 10 minutes to use a detour.

Leaders abroad are making a similar bid to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Officials in Jerusalem are speeding up infrastructure work across the city. And in Italy, a country ravaged by the coronavirus, workers have nearly completed the replacement for a Genoa bridge that killed 43 people when it collapsed two years ago. Italian officials hailed the project, on which construction continued during the pandemic, as a symbol of national resilience.

Not every American state is expediting infrastructure projects during the pandemic. Some have shut down most construction projects along with other nonessential businesses, and others are simply trying to keep work on schedule rather than speed it up. But because the construction industry already operates under strict safety regulations, with workers who usually wear masks and gloves, it will be one of the first sectors allowed to reopen in states where projects were halted.

The mini boom in construction is keeping paychecks and some economic activity going in certain areas, but health and safety remain a top concern for union officials. McGarvey, who is a member of President Trump’s advisory committee on reopening the economy, told me his members are still waiting for the administration to issue a temporary infectious-disease standard for construction. “It just hasn’t happened, and it’s wholly disappointing,” he said.

In lieu of formal federal protocols, the NATBU issued early guidance to its members and contractors for additional protective measures on projects, including setting up multiple entrances and exits to prevent bottlenecks and ensuring that job sites have running water so workers can frequently wash their hands. “Guys have gotten used to it,” McGarvey told me. “A few weeks ago, there were a lot of folks who weren’t comfortable. Our absenteeism was high. But as our safety protocols got put in place, and people gained confidence that they were protected, that’s greatly subsided.”

However, he added, “human nature is human nature, and there are still folks that aren’t comfortable even with the proper protective equipment. And for those, we encourage them: If you’re not comfortable, don’t go to work. It’s a dangerous occupation to begin with, and we need you focused.”

5-BALL RACING REPORT—A new order is on its way to our headquarters. We are receiving orders for Bikernet Bandanas, which seem to be super popular right now. Wonder why?

With our new order, we will receive our redesigned Flat Out vest. It’s going to be a classic for years to come.

–Bandit

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A crusty old biker out on a long summer ride in the country pulls up to a tavern in the middle of nowhere, parks his bike and walks inside. As he passes through the swinging doors, he sees a sign hanging over the bar:

> COLD BEER: $2.00

> HAMBURGER: $2.25

> CHEESEBURGER: $2.50

> CHICKEN SANDWICH: $3.50

> HAND JOB: $50.00

Checking his wallet to be sure he has the necessary payment, the old biker walks up to the bar and beckons to the exceptionally attractive female bartender who is serving drinks to a couple of sun-wrinkled farmers.

She glides down behind the bar to the old biker.

“Yes?” she inquires with a wide, knowing smile, “may I help you?”

The old biker leans over the bar and whispers, “I was wondering, Miss, are you the one who gives the hand-jobs?

She looks into his eyes with that wide smile and purrs “Why yes, yes, I sure am.”

The old biker leans closer and into her left ear whispers softly, “Well, you wash your hands real good now, young lady, cause I want a cheeseburger.”

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK—1982-2000 FXR Profiler™ Seat

Saddlemen’s® classic slammed seat for two features narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height. Specially designed base allows the seat to drop down into the bike for the lowest riding position possible. Surprisingly comfortable, the Profiler was developed using Saddlemen’s® famous combination of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ in the driver’s position, easing tailbone pressure and improving circulation for a smooth, comfortable ride.

Don’t accept anything less as you cannot buy a better seat. Winning show bike looks in a low, sleek seat plus top quality and innovative features, combined with comfort designed and engineered specifically for real riders– all great reasons to choose Saddlemen®.

The Profiler offers a great looking seat which provides a more comfortable ride that is noticeable from the moment you get on. Why?

Almost two decades ago, Saddlemen® was the innovator of SaddleGel™ for motorcycle seats, bringing over a gel technology widely used in medical applications. Now widely copied, but not duplicated, SaddleGel™ provides undisputable comfort.

Adding to the comfort is our unique SaddleHyde™ covering; a glove-soft, marine-grade material that has the right amount of stretch built in to make better use of the SaddleGel™ underneath (optional leather covers are also available- just call!).

Saddlemen® has engineered the perfect and only matched motorcycle seating foam that works in conjunction with SaddleGel™ and SaddleHyde™ for maximum riding distance and pleasure. Saddlemen’s® proprietary Black Magic™ foam with its high resilient properties maximizes your motorcycles suspension package by collapsing just enough to conform to the rider’s body shape. In turn it helps to equalize the pressure to allow good blood flow. Combined with our precisely engineered molding cavities, our 3 part system is carefully molded with a skin that resists penetration by rain or perspiration. All completed in house under the careful supervision of trained technicians to guarantee a perfectly contoured seat with every pour.

Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXR (REQUIRES HD #52107-86)
Year Fitment: 1982-2000

Features:

Narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height.
Unique blend of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ eases tailbone pressure and improves circulation.
Supple SaddleHyde offers a combination of comfort, glove-soft leathery feel and weather-resistant, no-maintenance good looks.
The Profiler seat is available for most H-D models.
Designed and made in the U.S.A.

[page break]

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK-–
2008 Harley-Davidson® FXSTB – Night Train for $9,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8057877

2008 Harley Davidson FXSTBI Softail Night Train

The sinister FXSTB Night Train features an all-black powertrain with wrinkle-black trim on the engine covers and air cleaner, oil tank and rear fender supports, and a black fuel tank console. The raked-out FX front end and narrow 21-inch laced front wheel contrast with a meaty 200 mm rear tire on a slotted cast disc covered with a wide bobtail fender. Drag bars and forward foot controls create an aggressive posture for the rider. This one is blacked out beautifully and has some nice extras with only 20,000 miles on an 08!

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Crimson Red Sunglo paint is sweet with the black out looks like new minus a tank scratch. Raised tank logos and Black console with leather strap. Black machined grips, chrome pullback bars on 8″ riser, black mirrors, chrome headlamp, blinkers, polished lowers on laced skinny 21″ chrome rims.

Deep throaty Vance & Hines shorty 2:2 black exhaust. Vance & Hines black air cleaner. Black powder 96ci engine including cam with gloss black H-D logo, rocker covers, horn / coil / derby covers. Black powder oil tank, primary, chain guard, fender supports, and black drive sprocket. Vivid black swing arm with solid polished and holed 200mm rear wheels with a polished rim.

Bobtail fender, 2-up seat with forward controls, passenger pegs, brake pedal, toe shifter, and passenger pegs. A pigtail. Tires almost new and more… Sweet looking bike…

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical 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!!!

**Open 7 Days a Week**

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

Only $9,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

Harley-Davidson Dealerships Ranked #1 in 2020 for Responding to Website Customers, Reports Pied Piper PSI®

2020 Pied Piper PSI – Motorcycle / UTV Internet Lead Effectiveness Industry Study (USA) – Ranking by Brand

The study was completed before the appearance of the coronavirus pandemic, but in the aftermath of the pandemic dealer response to website customers has become even more critical.

Pied Piper submitted customer inquiries through the individual websites of 6,012 dealerships between July 2019 and February 2020, asking a question about a vehicle in inventory, and providing a customer name, email address and local telephone number. Pied Piper then evaluated how the dealerships responded by email, telephone and text message over the next 24 hours.

Twenty different measurements generate dealership Internet Lead Effectiveness ® (ILE ® ) scores, which range from zero to 100. 13% of dealerships nationwide scored above 70, demonstrating an extensive and effective website-response process, while 36% of dealerships scored below 30, showing failure to personally respond in any way to their website customers.

The study found widespread industrywide improvement from 2019 to 2020, with the industry average ILE score increasing from 33 to 42. Brands which led the industry in improvement over the past year were Indian, Harley-Davidson, Polaris and Yamaha. Only three of thirty-three brands failed to increase their score from 2019: Club Car (Ingersoll Rand), Cub Cadet (MTD Products) and Arctic Cat (Textron).

Nearly all of today’s customers first use their smart phone to shop before ever visiting a dealership in person. Pied Piper finds that most dealers today understand that responding to web customers is critical to sales success, but there is still plenty of variation in dealership behaviors.

Go to www.piedpiperpsi.com.

A LOWBROW CLASSIC–39mm Fork Shrouds by Lowbrow Customs

39mm Fork Shrouds for Harley-Davidsons were inspired by MCM-brand chrome fork shrouds. These were found on vintage Triumph and BSA motorcycles starting back in the 1950’s.

Lowbrow’s Fork Shrouds clean up the look of any motorcycle and add custom flair, all while being easy to install (check out the install video and follow along!).

They fit Harley Sportsters 1987 to current as well as certain Dyna models, or any other bike with a 39mm narrow glide front end.

KNIFE OF THE WEEK—This is a Korbin, hooked blade knife from RMJ Tactical.

The tough scabbard is constructed of kydex and the knife snaps securely in and out of place. A slight twist of the knife begins to pull down first will help the knife to pop free for action.

BILL HAYES TURNS 70 AND YOU CAN PARTY WITH HIM–
I’m as shocked as you are, but it’s true: The youngest man I know is turning THE BIG 7-0!! And though we’re staying “safer at home” this year, we can’t let this milestone slip by un-commemorated.

So…we’re turning quarantine into quarantinis, COVID into CO-VIDEO, and Home into Homemade Lemonade by hosting a VIRTUAL PARTY.

The great news is that since this will be the most inexpensive party we’ve ever thrown with the largest venue ever (Zoom), we have no limitations to our guest list! And EVERYONE who knows and loves Bill can attend from around the country, and even the world, without having to travel! J

Here are all the details:

DATE & TIME:

Date: May 8, 2020
Time: 2:30 pm PDT – 9 pm PDT

NOTE: We’re getting an early start so East Coasters can join in, too! You can drop in for a brief hello, or hang out as long as you want. Or you can drop in more than once. You may want to schedule your visit at time that allows you to participate in the festivities below.

We will be recording this event for posterity, so you’ll be a part of a special memento. Therefore, you may want to brush your hair, and wear pants.

No pressure, but if you’d like to prepare any kind of special message or performance for the video, we’ll give you the (virtual) floor!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Toasts: To ensure that Bill is abundantly “toasted, we’ll do an official toast to the birthday boy every half hour (on the hour/half-hour).

Tidbits: Throughout the party, Bill will relate a tidbit or tale from each year of his life. Doing the math, if he spends 10 minutes on each story, it will take….11.5 hours! So we’ll try to have him stick to the highlights.

Live Song Performances @ 3:30 & 7:00 PDT: We have of course written one of our legendary parody songs for this occasion, and (thankfully for you all) it will be performed by the one and only Debbie Goodman, accompanied by her husband, Preston. This is a treat you don’t want to miss!

Singing of Happy Birthday @ 5:30 pm PDT: (Replete with a blowing out of candles, with a fire extinguisher at the ready!)

HOW TO JOIN US:

Click on the link below (and as shown in the “location” field above). It will open your browser and, if you haven’t used Zoom before, it will ask for your permission to download the required software. Next, you’ll be directed to the meeting page, where you can click “Join the Meeting.” Be sure to join with both audio and video.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81118094454

GROUP GIFT:

Especially at this time when many are struggling to keep afloat, your virtual presence is more than present enough!

But since some have asked, Bill has indicated that all he wants is to get his motorcycle into “fighting shape” and go out for a ride. His wish is even more poignant now, since this is one of the few fun outside activities currently permitted!

Specifically, in addition to mechanical service, he’d love to spruce up the bike with a new Harley-Davidson “Badlander” seat and leather saddlebags (as shown in the cover image).

If you wish to contribute to BILL’s BIKE FUND, any amount large or small, you can contact me or add to the fund via my PayPal link:

https://www.paypal.me/JenniferThomasHayes

Please email or text me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you all online!!!

–Jennifer

P.S. You can RSVP, just show up, or join our Facebook event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/239103330508552/

THE FINANCIAL REPORT–Polaris Q1 2020 – Sales Rev -6%, Indian & Slingshot +7% at $127m

Polaris Industries, Minnesota, has reported 2020 Q1 sales revenue down by -6% to $1,405m, but in a market where Q1 North American retail sales are reported as down in the high-single digit percent, Indian Motorcycle retail sales were up low-single digit percent.

Motorcycles segment sales at Polaris, including PG&A, totaled $127m, up +7% compared to the first quarter of 2019, driven by increased sales of both Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot models. Sector gross profit for the first quarter of 2020 was a loss of $1m compared to a profit of $4m in the first quarter of 2019.

North American consumer retail sales for Indian Motorcycle increased low-single digit percent during the first quarter of 2020 in a weak mid to heavyweight two-wheel motorcycle industry that was down high-teens percent. North American consumer retail sales for Polaris’ Motorcycle segment, including both Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, increased low-single digit percent during the first quarter of 2020, while the North American motorcycle industry retail sales for mid to heavyweight motorcycles, including three-wheel vehicles, was down mid-teens percent in the first quarter of 2020.

Polaris manufacturing plants have restarted production at select locations, based on orders in hand, anticipated future demand and supply chain parts availability – it would appear that at the time of reporting only the Polaris plant at Monterey, Mexico, was still waiting to be able to confirm re-opening.
Like many, given the unprecedented economic uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company had already withdrawn its full year 2020 guidance (on March 23); however, also like many, Polaris’ performance differed markedly between the first eight to ten weeks of the quarter and what came in March, especially the second half of March.

CEO Scott Wine said: “We opened 2020 on an upswing, with retail demand significantly outpacing our expectations, but the abrupt impact of COVID-19 in mid-March drastically altered our momentum.
“Since then we have honed our focus to four goals which will guide us through this crisis: the safety of our employees; the viability of Polaris; the strength of our dealer network and stewardship for our shareholders and other stakeholders.
“Through fast action and bold decisions, we enhanced workplace safety and realigned our operations to match evolving demand trends. We also moved aggressively to optimize our cost structure, preserve liquidity, and augment our financial strength and flexibility; we are actively supporting our dealers as they find innovative ways to serve customers and reignite demand.

“We expect the COVID-19 pandemic, and its corresponding shock to the economy, to be a substantial challenge for the global economy and our business through the remainder of the year and possibly longer.

“Nevertheless, I am confident in our dedicated and hard-working Polaris team’s ability to navigate through this unprecedented environment and emerge a better, stronger and more agile business. Regardless of the headwinds we face, our commitment to be a customer-centric, highly efficient growth company remains unchanged – we believe this vision will propel our business forward and further solidify our position as the global leader in Powersports.”

Off-Road Vehicles (“ORV”) and Snowmobiles segment sales, including PG&A, totaled $824m for the first quarter of 2020, down -5%; PG&A sales for ORV and Snowmobiles combined increased +7% in Q1. Sector gross profit decreased -16 percent to $202m in the first quarter of 2020.

ORV wholegood sales for Q1 were -7%; Polaris North American ORV retail sales were down high-single digit percent for the quarter, with both side-by-side vehicles and ATV vehicles down high-single digit percent. The North American ORV industry was approximately flat compared to the first quarter last year.

Q1 snowmobile wholegood sales were $6m compared to $13m for Q1 2019; Polaris snowmobile retail sales were down mid-teens percent during the first quarter of 2020 and down low-single digit percent for the twelve-month season ending March 2020. Q1 North American industry retail was down nearly -30% and down high-single digit percent for the season ending March 2020.

The rapid decline in retail demand over the last two weeks of March 2020 “significantly impacted sales and gross profit for Q1; sales were adversely impacted by approximately $125m in the quarter, while gross profit was impacted by approximately $50m compared to previous company expectations.”

The company reported a Q1 net loss of $5m, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared with net income of $48m, or $0.78 per diluted share, for Q1 2019. First quarter reported net loss was $0.09 per share; adjusted net income for the same period was $0.22 per share.

The company entered into an incremental $300m 364-day unsecured term-loan facility on April 9, 2020, further increasing its liquidity position. Cash on hand at April 23, 2020 was $475m along with $250m currently available under the company’s revolving line of credit.
Gross profit decreased -17% to $293m for Q1; reported gross profit margin was 20.8% percent of sales for Q1, down 272 basis points compared to 23.6% of sales for Q1 2019. Operating expenses increased +6% for Q1 to $307m, or 21.9% of sales. Operating expenses in dollars and as a percent of sales increased primarily due to incurred expenses for ongoing investment in research and development and strategic projects before the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact demand.

Income from Financial Services was $20m for Q1 (+5%) primarily due to a change in retail financing programs. Interest expense was $16m for Q1 due to lower average daily debt levels and lower interest rates.

Global Adjacent Markets segment sales, including PG&A, decreased -6% to $98m in Q1; Aftermarket segment sales decreased -8% to $202m; Boats segment sales decreased -16% to $155m. Overall Parts, Garments and Accessories (“PG&A”) sales were +7% for Q1; international sales to customers outside of North America, including PG&A, were -11% at $182m.

Net cash used for operating activities was $71m for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $38m for the same period in 2019. Total debt at March 31, 2020, including finance lease obligations and notes payable, was $2,164m. The company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 68 percent at March 31, 2020 compared to 71 percent at March 31, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents were $424m at March 31, 2020, up from $151m at March 31, 2019.

KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN--Did I invite you to the Barbeque? Then why are you all up in my grill?

What do you get when you drop 16 candles on your favorite actor?
John Bar-B-Cusack.

What do zombies like to eat at barbeques? HALLOWEENies!

What do leprechauns love to barbecue?
Short ribs!

Why did he skeleton go to the barbecue? To get another rib.

What do you call a group of men waiting for a haircut? A barbercue.

Why can’t Mexicans have a barbeque? The beans keep falling through the grill.

Why did the skeleton go to a BBQ? For the spare ribs.

How do you know your at a Chinese Barbeque? The hot dogs are real.

–from Jokes4US

NEW FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES–Creepsters Handlebars (New!)
Universal Fit
Regular price$140.00

Creepsters are perfect for adding a little evil flare to your front end and giving your bike an awesomely uncanny look.

Made from one inch steel tubing with reinforced corners for extra added strength. Available in black, chrome, copper plating, and raw finishes. Made in the USA. Available in sizes 12, 14 and 16″. 11″ base, 30″ grip to grip, 5″ pullback.

If you’re ordering one of our sticky throttles, we can cut and prep your bars so they’re ready and the throttle is in when you get them as an additional option.

*If adding a Cable Kit to your order, please specify at checkout what bars you are currently running & also what type of bike you have.*

https://nashmotorcycle.com/collections/handlebars/products/creepsters

Öhlins Racing TTX GP Supersport Shock Absorber– Now Available for 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 Motorcycles

Upplands Väsby, Sweden, May 7, 2020 – The Öhlins® TTX® GP rear shock absorber, featuring an array of leading-edge technologies preferred by championship riders in MotoGP, SBK and BSB competition, is now available for the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 twin-cylinder superbike.

“Upgrading to the TTX GP shock brings the V2 to an entirely new level of agility, performance and rider satisfaction,” said Andrew Notman, two-wheel sales, marketing and product management, Öhlins.

The latest twin-tube TTX GP shock offers a wide range of precise, hand-adjustable compression and rebound settings to address rider preferences and varying track conditions. The latest adjustable needle with improved guidance and enhanced flow restriction characteristics further enhances compression and rebound damping, while a new 36mm solid piston and next-generation piston band boost traction and feedback for superior control.

The TTX GP shock also helps improve weight transfer as compared to the V2’s original equipment shock, providing a more consistent tire contact patch, enhanced control and improved tire wear and performance.

To learn more about the TTX GP shock absorber and other industry-leading Öhlins Racing products, please visit www.ohlins.com.

Five Republican governors: Our states stayed open in the covid-19 pandemic. Here’s why our approach worked.– By Mark Gordon, Pete Ricketts, Asa Hutchinson, Kim Reynolds and Mike Parson 

Mark Gordon is governor of Wyoming. Pete Ricketts is governor of Nebraska. Asa Hutchinson is governor of Arkansas. Kim Reynolds is governor of Iowa. Mike Parson is governor of Missouri. They are all Republicans.

The diversity of the 50 states is what makes our nation’s economy great, and each state’s response to the novel coronavirus is as diverse as the pandemic’s impact on each of us. Here in the country’s heartland, decisions have been made based on sound medical and social science, positioning our states to thrive individually as our economies reopen.
While our specific approaches may differ, we have all kept our states “open for business” and delivered food and other goods Americans need during this pandemic. Our collective experience ensures that our contribution toward reopening our nation’s economy is stable, safe and durable. Restarting our economy is not a race to be won but a cooperative effort. Our approach has created a model for success that can be applied throughout the country.

When emergencies hit, our tradition has been to plan and manage in consultation with community partners. Just as our states worked together to power through historic flooding last year, we applied that same will to overcome the threat posed by the coronavirus. In early March, as coronavirus cases hit the coasts and even before New York City had closed its schools, our states were putting plans in place for temporary business closures and virtual learning for K-12 students.

The Plains states have managed this emergency exceptionally well by many measures. Our states have simultaneously ranked low in terms of infection rates and deaths. We protected our health-care systems by allowing retired physicians and nurses to return to practice, and at no point have our hospitals been at risk of being overwhelmed.

There is no universal approach to navigating this pandemic that would work perfectly for every state. By contrast, our states’ experiences offer collective proof that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to address unique circumstances. When shaping our state plans, each of us has relied on our own public health teams, informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other national experts.

We knew it was critical, even as the coronavirus has spread, that our state economies keep moving. Agriculture, energy and manufacturing are the backbone of the Midwest and Great Plains. Our beef, pork and poultry feed the world. Our oil, ethanol, coal and wind fuel the country’s businesses.

Like other states, we did have to close pieces of our economies temporarily. To meet this challenge, our states moved quickly to cut red tape and allow private employers to pivot to new business models. Successes include restaurants selling food packaged for commercial use and loosened regulations for day care to expand access to child care for our workforces.

The relationships our community bankers have built with businesses over the years helped our region lead the nation for the amount of eligible payroll funding enrolled in the Paycheck Protection Program. All of this helped mitigate the job losses that are drowning unemployment benefits systems nationwide.

Private-sector businesses in our states, as elsewhere, stepped up to fill gaps for key products that have been in short supply. Distilleries and ethanol plants teamed up with community partners to produce hand sanitizer. Wyoming and Utah have partnered with industry to manufacture swabs and other supplies necessary for transporting coronavirus tests to laboratories. Missouri has created a marketplace where in-state manufacturers can pair with in-state providers to meet demands for personal protective equipment.

As we move into the next phase of managing the pandemic and consider President Trump’s guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” we are applying our propensity for planning to reopen the segments of our economies that temporarily closed. Each of us has identified triggers for when regions of our states and sectors of our economies should reopen, based on metrics tailored to our unique circumstances.

As we navigate this new phase, we are sharing expertise and best practices on how to safely reopen restaurants, churches, gyms and other businesses while continuing to slow the spread of infection.

Arkansas has announced conditions to restart elective surgeries. Iowa has deployed strike teams to conduct proactive surveillance testing of essential employees in areas where virus activity is high. Nebraska has drawn on its world-renowned infectious disease experts to create safety standards for meat-processing facilities.

We are all using expanded testing, rigorous contact tracing and strong pipelines for PPE to keep people safe in the coming months. Getting this job done the right way will be key to slowing the spread of the coronavirus and protecting our nation’s health-care system in the long run.

The core reasons our states are open for business are the tenacity, grit and heart of our residents. Their clear-eyed, common-sense approach helped keep our states on track and have set us up to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever. We look forward to leading the way.

–from the Washington Post

NEVER DULL—As this bullshit continues, more controversies surface. But what the hell. It’s cool to take a break from life once in a while. It freshens our approach and makes us appreciate how good we have had it for just at 100 years since the Spanish Flu.

Life is amazing, and I won’t go into what I’m up to at this moment. It’s too nuts and too many aspects are in a state of flux. Next week I’ll have a solid report on the Pandemic project and I should have one on the Salt Torpedo.

I started another Chance Hogan book. The Redhead blessed the second chapter. I’m going to work with Alyssa on posting the first two chapters to get your input. I’ve started Chapter 3. I need to change some names to protect the guilty. Hang on.

And remember, this too shall pass…

–Bandit

Hey,

My son called last night. He’s a tattoo artists at All Saints in Austin, Texas. He’s been sorta shut down at home in Texas and like so many, started to watch all the weird shit conspiracy theories. I’ve noticed that some of my brothers are getting a little edgy. It’s time we got back to the business of life.

I completely understand the need not to overwhelm our medical industry. And recently the Sturgis Rally discussion surfaced. One report worried that all the decision makers had solely financial cards in play and that the decision might be forced in one direction, to make money off the rally.

I said the players run the gamut from Zero tolerance control freaks to freedom riders, party animals and the money makers. I hope they can find balance. But in the end motorcycling wins. As long as we are riding, we’re safe and free. Just ride through Sturgis and keep going. Ride into the hills of the Badlands. Ride through Yosemite and Zion. Ride through Flagstaff and Monument Valley. Just Ride!

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

INDIAN OF LIBERTYVILLE CLOSES–
Today we are officially announcing the closing of our dealership here in Libertyville. This was not an easy decision to make as each and every one of our customers are like family to us. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you over the past several years.

Our commitment to servicing our customers will extend beyond this announcement. We will do everything we can to communicate the best possible options for sales and service going forward. Please feel free to call or stop by. We are still complying with local COVID19 business practices.

We will be selling off all remaining inventory of bikes, parts, accessories and apparel until it is gone. Our official closing date is set for May 31, 2020.

Thank you for your friendship, it’s been a lot of fun!

Don and Todd

Indian Motorcycle of Libertyville 847.984.2542

I spoke to one of the owners. This is the chance of a lifetime to buy an Indian under cost and all the apparel is going for a steal. –Bandit

I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT ENJOY A LITTLE CHURCH HUMOR–A minister decided to do something a little different one Sunday morning.

He said “Today, in church, I am going to say a single word and you are going to help me preach. Whatever single word I say, I want you to sing whatever hymn that comes to your mind.”

The pastor shouted out “CROSS.” Immediately the congregation started singing in unison, “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.”

The pastor hollered out “GRACE.”

The congregation began to sing “AMAZING GRACE, how sweet the sound.”

The pastor said “POWER.”

The congregation sang “THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD.”

The Pastor said “SEX”. The congregation fell into total silence. Everyone was in shock. They all nervously began to look around at each other, afraid to say anything.

Then all of a sudden, way from in the back of the church, a little old 87-year-old grandmother stood up and began to sing “PRECIOUS MEMORIES”.

–from Sam
Certified Bikernet Curator
Bandit’s Cantina

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND BONHAMS AUCTION ONE-OF-ONE LIVEWIRE MOTORCYCLE FOR COVID-19 RELIEF
All proceeds will go to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response & Recovery Fund

Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Bonhams will host an exclusive motorcycle auction with proceeds, excluding taxes and fees, to be donated to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.

Up for auction is a one-of-one LiveWire motorcycle customized by Harley-Davidson for this moment and accompanied by an exclusive delivery experience. The auction will be held digitally from Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 – Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 by Bonhams to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“We are all affected by the current situation, and the impact it has on the most at risk portions of society,” said Jon Bekefy, general manager of brand marketing at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “As a longtime partner of the United Way, and inspired by their continued resilience in this crisis, Harley-Davidson is honored to have a part to play in the relief effort and to inspire our community about the open road ahead.”

In addition to the custom LiveWire motorcycle, the winning bidder and one guest will take part in an exclusive delivery experience and “behind-the-scenes” Harley-Davidson tour. This private, hosted experience will include an archival tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum. It is an unparalleled look at the heritage and future of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

The LiveWire model up for auction is an exclusive version of Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle. The custom LiveWire motorcycle features a one-off paint scheme and unique graphics package created by the Harley-Davidson styling and design team for this opportunity. This model also features a full array of carbon fiber Genuine Parts and Accessories including carbon fiber Speed Screen Blade, Tail Section Cowl, and Tank Trim, and the motorcycle will be signed by members of the Davidson family.

“The Harley-Davidson design team created the custom paint and graphics on this motorcycle to accentuate the natural forms of the LiveWire,” said Bekefy. “It’s a very unique and stunning motorcycle that is truly one of a kind.”

To mark the historical significance of the motorcycle, the LiveWire model being auctioned is number #500 of the 500 “First Strike” edition LiveWire electric motorcycles. The First Strike edition LiveWire models are specially numbered versions created to celebrate the first 500 units produced by Harley-Davidson

This auction is available for participants from the United States.

“When entire communities come together to support people in times of need, organizations like United Way are able to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “The funds raised by auctioning this customized motorcycle will allow us to better provide needed services for individuals and families recovering from COVID-19 and support our efforts to bring communities back stronger than before. Thank you Harley-Davidson, Bonhams, and everyone involved in supporting this special event.”

The auction will go live online here and opens for bids on Tuesday, May 12th at 10:00am EST, closing at Tuesday, May 26th at 4:00pm EST. All proceeds, excluding taxes and fees, will be donated to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. Potential bidders can find more info about the bike and prize package at Bonhams.com/LiveWire.

Learn more about the LiveWire motorcycle at Harley-Davidson.com/LiveWire.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY LESSON– Perspective.

“Imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perish in that war.

Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. Yes, 50 million.

On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.

When you turn 39, World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet. And don’t try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war.

At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish.

At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict.

On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, should have ended. Great leaders prevented that from happening.

When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How do you survive all of that?

When you were a kid in 1985 and didn’t think your 85-year-old grandparent understood how hard school was. And how mean that kid in your class was. Yet they survived through everything listed above.

Perspective is an amazing art, refined as time goes on, and enlightening like you wouldn’t believe. Let’s try and keep things in perspective.”

–Author unknown

–from Sam
History Professor
Bikernet University

VISIT THE MARTIN MOTO VIRTUAL SHOWROOM—They are open!

Sales:
Our sales department currently has their foot on the gas and we’re not slowing down! We are utilizing our online services, virtual showroom and our Search|Sign|Deliver program and we think you should too! Visit our website today to find your next adventure! Following Governor Wolf’s orders—we are still not offering test rides on any bikes/off-road vehicles at this time. We are more than happy to send you walk around videos, photos, or FaceTime you if requested. We’re all in this together—why not enjoy it on a new motorcycle?!

Service/Parts:
Our service and parts departments are available, with a few limitations/restrictions. Please call before dropping off/picking up a vehicle from service. If picking up parts, you must also call ahead to let us know you have arrived, as we will be following a strict pick-up/drop-off procedure internally.

Since vehicle repair is an allowed function under the Pennsylvania Decree, we have our techs available full-time. They will continue following all appropriate and necessary social distancing procedures while maintaining a sanitized working environment.

Call us at 610-369-3120 or email us at service@martinmoto.com for any service requests or questions.

1037 UNGER LANE
BOYERTOWN
PA 19512 (610) 369-3120

BUT WAIT, THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS WIDE OPEN–
What’s more dangerous than the Coronavirus pandemic? Misinformation.

You know if you die from the coronavirus, even your death will be “Made In China”.

Why are people hoarding toilet paper? Because when one person coughs or sneezes, everyone else shits themselves.

What song do they sing at the end of Lego Movie 3: Coronavirus?

Everything is cancelled……..and now we’re all stuck in quarantine. What’s the difference between a Chinese zoo and an American zoo?

A Chinese zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage, along with a recipe.

source: http://www.jokes4us.com

THE LATEST FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–
1957 Harley-Davidson KRTT Road Racer

The “K Model”, an “import fighter” was hot on the on the streets in 1952. Starting in 1953 its factory racing version, the KR750, was a strong and consistent contender on the dirt tracks of America. Race boss Dick O’Brien and his team also road raced the KR in its TT (road racing) trim.

In 1952 Harley-Davidson brought out the K model to compete with the middle weight British machines from Triumph, BSA, Matchless and Norton as well as Indian’s famed Scout.

The K came with rear suspension, the FL Big Twins remaining rigid until 1958. Unique among Harleys at that time, the K model even shifted on the right, like a British bike. And the K model was designed as a unit construction machine, Harley’s first V-Twin designed that way.

The Harley-Davidson factory also made available road racing components for the KR750. Besides engine internals, brakes, six gallon fuel tanks, big oil tanks and full fairings were available as catalogued factory racing parts.

Note that this machine has an Italian twin leading shoe front brake, Fontana or Ceriani. Its rear brake is based on a factory racing bulletin that outlined converting a factory front brake to serve as a rear.

While the factory KR750 dirt track racer was a rigid like the old WR, the KRTT was designed for road racing and used a swing-arm and twin shock rear suspension; a bolt on subframe allowed riders to switch back and forth for any type of track competition. Strong and lightweight, chrome moly tubing was used with traditional cast iron frame lugs.

This #50 bike was originally owned by the late Phil Peterson, a Miami, Florida Harley-Davidson dealer. Next Tony Murguia rode the bike for Smitty’s Harley-Davidson of Moundsville, West Virginia with Bobby Hill as tuner. The bike and rider placed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1963, also won third at Daytona Beach in 1964.

Of 15 Daytona Beach National Championship races from 1955 to 1969 riders on KRs took first place in 12 of them. Dave Estep, Columbus, Ohio, a fine racer himself, restored this KRTT. It’s part of the Jill and John Parham Collection and one of numerous Harley racers from board trackers to dirt trackers you can see on your next visit to the National Motorcycle Museum.

Specifications:

Engine: 45 Degree Flathead V-Twin
Type: Air-Cooled, Unit Construction
Bore & Stroke: 2.75? x 3.18?
Displacement: 45 Cubic Inches, 750cc’s
Primary: Chain Driven
Horsepower: 42 – 45HP
Transmission: Four-Speed
Frame: Brazed Iron Lug, Chrome Moly Tubing
Suspension: Telescopic Fork / Swing Arm w/ Twin Shocks
Brakes: Drum Brakes Front and Rear
Wheels/Tires: 3.50 x 19 and 4.00 x 18 or 19
Wheelbase: 54 Inches

CONNECTICUT SHOOTS FOR HELMET FREEDOM AGAIN—State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require helmets for all bikers under the age of 21.

Is Freedom to choose important or what?

–from the AMA

GROWING THE DIMEBAG PRODUCT LINE-UP— Still in the early stages of promotional art. Completed more steel templates to keep it all handmade.

All the Best,
Dimebag Leathers

ZIEN MILITARY MEMORIAL EFFORT–To the Town of Wheaton Representatives

My name is John Reiter, Town of Anson, Chippewa County.
I am submitting this letter of support to Senator Dave Zien.

Dave has been building a monument out of rocks to honor the Veterans of the Vietnam War.
In recent years, this tribute has been modified to include veterans of all wars and peacetime.

Dave also seeks to honor not just Veterans but also civilians. Dave understands that in every war, every person was involved on the homefront.

Troops deployed overseas count on the supply chain back home and also the support they receive and have received in the history of every conflict abroad that included Americas military.

Dave’s memorial is built of rocks.
How appropriate to use rocks and stones, small and large, diverse in color and content.

What a wonderful metaphor to represent the many individuals of age, race, background etc. Rocks are as diverse as snowflakes as are human beings.
Rocks have long been used not just for monuments but also for foundations for buildings and lasting structures.

The 10 Commandments were etched in rock. David killed Goliath with a stone. Fifty pavers are marked in Solomons Temple representing Pennecost.
The Eygptians built their amazing Great Pyramids out of rock. The Incas and Aztecs did also.

Native Americans used rocks to build tributes. Early American Settlers set stones for foundations.
Rocks are a fundamental base for society and have been in every culture and nation.

I implore you to offer support and acceptance of Dave’s existing rock pile. I request that you allow continued building and further development of this Monument.

Please consider the huge impression this Tribute may have.
President Trump has been invited to the dedication this summer. Other prominent officials also.

I respectfully request your careful consideration in this most important endeavor.

Respectfully submitted
John Reiter
Town of Anson
Chippew

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–
“Practice random acts of kindness every day and see how you feel.”
–Dustin Hoffman

5-BALL LEATHERS NOTE OF THE WEEK—Sales are up and we are offering two Bikernet Corona Bandanas with every order from the 5-Ball shop for the entire week, today until next Thursday. You can’t go wrong with these puppies.

–Bandit

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–cleek
[ kleek ]
verb (used with object)

to grasp or seize (something) suddenly and eagerly; snatch.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF CLEEK?
The Scots verb cleek (past tense claucht or claught) “to grasp or seize” comes from Middle English (Northern and Scots) cleke, cleken, a more conservative form than Southern English clechen “to grab, capture.” Both cleke, cleken and clechen come from Old English clyccan “to bend one’s fingers, clench,” the source of Modern English clutch.

The Scots noun cleek means “(large) hook (as for hanging a pot over a fire)”; a second sense, from the shape of a cleek, is “arm” (the body part); a third sense, from the second one, “a golf club with an iron head, a narrow face, and little slope, used for shots from a poor lie on the fairway.” The verb cleek entered English in the late 14th century, the noun in the early 15th.

HOW IS CLEEK USED?

Aw’ve sin the’ time when thi’d’n ha’bin cleeked up like lumps o’ gowd.

EDWIN WAUGH, SKETCHES OF LANCASHIRE LIFE AND LOCALITIES, 1855

Archie was just about to cleek him, when he made one terrible rush up water, taking out nearly all my line.

SAMUEL ABBOTT, ARDENMOHR, 1876

MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK–PAT PATTERSON • Dayton, OH • ledsledcustoms.com
(937) 879-4645

Pat Patterson has risen to the top of the customer motorcycle world with his skills and eye for design. Pat thrives in the Sportster market with his custom bikes, complete product line and unique approach to style. Pat and Led Sled Customs have separated themselves and continue to plow a path for the new generation of bike builders.

Led Sled Customs has been featured in nearly every major motorcycle publication in the world with their custom builds. Pat has also led the way in the custom Sportster components and modifications. For the last decade, Pat has focused his attention on the overlooked Sportster market, chopped it up, rebuilt it, and stamped his style all over it.

It actually all started while Pat was running a trucking business. Having a few drivers and still driving himself, time on the road kept him dreaming. What began as a hobby trying to fab up his own 1993 Sportster, ended up as a side business out of his 100 sq ft garage. Led Sled Customs had its own business card in 2002. After a few paint jobs and the first frame modification, in 2003 Pat Patterson ended his trucking business and opened the doors at an old five-n-dime store with a huge future ahead of him.

Going from mostly paint jobs to an entire line of custom Sportster parts and builds, Led Sled has skyrocketed to truly becoming the Sportster Authority. There was such a need to make this really cool, fast Sportster model into something people, at first glance, have no idea is a Sportster! Working in space that doesn’t really seem like more than 100 sq ft… Led Sled has produced hundreds of custom bikes and shipped parts not only to all 50 states, but over 80 countries worldwide.

Two decades later and Pat is not stopping. With solid production capabilities and growing product line, Led Sled Customs is aggressively making the push into the Dealer and Wholesale markets with the primary goals of supplying the highest quality USA made aftermarket Sportster components at the best pricing in the industry.

PAT PATTERSON
Dayton, OH
ledsledcustoms.com
(937) 879-4645

Mike has many world class builders featured on his site with their bikes. If you have a favorite, Mike can make you a world class print. –Bandit

CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON EXTENDS HOURS--We’re excited to announce that our Service & Parts Departments have extended their hours and are now open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm!

As events continue to develop and new ordinances are put into place, to protect the safety of our customers and staff, our Showroom and MotorClothes Departments are still temporarily closed to the public. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Don’t worry. You can still buy a bike! Our Sales & Finance Department are open by appointment only for the time being. Please call (310) 539-3366 to schedule your appointment.

NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD--10-day California Motorcycle

Trip Itinerary
Every year, I take a 10-day motorcycle trip somewhere in the US. I rent a motorcycle from Twisted Road, chart my path, and then go. In 2019, it was…

https://www.twistedroad.com/blog/posts/10-day-california-motorcycle-trip-itinerary?utm_source=bikernet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=may_2020_newsletter&utm_content=california_itinerary

Our company is connecting the motorcycle community: two wheels at a time.

Through our network of verified riders and thousands of motorcycles, we bring trust and safety to motorcycle rentals. What makes our company different? All bikes are privately owned – we are doing for motorcycles what Airbnb did for homes.

So whether you want to test ride a bike before you buy, try something new (and cheat on that bike of yours in the garage), or you no longer own a motorcycle and you need some wind therapy, our growing community has what you need.

–Austin Rothbard
Founder and CEO
Twisted Road

[page break]

WINDVEST SHIELD OF THE WEEK–
NEW REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD FOR INDIAN CHALLENGER

WindVest Motorcycle Windshields is in full production of replacement windshields for the 2018-Present Indian Challenger. Like the Indian Chieftain and Road Master, the windshield is motorized. You have the option of moving the windshield up when on long distant rides or put in a lower position for cruising around town.

The replacement WindVest is available in either a 7” or 8” screen. Both come in a dark smoke tint only. All of our windshields are designed to look over the top of, out of your line of vision.

Contact us with any questions you may have.

408-762-7180
877-370-7326 toll free
sales@windvest.com
www.windvest.com

Some “Stay’n’ In & Stay’n Safe” entertainment…..sound on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFjjm3QIEc8&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1T5osOY5_Kn59eR39MTzMnPFA1NeLb-Inwn1Wx-mS0-QHUe00SbYoIpGQ

S&S FOR SPORTSTERS FROM LOWBROW–Introducing the S&S Cycle Hooligan Kit

George Smith Sr., founder of S&S Cycle on his Knucklehead, “The Tramp”. S&S Cycle has a passion for speed, and a history of proven performance.

S&S produces performance parts such as the Hooligan Kit for Sportsters
.
More than just a big bore kit, the included bolt-in cams and premium tappets make the most of the added displacement.
This kit, backed up with dyno data, increases the horsepower of a stock 883 Sportster up to 85% along with a performance air cleaner and exhaust!

In the install video above follow along as Todd disassembles this 883 Sportster engine in preparation for the S&S Hooligan Kit. This 4-part video series is a great way to learn about Sportster engines in general and how to work on them. We hope you enjoy!

–Lowbrow Team

Former Motorcycle Riders Foundation Vice President of Government Relations, Tom Wyld, passes away.

Thomas Wyld, retired U.S. Navy Commander, 71, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Following his distinguished Navy career he became the Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the National Rifle Association, after which he joined the Motorcycle Riders Foundation as Vice President of Government Relations in our Washington D.C. Offices.

Tom was instrumental in our efforts to protect our right to modify motorcycles when the EPA rolled out their restrictive Tier 2 regulations that became known as the Color and Chrome Campaign. At this same time Tom was responsible for commissioning and overseeing the famed Vaughn Study. The MRF’s most significant legislative accomplishment concerning rider education was achieved during Wyld’s tenure. The Murkowski Amendment to the federal highway bill, which provides for financial incentives to state motorcycle safety programs, continues to this day, thanks to Tom’s efforts.

In discussing Tom’s contributions with MRF Board Members who worked with him it was felt he brought a genuine technical acumen and professional congeniality to his position. He also coined our oft used tag line “Ride with the Leaders”

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK--2019 Harley-Davidson® FLHC – Softail® Heritage Classic for $17,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8797811

FROM THE SHADY SIDE OF THE FAMILY TREE
The dark style, modern edge and reinvigorated ride of the Heritage model take nostalgia ripping into a new place.

Features may include:

TRADITION IS GOOD, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN SITTING STILL
A DARK CLASSIC WITH MODERN EDGE
Dripping with gangster-era style and vintage details. If Bonnie and Clyde rode a Harley®motorcycle, this would be the one.

SOFTAIL®FRAME
The reinvented frame retains the classic Softail®lines, but its lightweight design and stiffness translate to a responsive ride unlike anything you’ve felt before.

MILWAUKEE-EIGHT® BIG TWIN ENGINE
A powerful, smooth-running engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. Available in 107 and 114 engine displacements.

SIGNATURE LED FORWARD LIGHTING
Darkness-defying lighting that gives you great visibility at night.

LOCKABLE AND SEALED SADDLEBAGS
A sleek look on the outside and roomy on the inside with enough space to stash your riding essentials. The lids open with one touch.

DETACHABLE WINDSCREEN
Go from touring to cruising in a heartbeat. Leave the screen on for a clean envelope of air over the long haul. Or remove it in seconds for a completely new look and ride.

HIGH PERFORMANCE FRONT SUSPENSION
Sophisticated suspension technology provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork for reduced weight with linear damping characteristics.

HIGH PERFORMANCE REAR MONO SHOCK
Easily adjustable mono-shock rear suspension allows for dynamic cornering capability while preserving the hardtail look.

AUCTIONS MOVE–
After its recent move into a new 45,000 sq./ft. facility, National Powersport Auctions Denver will be playing host to its live Simulcast auction on Thursday, May 21.

“We’ve been doing business in the Denver area for a while now, but with this new larger location, we’re looking forward to giving dealers the experience they expect from NPA,” says NPA CEO Jim Woodruff. “This location will make it even more convenient for our customers in the region to buy and sell with NPA.”

Located conveniently off Highway 70, just 20 minutes from downtown Denver and the Denver International Airport, the new location will be able to better service dealers from all over the region. NPA Denver is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is currently receiving powersports vehicles. Between May 11 – 15, NPA is offering free local pick-up for consignment dealers within 100 miles of NPA Denver, as well as offering $100 inter-facility transportation between NPA Dallas and Denver. Both of these promotions apply to 2-wheeled motorcycles and standard ATVs.

The NPA Denver live action will be hosted 100% online via NPA Simulcast. However, local dealers may attend preview day in-person on Wednesday, May 20. In order to maintain social distancing and conduct safe business practices, previewing in-person is by appointment only. Dealers must contact Regional Sales Manager Donny Erickson at (469)401-1378 or at derickson@npauctions.com to schedule their appointment

“Despite the challenges of the recent pandemic, we have worked hard to adapt and overcome in order to expand our business, to bring live Simulcast auctions to our eighth location is incredible,” concludes Woodruff.

–DealerNews

OHIO EARPLUGS LAW—Ohio Gov, Mike DeWine signed into law a bill that allows motorcyclists to wear earplugs or earphones for ear protection while riding.

Ear plugs can help protect riders and passengers from potential damage to their eardrums from exhaust and wind noise.

The bill was supported by the AMA and ABATE of Ohio.

–from the AMA

NOTES FROM THE 5-BALL RACING GARAGE–

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.

WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, ‘Oh shit!’

DROP SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.

PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.

BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle… It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for lighting on fire various flammable objects in your shop. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.

TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.

BAND SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to cut good aluminum sheet into smaller pieces that more easily fit into the trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws and butchering your palms.

PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short.

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit.

UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in use.

ADJUSTABLE WRENCH: aka “Another hammer”, aka “the Swedish Nut Lathe”, aka “Crescent Wrench”. Commonly used as a one size fits all wrench, usually results in rounding off nut heads before the use of pliers. Will randomly adjust size between bolts, resulting in busted buckles, curse words, and multiple threats to any inanimate objects within the immediate vicinity.

SON OF A BITCH TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling ‘SON OF A BITCH!’ at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.

(This is a mutation
of a column written by Peter Egan and published in Road and Track back in 1996.

–from El Waggs
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

RACES DISCUSSED--More than 400 people participated in Best In The Desert’s virtual “Town Hall” meeting on Friday, May 1, 2020. Topics included the 2020 race schedule amidst COVID-19 pandemic as well as answering questions and comments in real-time. While the Silver State 300 is still in limbo BITD confirmed the dates for the following races:

-The 2020 Maxxis Tires “Casey Folks” Vegas to Reno Presented by Fox will take place as planned on Aug. 12-15, 2020. It will be the biggest and best Vegas to Reno race ever held with an all-new start near Beatty and 60 miles of racecourse not used in several years. It is suggested that attendees do not cancel room reservations in Beatty just yet.

-The Jagged X National Desert Cup Presented by Quantum Motorsports will replace the Battle Born 250 and take place on Sept. 25-27, 2020. The Battle Born 250 will be dropped from the 2020 schedule.

-The 2020 BlueWater Desert Challenge will be held on Oct 22-25, 2020 pending the reopening of the Blue Water Resort. The Blue Water Desert Challenge will close out the 2020 Best In The Desert race season and the Maxxis Triple Crown.

Currently, Best In The Desert is working with the assumption that regulations will be relaxed by June 1, 2020. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has given permission to host the race on the dates provided and Best In The Desert is working with the host hotel to get the dates approved as well. The hope is to run the Silver State race either June 11-13, 2020, or June 25-27, 2020. This race is, of course, dependent on shelter-in-place restrictions in Nevada and neighboring states.

Best In The Desert is taking the following social distancing precautions at the upcoming VT Construction Silver State 300 Presented by Polaris to ensure that events stay safe for everyone involved:

-Time Trials will be held so that participating classes do not overlap during registration and while qualifying.

-Registration will have scheduled times per class to register and will be limited to only those racers who need armbands and parents to minors.

-The Event Expo will see limited vendors. Best In The Desert is limiting the event expo to essential service providers (i.e.: fuel, radio communications, etc.).

-If the situation changes and full displays are allowed, they will be considered at a later date.

-Contingency will still be offered but a new format will be in place to avoid direct contact with our contingency team.

-Tech will also be a new format.

-VP Fuels will supply a hand sanitizing product they are now producing at various locations at the race.

-The driver’s meeting will be held virtually via Facebook Live. It will not be held as a group meeting face-to-face.

-Trophies will be presented at the finish line at the Ford Mesa.

More information on COVID-19 precautions will be announced in the coming weeks.

“As organizations begin to plan ahead, this will be a crucial time for communication,” says BITD’s Darryl Folks. “There is no playbook for how things will proceed in our new normal. That’s why Best In The Desert is making sure to be transparent with changes as soon as they are internally agreed upon.”

PART 1 BITD VIRTUAL TOWN HALL CAN BE FOUND HERE:

https://www.facebook.com/BestintheDesert/videos/239469307263590/

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—Kickflip Double Diamond White for Dynas.

Overview

The world is your playground… shred it! This is the seat that every adventurous rider would be stoked to own. The maximized back support and ample seating area offer plenty of options for riding – or showing off – at a moment’s notice.

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!
Specs

Driver Seating:
11″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A

MSRP:
$449.00

Part Number:
LK-591DDW [’06-’17] Dyna

STRIDER FOR KIDS–
Thank you for your support and passion for improving children’s health and providing ALL kids the opportunity to learn to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.

With the state of this global pandemic, we know providing children the lifelong skill of learning to ride a bike in school is now more important than ever. Not only does biking provide physical and mental health benefits, it is a lifelong skill that teaches spatial awareness and offers a mode of transportation as we all adjust to the “new norm”.

As the school bell rings once again – whether that be later this month or year – we hope to continue to share the joy of two wheels with kindergartners across the country.

We are currently hosting the Handlebar Hustle, a month-long virtual race activity. The suggested 7k distance represents the average 7 hours a day teens are spending on an electronic device.

Registration proceeds will directly support waitlist schools seeking the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Program.

Please consider participating in this race, and sharing the All Kids Bike Handlebar Hustle Virtual Event with your friends and following.

I attached a graphic we are using on social media. Be sure to tag @AllKidsBike and #HandlebarHustle to show your support of getting bikes in schools!

Thank you, again, for your commitment to the health, mobility, and freedom of kids across the country. We hope the shiny new bikes and Learn-To-Ride program will bring sunnier days to kids returning to school. Let’s get active for ALL kids’ health.

In health and on two wheels,
Your friends at All Kids Bike

#AllKidsBike

SOUTH DAKOTA –The Sturgis city council delayed the annexation of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Cub property until May 4 to give the club and the owners of other land time to assess the effect of the annexation.

Jackpine Gypsies representatives told the council that annexation of the club grounds, which include a dirt oval race track, motocross and hill limb course, might fall under current or future city restrictions that could impact the ability of the club to continue activities.

The club earlier estimated the annexation would result in about $2,500 a year in additional property taxes.

–AMA

CANCELLED VENICE RIDE IN SANTA MONICA--Third Sunday Ride – May 17th

Hello all,
With the continuing threat of the coronavirus, we are again canceling the 3rd Sunday Ride.
Please be safe and we will see you all soon.

Cheers,
-VVMC

THE GOOD NEWS FILE–
Powersports Retailers are Reopening
The riding community is seeing some positive news, and just in time for riding season. Iron Pony Motorsports in Ohio is one of the latest dealerships and retailers to reopen since updated federal guidelines clarified that powersports businesses are considered essential.

“We are so happy and honored to open our doors again to the riding community of central Ohio,” said Iron Pony Motorsports owners Chris and Tammy Jones, Derek Jones, and Cory Atwood, in an email. “Never in our over 40 years of serving the motorcycle community did we ever think we would have to close. But with our incredible staff of passionate employees, we came together to ride out what seemed like a lifetime of uncertainty.”

Iron Pony Motorsports, which has locations in Westerville and Mansfield, reopened May 1 and is following all Ohio guidance and protocols for essential businesses and operations. Among measures to keep employees and customers safe, the stores have installed Plexiglas partitions at all service counters and marked recommended physical distances on floors. The stores also offer curbside pickup and shipping.

“We initiated logs for cleaning all high-point touch areas and posted reminders of social distancing protocols,” the owners stated. “A customer line has been put at the front of the store to limit the number of people who can enter at any one time. We have over one hundred employees who could not wait to help get the store open again. It just goes to show what a great team we have and the passion they bring every day to serve our community. We would like to thank everyone in the industry for the support through these uncertain times.”

FROM THE MASTER Artist David Uhl–
David is currently working on a new series and we need to know if it’s of interest to you.

Specifically, if you’d like to receive notifications about this series or not. We greatly appreciate your feedback, as we know this subject matter may not be for everyone.

The back story – – David and a small group of artist friends in Denver have been meeting weekly for years to paint classic female figures with live models.

In David’s words, “I have been asked many times over the years to do tasteful classic female figures with the motorcycle theme. I found the time recently and now plan on doing a series. I am very interested in exploring this as an artistic expression, not sensationalistic clickbait.

Most any serious artists have portrayed the nude – in fact I started in art school with nude models in life drawing. Interesting that nobody has tried this combination…it’s almost impossible to find anyone who has put these two together without falling into the centerfold trap. Fine line I know, but I’m going to try.

I really look forward to exploring the limits of this, it becomes so much more about the “painting” than a story or subject. Makes you look at “how” it’s portrayed. With this approach I’m trying to play one of the oldest games ever… hide and seek. Makes the viewer use his/her imagination rather than rendering it all out so it’s like a photo. Becomes more about the way it’s painted than the subject matter.”

Oil paint historically has been the ideal medium for depicting the nude. By blending and layering paint, the surface can become more like skin. Its slow drying time and various degrees of viscosity enable the artist to achieve rich and subtle blends of color and texture.

We will launch the first piece in this collection in a week or so but only to those wishing to view the pieces. I will start a separate email list for interested parties.

He recently completed the piece below and it has received wonderful reviews thus far (offered in either color or sepia tone). He’s currently working on another piece as well.

The original oils will range from $6,000-$16,000 and we will offer signed/numbered canvas prints as well.

Please take a moment to respond to this email with your level of interest. Thanks much!

–Greg
Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840

Uhl Studios Website

THE WILDEST CARS AND GUITARS—from ZZ Top Legend, Billy F. Gibbons

COMING JUNE 2! Billy F Gibbons: Rock + Roll Gearhead throws wide the ZZ Top legend’s garage and studio doors for an exclusive look at the exquisite vintage and way-out custom guitars and the influential hot rods and custom cars of the Grade-A Texas gearhead. All in a deluxe slipcase!

From the famous cars like Eliminator, CadZZZilla and Kpperhead, to the near-mythical ’59 Les Paul sunburst known as “Pearly Gates” and the “Furry One” of MTV renown, they’re all here—more than sixty guitars and fifteen astounding vehicles, all expounded upon by BFG himself and shown in commissioned color and artistic black-and-white photography.

While BFG’s cars ’n’ guitars are the stuff of legend, no less intriguing are the tales behind his incredible music career. From teenage Houston garage rocker to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the whole story is between these covers, told in the Good Reverend Willie G’s own words and illustrated with photos and memorabilia from his personal archive.

As with many rockers, Billy F Gibbons’ jones for hot rods and customs is the stuff of legend. But beyond this bona fide bluesman’s mastery of the six-string and unrepentant love for internal combustion is a noted collector whose own designs have manifested themselves in hundreds of mind-bending cars and guitars. This is the definitive and official record of that genius. Scroll down for a preview!

PRE-ORDER ONLINE WHEREVER YOU BUY BOOKS!

AMA SUPERBIKE SERIES RETURNS, SANS FANS–While Best In The Desert is ready to do it in the dirt, MotoAmerica announces the return of roadracing in America… just without fans for now.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor of Wisconsin’s safer-at-home order being set to expire on May 26, the racing portion of the opening round of the 2020 MotoAmerica Series, May 29-31, at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, will continue, but without fans.

“We worked hard with Road America to try to make the original date work with fans, but after Governor Evers extended the safer-at-home order to May 26, we couldn’t make it work due to the unknown restrictions on public outdoor gatherings,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “But we still intend to run the event May 29-31, without fans and air it on Fox Sports and MotoAmerica Live+.

“This is not something we ever imagined, but then again we never thought we’d be faced with something like COVID-19,” Rainey continued. “We will continue to work towards making the event special for everyone tuning into the broadcast and will keep everyone posted moving forward for the next event in June. In the meantime, we urge our fans, teams, and riders to continue to do the right things to keep them safe and healthy.”

MotoAmerica, however, is planning to return to Road America, June 26-28, along with all previously scheduled activities, including Vintage MotoFest. The June 26-28 event will also feature the MotoAmerica Heritage Cup and the opening round of the Mini Cup by Motul.

In the meantime, all five classes of the premier National motorcycle road racing championship in the U.S. – Superbike, Supersport, Liqui Moly Junior Cup, Stock 1000 and Twins Cup – will compete in the series opener, May 29-31.

–DealerNews

Obama-era heavyweights accuse Trump of fueling pandemic with climate-change stance
A cadre of Obama-era heavy hitters led by John Podesta fired up another effort Wednesday to put global warming at the forefront of the presidential campaign, this time by linking President Trump’s skepticism of a climate doomsday to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Mr. Podesta, the former Obama White House chief of staff who chaired Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful 2016 presidential bid, unveiled Climate Power 2020 with a blast at Mr. Trump’s “anti-science policies,” which he said have “fueled the pandemic.”

“President Trump must be held accountable for his rejection of science, facts, and reality. For both COVID-19 and the climate crisis, the anti-science policies from this administration are pushing our nation into crisis,” Mr. Podesta said in a written statement.

In addition to Mr. Podesta, the advisory board features San Francisco billionaire Tom Steyer, the Democratic Party’s largest individual donor and a candidate for the party’s presidential nomination, as well as Obama administration figures including Secretary of State John F. Kerry, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and science adviser John Holdren.

“Today, it fueled a pandemic,” Mr. Podesta said. “Tomorrow, we will see the consequences in a world destabilized by climate change. Climate Power 2020 will change the politics of climate — pushing all candidates to aggressively campaign on climate action and holding science-denying campaigns accountable.”

Skeptics called the link between climate change and COVID-19 a stretch — given that the virus originated late last year in Wuhan, China, a signatory to the 2015 Paris climate agreement — while noting that this isn’t the first time Democratic power brokers have sought to push climate to the electoral forefront.

JunkScience.com’s Steve Milloy, a member of the Trump Environmental Protection Agency transition team, called it “the umpteenth time the usual cast of climate leftovers have been reheated.”

–Valerie Richardson
Washington Times

STURGIS RALLY NEWS—Fox News reported that members of the Rally organization are still planning for an event. Is that positive news, hopeful news or wishful news.

Our investigators on the ground in and around Sturgis are still hunting for the June 15th secret meeting place. Hang on!

–Bandit

UTAH FINALLY ACTS—House Bill 101 would require hands-free use of cell phones, except for “one-touch” or one-tap operation and would elevate distracted driving to a primary offense.

Currently, distracted driving is a secondary offense in Utah, meaning law enforcement authorities cannot ticket drivers for the offense unless they were stopped for another infraction.

–AMA

QUICK—Pack your shit and get outta Dodge. I’m trying, but we’ll see. Life is so interesting, and then you die.

I’m reading a book about Buddha’s teaching. If you find yourself in a frump, try reading something about Buddha. He makes you think, ponder and let go. It’s all about your mental nirvana.

I’m writing a piece about what it meant to me, as a kid, to be a biker. I may finish it, tear it up and toss it in the shit-can. My life is my life and maybe I shouldn’t share it. I’ve been a Bandit all my life and did some bad shit, but generally I’ve always tried to help others.

My addiction was redheads, and some of the guys I helped the most turned on me. I’ve tried to take the higher road and ignore the bullshit to make more positive use of my creative time. Buddha would agree. Ya see, it’s all about putting yourself in Nirvana, no matter what’s happening around you.

Think about it. Life can be fucked or fun, it’s up to each one of us. Find the path and follow it to Nirvana or another Redhead, both are heaven. And make sure you ride all the way…

Freedom Forever,

–Bandit

Hey,

I like this year already. It’s going to be whacky and wonderful. It’s just the 2nd day of January and the world is back in business. We’re all doing what we did a couple of weeks ago, going about taking the trash out, feeding the dog and heading off to work.

Hell, I have all the Deadlines for Cycle Source Magazine etched into my 2020 Pin-Up calendar. We need to break the mold for 2020. Do something crazy. I’m going to go back to Bonneville this year with something completely different.

And I’m trying to buy a little place in Deadwood, SD and change up my life some. I hope everyone finds new challenges, new hope, new adventures and new love in 2020.

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

2019 AMA MOTORCYCLIST OF THE YEAR: HAYLEY BELL
Organizer Drew Worldwide Attention to Women Riders

By Jim Witters

Although she has been riding for only five years, Hayley Bell found a way in 2019 to leave her indelible imprint on the world of motorcycling.

The 28-year-old from the United Kingdom is the founder and president of global business development for the Women Riders World Relay, a movement joined by thousands of motorcyclists from 84 countries to create a “global sisterhood of inspirational women” and to demonstrate to motorcycle manufacturers and makers of riding gear that female riders are a formidable and growing market that deserves their attention.

“For her efforts to promote the motorcycle lifestyle around the world and bring together riders from all nations and backgrounds, conveying the positive aspects of motorcycling and drawing attention to the market potential of female riders, Hayley Bell is the 2019 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year,” said Maggie McNalley-Bradshaw, chair of the AMA Board of Directors, which names the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year annually. “Women riders are an important segment of the motorcycling community and they are a critical building block for the future. Hayley’s efforts not only reaffirm that sentiment, but they help carry it forward at a time when motorcycling needs new riders in the fold.”

The AMA Motorcyclist of the Year is the individual who has had the most profound impact on the world of motorcycling during the past 12 months.

“I think Hayley was the first to say out loud what many women were thinking: ‘I am part of the fastest growing market in motorcycling. I have money and I want to buy gear that fits. Cater to me,’” said Liza Miller, founder of the Re-Cycle Garage, recipient of a 2019 Friend of the AMA Award and the vice president of public relations and media for the relay. “This is why so many women jumped on board so quickly. The time is now to change the world’s perception about women riders. And Hayley is the perfect role model.”

Bell grew up around motorcycles. Family members were riders. But Hayley wasn’t allowed to have a motorcycle.

“It wasn’t because I was a girl,” she said. “I was a bit reckless as a child.”

But the idea of being a motorcyclist “was always in the back of my mind.”

After finishing her schooling, Bell set out traveling. One of her stops was the Isle of Man TT, which “reignited the spark,” prompting her to take the test and get a motorcycle rider’s license.

“Soon after that, my ex-boyfriend took me for a ride on his bike, and I decided I wanted one of my own,” Bell said. “It was a quick turnaround.”

In the five years since she took up motorcycling, Bell has expanded her interests within the lifestyle.

That desire to communicate the stories of others is the impetus behind the Women Riders World Relay.

“The real reason the WRWR started was that I wanted to show people what it is to be a female biker, how many of us there are, the vastness of the market,” Bell said. “And I wanted those stories to inspire other women.”

It worked.

“We had so many women who said, ‘I can’t do this,’ but then they did it,” Bell said. “The other riders were there to bond, build trust and give them a kick in the ass sometimes.

“For some of these women, this is the biggest thing they have done in their lives,” she said. “It’s the longest, coldest or the wettest ride they’ve ever taken. It’s the first time they’ve ridden with a partner or in a group or alone. This relay has provided firsts for so many.”

Participants have children, grandchildren or even great grandchildren, “and they are still riding,” Bell said. Riders ranged in age from 16 to 80.

“We have unleashed a collection of inspiring stories,” she said.

The participants carried the relay baton for a leg of the journey through their countries, then passed it along to the next group of riders.

Some rode through snow, at high altitudes—where altitude sickness can take a toll—and in temperatures below zero.
Bell related the story of one woman who was in tears 150 miles into a 500-mile day. She was on her phone, calling her partner to pick her up. She was ready to pack it in.
She saw Bell approach and said, “I’m done.”

Bell did not try to talk the woman out of her decision. Instead she delivered a simple message

“You’ll regret it if you quit now,” Bell told the woman.

“She battled through the rest of that day,” Bell said. “At the end, she said, ‘Thank you very much. I’ve achieved something. That was not an easy ride.’

“Most people wouldn’t do 10 minutes in some of this weather, let alone 500 miles,” Bell said.

TECH FROM TEXAS–I was reminded this morning, the redhead sent me an issue of Vibe years ago when she was in Japan. Young lady on the cover reminded me I need to find it and the Number 4 Easyriders Tech Tips and Tricks.

Couldn’t recall the exact name of those of the 4 tech issues, used google to search. Wow 199.99 for #4 on Amazon seriously?

Committed to a fashion look yesterday and had to wait that last rain ban out. Then followed behind them to church, of course I arrived two minutes before it ended, I’ll have to stream it later.

Finally, all rear lights are Kuryakyn LED, I like the run, stop, turn function. Forgot Harley added the plug-in connections in the taillight. See, I always solder my wires, except when I’m in a hurry, then I use wire splices.

Only two 100mph burst in this morning, I’m always running late. Ordered Gator Skin balaclava and glove liners, but used the H-D glove liner the redhead got me this morning. Have to wait until tomorrow mornings ride in to test the GS glove liners. But the hoodie thing is cool blocking the helmets vents (taped over) and keeping the neck/throat warm. Temps 39-41 in Willis, what’s the windchill at 80+ mph?

–RFR

THE EASYRIDERS REPORT–
Hope everyone had a great Christmas. Just letting you know the Easyriders products finally arrived! This was in place of subscriptions when they closed shop. It took 2 1/2 months but they kept their word!

So it all seems cool, although I would rather have the Easyriders Magazine, I miss it.

–STEALTH
Undercover reporter
Bikernet.com™

THE CHANGING MEANING OF ‘BIKER’
New Models, New Riders Entering The Fold

By Robert Johnson

I’m the proud owner of two Honda VTX1800Cs. I usually commute Denver’s I-25 daily on one of them.
Something I’ve noticed during the past couple of years is a transition in my fellow riders.

More and more, I see different styles of motorcycles—everything from sport bikes to adventure bikes, and still quite a few cruisers. It’s making me wonder if my bikes and I are dinosaurs.

I believe the change in bike designs and riding styles will be good for the motorcycle industry in general. It’s high time for fresh blood in the motorcycle world.

I compare this to what has happened to passenger cars, with the automotive industry moving to SUVs. Most major manufacturers have always built a variety of motorcycles and will have little problem transitioning to a changing rider scene.
Highly specialized manufacturers, like Harley-Davidson, are having to make bigger corrections. The V-twin cruiser was about all they were focused on. Watching Milwaukee correct course is very interesting. I’m sure they feel it’s imperative for their survival. But, still, not everything they’re doing is as radical as the Livewire electric motorcycle.

If you check out Harley-Davidson’s website, you will find that they aren’t moving far away from the tried-and-true V-twin drive train, but are adapting it to adventure touring and street fighter models coming in 2020. That is most likely the smartest course they can take. They’ve made great strides in recent years with dependability and reliability. H-D does know V-twins.

The question becomes: How far and fast is the transition that’s coming?

Am I—and both of my bikes, for that matter—truly on the verge of extinction?

I’m a realist. And, while I’ve been riding for about 50 years now, I don’t expect to be able to ride another 50. I hope I have a good 10 or 15 years ahead of me, though.

In the near future, when you attend events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Daytona Bike Week and Laconia Motorcycle Week, the V-twin cruiser will still be the predominant bike. But I welcome the variety of designs. This transition will ensure the survival of the transportation mode far into the future, well beyond the next generation or two.

Will I see a time when sport bikes and adventure tourers outnumber me and my brontosaurus bikes? I kind of doubt I’ll be around that long. But who knows for sure?

The transition for the other major manufacturers has not been as painful or as radical. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, Triumph and others have always built a wide variety of bikes without concentrating on a particular segment of the riding market. The real change for them is in the product mix that they roll out every year. They simply decrease the production of the cruisers, while beefing up the numbers of the other styles.

Builders like KTM, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and others are likely welcoming the transition with open arms. The bikes they build are appealing to more and more riders.
I’m not very familiar with European and other markets, but I realize the V-twin cruiser is primarily an American phenomenon. I suppose this means the transition to more “modern” bikes will be a bigger adjustment for American riders.

One area that Harley may have a leg up is a bit further in the future. The Livewire is probably the most interesting new motorcycle out there. The reviews I’ve read are surprisingly positive concerning the rideability of this machine.

Are we witnessing the end of the internal combustion engine in all vehicle forms? I hope I don’t see the day when I have to hunt for fuel for my bikes. When will the majority of “gas” stations be electric vehicle charging stations instead?
Is this what if feels like to be on the edge of extinction?

–from Rogue
Senior Editor Bikernet
Bikernet.com

I love all this doom and gloom stuff. I agree, that the future will hold new and exciting models for new markets. That’s all good, but the older stuff is what our tradition was built on and it continues to flourish and grow. It’s a blast and choppers will never die.–Bandit

LOWBROW End of Year Blowout…
Was so popular we extended it by an additional day! No discount code necessary. Ends tonight at midnight.

This is your last chance to grab a select new Biltwell Gringo or Gringo S helmet at 50% off. That saves you $79.97 to $114.97 per helmet depending on the style!

You likely signed up for the Lowbrow newsletter while making a purchase. Stay tuned for exclusive content, products and promotions!

Our mailing address is:
Lowbrow Customs, LLC
2873 Interstate Pkwy
Brunswick, OH 44212

AUSTRALIAN CLUB NEWS— Cops secretly using facial recognition cameras at Victoria’s busiest stations

Victoria Police is secretly using facial recognition technology to identify criminal suspects at 85 of the state’s busiest police stations.

A month after body-worn cameras came under the spotlight, police figures reveal that another form of camera technology known as iFace has been rolled out at key stations. Victoria Police’s iFace program uses algorithms to measure features such as face width and the distance between nose, eyes and mouth before comparing the image against the facial characteristics of known offenders.

The system uses biometric software to identify suspects by comparing still images against Victoria Police’s mugshot database of known offenders.

But secrecy surrounds the network, its use and how many times people have been mistakenly flagged as potential criminals. Facial recognition technology has proved significantly inaccurate in overseas jurisdictions.Victoria Police are also not forthcoming about any plans to expand facial recognition technology more broadly through other types of surveillance equipment.

In July, Police Minister Lisa Neville unveiled a squad of 50 new “eye in the sky” drones, fitted with 360-degree cameras, that police can use for search-and-rescue missions, crime-prevention, and counter-terrorism. At the time police did not rule out combining the aerial devices with facial recognition software, saying there was “certainly the opportunity” to do so in the future.

A government spokeswoman said Victoria Police “have a range of methods in place to search for known offenders for investigative and intelligence gathering purposes” but there were currently no plans to use facial recognition technology on the new fleet of drones.

However, the growth of such technology is inevitable, with the spokeswoman telling The Age: “There is ongoing work across law enforcement agencies and Australian jurisdictions including the Commonwealth government on the future use of emerging technologies to assist with community safety and law enforcement.”

Human rights and privacy advocates say there is not enough transparency surrounding the network, and some have called for tighter safeguards.

Overseas trials have highlighted privacy concerns, as well as large numbers of mismatches known as “false positives” and a higher tendency to mis-identify ethnic minorities and women. London’s Metropolitan Police used facial recognition at the city’s Notting Hill carnival in 2016 and 2017, and at a Remembrance Sunday event, but its system incorrectly flagged 102 people as potential suspects. And in the US, Axon, which manufactures the body-worn cameras used by Victoria Police, recently considered fitting its products with artificial intelligence and facial recognition capabilities, until its own ethics board warned against it.

Debate over artificial intelligence and facial recognition reignited last week when Australia’s Human Rights Commission called for a moratorium on the use of some technologies until there is a legal framework to safeguard human rights. Victoria Police declined to discuss the rate of false positives, other than to insist that “since the rollout of these [iFace] cameras in 2015, police have always had the ability to override any decisions made by the system at any time”.

“During offender processing at locations where an iFace camera is in use, there are a range of techniques in place to prevent someone being linked to the wrong image,” the spokeswoman said. Victoria Police’s iFace program uses algorithms to measure features such as face width and the distance between nose, eyes and mouth before comparing the image against the facial characteristics of known offenders to generate a match. It currently has no capability to run searches against CCTV footage or video, police say, because “all searches require a still image and are performed after an offence has occurred”.

Human rights and privacy advocates say there is not enough transparency surrounding the network, and some have called for tighter safeguards to ensure that vulnerable people are not unfairly targeted. “Surveillance and tracking technology is susceptible to existing biases and prejudices,” said Anthony Kelly, who heads the Police Accountability Project at the Flemington Kensington Community Legal Centre.

“It will inevitably be pointed towards and most impact those who are already targeted by police – the poor, the mentally ill and people who are politically active.” As the use of AI technology expands, some point to the risks in China – which is creating a mass government surveillance system that can match faces to a database of 1.3 billion ID photos in seconds – as a cautionary tale.

“The potential human rights impact is enormous and unprecedented,” the Australian Human Rights Commission wrote in a recent discussion paper.

“AI, for example, can have far-reaching and irreversible consequences for how we protect privacy, how we combat discrimination and how we deliver health care — to name only three areas.” In Australia, one recent plan was for the Department of Home Affairs to create and maintain a national database of facial images and other identity information that would be shared by state and federal government agencies, and in some cases, private organizations.

However, the Identity Matching Services Bill was rejected in October by the Federal Parliament’s joint intelligence and security committee, with Liberal and Labor MPs demanding the legislation be redrafted to ensure citizens’ rights are protected.

[page break]

 BIKERNET UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER-
How math has changed over the years

If this wasn’t true, it would be really funny.

Last week I purchased a burger for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1. Teaching Math In 1950s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2. Teaching Math In 1960s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3. Teaching Math In 1970s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math In 1980s
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5. Teaching Math In 1990s
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it’s ok.)

6. Teaching Math In 2000s
If you have special needs or just feel you need assistance because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, childhood memories, criminal background, then don’t answer and the correct answer will be provided for you. There are no wrong answers.

7. Teaching Math In 2019

Un hachero vende una carrtada de maderapara 100 pesos. El costo de la producciones es 80 pesos. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?

–from Sam

AMENDMENT OF THE DECADE– 28th amendment

Please Read, and forward. This will only take 1 minute to read!
28th Amendment, 35 States and Counting.

OUR PRESENT SITUATION!

Children of Congress members do not have to pay back their college student loans.

Staffers of Congress family members are also exempt from having to pay back student loans.

Members of Congress can retire at full pay after only one term.

Members of Congress have exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed, under which ordinary citizens must live.

For example, they are exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment.

And as the latest example, they have exempted themselves from Mandatory Healthcare, in all of its aspects.

We must not tolerate an elite class of such people, elected as public servants and then putting themselves above the law.

I truly don’t care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent, or whatever. The self-serving must stop.

Governors of 35 states have filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon their states. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.

If each person that receives this will forward it on to 20 people, in three days most people in The United States of America will have the message.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:

“Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the Citizens of the United States …”

This is an idea that should be passed around, regardless of political party.

Congressional Reform Act of 2017

1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they’re out of office. And, no more perks go with them.

2. Congress (past, present, & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.

3. Congress must purchase their own retirement plan, just as ALL Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people (i.e. NO MORE INSIDER TRADING!!!).

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen/women. Congress made all these contracts by and for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor and privledge NOT a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators should serve their term(s), then go home and go back to work … not get all kinds of freebies.

This is damn interesting, but I can’t see any politician voting for it. We need to keep an eye on any efforts to pass this.–Bandit

NMA ALERT–Ticket Quotas are Alive and All Too Well

By our latest count, twenty states have explicit laws banning traffic ticket quotas. And yet, the practice continues, even within some of those states. City, county, and state budgets must be met, and a reliable target for revenue continues to be the motorist.

A brief rundown of the states with quota prohibitions follows but first, courtesy of reporting by TheNewspaper.com, here are just a few of the abuses uncovered in 2019:

Massachusetts
Forty state troopers were caught claiming bogus overtime hours, inspired by a federally funded ticketing program that required each trooper to issue at least eight speeding tickets per shift. Failure to do so led in some cases to the trooper in question being prevented from earning overtime pay. Eight of the state police were indicted for embezzlement for their roles tied to the speed trap detail.

Missouri
Ticket quotas have kept State Attorney General Eric S. Schmitt busy. In June, he secured an admission from the city of Diamond that its chief of police required or encouraged his officers to issue a minimum number of traffic violations. One of the Diamond officers blew the whistle on the scheme to Schmitt, proving a violation of the state’s law that disallows a political subdivision or law enforcement agency from having a quota policy.

Just a few months later, AG Schmitt charged the city of Marshfield for engaging in the same practice, referring to the speed trap ticket quota as “taxation by citation.”

Texas
A Dallas officer was caught falsifying nearly 40 speeding tickets to meet the funding requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s high-visibility enforcement grant program. He faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and repayment of the overtime he took home as a result of writing 569 tickets over four months.

The federal grant program so blatantly ties grant awards to ticketing activity that the NMA sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in 2017 urging reform. The lack of a meaningful response gave rise to the NMA’s anti-ticket-quota bill, the DETER Act, that is currently a focal point of our lobbying efforts in Washington.

Ohio
The city of Independence fired a long-term police veteran after it suspected he was responsible for notifying the media about the town’s ticket quota actions. The officer, Lieutenant Leonard Mazzola, denied the accusation and is suing the mayor, police chief, and law director. Mazzola earlier had complained internally about the quota policy – termed “a performance standard fundamental to effective policing” by the chief – that had a goal of reaching the issuance of 3,000 traffic tickets per year.

Florida
In another whistleblower case (and indicator that ticket quotas undermine police morale), the city of Hialeah has been accused of punishing an officer for failing to issue a prescribed number of tickets per day. Florida statutes prohibit a traffic enforcement agency from establishing a traffic citation quota.

Ticket quotas, whose existence is so often denied, are real. The victims are the motorists who bear the brunt of overly aggressive, and sometimes fraudulent, enforcement activities, and often the police officers whose job performance is threatened by policies forcing them to write tickets they otherwise might not issue.

State laws against ticket quotas:

Arkansas Code § 12-6-302

California Vehicle Code § 41602

Connecticut General Statutes § 29-2b

Florida Code 316.640

Illinois Compiled Statutes 2610/24

Iowa Code § 321.492A (2016)

Louisiana Revised Statutes § 40:2401.1

Michigan Compiled Laws 257.750

Minnesota Statutes 169.985

Missouri Revised Statutes § 304.125 (2016)

Montana Code Annotated 46-6-420

New Jersey Revised Statutes § 40A:14-181.1 (2013)

North Carolina General Statutes § 20-187.3

Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-235

New York Labor Code § 215-A

Pennsylvania Statutes 71 P.S. § 2001

Rhode Island General Laws § 31-27-25

South Carolina Code of Laws § 23-1-245

Tennessee Code § 39-16-516

Wisconsin Statutes § 349.025

NEWS FROM THE Antique Motorcycle Club Of America– On January 2nd, you will be receiving an email from ClubExpress notifying you about the new website and asking you to Register on the new website. PLEASE REGISTER.

This registration process will replace all your existing login credentials. You’re welcome to use the same user names and passwords, but you must register those on the new site. When registering, make sure to choose the option, REMEMBER ME, so you don’t have to login on different pages. In the ClubExpress email you will be provided with a temporary user name and password. Once you login, you can immediately change them to your preference.

Starting on January 2nd, AMCA we will be open for business in a new location in Chicago through our new membership services company, ClubExpress. New office hours will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. The Tech Line will be open until 9:00pm each weekday.

If have any issues with logging in to the website or navigating around the website, Technicians will be available to help.

The New AMCA Phone number will be given out in the January 2nd email.

REMEMBER: You cannot login to the AMCA website until January 2nd. The Community Forum can be accessed as it is still on the old server.

–Keith S. Kizer
Executive Director
Kizer@AntiqueMotorcycle.org

BIKERNET STAFF COMMENT–You know I like the notion that EASYRIDERS should never die. All of us looked forward to it every month and it really is not the same without the magazine.. Each of us should keep it alive in spirit and keep the code of EASYRIDERS alive!

–Stealth
Southern Feature and Tech Editor
Bikernet.com™

At one time Easyriders represented so much to so many. It represented the freedom to ride anything you wanted. It represented fighting oppressive laws. It represented building Choppers free from restrictions. It represented open roads and adventures found out there. It represented two-wheeled romance. It should never die.–Bandit

NEWS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK–Ninety-year-old aboriginal elder sat in his humpy eyeing two government ‘Welfare’ officials sent to interview him .

One official said to him: “You have observed the white man for 90 years. You have seen his wars and his technological advances. You have seen his progress and the damage he has done. “The elder nodded in agreement. The official continued: “Considering all these events, in your opinion, where did the whitefella go wrong?”

The elder stared at the two government officials for over a minute and then he calmly replied:

“When whitefella found the land, blackfellas were running it.

No taxes, No debt, Plenty kangaroo, Plenty fish, Women did all the work, Medicine man free, Aboriginal man spent all day hunting and fishing, All night having sex.” Then the elder leaned back and smiled:

“Only whitefella bloody stupid enough to think he could improve a system like that.”

–Ray Russell
Australian Bureau Chief
Bikernet.com™

[page break]

NEW ISSUE OF SOUTHERN BIKER NOW AVAILABLE- Please note we have corrected the Dania Beach Vintage Bike Show ad on page 12; the previous had the wrong date.

We are pleased to present the January issue of Southern Biker Magazine for your reading pleasure!

We hope this New Year brings you prosperity, peace and happiness

Inside you will find lots of information / ads / articles about upcoming motorcycle rallies and events that you won’t want to miss. If you have an event you would like to see printed in our magazine, feel free to submit that to www.SouthernBikerMagazine.com and we will add it.

Did you know you can click on any website address inside and visit the website directly to find out more information? We hope you like this feature.

As always, we are happy to bring you the best motorcycle related news, event coverage, upcoming events, bike nights and articles covering local, regional and national topics. We look forward to bringing you the best of the motorcycle world to you each month. We have awesome advertisers in this issue.

Enjoy this issue and please share it with your friends and family!
We offer on-line advertising as well as our two printed publications: Southern Biker Magazine and Sword & Shield Magazine.

Please contact us for advertising information at Kristin@SouthernBiker.us. We offer the best value for your advertising dollar and have the most loyal readers!

THIS JUST IN FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT--Top 5 most outrageous 2020 climate & energy doomsday predictions that didn’t pan out

Will the world end in 12 years? Maybe 30?

If history is any guide, it will not. Many similar predictions have been made in the past, but they came and went without tragedy.

1. The U.S. may warm 6 degrees F from 1990 to 2020

In 1990, The Washington Post reported in a front page story: “Carbon dioxide is the gas most responsible for predictions that Earth will warm on average by about 3 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2020.”

The outlet further warned: “The United States, because it occupies a large continent in higher latitudes, could warm by as much as 6 degrees Fahrenheit.”

2019 IN REVIEW: THE TOP 5 CRAZIEST WEATHER MOMENTS

Thirty years later, 2020 has finally arrived. The Earth has warmed approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit according to NASA. The United States also warmed roughly 1 degree.

Elliott Negin, a spokesman for the Union of Concerned Scientists, declined to comment.

The latest UN IPCC report, AR5, however, addresses the issue of whether their models were accurate. (The UN predictions differed from the 1990 Washington Post ones, which did not cite its source.)

The latest UN report shows that current temperatures are just within the UN’s old predictions made in 1990, but acknowledges that actual temperatures came in “on the lower end” of expectations.

The UN report partly credits a 1991 volcanic eruption in the Philippines for the lower-than-expected warming, and says the new models account for volcanoes.

The UN now predicts a rise of about 2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit from today to the year 2100.

2. Oil will effectively run out by 2020

CNN ran a headline in 2003 titled “World oil and gas ‘running out’”.

The New York Times reported in 1989 that “untapped pools of domestic oil are finite and dwindling,” and that “William Stevens, the president of Exxon U.S.A., said … by the year 2020 there would not be enough domestic oil left ‘to keep me interested.’”

But doomsayers underestimated American ingenuity, and the opposite happened. Both U.S. oil output and U.S. proven oil reserves are dramatically higher now than they were in 1989, thanks to technology allowing deeper oil to be discovered and extracted.

New technology in natural gas (“fracking”) also allowed the U.S. to become an energy independent net oil exporter for the first time in 75 years in 2018.

Reached by phone, Phillip Shabecoff, the former New York Times reporter who covered the disappearing oil in 1989, said that the Exxon CEO’s 2020 prediction was off.

“I’m not Nostradamus,” he said, adding, “it’s what the Exxon CEO said. He obviously did not anticipate the new fracking and gas technology. At the time the Permean Basin was being drained dry, so he had every reason to believe we were running out of oil,” Shabecoff said.

Marian Tupy, who tracks metrics like oil production at HumanProgress.org, told Fox News that people routinely underestimate humanity.

“People only think about how can we solve things with current technology. They underestimate human ingenuity,” he said.

Shabecoff said that “unfortunately, human ingenuity is often undermined by political ideology and greed, so we have not been able to bring human ingenuity to bear on urgent questions like climate change.”

3) By 2020, no glaciers will be left on Mt. Kilimanjaro

“It’s now estimated that by the year 2020, there will be no glaciers of Mt. Kilimanjaro,” Christian Lambrechts, an officer at the U.N. Environment Program, told CNN in 2003.

The Associated Press also reported in 2007 that “in 2001, [glaciologist Lonnie] Thompson predicted the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania would disappear within the next 20 years.”

But today, Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are still there, according to a 2019 paper in the Journal Ecology and Evolution that includes photos and a new timetable: “most of glaciers on Kilimanjaro … will most likely disappear within 25 years.”

Lonnie Thompson defended his prediction and said it was a bit different from how the AP summarized it. “My prediction was that there would be no glaciers, and that is true,” he told Fox News by phone.

“What we have now are ice bodies. The definition of a glacier is ice in motion. To be ice in motion, you have to have an accumulation zone. There’s been no recent accumulation. There are no glaciers on Kilimanjaro,” he said.

Asked about the study calling the current snow on the mountain “glaciers”, he said: “Sometimes people get caught up in semantics. The fact is all the glaciers in the tropics are disappearing.”

4. A billion people will starve due to missing the tech revolution

In 2000, Discover Magazine published a largely spot-on list of predictions about 2020.

But it missed big when predicting a “grisly reality” of tech-caused inequality: “For [virtual reality pioneer Jaron] Lanier, the most heartbreaking scenario is festering in the third world, where, he believes, the current generation … will be lost in the next techno-revolution … ‘You’re going to have to somehow live while you watch a billion people starve…’”

But from 2000 to 2020, global extreme poverty fell by about a billion people, according to the World Bank, as technology connected the world and allowed people in developing nations to access capital, production know-how, and aid from developed countries.

Lanier told Fox News that his prediction was really more about how poverty would be “more in your face” due to technology and said that the developing world could still collapse by, say, 2030.

“It is true that poverty has fallen… but the developing world is headed towards a reckoning. I still worry about Lagos [Nigeria] in 2030. Look at the population projections. Where will the water come from?…” he said.

“I’ll stand by what I said for now, but I still hope to be proven wrong,” he added.

5. By 2020, “millions will die” from climate change

Reuters newswire ran this headline in 1997: “‘Millions will die’ unless climate policies change.”

The report said 8 million people would die by 2020, citing a prediction in the Lancet medical journal.

The mass death prediction was clearly way off.

“None of these predictions came true, and aren’t even close to coming true,” said Roy Spencer, a climatologist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. “It’s amazing that the public can continue to believe apocalyptic predictions despite a 95 percent decline in weather-related deaths in the last 100 years.”

Some modern studies claim to find mass deaths; the Daily Beast covered a “shock report” that “Climate Change Kills 400,000 a Year,” but Human Progress’ Marian Tupy said such estimates are grossly inflated.

“They say climate change causes everything. Some people try to pin the war on Syria on climate change, and then say when all those people die, that’s because of climate change. They have a secondary agenda,” Tupy said.

The five predictions highlighted here join a host of similar failed predictions for 2010 and 2015 that Fox News tracked.

Tupy said that an overly negative view of humanity may be one cause of the bad predictions.

“Humans are not a curse upon the planet, but are actually a benefit, because we are problem-solvers. We are creators, not destroyers, on average.”

“When people ask you when was the best time to be alive – the answer is, tomorrow,” he added.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/top-5-most-outrageous-2020-doomsday-predictions.print

By Maxim Lott

Published January 01, 2020
Fox News

Maxim Lott is executive producer of Stossel TV and creator of ElectionBettingOdds.com. He can be reached on Twitter at @MaximLott

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
LIFE AND TIMES OF IOOBILL

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

That ‘76 Grand Prix brings back a lot of memories.. I had a ‘77!

–Mike Pullin
mikethestealth@hotmail.com
Charlotte, NC

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK FOR NEXT WEEK— 2016 Harley-Davidson® FXDL – Dyna® Low Rider for $12,995.00
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2016 FXDL Dyna Low Rider 103ci motor

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WORTH A READ–
Steve Jobs was the co-founder, Chairman and CEO of Apple Corporation and died in 2011, aged 56, after losing his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He posted the following observation just prior to his death.

Steve Jobs died a billionaire ( $10.2b ) at age 56. This is his final essay:
“I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In some others’ eyes, my life is the epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, my wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. At this moment, lying on my bed and recalling my life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in have paled and become meaningless in the face of my death.

You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone bear your sickness for you. Material things lost can be found or replaced. But there is one thing that can never be found when it’s lost – Life.

Whichever stage in life you are in right now, with time, you will face the day when the curtain comes down.

Treasure love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends. Treat yourself well and cherish others. As we grow older, and hopefully wiser, we realize that a $300 or a $30 watch both tell the same time.

You will realize that your true inner happiness does not come from the material things of this world. Whether you fly first class or economy, if the plane goes down – you go down with it.

Therefore, I hope you realize, when you have mates, buddies and old friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, talk with, sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!

Don’t educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. So, when they grow up, they will know the value of things and not the price. Eat your food as your medicine, otherwise you have to eat medicine as your food.

There is a big difference between a human being and being human. Only a few really understand it. You are loved when you are born.. You will be loved when you die. In between, you have to manage!

The six best doctors in the world are sunlight, rest, exercise, diet, self-confidence and friends. Maintain them in all stages and enjoy a healthy life.”

–From Dr. Stephen J. Huxley
Professor of Business Analytics
School of Management
University of San Francisco

HANG ON!–Washington says goodbye to vehicle emissions testing on Jan. 1, 2020–OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s vehicle emissions check program is ending after 38 years.

According to the Department of Ecology, vehicle owners will no longer need to have their emissions tested before renewing their registration as of Jan. 1, 2020.

Only certain personal and fleet vehicles were required to be tested in recent years.

The department says if your vehicle is scheduled for testing in the last few days of 2019, you still need to get that test in order to renew your tabs.

But why is the program ending? The Department of Ecology explains:

Air quality in Washington is much cleaner than when the program began in 1982, and every community in our state currently meets all federal air quality standards. The combination of the testing program, advances in vehicle technology, and improved motor fuels have led to significant reductions in transportation-related air pollution.

In 2005, the Legislature passed a plan to phase out emission testing based on Ecology’s projection that we would no longer need the program by 2020 (RCW 70.120.170). Despite the end of mandatory emission testing, we believe air quality will continue to improve in the years ahead as newer, cleaner vehicles replace older, less-efficient models.

Even after the emission check program ends, Ecology and our local clean air agency partners will continue to monitor, protect, and improve air quality. We are also continuing to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles — the largest source of carbon pollution in Washington.

–Q13 FOXNews

Wow—I’m a nut. Today’s been a scramble, mostly because it’s the first day after the holiday of Holidays, a news day, the bookkeeper wanted more money and Brenda told me to get the fuck out of her way.

My banking connection in Deadwood wanted me to make more money. Cash, our security dog wanted his treats. James the Tileman is wrapping up a room downstairs and will need to be paid.

Ride fast and free forever,

–Bandit

Hey,

I’ve been answering my letters with, “All the Best for Our Roaring ‘20s.” It’s sorta hitting home as a mantra for the future.

Think about what the 1920s represented. It was a wild time of growth and expansion, new music and women coming out of big full skirts. Prohibition started in 1920 to 1933, but folks still partied.

Prohibition was a move for more control over the people and their habits. I believe we’ve encountered the same movement over the last 20 years, Global Warming, Climate Change and Climate Crises. It was all about trying to control our lives, and I believe this year the truth will surface, and we’ll be freer again. It’s 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. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

CANNONBALL ALERT–Motorcycle Cannonball releases its 2020 route, opens registration

Photos courtesy Motorcycle Cannonball.

Jason Sims, director of the Motorcycle Cannonball announced on Sunday that the route for the 2020 Cannonball will begin in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and end in South Padre Island, Texas, with stops along the way at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Additional overnight venues include Traverse City, Michigan; Maggie Valley, North Carolina; Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and Luckenbach, Texas.

The race will be open to pre-1930 motorcycles (produced in or before 1929) and, as in years past, there will be separate classifications for pre-1920 motorcycles; single-speed, single-cylinder bikes; single-speed, multi-cylinder bikes; and multiple-speed, multiple-cylinder entries. There is also a 90-year or older division broken down into three classes for bikes over 600cc, bikes below 600cc, and bikes 101cc or smaller. Although the September 2020 event is more than 18 months away, registration opened on December 18, 2018, ensuring ample time for entrants to prepare for this epic ride.

Bikes are to be presented in original state with only modern safety modifications. The original engine and transmission cases are required to pass initial inspection. Transmissions and carburetors must also be period-correct for the entered bikes. Bikes must have working headlight and taillamp, and two functioning mirrors. And they must be able to maintain a speed of 45 mph to enter.

Judging from the map accompanying the press release, the entrants will complete a minimum of 3,000 to 3,500 miles over 16 days by the time they reach the finish line.

Registration forms are already up on the MotorcycleCannonball.com website, however, the race is limited to 120 bikes and past participants will be given preference first, before new entrants are allowed to fill the field.

Stay tuned to the Motorcycle Cannonball Facebook page and Hemmings.com for further information as it becomes available. This race is not for the weak of heart or soft of buttocks either, so think about it long and hard before submitting an application. Many current entrants got started in the race by attending one of the previous race venues and talking to the staff, riders, and support crews. They can be a wealth of knowledge should you consider making the commitment.

–by Jim O’Clair
Hemmings.com

AMA National and Regional News–

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Office of United States Trade Representative has again proposed tariffs on motorcycles with an engine size between 500cc and 700cc, along with parts and accessories, imported from countries in the European Union, as part of a dispute over aircraft subsidies.

This proposal comes after the USTR announced in October that these motorcycles would not be subject to tariffs originally proposed in April. This continued targeting of the motorcycle community and industry only brings uncertainty and harm to American motorcyclists and the small businesses that support them.

The AMA is joining others in the motorcycling community to oppose the USTR’s ill-conceived proposal. Motorcyclists should not be penalized with exorbitant tariffs because of an unrelated trade dispute. Any trade sanctions imposed as a result of this dispute should come from more closely related industries or products. You can make your voice heard on this issue by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/qspkcrc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Motorcyclists rode a little less in 2018 than in the year before, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Riders traveled 20.1 billion miles in 2018, down about 1 percent from 2017.

State News

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – State parks and recreation officials are closing part of the Oceano Dunes area to meet a Jan. 1 air quality requirement. About 48 acres of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area will be closed “to improve air quality conditions for nearby communities.” A San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District standard goes into effect Jan. 1.

PLACERVILLE, Calif. – U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors expressed their appreciation for Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. calling him “an indispensable steward of our forests.” Crabtree will be retiring from the U.S. Forest Service on Jan. 6. Liz Berger, currently deputy forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest, has been selected to serve as acting forest supervisor for the Eldorado National Forest beginning in January.

DENVER – A series of listening sessions is scheduled to give OHV riders a chance to share their experiences and vision for off-highway recreation with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S, Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council and the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/w5oefry. The sessions, organized by NOHVCC, are:

6-9 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Alamosa Family Recreation Center, 2222 Old Sanford Road, Alamosa, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St. Pueblo, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Colorado Springs Marriott, 5580 Tech Center Drive, Colorado Springs, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Vail, 2211 N. Frontage Road W., Vail, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 31 at Fay Myers Motorcycle World, 9700 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, Colo.
9 a.m.-Noon Feb. 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver-Thornton, 83 E. 120th Ave., Denver.
6-9 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Fort Collins Marriott, 350 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, Colo.

?SUCHES, Ga. – The U.S. Forest Service has released the environmental assessment for the Foothills Landscape Project, calling for three off-highway vehicle trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia to be closed. Those closings and the reclassification of 83.1 miles of Forest Service roads to reduce maintenance costs or implement seasonal access are part of a broad program intended to improve environmental conditions on 157,625 acres of the forest, but could impact the ability to ride. The assessment calls for the closing of parts of the Tibbs, Tatum Lead and Milma Creek ATV trails.

Seasonal access would be limited on 2.9 miles of the Muskrat Creek route starting at the Windy Gap trailhead. Finally, a rerouting is proposed on the Oakey Mountain OHV System. Riders can tell officials how they feel about this plan by following this link https://tinyurl.com/u8dpkou. The comment deadline is Jan. 10.

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) vetoed a bill that could have lifted state restrictions on electric scooters and bicycles, but that also would have allowed local jurisdictions to regulate or ban them. Cuomo wanted the bill to include a helmet requirement, according to a report in the New York Post.

HARRISBURG, Pa. – About 157 new miles of all-terrain vehicle trails are planned for five projects funded by $647,300 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ATV grant program. The projects include:

Cambria and Clearfield counties, Rock Run Recreation Inc., $121,300, to buy equipment to build and maintain about 140 miles of trail at Rock Run Recreation Area in Chest Township; Lawrence County, Mines and Meadows LLC, $390,600, to help buy about 213 acres in New Beaver Borough for the expansion of Mines and Meadows ATV Park; Luzerne County, Earth Conservancy, $62,000, for a feasibility study for an ATV facility in Newport Township;
Northumberland County, Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, $19,000, to develop about 4 miles of trail on the Western Reserve of the AOAA in Coal Township; and
Susquehanna and Wayne counties, Northeast Pennsylvania Sno Trails Inc., $54,400, to prepare a trail study for the development of about 13 miles of the former Ontario and Western Railroad corridor for ATV use.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Beginning today, Jan. 1, residents must pass a basic knowledge and skills test to obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit and pass advanced knowledge and skills tests to get a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses. Those caught riding without an endorsement face a fine of $48 that can rise to $136 with fees and assessments. The new law also includes an additional penalty of $250. The new law also creates a for a subsidy program to help make rider training more affordable.

International News

ANTWERP – A 10-year-old ban on quads in the city will be lifted Jan. 17. The city enacted the ban on the use of quads in the developed area and on the unpaved roads outside in 2009.

Motorcycle Action Group Belgium opposed the ban and has been working since to get quad use restored. According to the MAG lawyer, Stefaan Claeys, the ban was annulled because a general ban is disproportionate and “there is no reasonable link of proportionality between this ban and the intended purpose.” Claeys said that, “You cannot prohibit legal road users from using their vehicles to avoid the inconvenience caused by some of them. Those who cause a nuisance must be tackled by means of road traffic regulations, as is the case for all other road users.”

BRADFORD, Ontario, Canada – Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney announced plans to allow off-highway vehicles easier access to roads, which would allow riders to connect to more trail networks across the province. “Tourism and local businesses in many municipalities-especially rural and northern-are anticipated to benefit when more off-road enthusiasts are able to connect to more trail networks and surrounding community attractions,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, associate minister of small business and red tape reduction.

Industry News

LOS ANGELES – The Petersen Automotive Museum has announced the promotion of Richard Varner to chairman of its board of directors. Having served as treasurer since 2013, Varner brings more than 40 years of experience as a respected business leader, car collector, vintage racer and professional motorsports series co-owner to his new role. A Wichita, Kansas native, Varner has been collecting and restoring automobiles and motorcycles for several years; his passion led to the formation of professional motorcycle road racing series, MotoAmerica. In addition to serving on the Petersen board of directors, Varner is the Chairman of the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Nebraska School of Business, his alma mater.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will be the new home of American author Robert M. Pirsig’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle featured in his book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values. Pirsig’s book, originally published by William Morrow in 1974, has sold more than 5 million copies and has been translated into 27 languages.

The inspiration for Zen stemmed from a monthlong road trip Pirsig (1928-2017) took with his 11-year-old son Chris in 1968. Stored for decades in the family’s New England garage and recently mechanically restored, the motorcycle is a gift from Pirsig’s widow, Wendy K. Pirsig.

In addition to the motorcycle, the gift includes Pirsig’s leather jacket, maps, shop manual and other gear from the 1968 ride, together with a manuscript copy and signed first edition of the book. Pirsig’s favorite toolboxes, with tools for maintaining his bike and other vehicles as well as tools he made himself, are also part of the donation.

PARIS, Texas – American motorcycle enthusiast Adam Sandoval set the Guinness World Record for largest parade of Harley-Davidson motorcycles by organizing 3,497 bikes on Oct. 5. Riders from 48 states and Canada participated in the event, which broke a 2010 record set by a group from Greece. In addition to the record achievement, more than $54,000 in registration proceeds were donated to Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit organization that teaches Veterans and First Responders how to build and fabricate motorcycles.

AMA News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The world of motorcycling has lost three staunch advocates with the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Ed Waldheim and Clark Collins and former AMA Board of Directors member Jim Viverito.

Waldheim was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007 for his ongoing dedication to the riding community and his tireless efforts to secure, maintain and expand off-road riding opportunities in his home state of California.

Collins’ storied career as an advocate for off-road motorcycling includes helping found the BlueRibbon Coalition public land access group, building national and regional coalitions among trail users and helping get the federal Recreational Trails Program enacted into law. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Viverito served on the AMA Board of Directors from February 2010 to July 2016. His service on the AMHF Board, which is tasked with raising money to fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, began July 2014.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Dick Klamfoth passed away Dec. 13. He scored his 12 victories in AMA Grand National competition, three of which came in the Daytona 200 – in 1949, 1951 and 1952. He was the first rider to win the Daytona 200 three times and went on to be a motorcycle dealership owner and race promoter. Klamfoth was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Bradley Timm of Westerville, Ohio, was selected Dec. 6, as the winner of the two Honda motorcycles that were customized to celebrate the life of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Nicky Hayden, the late MotoGP World Champion. Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, chair of the American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors, selected the winning ticket in a drawing at the Hilton Downtown Columbus before the 2019 KTM AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – Get your tickets and make your plans to be at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 10-12 for 2020 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. AMA members can purchase discounted tickets now at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets. AMA members save an additional $5 off the already discounted early bird pricing.

AMA members can also call (614) 856-1900 to order their tickets. A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days showcases classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous. Activities at the event include the AMA Vintage Grand Championship, which features road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and flat-track racing. In addition, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet is packed with parts, bikes and memorabilia from all eras.

Bike shows feature some of history’s most beloved motorcycles. Attendees will be entertained by stunt shows, demo rides of current production bikes and live music, while seminars on numerous topics by noted motorcycling experts keep them informed. Non-AMA members and those reserving RV spaces must purchase tickets through Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

These tickets will be available in December online at midohio.com or by calling (419) 884-4000. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a family-friendly event. Admission is free for children under 12 accompanied by a ticketed adult. Free parking is also available on site.

SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK–2008-2020 FLHR, FLHT, FLHX & FLTR Explorer™ G-Tech Seat with Driver’s Backrest

The Roadsofa™ is crafted specifically for riders that love lay down 500+ miles of the open road in a day. It is the ultimate long-distance touring seat for Harley-Davidson touring models. Standard features include rider and passenger Gelcore™ Technology, a split-cushion lumbar area designed to sit you into the Gelcore™ instead of hammocking your body onto the cover like most OEM and aftermarket seats on the market.

Upgrade options include driver’s backrest, extended reach profiles for the taller rider that needs that extra room, rider and passenger heated options, trunk pad covers and more.

Our Gelcore™ Technology (explained) is a guarded company secret that no other manufacturer can duplicate. Don’t be fooled by other companies foam only, air and gel stories. Our Gelcore™ is formulated and manufactured in house and is engineered to dampen, divert, and deflect energy through a mechanical process resulting in a smooth, therapeutic ride.

• Designed and made in the U.S.A.

• SaddleGel™ in front and rear reduces tailbone pressure and increases circulation and comfort for both driver and passenger.

• Our tall lumbar support and wide driver saddle-support the back and legs for superior comfort, while the streamlined nose improves the rider’s reach to the ground.

• The refined split-cushion design separates the seating surface from the lumbar support, reducing tailbone and back pressure from maximum long-range comfort.

• Every cover is constructed with driver and passenger molded memory foam G-Tech inserts that comply with the GelCore that reduces road shock and engine vibration.

• Hi/low seat heaters provide warmth, comfort, and the convenience that today’s riders demand. (Available on some models)

• Matching passenger backrest / Tour-Pak pad cover completes the custom look. (Sold Separately)(for models that require)

• Models available with a built-in backrest that eliminate additional brackets that mount to the fender. (Does not accommodate Saddlemen or H-D fender-mounted Backrest)

Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FLHR, FLHT, FLHX & FLTR (TOURING MODELS)
Year Fitment: 2008-2020
3 points of contact
Comfort Overview (HD)
All Saddlemen Seats are made to order in our California Manufacturing Facility

Will not work w/ OEM or Saddlemen fender-mounted backrest

$708.00
Drag Specialties Part #: 0801-0820
Saddlemen Part #: 808-07B-03011
Availability: Built to Order
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Driver Heated Core Option
Passenger Heated Core Option

FROM QUICK THROTTLE MAGAZINE–We’re excited to announce that the Colorado Motorcycle Expo is all set for 2020! It will be held February 1st and 2nd in the National Western Complex in downtown Denver.

Formerly known as the Colorado Motorcycle Show & Swap, the Expo has been held annually in Denver since 1978. After starting at the Adams County Fairgrounds, the Expo moved to the National Western Complex in the early 1980’s, and it draws people from all over the country. Among motorcycle enthusiasts it has a large and loyal following with 20,000-25,000 people attending the event each year.

The 2020 Expo is especially exciting, because it marks the beginning of a new era with a new owner, Scott Schulz. Scott is a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and accomplished businessman. A North Dakota native, Scott considers himself a true Coloradan, having lived in the Greater Denver area for the past 26 years. When not preparing for the next Expo, you can find Scott either out riding (most likely the V-rod), in his garage restoring his classic Mustang and F100, or spending time with family and friends.

Scott’s mantra for the 2020 Expo is “New Vision, Same Tradition.” In order to ensure the Expo exceeds all expectations in 2020 and beyond, Scott is working full time on this event, spending as much time as possible in the motorcycle community, building relationships, and gathering and implementing feedback from vendors and attendees alike. He is committed to maintaining and improving upon the core elements that have made this an amazing event for the past 42 years. This means bringing together bikers and all who love motorcycles to buy and sell parts and motorcycle goods, display and view amazing motorcycles, and have one hell of a party!

The 2020 Expo has 3 main components: 1) The largest indoor motorcycle swap meet in the country, 2) The largest custom & antique motorcycle show in the Rocky Mountain Region, and 3) Live entertainment and other attractions, like live bands, on-site tattooing with competitions, wet T-shirt contest, used bike corral, and so much more. It’s a fantastic event you won’t want to miss, so go online to www.coloradomotorcycleexpo.com and purchase your tickets today!

–from Quick Throttle Magazine

MRF NEEDS STATE FREEDOM REPS– 38 States Have “Active” Representatives
1 State (NJ) with a State Rep whose individual membership is expired
Current conversation with the State Leadership (including DAD and Duane)
OK has an active Assistant State Rep but 2 SSMROs who cannot agree on a State Rep
IL has a new State Rep – Dennis Yaeger

10 States + DC without Representation (most without SSMROs):
CT (State Executive asked to be the “interim” State Rep, but has refused the official title and is only partially communicative
DC
DE
FL
HI
MD (none since Shelly & Lenny moved)
MS (although DAD just reported they have re-upped as a SSMRO, so hopefully we can work together to get a State Rep appointed
MT
WA (continued bad taste following Glenyce, who has asked to be included in State Rep communications and continues to share it with the SMROs)
WV
WY

This Retro Custom Panhead Bobber is the 2020 National Motorcycle Museum Fundraiser Bike!–If YOU have dreamed of building and riding a custom Panhead with a big motor all the updates, here’s your chance to WIN the bike of your dreams!

The hard work is done. The build components top notch. The custom fabrication, paint and assembly everything you would hope for as it was done in the J&P Cycles shop. The bike came out so well HOT BIKES featured the build in the May and June 2006 issue, and Corbin’s RIDE ON TV show featured the build in 2006 as well. The Museum’s drawing was held…

ONLINE DONATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE YET, BUT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DONATING FOR EARLY CHANCES AT THIS PAN – CALL 319-462-3925!

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB– The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles chronologically traces every Ducati motorcycle ever built. From the single-cylinder bikes of the ’50s to the high-performance machines of today.

———-

Laid out in encyclopedia format, this book offers stunning photography and detailed insight from Ducati expert Ian Faloon. You don’t have to be a Ducati aficionado to appreciate this impressive piece of literature. It’s guaranteed to please any fan of motorcycles!

Shop Now
https://shop.revivalcycles.com/ducati-motorcycles-every-model-since-1946/?goal=0_47bab08116-7f6a7f43f8-108132645&mc_cid=7f6a7f43f8&mc_eid=0affa6ed24

–from Revival Cycles

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2014 Harley-Davidson® FLHXS – Street Glide® Special for $14,995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8212319

2014 STREET GLIDE SPECIAL TOURING FLHXS w/Navigation

Inspired by the street but equipped for the open road, the Street Glide motorcycle represents touring with an attitude. It’s made to eat up the miles and strikes the perfect balance between custom touring style and long-haul functionality. The result: a bike that goes from 4-lane super slab to neon drenched strip and never misses a beat. If you don’t need it, it’s not here. If it you do, we make sure it doesn’t interrupt the immaculate lines. Also on the Street Glide will be hydraulic, halogen headlights, Boom! box 4.3 audio system, Bluetooth capability, with 25-watt per channel amplifier and a jukebox media compartment with USB connection and One-Touch access door. Let the High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine loose on the street, country road or mountains near you.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Great looking bike that is perfect for your next long trip!!! Mysterious Red Sunglo paint with red pin-stripe and raised logo is in excellent condition. (Only a couple scratch and chips [pictured] make this not quite pristine) Chrome console with black accent ‘Street Glide’, fat black/rubber grips, and tinted windshield. Painted inner fairing. Halogen headlamp, chrome lense blinkers, fork sleeve, polished lowers on Enforcer wheels.

Chrome engine guard, exhaust and ABS anti-lock braking system. Chrome engine covers including black accent 103 chrome air cleaner cover and cam with H-D logo cover. 2-up with Streamliner floorboards, brake pedal, and passenger pegs. 4 pt. docking hardware in place to add your own touch. Hi-reflective red lense stop / turn / tail and LED license plate light and fender tri-line. Ready for you to add your own touch!!!

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical 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!!!

**Open 7 Days a Week**

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

Only $14,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

Looking forward!

Dan Leadbetter
Director of Marketing
Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155

[page break]

DISCOVERY CHANNEL BIKE REPORT—We shipped the Hugh King Chopper to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum a long time ago. It’s still not there. Here’s the latest from Haul Bikes:

Please have the driver contact me directly on my cell phone at 319-540-0083. The Museum is only open 10 AM – 4 PM seven days a week.

On Mon, Jan 6, 2020 at 8:35 AM Andrea Kloeden wrote:
Hello,

I have learned that your shipment, order number P172654, has been assigned to a delivery driver who plans to deliver between Jan. 10-12.

The driver will contact the delivery location the day before to advise a more specific window of time for his arrival. Secondary transportation methods are recommended should alarm systems or electronics have caused battery drain during transport.

Please ensure that your delivery location is ready for the driver’s confirmation call. Your location must be able to accept an 80-foot customized tractor trailer. We are unable to enter military installations, ports, gated communities, cul-de-sacs, and dead ends. Further, we cannot travel down dirt or gravel roads. Our drivers will make the final decision on safety and may need to make alternate delivery or pick up options. As such ensure that the delivery contact can accept the bike to an alternate location if necessary. If this is the case, you will need to accept the bike at the alternate location.

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.

Andrea Kloeden (Andie)

Customer Service Specialist

Andrea.kloeden@haulbikes.com

414-464-7576 Ext 230

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House.

One is from Chicago, another is from Kentucky, and the third is from New Orleans. All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.

The New Orleans contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil.

“Well,” he says, “I figure the job will run about $9,000. That’s $4,000 for materials, $4,000 for my crew and $1,000 profit for me.”

The Kentucky contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, “I can do this job for $7,000. That’s $3,000 for materials, $3,000 for my crew and $1,000 profit for me.”

The Chicago contractor doesn’t measure or figure but leans over to the White House official and whispers, “$27,000.”

The official, incredulous, says, “You didn’t even measure like the other guys. How did you come up with such a high figure?”

“The Chicago contractor whispers back, “$10,000 for me, $10,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Kentucky to fix the fence.”

“Done!” replies the government official.

And that, my friends, is how the Government Stimulus plan worked.
Remember… Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.

“I love my country; it’s the government I’m afraid of!”

–from El Waggs

THE DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL REPORT–Get Your Blues Fix with Nick Schnebelen!
Fri. January 10, 9:00 p.m. at The Drake Laguna Beach

Happy New Year to our Doheny Blues Fans! We are so excited to announce that rising rock and blues star Nick Schnebelen will be performing at The Drake Laguna Beach on January 10 at 9:00 p.m.! Dinner reservations to enjoy the performance are available starting at 8:15pm.

* Please note that an entertainment fee of $20 per person will be added to your dinner tab for this highlight performance. Early dinner reservations will be available at 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. with the table returned to the restaurant by 8:00 p.m.

Please contact The Drake directly for reservations by calling (949) 376-1000.

NICK SCHNEBELEN

For rising rock and blues star Nick Schnebelen, music is in his blood. His parents and grandparents were all working musicians, and his great grandfather played in a string band in the 1920s.

It is no surprise that Nick formed a band, Trampled Under Foot, with his siblings Danielle Nicole on bass and drummer Kris. The Kansas City trio won the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and released five acclaimed albums, topping the blues charts.

The family members split in 2017 to focus on their solo careers, and Nick’s 2019 album “Crazy All By Myself” (produced by Tony Braunagel) has been on the top of the blues charts all year, featuring Nick’s strong guitar playing and his band’s funky blues-based groove.

Nick spent the year performing alongside George Thorogood and Buddy Guy, and he makes his Orange County debut at The Drake Laguna Beach.

Please contact The Drake directly for reservations by calling (949) 376-1000.

About The Drake Laguna Beach

WHERE GREAT FOOD MEETS GREAT LIVE MUSIC

The Drake is Orange County’s premiere dining and music space, featuring contemporary American cuisine and nightly live jazz, R&B and blues. Their specially designed music program and award winning cuisine are presented in a stylishly friendly and inviting dining room, intimate piano bar lounge and cozy fire-wall patio. The Drake brings all these elements together in sumptuous harmony for an experience that will delight all your senses.

Please contact The Drake directly for reservations by calling (949) 376-1000.

Doheny Blues Festival, Inc.
26741 Portola Pkwy, Suite 1E – 901
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610

2020 Tucker V-twin Catalog Now Online–Tucker Powersports has released its 2020 V-twin catalog, and dealers can view the digital flipbook version online now. For 2020, Tucker loaded the book with a massive selection of V-twin parts and accessories from industry-leading brands, with many exclusive to Tucker.

What’s New

A few of the new products Tucker is proud to offer in 2020 include:

LETRIC
Premium Plug-n-Play LED motorcycle lighting with a vast array of offerings for V-twin models, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and accent lighting.

LECTRON FUEL SYSTEMS
Lectron Fuel Systems improve torque, horsepower, and fuel economy while adjusting for atmospheric conditions.

AQUATIC AV
Market leader in waterproof Harley-Davidson® aftermarket audio, including stereo systems, speakers, amplifiers, and accessories that are waterproof and durable.

ROCKFORD FOSGATE
Rockford Fosgate motorcycle audio solutions provide cranked up and clear sound no matter what the speed.

TWIN POWER
New Fuel Pump kits feature all the necessary components needed to rebuild the O.E.M. fuel pump module, including pump, filter, hoses, clamps, and wiring harness as required.

WISECO
New Tracker Series piston line, a featured, high-performance piston offering for Harley Davidsons at a more affordable price point.

View the complete 2020 Tucker V-twin Catalog at this LINK.

Tucker aims to deliver the excitement of powersports to dealers and enthusiasts alike. www.tucker.com

Dale Spangler / Marketing Content Manager
Tucker Powersports
4900 Alliance Gateway Freeway
Fort Worth, TX, 76177

SALT TORPEDO UPDATE–Had to make a bracket to hold the pull for the rear fire extinguisher. Once that was done, I could remove the belly and grind away paint and weld the fire extinguisher mounting rail, but first I had to remove the bottle and lines to the firewall.

Then I started to monkey with the rack and pinion steering. The toe-in was almost two inches and needs to be an 1/8 of an inch. I had machined two new spacers to relieve the stress on flexible rod ends, because the rules call for a washer large enough to hold the heim joint balls together in the advent of a failure.

I also needed to reroute the throttle cable and the clutch cable. We had moved them into a bad position, while messing with the lead sheets. I hope I’m golden.

Hang on for another report just as we head to the desert.

–Bandit

MotoAmerica Announces Mini Cup
For 2020–“The Road To MotoAmerica” Is Geared Toward Young Racers Aged Six To 14

MotoAmerica has announced that it
will add a youth program to three of its 2020 MotoAmerica events via the
MotoAmerica Mini Cup, beginning with the Road America round, May 29-31, in
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. For more information on Ohvale motorcycles, visit
https://www.risemoto.com/

–from Trailblazers MC

BIKE OF THE WEEK FROM LOWBROW–“A group of friends wanted to go to the race to spectate…Turns out I’m not a spectator; I needed to race.”

Chris Morehouse and friends put together this 1949 Harley Panhead and took it to the world-famous Bonneville Salt Flats to race at Speed Week.

Not only does this bike look great, it goes fast. Check it out, click below.

TEXAS WINTER RIDER WEATHER REPORT–Mild Frostbite 1.5 vs Glove Liners 0 so today’s ride in 36 degrees leaving the house with the newest gloves I own and the Gator Skin inserts. Still had “mini-mild frostbite” in my fingers upon arrival, not as bad as January 3rds journey with the old gauntlets & the Gator Skins. My hands hurt for 10-15 minutes yet today still had some discomfort upon my arrival this morning.

Part is getting older I’m sure, plus no wind blocks on the Dyna. On my 2018 New Year’s Day, 30 degree ride, 50+ mile ride with just the newer gloves ended with just mild cold hands.

Granted the Roadglide fairing did block the direct wind, so I’ll add the hand guards & heated gloves, might as well be comfortable. Memphis Shades sells a set with the mounts included I’m going to order. I’d like to order their fairing as well. But by the time you add the windshield and the mounts it’s pushing $650. Villian where I got the bags has a similar style complete with mounts for $300.00, but not available until February.

They are also releasing an FXRP repop that looks nice, but 1400.00 in black and available in February as well. It’s rough dealing with these extreme south Texas winters (insert smart ass smiley face)

–RFR

DAYTONA BIKE WEEK COMING–WELCOME TO THE EVENT
We are excited to embark on our 79th Anniversary. The official dates and logo have been announced and are featured here. Be sure to check this site again for Official Sponsors, Official Information and Official Gear for this great new Bike Week Festival in 2020!

Daytona Beach is a city on Florida’s Atlantic coast. It’s known for Daytona International Speedway, which hosts February’s iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race. The beach has hard-packed sand where driving is permitted in designated areas. Near the boardwalk’s rides and arcades, Daytona Beach Bandshell stages free summer concerts. Steps from the beach, Daytona Lagoon water park offers go-karts, laser tag and waterslides.

To help plan your Bike Week Trip, check out our Bike Week Travel Guide.

HONG KONG BEARING CONNECTION–
HDD bearings Co.,Limited is a factory group 30 years old. We imported NTN machines to produce our HDD Bearings.

“needle bearing”
“tapered roller bearing”
“roller bearing”
“cylindrical roller bearing”
“taper roller bearing”
“spherical roller bearing”
“spherical roller thrust bearing”
“ball bearing”
“thrust ball bearing”
“linear ball bearing”
“deep groove ball bearing”
“angular contact ball bearing”
“spherical ball bearing”
“pillow block”
“flange bearing”
“spherical bearing”
“thrust bearing”
“rod end bearing”

famous brand bearings can be provided, such as: SKF,FAG,INA,TIMKEN,NSK,NTN and etc

Jeff Zhang
HDD bearing (HONGKONG) Co.,Limited.

Email:jeff@hdd-bearing.com MSN:jeff5655@hotmail.com
Skype: fag.jeff
TEL: (0086)0519-83335083 ext 803
FAX: (0086)0519-83335083 ext 807
Mobile,whatsApp,,Wechat: (0086)13801505655

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON OF THE WEEK–beaucoup
[ boh-koo ]
adjective

Informal: Usually Facetious.

many; numerous; much: It’s a hard job, but it pays beaucoup money.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF BEAUCOUP?
In French, beaucoup is an adverb meaning (in various combinations) “a lot, lots, lots of, much, many.” Beaucoup first appeared in American English about 1760 in the sense “a lot, many.” The word, whether used as a singular or plural, was rare before 1918, when the United States became fully engaged in World War I, as in “We’ve been spending beaucoup francs lately for Uncle Sam,” and as an adverb “very, very much,” as in Ernest Hemingway’s “I’m pulling through my annual tonsilitis now so feel bokoo rotten” (1918). During the 1960s and ’70s, American servicemen returning from Vietnam popularized the word and introduced the spellings boo-koo, boocoo(p).

Of course, one can ignore the message and simply revel briefly in the traditional values: the days of beaucoup silverware, heaping platters of mutton, folks upstairs and downstairs.

RITA KEMPLEY, “THE PAST: PERFECT FOR THE TENSE PRESENT,” WASHINGTON POST, NOVEMBER 21, 1993

LEARN ABOUT FREEDOM–10 Reasons To Apply for Y.E.S. 2020, by NRA Youth Education Summit Staff

1. You will get to learn about the history of our country. Even if you have seen the Washington, D.C. area before, we can promise you that you have not seen it as you will at the Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.). Summit attendees will get to tour historical sites around our nation’s capital. “During my Y.E.S. experience, I enjoyed visiting the numerous veteran memorials and monuments throughout Washington, D.C. Our freedoms are hard-won, and gaining this understanding through Y.E.S. has made me all the more motivated to protect and preserve these freedoms for ours and future generations,” says Brayden Teague, NC, Class of 2019

2. You will get to meet some of the NRA Leadership. The first full day of Y.E.S. is spent touring NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va., and during this time you’ll be introduced to a variety of NRA programs and services by the very people who run them. You will also have the opportunity to hear from members of the NRA Leadership team and even get the opportunity to ask them questions.

3. You will see—and shoot—some of the coolest guns ever made. Speaking of shooting, it just wouldn’t be a visit to the D.C. area without a tour through the NRA National Firearms Museum. Although anyone can visit the museum, it’s a special treat to get a personal tour courtesy of Senior Curator Doug Wicklund. Next, there’s a trip to NRA’s range. It’s not necessary to know anything about guns prior to the summit; the session is complete with a comprehensive safety class and how-to instruction, followed by actual trigger time.

4. You will gain skills that will serve you for the rest of your life. One key focus of the Youth Education Summit is the ability to think, reason, research and marshal a debate. Before the summit starts, each student is assigned to a team, a topic, and a pro- or con-stance. You may or may not actually agree with the position you’re asked to defend, so participating in these debates is an exercise in flexible thinking as well as public speaking.

5. You will have the opportunity to visit many sights that highlight America’s military history and the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces, who contributed to the many freedoms we enjoy today. You’ll have a front-row seat for the Changing of the Guard and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. You will get to tour the National Marine Corp Museum and visit the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the WWII Memorial. You will sit front and center for the famous “8th and I” parade.

6. You will get to see the documents that tell our nation’s history. During the summit, you will tour the National Archives Museum, which is the home to more than three billion records in total, including the three most important documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

7. You will learn something new. Do you know how long it took for the Vietnam Memorial to be built? What does it take to become a Sentinel of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? How long does the average case takes to get before the Supreme Court? Where do you stand in the Capitol building to vividly hear whispers from 20 yards away? Which state is misspelled on the Constitution? You will know these answers if you attend Y.E.S.

8. You will make new friends. Although Y.E.S. attendees come from all over the country and all sorts of different backgrounds, spending a week engaging in friendly debates and sharing experiences always leads to new friendships. “The Youth Education Summit is an experience I will never forget. It was amazing to hear everyone’s perspectives on different issues and be surrounded by like-minded people. I know I will keep the friendships and relationships I made at Y.E.S. for a very long time!” states Stephanie Weber, CT, Class of 2019

9. You will compete for up to $50,000 in college scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding summit attendees at the close of the week, with additional scholarships going to the Y.E.S. student or students who best demonstrate the lessons they’ve learned in D.C. once they return back home. You can earn consideration after going home in a variety of ways—arranging a visit from Eddie Eagle to a local school district, working with Friends of NRA to put on a banquet…even writing an article for NRA blogs or publications like Traditions magazine!

10. You won’t have to pay for it! The Youth Education Summit is an all-expenses-paid experience. That means your airfare, your transportation costs while in D.C., your lodging and your meals are all covered. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is pocket money in case you’d like to pick up some souvenirs.

NEWS FROM VINTAGE RIDES–In order to start the new year well, we wanted to take the time to reflect on the past year. For us, gaining height and remembering all the projects accomplished is the best way to start 2020 on the right foot.

We first thought of the three new itineraries we created, crafted with the desire to offer you an ever more varied range of tours. For the most experienced bikers amongst you, we’ve launched a departure on the tracks and small paths of the luxuriant jungle of Northern Thailand: Off-Road in Thailand.

On the African continent, we organized a 14-day ride through 3 countries in the heart of Southern Africa: Kingdoms of Africa. Finally, we designed a motorcycle road trip in Rwanda, THE African destination on the rise thanks to unprecedented economic growth and cultural dynamism:
Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills.

However, the destinations that we’ve been operating for several years have not been left out – we love new challenges!

So we’ve taken you for the first time on Royal Enfields Himalayans through the Mongolian steppes. Then we made a video of it. Following the success of these trips, we’re announcing that the Ladakh season next summer will be on the RE trail. Interested?

In March, a group of female riders took part in the second edition of our Girls Ride tour in Southern Thailand. A few months later, we announced the opening of the third edition in Indonesia. The tour filled up in a few weeks. Faced with the success of this 100% female motorcycle adventure that continues to conquer our community, we opened a second departure from September 20 to October 1, 2020, between Bali and Java. Ladies, we’re waiting for you!

We operated our first season in Peru, and French influencer Laurent Cochet came to discover the country by motorcycle with his family.

Finally, we met you at a couple events throughout the UK – which is essential for us and always synonymous with good times. One thing’s for sure: we’ll repeat the experience in 2020.

Thank you for your trust. Our motivation and passion for motorcycle road trips remain intact, year after year. 2020 promises to be very rich in new projects. Next summer, the whole Vintage Rides team will be reunited in a new office in Lyon. We’re already preparing new destinations off the beaten track, the first of which will be revealed next week…
See you soon!

Photo credits: Sophie Squillace / François Combes / Johann Rousselot / Laure Vigne / Laurent Cochet / Baptiste Saude

–Vintage Rides
(by appointment only)
128 rue de la Boétie
75008 PARIS
hello@vintagerides.com
09 70 44 01 30

Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to Share Naturalistic Study with Autonomous Vehicle Developers–To help ensure that two-wheelers remain a regular part of the traffic mix.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute will share valuable data from motorcyclist behavior studies with autonomous vehicle developers. Sharing the data will help ensure that motorcyclists are included in AV research programs and will help preserve on-highway motorcycling.

Data from the MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study will be available to any AV-related company, from vehicle manufacturers to tech companies, through VTTI. In exchange for providing access to the MSF 100, VTTI will ensure that the MSF can use the datasets from AV-related research for its own analysis and published works.

AV research could also have benefits for motorcyclists.

The MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study tracked 100 riders across the U.S., each for a one-year period, collecting data on their normal riding behaviors, from traffic scanning to reactions. The study also has a wealth of data on crash and near-crash incidents, including identifying factors in crashes, comparing rider behavior in a crash and during normal riding, and providing analysis of risk exposure and more.

“It is our hope that AV systems developers can use data from the MSF 100 to better design detection, planning, and control subsystems with respect to interactions with motorcycles,” said Dr. Thomas A. Dingus, who pioneered the naturalistic driving study research method. Dingus is also director of VTTI, an endowed professor of Virginia Tech, and president of VTT, LLC. “We want to assist AV systems developers in understanding the behavior of motorcyclists in the traffic flow, and specifically improve AV interactions with two-wheeled vehicles. We want to help make AVs safer, and we want them to consider motorcycles in this process as early as possible.”

Traditionally, research conducted by the MSF served as the basis for its curricula, consisting of a wide range of RiderCourses. The availability of the MSF 100 data goes beyond that.

“We’re telling the government, automakers, everyone involved with AV that we are here with the MSF 100 and more, and ready to help,” Tim Buche said. “Motorcycles must remain in our nation’s traffic mix, and motorcyclists’ safety is our priority, so we encourage all parties with ongoing AV research programs to reach out to VTTI.”

–MSF

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

TANKS FOR TROOPS NEWS– Wanted to circle back on this and let you know that Carey’s “Tanks for Troops” auction page is now live and accepting bids which all benefit his Good Ride Charity.

As mentioned, we would love to have BikerNet attend and support this event to help drive awareness for the auction and cause.

Please let us know if you are able to attend the event, Indian Motorcycle and Carey appreciate your support in advance.

–Bradley Hartman

[page break]

FROM THE TRAILBLAZERS CHOW HALL–From the Board of Directors and Banquet Committee…

Greetings to all of you Trailblazers. If you haven’t already marked your calendar, the
2020 banquet is set for Saturday, April 4th at our usual location at the Carson Center.

Although, it’s still almost six months away, the Trailblazers Board of Directors and Banquet Committee has been working for many months to prepare for the 76th annual gathering of our historic group.

Much was learned from you, the members, who participated in our post-banquet survey and we thank you for your valuable feedback.
Here is an update on what we have planned…

Honorees
This year’s illustrious group of honorees includes our new Hall of Fame inductees: Johnny Campbell, Scot Harden, Steve Johnson, Brad Lackey, Bruce Penhall and Bubba Shobert. We will also
honor Larry Langley with the Earl & Lucile Flanders Lifetime Achievement Award and Eddie Mulder will be the recipient of the Trailblazers highest honor, the Dick Hammer Award.

Please
follow the Trailblazers Facebook page in the months to come for stories about each of them.

Bike Show

The Tom Cates Memorial Bike Show, presented by Hagerty, continues to get better every year, and the 2020 show will be no exception. The Bike Show will open this year at 1:00 p.m. There are plans in the works to add a few more things to do and see during the Bike Show which we will announce at a later date.

Tickets
Many people were caught off guard last year when tickets went on sale at midnight on the first day. This time the online ticket sales will begin at Noon on January 15th at: Trailblazersmc.com.

Keeping up with ever-increasing convention costs, we have set the price this year at $100 per ticket (plus online handling fees) – individually or table of ten as available. That’s a bit higher than last year, but still much less than other high-profile motorcycle award banquets that charge as much as $175 a ticket.

Seats / Table Numbers

A reminder like last year, when you order your tickets, the computer generates a specific table and seat. We do not use seat numbers, so the table number you receive is your table, but seat selection there is first come, first served the day of the banquet.

Stage Presentations

Trailblazers President Don Emde and world-famous announcer Larry Huffman will again team up to handle the activities on the stage. We are going to change how we make our presentations this year with “less video, but more Larry” as we give him more time for one-on-one interviews with our legendary group of honorees.

Hotel Room Discount

We will again have a block of discounted hotel rooms available at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Carson, which shares the same parking with the Carson Center. The special rates are available for Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th (night of the banquet). The number of rooms available for
the discount is limited, and eventually the whole hotel normally sells out, so order early.

Hotel Phone: 310-830-9200
Code that must be used to order rooms in our room block: TMC
Group name: Trailblazers Motorcycle Club

The Trailblazers Board of Directors and Banquet Committee is looking forward to continuing our great tradition with you in April. Please watch for more banquet updates on the Trailblazers newsletter, website and Facebook page.

VA NEWS–Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and VA partner for Final Salute: The Last Mile

It was a chance meeting between a Tampa VA Medical Center employee and a funeral director that led to a program that now honors deceased Veterans who have no one else to honor them as they transition to their final resting place.

Final Salute: The Last Mile provides a motorcycle escort to the Florida National Cemetery for Veterans who pass at Tampa and Bay Pines VA Medical Centers and who have no family to claim their remains.

David Allen, a Tampa VA biomedical information systems specialist and member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, was looking for a little fresh air when he stepped out onto the hospital loading dock earlier this year. When he saw a hearse parked there with a flag-draped coffin clearly visible inside, his curiosity got the better of him.

From the Tampa VA to Florida National Cemetery
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and VA partner to escort unclaimed Veterans to their final resting place.

“I was thinking this has got to be somebody important, so instead of going where I was going to go, I climbed down and went to talk to who I thought was the driver.” That person turned out to be the owner of Veterans Funeral Care. “We got to talking and he said, No, this is an unclaimed Vet, and that struck a chord with me. He explained that the Veteran had passed away and either had no family who would claim him or no family to claim him.”

The Final Journey

Allen found out that Veterans pass away without family to claim them several times a year at both Tampa and Bay Pines VA. When that happens, the hospital contracts Veterans Funeral Care to transport the Veteran’s remains to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, more than 45 miles away, for a direct internment with no military honors. Those honors normally have to be requested by the family.

Allen, an Army Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veteran, has ridden with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) for several years. He felt they could do something to honor these Veterans. So he spoke with the association’s executive board and the funeral home officials.

“We were fortunate enough to be able to sit down with both directors, and they absolutely loved the idea,” Allen said. “It was, why didn’t we know this was happening? It really boils down to nobody knew.”

Official policies are now in place at both Tampa and Bay Pines VA recognizing Final Salute: The Last Mile as an official partnership between the hospitals and the CVMA. The first escort at Tampa took place in February 2019, and there have been eight more escort missions at Tampa and four at Bay Pines since then.

Now, whenever a Veteran passes away at the hospital with no family to claim the remains, either Allen or the Veteran Experience officer is notified. Allen starts the coordination process with his fellow CVMA members, decedent affairs and the funeral home. The funeral home now requests military honors for each Veteran as well.

Bigger rollout?

The program has been such a success that Allen recently received a challenge coin from Dr. Richard A. Stone, VHA’s executive in charge, thanking him for creating the program.

While both Tampa and Bay Pines VA signed on for The Final Salute: The Last Mile, Allen is now working with the Miami VA Medical Center to implement a similar program. There has been talk of possibly rolling it out nationally as well.

“I would love to hear that there would never be a Veteran who passed away at a VA where they did not get an escort, that didn’t have somebody to go and take them and be with them in that final moment,” Allen said. “Even if there’s not a CVMA, there’s a VFW Riders or American Legion Riders.”

The mission doesn’t end at the cemetery for the CVMA, either. The organization adds the name of each Veteran escorted to their rolls and toasts them at each membership meeting.

For Allen, the emotions involved in escorting these Veterans is worth the effort.

“There’s a sense of pride from saying, Hey, we stepped up and claimed this guy, we claimed him as a brother,” Allen said. “We did the right thing so that he didn’t go alone.”

–by Ed Drohan

Ed Drohan is a public affairs specialist, at the James A. Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida, and a retired Air Force master sergeant who has reported from Somalia, Haiti, New Orleans (post-Katrina) and Afghanistan.

THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN— It had been a long, long day, and John the truck driver really wanted to just get home.

Living in Washington D.C. he knew traffic would be bad this time of evening, but to his
horror, a traffic jam reared ahead of him larger than anything he had ever seen before.

John rolls down the window and asks, “What’s going on?”

The man says, “Terrorists have kidnapped the entire US Congress!”

“Oh my gosh!” exclaimed John.

“And they’re asking for a $100 million ransom.”

“Jeez Louise!” moaned John

“Otherwise, they are going to douse them all in gasoline and set them on fire!”

“Lord have mercy! Cried John.

“We are going from car to car, collecting donations.”

“How much is everyone giving, on average?” asked John.

“About a gallon, maybe two. Depending on what you can afford.”

–Bobby Stark

YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS FROM ROD SHOWS–
You’ve only got until Friday, Jan 10 to register for the Grand Daddy Drive-In and Car Club Sunday happening at the Grand National Roadster Show.

Get in on the 15th Annual
Grand Daddy Drive-In

VIP Parking/Participation on the show grounds, open to Pre-1973 Hot Rods, Customs,
Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks.

$60.00 per vehicle includes driver, one passenger
(any additional passengers $30.00 each,
cash only), dash plaque, and goody bag.
Plaque and bag for Pre-Registered vehicles only.

$100.00 per vehicle
if registered for both days

Rod Shows, 12223 Highland Ave. #550, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

LATEST ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA ISSUE–Earlier this week we sent out the digital companion to this month’s magazine. There was an error in the link associate with the cover of the magazine and some login issues.

This version of the magazine takes you straight to the magazine as a pdf document stored on the AMCA website. Active members can view this edition by clicking on the link and logging into the AMCA website.

The current issue is in the mail now. If you have not yet received your copy in the mail, you can click on the above cover image to see exactly the same magazine, containing every page, every story and every ad, from your desktop computer, your laptop, your tablet or even your phone!

If you’re a New Member or a recently renewed member whose membership expired before December 1st, your first (next) printed issue will be the following issue but please enjoy this digital issue this month.

For those in the U.S. you will receive your printed copy within days, or may have already received it. Members in Canada and Mexico in a week or so and overseas in several weeks. That’s the main reason for this email. Regardless of your postal worker’s speed, everyone gets this version at the same time.

The digital edition is an invaluable tool for members who want to find a story from an old magazine. As new magazines are posted, we are building up an archive of past issues you can refer to anytime, without fumbling through that stack of printed magazines in the corner of your shop.

All you’ll need to take advantage of this wonderful benefit is your AMCA number and your last name. Just fill in that information on the login page and start reading.

In the January/February issue, you’ll get:

The story behind the most-honored motorcycle in the history of the AMCA Judging Program, a 1934 Harley-Davidson whose owner has been working toward this goal for more than a quarter-century.

The amazing saga of Perry Mack, a hidden legend of the early American motorcycle era, who began his pioneering work with Harley-Davidson and went on to design some of the most-advanced machines of the time.

A closeup look at Can-Am, which turned Canada into a motorcycling power in the 1970s.

Plus much more

BRAND NEW BIKERNET READER’S COMMENT–THE DAY AFTER BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 26, 2019

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_DAY_AFTER_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_December_26_2019.aspx

I see Hanoi Jane is at it again. The bitch should have been shot.

–Alex Jemery
Deland, FL

HOT FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Journalists: We Want Censorship

UPDATE #2, Jan 9 2020: There appear to have been duplicate versions of this editorial. One published on the 6th of January, and the second published on the 7th. The former is still active, the latter appears to have been taken down.

JAN 9, 2020 UPDATE: The editorial discussed below appears to have been removed from the Winnipeg Free Press website. Currently, when you click the internet URL, you get an error page (not a paywall). Download a PDF of the editorial here.

Official editorial in Canadian newspaper calls for climate skeptics to be silenced.

If anyone should be passionately devoted to free speech, surely it’s journalists. Five years ago yesterday, nine writers, editors, and cartoonists associated with the satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, were slaughtered in Paris. Islamic fundamentalists considered them guilty of blasphemy.

So, what did the entire editorial board of Canada’s Winnipeg Free Press newspaper do the day before that anniversary? It loudly called for censorship. It promoted intolerance. It published a lengthy editorial titled Time to silence voices of denial. This isn’t the opinion of a single writer, we’re informed, but an official, “consensus view.”

The editorial’s arguments are the usual weak broth. We’re told that climate change is “undoubtedly the most urgent problem of our time.” News alert: Freeman Dyson, one of the world’s most brilliant physicists, disagrees. Here’s what he told a Salon interviewer more than a decade ago:

The idea that global warming is the most important problem facing the world is total nonsense and is doing a lot of harm. It distracts people’s attention from much more serious problems.

The editorial says “many people still deny it exists.” So let’s quote Dyson again:

I’m not saying there’s no climate change. Of course, there’s climate change. Climate change is part of the normal order of things, and we know it was happening before humans came. There is also human-induced climate change. That’s certainly happening too. But I don’t think there’s reason for worrying about it.

The editorial tells us scientists have “reached a near-universal consensus on human-made climate change.” Here’s Dyson one more time:

In the history of science it has often happened that the majority was wrong and refused to listen to a minority that later turned out to be right.

This editorial twice employs the term “climate change deniers.” That’s nasty, high-test character assassination. Anyone who differs from the majority view, so the argument goes, is depraved. Morally toxic. Equivalent to Holocaust deniers.

Humanity has never been able to accurately foresee the future. Endless lists of predictions, particularly pessimistic ones, have fallen flat (see here, here, and here). But dare to point this out in the climate context, and journalists call you vile names.

How strange that, at a time when we’re encouraged to be not just tolerant but supportive of religious, ethnic, racial, and sexual minorities, Winnipeg Free Press journalists are singling out an intellectual minority – climate skeptics – to be silenced and spat upon.

As I observed a year ago, governments, media outlets, business leaders, churches, and schools have spent decades insisting there’s a climate emergency. Independent thinkers who challenge this doctrine are swimming against the tide. They’re surrounded on all sides by a worldview to which they conscientiously object. They are a despised minority, whom mainstream society thinks it’s OK to demonize.

According to this editorial, however, climate skeptics have been controlling the conversation:

Climate-change deniers, including those directly invested in the fossil-fuel industry, should no longer dictate the terms… [bold added]

Because (sarcasm alert), the tens of thousands who’ve recently lost jobs in Canada’s oil industry are actually running the show. The companies reacting to hostile government policies by pulling billions of investment dollars out of Alberta are, in reality, in charge.

Just as other minorities have historically been accused of covert, anti-social influence, this editorial implies climate skeptics are responsible for heat waves, droughts, floods, and Australian wildfires. The refusal of skeptics to sit down and shut up is, we’re told, intolerable:

…in 2020, there’s no longer room for debate about the existence of climate change…We need our leaders to make climate change a priority issue, but that can’t happen until they, and we, stop wasting precious time with circular debates and denials while the world burns down around us. [bold added]

Newspapers are supposed to be about a lot of things. Holding governments accountable. Ensuring that the powerful don’t steamroller over the weak. Promoting debate about society’s most pressing problems – and debate about the various ways those problems should be tackled.

The Winnipeg Free Press, however, says enough is enough. Intellectual fundamentalism has arrived. There’s only one truth.

The survivors of the Charlie Hebdo massacre know precisely where such fundamentalism leads.

 

Properly mounting a rear fender can be a daunting project. In this detailed video tutorial Tyler shows, step-by-step, one way to mount a custom rear fender on a Triumph. The methods used work just as well on any type of motorcycle.

The Gasbox fender, Lowbrow DIY Strut Kit and other fender mounts used in this video can all be found in the Fender category at Lowbrow.

Respond to this email and let us know what how-to video you would like to see next!

CODE OF THE WEST DOCTRINE ACTION ITEMS–This one comes around every year or so and I like to pass it along
I am proud of our country and I am proud of our flag.

RULES FOR KICK’N ASS

Rules for the Non-Military (Make sure you read #13 twice)

Dear Civilians, we know that the current state of affairs in our great
nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.
For those of you who can’t join, you can still lend a hand.

Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance:

1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat)
during the playing of the National Anthem – kick their ass.

2. When you witness, firsthand,
someone burning the American Flag in protest – kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans.
If you see anyone doing otherwise,
quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second.
Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these
veterans made to make this Nation great.
Then hold them down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass.

4. If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDU’s) or Jungle Fatigues,
telling others that you used to be ‘Special Forces’.

Collecting GI Joe memorabilia might have
been okay when you were seven years old,
but now it will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

5 Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them, ‘Do you fly a jet?’
Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot.
Such ignorance deserves an ass kicking (children are exempt).

6. If you witness someone calling the Coast Guard ‘non-military’, inform them of their mistake – and kick their ass.

7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade,
get on your damn feet and pay homage to
her by placing your hand over your heart.

This includes arrogant politicians
who think someone may be offended.
Quietly thank the military member or
veteran lucky enough to be carrying her –
of course, failure to do either of those
could earn you a severe ass-kicking.

8. ‘Your mama wears combat boots’ never made sense to me -stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore would kick your ass!

9 ‘Flyboy’ (Air Force), ‘Jarhead’ (Marines), ‘Grunt’ (Army), ‘Squid’ (Navy),
‘Puddle Jumpers’ (Coast Guard), Bubblehead (Sub sailor), etc.,
are terms of endearment we use describing each other.
Unless you are a service member or vet,
you have not earned the right to use them.
Using them could get your ass kicked.

10. Last, but not least, whether or not
you become a member of the military,
support our troops and their families.
Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday
that you enjoy with family and friends,
please remember that there are
literally thousands of soldiers, sailors,
marines and airmen far from home
wishing they could be with their families.

Thank God for our military and
the sacrifices they make every day.
Without them, our country would get its ass kicked.

11. It’s the Veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.

It’s the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us the freedom of speech.

It’s the Veteran, not the community organizer,
who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.

It’s the Military who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
But we still need to kick their ass!

Oh, AND ONE MORE:

12. If you ever see anyone sin

BUT, BECAUSE YOU ARE A VERY, VERY SPECIAL PERSON

AND I KNOW YOU WILL NOT BE OFFENDED AND ARE PROUD

TO BE AN AMERICAN AND WILL SHARE THIS WITH OTHERS.

God Bless America and God Bless our legally elected President Donald J. Trump.

–from Rodan
Hiding in the hills of Tujunga, CA

HANG ON!—It’s going to be an exciting year. The Torpedo is about ready for a test run. I went down into the Bikernet barracks this morning to let the old dog out and was met by Jeremiah holding a cocktail glass half full with a pink liquid and a cigarette. He doesn’t  smoke. It was 8:00 in the morning. WTF, over?

As soon as he sobers up from his all-nighter, he’ll make a pattern for cutting the helmet protecting foam for inside the Torpedo frame.

I received an aluminum hub from Black Bike Wheels. If you need a spoke wheel from 17-inch to whatever, give them a call. They build spoked wheels for any make or model.

I sprayed it slightly satin black for that perfect patina look and I will send it back to him. He will lace it to an old aluminum 40-spoke 19-inch rim and I’ll install it on the Paughco Springer.

I’ll bet I’ll be working on Frankie’s FXRP this weekend. I know we’re close to finding the evil culprit. I need to get this puppy out of the shop, and he wants to ride like crazy.

I’m packing for a run to Deadwood to check the new digs in the hills. I need to set up utilities, find a couple of beds and figure out how not to freeze to death. The Redhead is pouring those negative waves again. I need to hit the road.

I’m going to shake up my life in 2020 or die trying. It’s that time.

Ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit