There are a couple of problems in our government. One, is that legislators think it’s cool for their resumes, to pass laws. Two, some legislators believe their mission is to save you. They seem to forget that their mission is protecting our Freedoms. Okay, so New Jersey Assemblyman, Paul D. Moriarty was able to convince or cajole his contemporaries to pass a law requiring that no one can ride on a motorcycle, who is under 10 years of age. This is Assembly Bill number 2344. It’s not only restricting the age of passengers, but you also can’t ride a kid on the tank, and he or she must have a designated seat and foot pegs. In other works, he’s severely trying to restrict kids from motorcycles. And, of course the kid must wear a helmet. It’s interesting. Legislators, in an effort to save one life, will restrict everyone. What’s fun about that? Yours in Freedom, –Bandit Report from Joe Smith

 

William Happer (left), a former director with the White House National Security Council, pictured yesterday with Genesis Torres of the CO2 Coalition and Alex Bozmoski of George Mason University.

 

Scott Waldman/E&E News

 

President Trump wants a climate science review where he might take center stage as host in front of a prime-time television audience, a former adviser said yesterday.

 

Trump is also interested in bringing back a hostile review of climate science if he wins reelection, but he’s concerned that it would affect him in the general election, according to William Happer, a former senior director in the National Security Council. The emeritus Princeton University professor worked for months to promote a hostile review of climate science.

 

Happer told E&E News he’s interested in a purely academic challenge to the National Climate Assessment, while Trump wants a televised event.

 

“The biggest audience, which is the average American public, has to be informed, and he thinks he’s better at doing that than I am. I’m sure he’s right,” Happer said. “He would prefer it be on prime time, maybe with he himself participating, who knows, but it’s impossible to make much of an impact on the scientific community that way.”

 

Happer said Trump was already familiar with his view of climate science, which holds that the world needs more carbon dioxide, before they met in the Oval Office with former national security adviser John Bolton and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. In those early days of his White House tenure, in the fall of 2018, the climate science review seemed a certainty. Happer said Trump was receptive to his scientific claims but that the president already had his own ideas about climate.

 

Happer, who left the White House last September, said he stressed to the president that there was no urgency to address climate change.

 

“I don’t think I told him anything that he didn’t really know. I continually stressed that he’s not really dealing with so much with science as with a popular movement,” he said.

 

Happer said that in subsequent meetings, Trump would engage with the idea of the review but was largely focused on his political fortunes.

 

NASA, NOAA and the world’s top science agencies have all warned that humans are warming the planet at an unprecedented pace and that, absent significant mitigation, the world is on pace to experience changes with dire consequences for humanity.

 

Happer spoke to E&E News on the sidelines of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban Washington. He participated in a panel on the “debate” around climate science, which also included a panelist, Alex Bozmoski of RepublicEn, a conservative group that pushes for climate action, who criticized Happer’s version of science. In previous years, CPAC events were critical of climate science.

 

In the panel, Happer criticized Republican women, who polls show are increasingly concerned about climate change and have weakened in support for Trump.

 

“Let me say a little about Republican women and housewives: They’ve been brainwashed,” he said.

 

“What are they supposed to believe?” he added. “They’ve got Leonardo DiCaprio and Al Gore and other great scientists explaining this and Bill Nye the Science Guy, well, what else do you expect them to think, and so we’ve done this to ourselves.”

 

Happer said Trump supported his planned science review and approved it to go forward but that it was sabotaged by “carefully orchestrated delays” from White House and campaign officials who didn’t want it to proceed. He said Trump told him it was “too close to the election” to do the review this year but that it could happen if he wins a second term.

 

“He was very apologetic and said there is a time for everything, and this is just the wrong timing, this is on hold, we’re not going to abandon it,” he said. “He’s a politician. So what do you expect a politician to say?”

Eddie Warren Won on a Kawasaki KX125
The first 125cc (now the 250SX class) supercross race held in Atlanta was on February 23, 1985. Eddie Warren won on a Kawasaki for his first career win, en route to the class’ inaugural Eastern Regional Supercross title.

250SX All-Time Wins by Brand in Atlanta

Kawasaki: 11
Honda: 8
Yamaha: 8
Suzuki: 4
Husqvarna: 2
KTM: 1

One Last Ride

In his last year of racing before retiring at the age of 26, Mark Barnett won the Atlanta round of supercross aboard his Kawasaki SR125 in 1985.

Record Attendance

The previous Atlanta venue (Georgia Dome) holds the record for the largest recorded attendance in supercross history at 71,009 fans in 2012.

Thirteen-Minute Film Showcasing UNKNOWN Industries Team Shredding in Tucson, Arizona Launches Online

CORONA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#monsterenergy–It’s finally here! Once again, Monster Energy teams up with UNKNOWN Industries crew for their second and highly anticipated video feature: ‘The UNKNOWN Ride 2’ follows Nick Leonetti, Buddy Suttle, Kade Gates, Seth Brisson, Wheelie Pig and Arizonan wheelie prodigy Tallboy Tee smashing the streets through the Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona on their iconic Harley’s.

Presented by Monster Energy and produced by Lurk Creative in partnership with UNKNOWN Industries, ‘The UNKNOWN Ride 2’ is live on YouTube as a full-length feature. Follow the link to see the highly anticipated thirteen-minute action video that has the motorcycle world buzzing.

The new release is the official sequel to 2016’s mini action flick ‘The UNKNOWN Ride’ that was shot in Oakland, California, and has garnered over 2.7 million views on YouTube to date. Four years later, the crew is back, upping the ante with a potent blend of high-octane bike action, next level cinematography, scenic Arizona vistas, and a special appearance by the Monster Energy Girls.

“This is probably one of the sickest films we have ever made! I’m so fortunate to be creating high-production content with some of my closest friends like Nick and Buddy. The Unknown crew came through and raised the bar, putting their unique riding skills on full display. Tucson’s year-round sunshine and the scenic desert landscape provided the perfect backdrop for another true classic,” said Ash Hodges aka Dirt Shark, who directed and produced the new film. “The Unknown Ride was a Bay Area classic and I didn’t know how to back that one up. Luckily, the City of Tucson and Pima County gave us the key to the City and let us create another video banger. We really focused on stepping up the production value and cinematography on this one to compete with the original Unknown Ride piece. Helicopters, a dedicated camera vehicle, and raw audio set up on each bike really helped elevate our game. This one really came together!”

Ride along as ‘The UNKNOWN Ride 2’ crew rips through the streets of Tucson and out into the Sonoran Desert in search of missing rider ‘Wheelie Pig.’ See the Unknown riders drift their Harley’s through iconic Tucson locations, including Tallboys Bar, and wheelie down the infamous Miracle Mile. Also watch the crew burn rubber and lurk through the desert landscapes passing spectacular cacti, including the giant saguaro, a symbol of the American Southwest.

Filmed in 4K high-definition, the action cycles through night and day as the UNKNOWN’s crew burn out, slide, and 12 o’clock wheelie over the hot Arizona concrete past the city’s signature neon lights.

The short film premiered last night in a special free-to-attend event presented by Monster Energy at Mystic Theatre in the Unknown’s hometown of Petaluma, California. Those in attendance were treated to a concert with Mickey Avalon, and a special appearance from Monster Energy’s freestyle motocross riders Axell Hodges and Jeremy Stenberg who have cameos in the piece.

The first 200 guests, comprised of both Bay Area and Sonoma County hardcore enthusiasts received a special long sleeve commemorative T-shirt designed for the premiere event by Ash Hodges.

Ready to see what all of the hype’s about? See for yourself as the thirteen-minute-long, ‘The UNKNOWN Ride 2’ is available to watch now, free online on YouTube.

Also make sure to follow the social media hashtag #UnknownRide2 for athlete stories and behind-the-scenes looks at this high-octane video production and launch event.

Media representatives can click on the following link to download video and photo assets surrounding the launch of ‘The UNKNOWN Ride 2’ video presented by Monster Energy and produced by Lurk Creative featuring the UNKNOWN Industries team.

Also visit www.monsterenergy.com and follow Monster Energy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter for exclusive updates on our team of moto athletes.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson CEO Matthew Levatich is leaving the struggling motorcycle maker.

The Milwaukee company announced Friday that Levatich will leave his post and seat on Harley’s board of directors.

Board member Jochen Zeitz will become acting president and CEO while a board search committee is formed and Harley hires an outside search firm to fill the job.

“The Board and Matt mutually agreed that now is the time for new leadership at Harley-Davidson,” Zeitz said in a prepared statement.

Harley has been struggling with declining sales in the U.S., its biggest market, as it tries to adapt to an aging customer base while looking to expand markets overseas.

The announcement of the leadership change, made after the markets closed, pushed Harley’s shares up 5% in after-hours trading. They had fallen 2.3% with the broader markets during the trading day.

Harley’s closing share price Friday was down 18% for the year.

Harley reported a net profit of $423.6 million in 2019, but it made only $13.5 million in the fourth quarter.

The company said Levatich will stay on through March to assist with the transition.

Zeitz also was named board chairman, replacing Michael Cave, who becomes presiding director. He said the board is confident that its leadership experience and understanding of the company will bring an effective transition.

Hey,

I want to impress on everyone to get out and vote. I’m not telling you how or who to vote for, just get out and vote. I’ve discovered that a lot of bikers, mostly young bikers and ex-prisoners don’t vote. It’s erased from their minds. They have no concept of voting. They never trusted government and so they erased it. Unfortunately, that’s now a problem.

I would explain the problem, but I want to stay focused on the solution. The first move is to register to vote. The second should be to join your local motorcycle rights group. They will help you with voting decisions and understanding various issues. Okay, so basically, it’s up to us to fix things, and we can’t fix anything without voting.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWS ON BIKERNET.

Quick – Join the Cantina for more cool two-wheeled stuff – https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

Make Freedom a Priority Once More

by Betsy from https://www.idahopress.com

Legislation pushed by Nampa Rep. Robert Anderst for the past three years to forbid “motorcycle profiling” by law enforcement – deciding to pull someone over or arrest or search them solely because they’re riding a motorcycle or wearing motorcycle gear – handily passed the Senate today, on a 25-9 vote. Last year, the bill died in the Senate on a 17-18 vote; and the year before that, after passing the House unanimously, it was killed on a 13-22 vote in the Senate. This year’s bill, SB 1292, started in the Senate.

As they have for the past two years, motorcycling enthusiasts and members of motorcycle groups turned out in big numbers to testify in favor of the bill in committee, saying they’ve been profiled by law enforcement officers when they were abiding by all laws.

This year’s bill, like last year’s, in addition to defining and forbidding motorcycle profiling, also states that it’s not creating any new basis for lawsuits.

by Toby Crockford from https://www.smh.com.au/

The oldest motorcycle in existence – a steam-powered velocipede – is coming to Brisbane in an exhibition that is a world-exclusive coup for Queensland.

The exhibition, The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire, will showcase the most innovative and influential motorcycles from the past 150 years and will run from November 28 to April 26, 2021.

A world exclusive for Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art, the exhibition will feature more than 100 bikes from the 1860s to the present day, drawn from private and public collections across the world.

“It includes the earliest 19th-century steam-powered motorcycle, right through to electric motorcycles and exciting design propositions for the future,” GOMA director Chris Saines said.

“The motorcycle has undergone extraordinary reinvention, from steam power to petrol-fuelled internal combustion engines to battery, and from humble backyard creations to custom-made, high-tech chrome speed machines.”

Co-curator Professor Charles M. Falco said the collaboration with GOMA started a few years ago, when the gallery approached him and co-curator Ultan Guilfoyle.

“This has the equivalent visitorship of the Guggenheim Museum in New York; it also has an international flavour to it,” Professor Falco said.

“Two-thirds of motorcycles are sold in China, India or Indonesia – that’s the Asia-Pacific region; this is the centre of motorcycle activity in the world in the 21st century.

“So doing it here makes all sorts of sense. We’re creating it with a specific Asia-Pacific and Australian slant to it.”

Professor Falco said the exhibition would feature something for everyone.

“People who know motorcycles will see machines they have never seen before,” he said.

“People who might just go to the museum because it’s on their holiday checklist will see the motorcycles and go, ‘I had no idea, they’re beautifully designed’.

“People who think about the future and climate change will see the base upon which the future is built because the exhibition looks to the future with electric motorcycles.”

Exhibition highlights include an 1868 Michaux-Perreaux: the first steam-powered velocipede and oldest-known motorcycle in the world.

There will also be the earliest Australian machines, including a Spencer, which was produced in Brisbane in 1906, and a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning, which set an Australian land-speed record and a world record for the highest price paid at auction for a motorcycle.

The futuristic electric motorcycles will be accompanied by speed demons such as a 1930s Triumph Speed Twin, a 1970s Ducati 750 SuperSport and the 1990s Britten V1000.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the state government’s $4 million in funding over two years was helping GOMA attract exclusive exhibitions and international visitors to the Sunshine State.

“From The Great Escape, Easy Rider and Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2, motorcycles have been a mainstay of popular culture for decades and continue to provide endless fascination for millions of people around the world,” Minister Enoch said.

“The one-of-a-kind exhibition at GOMA is set to tap into the appeal of this iconic object of design and art through a thrilling and immersive installation experience that will not be shown anywhere else in the world and will be must-see for locals and visitors to Queensland.”

Hey,

I want to impress on everyone to get out and vote. I’m not telling you how or who to vote for, just get out and vote. I’ve discovered that a lot of bikers, mostly young bikers and ex-prisoners don’t vote. It’s erased from their minds. They have no concept of voting. They never trusted government and so they erased it. Unfortunately, that’s now a problem.

I would explain the problem, but I want to stay focused on the solution. The first move is to register to vote. The second should be to join your local motorcycle rights group. They will help you with voting decisions and understanding various issues. Okay, so basically, it’s up to us to fix things, and we can’t fix anything without voting.

 Micah weighed the rods, pistons, rings and keepers and brought all the info on a small sheet of paper. A good, knowledgeable mechanic is like a surgeon. Everything is handled delicately and with precision. Micah worked for Sam Pierce in his early days and rebuilt lots of Indian engines. He still has his third chopper, a 1940 Indian that he’s been riding for over 40 years.

Anyway, he used Go’s scale to make the weights he needed to balance the lower end. Then he attached the weights to the one wheel at a time on a leveled tool from S&S. He determined where to drill lightening holes and used Go’s drill press to drill the holes. Slowly he drilled and checked until he achieved the right balance of each wheel, and then we took Go and his lovely wife to Lunch at Rudy’s in Wilmington.

Let’s hit the news but check the Brat Style web site. Go has an amazing shop.

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.

METZELER SPORTEC M9 RR, THE NEWEST SUPERSPORT TIRE DESIGNED TO FACE DIFFICULT CHALLENGES
The latest addition to the METZELER brand derives updates from the experience gained in road racing activities and offers high levels of grip, handling and safety even in unexpected situations of wet and uneven asphalt

METZELER has always been a leading brand in technological innovation, performance research and meeting the most challenging quality standards. Since its inception, the brand has consistently developed products to meet the growing expectations of the most demanding riders.

SPORTEC™ M9 RR is the latest supersport tire from the manufacturer and is undoubtedly among the most anticipated products of motorcyclists, who in recent years, have come to love and appreciate the characteristics of its renowned predecessor, the SPORTEC™ M7 RR. It is designed for owners of supersport and naked bikes with a sporty riding style that use their bikes every day and in all weather conditions – from the urban jungle to the fast runs on a weekend excursion.

The name SPORTEC M9 RR consolidates the technological tradition of METZELER. SPORTEC identifies the supersport road tires of the METZELER portfolio, while the RR suffix – acronym for Road Racing – refers to the iconic competitions such as the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, which was won in 2019 on METZELER RACETEC RR Slick tires. METZELER has historically used road racing as a testing ground to validate the peak performance and versatility of its products, thanks to the wide range of operating conditions that can be faced during these events.

When it comes to road racing, maximum tire performance is required across an extremely wide range of asphalt and temperature conditions. Similarly, SPORTEC M9 RR is designed to deliver a sporty performance also in challenging conditions on road: a wide range of asphalts and temperatures, dry or wet conditions. Hence comes the claim chosen to accompany the introduction of the tire SPORTEC M9 RR: RIDE THE UNEXPECTED.

The main benefits are:

a high level of grip thanks to the use of a two-compound scheme using two unique Full Silica compounds in both the front and rear tire. The compounds work in combination with the central tread pattern to ensure traction and directionality in the straight. Slick shoulders provide high levels of grip and lateral thrust at maximum lean angle on a wide spectrum of asphalts;
incredible handling achieved thanks to an innovative structure that can improve the response of the tire, depending on the use: comfort and riding pleasure at low speed, reactivity and precision at a higher speed;
excellent wet grip made possible by the characteristics of the Full Silica compounds and their construction scheme, which also ensure a quick warm-up even on wet and cold roads.

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK–
Tail Whip, Double Diamond Seating.

Taking the Kickflip one step further

If it’s more comfort for the passenger or just another platform to let your adventurous side explore, the whipped-up tail of the TailWhip will give you what you are looking for!

Available in Basket Weave, Double Diamond Stitch, Pleated Stitch, or anything your imagination comes up with

Driver Area 10.75″ Wide with 6″ of Back Support, Passenger Area 7″ Wide

Molded Marathon Foam

BikerTec Custom Cover

Highly detailed powder-coated steel carpeted base

Specs

Driver Seating:
10.75″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
7″ Wide

MSRP:
$469.00

Part Number:
LK-581DD [’06-’17] Dyna

THE MICHAEL LICHTER STURGIS EXHIBIT–

Please make plans now to attend Michael Lichter’s annual exhibit of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 2020 Motorcycles As Art exhibition, “Heavy Mettle: Motorcycles and Art with Moxie,” curated by the celebrated Michael Lichter. This highly anticipated exhibit takes place during the rally.

Few motorcycle builders have withstood the test of time, economic downturns and the fickle twists and turns of moto fads. Those with metal-lined backbone and character strong enough to buck trends have earned their legendary status and a fair amount of recognition. Some 36 of these builders have accepted Michael LIchter’s invitation to create and display a motorcycle in the style of their choosing for the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 2020 Motorcycles as Art exhibit titled “Heavy Mettle: Motorcycles and Art with Moxie.” The one-time collection will also display photographs captured by Lichter over his 40-plus-year career on the walls of the exhibition hall.

The Heavy Mettle exhibition will exist for only one week during the rally.

Ride Free, Take Risks and we look forward to seeing your smiling faces in August.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ON LOWBROW–In celebration of Black History Month…
we are sharing this Black Biker History article written for us by our friend Nick Haints.

Lots of excellent photos and anecdotes from some of the early participants in the club and chopper scene. Enjoy!

–Tyler
Lowbrow

THE AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION—We have a very sharp female connection, tattoo artist, welder, bike builder in Australia. She reached out to me recently:

This is my chosen charity.
Please help me to share the possibility of education for rural Cambodia.
These kids ride motorcycles better than most people I know.
https://www.facebook.com/TukTukCharity/

I’m a Vietnam veteran and am reminded about how many brothers we lost in that conflict, 67,000, but there’s another side of the story. Between 3 and 5 million Vietnamese and Cambodians were killed and no telling how many were injured. Incredible.

–Bandit

BUY K. RANDALL BALL BOOKS ON AMAZON—

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=K.+Randall+Ball&ref=nb_sb_noss

I didn’t realize that Create Space, a book on demand creator is now owned by Kindle and when I order books Amazon handle the finances. Incredible or scary.

Check ‘em out, or you can always buy books in our shop on Bikernet. We’re very small potatoes compared to the giant Amazon. –Bandit

Nick Perri handwritten lyrics available now, including “FALL”–
I have once again decided to offer hand-written, numbered, and signed Lyric Sheets. The last batch sold out in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend getting on these quick. “Whole Lotta Money” and “Let You Know” are back in very small numbers, and by request I’ve also added “FALL”. All can be found in our merch store right now: https://www.nickperrimusic.com/store

Order in the next 24 hours and I will once again throw in one of my signature guitar picks for free. Have a great weekend.

–Nick

QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– These great questions and answers are from the days when “Hollywood Squares” game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now…

Q. Do female frogs croak?

A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?

A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years…

A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q . Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?

A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness!

(The audience laughed so long and so hard it took up almost 15 minutes of the show!)

Q. You’ve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?

A. Don Knotts: That’s what’s been keeping me awake.

–from Harvey Tow

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET POT DEPARTMET–
LAX airport will allow marijuana in carry-ons– (CNN) — Los Angeles International Airport, better known as LAX, has announced that it will permit travelers to bring small amounts of legal marijuana through security in their carry-on bags.

But wait: That doesn’t mean you can toke up at the airport.

Pot is legal in several US states, but not on the federal level, so you still need to study up before packing your bags on your way out of LA.

In 2016, California passed Proposition 64, aka the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The passing of this proposition means that as of of January 1, 2018, it is legal in California “for individuals 21 years of age or older to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana for personal consumption.”

LAX is honoring the same regulations in the airport, allowing travelers over the age of 21 to enter the airport and pass through security with the permitted amounts of marijuana.

“The Los Angeles Airport Police Department will allow passengers to travel through LAX with up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of concentrated marijuana,” reads a statement on LAX’s official website, which was posted in September 2018.

That said, whether you can get busted for traveling throughout the US with pot depends on where you’re going. If you’re traveling between two states where the substance is legal, such as California and Vermont, you should be all right upon landing.

But if your flight is going from LAX to a place where marijuana isn’t legal, it depends on the laws in the state or country where you arrive. You are still subject to local laws wherever you might be going, even if you carry a valid weed prescription for the place where you live.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE CHANGING BKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 16th, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_CHANGING_BKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_January_16th_2020.aspx

It’s great seeing Hal Robinson’s panel joke up in the news. I am anxious to see more of his work. Where is “Live to Ride”? Did I miss it?

–Ann Robinson
abrobin114@gmail.com
Garden Grove, Ca

It’s always a pleasure to publish the master’s works. I used “Life to Ride” twice. It’s a classic. In fact, here it is again. –Bandit

NEW FROM JIMS– 5-Speed Transmission Top Cover

This new precision machined billet transmission top cover replaces OEM Part No’s 34541-00 and 34549-01 (Early Twin Cam 5-Speed Transmissions). The OEM top covers are now obsolete from the factory, so JIMS decided to supply the technician, or builder, a quality American made replacement part.

These topcovers have been designed to be a direct replacement with no modifications, or clearancing required when installing the part. The parts are precision machined by JIMS out of 6061 solid billet aluminum, then either polished to a show mirror finish.

(No.8940PK) or chrome plated (No.8940CK).

Kits come complete with gasket and hardware for $212.80 in polish, and $258.75 in chrome, ready to install. Use on 2001-2006 Touring Models and 2000-2006 Softail Models.

For more information please contact us at (805) 482-6913, email us at sales@jimsusa.com, or visit www.jimsusa.com.

–Greg Thiessen
Marketing Associate

JIMS®
555 Dawson Drive,
Camarillo, CA 93012
Ph: 805-482-6913
www.jimsusa.com

OP-ED FROM THE NMA–We are getting an early start on the seasonal ritual at the NMA offices, and in the process, turned up an interesting opinion piece written by a member who is still very active today.

We won’t name names because the focus should be on his words, which have a relevancy today as they did in 1992. That is particularly so on the heels of an announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it has awarded $562 million in highway safety grants to the states for 2020, much of which is earmarked for high-visibility enforcement campaigns that are evaluated by how many tickets are handed out, not strictly by safety improvements.

Please Call Me a Professional Speeder

We hear a lot about enforcement schemes aimed at the “professional speeder.” The cops are always announcing another ticket-writing blitz against the guy who makes a business of driving fast, on every freeway trip, all the time.

But what’s wrong with being a professional speeder? Where I come from, professional means skilled, judicious, knowledgeable, and careful. A professional doesn’t make mistakes and can be counted on to perform properly, every time, under all circumstances. I’d consider it an honor to be called a professional speeder if only my car would go fast enough, and it didn’t attract police attention.

On the highway, professional speeders include a lot of people who drive for a living, whose families depend on them, and who take pride in the job they do. Truck drivers, bus drivers, delivery men, messengers, sales representatives, repairmen, and a lot of professional people are also professional speeders as a matter of economic survival. These are the people who make society work. They are not the people who are causing a problem on the highways.

Instead, the police need to be chasing the amateur speeder. This is the character driving unpredictably, at speeds he’s not used to, in suspect equipment, under conditions that call for caution. The amateur speeder is the beginning driver, or a drunk, or someone short on brains and maturity. With a little training, the police could learn to spot these guys and write tickets for real accident-producing behavior. They’d probably welcome the chance to do some real police work, instead of simply sitting by the side of the freeway, reading the numbers on a radar unit.

Of course, under our present system of traffic law, there is no legal way for the police to distinguish between one kind of speeder and another. And, it’s a lot easier to fulfill a ticket quota by writing up the salesman doing 75 on a wide, straight freeway than the clown doing 45 on main street. The phrase “too fast for conditions” is meaningless when the speed limit is too slow under almost all conditions, and all drivers are speeders, professional or otherwise.

So, the next time your state legislators or highway patrol proudly announce another campaign against professional speeders, ask them publicly if they know what professional really means. And then ask them why they’re chasing the wrong people.

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

Recently we’ve fielded quite a few inquiries asking if the new issue will include our annual Rodder’s Journal poster. The answer is yes! Posters will be included with all subscriber mailings of TRJ #83.

This year’s double-sided poster features a S.Co.T.-blown flathead (from TRJ #3) on one side, and the second coming of the iconic Eastwood & Barakat Deuce Tudor (TRJ #61) on the other. It’s been a quarter-century since we shot the 304-inch 8BA flathead in owner Charlie Bull’s garage in Glen Burnie, Maryland. The Deuce, on the other hand, was photographed in 2013 and is a recreation of the drag strip-storming Tudor Pete Eastwood and Rick Barakat campaigned nearly 40 years ago. Both the engine and the ’32 prove tradition never goes out of style.

There’s a lot packed into issue #83, from Competition Coupes and ’60s show rods to barn finds, pre-war customs, Japanese lowriders and one of our wildest artist features yet. Subscriber copies (along with posters) will be mailing out shortly.

Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal

P.S. If you’re not currently a subscriber, click here to take advantage of our Supercharged Subscription Sale for a discounted rate that includes the poster and a free “Hall of Fame” T-shirt!

Our mailing address is:
The Rodder’s Journal
9415 Atlee Commerce Blvd.
Suite E
Ashland, VA 23005

12. Some days you are the dog, some days you are the tree.

13. Don’t worry; it only seems kinky the first time.

14. Good judgment comes from bad experience .. and most of that comes from bad judgment.

15. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

16. There are two excellent theories for arguing with women. Neither one works.

17. Generally speaking, you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving.

18. Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

19. We are born naked, wet and hungry, and get slapped on our arse – then things just keep getting worse.

20. Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

–from El Waggs
Bikernet Monk

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
DEADWOOD BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 30, 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/DEADWOOD_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_January_30_2020.aspx

I have known both Michelle and Lenny Holcom for many years and have rode with them many times, including to Sturgis in 2015. I hope enough people nominate them to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation hall of fame, they are well deserving of it.

— Rigger
Riggerandrider@yahoo.com
Brandywine

FROM THE MOTORCYCLE PROFILING PROJECT–Utah Police Admit They Profile MC Members

Motorcycle profiling is an issue that knows no state bounds. From coast to coast, police and other governmental agencies are violating the constitutional rights of Motorcycle Club members. Typical of this trend, six members of a motorcycle club in Utah were recently stopped on three separate occasions, all within an hour, simply for associating with what one sheri? supervisor referred to as a threat group. No tra?c infractions were issued.

This incident is is just the most recent in the undeniable pattern of evidence. Motorcycle profiling is proliferating nationally. The best hope of combating this epidemic is cost free legislation at the state and federal level that prohibits the practice and provides a mechanism of relief for victims.

Start of the Night

Just after midnight on August 18, 2019, members of the Undefined Limits Motorcycle Club decided to go on a ride in beautiful Utah summer weather. Meeting at a Maverick gas station to pick a destination, MC members noticed two Utah police cars, carrying four o?cers, parked o? in the distance. Member Buster, believing that a tra?c stop was inevitable, waved the other members of the group to the front. At the first stop sign, a complete stop was made, and both feet were on the ground. Regardless, Buster and a hang-around of the club were pulled over for a stop sign violation.

First Stop

Buster and the hang- around were pulled for a stop sign violation. The two sheri?s approached the riders with their hands on their firearms, and demanded identification. After providing their drivers licenses, for his and his brother’s safety, Buster informed the sheri?s that he was carrying a firearm, and had a legal CCW, even though no law in Utah dictates that holders are required to do so. The two riders were told to keep their hands on the handlebars, and keep their kickstands up, while one o?cer wrote the citation, and the other kept watch on the two riders. Thirty minutes into the stop, member Big Rig came back to the scene to check on the safety of his brothers. The sheri? demanded his identification since he “was on the scene.” No citation was given to Big Rig. The total time for the simple tra?c stop of the two individuals, took a total of forty-five minutes, a clear violation of his civil liberties, as outlined in Rodriguez v. United States.

Second Stop

After twenty minutes of waiting, several riders decided to head back in the direction of the Maverick Gas station. While pulling onto I-89, member Clash noticed a Utah police car sitting in the darkness with all of the lights o?. Once the group passed the parked patrol car, the o?cer immediately pulled out and approached the group. Quickly the o?cer pulled over the rear rider, Clash, for an alleged turn signal violation.

Clash was given a citation for an expired drivers license, and a warning for the turn signal violation. During the stop, the sheri? mentioned that the department had just “broken up” a party being held by another Motorcycle Club, and the sheri?s assumed the riders were coming from said party.

The Real Reason for the Stops

Club members Tech and R2 pull into the Maverick gas station and are immediately pulled over by one sheri? for yet another alleged turn signal violation. Member Tech asks to speak with a supervisor. Tech questioned the supervisor as the real reason for the stops, since six members were stopped in the previous forty-five to sixty minutes.

The supervisor responds, “ Why do you think? Why do you think? “ Tech responds, “because we have this on?!” , referring to his vest. A Utah Police Supervisor responds, “You are documented, ok. The (club name) are a documented threat group, that’s how it is. So that’s why we’re doing this. That’s why we’re pulling people over,” showing a clear bias and prejudice towards Motorcycle Club members. Neither rider was issued a citation, though both were given written warnings.

None of the six Club members had any registration or insurance verified by the Davis County Sheri?s, nor were any inspections stickers verified. This is one of the reasons the MPP believes this was nothing more than a intelligence gathering expedition.

Legislative Relief

The above events are just one more reason why legislative relief is needed in Utah, and across the country. The intrusions on individuals civil liberties, simply for expressing their 1st Amendment right to freely associate needs to stop. And as the MPP has demonstrated, Motorcycle Profiling bills are the correct avenue to take.

By Dave “Irish” Dohrmann

ANOTHER CLASSIC FROM HAL ROBINSON—No one could make pen and ink tell a story like Hal Robinson.

Incredible. We have a couple of classics with cool T-shirts. –Bandit

NEWS FROM THE National Motorcycle Museum– We are trying to keep you informed on news and events taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa, we offer the following information regarding the Museum’s 10th Annual Vintage Rally.

Vintage Rally 2020
June 27, 2020

Thanks very much for your interest in the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa.

Mark Mederski
Special Projects Director
614 551 0960
mmederski@nationalmcmuseum.org

More News From The Motor Company:
CARB Filings Reveal 2020 Harley Softail Standard Revival–2021 Harley-Davidson Bronx: Everything We Know

The 2020 Softail Standard is intended to bring a stripped-down, minimalist cruiser experience to the Harley-Davidson Big-Twin lineup. If you’re all about that Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine, and a smooth, uncomplicated, black-and-chrome aesthetic, then the new Softail Standard might just be for you.

Right out of the box, you’re looking at a straightforward, visually well-balanced bobber. The solo saddle curves up nicely to draw your attention back to that blacked-out, chopped rear fender, while your eye has no choice but to rest on the Milwaukee-Eight that beats at the heart of the whole thing. The two-into-two offset shotgun exhaust harks back to the slightly unbalanced look of the original, but gives it a more symmetrical, finished look. I’d personally go for a slightly bigger headlight, but keep the same shape and finish—and hey, that’s what customization is for, right?

You get a 19-inch front wheel and a 16-inch rear, both laced. The rear mono-shock has a preload adjuster you can access by simply lifting up the saddle. Front and rear disc brakes are standard, and ABS is an available option. The fuel tank has a 3.5-gallon capacity. This newest member of the Big Twin family can be yours for an MSRP of $13,599.

It wouldn’t be Harley without accessories, so you have a choice of four packages to start with. Three of them feature passenger seating and footpegs, and the fourth is all Screamin’ Eagle, all the time. The Day Tripper, Coastal, and Touring Custom packages range in price from $1,409.95 to $1,699.95, and offer different styles and configurations to get out of town with your favorite passenger riding behind you.

Meanwhile, the Performance Custom package runs $1,299.95, and includes Screamin’ Eagle Stage II Torque Kit, Pro Street Tuner, Heavy Breather Performance Air Cleaner, and Street Cannon mufflers.

Source: Harley-Davidson

FOUR great confusions still unresolved–

1 At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?

2. If people evolve from monkeys, why are monkeys still around?

3. Why is there a ‘D’ in fridge, but not in refrigerator?

4. Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made?

–from El Waggs
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina

DAV Legislative goals for the new year–DAV has fought in Washington, D.C., to protect veterans’ rights since its founding almost 100 years ago. No one knows better about issues veterans face than veterans themselves. Because of that, the organization’s legislative and policy goals are based directly on resolutions submitted by DAV departments and chapters across the country, with DAV members serving as the driving force behind the organization’s advocacy mission. At last year’s national convention in Orlando, Fla., members adopted resolutions ranging from improvements to veterans benefits and access to VA health care to research into toxic exposure and alternative treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The following is a partial list of key resolutions adopted at the 2019 convention. To see the full list of resolutions, visit dav.org/learn-more/legislation/resolutions.

Disability compensation and other benefits

Support legislation to provide for service connection for disabling conditions resulting from toxic and environmental exposures.
Oppose reduction, taxation or elimination of veterans benefits.
Support legislation to increase disability compensation.
Support legislation to provide for realistic cost-of-living allowances.

Medical and health care services

Strengthen, reform and sustain the VA health care system for service-disabled veterans.

Support legislation to provide comprehensive support services for caregivers of severely wounded, injured and ill veterans from all eras.

Enhance medical services and benefits for women veterans.

Improve service and enhance resources for VA mental health programs and suicide prevention.

Support enhanced treatment for survivors of military sexual trauma.

Support VA research into the efficacy of cannabis for treatment of service-connected veterans.

Support humane, consistent pain management programs in the veterans health care system.

Enhance long-term services and supports for service-connected disabled veterans.
Ensure timely access to and quality of VA health care and medical services.
Support VA medical and prosthetic research programs.

Support sufficient funding for VA prosthetic and sensory aids and timely delivery of prosthetic items.

General issues

Support sufficient, timely and predictable funding for all VA programs, benefits and services.

Support veterans’ preference for service-disabled veterans in public employment.
Support elimination of employment licensure and certification barriers that impede the transfer of military occupations to the civilian labor market.

Eliminate the requirement that VA vocational rehabilitation benefits must be requested within 12 years of discharge or initial disability determination.

Create an Economic Opportunity Administration within the VA.
Protect veterans from employment discrimination when receiving health care for service-connected conditions.

Support the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Account for those still missing and the repatriation of the remains of those who died while serving our nation.

Support legislation to strengthen and protect Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.

Extend eligibility for mortgage protection life insurance to service-connected veterans rated permanently and totally disabled.
Extend space-available air travel aboard military aircraft to dependents of service-connected disabled veterans having a permanent disability rated 100%.

Support the continued growth of Veterans Treatment Courts for justice-involved veterans, particularly those with conditions related to service.

BY MARY DEVER

NEW FROM BILTWELL–Gringo S & Lanesplitter

All-new replacement shields for Gringo S and Lane Splitter helmets are highly scratch-resistant, treated with an anti-fog coating and come in clear or a variety of killer tints.

These Gen 2 shields ship with our all-new baseplate kits, so they fit all current models and easily retrofit to any of our previous Lane Splitter or Gringo S helmets.

This sweet new mechanism results in firmer detents for the three open positions. Every shield color and style provides 91% UV/A and 99% AV/B light resistance based on AATCC-138 test standard

WILD New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
WILD ADVENTURE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 13th 2020

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WILD_ADVENTURE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_13th_2020.aspx

Fish Camp averages 63 inches of snow per year. This is twice the national average.

–Sam
TX

Deadwood, SD is almost four times the national average. Hang on!–Bandit

SHRINER’S HOSPITAL FOR KIDS
John Covington tagged you and 8 others in a post: “Something wonderful is happening to help Shriner’s Hospital Kids. And it all began with an idea to build a crazy body bike as a homage to the Shelby Cobra sports cars.

It all started about 27 years ago when I had this idea to build the end-all show bike to put my motorcycle business, Steed Musclebike Motorcycle Co. on the map. I had a car collector customer, Edward Marklow, and somehow he bought into my crazy idea that I pitched him that he needed a Cobra themed bike made to match his Cobra Car.

So first you get the money, then you build the bike. I’m forever grateful to Ed for believing I could pull this off! He trusted me to start and finish a bike-build to end all bike-builds. The process took nearly two years to complete in 1995. Nothing on this bike was off the shelf.

It started with a 120” motor, with Delkron 4-cam billet cases, two rear Axtel Drag Bike Iron Cylinders, STD dual plug heads, 4 Custom Andrews cams and a pair of them brand new Mikuni HSR 42 carburetors…. if you know motors, you know there never was anything like this engine, and there has been nothing like it since.

If you’re not into V-twin engines, you stopped reading already! Then the Idea was to make a chassis like no other motorcycle… so being inspired by the performance automotive theme of the bike, I engineered a 4-link rear end, which also had never been seen on a motorcycle. A few companies in the late ‘90s after this bike hit the scene, tried emulating my 4-link bikes with marginal commercial success.

The whole theme depended on a hand fabricated aluminum body. So, I finalized a design with the help of my good friend and Automotive Designer, John Sodano, to tie together the engine and chassis elements that was a homage to the Shelby Cobra.

I carved a full size model out of foam, and then made fiberglass “bucks”…. and somehow I met Kiwi auto body master Andy Palmer, who shaped flat pieces of aluminum into the body you see in the photos.

When I finally got the bike painted and final assembly complete, it was time to show the world what my team of craftsmen had built that all started as a dream. Beau Pacheco from Big Twin magazine got the exclusive to run it first, then Keith Ball at VQ, Hot Rod Bikes and Rick Diaz of Hot Bike magazine all featured the Cobra in their magazines pages.

Having the same bike in all these publications at once was a rare feat, and then it was also chosen to be in the Lee Chapin’s Mikuni Calendar shot by Jim Gianatsis. Then it went on the road, coast to coast, winning trophies at Daytona bike week, the DelMar concours show, the Oakland Roadster Show, and all the local events.

Next thing I knew the bike was inducted in the motorcycle hall of game in St.Louis, “Most Famous Custom” and CycleWorld Magazine took the Cobra Coast to Coast again, as a featured bike at every one of their motorcycle events in 1998.

It finally made it’s way back to Arizona and Ed Marklow’s garage, where he put it on private display….. and it looks as good today as the day it was finished. I look at this machine and can’t believe it all came together… it is literally a miracle that it exists!

Ed came to me a month or so ago, and told me he was moving to Florida and felt like he wanted to do something special with this 25 year old machine. So, I suggested he donate it to the El Zariba Shrine, who are now going to auction it off next month at the Mecham Auction at the Cardinals Stadium.

Every penny raised will go directly to treating children with burns, skeletal issues and clef pallets. So, as we get closer to the auction date, you’re going to hear more about how you can have this crazy machine in your collection and be able to write it off on your taxes too!

Life takes a lot of twists and turns, but it’s so cool all the energy and joy my team of friends and craftsmen from 25+ years ago, are still going to bring some relief to a few deserving kids that need help with physical challenges! The miracles keep on happening around all the Mojo this old piece of two-wheeled art! SMIB”.

NEW FROM GOLAN PRODUCTS– Check out our new finishes!

Compact Fuel Filter

Golan Products is proud to announce its newest product, the Compact Fuel Filter, enabling riders to quickly disconnect the fuel filter for racing applications and ease of use. “We know riders out there will appreciate the quality and timeless design of our products,” said Shimon Golan, President at Golan Products.

Positive Customer Impact

We are getting great feedback from the initial customers we’ve shipped to and have already received repeat orders for the Compact Fuel Filter. Not only have we added the option of a single or double-sided quick disconnect fitting, we’ve also added an extra O-ring seat inside the body to ensure the Element has a cushion to which the stainless steel spring can apply pressure on.

“The more compression in the fuel line, the better this filter performs,” said Shimon Golan, “It works best under pressure.”

Availability

Compact Fuel Filter will be available soon online at golanproducts.com, or immediately by placing an order through the phone.

Founded in 1984, Golan Products has been in business for over 35 years. The company offers a wide selection of fuel filters and fuel valves that can accommodate almost any motorcycle or powersport vehicle on the market.

NEW ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA ISSUE READY–
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 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 February 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 March/April issue, you’ll get:

—A chance to ride along with the Yerba Buena Chapter on a National Road Run that included stretches of California’s spectacular Pacific Coast Highway.

—An account of how members of AMCA Australia formed a Chapter and organized a first-of-its-kind Meet in the Southern Hemisphere.

—The story behind the Invincible Twin that you could have ordered out of the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog 107 years ago.

Plus much more

GO AHEAD, Join up quick.

GMA BLACK OUT LEVERS for 2020
Sleek, durable, and designed for a perfect feel and pull, these BLACK OUT controls from GMA are offered with either a 5/8” or 11/16” bore and feature a threaded ball end plunger.

This design provides positive engagement and, precise movement of the piston and rubber cup reservoir seal for positive, smooth stopping performance.

GMA controls are secured to bars with camlocks and the switch housing blends in for an exceptionally clean profile. Also available is the GMA hydraulic clutch master cylinder which features a 9/16” bore or an 11/16” bore to match common aftermarket slave cylinders.

Designed for 1” bars the hydraulic clutch lever assembly P/N GMA-HC-4-B, (9/16” bore) or GMA-HC-411-B (11/16” bore) are designed for OEM style lines. The brake assembly, shown is P/N GMA-HB-4-B (5/8” bore) or GMA-HB-411-B (11/16” bore). There is also the GMA-MC-4-B which is the clutch perch for cable clutches, GMA hand controls are also available with chrome and polished finish. For complete details catch the complete GMA line at www.beltdrives.com

BUSY WEEKEND AHEAD—It’s my mission to take the body off the Salt Torpedo and haul it to Chris Morrison’s for paint this weekend or Tuesday.

There’s always something more to do. I need to fix the petcock latch locking mechanism. I need to add a few fasteners, grind a few, maybe remove a seat from the van, so the body will fit in, take out the parachute and get over to Chris’s shop.

That’s the goal and document each move for your approval. I heard from Black Bike Wheels. They are finishing my wheel for the Patina Panhead. I told them to find the most funky aluminum 19-inch rim on the lot. If you need a laced wheel, they are now making spoked-wheels for every make and model, in any size you might need.

This is Cocktail Thursday at the Bikernet Headquarters. I’m going to try Pendleton a Blended Canadian Whiskey or Tullamore DEW, which is an amazing Irish Whiskey. I always fall back on Jack Daniels, but it doesn’t hurt to try something new from time to time.

I only drink twice a week, Thursdays and Saturdays, but I try to meditate every day. It’s a workout for the brain, and I workout with weight four days a week.

Remember the Chinese whorehouse for Deadwood. It’s working out like a champ. We may even install bamboo hardwood floors. Hang on for reports from the front.

So, don’t call me tonight. I won’t have anything to say that’s worth a fuck.

Ride free forever,

–Bandit