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THE WAY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 29, 2019



Hey,

Hate Ignites Hate

Maybe there’s something to be investigated here. Again, the media plays a role. Mass shootings are on the rise. It’s not because of the guns, but because of frustration. I watched a portion of a report on PBS News hour last night. A professor wrote a book blaming slavery on capitalism. Slavery was a commodity among all sorts of civilizations 2000 years before and during the era of Christ. Not only blacks were slaves.



We blame the health of the planet on folks who eat beef or drive an SUV. We blame the white man for everything race related. We blame the government when someone breaks the law and tries to enter the country illegally.

Now we blame car drivers and punish them with bicycle paths down the center of main streets. All these efforts are dividing Americans and causing frustration.



No wonder folks are pissed off. We are creating a society of hate. Does hate beget hate? Is there a human nature that craves conflict? Is that why the Middle East is constantly fighting. They would rather fight than to have clean running water.



Does man need to have war to justify his existence? Political parties fight. Motorcycle clubs fight. Gangs and mobs fight. Tribes can never get along. And then there are our lovely religions. They fueled most of the conflicts on this planet and justified killing millions. So, can America make a difference? Can we get above the hate and work together to build calm and confidence for the society? If not, what’s the alternative? That’s not a pretty picture, especially when we are living in the best of times. We are actually safer, healthier and live longer than ever before. We need to get a grip on Freedom.

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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.








ACTION FROM LE PERA SEATS– We don’t have seats for the Indian yet.
How about featuring our KickFlip Daddy Long Legs for Baggers and Dyna?

If you dig the look of the KickFlip and happened to be on the tall side or maybe just need more a bit more room, our newest KickFlip Daddy Long Legs will get the job done.



The KickFlip Daddy Long Legs will move you approximate 2 inches back from our original KickFlip. 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 Diamond Stitch seating area. Also available with Basket Weave, Pleated Stitch and our new Gripp Tape material – when traction is needed! Many other custom materials and stitch graphics are available as well!

Enjoy the ride with a classic Le Pera seat!

–Christine Le Pera

Customer Service Tel : +818-767-5110, email: info@LePera.com
Le Pera Enterprises, Inc. –
8207 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91605 USA
www.LePera.com
Follow us on Instagram @leperaseats






‘Fastest Woman On Four Wheels’ Jessi Combs Killed In Jet-Car Crash–

Yesterday, while attempting to beat her own land speed record, the 52,000 horsepower jet-powered car driven by racer, fabricator, and television personality Jessi Combs crashed in the Alvord Desert in Oregon, killing her, as local news reports. Combs was 39 years old and held the title of “fastest woman on four wheels” after breaking 398 mph in that same North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger in 2013.



Combs was attempting to beat her previous record, and had attempted it as recently as last year, when she managed a 483.227 mph shakedown run before mechanical problems ended the attempt, as noted on the team’s bio page for Jessi.

By Jason Torchinsky, Jaolpnik






NEWS FROM THE MASTER–Artist David Uhl – “Population Two”

Well, this was certainly a first! In his 21-year career as a Fine Artist, David Uhl has never had this happen…

The original image he painted featured a model from Poland, who had posed for the shot of her and the motorcycle. She agreed to compensation in return for David’s interpretation of the photo in his painting. When she saw the finished version, she decided she didn’t want any compensation and that she didn’t want to be part of the project!

Undaunted, David decided to use the lovely Elizabeth (his better half) as his model and many people think it’s even better now!



Check the new image, along with one of the shots from the photo shoot with Elizabeth. If you ordered the initial version and would like to cancel your order, simply let me know. We do have some available slots, so if you like this one better and would like to add it to your collection, please let me know. Details are below. Thanks, Greg

“Population Two” (final version)

If you visited us in Deadwood this year during the Sturgis Rally, you undoubtedly noticed the new piece David was working on. We weren’t sure what would happen with this one, but after an overwhelmingly positive response, he decided to offer a print edition.

This new piece, titled “Population Two” stems from David’s burgeoning career as an illustrator/concept artist when he was 19.

“Many people don’t know that I got started in Sci Fi illustration/concept art back when I was 19. I did some drawings for futuristic aliens and ships for Disney. The genesis for this idea started after spending the last few years reading my friend Graham Hancock’s latest books.

He has been working with a team of scientists that are certain we the earth experienced a major comet/meteor impact just 12,000 years ago. This piece illustrates what it might look like if one slammed into the Atlantic. So being at the Sturgis rally, I naturally based it in that area. So that being said: here is a window into a mad max futuristic world. An interesting place to visit, but probably not wanting to live there.”

There is a LOT going on in this piece, so we produced a short video with close ups of the cool components.

https://vimeo.com/354673678

The canvas print edition will consist of two sizes and will not included a smaller version (too much going on with this one to do it justice in a smaller size). This may be the start of a new, ongoing series as well.

** Image size 32×24, $1,295 framed (deduct $200 for a gallery wrap). Edition of 60 plus 10 Artist Proofs and 10 Hors d’ Commerce

** Image size 40×30, $1,895 framed (deduct $300 for a gallery wrap). Edition of 30 plus 7 Artist Proofs and 7 Hors d’Commerce.

Each canvas print will come hand-signed by David and numbered, with Certificate of Authenticity.

If you’d like to get on the list to reserve one, simply respond to this email or call me at 303-913-4840.

Thanks and have a great week!


–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

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

Uhl Studios Website




BELLY TANK FRONTEND DISCUSSION–
You can see their original set up ( yours is much stronger to start with), in the shot with the skin on you can kind of see the stabilizer they added. . Like we discussed there are a lot of factors that don’t apply and a few that work in your favor too.



I noticed the sticker on the front end and came up with this link: http://www.delawarechassisworks.com/



I really don’t remember if they just bought the frontend from these guys or if they were involved with the project . . I think I have been through at least one computer between now and then, so I am missing some notes it seems.





–Kent Weeks
Lucky Devil Motorcycle Works







Climatologist Dr Tim Ball Defeats Michael Mann’s Climate Lawsuit–


Written by John O’Sullivan

Supreme Court of British Columbia dismisses Dr Michael Mann’s defamation lawsuit versus Canadian skeptic climatologist, Dr Tim Ball. Full legal costs are awarded to Dr Ball, the defendant in the case.

The Canadian court issued its final ruling in favor of the Dismissal motion that was filed in May 2019 by Dr Tim Ball’s libel lawyers.

Mann’s “hockey stick” graph, first published in 1998, was featured prominently in the U.N. 2001 climate report. The graph showed a spike in global average temperature in the 20th Century after about 500 years of stability. Skeptics have claimed Mann’s graph was fraudulent.

On Friday morning (August 23, 2019) Dr Ball sent an email to WUWT revealing:
“Michael Mann’s Case Against Me Was Dismissed This Morning By The BC Supreme Court And They Awarded Me [Court] Costs.”

Mann filed his action in 2010 for Ball’s allegedly libelous statement that Mann “belongs in the state pen, not Penn State.” The final court ruling, in effect, vindicates Ball’s criticisms.

Not only did the B.C. Supreme Court grant Ball’s application for dismissal of the nine-year, multi-million dollar lawsuit, it also took the additional step of awarding full legal costs to Ball.

A more detailed public statement from the world-renowned skeptical climatologist is expected in due course.

This extraordinary outcome will likely trigger severe legal repercussions for Dr Mann in the U.S. and may prove fatal to alarmist climate science claims that modern temperatures are “unprecedented.”

According the leftist The Guardian newspaper (Feb, 09, 2010), the wider importance of Mann’s graph over the last 20 years is massive:

“Although it was intended as an icon of global warming, the hockey stick has become something else – a symbol of the conflict between mainstream climate scientists and their critics.”

Putting Mann’s Fraudulent Graph Under the Microscope

Mann’s goal was to make the Little Ice Age (LIA) disappear, as we explained in our previous article on this issue. The LIA was an especially cold era that ended around 1840 and since then global temperatures have gradually risen. But government ‘experts’ like Mann have sought to use statistical trickery to make such natural variation appear as ‘man-made’ warming.


–from Marc Morano – Climate Depot






BIKERNET BLOG COMMENTS– Any news about Harley’s problems gets lot of viewership on Facebook / internet.

This post about Safety issue Recall got the attention of 2,152 people in just 24 hours.

https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-recalls-more-than-12k-bikes-over-potential-safety-issue/

A total of 267 people have clicked the Link to read it in the Bikernet Blog. 36 people Shared it and 56 Likes / Reactions on Facebook. An Engagement of 530 Facebook users.

Comments on Facebook for Harley Safety Recall:

Bruce Donaldson – Too much automation, not enough hands on.

Mike Jaramillo – Screw it, let’s ride

Dan Krumwiede – It would also be nice if the manufacturer would stop dealers from ripping off people with the extended warranties. It’s like a part. Shop around. The price for the same exact warranty is sometimes twice the price as other dealerships. Bullshit.

Marc Vellat – OMG the sky is falling! My reflectors aren’t placed properly. (SMH)

Dan Krumwiede – Be great if they admitted the road glide wobble. The dealers know about it. When they sold me mine the finance guy told me to tighten the nut down to twice the factory specs. I thought he was nuts. It almost killed me twice.

Ian Macdonald – Still no recall on the trans to primary transfer. Just another bandaid

Jim Smith – reflector placement…..has that anything to do with recollecting the past?
ALSO, the news about Harley’s new Electric Bicycles also received lot of criticism and insults.
 
https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-unveils-new-electric-bicycle-designs/

Facebook Comments for the Harley Electric Cycles:

Bruce Donaldson – They’re also unveiling an electric shoe.

Nate Hoff – Looking to purchase a Electric bicycle I will be going with the industry leader Trek. Why would anyone spend that kind of money.

Anthony Groll – I heard they’re also getting back into the golf cart, and bowling industries again.

Dan Lonick – How much $12000- each?

Michael Adams – They have find something that will make them money

–Ujjwal Dey
VP Bikernet SEO Operations





[page break]



NEWS FROM THE ER FRONT—As you know Easyriders Magazine was shut down with the last issue, and we just received news that the next issue of Tattoo will be the last. Also, direct from the mysterious front comes news that ER events and shows are now canceled. Next weekend ER Rodeo is the last.

We wonder about the subscribers and what is their fate. Also, there’s a rumor of a quarterly catalog next year, some 300 pages for $25.00. Maybe Subscribers will receive this catalog?

Had a mysterious contact with ER Events. They plan to move forward, maybe under a different name. We will keep you posted.

–Bandit




THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY USA HISTORY DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY–
electorate

[ih-lek-ter-it]
noun
1.
the body of persons entitled to vote in an election.

QUOTES

The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment nearly doubled the size of the electorate in the United States.
— Heather L. Ondercin, “The Evolution of Women’s (and Men’s) Partisan Attachments,” 100 Years of the Nineteenth Amendment, 2018

ORIGIN

Electorate is composed of two elements derived from Latin. The first is elector “voter,” from Late Latin elector “chooser,” formed from eligere “to pluck out, pick out, choose” and -tor, a suffix forming agent nouns. The second is -ate, a suffix denoting “office (or person performing it), function, institution, collective body, etc.,” as in professorate (the office of professor, group of professors); -ate is ultimately from Latin -atus, as seen in auguratus “the office of augur” or senatus “senate (of Rome).” Electorate is first attested in English the late 17th century.

At that time, the elector in electorate referred to a very different voter than the word evokes today: an Elector (German Kurfürst) was a German prince of the Holy Roman Empire who could cast a vote in the election of the German king (Emperor). Elector was a powerful office until the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806; the territory the electors oversaw was their electorate, e.g., Elector of Cologne. It wasn’t the late 19th century that electorate was recorded as “body of persons entitled to vote in an election”—a group that was dramatically, and finally, expanded to include women in the U.S. with the certification on August 26, 1920, of the Nineteenth Amendment, which enshrined women’s suffrage in the Constitution.

Voting is a sacred right and we all need to get out and vote in the upcoming elections.–Bandit




NHDRO Family to Race at Dragway 42–
NHDRO brings its racing family back together in the reunion picnic atmosphere at the park-like setting of West Salem, Ohio’s Dragway 42.

The Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series will hit the track with the Liguori Drag Racing World Semifinals on August 30-September 1.

With two races to go, points battles are now officially serious business!

With two straight Pro Ultra 4.60 wins, “Smokin’ Joe” Rodney now has a 34 point lead over Broderick Jackson. Jeffersonville Joey Burgess is 36 points behind Jackson, and has only 4 points on Louisville’ Keith Nichols. Bob Foster is 10 back of Nichols, then it’s another 40 to Dan McCarten.

And just because he’s a long way off the points lead, don’t count out Cleveland racer Jimmy Muntain. Jimmy’s determined to turn his season around and Dragway 42 is the place for him to do it.



Joe “Big” Deck carries a 38 point Hardcore Cycles Top Gas 8.20 points lead into 42. Second place Dan Jewell is 24 points ahead of Dustin “Biscuits” Lee, who has 4 points on Heather Wagner—winner last time out at Indy.



M2.Shocks Crazy Comp 8.89 index is led by Kentuckian John “Spooky” Markham, who has 24 points on no-bar racer David Beshara. Lee is only 10 points in back of Beshara, while Joe Klemme is a full 57 points behind Dustin.

Ron Arnold leads Penske Racing Shocks Street Fighter by a full 100 points over Kevin Adams, who has a slim 7 on Dalton Markham. Rylan Rowe is 33 behind Dalton and a scant 3 ahead of Jeremy England. Kevin Dennis is a further 7 back.

Spooky is a distant second in the MPS Pro ET battle, a full 140 points behind his son Dalton. Klemme is only 10 points behind Spooky, with another 40 points back to Chad Isley. Beshara is down a further 20, and is 10 ahead of Lee.

Lee is leading Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET with a slim 10 points over Dalton, who has a whopping 130 on Michael Schmalle.

Lots of serious racers will be looking to disrupt these lists and take home NHDRO Big Checks, including $11,000 winner Tom Klemme, Jeremy Teasley, Kevin Cooper, Garreth Sheppeard, Bradley and Ceslie Shelhaas, Jeremy Teasley, Kenny Schwartz. former AMA/Prostar champion Rick McWaters, Johnny and Brevin Bond, Junior “Lo Down” Pugh, Jeff and Colton Gordon, Clark Proctor, Canadian Murray Lonsbary, Jeremy Murphy, Jeff Dalton, and more.

Pro Street and Quinn O. Bikes Real Street will hit the track with nearly unlimited horsepower on street legal tires with turbos and nitrous.

And at nighttime it’s VooDoo Grudge time, with the Midwest’s baddest grudge bikes and rider pairing up for northern Ohio’s ballingest bettors to trade bills along the wall, race after race. Vince Hileman on “Family Man,” Teasley on Chris “CJ” Johnson’s “Tommy Gunn,” Joey Jobbe on “Anti-Social,” the MSP bikes “Clean Getaway” and “Big Greezy,” Louisville’s Brandon Holland on “Killer Bee,” and more are expected to pair up and throw down.

Suzukis, Kawasakis, Harleys, Yamahas, Hondas—all these and more are welcome to make laps or just look cool in 42’s picturesque setting.

NHDRO’s Brian and Niki Welch and David Liguori of Liguori Drag Racing look forward to welcoming everyone to Dragway 42 this weekend!

Find out more about NHDRO at http://www.nhdroracing.com/

More about Liguori Drag Racing: https://liguori-drag-racing.myshopify.com/

More about Dragway 42: https://www.dragway42.com/




NELSON’S 20TH REMEMBRANCE REUNION AND RIDE–
Local Boston TV news (top station) covered our Nelson’s 20th Remembrance, Reunion and Ride last Sunday . . . see this 1:50 video
https://boston.cbslocal.com/video/4147827-father-of-2-remembered-with-annual-motorcycle-ride-in-essex/

This was the rider death that lead to the formation of the Massachusetts Motorcyclists Survivor’s (MSF) Fund, then Southeastern MA and Worcester County MA MSF’s
We ‘retired’ the Ride after its 15th in 2014 – but felt it was ‘right’ to have a 20th Reunion . . .


–PC in MA






MARLBORO BIKES COMING TO BIKERNET—I’m working with Gene Thomason, from Bartels’ H-D on a feature about the Marlboro Mann choppers and others created for television or movies.

“We called it Black Death,” said Gene. “The first attempt failed everybody hated it. We keep all running gear and started over. The final result is the current bike.”



We are waiting for the captions for a batch of shots Gene built over the years. Hang On!

–Bandit




INFORMATIVE VIDEO OF THE WEEK–A short history lesson video worth watching.

Much of this I already knew. But there was a lot I was not aware of.

I’m an Independent, neither a Democrat nor Republican. BUT I do believe in being well informed before making ANY decisions regarding MY well being AND my moral beliefs.

I found this to be VERY informative and some what explanatory to the behavior in today’s Politics. Who really has this country and it’s citizens, rights first ???

Some things (and people) never change.

Whether you’re apolitical, a political junky or somewhere in between, you owe it to yourself to watch this relatively short video. Wonder why we never hear these facts in the ‘Mainstream’ media and why they are downplayed in our public education system?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/OURy5WFp0zk

I’ll be very surprised if 9 out of 10 of you aren’t blown away by its message. Sometimes the truth can be a hard pill to swallow.

–El Waggs




LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2016 Harley-Davidson FLHXS – Street Glide Special
Only $17,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=7360285



When it comes to stripped-down bagger style, highway comfort, modern technology and an unruly attitude, this is a state of the art motorcycle. The 2016 Street Glide Special takes the hot-rod bagger formula a little further, Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS, the Boom! Box 6.5 GT infotainment system and CVO model style hand-adjustable lowered rear suspension as standard equipment.


Featuring a Batwing fairing with Splitstream vent to reduce rider head buffeting, the Street Glide Special is a truly loaded bagger. All the goodies you expect are there, including the High Output Twin Cam 103 motor and hydraulic clutch, the Project Rushmore forks, six gallon gas tank, and triple clamps. A Jukebox media compartment has a One-Touch door plus USB connection (in addition to the Bluetooth compatibility of the Boom! Box).



ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Satin Black with red pin-striping is simply gorgeous. Raised tank logos and a chrome strap with black accent ‘Street Glide’ logo. Black inner fairing with one touch device door that has USB and a tinted windshield.

Chrome 14″ Lindby style apehangers. Chrome blinkers, LED headlamp and black cast aluminum 5 twin spoke rims. Chrome engine guard with Willie G ‘skull’ freeway pegs. Vance & Hines curved shorty 2:2 exhaust with a very nice throaty sound. ABS braking system. Chrome rocker covers, push-rod tubes, tappet blocks, air cleaner / trans / horn covers, cam with black accent, primary and derby cover. 2-up seat and streamliner floors, and passenger pegs. Almost new tires. LED rear stop/turn/tail and tri-line fender lights and more…



This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical inspection and comes 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!!!







The Lone Ranger No Longer Rides – in California–The Lone Ranger was arrested in Lone Pine, California for the crime of illegally transferring silver bullets.

The famed masked man had just apprehended an armed felon after shooting the gun out of his hand. As was his practice for the last eighty years, he gave a silver bullet to the outlaw’s victim.

She was a kindly old widow who was robbed and held captive by the desperado. This lady, grateful that her life and property were restored, treasured the silver bullet as a symbol that justice was done.

The trouble started when she showed the bullet to her weekly garden club. Upon seeing the gleaming memento, one lady fainted. Another lady gasped that they were all going to die. A third lady, who was also a member of CHA (California Hysterics Anonymous), warned that where there was a bullet there had to be a gun. During the shocked silence an attendee desperately summoned the Sheriff on her cell phone.

When the Sheriff heard their story he struggled to stifle a laugh. He knew the old gentleman on the big white horse. He also appreciated how many criminals the Lone Ranger had captured over the years. However, since California voters passed Proposition 63, he had to uphold the law.

Predictably, he found the masked man enjoying a beer at the Dry Gulch Saloon back in town.

“Thanks for helping old widow Smith,” he said, “but did you really give her a silver bullet?”

“Yes,” replied the Lone Ranger, “after all that’s my trademark. Got a problem with that?”

“Well, yes,” hesitated the sheriff. “Ya see – under Proposition 63, you’ve got to be a licensed firearms dealer to give anyone a bullet.”

“Are you kidding?” asked the Lone Ranger.

“Wish I was,” said the embarrassed sheriff, “and to boot whoever receives the bullet has to be registered with the Department of Justice.”

“Holy guacamole!” exclaimed the masked man. “Did I do anything else wrong?”

“Well,” said the sheriff, looking even more sheepish now, “there’s the little matter of you shooting a gun out of the outlaw’s hand.”

“What!” said the Lone Ranger. “If I hadn’t done that, the skunk would have plugged me for sure.”

“I know that,” admitted the Sheriff, “but he’ll probably sue you for failing to retreat and using unnecessary force. If they convict you, they’ll take your six-shooters away for good. Which reminds me, according to California law, your pistols have too large a capacity. If I were you, I’d convert those six-shooters into five-shooters as quick as you can.”

“Jumpin’ Junipers!” exclaimed the Lone Ranger. “I’d better tell this to my faithful Indian companion, Tonto.”

“Hold on,” said the Sheriff. “I need to remind you that Indians are now referred to as Native Americans. We privileged male palefaces have got to remember that.”

As the Lone Ranger sat in shocked silence, the sheriff explained his rights and proceeded to take him in.

Postscript: Upon being provided an attorney at state expense, the outlaw successfully sued the Lone Ranger. He claimed that he could no longer work since he had suffered the permanent loss of his trigger finger.

Governor Gavin Newsom urged imposing the maximum sentence for possession of illegal ammunition and a firearm that exceeds lawful capacity. He received a huge monetary award, forcing the Lone Ranger to sell the silver mine.

Tonto was deemed innocent, but victimized by virtue of being a member of an oppressed minority. He was given land by the state and now operates a very profitable casino.

After getting out of jail, the Lone Ranger could not find a job since he was now an ex-con. Fortunately, Tonto lets him do light janitorial work at the casino and sleep in the basement.

Following the passage of Proposition 63, violent crime in California has steadily increased. Governor Newsom advises troubled property owners to protect themselves by posting signs that say, “Keep Out—Gun Free Zone”.


Peace is that brief, glorious moment in history
when everyone stands around…………reloading.

Qui desiderat pacem praeparet bellum

–from El Waggs






BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Weekend Round-Up for August 26, 2019

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Weekend_RoundUp_for_August_26_2019.aspx


I thought Mojave was not doing any more LSR stuff?



–Paul Aiken
paul@aeromachn.net
Charlotte, NC

We can always hope.—Bandit





[page break]



BANDIT’S LEATHER DAY ROLL TESTED—I took it for a ride and to rescue the redhead. We’ve made slight mods to the original and requested some additions to the next order, but it’s very cool.

I was able to stuff enough Chinese food inside to keep the redhead alive. They should be on the site in the next month.

–Bandit





Get ready for this years Distinguished Gentleman’s + Ladies ride by joining us on the Pre-Run/Pre-Ride. This will be a great opportunity to meet others that will be participating in the Orange County Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride later in the month. We will meet at Ducati of Newport Beach and ride the coast to Laguna Beach.


Date: Sunday, September 1, 2019

Meetup location: Ducati Newport Beach: 1601 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach

Time: Leaving at 10am

Ride specifics: We will ride the coast to Laguna Beach and return to the Country Club in Costa Mesa for a no-host lunch.

Apparel: No DGR apparel is required for this ride. Come casual.


Send all inquiries to: aaron@ducatinewportbeach.com






SAM “CHOPPER” ORWELL BOOK COMMENT–Below message received today for your insightful book:

Gregg Clouthier- Sam Chopper Orwell … The shit is happening before our eyes . Amazing foresight Keith

–from Wayfarer
Bikernet Librarian






BIKER AUCTION OF THE WEEK–
Join us Wednesday, September 4th at 10am ET for over 100+ bikes from our trusted seller, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, and other dealer consignment!

*Special Sell Fee Rebates* *Colts Ticket giveaways & more!* View the flyer below for more information!

View Partial Inventory here


Join us in lane or via Simulcast! For more information call our Specialty Department at 317.527.2165, reply to this email, or call Nick Anderson at 317.385.3208.




LATEST FROM AMERICAN PRIME–
You’ve been asking, so here it is….
Replacement Clutch Packs for OE Clutch Baskets with Performance in Mind!!
AVAILABLE SOON!!


Our “Top of the Line” performance replacement clutch packs work inside your stock OE clutch basket and eliminate the spring plate by replacing it with another friction. This gives you more surface area for better engagement which translates to more power to your rear wheel!.

1048-0028 – FITS 1998-2017 EVO & TWIN CAM MODELS. EXTRA PLATE SET INCLUDES 9 FRICTION PLATES AND 8 STEEL PLATES & STIFFER DIAPHRAGM SPRING.

1048-0026 – FITS 1990-1997 BIG TWIN, 1991-LATER XL MODELS. EXTRA PLATE KIT INCLUDES 9 FRICTION PLATES, 8 TEMPERED STEEL DRIVE PLATES & STIFFER DIAPHRAGM SPRING.

1048-0018 – FITS 1998 TO 2017 EVO & TWIN CAM. INCLUDES NINE KEVLAR FRICTION PLATES ON & 8 TEMPERED STEEL DRIVE PLATES.

Our mailing address is:
American Prime Mfg., Inc.
7310 Adams St.
Ste. G
PARAMOUNT, CA 90723








BIKERNET STAFFER COMMENT— Hey great story on the Chowder Barge in Life and Times. Not only that but a great story about life. Some of the same things I have dealt with.

We all have a choice to lay down or stand up and the last time I dealt with a divorce being unemployed all at the same time I faced that question, was I going to lay down or get up and get going?

I got up and got going and I am better off today for it! Not getting rich but I never had the idea to be rich now I am comfortable with my self, my wife and my life! You never give up!

–Mike Pullin
Bikernet™ East Coast Feature Bike Editor





BIKERNET TO INTERVIEW NEW EASYRIDERS OWNER—We are working up some question. Feel free to chime in with a question or comment.

A couple of questions for the new owner:

Will subscribers be refunded money on subscriptions?
Will Easyriders still be biker related?
Will Easyriders still have bike shows with their name on them?
Why was Easyrides still running adds for subscriptions the last 2 issues?

–The Stealth

Thanks
I do not know I have any questions for Pepper or the new publications.
I do not have any plans on doing anything with them.
Easyriders made some serious changes to the world of motorcycling through the years and you and I can be proud to have been part of that.
Just hope they do not trash the old girl and take care of those with subscriptions.


–Rogue






TSA Launching Facial Recognition For Domestic Flights–TSA will scan your printed travel documents and then scan your face to see how well they can match you. In the process, they will ultimately create a nationwide facial recognition system on all travelers.

Do the math. In America, some 750,000,000 passengers board domestic flights each year, or twice the population of the country. Thus, TSA’s plan will capture the vast majority of American citizens. ? TN Editor

The agency will assess how the tech verifies travelers’ live facial images against pictures taken from travelers’ identity documents.

The Transportation Security Administration will conduct a short term proof of concept in Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport to examine how effective facial recognition technology could be at automating travelers’ identity verification, according to a recent publication from the Homeland Security Department.

For passengers who opt in, the agency will assess the technology’s capability to verify travelers’ live facial images taken at security checkpoints against the images on their identity documents.

“TSA expects that facial recognition may permit TSA personnel to focus on other critical tasks and expediting security processes—resulting in shorter lines and reduced wait times,” officials said in a privacy impact assessment regarding the proof. “Biometric matching is also expected to increase TSA’s security effectiveness by improving the ability to detect impostors.”

The agency plans to use biometrics to identify 97% of travelers flying out of the country by 2022. Last year, TSA performed an initial proof of concept, capturing real-time facial images from biometric-enabled automated electronic security gates to passengers’ e-Passports at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Instead of using automated security gates in this pilot, TSA will use a Credential Authentication Technology device with a camera, or a CAT-C device, to authenticate passengers’ identity documents. The device also will collect the image and biographic information from those documents and capture live images of passengers’ faces. The ultimate goal is to ensure that biometrics work for verifying passengers.

“To participate, passengers will voluntarily choose to enter a lane dedicated to the proof of concept,” TSA said.

Ultimately the agency plans to collect: live photos of passengers’ faces, photos from traveler documents, identification document issuance and expiration dates, travel dates, various types of identification documents, the organizations that issued their identification documents, the years of passenger’s births, as well as the gender or sex listed in the identification documents.

The agency assures that the data will be “obfuscated to the greatest extent possible.”

TSA plans to store the data on encrypted hard drives that it will remove daily and transfer to DHS Science and Technology Directorate personnel weekly. Biometric information cannot be recovered from the templates produced and the information will only be used for the purpose of the pilot, it said. The agency also plans to consult with the National Institutes for Standards and Technology during the assessment of the algorithm and to ensure that all methodologies meet industry standards.

–Technocracy News





THE LATEST FROM REVIVAL CYCLES–STRAP IT DOWN!

Introducing our new REVIVAL straps and tie downs. It’s your favorite new way to secure your most precious cargo. Whether it’s cross country, in a trailer, or on your lift at home, these will be your absolute go to! Designed specifically for motorcycles.





Hometown Rising Country Music & Bourbon Festival–Music Performance Times Announced For
Saturday, September 14 & Sunday, September 15
At Highland Festival Grounds At KY Expo Center In Louisville

With Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town,
Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, Brett Young, Jake Owen & More

Debut Event Combines Two Of Louisville’s Cultural Cornerstones –
Great Music & Incredible Bourbon

Tickets On Sale Now


NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The schedule of music performances is now available for Hometown Rising, the first-ever Country Music & Bourbon Festival, debuting Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 at Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center, combining two of Louisville’s cultural cornerstones — great music and incredible bourbon.

Hometown Rising’s music lineup will be led by country heavyweights including Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Little Big Town with additional appearances from Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Bret Michaels, Frankie Ballard, and many more. In total, more than 30 artists will play on three stages, including two side-by-side main stages, over the course of the weekend. In addition, Hometown Rising will feature bourbon selections from nearly two dozen distilleries, a variety of food options inspired by Kentucky flavors, and onsite experiences from Jack Daniel’s, Kentucky Department Of Tourism (KDT), and many more.

A limited number of Hometown Rising exclusive VIP packages, General Admission tickets, camping and hotel packages, as well as special event tickets are still available at www.HometownRising.com.

The music schedule for Hometown Rising is as follows (subject to change).

Saturday, September 14
Barrel Stage
9:20 PM Tim McGraw
6:55 PM Dwight Yoakam
5:10 PM Frankie Ballard
3:35 PM Jimmie Allen
2:15 PM The Steel Woods
1:05 PM Noah Guthrie

Oak Stage
8:00 PM Little Big Town
6:00 PM Trace Adkins
4:20 PM The Cadillac Three
2:50 PM Lindsay Ell
1:40 PM Clare Dunn
12:30 PM IMAJ

Boots & Bourbon Stage
4:10 PM J.D. Shelburne
3:10 PM The Sisterhood Band
2:10 PM Raelyn Nelson Band
1:10 PM Alice Wallace

Sunday, September 15
Barrel Stage
8:20 PM Luke Bryan
5:55 PM Brett Young
3:55 PM Bret Michaels
2:35 PM Drake White And The Big Fire
1:35 PM The Wild Feathers

Oak Stage
7:00 PM Keith Urban
4:50 PM Jake Owen
3:05 PM LOCASH
2:05 PM Mason Ramsey
1:05 PM Gabby Barrett

Boots & Bourbon Stage
5:40 PM Everette
4:35 PM Dillon Carmichael
3:35 PM Jeffrey East
2:35 PM Larry Fleet
1:35 PM Hannah Ellis
12:35 PM Kendall Shaffer

Festival doors open at Noon each day. Download the official Hometown Rising mobile app through the Google Play and Apple stores. The app allows attendees to build their own schedules, learn more about the artists and personalities appearing at the festival, and get the latest information through push notifications.

The festival’s centerpiece, Kroger’s Big Bourbon Bar presented by Louisville Courier Journal, will feature more than two dozen hand-selected bourbons from top distilleries, and a unique opportunity to enjoy bourbons and exclusive one-time specialty cocktails from 1792, Angel’s Envy, Barrell Bourbon, Coopers’ Craft, Elijah Craig, Four Roses, Jefferson’s, Jeptha Creed Four Grain Bourbon, Kentucky Peerless, Michter’s, Rebel Yell, Old Forester, Stonehammer and Wild Turkey.

Fred Minnick’s Mini Bar–hosted by the Hometown Rising bourbon curator, bourbon author/expert, and Amazon Prime host (Bourbon Up)–will showcase craft selections from Louisville’s world-renowned distilleries. Acclaimed Louisville whiskey bar The Silver Dollar will operate The Hunter’s Club, where attendees can find vintage bourbons dating as far back as the 1930s, as well as contemporary collectibles.

In addition to performances from top music artists and various onsite attractions, attendees at Hometown Rising will enjoy a variety of onsite food and beverage offerings that celebrate menus and flavors inspired by Kentucky. Selections from local and regional restaurants were curated by Southern Hospitality Concessions LLC, DWP’s affiliate concessionaire.

As part of Danny Wimmer Presents’ innovative partnership and Kroger’s commitment to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, 25 cents from every Hometown Rising ticket sold will be donated directly to Dare to Care Food Bank (www.daretocare.org). Dare to Care Food Bank works to ensure that no one in our community lacks enough food to live an active, healthy lifestyle, and Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative is their bold plan to end hunger in our communities and eliminate waste in their company by 2025.

Those looking to kick off the weekend early are encouraged to attend the official Hometown Rising Pre-Party featuring Raelyn Nelson Band on Friday, September 13 at 9:00 PM at Fourth Street Live! in Louisville.

That same night at the Hometown Rising Supper Club at Seviche, a special menu will showcase what makes Chef Anthony Lamas’ food so unique. Chef Lamas brings a genuine artistry to his award-winning cuisine, with elements of his Latin heritage, his Southern home, and his experimental spirit. Seviche showcases a brand-new take on the farm-to-table dining experience, with a rotating seasonal menu of the freshest local ingredients that perfectly complement Chef Lamas’ eclectic cultural influences. Visit https://hometownrising.com/experiences for details and to purchase tickets.





QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The Short Happy Life of Easyriders Magazine



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


I enjoyed reading the article by Solari. It gives you a lot to think about for sure. It brings us up to date on what is happening and how things have evolved since the beginning of Easyriders Magazine in 1971.

Enjoyed seeing Hal Robinson’s panel jokes very much!




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









I’M IN NEUTRAL—Since we are missing Bonneville this year, I’m trying to relax, sorta, for September. I have a Cycle Source Deadline for next week, but I would also like to shift to my screenplay, “Splintered Road” and make corrections based on a pro’s suggestions.



I’m still working on the Torpedo firewall, when I get away from my computer. I’m trying to work with the VA on my disability claim. Hell, us grubby bikers who worked for motorcycles magazines for 40 years don’t have much of a retirement plan. I did three tours in Vietnam and have the combat ribbon to prove it.



Graeme Lowen, the Iron Butt rider from New Zealand is returning from his whirlwind ride about the country for 55 days and wants to store his massive Goldwing at the Bikernet Headquarters for a year, until he can come back for another cross-country.



My grandson is going to take his Dyna to Larry Settle’s shop for repairs today (maybe). I need the space. I need to talk to Lupe about this transmission, differential for a go-cart. We are trying to figure it out and why it’s not working.



I’m in the process of building a cool Spirit Bell for a brother, who recently moved into his new home overlooking the Pacific. Here’s Zack in the Salt Torpedo. He was going to be the first pilot, but the lack of shifting got in the way. Micah made the first pass around the block.  

 
There’s more, but internet issues got in the way today.  


Ride Fast and Free Forever,

–Bandit

Read More

The END Bikernet Weekly News for September 5, 2019

Hey,

I ran two Climate pieces a couple of weeks ago. I got a kick out of this one from the Week. Let’s ask everyone who buys a fossil fuel car or motorcycle in the future to plant a tree. Done deal.

THE GREEN SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE—Scientist have calculated that the cheapest and most effective way to fight climate change may be to plant trees—a trillion of them. Because trees soak up atmospheric carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming, researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology decided to examine what would happen if saplings were replanted on lands where forests had been cleared.

They concluded that the planet could support an extra 2.2 billion acres of tree cover, an area almost the size of the U.S.

Those new forests, the researchers say, would remove about two-thirds of the roughly 330 billion tons of carbon pumped into the atmosphere by humans since the industrial revolution.

Reforestation is “the top climate change solution in terms of carbon storage potential,” co-author Thomas Crowther tells Vox.com.

the Week Magazine.

Of course, the other article I ran that week along with several books point out the carbon dioxide has nothing to do with Climate Change. In fact, it might be that temperature impacts CO2, not the other way around. But whatever, planting trees and supporting open space is cool for lots of reasons. Did you know that the city with the most parks is Moscow, with almost 50 percent of the land mass devoted to parks and open space. I’ve always thought Long Beach had a great plan. You seem to either be able to see the ocean, canals, bays, or parks from everywhere you go.

Just don’t forget: Everything will be all right in the end, and if it’s not all right, it’s not the end. 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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

FLORIDA WEATHER REPORT FROM THE MASTER–Weather Report on Dorian
The storm is heading North off the east coast of Florida what is known as the I-95 Corridor.
Contact with friends in Daytona Mainland said they were fine.
Dorian is heading to the Carolinas and they are now on Hurricane watch.

For us in Florida this was a standard prepare for the worse and pray for the best and it appears the prayers worked.
There are power lines down in places and most of the beaches got damage BUT no where near what could have happened if it was closer to the coast and or hit land.

We continue to hope that those in Dorians path STAY SAFE

–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

LATEST GUN NUT REPORT--HARPA: Social Credit (Mental) Scoring For Gun Control

The Trump Administration has broken the ice on using Social Credit Scoring technology to decide who is mentally stable enough to purchase a weapon. Like a ‘No-Fly’ list, a ‘No-Buy’ list would be based on AI analysis of social media posts. ? TN Editor

The Trump administration is considering a proposal that would use Google, Amazon and Apple to collect data on users who exhibit characteristics of mental illness that could lead to violent behavior, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

The proposal is part of an initiative to create a Health Advanced Research Projects Agency (HARPA), which would be located inside the Health and Human Services Department, the report notes, citing sources inside the administration. The new agency would have a separate budget and the president would be responsible for appointing its director.

HARPA would take after Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, which serves as the research arm for the Pentagon. The idea was first crafted in 2017 but has since gotten a renewed push after mass shootings killed 31 people in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, in August.

The Suzanne Wright Foundation approached the president recently and proposed the agency include a project called Stopping Aberrant Fatal Events by Helping Overcome Mental Extremes, or Safe Home, the report notes, citing two people familiar with the matter.

President Donald Trump has a close relationship with Bob Wright, who founded the foundation after his wife died of cancer. Wright was a former chair of NBC and occupied that position while the president hosted “The Apprentice.”

HARPA would develop “breakthrough technologies with high specificity and sensitivity for early diagnosis of neuropsychiatric violence,” according to a copy of the proposal. “A multi-modality solution, along with real-time data analytics, is needed to achieve such an accurate diagnosis.”

The document lists several technologies that could be employed to help collect information, including Apple Watches, Amazon Echo and Google Home. Geoffrey Ling, the lead scientific adviser on HARPA, told reporters Thursday the plan would require enormous amounts of data and “scientific rigor.”

He added: “Everybody would be a volunteer. We’re not inventing new science here. We’re analyzing it so we can develop new approaches.” The White House declined to provide the Daily Caller News Foundation with a statement, but sources told WaPo that Trump has reacted “very positively” to the proposal — it is unclear if he has seen the Safe Home idea.

–Technocracy News

Dalton’s NHDRO 4.60 Win First Ever for a No-Bar Bike–Rain may have interrupted NHDRO’s Liguori Drag Racing World Semifinals at West Salem, Ohio’s Dragway 42, but not before a unique achievement by Jeff Dalton in Pro Ultra 4.60.

The world’s quickest motorcycle index class is generally reserved for Pro Mods and Funnybikes—big tire, wheelie bar monsters with nitrous or turbos. Dalton’s bike is a turbo, no-bar, Suzuki Hayabusa.

His original plan for the “Autism Awareness” bike was to race grudge, but few race opportunities came his way. Looking at his timeslips, Dalton realized he could do more racing and be competitive running 4.60, eighth mile index. So, he entered the bike in the class for the first time at NHDRO’s Louisville event, and this past weekend at 42 he notched his first win—and the first ever anywhere for a no-bar bike in 4.60.

Granted, a starting line infraction by Cleveland racer Jimmy Muntain made the final round an easy one for Dalton, but that’s racing. Muntain—doing his best Andrew Hines impression—rolled the beams on the two-step. Dalton also advanced past number one qualifier Heath McQuinn in E1.

“NHDRO is the place to go!” said an enthusiastic Dalton. “I cannot wait till the 2020 NHDRO season—I am going for the championship! Started too late this year and am still learning how to get this beast consistently on the number.”

Indy’s $16,000 race winner Tom Klemme won Saturday’s MPS Pro ET, beating Larry Hunter in the final. Klemme was also still alive in Sunday’s Pro ET race when rain shut the event down on Sunday afternoon. Craig Adams, Rod “Exciting” Bland, Steven “Dolemite” Dolamore, Ron Raymond, and KJ Shellhaas were also still in.

With limited track time available at the upcoming World Finals at Gateway, purses were split amongst those left racing in all classes for this event.

Saturday’s Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET winner was Norwalk legend Kevin Adams, who beat Jeremy England in the final.

There were eight Street ET racers left racing on Sunday. They were Beau Ivy, Jim “Klingon” Kleon, Travis Kotz, Garreth and Scott Sheppeard, Drew Nearhoof, Robert Neizmik, and Michael Schmalle.

M2.Shocks Crazy Comp racers still vying for the win were Canadian Murray Lonsbary, Gregory Highsmith (who beat number one qualifier David Liguori in round 2), Matt Knaggs, Nathan Hollingsworth, Joey Brandgard, Tylan Beckelheimer, Tom Luke, Joe Klemme, and Kevin Adams.

Racers still alive in Penske Racing Shocks Street Fighter were number one qualifier Neizmik, England, Eric Vansboy, Kevin Adams, and Ron Arnold.

Hardcore Cycles Top Gas still had Dustin Lee (who beat number one qualifier Bland in the first round), David “Skywalker” Thompson, Jeremy Teasley, Scott Sheppeard, and—yet again— Kevin Adams.

Mass Traction’s Brandon Mass had 42’s surface on point for every class, with Indy Pro Street winner Dave Roisen running his personal best short times at this event.

Saturday night’s VooDoo Grudge races saw NHDRO’s own Brian Welch ride the MSP-built-and-tuned “Big Greezy” past Josh Ford, and John Dyer on the “Shark” Suzuki Hayabusa beat Cameron Teasley on a Kawasaki ZX14.

Until it rained, the weekend saw perfect weather for racing, picnicking and camping for the NHDRO racing family in Dragway 42’s park-like setting.

The Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series returns to action for the Kenneth R. Schwartz Attorney at Law NHDRO World Finals on October 19-20 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois.

Top Gas racer Kenny Schwartz looks forward to seeing you there, and NHDRO’s Brian and Niki Welch can’t wait to crown their latest champions.

Find out more about NHDRO at http://www.nhdroracing.com/

More about Liguori Drag Racing: https://liguori-drag-racing.myshopify.com/

More about Dragway 42: https://www.dragway42.com/

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com

MORE FROM FLORIDA– In 2015 Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R.) signed SB 290, allowing concealed carry without a permit during a state of declared mandatory evacuation. “As Hurricane Season approaches it’s critical that our rights are protected during natural disasters,” according to a statement released by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-Petersburg. “With the signing of SB 290, all lawful gun owners will be permitted to carry a concealed weapon if they are complying with a mandatory evacuation during a state of emergency. I’m proud to have sponsored this bipartisan bill ensuring that we have the right to protect our families during these sometimes chaotic times.”

–Rogue

SOME SWEDISH RACERS IN ROMO DENMARK—
RÖMÖ motorfestival Denmark
Claes Lindblom of Sweden put an old Husky to life again
Raced the beach with his nephew
Life is good

https://youtu.be/vWoqm__O4ok

–SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP
S-363 94 LAMMHULT
SWEDEN

THE MAVARTS REPORT–
Make sure to check out the MavArts.com Sketchbooks Store for Monte’s Art Books, like the one above, entitled “Cover Up” featuring some of his best Cover Art.

So, this last week we did a new Livestream sales event for the fans on Facebook and we made some quality improvements on the presentation by having the art offerings up on the big screen TV in the studio. This eliminated having to move around with the camera or flip pages in the portfolio, and we also paired down the offering from dozens of originals and prints to only about 10 items, including select originals, rare collectable comic books, prints and art books.

This allowed us to spend Moore time on each item rather than blazing through everything too quickly. By putting the event on Facebook viewers are allowed to participate during the event and claim items they would like to purchase, as well as review the video anytime later and still make purchases after the fact if they weren’t available.

Some items like art books are always available and others, like original pieces, and rare comics are more limited items. Although many fans are not on Facebook, I find it currently the best portal for interaction, allowing me to be able to check in and chat with fans, post updates and give sneak peaks of new projects.

I really enjoy being able to stay connected though social media, and I hope YOU have a chance to join us in the studio and online at a future Livestream event that brings you Moore art than most!- BAM!

— Monte – #ExpectMoore


5-Ball LEATHERS ARE HERE TO STAY—We are having a blast with this line and it keeps expanding. The pit crew is so popular for hot days on the road with the breathable Ballistic Nylon, we are making a women’s version.

All leather orders get a free real 5-Ball Bandana with each purchase and one of K. Randall Ball’s crummy books. It’s even signed.

–Bandit

MORE THAN $1 BILLION COLLECTED FOR OUR CLIENTS–
NEWS: Our Cedar Rapids Office Moved!

The new office is located at 415 12th Ave. SE, Suite 202, and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NEWS: New Safety Initiative Tackles Dangerous Milwaukee Intersections

Attorney Michael Hupy is supporting the “Take it E-Z” Initiative, which will pay close attention to four Milwaukee intersections, known for high accident volumes.

NEWS FROM VINTAGE RIDES–Rwanda: A Call for Exploration

November 2018, we get a message out of the blue from someone called Rudy in Africa.

He’s quite something, and he’s been a dedicated biker since he was 12. Born in Burundi, he spent his childhood in the Congo (ex Zaire) and he settled in Rwanda 4 years ago.

“I love this area, I feel at home. When I turned 18 I got my first car, a Land Rover, and drove across the Great Lakes area.”

What were we doing at 18 years old ?

He invites us to explore his small country, Rwanda, in the Great Lakes area of Africa.

“Follow me and Vintage Riders will be the first to explore the Land of a Thousand Hills on a motorbike.”

He’s hit a nerve. He definitely knows what will grab us, but as always we have to talk with the team.

Let’s admit it; for us, as for many, Rwanda makes us think of the genocide of the Tutsi. Twenty-five years later, the scars may still be there but Rwanda has risen like a phoenix from the ashes to a new life.

We need to explore. We know more about the thousand passes of the Himalayas than the thousand hills of Rwanda.

Out with the maps and the history books. We read up on the turbulent history and we chat with friends who know this small corner of the world.

25 years of political stability and strong economic growth. Rwanda, now a safe country, defies the usual clichés of the African Continent. Volcanoes rising to 4500 metres, majestic lakes and lush nature. The country seems to have everything to appeal to our riders.

And let’s face it, it feels good to be able to give a little help to the country as well.

So we send Sophie and Francois, our explorers, straight out to test the waters. Their verdict?

“ A slap in the face ! “

First off, the Rwandans, hospitable and sociable, welcomed them with open arms.
And then the beauty of the landscape took their breath away….

From Kigali to Lake Kivu, via Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park, the country of a thousand hills is a real playground. We had to narrow it down so we’ve put a route of 1,000km together.

On the programme: rides on beautiful little tarmac roads that surf the hills, some off-road sections if we like, walk on the canopy, discover the ancient culture of Rwanda and get a look at the lions, giraffes, elephants and other kings of the savannah.

Sophie and Francois were even lucky enough to encounter a family of gorillas at the edge of the road.

We won’t spill all here, but we are delighted to have discovered this goldmine through Rudy.

So, does it appeal to you?

A temperate climate, volcanoes up to 4500m, large primary, high altitude forest and vast areas of savannah. The hospitable and sociable Rwandans are the ambassadors of an ancient culture and a unique way of life. Explore the network of beautiful tarmac roads that wind through the hills on wonderful trails.

Rwanda: The Land of a Thousand Hills
9 days including 7 riding days
1,000 kms

Photos credits : Sophie Squillace / François Combes

Vintage Rides
(By appointment only)
128 rue de la Boétie
75008 PARIS
hello@vintagerides.com
+442032898785

[page break]

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RIDER & DEFENDING AFT CHAMPION JARED MEES SWEEPS SPRINGFIELD MILE DOUBLEHEADER–Indian FTR750 Secures Back-to-Back Podium Sweeps;
Jared Mees Closes Season Standings Gap on Wrecking Crew Teammate & Points Leader Briar Bauman

Indian Motorcycle Racing stayed victorious this past weekend in Illinois, as the FTR750 swept the podium at the Springfield Mile doubleheader.

Reigning AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees secured back-to-back wins, while Indian Motorcycle Privateer Jeffrey Carver Jr. placed second at Springfield Mile I and Wrecking Crew Rider and current points leader Briar Bauman finished third and second, respectfully. Bronson Bauman completed the all-Wrecking Crew podium sweep at the Springfield Mile II with a third-place finish.

Springfield Mile I featured a close battle between Mees and Carver as they each separated themselves from the pack early on. Mees led for a majority of the main but Carver was able to catch Mees and overtake him briefly. The heat turned up during a neck-and-neck battle on the final lap, as Carver pulled past Mees but exited turn three too wide – allowing Mees to undercut him, pull ahead and earn his fifth win of the season.

The second half of the doubleheader brought even more excitement with each of the top 10 racers finishing within one second of each other. After starting the race from row four, Mees was able to make his way to the front of the pack, where he joined multiple riders in a heated battle for the lead. The 25-mile Main saw multiple lead changes and It wasn’t until the final lap that the Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew broke free to take first, second and third. The culmination of the event resulted in Mees capturing his sixth win of the year, Briar Bauman securing his 13th podium of the season and Bronson Bauman reaching the podium for the fourth time this season.

“It was another great weekend for our team and we’re proud to see them having continued success week-in and week-out,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “It’s been a great season – fun and entertaining as a fan – and with the AFT Twins Championship still up for grabs, we’re excited to see Jared, Briar and Bronson battle it out during the home-stretch of the season.”

As the current points leader with 280 points, Briar Bauman has secured 13 total podiums, including four wins. The defending champion, Mees, who has won three out his last four races, has caught momentum and currently stands with 255 points – holding six wins and reaching the podium a total of nine times. Bronson Bauman, who is enjoying the best season of his Twins career, is currently third in the points standings with 215 points, and has one Twins Main victory along with 10 top five finishes this season.

The AFT Twins season continues on September 7 with races at Williams Grove Speedway, in Mechanicsburg, PA. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, visit their websites: Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets and J&P Cycles.

To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

–Jeff Millard

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY– On a chain of beautiful deserted islands in the middle of South Pacific, the following people are stranded:

Two Italian men and one Italian woman.
Two French men and one French woman.
Two German men and one German woman.
Two Greek men and one Greek woman.
Two British men and one British woman.
Two Bulgarian men and one Bulgarian woman.
Two Japanese men and one Japanese woman.
Two Chinese men and one Chinese woman.
Two Irish men and one Irish woman.
Two American men and one American woman.

One month later, on these absolutely stunning deserted islands in the middle of nowhere, the following things have occurred:

One Italian man killed the other Italian man for the Italian woman.

The two French men and the French woman are living happily together in a ménage à trois.

The two German men have a strict weekly schedule of alternating visits with the German woman.

The two Greek men are sleeping together and the Greek woman is cooking and cleaning for them.

The two British men are waiting for someone to introduce them to the British woman.

The two Bulgarian men took one look at the Bulgarian woman and started swimming to another island.

The two Japanese have faxed Tokyo and are awaiting instructions.

The two Chinese men have set up a pharmacy, liquor store, restaurant, and laundry, and have gotten the woman pregnant in order to supply more employees for their stores.

The two Irish men divided the island into north and south and set up a distillery. They do not remember if sex is in the picture because it gets somewhat foggy after a few pints of coconut whisky. However, they’re satisfied because the British aren’t having any fun.

The two American men are contemplating suicide, because the American woman complains relentlessly about her body, the true nature of feminism, what the sun is doing to her skin, how she can do anything they can do, the necessity of fulfillment, the equal division of household chores, how sand and palm trees make her look fat, how her relationship with her mother is the root cause of all her problems, and why didn’t they bring a damn cell phone so they could call 911 and get them all rescued off this forsaken deserted island in the middle of freaking nowhere so she can get her nails done and go shopping.’

–Geno


OLIVE CREST COMES TO BARTELS’ H-D—Actually, it’s the other way around. Bartels’ Harley is supporting the abused kids at Olive Crest.

2nd Annual Ride for the Children (Los Angeles)

Date(s) – 09/22/2019
8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Join us for the 2nd Annual Ride for the Children and Stop Child Abuse! In partnership with Bartels’ Harley Davidson & Glendale Harley, ride, enjoy a BBQ lunch and a live concert by Aces & Eights. Grand Marshals Lorenzo Lamas, Perry King, and Dave Ekins.

Kickstands up at 10:30 am From Bartels’ Harley Davidsion 4141 Lincoln Blvd. Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 to Paramount Ranch 2903 Cornell Rd. Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Grab your bike & Purchase your tickets to Ride for Children today!

https://www.olivecrest.org/events/rideforchildren2019/

NEWS FROM NICK– GUITAR WORLD MAGAZINE!! This is a serious honor for me.

I remember the year I started playing guitar (I was 12) running home from school each month around this time, checking the mailbox hoping the next issue had been delivered. 23 years later… here we are.

Thank you to EVERYONE who is supporting me on this crazy journey. I am grateful, and I love you. Something magical is happening now. I can feel it.

Hang on, and keep a lookout for the November issue of Guitar World, on newsstands soon!

–Nick

THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET JUSTICE DEPARTMENT--I knew I liked Montana!!

Two Montana men who wrongly claimed to be military veterans while trying to get more favorable sentences were ordered to prison last week — and neither inmate will be eligible for parole until they complete an assignment that includes hand-writing the names of all Americans killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Ryan Morris, 28, and Troy Nelson, 33, both claimed they were veterans as part of an effort to get their cases moved to a Veterans Court to receive lesser sentences.

Before either can be eligible for parole, however, Pinski ordered them both to handwrite the names of the 6,756 Americans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan; to write out the obituaries of the 40 Montanans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan; and send hand-written letters of apology to several veterans groups, making sure to identify themselves as having lied about military service to receive help and possibly a lesser sentence through a Veterans Court.

The judge also ordered that, during the suspended portions of their sentences, Morris and Nelson must stand at the Montana Veterans Memorial in Great Falls for eight hours on each Memorial Day and Veterans Day wearing a placard that says: “I am a liar. I am not a veteran. I stole valor. I have dishonored all veterans.”

–from Mr. Wonderful and Wanda

The 2020 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show.
Well… It’s official! Dates for the Handbuilt Show 2020 will be April 3rd-5th and tickets are on sale at special early bird pricing.

–It’s coming from Revival Cycles


THIS JUST IN FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Cannibalism: Professor Says Eating Human Flesh Will Save Planet From ‘Climate Change’

Watch on Swedish TV here: https://www.tv4.se/efter-fem/klipp/forskaren-unders%C3%B6ker-m%C3%B6jligheten-att-%C3%A4ta-m%C3%A4nniskok%C3%B6tt-finns-m%C3%A5nga-tabun-12496854

Scientist Says Eating Human Flesh Will Save Planet From Climate Change. A Swedish scientist suggests that it may be necessary to turn to cannibalism and start eating human flesh to save the planet (giving new meaning to the expression bite me) And NO this story is not from The Onion.

A conference about the food of the future called Gastro Summit being held in Stockholm Sweden featured a presentation by Magnus Söderlund claiming that we must get used to the idea of eating human flesh in the future, as a way of combating the effects of climate change.

–Marc Morano
Climate Depot


TRAILBLAZERS 2020 HONOREES ANNOUNCED–The Trailblazers have announced the list of honorees for their 76th annual banquet next April. At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors, the final list was approved and wow, what a list of motorcycling luminaries who will be on stage to receive their honors.

Dick Hammer Award: Eddie Mulder

2020 Hall of Fame Inductees:

Johnny Campbell
Scot Harden
Steve Johnson
Bruce Penhall
Brad Lackey
Bubba Shobert

In the category of “Unsung Heroes,” Larry Langley will receive the Earl & Lucile
Flanders Lifetime Achievement Award
The 2020 Trailblazers banquet will be held at the Carson Center in Carson, CA
on Saturday, April 4, 2020.

Information about ordering tickets and other details will be announced soon at: www.trailblazersmc.com

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Movie Review: Sgt. Will Gardner

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

I am a Navy Vet with no disability except ringing ears and the VA has been taking care of all my medical needs since I went on social security in 2009.

I was never in a war zone but the councilors who helped me sign up kept asking if I had nightmares or any PTSD signs. They will give anyone who was in combat from 50 to 100 percent disability very easy. The only people who have trouble are the ones with other than honorable discharges.

I know several of my old friends are getting help. They are from the Vietnam era and didn’t even think to apply till they had been out for 30 years or so. I don’t understand why we have homeless vets except by their own choice.

–Bill May
Ioobill@yahoo.com
Nashville , TN

I watched a hearing the other day. One of the experts broke it down: Any homeless, who has been on the streets over a year wants to be there and wants to be left alone. Then the rest are either mental or on drugs or alcoholics. They don’t want homes. They want the shit.–Bandit

Greetings from Transylvania – LIQUI MOLY bites back–LIQUI MOLY Company Magazine, September issue

We have just published the new issue of our company magazine “Pictures & Stories”. The past few weeks has again been a great time for our brand to be seen in motorsport all over the world – in particular at the Red Bull Romaniacs motocross event in Transylvania. The bikes need a lot of maintenance after each stage to ensure that everything is working flawlessly. There are a host of LIQUI MOLY products available for maintaining vehicles and maintaining their value – and not just for off-road machines. This issue shows how extensive our range is, and you can find many more interesting pictures and stories in it.

For more information, please contact:

LIQUI MOLY GmbH

–Peter Szarafinski



Ask your friends to join the Cantina and keep us alive.–Bandit
[page break]

Klock Werks First Off-Road Catalog is Built for Purpose–Just in time for the off-road season, Klock Werks announces the release of their first off-road only catalog.

With an entire catalog dedicated to the off-road division, the patented UTV Flare™ Windshield and high quality Billet Aluminum accessories are showcased to perfection.

“We absolutely couldn’t wait to release this catalog,” said Dan Cheeseman, Vice-President and Head of the Off-Road Division at Klock Werks. “Riders and their dealers have been wanting -and looking- for ways to add a better experience to their off-road adventures. Now they can have it, and it’ll even come from one of the most iconic brands in the powersports industry.”

Klock Werks created their first UTV build, “The Ca$h Hole” back in 2017. People started seeing the car at events then inundated email inboxes wondering when more parts for their own builds would be available.

“Over the last few years we have steadily been growing our off-road division, and the products and accessories we offer are truly designed and built for a purpose.” said Cheeseman “Until now we didn’t have a tool to showcase just how great they really are. With this catalog, it’s a game-changer.”

The 28-page full-color catalog features each of the part families Klock Werks offers for off-road: UTV Flare™ Windshields, Billet Aluminum Accessories, Device Mounts, Kleaning Products, and more.

“One of our favorite features in the catalog is the amount of photography from our very own customers as well as industry peers,” Cheeseman shares. “We are always amazed at how many people are actually using our products. Scrolling through our hashtag (#getklocked) is humbling. The diversity happening with our parts across the country and around the world is incredible.”

Printed copies of the catalog are available upon request at www.getklocked.com, and will be shipped out immediately.

For more info check www.getklocked.com

New RACY Bikernet Reader Comment!–
5-BALL RACING BONNEVILLE SPONSOR PROGRAM FOR 2019

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/5BALL_RACING_BONNEVILLE_SPONSOR_PROGRAM_FOR_2019.aspx

When do we see the semi-finished body of the Salt Torpedo? Don’t make me have to ride over there.

— Gearhead
Torrance, Ca.

Here it is goddammit!–Bandit

NEWS FROM QUICK THROTTLE MAGAZINE– Old Town Cottonwood’s Thunder Valley Rally where “History is Just the Beginning” free street party concerts and more.

Enjoy Concerts, Miss TVR Contest, Little Biker Program, Poker Run, Vendors and More

2019 Featured Bands include .38 Special, Great White, Mogollon and More

There is also lots of great riding and plenty to do in the local area

Dry Camping is available at Freedom Bird and there are other local campgrounds with hookups as well as local hotels

Weekend Pass is ONLY $20 per Person

https://thundervalleyrallyaz.com

RODDER’S JOURNAL Hot off the Press!–

This just in! The brand new Rodder’s Journal #82 is on its way to subscribers right now; all copies have been shipped. Weighing in at 168 pages, it’s one of our most editorially diverse issues in recent memory. The newsstand cover features a truly over-the-top Funny Car-inspired, injected Hemi-powered ’34 Ford five-window in baremetal. For the subscriber cover we captured a genuine barn find hot rod powerplant: a blown Y-block photographed exactly as it was found after a 58-year slumber in an abandoned Virginia garage.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW: www.roddersjournal.com

Inside you’ll find everything from a land speed record-setting Thunderbird Streamliner from the ’50s to a Gene Winfield-style bubble top Buick custom built just last year in Japan. We also cover the T.R.O.G. Drags on the West Coast, the throwback Jalopyrama indoor car show on the East, retrospectives of late-’30s Chevy Gassers and the first Street Rod Nationals. If that’s not enough, we also take a look at an iconic Deuce five-window from the dawn of the traditional rodding movement 30 years ago. With rods and customs from mild to wild, and racing on the street, salt and strip, TRJ #82 has it all!

To place an order, click the red boxes above or give us a call at (800) 750-9550 in North America or (804) 496-6906 internationally.

Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal
A Look Inside…

Virginia hot rodder Bill Kane began building what would be his ultimate Deuce five-window show rod back in the mid-’50s, and the crown jewel was to be a beautifully detailed, 4-71-blown Y-block. Along the way he held onto every receipt and scrap of paper relating to the build, but by 1961 he’d run out of patience and money, and he locked the project in his garage and threw away the key. A few years ago the Deuce and the well-dressed ’56 Y-block were discovered and purchased by a new generation of Virginia hot rodders. We captured the blown Y-block as it was found, along with those decades-old receipts, and document what is one of the most complete hot rodding time capsule we’ve come across yet.

SMOKEOUT NEWS–I just read where EDGE the SMOKE-OUT Commander is retiring from the SMOKE-OUT after number 20. There is still going to be a SMOKE-OUT from what I read with a different boss.

Edge should be extremely proud of his efforts building the SMOKE-OUT into one of the GREATEST motorcycle events ever!

–STEALTH

CHOW HALL OF THE WEEK– Poochies!! With Doug Sohn and A Biker Dude!

Had an amazing time eating, laughing and learning from one of my food Icons, Doug Sohn the owner of the World Famous Hot Doug’s!!

Doug chose Poochie’s in Skokie, because they are making the proper Chicago Dog. Listen as Doug takes you through what Poochies is doing right when it comes to the proper Chicago Dog.

Another one of Doug’s favorites is the Char Salami sandwich, only 4 ingredients and it is a powerhouse of flavor! Also order the Char Cheddar burger and the Cheddar fries topped with Merkt’s cheddar cheese! Poochies is located in Skokie, IL Get some!!

To see over 100 more awesome food spots subscribe here, youtube.com/c/ABikerDude Also follow me on IG at A Biker Dude.

–BikerDude

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT SEXY WORD OF THE DAY–
peacherino

[pee-chuh-ree-noh]
noun
1.
a person or thing that is especially attractive, liked, or enjoyed.

QUOTES
“It’s a peacherino!” declared Tom enthusiastically. “Just wait till you see it and listen to the music coming in.”
— A. Hyatt Verrill, The Radio Detectives, 1922

ORIGIN

Slang terms are notoriously difficult to etymologize, and peacherino is a slang term. Peacherino, with the variant spellings or words peachamaroot, peacherine, peachermaroot, is American in origin, formed from peach in the sense “someone or something especially attractive, liked, or enjoyed,” and the suffix -erino, of uncertain origin, but possibly from the suffix -eroo (of uncertain origin itself) augmented by the Spanish or Italian diminutive suffix -ino. The suffix -erino has its own variants, such as -arina, -arino, -erama, -ereeno, -erine. Peacherino entered English in the late 19th century.

WINTER LOWBROW PROJECT–
After 24 years and 70,000+ miles…
Our friend Panhead Jim decided to chop his trusty Sportster. He has some very nice, stock, vintage Harleys that he has restored, which you might have been able to guess from his nickname…

This full custom Sportster chopper build will be documented by Jim for your viewing pleasure. Follow along and check out Part 1, and stay tuned through the winter as he makes more progress.

–Tyler
LowBrow Customs

MOTORCYCLE CANNONBALL ACTION–Motorcycle Cannonball is still good, it’s on schedule for 2020. The CCC is for newer bikes (1930-1948), north-to-south route, and no chase vehicles.

Riders must carry their gear on their bikes and be self-sufficient, as opposed to the super-shops that tag along on the MC. We were expecting a younger group but hasn’t been the case. A lot of MC riders signed up. This is sponsored by the MC and by Legends Motorcycle Emporium out of Utah.

–Felicia Morgan
Queen of the Cannonball
Princess of the new Motorcycle Cross Country Chase


LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob

ONLY $9,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=7667789

The 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob FXDB is a classic bobber motorcycle. If you’re looking for bobber motorcycles you’ll like the Street Bob’s slammed solo bobber seat. This seat not only adds to the style of the bike, but also keeps you comfortable. The bobber appearance is also maintained in the post war style stainless steel mini ape hanger handlebar.

Add that to the stripped down Dyna fender, in combination with a good portion of the metal stripped off the bike, and you have a classic bobber motorcycle look. The 1940s sausage taillight also adds to the classic bobber motorcycle style. The classic look continues with the Harley® Street Bob® FXDB’s black laced steel 19 inch Harley® wheels. And the blacked out rims, match the blacked out style of the Twin Cam 96 engine.

Features include:

MINI “APE-HANGER” HANDLEBAR
Grab hold of the stainless steel mini ape-hanger handlebar and put your fists way up in the wind—it’ll take you back to the good old days of post-war bobbers. And for that clean and minimalist, bobber look, the wires are routed inside the steel.

BOBBER SOLO SEAT

True to the old school bobber look, a slammed solo seat drops you in nice and snug to the bike and close to the pavement beneath you. It’s the ultimate bond with the road and your machine. Get the quintessential bobber style without sacrificing the comfort of the ride.

CHOPPED REAR FENDER

Lose the support covers and a good chunk of metal and you get another important feature of the bobber from yesteryear: the chopped rear fender. Stripped down clean, this fender offers just enough surface for low-profile taillights and a license plate bracket. Give other riders more tire to look at when you blow past them.

BLACKED OUT RIMS

Raw, gritty and no-nonsense—the Street Bob® motorcycle features black laced steel wheels and stainless steel spokes with an aggressive 19″ wheel up front to lead your way out of the mundane. Blacked out like the Harley-Davidson® Twin Cam engine, these wheels make a bold statement and provide a smooth, true ride.

STOP-TURN-TAIL LIGHTS

Old school looks meet new-school engineering. Chrome, retro-style bullet taillights combine functionality to work twice as hard—stop beams and running lights plus turn indicators in two low-profile rear lamps.

This bike has been thoroughly checked out by the Lifestyle Cycles crew.


EVERYTHING WILL BE ALL RIGHT IN THE END—It’s sorta hot here, The hurricane subsided in Florida, the president of France issued a dire warning regarding the Amazon fires, but used a photo from a fire from 20 years ago.

We are living in the best of times so suddenly we must be faced with doomsday predictions every time it rains. It’s as if man needs conflict to survive.

Frankie, my grandson came over to pick up his wrecked Dyna. He was bummed. He said he was going to stop at Chris Morrison’s Paint Shop and ask him if anything could be salvages.

I told him to stop in and talk to Larry Settles, at Larry Settles Custom Motorcycles. Haven’t heard the outcome of that one. It’s going to be interesting. He was doing burnouts in front of the headquarters and tried a tough-guy wheel stand. Of course, the bike went over backwards, almost, then flipped forward destroying that beautiful 49 mm frontend I bought for it.

Hang on for more reports. Be careful out there.

Ride fast and free forever,

–Bandit

Read More

THE MAGNIFICENT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for September 12, 2019

Hey,

I am a man of many strange thoughts. Although, they are predominantly centered around riding free and helping others. I woke up the other beautiful morning and noted how the heat has subsided some and it was a perfect day for working in the shop and getting shit done.

Then is dawned on me. If man controls the climate, then he’s responsible for every perfect day, and for every time it rains and feeds the trees. He’s responsible for that perfect grape crop season and all the fine wines. Hell, Fossil fuels have maybe kept us safe and from freezing during an ice age.

Let’s hit the news and celebrate all the good man has done for the human race and the planet.

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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

BILTWELL PRODUCT OF THE WEEK– Darkstar Collab
Pop not Slop!

We recently teamed up with Pierre-Luc Gagnon, Greg Lutzka and our buds at Darkstar to create a couple limited edition skate decks. They only made a few, so grab one while you can!

PISTOL DEAL OF THE WEEK— PPK/s First Edition – Only 1250 Available
This is the TALO exclusive First Edition PPK/s available through TALO Distributors.

Attention Collectors! Walther Begins Shipping FIRST EDITION PPK/S Pistols.

Timelessness inspires true greatness. Walther is proud to announce the release of the PPK/S First Edition. Limited to only 1250 units, serial numbers 101-1350, the First Edition will only be a one-time run.

This TALO exclusive First Edition model was produced to commemorate the return of the PPK family, and the beginning of Walther’s US-based manufacturing. The Walther PPK/S First Edition features a stainless-steel finish matched with elegant cocobolo wood grips and chambered in .380 ACP. The slide is marked “First Edition” on the right side under the ejection port.

At the time of its invention over 80 years ago, the PPK inspired an entirely new category in the firearm industry, now widely known as the concealed carry pistol.

An evolution of the classic PPK, the PPK/S maintains the timeless features, essence and the elegance of the original with an additional extended grip allowing for added capacity and improved ergonomics. Few guns have withstood the test of time like the brilliantly designed PPK. To this day, the PPK is still one of the most sought after concealed carry pistols on the market. This demand serves as a testament to Walther’s long-enduring legacy of excellence and unparalleled performance. The timeless design and superior engineering make the PPK a true legend amongst firearms.

“We are very excited about the release of the Walther PPK/S First Edition. To build upon the history of this timeless pistol and offer a collector’s item was a fun project. The Fort Smith, Arkansas production is another mark on the storied history of this pistol, and we look forward to the future of the PPK series.” Said Bret Vorhees, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Walther Arms, Inc.

www.waltherarms.com

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— During his physical, the doctor asked the patient about his daily activity level. He described a typical day this way:

“Well, yesterday afternoon, I waded along the edge of a lake, drank eight beers, escaped from wild dogs in the heavy brush, jumped away from an aggressive rattlesnake, marched up and down several rocky hills, stood in a patch of poison ivy, crawled out of quicksand and took four leaks behind big trees.”

Inspired by the story, the doctor said, “You must be one hell of an outdoorsman!”

”NAH,” he replied, “I’m just a shitty golfer.”

–from Joe Smith

BREAKING NEWS: Trump ends US China trade war; swaps Hong Kong for California in unprecedented deal

Washington DC—After months of growing trade Tensions between the US and China leading to an impending global recession, along with mounting strife in China’s Hong Kong province prompting dissidents to wave American flags, US President Donald Trump has negotiated quite possibly the biggest deal of his life.

The US will trade the entire state of California for Hong Kong in a flat exchange.

“Basically everyone in California wants to be commies and Hong Kong wants to be American, so we did what we call a win-win-win and traded the two in a tremendous deal,” Trump said in a press conference announcing the unprecedented deal.

Markets responded with a complete turnaround from recent declines and posted record numbers.

Californians and Hong Kongers were dancing in their respective streets—Californians happy about the 1-child-only policy and being run by the Communist Party finally!—and Hong Kong happy about being part of the free world once again.

NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Dems at Climate Forum: Ban Everything! [Supercut]
‘There’s no question I’m in favor of banning fracking’

By Tom Elliott

Democrats appearing at CNN’s marathon 7-hour global warming forum have a plan to solve a changing climate: Ban everything!

Over the course of the television extravaganza, Democrats’ leading 2020 presidential candidates floated a variety of proposals to cut Americans’ energy use and, ostensibly, to stop the climate from changing.

Among them: Bans on plastic straws, red meat, incandescent lightbulbs, gas-powered cars, nuclear energy, off-shore drilling, fracking, natural gas exports, coal plants, and even “carbon” itself.

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), asked if she supports banning fracking, said “of course.”

“There’s no question I’m in favor of banning fracking, so yes. And starting — and starting with what we can do on day one around public lands, right? And then there has to be legislation, but yes — and this is something I’ve taken on in California. I have a history of working on this issue. And to your point, we have to just acknowledge that the residual impact of fracking is enormous in terms of the impact on the health and safety of communities.”

When she was asked if she’d ban plastic straws, she also answered affirmatively: “I think we should, yes. I’m going to be honest.”

Sen. Warren said she’d ban new nuclear plants: “We’re not going to build any nuclear power plants and we’re going to start weaning ourselves off of nuclear energy and replacing it with renewable fuels. We’re going to get it all done by 2035.”

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said he’d ban fracking, off-shore drilling, and, eventually, fossil fuels themselves: “Absolutely, yes, I will ban offshore drilling. Why? Because, again, where have we seen these leases — this is why I’ve been fighting, doing demonstrations on the Jersey shore, to stop new licenses. Because when we know they drill, they spill. … If my goal is to get our electricity zero carbon emission, that means phasing off of fossil fuels. If we’re going to get there to net zero carbon emissions by 2045 for our whole nation we have to get off of fossil fuels. So why would I allow new leases? But this is not just offshore drilling, this is things like fracking on public land.”

Sen. Harris said she would update government food guidelines to try to phase out eating red meat: “The answer is yes. I’ll also say this. The balance that we have to strike here, frankly, is about what government can and should do around creating incentives and then banning certain behaviors. To be honest I love cheeseburgers from time to time. I just do. And, but there has to be also what we do in terms of creating incentive that’s we will eat in a healthy way. We will encourage moderation. And we’ll be educated about the effect of our eating habits on our environment. And we have to do a much better job of that. And the government has to do a much better job of that.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) went the furthest, saying we should try to minimize human life itself to help the environment. Sanders said he’d use taxpayer money to help fund 3rd world population-control programs: “The answer has everything to do with the fact that women in the United States of America, by the way, have a right to control their own bodies and make reproductive decisions. And the Mexico City agreement, which denies American aid to those organizations around the world that allow women to have abortions or even get involved in birth control to me is totally absurd.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden said he’d shut down coal plants and work to eliminate gas-powered cars: “Everybody knows where the world is going. Just like we set out the rules for what kind of plant, coal-burning plants — we have to shut down the ones we have but nobody is going to build a new one. Guess what? … We have to vehicles off the road as quickly as we can but that create a significant number of jobs and opportunities for people.”

Most incredible: CNN asked most candidates if they support a “carbon-free America” and every candidate answered in the affirmative. How America can become “carbon-free” as every living thing on Earth contains carbon was never discussed or explained.

–Grabie News.com


NEWS FROM HAL ROBINSON’S EX— I have been watching “Hells Angels Chronicles” and got inspired to send these jokes/illustrations.

Once again, I was really fascinated with Solari’s “Short Happy Life of Easyriders Magazine. Solari used a lot of adjectives to describe Hal’s work for Easyrider. He used a lot of nouns too, telling about all the things he has seen in his quasi-psychedelic cartoons. I always thought they were quasi-psychedelic too.

Here’s the link to J.J.’s story:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14489

He memtioned healthy handsome burley men-of-action bordering on chaos with ultra Daisy-Mae girlfriends. He listed many details like flies, excrement, flying fists, mountains of rubbish, surreal motorcycles, and a complete domination of existence.

No one else did work like Hal. The part about domination of existence is really heavy. I’m glad he appreciated all this stuff he saw in Hal’s work and that is why anyone with any appreciation for high quality, great cartooning gets addicted to it. I liked it very much.

–Ann Robinson

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON OF THE WEEK–
ikebana

[ik-uh-bah-nuh; Japanese ee-ke-bah-nah]
noun
1.
the Japanese art of arranging flowers.

QUOTES
… were you to consider the philosophy at the core of ikebana, grounded as it is in Japan’s ancient polytheism and its Buddhist traditions, you might find something quite relevant to the times we live in: an art that can expand your appreciation of beauty.
— Deborah Needleman, “The Rise of Modern Ikebana,” New York Times, November 6, 2017
ORIGIN
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, comes from the Japanese verb ikeru “to keep alive, make alive, arrange” and -bana, a variant used as a combining form of hana “flower.” Ikebana dates to the 6th century when offerings of flowers were placed at altars; later, flowers were also displayed in tokonomas (alcoves in private homes). Ikebana entered English at the beginning of the 20th century.


BIKE SHOW BLUES— Hello bandit,

Finally took my ’51 FL to a bike show. At first, felt like a jackass…….got it normally dialed in….1 or 2 kicks to start…..after registering, went to fire up and I kicked, and kicked, and kicked.

After a while, a couple of guys felt sorry for the old man and tried to push start me…….nada…..ended up pushing it to judging area. Figured had no spark, so took off distributor cap to check points. For some reason looked at kill switch on handlebars and realized I had bumped it…

When I shut down to register, turned it to the run position, 2 kicks later it came screaming to life……dork. Anyhow, ended up winning best in show–made me happy.

Got goals…….next one is to kick-start my FL in December on my 66th birthday. My next goal will be to kick-start it on my 67th birthday and so on—gotta keep going.

–Andy

NEW SOFTAILS VS. DYNA GLIDES—A couple of guys asked about the differences and I started digging. We published a factory, brief description about the new frame, but I need someone who could discuss the differences.

I just spoke to Gene Thomason, at Gene Thomason Racing.

He said the new Softail frame is killer strong and secure. He actually said the whole rubber mounting system and the Twin Cam chain-driven cams made for a much more insecure operation.

Link to the Factory description:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14503

The new mono-shock system is much better, although can’t be raised more than 2 inches. The new balanced engines with gear-driven cams have less vibration.

Here’s Gene’s shop address: Gene Thomason Racing, 22632 Normandie Ave, Torrance, CA 90502
Phone: (310) 618-1908

I also spoke to Dave Perewitz who recently gave up baggers for a new M-8 Softail. He took it from 72 horsepower on the Dyno to 92 horsepower and well over 100 pounds of torque with just S&S cams, a new pipe and air cleaner.

He changed out the dual 16-inch wheels for a carbon fiber 17 on the rear and 19 on the front. “It handles like it’s on rails,” said Dave.

We’re still digging.

–Bandit

LATEST FROM MAV ARTS— The Menagerie Kickstarter is Now LIVE!

This section is generally entitled “Moore from Monte”, but I figured I would take the reigns on it this week, as we have a very important announcement. As Operations Manager for Maverick Arts, I am pleased to have the honor of writing this message.

As many of you Montiacs already know, Monte is an artist who works in many different mediums and styles. Over the years, he has found great success in the areas of Fantasy Art, Pinup Art, Western Art, Automotive Art and Wildlife Art – just to name a few! We are pleased to announce that the Kickstarter Project, The Menagerie by Monte Michael Moore is now live!

The Menagerie is a fine arts portfolio that will showcase Monte’s different styles and techniques available in collectible art prints of various sizes and designs. This will be the perfect opportunity to get to know your favorite artist even better through the scope of his work, and to fill out your personal collection of signed art prints from Monte. Some of the pieces featured in the Menagerie have never been available in these formats before, and will be offered for the first time through this Kickstarter project. Check it all out here, and get your hands on your very own Menagerie portfolio, or a Metal Menagerie, a piece of original art, an original sketch cover or commission, or for one truly lucky Montiac, the opportunity to have Monte paint an oil masterwork just for you.

That last one? That’s pricey, but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are currently in discussions with galleries, licensees, and major publishers on a daily basis, and direct access to Monte’s work is bound to become quite a bit more limited over the coming months and years.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor of collecting one of America’s premier artists.

Thanks – Joshua Andrews #EXPECTMOORE

[page break]

Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo Powered by General Tire Invades Pomona, September 28-29

POMONA, Calif. (September 12, 2019) —The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire, brings the off-road world together, September 28-29 at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire is the greatest collection of off-road companies, parts, equipment, gear, action and experts ever assembled in America. Hundreds of aftermarket performance vendors will be in attendance, along with thousands of hardcore off-road enthusiasts gather for a full weekend of all things off-road.

>From off-road racing to rock crawling, trail riding to sand sports, motorcycles and UTV’s, to camping and adventure travel, fans have the unique opportunity to meet and talk with the most knowledgeable people in the off-road industry. Attendees can also experience the dynamic world of off-road thru ride alongs, racing demos, celebrity appearances, live music, industry media events and product giveaways all weekend.

Off-Road Expo Highlights

Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Demos will take place all weekend at the MAV-TV Proving Grounds, with professional drivers in purpose-built race trucks. The high-horsepower, earth-shaking Pro 2 Class will be showcased, along with Pro Lite, UTV and Kart Classes. Driver autograph sessions will follow each round of demos.

SCORE Baja 1000 Exhibit will Salute Legends of the Baja, along with Unveiling of the Baja 1000 course map for the 2020 race and will feature a book signing, celebrity autograph sessions and more.

Pro Terra Crew drivers will tear it up at the MAV-TV Proving Grounds all weekend. Watch these wicked off-road trucks and buggies get big air on the closed-circuit course and meet the drivers in the autograph session following each demo.

Rubicon Experience presented by 4-Wheel Parts, Ride along the Rubicon Trail and get a firsthand experience of what it feels like to be in a rig built for extreme off-road conditions. Anyone over 15-years-of-age can sign up at the Rubicon Express booth all weekend.

Performance Marketplace – Leading off-road vendors will fill the expo with the latest in 4×4 aftermarket parts, accessories, services and the newest industry innovations.

Dirt Alliance features live action, off-road driving demonstrations from a wide array of expert dirt pilots from various disciplines. Meet the drivers and see their trucks up close at the Dirt Alliance booth all weekend.

Show-N-Shine – The O’Reilly Auto Parts Show-N-Shine area will be bustling with custom trucks and Jeep vehicles, ready for Pro-Judging.

Miss Off-Road Expo Contest presented by Shreddy, with lovely ladies of off-road gathering at the Main Stage on Sunday to compete for the Miss Off-Road Expo crown. This year’s contest will be hosted by Shreddy’s Blake Wilkey.

Music/DJ on the Main Stage and plenty of Giveaways all weekend

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire will take place Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Fairplex is located at 1101 West McKinley Avenue in Pomona, Calif.

Discount tickets are available at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores for $16/adults and $6/children (ages 6-12).

Discount tickets are also available online at www.offroadexpo.com for $16/adults and $6/children (ages 6-12), with kids 5-under free. Ticket fees apply to online tickets.

At the gates, tickets are $20/adults and $6/children (ages 6-12), with kids 5-under free.

Events sponsors include: Lucas Oil, General Tire, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Bert’s Mega Mall, Rockford Fosgate, Rugged Ridge, Hercules Tires, Fox Shox and eBay Motors.

For more information, including a full schedule of events visit www.offroadexpo.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @offroadexpo and on Snapchat @off-roadexpo.

BARTELS’ H-D SUPPORT KIDS–Hey guys! Join me Sunday September 22nd for the 2nd Annual Ride for the Children. Come out and support a great cause. Registration and more information can be found at the website below.

Contact me if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

–Debi Black

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SWAP MEET–Walneck’s Inc., 7923 Janes Avenue, Woodridge, Illinois 60517 | Tel 630-985-2097

walneckswap.com

‘Climate Warriors’ filming documentary Stuck In Arctic Ice – All 16 climate activists evacuated from ship by helicopter

By Paul Homewood

From Maritime Bulletin:

Arctic tours ship MS MALMO with 16 passengers on board got stuck in ice on Sept. 3, off Longyearbyen, Svalbard Archipelago, halfway between Norway and North Pole. The ship is on Arctic tour with Climate Change documentary film team, and tourists, concerned with Climate Change and melting Arctic ice.

All 16 Climate Change warriors were evacuated by helicopter in challenging conditions, all are safe. 7 crew remains on board, waiting for Coast Guard ship assistance.

Something is very wrong with Arctic ice, instead of melting as ordered by UN/IPCC, it captured the ship with Climate Change Warriors.

This is the second high-profile climate activist ice embarrassment.

In July this happened:

‘We had expected more melting’: Thick Arctic ice forces Norwegian climate research icebreaker to turn back

Global warming research ship forced to retreat due to ‘massive’ Arctic sea ice! “The ship will monitor the environmental and climate conditions in marine areas in the Arctic and Antarctic,” according to its website. The ship is designed to “perform a range of research missions, including climate change.”

The research vessel and icebreaker “Crown Prince Haakon” turned almost 85 degrees north. They went northeast of Svalbard on their way to the North Pole, but met thicker and more massive sea ice than expected.”…Thick one-year ice, combined with large batches of multi-year ice. In many places, wind and ocean currents have pushed the ice together into powerful helmets, and several of these are impenetrable to us,” says Captain Johnny Peder Hansen.

The ice is still 3m (10ft) thick, in mid-July. Even the researchers’ long special-purpose chainsaws proved hopeless, while the 20,000 horsepower Kronprins Haakon, at a cost of USD $175 million, failed miserably at attempts to push through.

“In the middle of July, we saw a few signs of thawing and [assumed] that spring had come, said Captain Hansen, who for several decades has worked on various vessels in the Arctic. “We had expected more melting.” Klassekampen, a respected left-leaning Norwegian newspaper writes: “Polar bears were seen on Bjørnøya this past winter –located in the middle of the Barents Sea– which shows that the ice edge was very far south.”

NEW FROM AMERICAN PRIME— Do you own an American Prime or Rivera 6-Speed Gear set? Need replacement parts??
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NMA STREET ALERT–“These Cameras Are Not a Safety Tool . .

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety took a page out of its own book, and that of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), by issuing a recent report on red-light running with a title designed to send the media into a frenzy. “Red Light Running Deaths Hit 10 Year High” did exactly that.

While it is important to shine a light on intersection safety and identify causes for accidents and fatalities, AAA Foundation used the opportunity to include an open endorsement of photo enforcement: “Proper implementation of red-light cameras helps to ensure drivers’ safety and trust . . .” Its data, per Table 1 of the report, do not differentiate fatalities at intersections with and without red-light cameras to substantiate that claim.

Rather, AAA Foundation refers to IIHS automated-enforcement studies. We have pointed out serious concerns with those findings before, not to mention raising questions about some of IIHS’s methodologies.

Just a few days after the release of the AAA Foundation report, a New York State traffic engineer posted some different perspectives about red-light cameras and intersection safety on the Institute of Transportation Engineers Member Forum:

“These cameras are not a safety tool the way you might expect – at least, not everywhere. If your experience shows safety improvements, happy to hear it. My local counties, unfortunately, give many people cause to think the cameras are a blatant cash grab. The way the programs are administered makes a huge difference, and it makes life harder for us traffic engineers – the public does not trust that we’re working to make things safer (that’s the ‘royal’ we – my company is not involved in these camera programs).

Based on two 3-year studies before-and-after at 100 intersections in one county, camera locations experienced a 60% crash increase after the cameras were installed. Another study 4 years ago showed 8.5% increases overall, with the highest increases in rear-end and side-swipe crashes.

In addition to the base fine, there is an extra fee tacked on as an “Administrative Fee” which you owe even if you get the ticket dismissed. These fees count as revenue in the annual operating budgets: tens of millions of dollars each year net revenue.

In one county, a legislator who says there is support to maintain the red light camera program is concerned with cameras located in low-income neighborhoods “where people can’t afford to pay”.

The fines are exactly the same whether you blast through a red at 70 mph ten seconds into the cross street green, or if you only stop for 0.5 seconds before a right on red, or if you miss the yellow/red change during the first 1 second of the all-red when there is no one in danger, or if you stop but you are 12″ past the stop line (also not putting anyone in danger). The fine structure is not at all in line with the relative danger being posed.

People hear “red light running” and assume every violation is Case #1. But that’s not the majority of violations. People get tickets for not counting Mississippi’s before turning right on red, or stopping a few inches past the stop line. So the next time, they cause a crash by slamming on their brakes at the start of the yellow, which is not the desired behavior.”

Common sense says that red-light cameras have never prevented an intersection accident or an instance of red-light running in the moment. The cameras are silent sentinels. It is always interesting when the camera companies release a montage of video clips showing horrific intersection collisions taken by their cameras, actually proving the impotence of the devices from a safety standpoint.

As studies like the one released by Case Western Reserve last year point out, the presence of red-light cameras typically causes an increase in accidents because drivers, suddenly aware of the ticketing potential of automated enforcement, tend to hit their brakes hard which often results in more accidents (of the rear-end variety) than if no cameras were present.

A rise in intersection fatalities between 2008 and 2017 more than likely signals an increase in driver distractions. Those, too, cannot be solved by the presence of red-light cameras which have proven to be a dangerous distraction on their own.

A Postscript

A transportation planning and engineering services consultant responded on the ITE Forum to the NY traffic engineer’s post just before we went to publication with this e-newsletter. His comments are noteworthy:

“Here are a few ZEROS to go along with red light running as a Vision Zero strategy. Safety is the goal. We should be debating how to use tools effectively – yet the debate heads toward entrapment, cash grab and privacy issues. From my perspective we need to equally empathize with these topics and be clear from our perspective there should be:

ZERO entrapment
ZERO undue enrichment
ZERO privacy invasion

These are tough things to achieve …. just as Vision Zero is. Listening to our community’s needs is critical to success. Given the cost of red light running installations – we should post them and make it clear to drivers we are going to ticket you if you run a red light or you accelerate through a light excessively to the speed limit. As has been mentioned – we will soon have thoroughly vetted clearance phase guidance that can be applied uniformly.

People know this is not acceptable behavior. Agencies who take on the responsibilities of such enforcement should know – one occurrence of undue enrichment or privacy invasion will be socially broadcast as urban myth comprehensively and erode the value of countermeasures that can produce safety benefits. The standard is high with these ZEROs and we need to collaborate with our partners to make sure we do not violate them under the name of Vision Zero.”


THE AMAZING TIGER WONG PASSES AWAY— This 93-year-old outlaw smoked his entire life. He rode strong in Hawaii for over 5 decades. He was truly amazing.

We featured Tiger on Bikernet about ten years ago.

–from Chris Tronolone

AUSTRALIAN CLUB NEWS–New club in South Australia charged over drugs

South Australian police say an overseas club trying to become established in Adelaide has been dealt a major setback.

The president and secretary of Rock Machine have been charged over two drug seizures, including 1.75kg of methamphetamine.

Detectives from the Crime Gangs Task Force had identified the club which traces its origins to Canada as an emerging group in the South Australian bike scene..

Detectives believe they have already made a dent in the club’s hierarchy after raiding two houses yesterday.

A house on Greentree Blvd in Paralowie was raided yesterday morning.

Detectives located 250g of methamphetamine and arrested a 28-year-old man. He was charged with trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug and was bailed to appear in court in October.

Later in the day, police raided a house on The Avenue in Athol Park, locating 1.5kg of methamphetamine and a loaded Glock handgun.

A 40-year-old man was subsequently arrested at the Adelaide Showgrounds. He was charged with trafficking and firearms offences.

The cop in charge of Crime Gangs Task Force, Detective Chief Inspector Michael Fisher, said the men were members of Rock Machine.

“The person from Paralowie is the secretary of that group and the person from Athol Park is the president,” he said.

“While these incidents are not linked, the recent tit-for-tat incidents between gangs which we are investigating, we want to make it very clear that we will continue to target all outlaw motorcycle gangs and their associates.

“Violent crime and illegal activity by these groups won’t be tolerated.”

Fisher claimed smaller motorcycle clubs were trying to make inroads into SA but were already “on the police radar”..

He would not go into details on whether Rock Machine had absorbed members of the Mongols motorcycle club or other groups that have recently been the target of police investigations.

“There is a certain brotherhood but I don’t want to speculate on relationships between gangs,” Chief Inspector Fisher said.

–Bikernet Undercover Gang Reporter
Outback, Australia

?

[page break]

American Motorcyclist Association Announces New Partnership with EagleRider–Member benefit aimed at packing more fun into your ride

A new benefit announced by the American Motorcyclist Association provides members with easy access to the Club EagleRider program, paving the way for more — and more exciting — motorcycling adventures.

Club EagleRider is a motorcycle subscription service operated by EagleRider Rentals and Tours that offers a convenient and affordable way to ride a variety of motorcycle brands in major cities and travel destinations across the country.

“EagleRider is an innovative and dynamic company that allows motorcyclists to rent and ride on vacations and business trips, as well as tour the United States and other countries,” AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey said. “The AMA is always exploring new ways to make motorcycling more fun, and this new Club EagleRider benefit does that, while adding value to every AMA membership.”

Under the agreement with Club EagleRider, the $29 initiation fee is waived. For $29 a month, AMA members can use the program to “try before you buy” specific models of motorcycles and “pack a bike in your suitcase” to use while traveling.

“We all know motorcyclists have an affinity for certain brands so what makes Club EagleRider unique is affordable access to some of the newest bikes on the market. You might have one or two bikes in your garage – and with our subscription service – now you have dozens in your garage and in your suitcase,” added Chris McIntyre, Chief Experience Officer for EagleRider. “In this case, more is more. You get to ride them all.”

AMA members also receive two bonus credits at sign-up, giving them 14 rentals for a 12-month commitment, and all Club EagleRider participants receive a free birthday rental.

EagleRider is excited to promote AMA membership on social media and as part of its in-store interactions with customers.

For more information about Club EagleRider, visit www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-club.

The Club EagleRider benefit is the newest in a long line of rewards, discounts and services AMA members receive.

For more information about AMA recreational riding programs, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com and click “Riding” then “Road Riding & Touring” in the menu.

Daymak Launches New Boomerbeast 2 – the First Mobility Scooter that Recharge in Just 20 Minutes with Lithium Titanate Battery–

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Daymak is soldering its commitment to the light electric vehicle (LEV) with the announcement of the new Daymak Boomerbeast 2 – the first electric mobility scooter with fast-charging battery technology. This zero emissions scooter can be easily plugged into a regular power outlet and juiced to 100% only in 20 minutes.

INTRODUCING THE NEW BOOMERBEAST 2 | With 20-minutes fast charging technology

“We have improved the overall design of the Boomerbeast. We have lowered the unit base and reduced its length for more stable and comfortable ride. We have also increased the battery size and range up to 50 km, even on the lowest configuration,” said Aldo Baiocchi, president of Daymak, Inc.

Launching not one, but three different models simultaneously; the Boomerbeast Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate. The premium Boomerbeast Ultimate model is powered by 60v25ah lithium-titanate battery (also referred to as LTO), which has 20,000 charge cycles support. “With a life cycle of 50 years and charging time of 20 minutes from empty to full, this is the most advanced mobility scooter on the planet and is a proudly Canadian-developed product,” continued Aldo.

The incredibly powerful 1200w motor of the Ultimate provides high torque in order to climb any steep incline as well as a fully adjustable leather seat that provides long-lasting comfort and support a rider of up to 150 kg (330 lbs). Just like the previous model, the popular Daymak Drive app also allows users to personalize their mobility scooter’s performance by adjusting setting such as its torque, range, and acceleration.

The Boomerbeast helps users regain their confidence with their mobility and can now easily handle urban commutes on the sidewalks. It’s also capable of taking riders where they have never gone before in off road conditions. Terrain such as mud, rocks, dry sand and snow can all be ridden on comfortably and safely, thanks to the large 10″ wide tires. The Boomerbeast is an ideal option for individuals with mobility issues and want to explore the world like never before.

All of the Boomerbeast models come packed with signature features to enhance the lives of those who ride it. The Boomerbeast Deluxe features 60v40ah lithium-ion battery to achieve its 60 km range while the Standard version comes with 60v30ah lead acid battery pack with 50 km in range. Additional upgrades to the Boomerbeast 2 include:

Fully adjustable leather seat and rear rack for additional carrying capabilities
300 – 400 battery cycles (Standard), 1,000 battery cycles (Deluxe) and 20,000 battery cycles (Ultimate) Alarm system & digital speedometer LED front light.

Available in black and red

The Boomerbeast Standard ($3,499 CAD) is now available for purchase in Canada and in the US. The Deluxe ($5,499 CAD) is a custom-build that may require up to a 30-day installation period and the Ultimate titanate version delivery are expected to begin in 2020. Daymak is looking for exclusive retail partners around the world. For distribution information please contact Aldo Baiocchi at aldob@daymak.com.

For further information, visit www.daymak.com.


LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2016 TOURING ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL FLTRXS

Only $19,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=7738878

**This is one ‘Bad Ass’ bike. It already has most all the extras you would want**

Factory supplied features on this bike include ABS anti-lock braking system, low profile rear suspension and painted inner fairing. Equipped with dual LED headlights, the new Road Glide delivers up to 67% more light on the road! Premium 6.5 BOOM! infotainment system with touch screen and GPS navigation, the Blue Tooth equipped Boom!

The powerful 1687cc Twin Cam 103″ engine, electronic fuel injection and 6-speed transmission will get you cruising down the highways with lots of power to spare! From the custom added 7 spoke chrome front wheel and the LED tail/turn/stop rear lights, front to back this bike is 100% gorgeous!

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

This is a blacked out beauty that will make friends envious! Velocity Red Sunglo paint with red pin-striping and raised tank badges is in pristine condition! Vivid Black tank strap with black Willie G skull gas cover logo. Vivid Black Lindby style bars, levers, custom mirrors, and inner fairing with one touch device doors and gas cover.

ROCKFORD FOSGATE AMP AND SPEAKERS and REAR SADDLE BAGS SPEAKERS, H-D upgraded grips and a RAM phone mount. KlockWerks tinted wave windshield, LED dual headlamps and LED blinkers. Vivid Black complete forks down to the axle caps, custom rotors and 7 spoke custom chrome rim. ABS brakes and Vance & Hines black 2:1 exhaust. Vivid black engine guard with streamliner freeway pegs that match floorboards, brake pedal, toe shift and passenger floors. Mustang red stitched seat with matching rider backrest, pillion, and passenger backrest.

Vivid black bag guards, kickstand extension, and quick detachable large luggage rack. LED rear bottom fender light and LED stop/turn/tail lights and so much more… This beautiful bike can be yours and is suited for short or long trips!

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical inspection and comes 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!!!

Open 7 days a week!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

Only $19,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155


INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WRECKING CREW RIDER BRIAR BAUMAN EARNS FIFTH WIN OF THE SEASON AS FTR750 SWEEPS TOP FIVE AT
WILLIAMS GROVE HALF-MILE

Indian Motorcycle Racing Privateers Brandon Price and Davis Fisher Finish Second and Third

Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, and its championship-winning FTR750 earned its 14th win of the 2019 American Flat Track (AFT) season at the Williams Grove Half-Mile in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Indian Wrecking Crew Rider and current points leader Briar Bauman secured his fifth win of the season, while Indian Motorcy
cle Privateers Brandon Price and Davis Fisher placed second and third, respectfully.

The 2019 Williams Grove Half-Mile Twins Main event began with a battle between Bauman and AFT Twins Defending Champion Jared Mees. As each muscled to maintain the lead, Bauman strategically slid into first during lap six. Early on, Price secured the second position, while Fisher made impressive passes on his way to third. Near the half way point, Bauman maintained a one-second lead ahead of Price, which he retained until the finish. Mees finished the race in fourth, and is now 35 points behind Bauman, who leads the series with 305 total points.

“Briar continues to showcase his talent and determination to win a Twins championship,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “He’s maintained his focus throughout the entire season and is running his best races we’ve ever seen.”

With two races remaining, Bauman remains the series points leader with 305 points, while Mees is second with 270 points, and fellow Wrecking Crew teammate Bronson Bauman is third with 221 points.

The season continues on September 21 with the Minnesota Mile at Canterbury Park in Minneapolis, MN. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, visit their websites: Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets and J&P Cycles.

ROLLER FIND OF THE WEEK–Just scored this in Nashville. Santee frame and new twisted spoke wheels and tires and a new springer. It was only $1300 delivered to my door. I have an extra Evo motor. Can’t wait to build a classic chopper as well as the ‘98 Dyna.

I built another like that for a guy in Tulsa a few years ago. I like Ultima 2-inch belt primary kits. They were only $600 but getting hard to find. May go with stock Softail stuff from eBay. They don’t have any swap meets hardly anymore.

I want to build something for the David Mann Show in Ventura and tow it out there with my ‘76 Pontiac Grand Prix. That’s my goal for 2020. Peace!

–BILL May

TRAILER OF THE WEEK DEAL–This vendor is looking to sell his clothing trailer. He also owns the Illegal brand, Trademarked.

He says he can make 30 K in a few events and that what he wants for everything. He is retiring and getting out of the biz

Turnkey mobile apparel business, 20-foot Pace American vending trailer with two vending doors on passenger side, full drop gate door on back as well as a side entrance door.

Trailer is equipped with a solar powered alarm system with remote to set and disarm, Atwood power tongue lift. The exterior lighting on the trailer is LED, Trailer is set up for electrical and some of the fixtures are converted to LED.

The trailer is outfitted with cabinetry that holds the apparel along with built-in cash register and display cabinets that face out towards the two large vending doors, these are also lighted with LED lights that are battery operated with a remote.

Tires are about two years old with less than 1,500 miles. The business includes: an inventory of approximately 2,300 print ready to sell items, all artwork (several discs with digital files as well as transparency film for screens.

Also included: Business name transfer and web domain, two wire display racks for the sides of outside, carousel display rack, Ryobi generator, vending T-shirt bags, tagging gun, two display mannequins, and too much more to list.

The venues that we did were mostly Motorcycle events, car shows, and local events that in Northern AZ. Medical reasons are forcing us to sell the business. It has been a great business to get out and meet a lot of great people and make money doing it.

$30,000 AND YOU ARE IN THE LUCRATIVE MOTORCYCLE T-SHIRT BUSINESS

CONTACT KOZ 818-625-6540
koz@kozmoto.com


LOWBROW ACTION– Climbing Mountains with Motorcycles
Our friend Bear helps lead expeditions with Motorcycle Sherpa in far flung countries (in addition to running Old Bike Barn). A while back Bear told Kyle that he had a spot open up for a motorcycle trip in Nepal to ride the Himalaya mountains. One caveat; they were leaving in two weeks.

Kyle made the right decision and signed on for the trip. Riding through the majestic Himalayas on a Royal Enfield is quite different from riding street bikes in the USA. It is also completely attainable for the average motorcyclist with a penchant for adventure. If you fall into that category, take a few minutes and check out Kyle’s trip report.

See the whole story on Lowbrow.

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–
The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles 1937-Today

The ultimate reference for Triumph lovers and fans of British motorcycles. This stellar book collects all the motorcycles from this iconic brand in a single illustrated volume. In this revised and updated edition, you’ll find the all-new Bonneville lineup introduced for the 2016 model year as well as other Triumphs through 2019.

Written by respected Triumph expert Ian Falloon, this luxurious reference covers all of the major and minor models, with an emphasis on the most exemplary, era-defining motorcycles such as the Thunderbird, Tiger, Trophy, Bonneville, and new machines such as the Speed Triple, Thruxton, and Daytona 675.

Detailed technical specifications are offered alongside compelling photography, much of it sourced from Triumph’s archives.

This is a book no Triumph fan should be without!

–Steve Roth
Senior Marketing Manager
T 612-344-8156

E steve.roth@quarto.com

AND SO IT IS—I need to dive back into the shop and put the E-Z Go golf cart transmission back together, before I forget how to do it. Need to get that bastard out of the shop. Another project gone and off the list.

We are getting very close to wrapping up the firewall on the Salt Torpedo and the new scoops are in place to cool the front cylinder. I’m going to Redlands to look at a trailer this weekend.

I need to work on a couple of rear body brackets. The parachute is back in its enclosure. We are getting close. Micah is working on a couple of places to make speed runs and once might be at El Mirage in November.

Lee Clemens at Departure Bike Works has turned us onto a big S&S D. He says we need it for true top speed. But finding the correct manifold for a 2.25-inch venturi carb to the Twin Cam heads is an issue. With the help of Chris Clemens at S&S we may have the formula for measuring the distance between the heads.

Lee would also like us to dyno this puppy. There’s an issue. Who has a trike dyno. Not sure we can run it on the Bennett’s Performance dyno. But somewhere within a block of the Bikernet Headquarters is a street racing car dyno. I can hear it. I need to find it and see if we could run on it.

Exciting times.

Ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

Read More

STIMULATING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for September 19, 2019

Hey,

Life is so interesting, challenging, foreboding and sometimes fucked. But what the hell, each day is an adventure of sorts. It’s all about your attitude towards every aspect. This week isn’t over, and I need to conquer a couple of elements.

The Nissan Van I bought is cool. I’ve been trying to get it lowered since I got it. After months of research I may have found the resource to a kit, yesterday, by accident.

We are still struggling with the wrist restraints for the Salt Torpedo. They need to be quick release. RJS racing equipment held us up time after time, and then said they don’t make wrist restraints. I shifted to Shrouds, who are very helpful, and I ordered a set from them, but now can’t figure out how to attach them or how to get out of them without burning daylight. Shrouds is trying to help.

When I went down to the shop to shoot these, I may have discovered out to make the puzzle work.

Over the weekend I hope to get very close to finishing the firewall and making a small hatch, so we can reach inside the body to turn the petcock on. Micah will be able to turn it off from inside his driver compartment.

I’m on the search for a trailer. Talk about daunting and expensive. It’s a challenge, but I know something perfect will surface.

There’s way more to this non-stop picture, but let’s hit the news. It’s exciting this week.

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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.


NEWS FROM THE MASTER, Artist David Uhl –As you may know, David and I recently returned from Austria where his gallery was featured with Harley-Davidson at European Bike Week. A very enthusiast crowd visited us while there!

For this event, David did several watercolor pieces featuring Bill Davidson who was in attendance as well. Each of these features a flavor of the area where the event is held and is a hand-embellished watercolor (he had lots of time at the show and on airplanes!). Each one measures 20×16, but will be substantially bigger once matted and framed. Each is priced at $2,500 framed.

If you’d like to reserve one, simply respond to this email or call me at 303-913-4840.

Thanks and have a great week!

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

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


BONNEVILLE RACERS NEED YOUR SUPPORT—Dennis Manning and Valerie Thompson are looking for sponsors so they can make some amazing runs with the rebuilt number 7 Streamliner. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dennis or Valerie on facebook.

The Salt Torpedo could also use Sponsors as we roll to El Mirage for our first speed runs in November, and then back to Bonneville next year.

–Bandit

Indiana bikers stop at lemonade stand of little girl whose mother helped save them during crash–Daryn Sturch and her young daughter, Bryanne, pulled up on an accident involving multiple motorcycles on State Road 19 near Denver, Indiana.

“I’m a nurse and saw several motorcycles were involved,” she said. “I told my daughter I need to help and ran up to assist.”

Sturch said several of the bikers were airlifted from the scene that day, but luckily they all survived.

“I learned later that the victims were affiliated with a group called Miwaukee Iron,” she said. “They all reached out to me and thanked me.”

Fast forward to September 2019. Sturch’s little girl was having a lemonade stand and that same group of bikers couldn’t resist stopping by for a cool glass to drink.

“They came through and made her day,” she said. “She was so happy.”

Not only did they make the little girl’s day, but Sturch says some of the bikers who showed up to her home were the same ones she stopped to assist last September.

“I feared for his life,” Sturch said. “This was the first time I’ve seen him since that day.”

“Not only did they make my daughter’s lemonade stand unforgettable, but reuniting with these people and seeing how well they are doing was such a fantastic surprise!”

By Katie Cox RTV6 Indianapolis

ZERO MOTORCYCLES CONTINUES PUSH FOR UNCHARTED ADVENTURES WITH NEW 2020 LINE OF MOTORCYCLES–The company redefining the electric motorcycle market is pushing for new adventures by launching the Black Forest DSR global model as part of the revamped 2020 base-model line.

Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains, is adding more depth to its lineup following the release of the transformational 2020 SR/F earlier this year. Adding to the fast-growing dual sport category, the company is reintroducing the popular EU Black Forest DSR Adventure Bike as an all-new Global model for 2020. The 2020 Black Forest DSR joins the remaining 2020 model lineup, which all enjoy refreshed colors, graphics and the power and precision of the Cypher II and Cypher III operating systems.

Complementing the powerful Cypher operating systems, every 2020 Zero Motorcycle will possess an updated Next Gen App that provides effortless connection to a motorcycle’s custom ride modes, charging status, updates and diagnostics.

“With the year-over-year growth of fast charge stations around the United States, riding has become more accessible than ever,” said Sam Paschel, CEO. “The 2020 line ensures riders can experience their adventures and push for new places with the effortless experience of taking their motorcycle wherever they would like to go.”

EFFORTLESS ADVENTURE

Deriving from the undisputed champion of this category, the DSR 14.4 kWh, the DSR Black Forest Edition enters the U.S. market as the pinnacle dual sport motorcycle in the Zero 2020 lineup. Arriving with a history of riding success overseas, Zero now brings this EU favorite to the U.S. equipped with three lockable cases for ample storage, accessory bars, hand guards and a protective headlamp cover for added protection for the rider and bike. The DSR Black Forest Edition retails for $18,995 and is available with various Zero Motorcycles accessories and upgrades for riders to continue to push the boundaries of the dual sport category.

Additionally, the advance of Zero Motorcycles technology at the top of the spectrum allows for the 2020 DS model to now be available with the 7.2 kWh battery for $10,995. The 2020 DS will sport new colors and graphics in the Mojave colorway and will carry more adventure essentials with its increased on-board storage, making it the ideal option for riders looking to begin their electric dual sport riding.

The 2020 DSR will be available in new colors and graphics styling in black and gold along with an exclusive 14.4 kWh power pack for a price at $15,495.

For narrow paths and quicker maneuvers, the light and nimble 2020 Zero FX is also updated with new graphics in the Dune colorway and starts at $8,995. Zero’s focus on technology and affordability makes the 2020 Zero Motorcycles model line the most accessible and capable way to enjoy adventure riding.

EFFORTLESS POWER

The effortlessly powerful street line receives a similar boost in value with the SR being equipped with a 14.4 kWh Power Pack for $15,495. The 2020 SR is compatible with either a Charge Tank or Power Tank and, when equipped with the Power Tank, the SR is the longest-range motorcycle available in the 2020 line. Ideal for the first-time rider looking for an entry-level street motorcycle, the S comes exclusively with a 7.2kWh battery for only $10,995. Not to be overlooked, the FXS also has a new look in Slate colorway and will be available starting at $8,995.

All 2020 Zero Motorcycles models are available at any one of the hundreds of dealerships across North America and Europe and are shipping right now from the company’s California factory offices.

THE BIKERNET ENERGY SOURCE–Coal Plants in World.

How many coal plants are there in the world today? Green New Deal???

The EU has 468 – building 27 more… Total
495

Turkey
has 56 – building 93 more… Total 149

South
Africa has 79 – building 24 more… Total 103

India
has 589 – building 446 more… Total 1036

Philippines
has 19 – building 60 more… Total 79

South
Korea has 58 – building 26 more… Total 84

Japan
has 90 – building 45 more… Total 135

China has 2,363 – building 1,171 more… Total 3,534

That’s 5,615 projected coal powered plants in just 8 countries.

USA has 15 – building 0 more…Total 15

And Democrat politicians with their “green new deal” want to shut down those 15 plants in order to “save” the planet.

Because you could not get many Republicans off the sofa last November, the Socialist party now runs the U.S. House Of Representatives.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

— from Mr. Wonderful

I tried to confirm these facts. I found a site that also listed them and went on Snopes, but didn’t see anything. I did just receive a report regarding China and new coal powerplants, so that’s confirmed.—Bandit

THE BAD SHIT FILE WAS FOUND OPEN— Deputies: Couple had sex in patrol car after arrest

FERNANDINA BEACH – Authorities said a man and a woman who were stopped for drunken bicycling in a Florida beach town had sex in a deputy’s patrol car before one of them fled naked.

Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputies last Friday arrested Aaron Thomas and Megan Mondanaro. Both face charges of resisting arrest with violence, committing a lascivious act and exposing sexual organs.
The Florida Times-Union reported a deputy was patrolling Fernandina Beach when he spotted the bicyclists almost get hit by a car.

An arrest report said that after they were put into the squad car to await being taken to jail, they took off their clothes and started having sex. A naked Thomas was removed from the cruiser but fled. He was later captured.

Court records showed no attorneys for them.

Miami swingers club owes models $892K for using images

MIAMI – A Miami swingers club must pay 32 models a combined $892,500 for using their images without permission.

The Miami Herald reported a jury agreed Monday on the payment, which totals much less than the models’ desired $5.3 million.
Miami Velvet caters to couples who share partners and have group sex.

The women filed suit in 2015 after advertisements featuring their photos appeared alongside explicit images on Miami Velvet’s website, leading people to believe that the models endorsed the club.
A judge ruled in favor of the women in 2017, saying the club was liable for false advertising. This month’s trial was held to determine damages.

The club’s lawyer acknowledged his clients were responsible for stealing the images but said the models were asking for too much money.

–from Rogue

NEWS FROM THE NEW EASYRIDERS SHAKY SHACK—According to our inside source, the new issue of TATTOO Magazine will arrive in November, but it will likely be the last. There’s been some wrangling over content.

Easyriders Magazine was shut down and the shows and rodeos have been canceled. We offered to call them Bandit’s Rodeos and Bandit’s Bike Shows in the future.

Billy Tinney, the former Editor of Tattoo Magazine was contracted to produce a piece for the new Choppers Magazine, but the second issue may only be published online for now.

We will keep you posted.

–Bandit

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE SPONSORS INAUGURAL
‘WOMEN RIDERS WORLD RELAY’

Female Motorcyclists Embark on 12-Month Ride Around the World;
Tour the United States September 25 Through October 12

MEDINA, MN (September 17, 2019) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced its support for the Women Riders World Relay, a world-wide motorcycle tour exclusively for women that strives to ignite a global sisterhood to inspire unity and passion across cultures worldwide.

Motorcycle ownership among women has steadily increased in the United States. In 2009 only 10% of motorcycle owners were women, while a 2018 survey from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) reports that number has climbed to 19% over the last 10 years.

The global relay enters the United States on September 25 through Calais, Maine. Guardians of the baton will ride a total of 18 legs spanning 18 days before passing the baton into Mexico out of Laredo, Texas on October 12.

During the tour, the Women Riders World Relay will stop at historic motorcycle landmarks including the Wood Museum of Springfield History which is home to the birthplace of Indian Motorcycle and the Indian Motorcycle Collection in Springfield, Massachusetts; The AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio; the Indian Motorcycle factory in Spirit Lake, Iowa; and a day of dirt riding with the Colorado GS Girls.

“No matter gender, race, or religion, riding around the world is an incredible feat, and we’re proud to be support these female riders who enjoy the escape, the freedom and the comradery you get when riding motorcycles,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle “When we first learned about the Women Riders World Relay, we wanted to help in any way possible, as our core values aligns with theirs. We are proud to welcome and support our women riders and hope to inspire courage, unity and pride for generations to come.”

Women Riders World Relay was founded by UK motorcycle enthusiast Hayley Bell to shine a light on a widely overlooked segment of riders. The global ride made its very first debut on February 26 and will conclude in the United Arab Emirates in February of 2020. Hayley, among other female riders, help pave the way for the growing landscape of women riders through inspiring events such as the Women Riders World Relay.

Ride leaders of the Women Riders World Relay will be riding Indian Motorcycle Chieftain and Roadmaster motorcycles, bikes that offer modern, streamlined designs, technology, multiple ride modes, and comfortable riding position appeal to female riders of all skill levels.

For a complete look at the global ride route visit Women Riders World Relay. To learn more or to follow along, follow Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.


[page break]

WANTED–
Wanted Harley junk tanks , fenders , etc.

call Senator Dave Zien for pick up , cell #
715-829-9436

Replicas are being built by Bob Heller ,” Bob’s Bike Dreams “ At;
— Miracle Mountain Motorcycle Monument at Bubba’s Big Party campground entrance -Tomahawk Wis.
— American Motorcyclists Tributes I-VII , Eau Claire Wis.
— Harley Hall of Fame / Shame Exhibit ( tongue/ in -cheek constructive feedback)

War on Cars at a Fever Pitch in NYC–
In our experience, we have never seen the likes of what is going on in New York City with the war on cars. Not only has the city become one giant speed trap with over 2000 “school zone” speed cameras, soon the city/state plans to implement congestion pricing below 60th street.

The government expects motorists to help pay for not only fixing the subway, but building all bike lanes, delivery zones, and road diets NYDOT plans on implementing soon. On top of this, the average vehicle speed in Manhattan is currently only seven mph. Congestion is worse than ever due to the multitude of ridesharing and other mobility/transportation companies who have taken over the streets.

New York’s Vision Zero program has also become a political football. Vision Zero philosophy has declared that the motorist is always wrong in any traffic accident involving another street user such as a bicyclist or pedestrian. It also has stricken “accident” from its vocabulary because that implies chance was involved. Traffic collisions, the rightful VZ term, determines fault and assigns blame. This ideology already pits motorists against other road users and does not make anyone safer. Even safety advocates are now asking questions about NYC’s capacity for Vision Zero and Jalopnik.com also recently posted: Vision Zero is the Wrong Goal.

In May, cycling and transportation alternative advocates declared a Vision Zero state of emergency due to an increase in traffic-accident bicycle deaths. In response, the mayor’s office unveiled a $58.4 million plan to placate those advocates. With the goal of a full network of bike lanes by 2030, the Green Wave bike safety plan would install 30 new miles of protected bike lanes every year for the next ten years. Police will also be required to crack down on drivers who block bike lanes and flout related traffic rules. NYC also plans to implement signal timing to make cycling more efficient (while doing the opposite for driving).

Earlier this year, mayoral candidate and city council speaker Corey Johnson distributed a lengthy plan to get rid of cars in NYC.

Instances of conflict between motorists, car owners, and the city have ballooned in recent months. Even though NYC continues to pour money into its Vision Zero program and builds more bike lanes, the death of bicyclists who have been hit by cars has already surpassed the 2018 fatality rate.

The increase in rideshare cars and other mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and mopeds are also causing major headaches.

Soon, private car owners might find they have no place to park their car near their residence because residential parking permits are once again on the table. Disabled residents are already finding it difficult to travel, and if they lose their neighborhood parking, it might just become impossible. Service companies might also have difficulty parking near their businesses, let alone actual service calls.

NYC DOT Director Polly Trottenberg declared at a recent press conference, “We are not backing down on Residential Loading Zones.” Even though the delivery zone experiment was a bust in the Fort Greene neighborhood, plans continue for the reduction of street parking in lieu of delivery zones in dozens of residential streets.

In August, the 14th Street bus express lanes project was curtailed due to two court orders, and a lawsuit brought by disabled residents. Corey Johnson has even expressed safety concerns over the project. If implemented on that major thoroughfare, vehicles would have a tortuous task of weaving across Manhattan. Nearby, 12th and 13th Streets also have received road diets in the form of bike lanes.

Central Park West residents are suing the city over proposed bike lanes that will take over 200 parking spaces and threaten 200 more soon after.

Bronx business owners won an injunction to stop a bike lane plan along a major business street in Morris Park. A final mile of a four-mile bike lane in Forest Hills, Queens has been delayed due to community opposition. Last year, Dyckman Street in northern Manhattan had its bike lane removed after business owners complained. (NYC is already planning to reinstall it.)

New York City has a big problem. On one hand, it wants motorists to pay for subway repairs (through congestion pricing), and on the other, city officials want to get rid of cars.

Here are two other issues that don’t get a lot of press but are vital to the life of a city.

When roads diets have been implemented with bike lanes, delivery zones, etc., emergency vehicles have trouble getting through to help those in need. Fire engines cannot make quick turns if permanent pedestrian islands have been set in place. Also, if motorists have no room to pull over on the street due to road diets and congestion, fire trucks and ambulances can’t get through in an emergency.

The second issue has to do with freight delivery. In a recent well-researched CityLimits.org post, one statistic really stood out: the DOT expects that in the next 25 years, cargo tonnage into NYC will increase by 68 percent. Plans are underway to bring some of the freight into the city’s docks, but trucks will still be needed to move those goods and deliveries around the city.

New York City’s street turmoil will not end anytime soon. Bicycle advocates will continue to stage die-ins whenever a bicyclist is killed, and motorists will continue to file lawsuits against NYC DOT with their plans to road diet streets, etc. In the meantime, traffic might just come to a halt, making a living and moving about in the Big Apple even more difficult.

–NMA

BIKERNET POLITICAL QUIZ–Which side of the fence? If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!

If a Republican doesn’t like guns, he doesn’t buy one.
If a Democrat doesn’t like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat meat.
If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a Republican is queer, he quietly leads his life.
If a Democrat is queer, he demands legislated respect.

If a Republican is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. If a Democrat is down-and-out he wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a Republican doesn’t like a talk show host, he switches channels. A Democrat demands that those they don’t like be shut down.

If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn’t go to church. A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.

If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. If a Democrat decides he needs health care, he demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a Republican is unhappy with an election, he grumbles and goes to work the next day. If a Democrat is unhappy with an election, he burns down a Starbucks, throws rocks at cops and takes two-weeks off for therapy.

If a Republican reads this, he’ll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. A Democrat will delete it because he’s “offended.”

–El Waggs

ANOTHER CLASSIC FROM HAL ROBINSON—No one drew line art like he did, and perhaps no one will ever do it again. In this new high-tech age, I doubt if anyone would take the delicate time.

Check out our line of Hal’s t-shirts and art in the 5-Ball racing garage.

–Bandit

QUICK OPEN THE BIKERNET CONSUMER AFFAIRS DIVISION–Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with those expensive, double-pane,
energy-efficient kind. Today I got a call from Home Depot who installed
them. The caller complained that the work had been completed a year ago
and I still hadn’t paid for them.

Helloooo…just because I’m a senior citizen doesn’t mean I am automatically mentally challenged. So, I told him just what his fast-talking sales guy told me last year – that these windows would pay for themselves in a year. So, Mr. Smarty-Pants, it’s now been a year, so they’re paid for. There was only silence at the other end, so I hung up.

He never called back. I’ll bet he felt like a real idiot.

–Jim Waggaman

[page break]

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG – Tri-Glide Ultra

ONLY $25,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=7780930

How much motorcycle can you fit on three wheels? One look at the Tri Glide Ultra motorcycle and you’ll have your answer.

The 2015 Harley-Davidson Trike motorcycles provide you long-haul comfort and confidence. As part of Project RushMore, for 2015 the Harley Tri Glide Ultra has been totally redesigned.

The new twin-cooled high output Twin Cam 103 engine is built to deliver more power for passing, climbing hills and carrying a passenger and luggage. There are new rear-to-front linked brakes for maximum stopping power. And the new Daymaker LED headlamp and LED fog lamps let you see farther than ever before.

The new Boom Box 6.5 infotainment system features a 6.5 in full-color touch screen and the loudest, clearest speakers ever in a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The luggage spaces have been redesigned with more space inside, a sleek new look outside and new latches that can be operated with one hand. The iconic batwing fairing has also been changed to reduce head buffeting without losing its distinctive, authentic Harley-Davidson® style.

Here are some of the innovations Project RUSHMORE led to: the Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS, the Daymaker LED headlamps and fog lamps, brighter Tour-Pak lighting, brighter turn signals, brighter brake lights, and a steering head with stiffer front forks. Locked-up tires are now history even when there’s wet pavement. We’ve made it feel even better to lean your way through a turn. Now you can see better. And we’ve made you more conspicuous to the cage-driving public. Because one thing we all agree on is this: bikes that work better make riders who ride better. Take a ride. See how good you can be.

Project RUSHMORE – Infotainment
More sound. Purer sound. Big, full-color touch screens. Switches that are located where you intuitively want them to be and can reach without removing your hands from the grips. Voice activation for your music, phone and GPS.

Or as more than one rider asked: “Why can’t the infotainment system on my motorcycle blow away the ones the car companies put in their cars?” We couldn’t agree more. Check out the infotainment system Project RUSHMORE brought to the sport of motorcycling. You won’t believe your eyes. Or ears.

Project RUSHMORE – Comfort

We dialed in the comfort of our machines the hard way: over thousands of miles in all kinds of riding conditions on every kind of street, road and highway ever laid down in pavement.

Experienced riders and passengers putting in long hours in the saddle and giving us feedback on every aspect that contributes to comfort on the road. Airflow, heat management, passenger space, back rests, seat textures, legroom and hand controls all went under the hard microscope of the road and got tested and re-tested by real riders and worked and re-worked by us until we were satisfied we had built the most comfortable machines on the road. We all want to go farther, and when you and your passenger are more comfortable in the saddle, you can.

Seamless Styling and Matching Paint
 

This three-wheeled pioneer is designed, developed and tested to the highest standards of the Motor Company and backed by over a hundred years of touring mastery.

This is not a bolt-on, aftermarket Trike kit. It’s engineered and road-tested as a whole. Every inch is integrated for comfort, cargo and confidence. From the smooth, classically designed lines to the front-to-rear matching paint, the Tri Glide® Ultra model has the bloodlines of a true Harley-Davidson® motorcycle through and through.

Photo – Dane Anar

 

Adam Robarts Secures Pirelli’s Seventh Absolute Motorcycle Track Record of 2019 at Pacific Raceways–Robarts Earns Third Pirelli Tire Credit of the Year on DIABLO™ Superbike slicks

ROME, Ga. (September 16, 2019) – Pirelli Tire North America congratulates Adam Robarts on capturing the brand’s seventh absolute motorcycle track record of 2019. Robarts set the track record at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington during the fifth round of the 2019 Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (WMRRA) Championship.

“This new track record set by Adam is really impressive,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “It’s rewarding to see that Adam retains his confidence in the SC1 rear, which shows the vast versatility of that compound. My hats off to him for his continued streak of setting track records.”

Robarts’ new lap record of 1:22.112 was set during the Formula Ultra race, topping Mitchell Pierce’s previous record by two tenths of a second. Robarts’ BMW S 1000 RR motorcycle was equipped with Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike 120/70-17 SC2 front and 200/60-17 SC1 rear tires.

“On a day that didn’t seem to be conducive to lap records, Adam managed to stun us all,” said Sage Wilkinson, CT Racing NW, Pirelli trackside vendor. “He went out and topped the previous track record in Formula Ultra qualifying with used DIABLO Superbike SC2 front and SC1 rear slicks. As word began to travel that the record may not hold due to not taking place in a race, Adam mounted up a fresh set of slicks and broke the record again in race conditions, ensuring his achievement would stand.”

Pirelli continues to offer a tire credit prize for setting a new motorcycle track record and Robarts leads the way with three of the seven track records awarded this year. Robarts last track record came just one month ago at The Ridge Motorsports Park during the fourth round of the WMRRA Championship.

“I had a special feeling with the bike all day and it feels good when that translates onto paper,” said Robarts. “During the qualifying session I was able to go out and lay down some impressive times, but since it wasn’t in a race I was told my time may not count. I knew with a fresh set of Pirelli slicks for the race that there was more in the tank and I was capable of going even faster. The tires were flawless and it feels amazing to add my name to another track record!”

To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit www.pirelli.com.

CLIMATE DEPOT ALERT–AOC: Do My Green New Deal Or Miami Will Vanish

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez levels a veiled threat against Miami, Florida if leaders don’t implement her Green New Deal; namely, that global warming will sink the city into oblivion. This is sounding more like a Marvel comic theme every day. ? TN Editor

“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it,” said Nazi propaganda master Joseph Goebbels. Such is the case with global warming hysterics who have recently begun to make headway among concerned citizens.

When Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came on the scene, she immediately began to make wild, hysterical predictions about the end of civilization.

“Millennials and people, you know, Gen Z and all these folks that will come after us, are looking up, and we’re like: ‘The world is gonna end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change, and your biggest issue is how are we gonna pay for it?”

To be fair to AOC, she was quoting a UN report that claims in 12 years, we’ll reach a “point of no return” when it comes to climate change. That is, if we don’t do something in 12 years, warming will be out of control and we’ll be unable to avert catastrophe.

Anthony Watts performs the necessary lobotomy, quoting from a 1989 AP report:

A senior U.N. environmental official says entire nations could be wiped off the face of the Earth by rising sea levels if the global warming trend is not reversed by the year 2000.

Coastal flooding and crop failures would create an exodus of ?eco- refugees,’ ‘ threatening political chaos, said Noel Brown, director of the New York office of the U.N. Environment Program, or UNEP.

He said governments have a 10-year window of opportunity to solve the greenhouse effect before it goes beyond human control.

But don’t try and stop AOC. She’s on a roll.

At an NAACP forum yesterday, AOC predicted that the city of Miami would disappear in a few years unless her Green New Deal is enacted.

Washington Examiner:

“When it comes to climate change, what is not realistic is not responding with a solution on the scale of the crisis — because what’s not realistic is Miami not existing in a few years,” the New York Democrat said Wednesday at an NAACP forum. “So we need to be realistic about the problem.”

AOC has tried to make climate change a racial issue because, well, it’s easier to sell that way and apparently all those people who were going to die in 2000 if we didn’t do anything about global warming are mostly people of color.

Actually, her agenda is not hidden at all. The “Green New Deal” has little to do with climate change and everything to do with “economic justice.”

In July, then-Ocasio-Cortez chief of staff Saikat Chakrabarti revealed that the Green New Deal was not “originally a climate thing at all … we really think of it as a how-do-you-change-the-entire-economy thing.”

Chakrabarti, 33, said the Green New Deal was about changing the economy to make it more equitable.

“I think … it’s dual. It is both rising to the challenge that is existential around climate and it is building an economy that contains more prosperity,” he said. “More sustainability in that prosperity — and more broadly shared prosperity, equitability, and justice throughout.”

–Technocracy News


KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN–An Arizona Highway Patrol officer stops a Harley for traveling faster than the posted speed limit, so he asks the biker his name.

‘Fred,’ he replies.

‘Fred what?’ the officer asks.

‘Just Fred,’ the man responds.

The officer is in a good mood, thinks he might just give the biker a break, and write him out a warning instead of a ticket. The officer then presses him for the last name.
The man tells him that he used to have a last name but lost it.

The officer thinks that he has a nut case on his hands but plays along with it. ‘Tell me, Fred, how did you lose your last name?’

The biker replies, ‘It’s a long story, so stay with me.’ I was born Fred Johnson. I studied hard and got good grades. When I got older, I realized that I wanted to be a doctor. I went through college, medical school, internship, residency, and finally got my degree, so I was Fred Johnson, MD.

After a while I got bored being a doctor, so I decided to go back to school. Dentistry was my dream! Got all the way through School, got my degree, so then I was Fred Johnson, MD, DDS. Got bored doing dentistry, so I started fooling around with my assistant and she gave me VD, so now I was Fred Johnson, MD, DDS, with VD.

Well, the ADA found out about the VD, so they took away my DDS. Then I was Fred Johnson, MD, with VD. Then the AMA found out about the ADA taking away my DDS because of the VD, so they took away my MD leaving me as Fred Johnson with VD. Then the VD took away my Johnson, so now I am Just Fred.’

The officer walked away in tears, laughing

–Frogman

KURYAKYN PHANTOM FLOORBOARDS FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON

SOMERSET, WIS, SEPT 17 — Harley-Davidson riders asked. Kuryakyn listened. Following their recent introduction to Indian riders, Kuryakyn Phantom Floorboards are now available for Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike and select FL Softail models.
Phantom Floorboards offer riders an easy bolt-on style and comfort upgrade over stock.

Available in chrome or gloss black finishes, signature design cues include pass-through styling and sleek angular housings constructed from durable aluminum alloy. The aggressive design features more overall surface area and incorporates ribbed EPDM rubber inserts to create a solid foundation for stability, traction and vibration-dampening comfort.

KURYAYKYN PHANTOM FLOORBOARDS
• P/N 5792 – Chrome, P/N 5793 – Gloss Black
MSRP: $299.99

Fitment: ’83-’19 Electra Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Street Glides, Tour Glides, Trikes, ‘86-’17 FL Softail Models & ’12-’16 Dyna Switchback

Phantom Mini Boards are an easy, affordable and more functional alternative to converting passenger peg mounts to floorboards. The larger footprint, board angle adjustability, plus forward, middle and rear splined adapter mounting locations deliver personalized passenger foot positioning. Phantom Mini Boards and Footpegs fit a wide range of Harley-Davidson passenger and driver peg mounts using Kuryakyn model-specific Splined Adapters. Riders can complement the look with the matching Phantom Shift Peg, available for all H-D -style shift levers.

Fitment for 2018-up FL Softail is coming soon. For more information on the entire Phantom collection, visit www.kuryakyn.com.

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY/HISTORY LESSON OF THE WEEK
Preamble

[pree-am-buhl, pree-am-]
noun
1.
the introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution, setting forth the general principles of American government and beginning with the words, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union. …”

QUOTES
Is not the preamble the foundation of our Constitution; does it not contain the basic principles, and is not the accomplishment of these principles the aim, the end and the essence of our government and Americanism?
— George M. B. Hawley, “Function of the Preamble,” New York Times, July 16, 1933

ORIGIN

English preamble, “introductory statement or paragraph,” which has the variant spellings preambel, preambile, preambul in Middle English, comes from Old French preamble, preambule, from Medieval Latin preambulum, praeambulum “preliminary statement, preface (in legal documents).” Praeambulum is a neuter adjective used as a noun from the Late Latin adjective praeambulus “walking before,” a compound of the Latin preposition and prefix prae, prae- “before, in advance” (usually spelled pre- in English and completely naturalized), and the verb ambulare “to walk, walk for health or pleasure, stroll.”

Preamble first appears in English in Chaucer’s “Wife of Bath’s Tale” (from The Canterbury Tales, after 1387). The legal sense “introductory paragraph of a treaty, deed, will (or other legal document)” dates to the second half of the 16th century. Preamble, with a capital P, specifically refers to the opening statement of the U.S. Constitution, signed on September 17, 1787. Beginning with the momentous phrase “We the people,” the Preamble lay outs the principles and purpose of the Constitution and the government it establishes.


THERE IT IS THEN—
I’m working with the factory on a feature around this bike.

It was built by the factory in 2000 to represent new innovations and the future.

We are super-pleased to announce the publication of a story about the Easy Rider Movie as told by Blue for the 50th Anniversary, for her magazine 100% Biker in England. It’s a terrific story and she gave us permission to reprint it on Bikernet.

It should be up tomorrow, while I’m scrambling in the shop. In the meantime hang on.

Ride Fast and Free, Forever!

–Bandit

Read More

CRAZY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for September 26, 2019

Hey,

I apologize for not writing a Weekend Round-Up or posting a chapter about the Salt Torpedo. The week peeled away from me, and I had an ominous task on Wednesday. I had a VA hearing about my disability rating.

Although it all worked out, we fucked up and didn’t do the correct homework. I did some other homework with Dr. Hamster’s help, but it was for a claim, not the hearing. I have 60 days to procure the proper documents for the judge or die trying.

I was forced to crawl out of the sack at 5:30 for the 6:30 run to Wilshire Blvd. It took right at 2 hours to drive 28 miles. If I had walked out the door at 5:30 it would have taken 32 minutes, incredible.

This week was full of accomplishments and progress on the Salt Torpedo. The firewall is just about done, but I ran out of TIG welding fuel and had to haul the gigantic tank to the welding supply for a refill. We also had to run to Phillips Steel for a sheet of .090. They said they could bend it to our specifications. It’s taken longer, but I will pick it up tomorrow. Lead started to arrive this week, but the shipment was incorrect forcing me to reach out to the company for a fix.

I had my Nissan van serviced this week. Nissan has a problem. They claimed that the NV2500 would get 17-22 mpg. It doesn’t and folks complained, so they quickly changed the reports on the stickers to a notice that they will not publish this info because they are not reporting to the EPA. It’s bullshit, and I’ll bet they are about to get their asses sued. They can’t duck reporting.

Plus, by ducking the issue sales will plummet. Who is going to buy a van when they won’t tell you the mileage? I ended up making multiple trips to the dealer, before I could peel out to Wellington to find out about our Salt Shaker vinyl stickers and then to Phillips steel, where the short blonde smiled at me and said they haven’t picked up our shield yet. When she smiled, I melted and nodded and returned to my van empty-handed.

I’ll return everyday if she will always smile. Makes my day. 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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

NMA REPORT: BEWARE LICENSE PLATE READERS–Our worst fears about automatic license plate readers (ALPR) are coming to fruition, and no one in public understands just how much our privacy will be invaded.

This summer, I warned everyone on my blog, and in the NMA Weekly E-Newsletter #554, that police in Arizona were using ALPR’s to “grid” entire neighborhoods.

But the following news brings public surveillance to a whole new level.

Last month, Rekor Systems announced that they had launched the Rekor Public Safety Network (RPSN) which gives law enforcement real-time access to scanned license plates.

“Any state or local law enforcement agency participating in the RPSN will be able to access real-time data from any part of the network at no cost. The Company is initially launching the network by aggregating vehicle data from customers in over 30 states. With thousands of automatic license plate reading cameras currently in service that capture approximately 150 million plate reads per month, the network is expected to be live by the first quarter of 2020.”

RPSN is a 30-state, real-time law enforcement license plate database that contains the information of more than 150 million people.

And the scary thing—it is free!

“We don’t think our participants should be charged for accessing information from a network they contribute to, especially when it provides information that has proven its value in solving crimes and closing cases quickly,” said Robert A. Berman, President and CEO, Rekor.

Want to encourage law enforcement to spy on everyone? Give them free access to a massive license plate database.

RPSN’s AI software uses machine learning to predict when and where a hotlisted person or a person of interest will be.

“Rekor’s software, powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning, can also be added to existing law enforcement security camera networks to search for law enforcement related hotlists as well as Amber Alerts and registered sex offender motor vehicles.”

The Westchester County New York Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center alone collects “more than 25 million license plates each month.”

A post in Traffic Technology Today revealed that Rekor plans to go to great lengths to convince police departments to track millions of motorists.

“In 2020, the RPSN will be fully compliant with the federal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) law, which bans the use of certain foreign-manufactured cameras used in critical infrastructure.”

Rekor’s 2019 NDAA sales pitch, is both disturbing and despicable. It reveals just where they and law enforcement stand when it comes to using ALPR’s to spy on millions of motorists.

A recent article in The Newspaper.com revealed how police in Louisiana use license plate readers to track motorists in real-time. Eric J. Richard had been driving his white Buick LaCrosse on Interstate 10, when he was stopped by Louisiana State Police Trooper Luke Leger for allegedly following a truck too closely. During the roadside interrogation, the trooper asked where Richard was coming from.

“I was coming from my job right there in Vinton,” Richard replied. The trooper had already looked up the travel records for Richard’s car and already knew it had crossed into Louisiana from Texas earlier in the day. Based on this “apparent lie,” the trooper extended the traffic stop by asking more questions and calling in a drug dog.

The article goes on to say that police had no reason to track Mr. Richard, but they did so because they could.

And that should frighten everyone!

Rekor lets law enforcement know where your friends and family are, where your doctor’s office is, where you worship and where you buy groceries.

How is that for Orwellian?

It is time to face the facts: ALPRs are not about public safety. They constitute a massive surveillance system designed to let Big Brother track our every movement.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the author.

By guest writer Joe Cadillic of the Massprivatel Blog

THE LATEST FROM THE HAL ROBINSON ARCHIVES—No one could draw like the master. Check out his art in the 5-Ball Racing Garage.

–Bandit

CLIMATE HYSTERIA REPORT–
Greta To UN: ‘How Dare You?… You Have Stolen My Dreams– Greta blistered the United Nations for stealing her childhood and dreams, claiming that we are on the verge of a mass extinction and climate apocalypse. She has no clue that the UN invented the climate hysteria scam in the first place. ? TN Editor

A visibly angry Greta Thunberg berated world leaders as she addressed a UN climate summit on Monday, accusing them of betraying her generation by failing to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and asking “How dare you?”

The Swedish teen, who has become the global face of the growing youth movement against climate inaction, began by telling her audience: “My message is that we’ll be watching you,” eliciting laughter.

But it was soon clear that the tone of the message would be very serious.

“This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back at school on the other side of the ocean,” the 16-year-old, who is taking a year off from her studies, said.

“You come to us young people for hope. How dare you?” she thundered.

“You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words, yet I’m one of the lucky ones. People are suffering, people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing.

“We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is the money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”

She added that in her talks with leaders, she had been told that the youth were being heard and the urgency was understood.

“But no matter how sad and angry I am, I do not want to believe that, because if you really understood the situation and still kept on failing to act, then you would be evil, and that I refuse to believe.”

Thunberg, who often appears uncomfortable in the limelight and is seen as a reluctant leader, then detailed the various targets that were being missed, heightening the risk of “irreversible chain reactions beyond human control.”

–Technocracy News

NEWS FROM THE MASTER, ATOMIC DICE-– I have the pdf scan of the lined drawing, he inked it so I can’t change it unless we redraw. I hope you like it! He can move to color now. This can be used by a T-Shirt designer, they can add the colors you want if you need it now.

Also, Big Fish designed our shirts, you and I talked about it in our last email. We just got them this week, here is a pic. They were hand dyed and hand sewn, no screen printing – what a fantastic company! They took a picture of a painting Bob did in 2014 and recreated it for us.

–Sara

AMA Hall of Fame bikes go on the road in September

Two of the oldest motorcycles in the collection of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame drew crowds Sept. 7-8 during The Old Car Festival at the Henry Ford in Detroit.

A 1914 Triumph TT and a 1919 Cleveland Lightweight joined a variety of automobiles from the 1890s to 1930s at event at Greenfield Village.

“Both of these models were used during World War I as courier bikes,” said Daniel Clepper, collections manager at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.


Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo Powered by General Tire is this Weekend in Pomona

POMONA, Calif. (September 24, 2019) — The wait is over for off-road enthusiasts as the Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire, revs up this weekend at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., “bringing the Off-Road world together.”

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire ranges from off-road racing to rock crawling, trail riding to sand sports, motorcycles and UTVs, to camping and adventure travel. In addition, attendees have the unique opportunity to meet and talk with the most knowledgeable people in the off-road industry. Show goers can also experience the dynamic world of off-road thru ride-alongs, racing demos, celebrity appearances, live music, industry media events and product giveaways all weekend.

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire is the greatest collection of off-road companies, parts, equipment, gear, action and experts ever assembled in America. Hundreds of aftermarket performance vendors will be in attendance, along with thousands of hardcore off-road enthusiasts gather for a full weekend of all things off-road.

Off-Road Expo Highlights

Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Demos will take place all weekend at the MAV-TV Proving Grounds, with professional drivers in purpose-built race trucks. The high-horsepower, earth-shaking Pro 2 Class will be showcased, along with Pro Lite, UTV and Kart Classes. Driver autograph sessions will follow each round of demos.

SCORE Baja 1000 Exhibit will Salute Legends of the Baja, along with Unveiling of the Baja 1000 course map for the 2020 race and will feature a book signing, celebrity autograph sessions and more.

Pro Terra Crew drivers will tear it up at the MAV-TV Proving Grounds all weekend. Watch these wicked off-road trucks and buggies get big air on the closed-circuit course and meet the drivers in the autograph session following each demo.

Rubicon Experience presented by 4-Wheel Parts, Ride along the Rubicon Trail and get a firsthand experience of what it feels like to be in a rig built for extreme off-road conditions. Anyone over 15-years-of-age can sign up at the Rubicon Express booth all weekend.

Performance Marketplace – Leading off-road vendors will fill the expo with the latest in 4×4 aftermarket parts, accessories, services and the newest industry innovations.

Dirt Alliance features live action, off-road driving demonstrations from a wide array of expert dirt pilots from various disciplines. Meet the drivers and see their trucks up close at the Dirt Alliance booth all weekend.

Show-N-Shine – The O’Reilly Auto Parts Show-N-Shine area will be bustling with custom trucks and Jeep vehicles, ready for Pro-Judging.

Miss Off-Road Expo Contest presented by Shreddy, with lovely ladies of off-road gathering at the Main Stage on Sunday to compete for the Miss Off-Road Expo crown. This year’s contest will be hosted by Shreddy’s Blake Wilkey.

Music/DJ on the Main Stage and plenty of Giveaways all weekend

The Lucas Oil Off-Road Expo powered by General Tire will take place Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Fairplex is located at 1101 West McKinley Avenue in Pomona, Calif.

Discount tickets are available at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores for $16/adults and $6/children (ages 6-12).

Discount tickets are also available online at offroadexpo.com for $16/adults and $6/children (ages 6-12), with kids 5-under free. Ticket fees apply to online tickets.

At the gates, tickets are $20/adults and $6/children (ages 6-12), with kids 5-under free.

Events sponsors include: Lucas Oil, General Tire, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Bert’s Mega Mall, Rockford Fosgate, Rugged Ridge, Hercules Tires, Fox Shox and eBay Motors.

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–The National Rifle Association (NRA) called Democratic presidential hopeful and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) the “salesman of the month” after an Arizona gun store capitalized on his proposed mandatory buyback of assault weapons.

Alpha Dog Guns in Tempe, Ariz., announced that just four hours after launching a promotional discount called the “Beto Special” — spurred by O’Rourke’s now-viral comments about his buyback proposal — it sold out of AR-15s and other rifles, owner Matt Boggs said Thursday on “Fox & Friends.”

The NRA tweeted a photo made to mock the former congressman by calling him the “AR-15 salesman of the month,” adding the caption: “Possibly even of the year.”

Boggs told Fox & Friends that the strategy didn’t mean to “be a political statement by any stretch of the imagination.”

“I just happened to hop on Facebook and see his comments, and I was like, ‘Well maybe I’ll sell 20 rifles and see what happens,’” he said.

O’Rourke made headlines last week for defending his proposed mandatory buyback program during the third round of Democratic presidential primary debates.

“I am, if it’s a weapon that’s designed to kill people on a battlefield. If the high-impact, high-velocity round shreds everything inside of your body … when we see that being used against children,” O’Rourke said, asked if he was proposing a mandatory government buyback of certain guns.

He continued: “Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47. We’re not going to allow it to be used against our fellow Americans anymore,” prompting cheers and applause from the audience.

A number of Democrats have come out in opposition to O’Rourke’s proposal, with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday telling reporters that he doesn’t “know of any other Democrat who agrees” with O’Rourke’s proposal to confiscate assault-style weapons.

[page break]

1908 INDIAN SINGLE—I shot this bike for the upcoming issue of American Iron. It was curated by the master, Don Whalen and is a classic.

Here’s a shot of me and Emily Lou Harris. I was her drummer for years. She called me the “Shuffle King.”

–Markus Cuff
Supreme Feature Photographer
Bikernet.com ™

If you miss this issue, we will feature this masterpiece on Bikernet in the next couple of months.–Bandit

Cincinnati, Ohio Officials Working To Overturn Voter Will On Speed Cameras
Cincinnati, Ohio politicians are using taxpayer resources to overturn the public vote banning red light and speed cameras.

Greg Landsman

Members of the city council in Cincinnati, Ohio, have been trying to install speed cameras for more than a decade. Their plans were thwarted eleven years ago when residents learned of the council’s plan and circulated a petition eleven years ago that stripped the city council of the power to deploy automated ticketing machines. Voters endorsed that plan at the ballot box, adding the photo enforcement prohibition to the city charter. Now members of the city council are once again expending public resources to bypass the voters.

As reported by WCPO television, Cincinnati’s city manager in July put out a call to speed camera vendors to submit proposals for bringing photo radar back to the city of 300,000 residents.

“Responders should present information based on the parameters established in the RFI [request for information] rather than any current traffic enforcement authorization/description in the Cincinnati Charter,” the notice explained. “The primary objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to obtain market information, feasibility, costs to the city, models and proposed options for revenue sharing, and interest from potential firms/vendors with the appropriate expertise to provide the city with services described herein.”

The city asked for information that would be needed to hit the ground running and set up the speed traps promptly, if the legal situation were to change.

“All responses to this RFI should contain, at a minimum, the following,” the city manager’s request stated. “Estimated revenue generation information (i.e. tools for estimating potential revenue generation) but also any costs the city should consider or may potentially incur; and, an estimated timeline needed to fully execute services.”

The last time that a photo ticketing company worked with Cincinnati politicians, there was bribery involved. John P. Raphael, the Ohio lobbyist for Redflex Traffic Systems, was convicted and imprisoned for his role in the Australian red light camera company’s corruption scheme. He admitted that he solicited bribes to entice city councilmen in Columbus and Cincinnati to endorse automated ticketing, but he refused to turn against the politicians he had influenced with campaign donations that were laundered through Raphael’s friends, family members and business contacts.

City councilman Greg Landsman, who was elected after the scandal, held a “pedestrian safety” townhall earlier this month that was designed to promote an effort to overturn the photo ticketing ban. The request for information from photo ticketing companies acknowledged that the city charter must be changed before cameras could be installed.

A diverse coalition of interest groups came together to ban speed cameras in Cincinnati in 2008, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Republican Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and others. The residents of Ashtabula, Cleveland, Chillicothe, Heath, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, South Euclid and Steubenville also took matters into their own hands and forced the removal of automated ticketing machines through ballot initiatives.

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDL – Dyna Low Rider

ONLY $7,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=6090378

When this long and low factory custom first debuted, it was an instant hit among the Harley-Davidson faithful. The word “low” describes much more than rider position when it comes to the Dyna Low Rider. With the 25.8-inch seat height is among the lowest in the Harley-Davidson line. The bikes ergonomics are well-suited to those looking for a comfortable ride, while the Twin Cam 96 powertrain actually brings the low rider to a high level of performance.

**It has only 10,497 miles**

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

The paint is traditional HD black and orange. Paint and chrome in excellent condition. A detachable windshield. It has a lighter socket mounted to the handlebars. Also a manual cruise control. This Low Rider comes with a powerful independent full exhaust system.

A 2-up seat with passenger pegs mounted to give your passenger a comfortable riding experience. Mid controls and frame mounted freeway pegs.

Chrome primary housing cover with a chrome horn cover. Chrome oval black accented 96 air cleaner cover. Chrome coil cover, battery cover with a polished strap. Chrome fender supports and chain guard. Black drive sprocket with polished rim. Wheels are 5 twin spoke cast aluminum in great shape and both tires almost new, Overall this classic Low Rider has style, performance, and comfortable fitting to give you the true Harley-Davidson experience.

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 go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!


MORE FROM THE EASYRIDERS FILE– As you reported, the last Easyriders Magazine I received was for September. The “manage my subscriptions” area of their website no longer exist.

I had paid for subscriptions through 2021. Have you heard anything further? Any contacts you might have so I can pursue a refund. No damn relevant subscription magazines available for those of us that would prefer not to carry a computer or I-whatever around.

–Gary Weaver

COOL MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS FOR SALE—Business Description

Would you enjoy the freedom and flexibility you would get by combining your passion for motorcycles with the ability to create custom parts?

A manufacturer and distributer of motorcycle parts, this business specializes in American, custom and metric bikes.

Founded in 1999 and acquired by the current owner in 2009, this business, under the leadership of the current owner, has become the leader in aftermarket accessories for the new line of American classic motorcycles, and continues to lead the field.

This business offers a new owner the opportunity to own a business that combines a passion for motorcycles and the chance to grow a business that enjoys a high market demand for the products and service it provides.

Detailed Information

Location:
Charlotte, NCReal Estate:LeasedBuilding SF:2,800Lease Expiration:N/AEmployees:2Facilities:Located in a commercial building within a business park, this company leases two units for a total of 2,800 SF.

Competition:
The main competitors for this company are the major bike manufacturers themselves, and this company competes on the basis of price and quality – all our products are Made in the USA!Growth & Expansion:Because bikes are constantly changing (2018 bikes offer many changes), there is lots of opportunity to grow in this industry.

Financing:Seller will consider some financing for the right, qualified buyer.Support & Training:Seller will support a new owner – length of time is negotiable. Reason for Selling:
https://tinyurl.com/y2v68aa2

–Paul Aiken
Owner
Aeromach USA, LLC
10015 Metromont Ind. Blvd, Ste F
Charlotte, NC 28269
800-990-9392 orders
704-599-1333 office
www.aeromach.net
www.highwayhawk.us
www.linkedin.com/in/paulaiken

Highway Hawk is a product of Motolux

NEW HAMPSHIRE TO MODERNIZE DMV IN WAKE OF DEADLY JUNE CRASH–
Following the deadly June 2019 crash that killed seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire, officials want to work with other states to prevent anything like this from happening ever again.

The truck driver currently facing seven charges of negligent homicide in those deaths — who had a Massachusetts-issued CDL — should not even have been driving, according to his combined driving record. The head of the Massachusetts DMV resigned and others at the agency were fired once this came to light.

Over the past few weeks, New Hampshire has also been conducting an internal review of its own DMV records and practices. On August 29, 2019, NH governor Chris Sununu gave a press conference with other top officials to share their findings. The results: nearly 4,000 drivers will have their licenses suspended following a review of over 13,000 out-of-state notices, as well as a backlog of 62 commercial license notices dating back to 2016.

One unintended and potentially good consequence of this terrible accident is that it’s led New Hampshire to modernize its DMV system and automate notices, so that paper backlogs like this can’t build up in the future. Additionally, the governor is now pushing the state legislature to allow the NH DMV to become part of a computerized state-to-state driver verification system using Real ID.

–Bill Bish

Read Bill’s entire monthly legislative report under Biker Rights, right now.–Bandit

DON’T FORGET THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY– Irish Confession

I went into the confessional box after many years of being away from the Catholic Church.

Inside I found a fully equipped bar with Guinness on tap. On one wall, there was a row of decanters with fine Irish whiskey and Waterford crystal glasses. On the other wall was a dazzling array of the finest cigars and chocolates.

When the priest came in, I said to him, “Father, forgive me, for it’s been a very long time since I’ve been to confession, but I must first admit that the confessional box is much more inviting than it used to be.”

He replied, “You moron, you’re on my side.”

–from Bobby Stark

A BROTHER SLOWS DOWN—I’m meditating on meditating. About 40 years ago you published my first motorcycle magazine story and so a good milestone moment to move on. I’m going to concentrate on my fiction writing now but thanks for launching me down a two-wheeled adventure with all its twists and turns which I enjoyed much.

Regards
–Paul Garson
Senior Historic Writer
Bikernet.com™

INDIAN WRECKING CREW RIDER BRIAR BAUMAN BATTLES THROUGH ADVERSITY TO CAPTURE FIRST AMERICAN FLAT TRACK GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Three-for-Three: Indian Motorcycle Racing Clinches Third Consecutive Championship Since Returning
to Professional Flat Track Racing

Shakopee, Minn. (September 23, 2019) – On a night where Murphy’s Law seemed to be in full effect, Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Rider Briar Bauman overcame enormous adversity to realize his lifelong dream of capturing a Grand National Championship (GNC). After a five-rider crash early in the main that sent him into the air fence, Bauman was forced to restart from the back of the pack, grinding his way through the field to a third place finish at the Minnesota Mile to capture his first American Flat Track (AFT) Grand National Championship and the third consecutive GNC for Indian Motorcycle Racing. Reigning AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees secured his seventh win of the season, but will reluctantly hand over the No. 1 plate to his factory teammate and good friend, Bauman.

Bauman’s crew rose to the occasion when it mattered most, racing against the clock to repair his Indian FTR750 in time for the restart and keep Bauman’s night from an anticlimactic ending. But the drama didn’t end there, as a second accident caused further delays and reduced the 25-lap Main event to just 15. Bauman’s ability to remain focused against all odds and make his way to the front of the pack within the shorter 15-lap format was indicative of the grit and determination that has marked his entire Championship season.

Following the race, Mees put his competitive interests aside in favor of friendship, celebrating with Bauman by sharing his well-deserved victory lap. The dramatic two-up victory lap left Bauman with tears of joy, as he celebrated with friends, family and teammates.

“I’ve dreamed of this my whole life,” said Bauman in his podium interview directly following the race. “I used to have posters of Bryan (Smith) and Jared (Mees) in my room growing up. And to win it… I can’t even put it into words.”

Since Indian Motorcycle’s return to professional flat track racing in 2017, the brand has been perfect, capturing all three Manufacturer’s Championships and all three AFT Twins titles. Mees won in convincing fashion in 2017, capturing 10 wins and setting an AFT record of 17 podium finishes. In 2018, with many of the sports privateers turning to the Indian FTR750, Mees repeated and retained the No. 1 plate. Now with Bauman’s first GNC, Indian completes another historic trifecta.

“Bobby Hill and Bill Tuman, the original Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew, won three Grand National Championships in 1951, 1952, and 1953,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “This championship is a tribute to them and the resiliency of the brand to get knocked down, only to get back up and return to greatness—just like Briar Bauman did this weekend.”

Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, will wrap up the 2019 season at the Meadowlands Mile in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, September 28. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, visit their websites: Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets and J&P Cycles.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship.

To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

CORAL HEAD
FEATURING VINCE NEIL, SEBASTIAN BACH, SLAUGHTER
MITCH PERRY GROUP & MORE

—Celebrating our sponsors. Bikernet is also a media sponsor of this wild event coming soon.

Coming into a new area for the 1st time is always a difficult move. We realize people and businesses don’t always know about our concert series and don’t realize the benefits involved. None the less, these companies HAVE taken the initiative to support our U.S. Veterans and we appreciate them for being a part of The Coral Head MusicFest presented by THE AMERICAN LEGION.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

THE CITY OF PINELLAS PARK, FL
Top honors has to go to the City itself. Pinellas Park government has been instrumental in helping up produce this event and we thank them for, not only sponsoring the event, but for all the assistance they have given in making this concert series a reality. We hope and plan to work with them closely for many years to come.

$20,000 STAGE SPONSOR

GEORGE’S PLUMBING OF THE KEYS
George’s Plumbing has taken the top spot in our Marathon series since its inception.
A true believer in what we are out to accomplish. We can’t even begin to express our gratitude. For ANY type of plumbing needs be sure to give George a call first.

Industry Sponsor:
Wow! What can we say about K&G Cycles? They have been instrumental in the production of our concerts. Also with us since Day 1, they have not only helped us finance the shows, they have helped produce and assisted in more ways than we can count. Definitely our choice when we need motorcycle service or parts.

Check their web site for additional sponsors.

–Bandit

NEW FROM SADDLEMEN–2018-2019 GL1800 Roadsofa™ LS Trunk Pad

Brand Fitment:Honda
Model Fitment:GL1800 GOLDWING
Year Fitment: 2018-2019

Designed and made in the U.S.A.
Add on at any time the matching RoadSofa-LS Trunk Pad to give your bike a unified look.
Installs easily on your existing Trunk.
This item is compatible with Honda GL1800 RoadSofa-LS Seats


KLOCKWERKS FLOODS–This water shouldn’t be here…

So, what happened?
The evening of September 11th a flash flood hit Mitchell, South Dakota. That flood brought 4’ of water in to the shop. (Yes, you read that right. We had 4’ of water INSIDE of our building.)

If we’re being completely honest, It was absolutely devastating and we need your help. (But we’ll get to that later…)

This is where we’re at.
As of today (September 26th) 6 roll-off dumpsters have been filled and emptied, more than 6500 pounds of wet sheet rock (a.k.a.1000 running feet of drywall) has been cleared, every last bolt bin has been dried, and 4 temporary work spaces have been setup.

As each day passes, we are recognizing that community is everything. So many of you have helped us clean up the mess, sent care packages filled with goodies to fuel our days, sent monetary donations and even took a moment to send us kind words and offered prayers.

Now that temporary work stations are setup and our phone lines are back, the Klock Krew is working as quickly as possible to return every email, phone call, and well-wish sent our way.

We are rebuilding with plans to be even better than ever.

So many of you are still reaching out, asking us how you can help. Our friend Jeff Zielinski at Namz Custom Cycle Products created a Gofundme for us – which is an opportunity for you to be a part of Klock Werks’ history.

Frankly, with all of the construction in our future we would appreciate all the help we can get. If you feel moved to help, we could use the support.

info@getklocked.com

Klock Werks
915 S. Kimball Street
Mitchell, SD 57301
All Rights Reserved.

[page break]

NEWS FROM THE MCCLOSKEY MOTORCYCLE COMPANY– Good afternoon Mr. Ball, the owner of the 101 Scout is Mark Leiss.

I didn’t build this 1928 Indian 101 Scout,
I worked on it to get it ready to perform better than last year at the Race of Gentlemen. We are heading out on Sunday.

Mark’s 101 Scout is a 1929, not 1928.
Mike from Kiwi said the motor #s were 1928, but Mark said it’s a ‘29.

Sorry for the confusion.

–Micah McCloskey
Supreme Leader
McCloskey Motorcycle Company
Magnificent Pilot
Salt Torpedo
5-Ball Racing


BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
STIMULATING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for September 19, 2019

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/STIMULATING_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_September_19_2019.aspx

No news from EASYRIDERS on refunds for unfilled paid for subscriptions?

— Mike Pullin
Charlotte, NC

Hey Mike,
This is a strange one. I heard recently that Pepper Foster didn’t buy the company, only a licensing agreement for the name. That doesn’t make any sense. I reached out to the previous publisher, Joe Teresi, to find out about the subs.—Bandit

POPEYE’S BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY—“I am what I am, and that’s all that I am.”—Popeye

–From the Frogman


THE REAL DEAL–Check it out:

There is no climate crisis

An open letter to the UN Secretary General

More than 500 prominent scientists from all over the world, among them distinguished MIT climate scientist Prof. Richard Lindzen, are urging the Secretary-General of the United Nations for a further, de-politicised discussion of the climate issue, in which alternative scientific views are also given a voice.

A UN climate meeting will be held in New York on 23 September. To this end, CLINTEL has sent two registered letters, one to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and one to the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, together with the text of the European Climate Declaration (see below).

This also includes the explicit request to organize a joint meeting with world-class scientists. The letter follows:

Your Excellencies,

 

A global network of more than 500 knowledgeable and experienced scientists and professionals in climate and related fields have the honor to address to Your Excellencies the attached European Climate Declaration, for which the signatories to this letter are the national ambassadors.

The general-circulation models of climate on which international policy is at present founded are unfit for their purpose. Therefore, it is cruel as well as imprudent to advocate the squandering of trillions on the basis of results from such immature models. Current climate policies pointlessly, grievously undermine the economic system, putting lives at risk in countries denied access to affordable, continuous electrical power.

We urge you to follow a climate policy based on sound science, realistic economics and genuine concern for those harmed by costly but unnecessary attempts at mitigation.

We ask you to place the Declaration on the agenda of your imminent New York session.

We also invite you to organize with us a constructive high-level meeting between world-class scientists on both sides of the climate debate early in 2020. The meeting will give effect to the sound and ancient principle no less of sound science than of natural justice that both sides should be fully and fairly heard.

Please let us know your thoughts about such a joint meeting.

There is no climate emergency

A global network of 500 scientists and professionals has prepared this urgent message. Climate science should be less political, while climate polities should be more scientific. Scientists should openly address the uncertainties and exaggerations in their predictions of global warming, while politicians should dispassionately count the real benefits as well as the imagined costs of adaptation to global warming, and the real costs as well as the imagined benefits of mitigation.

Natural as well as anthropogenic factors cause warming

The geological archive reveals that Earth’s climate has varied as long as the planet has existed, with natural cold and warm phases. The Little Ice Age ended as recently as 1850. Therefore, it is no surprise that we now are experiencing a period of warming. Only very few peer-reviewed papers even go so far as to say that recent warming is chiefly anthropogenic.

Warming is far slower than predicted

The world has warmed at less than half the originally-predicted rate, and at less than half the rate to be expected on the basis of net anthropogenic forcing and radiative imbalance. It tells us that we are far from understanding climate change.

Climate policy relies on inadequate models

Climate models have many shortcomings and are not remotely plausible as policy tools. Moreover, they most likely exaggerate the effect of greenhouse gases such as CO2. In addition, they ignore the fact that enriching the atmosphere with CO2 is beneficial.

CO2 is plant food, the basis of all life on Earth

CO2 is not a pollutant. It is essential to all life on Earth. Photosynthesis is a blessing. More CO2 is beneficial for nature, greening the Earth: additional CO2 in the air has promoted growth in global plant biomass. It is also good for agriculture, increasing the yields of crop worldwide.

Global warming has not increased natural disasters

There is no statistical evidence that global warming is intensifying hurricanes, floods, droughts and suchlike natural disasters, or making them more frequent. However, CO2-mitigation measures are as damaging as they are costly. For instance, wind turbines kill birds and bats, and palm-oil plantations destroy the biodiversity of the rainforests.

Policy must respect scientific and economic realities

There is no climate emergency. Therefore, there is no cause for panic and alarm. We strongly oppose the harmful and unrealistic net-zero CO2 policy proposed for 2050. If better approaches emerge, we will have ample time to reflect and adapt. The aim of international policy should be to provide reliable and affordable energy at all times, and throughout the world.

Our advice to political leaders is that science should strive for a significantly better understanding of the climate system, while politics should focus on minimizing potential climate damage by prioritizing adaptation strategies based on proven and affordable technologies.
 

The undersigned ECD Ambassadors

Professor Guus Berkhout, The Netherlands
Professor Reynald Du Berger French, Canada
Terry Dunleavy, New Zealand
Viv Forbes, Australia
Professor Jeffrey Foss English, Canada
Morten Jødal, Norway
Rob Lemeire, Belgium
Professor Richard Lindzen, USA
Professor Ingemar Nordin, Sweden
Jim O’Brien, Republic of Ireland
Professor Alberto Prestininzi, Italy
Associate Professor Benoît Rittaud, France
Professor Fritz Vahrenholt, Germany
The Viscount Monckton of Brenchley, United Kingdom

NEWS FROM THE FROGMAN–The rest of the story – we both got shot — Lethal Weapon 1985, With Bruce Willis.
Cisco, the long-standing Hells Angel from Oakland passed away a few years ago. It’s Sonny Bargers birthday this weekend.

–Frogman

PA Biker’s Firearm Illegally Seized After Major Injury Accident–The MPP has reported extensively about the alarming trend of law enforcement and government officials charging individual with crimes, or having personal property seized simply for belonging to motorcycle clubs. Many of these instances are clear violations of the US Constitution.

The following is a report about a Pennsylvania man’s ordeal. He has zero criminal history and is a legal Pennsylvania and Utah Concealed Carry Permit holder. While riding his motorcycle he was struck by a truck in a traffic accident.

His firearm, nonsensically, was confiscated under the guise of being evidence in the investigation of a traffic accident. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for legislation addressing the practice of motorcycle profiling as recently urged by the unanimous consent of the US Senate.

The Incident

On May 11th, 2019, a member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club was traveling on Rt. 291, just outside of Philadelphia. A pickup truck driven by an uninsured, out-of-state driver pulled out of the left-hand shoulder of the road and hit the member’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was thrown approximately forty feet from the motorcycle, receiving multiple, major injuries. Fortunately, traveling behind was a member of the Brookers MC, and his wife, both former EMT’s. She helped keep the victim calm and stable until an ambulance could arrive. While waiting for ambulance and police to arrive, the Pagan’s MC member gave the Brookers MC member his legally owned handgun to safely secure.

The Bookers MC member placed the firearm in his truck inside the locked glove box. Once medics arrived and took over the scene, the victim’s jacket was unzipped and, according to the Bookers MC member’s wife, a Chester police office noticed a Pagan’s t-shirt, remarking “oh, he’s a Pagan.” While being loaded onto the ambulance for transport to a local hospital, another Chester police officer noticed the victim’s empty firearm holster.

The Seizure

The Chester officer asked the Bookers MC member if he knew where the firearm was. He informed the officer that he had taken possession of the firearm and would transport it to the victim’s home. The officer falsely stated that it was illegal and that he was required to seize the firearm.

The Bookers MC member responded that he has a current and legal Concealed Carry Permit in the state of PA, and it is legal for him as such to take possession of said firearm. The officer demanded the firearm while he spoke with a supervisor about the law. The Bookers MC member complied and gave the officers the firearm. The officer returned to his squad car, and left the scene within five minutes, taking the firearm with him.

The Realization

After five days in the hospital with serious injuries, including head and brain trauma, the victim was cognizant enough to speak with his wife about the accident. He was informed that the police had indeed seized his firearm.

When he spoke to a member of the Chester police department, he was told that his firearm was sent to Delaware County District Attorneys Criminal Investigation Unit (CID) for ballistic testing. He was told that he would have to petition the DA’s office for the return of his legally owned firearm.

4th Amendment Violation

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Despite being the victim of a careless, reckless driver, having not committed any crime, the Pagan’s MC member had his legally owned firearm confiscated by law enforcement officials simply due to his association with a Motorcycle Club. This is a clear violation of his Constitutional rights to free from unreasonable seizures.

Silence from Law Enforcement

The MPP attempted to contact the agencies involved to no avail. Neither Captain Stubbs of the Chester Police Department, nor Sgt. David McDonald or Chief Joseph Ryan of the Delaware County District Attorneys office responded to telephone calls regarding the seizure, or of any policies of either department that would dictate the seizure of personal property.

After going through the extensive red tape required to regain possession of his legal firearm, after it was illegally seized, the Pagan’s MC member was finally successful.

Conclusion

The targeted harassment of Motorcycle Club members in Pennsylvania is nothing new. These situations only highlight the necessity for passage of an Anti-Motorcycle Profiling law. Members of the MPP and the National Council of Clubs are working with local and federal officials towards the adoption of such laws.

We should not, cannot, and will not stand for the erosion of our Constitutionally granted rights.

–By Dave “Irish” Dohrman
Motorcycle Profiling Project

AHDRA motorcycle drag racing SERIES–
AHDRA Back on Track in 2020

There’s good news for drag racers of American-made V-Twin motorcycles. AHDRA has been purchased by Pulse Marketing, the Pennsylvania-based motorsports promotion company run by veteran drag racer Bill Rowe Jr. and family.

AHDRA was THE place to drag race Harley-Davidsons in the 2000s, with racers crisscrossing the country with the fully-sponsored, well-marketed series run by Craig Tharpe.

“We want to thank Craig for trusting us to take the AHDRA over,” said Rowe Jr.

AHDRA’s last season was 2012, but Pulse will have the series up and running with somewhere between six to eight races in 2020, with Sturgis likely the only race west of the Mississippi.

“We want people to know we’re here and we’re looking forward to a May, 2020 start to our season,” continued Rowe.

The Rowe family brings a lifetime of motorsports promotion to the effort. “My dad, Bill Sr., was a promoter when I was a kid,” said Rowe, who’s been racing for over 40 years and counts grasping the AMRA Eliminator championship out of Donnie Huffman’s firm grip in 2017 as his proudest on-track achievement.

“At 14 years old I was racing, doing the rider payouts and handling the points system, so I’ve been doing this a while.

“But it’s not just me and my family. We have a good team of advisers on board to help us with this, and we’ll be announcing them along with a schedule shortly.

“We’re also working with the Top Fuel Harley racers to make sure our schedule plays nice with the NHRA schedule so that we get the pros at our events and develop the next generation of Top Fuel Harley stars right here at AHDRA.

“We’ve got five classes covered with sponsorships already, but there’s room for more to jump on board.

“We’re looking to bring back that AHDRA style of racing,”

A new AHDRA website will soon be up and running.

–Tim Hailey

Photo caption: Bill Rowe Jr.

IS LIFE NUTS OR WHAT—So, while I was working with the lovely Laura on our numbers the DHL truck stopped out front, and then peeled out with our new Leather order. Damn.

We won’t be featuring this bike from the factory in 2000. Their communications department had to downsize, and they don’t have any record of this project. I was just trying to find something positive to write about H-D. I came up with two grand notions, including this one, but they couldn’t help.

Too bad. I know the factory will come around. It always does. It’s an American mainstay. We just need another killer movie or TV series and they’ll be back on top.

 

An hour later, while I was in the Bikernet iron pile, lifting some rusting chunks, the DHL guy returned. He made my day.

I’ll try to get a shot of something new before I wrap up the news.

It’s going to be a busy Friday. Hang on and remember, we live in the best of times, even if Greta doesn’t think so.

Ride Fast and Free Forever,

–Bandit

Read More

THE SHIFTING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for October 3, 2019

Hey,

I feel a shift coming. In some respects, I hope it’s a shift in the direction of Freedom. I sense the whole Climate Change Doomsday hoax is going to crash. We are actually living in the best of times. Everything on the planet has improved for the better and we need to celebrate, not control and punish.

More and more I hear amazing stories about the lives of folks around me and the amazing things they accomplished. Markus Cuff played drums for Emily Lou Harris for several years. Then he started to shoot photos of bands in the ‘80s and I started to hire him to shoot tech articles for Easyriders. Since then he’s shot features for tons of magazines and for Bikernet.com ™.

He told me about a recent documentary about Linda Ronstat and mentioned that he hung out with Emily Lou and Linda. That one night back east they were all snowed in and trapped in a Motel room. Markus still plays drums for Emily Lou from time to time. He also went on to tell me about how fantastic Linda’s documentary is. Don’t miss it.

Yesterday, I met with Ron and Bill Bartels’ of Bartels’ H-D here in Los Angeles. Bill is now 81 and going strong. We discussed their relationship with Gene Thomason and his son Eugene, who still works for the factory. He told me an amazing tale of Gene’s career at the dealership and how he brought celebrities around. I just hope I can do the story justice. Hang on for that one next week.

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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

NMA ALERT–Do Vision Zero Programs equal more Traffic Accidents?–

Many cities and states around the country have adopted a Vision Zero program which strives for zero traffic deaths, usually by a specific year. Some of the oldest programs, though, are finding that the ideal of zero traffic deaths is becoming ever more elusive and expensive over time. Instead of decreasing, traffic deaths involving accidents between cars and bicyclists/pedestrians have jumped even with the increase in protected bike lanes and other traffic calming VZ safety measures.

Every traffic death is a tragedy; there is no doubt about that.

Nearly all drivers, unless they’re psychopaths, never want to hurt or kill anyone while they are driving. Most are transportation hybrids: motorist/pedestrian, motorist/bicyclist, motorist/transit rider, etc. Motorists care about street safety, but many drivers do not believe that any transportation sector should be demonized in the traffic safety dynamic. VZ philosophy states that every traffic death involving a car is the fault of the motorist no matter what, purposely pitting drivers against other road users.

Terms such as traffic violence and tactical urbanism are now frequently used by VZ advocates. They continue to question the very nature of a “traffic accident,” insisting that “collision” is the more accurate description because of their view that an altercation with a car is not happenstance. Many want to know why a driver “who has killed” a pedestrian or bicyclist has not immediately been arrested and charged with murder.

In reality, every road user has the responsibility for safety—their own and any other person they come into contact with while on the road. The problem with Vision Zero programs is that they create an illusion of safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. Many times, road users, including motorists, don’t understand their own responsibility in the traffic safety paradigm.

This summer, articles began appearing from most major cities about whether Vision Zero programs are actually working on the local scene. City officials continue to throw money at VZ programs even though the intended results are not forthcoming. Many residents, even safety advocates, are becoming disillusioned.

Portland, Oregon’s Willamette Week recently posted Blindsided, a scathing investigation into the city’s VZ program. Intended to end all traffic deaths by 2025, it began in 2015. Already $100 million has been spent on road diets, additional crosswalks, flashing beacons, more streetlights, speed cameras and an educational campaign fueled by marijuana tax money. The VZ program has not made much of a dent in traffic fatalities. In 2015, 37 Portlanders died in traffic accidents. This year, that total was surpassed by the end of summer.

San Francisco wants to do Portland one better by eliminating all traffic deaths by 2024. That goal, however, seems further away than ever. Last year, 23 people lost their lives on the road in the metropolitan area. By August of this year, the city had already surpassed that grim statistic.

San Francisco officials continue to push a frenzy of VZ activities without a great deal of feedback. For example, SFDOT assembled a rapid response team. If a bicyclist is hurt or killed in a traffic accident, that street is deemed a VZ emergency and city workers quickly employ traffic calming measures in an attempt to make it safer.

Now, a city council member wants to close down the Tenderloin District to cars due to several deaths in the area. Pedestrian advocates want better Vision Zero police enforcement, and some residents are calling for on-call prosecutors who only deal with traffic accidents. Council members also maintain that speeding cars are the real culprit for traffic deaths and would like to lower speed limits throughout the city. Due to state law, cities are not allowed to arbitrarily lower speed limits because speed limits must be set to the 85th percentile, the speed under which 85 percent of free-flowing traffic is traveling.

Last year, the California legislature deployed a statewide Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force, which plans to issue its first report in January 2020. One of the likely recommendations will be to allow cities to set their own speed limits just as Massachusetts has done.

After an uptick of cyclist deaths across the five boroughs of New York City, an eruption of protests have inundated city hall. The VZ goal seems ever more elusive in NYC, which spends the most money of any community in the country. The War on Cars is at a fever pitch too.

In July, over 1000 bicyclists staged a die-in at Washington Square Park to protest the safety of NYC streets. Recently, even more controversy erupted when Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would soon make it mandatory for all bicyclists who ride a rental bike to wear helmets as a safety measure. Bicycle groups countered by complaining that would discourage bicycle use which in turn would lower ridership. They used the opportunity to then push all the blame back on motorists.

NYC bicyclists, though, are not blameless in the traffic safety paradigm. The number of pedestrians hurt by NYC bicyclists has risen 12 percent this year. Since 2011, 2,250 pedestrians (seven of whom died) were injured by on-street collisions with bicyclists.

The Seattle DOT announced that in the first half of 2019, 91 people were seriously injured and 10 killed in all traffic accidents, which is the highest number since 2010. Seattle road injuries and fatalities were essentially the same between 2017 and 2018, sparking concerns that the resources being poured into VZ efforts are ineffective.

Vision Zero programs are soaking up millions of taxpayer dollars in large metropolitan areas, and have produced, at best, questionable results. The only guaranteed way to eliminate all traffic fatalities is to eliminate all road user—driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian—interactions. The Vision Zero agenda, however, is focused on one aspect: getting people out of their cars.

–NMA

I don’t get punishing the entire population to reach an elusive vision zero. Why don’t they call it as it is, Vision Zero means Zero Freedom.–Bandit

APTERA UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST “NEVER CHARGE” ELECTRIC VEHICLE–Power Required for Most Driving to Come From the Sun, Not the Grid

San Diego, Calif., Oct. 3rd, 2019 — Aptera Motors, makers of the world’s most efficient passenger vehicles, introduces Never Charge, an integrated solar-charging option that means never having to charge your car again. This is the first solar vehicle-charging system capable of meeting well over the mileage needs of most drivers.

“A no-fuel transportation option is finally possible, the result of Aptera’s efficient vehicle technology and today’s leading solar cells,” said Aptera co-CEO Steve Fambro. “This is a genuinely off-grid solution and something that can power my home. I’ll feel much better about my energy-use footprint with an Aptera in my driveway.”

The Aptera, which can go 1,000 miles on a single charge, is four times more efficient than the average EV. At 100 watthours per mile, it boasts the lowest energy consumption of any electric vehicle on the road. A modest solar complement integrated into the surface of the Aptera’s body can now supply up to 40 miles’ worth of power per day and more than 11,000 miles of total charge per year with no impact on performance.

Never Charge is the first offering to provide truly grid-independent transportation. It will allow drivers to use the excess power they generate to run their homes or feed it back to the grid at night. It also precludes Aptera from having to incorporate a rapid-charging solution into the vehicle or build out a proprietary charging network.

Initially available as part of a special-edition package, Never Charge will ultimately be an option for any Aptera vehicle. Option details and pricing will be announced in coming months, prior to the start of pre-orders.

To find out more about Aptera and Never Charge, visit: www.Aptera.us or watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlGKZe4EYj4&feature=youtu.be

CORAL HEAD MUSIC FEST–Presented by
THE AMERICAN LEGION &
THE AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS & BIKERNET.COM ™
The Coral Head Concert Series was originated by the American Legion Riders of Post 154 Marathon and premiered their first concert in 2017 at the Community Park in Marathon.

This concert series raises money for U.S. Veteran charities as well as local charities recognized and supported by the American Legion.

PROJECT VET: RELIEF is our primary charity and every show will have a portion of profits going directly to this fine organization. To find out more about Project: VetRelief follow the link below.

www.VetRelief.com

BECOME A SPONSOR AND HELP US
HELP OUR U.S. VETERANS


BUILDERS’ ASSEMBLE!–This year marks our 10-year anniversary of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. Join us for the nation’s largest custom motorcycle gathering at the Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® as we showcase more than 300 professional and amateur builds; cultivating the custom scene and offering builders a chance at thousands in cash and
prizes.

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MOTORCYCLING–The Damon Hypersport is the world’s safest, smartest and most technologically advanced motorcycle.

As we move closer to production, we’re looking for select individuals to help us ensure that Damon Hypersport addresses the major untackled challenges that come with modern motorcycling. In other words, we want this bike to be your favorite motorcycle in the garage.

If selected for our research program, you will have the opportunity to learn about the Halo Hypersport specs, test ride opportunities, release dates and more.

Our mailing address is:
Damon Motorcycles
708 Powell St
Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1H6
Canada

CLIMATE DEPOT AWARDS--Sen. Inhofe’s Top 5 Winners of ‘Climate Hypocrite Awards’ Announced – #5: Mann #4: Obama #3: Climate summit Attendees #2: AOC #1: Al Gore

Awards Coincide with Global Climate Week

Monday, September 23, 2019

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) announced the first of his Climate Hypocrite Awards today. He plans to announce five in total for the week – one each day of Global Climate Week.

“It is easy to get swept up in the rhetoric of climate alarmists, but it’s important to remember the facts. Climate alarmists are eager to tell Americans that they need to take radical action, including going vegan, ending air travel, not having children and eliminating fossil fuels and nuclear energy, but they aren’t willing to back up their data or take the actions they prescribe to everyone else.

“This week, while the rest of the world discusses how to use the climate agenda to turn over our economic system to the federal government and international organizations, I’m going to be serving up a dose of reality by recognizing some of the most notable climate hypocrites.”

#1: Al Gore

Al Gore Award

“Last, but certainly not least, Al Gore has earned the grand prize of America’s greatest climate hypocrite. Whether it’s Gore’s chartered jets around the country or the fact his home uses up to 34 times more energy than the average American household, he’s never wavered in his calls for everyone else to, ‘…make [environmental] changes in their own lives.’ The actual ‘Inconvenient Truth’ is his hypocrisy – it is beyond absurd but typical of Hollywood elites.”

#2: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Climate Awards AOC

“Today’s award goes to proud socialist and Democrat standard-bearer, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who is well known for bad ideas but also for climate hypocrisy. Despite claiming, ‘The world is going to end in 12 years if we don’t address climate change’, she doesn’t seem to have any problem frequently utilizing rideshare apps or airfare over “eco-friendly” public transit and walking. Her radical Green New Deal would put countless Americans out of work – it would end America as we know it – but AOC doesn’t think twice about living lavishly in her luxury apartment building, taking a car one mile to work, and believing her $174,000 taxpayer-funded salary should be higher.”

#3: Climate Conference Attendees

Climate Awards 3

“U.N. climate officials and Hollywood elites share some things in common – they both use fear to push their radical climate agenda while traveling the world on carbon-intensive transportation and telling everyone else to stay home. Make no mistake – their motivation isn’t about saving the environment – it’s about controlling our lives.”

#4: Former President Obama

Global Climate #4

“Despite stating ‘[r]ising sea levels threaten every coastline,’ that didn’t stop former President Obama from reportedly acquiring a 29 acre, $15 million ocean front estate on Martha’s Vineyard. His actions clearly show he doesn’t believe his own rhetoric, but this is all too common for elite, liberal climate doomsdayers who say one thing but do another.”

#5: Michael Mann

Climate Week 1

“To kick off Global Climate Week, it seems most fitting to first recognize Michael Mann, the architect of the discredited ‘Hockey Stick’ graph who tells people to believe the science but was implicated in manipulating data in Climategate and refuses to provide the data to back up his graph.”

–Marc Morano
Climate Depot


LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide Touring 103 FLHX

In 2006, Harley-Davidson Motor Company capitalized on the motorcycle market’s need for a stripped-down touring bike sans the bulkiness of its Electra Glide counterpart. The Street Glide (FLHX) was born and was an immediate hit. Over the years it has become one of the best—if not the best—sellers to roll out of the York, Pennsylvania, factory. With all-new style and long distance comfort, this stripped-down bike is made to eat miles.

The Street Glide is a bagger with street-wise soul, such as stripped down trim and chrome, low suspension, and cropped wind deflector. Inspired by the street, the Street Glide is ready to roar with attitude. This one comes with a 103ci.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT…

**Just 8,624 miles**

Ember Red Sunglo paint and raised tank logos is beautiful (Pictured is scratches on right fairing, right bag and latch, and a few chips in the front fender) Chrome 20″ apes, chrome strap with black accent ‘FLHX’ Tinted windshield, smoked lense blinkers, all chrome front fork, H-D ‘skull’ axle caps, on gorgeous fat spoke 27″ front chrome rim. Chrome slash up exhaust with a great sound.

ABS braking system and chrome brake rotor. Chrome motor covers including oval 103 air cover, cam with H-D logo, and a 103 derby cover. 2-up seat with streamliner floorboards and black contrast cut passenger pegs. 4 pt. docking hardware in place. Smoked lense stop / turn / tail light with LED fender tri-line.

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!!!

[page break]

5-Ball LEATHER PHOTO SHOOT NEXT WEEK—I need to organize the photo shoot for next week. We have several new products that need to be featured on the web site.

New Male full sleeve Jack shirt
Details: New collar, collar snaps
5/8 Jak shirt details (just showing the new softer leather)
Women’s Hoodie Racy Jacket
Details: The hoodie, the pockets and external pockets
Woman’s Pit Crew Vest
Details: Basic details
Make brown trimmed Pit Crew Vest
Two Bandit’s bed rolls
Details: pockets, tool flaps.
One leather Bandit’s Dayroll
Details
Speedway leather shirt sleeveless

I’m going to be busy with Markus Cuff, my grandson, Frankie, the lovely EM famous tattoo artist, Imogen, from the Great Frog Jewelry, and Maxine my granddaughter.

Yamaha Introduces All-New 2020 MT-03 Hyper Naked Motorcycle–
Entry-Level Model Offers Thrilling Ride Experience as a True Master of Torque

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the 2020 MT-03 as an all-new entry-level model in the company’s Hyper Naked motorcycle segment. With its easy-to-ride engine character, lightweight handling, and aggressive styling, the all-new MT-03 fully embodies the signature Yamaha MT (Master of Torque) family design.

The Dark Side of Japan

Many see Japan as a traditional and respectful society where conformity is the norm, but behind this stereotypical image lies a vibrant sub-culture where new fashions and ideas are constantly emerging. These same creative forces that drive the darker and unconventional side have inspired and shaped the unique MT motorcycles, giving every rider the chance to experience thrilling torque, outstanding agility and provocative design from the Dark Side of Japan.

With the global introduction of the MT series in 2013, Yamaha clearly showed the intention to create a new type of motorcycle aimed at riders searching for a new way to express themselves. The Hyper Naked motorcycle segment was quickly developed to grow in range, offering riders the chance to step up in experience and performance through the complete MT lineup. The Hyper Naked segment is in constant evolution, as evidenced by the all-new MT-03.

All-New MT-03: Dark Lightning

With a radical and aggressive look, the all-new MT-03 hallmarks advanced design and an overall high-quality specification. Equipped with a 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that produces smooth and easy-to-ride power delivery, and optimized suspension settings for precise handling and outstanding agility, it is the ultimate full-sized entry-level motorcycle.

Aggressive next-generation MT design
Yamaha’s introduction of the MT-09 in 2013 brought a radical and dynamic new look to the streets. With its naked bodywork, mass-forward design, thrilling linear torque, and outstanding agility, the first Yamaha Hyper Naked motorcycle was an overnight success that proved to be the start of a whole new movement.

Created using the same DNA that made its 847cc triple-cylinder MT-09 sibling one of the best-selling Yamaha models of all time, the all-new MT-03’s aggressive next-generation design strengthens the iconic MT look.

Dynamic mass-forward body design
With a unique design that features a ‘tightly-packed’ look around the engine area, Yamaha’s MT models project a powerful and aggressive character that distinguishes them from other motorcycles. This mass-forward look is taken to the next level on the all-new MT-03 with a wide-shouldered fuel tank cover and lightweight air scoops that reinforce the strong family links.

Dual-position lights and an LED headlight
The all-new MT-03 sports an aggressive face featuring dual angled position lights that convey an aggressive look and underline the pure MT DNA running through its veins.

LED turn signals perfectly complement the position lights and headlight and integrate well in the aggressive MT style.

Sophisticated 321cc twin-cylinder engine
At the heart of this next-generation Hyper Naked motorcycle is one of the smoothest powerplants in the class, featuring a balanced twin-cylinder configuration that delivers a much smoother feeling at lower rpm when compared to some single-cylinder models.

Its high-tech internals include carburized connecting rods and lightweight, heat-resistant forged pistons whose low reciprocating weight reduces vibration and enhances throttle response. All-aluminium DiASil cylinders offer excellent heat dissipation properties for reduced horsepower losses.

37mm KYB upside-down front forks
High-specification KYB upside-down forks deliver enhanced handling performance during braking, acceleration, and cornering, and make the all-new MT-03 one of the strongest and most exciting performers in its class. Featuring black-colored outer tubes and 37mm inner tubes, these forks – together with the aggressive new front cowl and dual position lights – give this premium lightweight all of the presence and stature of a much larger capacity MT.

Long swingarm with Monocross rear shock
Yamaha first introduced the long swingarm concept on its YZF-R1 Supersport model, and the same technology is used to good effect on the all-new MT-03. The 22.6” long asymmetrical swingarm pivots close to the machine’s midway point and reduces the variance in the bike’s angle with the road surface to give a high level of controllability during braking, cornering, and acceleration. A seven-step preload-adjustable Monocross rear shock further refines the bike’s overall handling performance.

Lightweight and compact diamond-type frame

The lightweight diamond-type tubular steel frame is constructed to give the optimum balance of rigidity and contributes to the bike’s agile handling and lightweight feel. By mounting the engine as a stressed member, Yamaha’s designers were able to keep chassis weight to a minimum. With the added fitment of 37mm upside-down forks paired with a street-tuned rear suspension, the all-new MT-03 is built to deliver a thrilling and sporty ride.

Ergonomic riding position

A wide-shouldered fuel tank paired with compact bodywork achieves the optimum riding position and enables riders to experience the highest levels of comfort and control in different situations. The slim center section allows the rider to mold their body closer to the bike, while the low seat height, higher-mounted handlebars, and a compact frame guarantee a natural and ergonomic riding position that creates a special feeling of rider/machine unity.

High-tech LCD instruments

Stylish instruments convey the quality that characterizes this lightweight Hyper Naked motorcycle. The attractive meter panel features a negative LCD layout with all data displayed in white on a black background, and the multi-function design is convenient to operate.

Signature MT family look and high-quality finish

With its dramatic looks, mass-forward bodywork and 37mm KYB upside-down forks, the all-new MT-03 has a look and feel of Yamaha’s larger capacity MT models. From the aggressive dual-eye face to the LCD instruments, LED turn signals and cast aluminum upper triple clamp, this dynamic lightweight is packed with premium features and advanced Yamaha technology, making it one of the most sophisticated models in this category.

2020 MT-03 Key Features

Aggressive next-generation MT design
321cc twin-cylinder engine with easy-to-ride engine character
37mm upside-down KYB front forks
Long swingarm with Monocross rear shock
Lightweight diamond-type frame layout
Ergonomic riding position
LED headlight and turn signals
Dual-position lights
LCD instrumentation
High-quality big-bike look and feel

Colors, price, and availability
Ice Fluo and Midnight Black
$4,599 MSRP
Arrival at authorized Yamaha dealers beginning in February 2020

To learn more about the 2020 Yamaha MT-03 visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/hyper-naked.

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at https://www.shopyamaha.com.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.

Red Light Camera and Speed Camera CrimeLine–
Timeline of criminal indictments, trials and accusations surrounding the companies and individuals responsible for photo enforcement.

Red light cameras and speed cameras are usually presented as tools of law enforcement, but these devices at times are operated with a disregard for the law. Below are highlights of the automated ticketing industry employees and public officials who have been caught or accused of wrongdoing. Their stories, presented chronologically below, include FCC fines, licensing violations, fraud convictions, bribery convictions and more.

September 2019
Federal agents raided city halls in suburban Chicago, Illinois, in a wide-ranging investigation involving SafeSpeed, a UK-based red light camera contractor, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Edmonton, Canada, photo radar supervisor Paul Derksen was found guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault for posing as a police officer to attack a 27-year-old female motorist.

August 2019
Redlex Traffic Systems was ordered to immediately stop practicing engineering without a license in Colorado.

July 2019
Montgomery County, Maryland’s inspector general issues report questioning the propriety of the deal county officials struck with convicted felons to turn school buses into automated ticketing platform.

June 2019
Florida Auditor General issues report documenting misuse of red light camera ticket profit in Opa-Locka.

May 2019
American Traffic Solutions engineer Robert F. Rennebaum was fined $5000 by the North Carolina engineering board for “gross negligence, incompetence or misconduct” in attaching his seal to red light camera work that he did not directly supervise.

Whistleblower exposes corruption in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania red light camera program, including rigged audits and contract bidding irregularities.

German lawyers produce evidence showing speed camera evidence was manipulated after the fact to cover up inaccurate speed readings. more

Washington, DC police Sergeant Mark Robinson is vindicated with a court decision that concluded the city retaliated against him after he blew the whistle on corruption in the city’s speed camera program. more

January 2019
Maryland Office of Legislative Audits issues report documenting contract irregularities in the statewide freeway speed camera program. more

2018: Dallas, Texas Bus Camera Scandal
The Federal Bureau of Investigation exposed a massive corruption scandal involving school bus stop arm cameras in Dallas. Read the FBI’s account of the takedown here. The following players were sentenced to prison for their roles:

Robert Carl Leonard Jr, the CEO of bus camera provider Force Multiplier Solutions was convicted of bribing Dallas officials to secure a photo ticketing deal that earned his company $70 million.

Though she was not charged, Leonard’s wife was also involved in the scandal. She signed checks that were sent to many politicians, including several outside of Texas. more

Ricky Dale Sorrells, then Dallas County Schools superintendent was convicted for taking $3 million in kickbacks from Leonard in return for signing the school bus ticketing camera contract that ultimately caused the dissolution of Dallas County Schools.

Larry Duncan, then the Dallas County Schools board president and a former city councilman, was convicted for embezzling $245,000 in campaign contributions from Leonard in return for his help advancing the bus cameras deal.

Dwaine Caraway, then a powerful member of the Dallas city council, was convicted of taking $450,000 in bribes from Force Multiplier Solutions. His vocal advocacy of automated ticketing helped sway fellow council members into approving the ticketing program that proved financially disastrous.

Slater Washburn Swartwood Sr was convicted for laundering money to help conceal the bribery payments to Dallas County Schools and to Caraway.

November 2018

North Carolina engineering board accuses American Traffic Solutions of misconduct for practicing engineering without a license. more.

September 2018

France’s National Financial Prosecutor opens investigation into the corruption surrounding speed camera equipment contracts.

December 2017

Pennsylvania Auditor General issues report exposing corruption in the Philadelphia red light camera program, including self-dealing by the officials in charge of the cameras. more

New executive team at American Traffic Solutions caught ignoring their own speed camera tickets. more

July 2017

Virginia Beach, Virginia, caught destroying records related to the red light program that are required under state law.

May 2017

Texas cops caught taking overtime payments and free meals for lobbying the legislature in favor of photo enforcement. more

March 2017

Virginia Department of Transportation admonishes the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for setting up photo radar on Virginia highways in violation of state law.

January 2017

American Traffic Solutions employee sues for back pay after California declares the company in violation of the state’s prevailing wage law.

June 2016

Smith County, Texas Judge Joel Patrick Baker was arrested and later convicted for arranging a deal with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to install speed cameras during a meeting held in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Outcome: Texas Court of Appeals in 2017 said Smith County cannot conceal the speed camera meeting recordings and documents.

Xerox sues Cleveland, Ohio, for failing to pay $9 million in speed camera fees after 78 percent of voters passed a measure outlawing the devices in 2014.

May 2016
The Texas Board of Professional Engineers reprimanded Robert B. Zaitooni, then the engineering manager at American Traffic Solutions (ATS), for misconduct related to a red light camera study in the city of Magnolia.

This report continues back to 2004 with over 100 additional complaints.—Bandit

–NMA
From the Newspaper.com

TRIUMPH DEAL OF THE WEEK–Thruxton R

The incredible 1200cc ‘high power’ performance and rider-focused technical capability of the Thruxton is most fully represented by the ‘R’ model, which is equipped to the highest specification with a fully-engaged rider position, kicked-up back end, smaller diameter grips and a higher all-round specification of premium equipment.

Thruxton R’s perfect balance of breathtaking style, thrilling performance, exceptional handling, and category-leading capability heralds the return of the Triumph motorbike racing legend.

Come take a test ride today!

Check Out V85 TT!
Special Financing Available!

Moto Guzzi:
0% APR
Through September 2019 only!

Triumph:
2 Year Complimentary Factory Maintenance
2 Year Complimentary Pick up & Drop off
1 Year 15% off Parts
15% Off Parts & Accessories
25% Off Replacement Tires
Complimentary Loaner Program
Priority Service

Vespa:
0% APR Through September Only!

MV Agusta:
1.99% APR
New Winter Hours!
Beginning Monday 9/30/2019

Mon: Closed (Rentals by Appointment only)

Tues- Sat: 9am-6pm

Sun: 10am-4pm

Need some work done?
We have certified mechanics who are happy to help you with what ever you need. Come on in and we’ll help you get back on the road.

Come See our Motorcycles!
Click the map for directions to our showroom.

3191 Airport Loop Dr Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Broken down? Need a ride? We’ve got you covered! We do FREE pick-up and delivery within 15 miles! Give us a call today.

714.957.5775

Our mailing address is: Orange County Motorcycle
3191 Airport Loop Dr Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

NEWS FROM LANDSPEED LOUISE–
CBS network news crew interview of 3rd generation land speed racer Olivia Nish about why the Bonneville Salt Flats should be restored to safe racing conditions for current and future generations.

Bonneville Salt Flats, UT — On Saturday, October 5th, 2019, CBS This Morning is scheduled to air a report on conditions at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Check your local listing for exact times.

The CBS network news crew spent two days on the salt in mid-September observing the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s “World of Speed” event where they spoke with more than a dozen racers, officials and spectators about the unchecked decline in salt crust thickness — essential to safe land speed racing and record setting for amateur motorsports.

CBS This Morning co-host Jeff Glor, producer Dan Ruetenik and cameraman Roger Masterton conducted interviews with USFRA President Dennis Sullivan and Veteran land speed racer Rick Vesco, both of whom have donated countless hours to the effort to restore Bonneville. Historical racing footage was provided by Pete Farnsworth, builder of the Blue Flame Rocket Car, Danny Thompson shared clips of his father Mickey’s original Challenger runs, Al and Jane Teague’s Spirit of 76 streamliner, and TEAM Vesco of the 500MPH Turbinator along with film clips going back to the 1950s.

Save the Salt is working with local, state and federal government officials and the mine lease holder to implement a 10-year Restore Bonneville program. It will dramatically increase the amount of salt being pumped onto Bonneville after potash is removed. The current pumping program has helped stabilize Bonneville, but the infrastructure must be upgraded in order to restore this historic landmark. In early 2019, the State of Utah appropriated $5 million to the restoration process, contingent upon receiving $45 million from the federal government and other sources. The program will be administered by the State of Utah in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

— “LandSpeed” Louise Ann Noeth louise@savethesalt.org
805.312.0893 talk
www.savethesalt.org

[page break]

NEWS FROM SADDLEMEN SEATS— I have included a couple of photos of our Road Sofa line. One of them is a brand new version of our tired and true Road Sofa with a new cover style.

It’s our CF Road Sofa and its available with all the options and upgrades as our Road Sofa line and is available for the 97-07 fitment as well as 08+ baggers.

In addition our Tactical Line is great and excellent to travel with. You can view those options the TS3200DE Tactical Deluxe

Cruiser Tail Bag here https://www.saddlemen.com/motorcycle-rider-bags-luggage/seat-tail-tunnel-mounted-bags/ts3200de-tactical-deluxe-cruiser-tail-bag-universal-1?limit=100

This is the go to travel bag for our team this season. It’s bulletproof and versatile. Have a great day and keep spreading the gospel!

–Buster, Team Saddlemen

NEWS FROM MAV ARTS–Thanks to all our BACKERS!
ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT!

Monte is hard at work on commissions, covers, and originals, so you all get to hear from me this week! The Kickstarter Project is going strong – we have already passed our first stretch goal and added another (see below for Moore about that).

Thank you for all of your continued support, and keep paying attention to the campaign as new things are added over the next two weeks. Another great way to show support is to share out the link to The Menagerie to your friends, family, followers and anyone else you think will enjoy Monte’s work.

Moore exciting news, make sure to check out Monte’s Facebook feed and the Kickstarter page starting tomorrow for new pieces available for sale. – BAM!

– Joshua
#EXPECTMOORE


LATEST FROM FUELING–SEX UP YOUR RIDE WITH STAINLESS FASTENERS
– LIFETIME WARRANTY
– STAINLESS STEEL
– SHOW POLISH WITH CORROSION FINISH

Stainless 12 point External Engine Fastener kits:
_____________________
Fitments For:
– M-Eight
– Twin Cam
– EVO
– XL

Pictured: part #3052 (Dress up kit) & #9137 (Points Cover)

FEULING x ARP Cylinder Stud & Head bolt kits
_____________________
Fitments For:
– M-Eight
– Twin Cam
– EVO
– XL

Pictured: part #3024

Primary and Transmission Stainless 12 point dress-up kits:
_____________________
Fitments For:
– M-Eight
– EVO
– Twin-Cam
– XL

Pictured: part #3053 (Dress-up kit) & #9163 (Derby Cover)

CLIMATE ALERT–Another Climate Scientist with Impeccable Credentials Breaks Ranks: ‘Our models are Mickey-Mouse Mockeries of the Real World’

https://electroverse.net/another-climate-scientist-with-impeccable-credentials-breaks-ranks/

Dr. Mototaka Nakamura received a Doctorate of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and for nearly 25 years specialized in abnormal weather and climate change at prestigious institutions that included MIT, Georgia Institute of Technology, NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, JAMSTEC and Duke University.

In his book The Global Warming Hypothesis is an Unproven Hypothesis, Dr. Nakamura explains why the data foundation underpinning global warming science is “untrustworthy” and cannot be relied on:

“Global mean temperatures before 1980 are based on untrustworthy data,” writes Nakamura. “Before full planet surface observation by satellite began in 1980, only a small part of the Earth had been observed for temperatures with only a certain amount of accuracy and frequency. Across the globe, only North America and Western Europe have trustworthy temperature data dating back to the 19th century.”

From 1990 to 2014, Nakamura worked on cloud dynamics and forces mixing atmospheric and ocean flows on medium to planetary scales. His bases were MIT (for a Doctor of Science in meteorology), Georgia Institute of Technology, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Duke and Hawaii Universities and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.

He’s published 20+ climate papers on fluid dynamics.

There is no questioning his credibility or knowledge.

Today’s ‘global warming science’ is akin to an upside down pyramid which is built on the work of a few climate modelers. These AGW pioneers claim to have demonstrated human-derived CO2 emissions as the cause of recently rising temperatures and have then simply projected that warming forward. Every climate researcher thereafter has taken the results of these original models as a given, and we’re even at the stage now where merely testing their validity is regarded as heresy.

Here in Nakamura, we have a highly qualified and experienced climate modeler with impeccable credentials rejecting the unscientific bases of the climate crisis claims. But he’s up against it — activists are winning at the moment, and they’re fronted by scared, crying children; an unstoppable combination, one that’s tricky to discredit without looking like a heartless bastard (I’ve tried).

Climate scientist Dr. Mototaka Nakamura’s recent book blasts global warming data as “untrustworthy” and “falsified”.

DATA FALSIFICATION

When arguing against global warming, the hardest thing I find is convincing people of data falsification, namely temperature fudging. If you don’t pick your words carefully, forget some of the facts, or get your tone wrong then it’s very easy to sound like a conspiracy crank (I’ve been there, too).

But now we have Nakamura.

The good doctor has accused the orthodox scientists of “data falsification” in the form adjusting historical temperature data down to inflate today’s subtle warming trend — something Tony Heller has been proving for years on his website realclimatescience.com.

Nakamura writes: “The global surface mean temperature-change data no longer have any scientific value and are nothing except a propaganda tool to the public.”

The climate models are useful tools for academic studies, he admits. However: “The models just become useless pieces of junk or worse (as they can produce gravely misleading output) when they are used for climate forecasting.”

Climate forecasting is simply not possible, Nakamura concludes, and the impacts of human-caused CO2 can’t be judged with the knowledge and technology we currently possess.

The models grossly simplify the way the climate works.

As well as ignoring the sun, they also drastically simplify large and small-scale ocean dynamics, aerosol changes that generate clouds (cloud cover is one of the key factors determining whether we have global warming or global cooling), the drivers of ice-albedo: “Without a reasonably accurate representation, it is impossible to make any meaningful predictions of climate variations and changes in the middle and high latitudes and thus the entire planet,” and water vapor.

The climate forecasts also suffer from arbitrary “tunings” of key parameters that are simply not understood.
NAKAMURA ON CO2

He writes:

“The real or realistically-simulated climate system is far more complex than an absurdly simple system simulated by the toys that have been used for climate predictions to date, and will be insurmountably difficult for those naive climate researchers who have zero or very limited understanding of geophysical fluid dynamics. The dynamics of the atmosphere and oceans are absolutely critical facets of the climate system if one hopes to ever make any meaningful prediction of climate variation.”

Solar input is modeled as a “never changing quantity,” which is absurd.

“It has only been several decades since we acquired an ability to accurately monitor the incoming solar energy. In these several decades only, it has varied by one to two watts per square meter. Is it reasonable to assume that it will not vary any more than that in the next hundred years or longer for forecasting purposes? I would say, No.”

Read Mototaka Nakamura’s book for free on Kindle — arm yourself with the facts, and spread them.

Facts such as these little nuggets (all lifted/paraphrased from the book):

“[The models have] no understanding of cloud formation/forcing.”

“Assumptions are made, then adjustments are made to support a narrative.”

“Our models are mickey-mouse mockeries of the real world.”

SOLAR FORCING

Solar output isn’t constant, IPCC. And the modulation of cloud nucleation is a key consequence. During solar minima, like the one we’re entering now, the sun’s magnetic field weakens and the outward pressure of the solar wind decreases. This allows more Cosmic Rays from deep space to penetrate our planet’s atmosphere. These CRs have been found to nucleate clouds (Svensmark et al). And clouds are a crucial player earth’s climate.

As Roy Spencer, PhD. eloquently writes:

“Clouds are the Earth’s sunshade, and if cloud cover changes for any reason, you have global warming — or global cooling.”

THE BIKERNET TRIKE REPORT--The all-new 2020 Vanderhall Carmel autocycle.

The Carmel is available in dealerships now — is an artful blend of performance and open-air luxury. This American-made three-wheeler is hand-built in Vanderhall’s Utah factory using almost entirely U.S.-sourced components and materials. Although the new Carmel shares the patented aluminum monocoque chassis with the company’s flagship Venice model, the Carmel adds doors and a host of other upscale amenities. It is also offered in three different levels: base Blackjack, standard trim, and fully loaded GT.

“The new 2020 Vanderhall Carmel is a response to customer and dealer input we have received since launching our Venice model in 2016,” says Vanderhall marketing director Daniel Boyer. “It adds doors to simplify ingress and egress, plus offers provisions for a removable cap shade. Vanderhall only does one thing: make American-made autocycles. The new Carmel shows that we are constantly evolving.”

All 2020 Vanderhall autocycles have GM-sourced powertrains for reliable performance. The Carmel models use the aluminum-block 1.5L LFV turbocharged inline-four engine. Power is rated at 194 horsepower. The light-weight engine also gives the front-wheel-drive Carmel a road-hugging 75/25 weight distribution.

The turbocharged inline-four engine is mated to the GM 6T40 sequential 6-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox accepts paddle-shifters (standard in the Carmel GT) for clutchless manual shifting. Equal-length half-shafts create a positive on-center steering response.

Other across-the-line Carmel features include rear-hinged (“suicide”) doors and high-performance 4-piston brakes. Cruise control, Bluetooth sound, a heater, and heated seats are also standard.

Highlights of the three available 2020 Vanderhall Carmel models:

GT

The fully optioned Carmel is factory-equipped with paddle-shifters and a cap sunshade, which installs between the passenger hoops and windshield. Further, the GT windshield is shorter and sportier than the other two Carmel models. Interior upholstery is tan leather, as are the door panels. Stainless-steel traction plates and dead pedals are also standard. Additional GT equipment includes boost and transmission-gear gauges above and beyond the standard instrumentation.

Appearance-wise, the Carmel GT includes a polished 3-inch exhaust system and gloss-black 19-inch 10-spoke wheels. It is available in two exterior colors: Ruby Metallic and Pearl White. MSRP is $43,950.

Standard Carmel

At an MSRP of $39,950, the standard model is well-appointed, with slightly less content than the GT model. It is offered with machined 19-inch wheels and a choice of two body colors: Vintage Silver Metallic and Poseidon Blue. Upholstery is durable tan V-Tex synthetic material, and the windshield is taller than the GT version. The paddle-shifter and cap shade are available dealer-installed options.

Blackjack

For Vanderhall Carmel customers who would like to add their own entertainment electronics, wheels, and possibly a custom body wrap, Vanderhall offers the Blackjack as a builder’s-level model. Its body and exhaust are both matte black, as are the interior traction plate and dead pedals. Base 18-inch alloy wheels are also included to price the Blackjack at an MSRP of $34,950.

For more information on the Carmel or the rest of the 2020 model-year Vanderhall line-up, please visit Vanderhall Motor Works Inc. at vanderhallusa.com or email info@vanderhallusa.com.

DUCATI WORLD–Win magnificent prizes with the Join Ducati contest

If you own a Ducati motorcycle, enter the contest dedicated exclusively to customers registered on MyDucati. The more Ducati bikes you own, the better your chances of winning! You could win 1 exclusive Hypermotard 950 with special livery, 3 Jerez 2020 Ducati MotoGP Experiences for two people, and many other prizes.

Access MyDucati now and find out how to participate in the contest.

ENTER NOW
www.ducati.com

INCREDIBLE—I’m working on the Salt Torpedo slowly trying to finish the firewall, the fire suppression unit installations, the helmet cowling and strengthen the front axle swingarm mounts.

You know, when someone bitches at you over and over, don’t get pissed. Make mental note and challenge your own assumptions for the best possible outcome. It never hurts to question your own thinking.

Next, I want to work Gene Thomason’s story. Then I have another terrific Life and Times tale but not about me. It comes from a brother who doesn’t want to be mentioned. I need to work around that.

Then, I will work on the Gearhead’s feature. We are making slow progress. I need to find a couple of slow weeks to focus on my screenplay. I want to make that happen right away, but carving out time recently is challenging. I’ll get there.

I fixed my 1969 Panhead, and the 1928 Panhead battery is toast. I’ve had two of these batteries take a shit and would like to try anti-gravity batteries, but they cost a bunch. I may try again.

In the meantime, ride fast and free forever!

–Bandit

Read More

THE WONDERS OF THE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS

Hey,

This is a strange and wonderful week. Shit is happening fast. Shit is changing fast, and shit will go to hell quick if we all don’t get involved.

I didn’t intend this to be doom and gloom, but it just spilled out as I wrote. It’s time we all joined a motorcycle rights group or three and got our boots wet.

Here’s my code of the West: We live in the best of times. Our government needs to focus on the people, our freedoms and happiness not on trying to control everything or make everything safe as in Zero. It’s all about control and it won’t work, so let’s be happy and as free as possible.

There are more opportunities for happy than ever before, more events, more races, more run, more shows, you name it. There are more resources for building anything you want to ride. But we need to step up and support Freedom. And make sure to register to vote. It’s in the Code of the West… 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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

HANG ON!–The 16th Annual David Mann Chopperfest will be held Sunday, December 8, 2019 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, CA from 8am – 4pm.

In addition to the motorcycle show, we’ll have a custom bike builder display featuring world class bike builders, the “David Mann & Friends” Motorcycle Art and Culture Exhibit, hundreds of motorcycle vendors, a new and used motorcycle parts swap meet, food, 805 Firestone beer and live music.

Plus there is a $2500 cash prize for Best of Show bike and $500 for best Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Antique and David Mann Memorial thanks to the generous support of Ross Brown Motorcycle Attorneys.

The “If you build it they will come” All Brand Motorcycle Show will feature 22 classes of motorcycles from antique & old school to radical design. Check out the Chopper Fest website Bike Show link below for more details on all the classes and entering your motorcycle. If you have a bike that fits one of these classes please enter it, it’s only $40 and you get 1 admission and a David Mann Chopper Fest t-shirt. The trophy’s are amazing one of a kind pieces of art by Sonny Boy.

General Admission is $15, Military with ID $10, kids 12 & under Free

Bike Show Registration Form:
Register your bike online or download the bike show registration form. You can mail it in or send to sean@chopperfestival.com, 818.681.9719

Vendor and Swapmeet registration is now open. Vendor/Swapmeet forms can be downloaded by clicking the link below or at www.chopperfestival.com or you can call or email Sean to reserve your space. 818.681.9719, sean@chopperfestival.com. Sean, in addition to putting together one amazing Chopperfest art show, will be working with Tory on the vendors this year.

Click here for the vendor application form

**Attention returning vendors** – if you would like to reserve your same spot or move closer please submit application and payment by October 14th. After that date your space will be open to vendors on the waiting list wishing to move closer to the front of venue. Thank you.

See you there!


EASYRIDERS IS DEAD—I’M IN MOURNING–It’s official. I received a subscription refund (sort of) from Paisano Publications the parent of Easyriders magazine. What I received was a gift certificate to be used for Easyriders over priced ($40 t-shirt) merchandise plus $6 for shipping.

I’ve been a subscriber since late ‘70s. Editors Frank Kaisler, Keith Ball and Dave Nichols all great guys that lead a great team. Miraculous Mutha, great jokes and fiction where the biker always wins. Naked girls!! And the best bike builders in the country! I’ll never see those again. Not just Easyriders magazine, the motorcycle shows, the Rodeos, Boys and Girls support, VQ, In the Wind, Tattoo and other Paisano magazines.

I have an Easyriders watch! I even have a VQ money clip that even Dave Nichols doesn’t have!

I’ve had a bike on the cover of Easyriders and another featured in one of their other mags. And countless articles and ads when I was at CCI.

Where will I see bikes built by Dave Perewitz, Donnie Smith or Finch from the east and mid-west? I used to just stare at the creativity of Arlen Ness whom I would befriend later in life no less!

As I toil away on my sidecar, I’m asking myself “what’s the point?” It won’t be featured in Easyriders and photographed by the best motorcycle photographer ever (Michael Lichter). Sure, it’ll probably get photo’d by someone using an iPhone and end up in an on-line magazine. OOOHHH look guys at this screen of pictures of my many years of hard work!! Well hell, I could just send you pictures now and stop working.

Can you imagine the day when we are huddled around a glowing screen looking at a bike feature? It’s here! I’ll have nothing for my archives or my wall of a great picture of my hard work and imagination to look at while I work on another.

For years as a young man (in college no less) I read Easyriders and couldn’t wait for the next issue. I imagined someday of getting rid of my leaky triumph chopper and building a full custom that would get featured in Easyriders. Gazing at the features of Sturgis or Daytona, dreaming of the day I would attend. The magazine definitely fueled my imagination, my spirit of adventure and my drive to…well, get where I’ve got.

I didn’t have to wait for a computer to spool up. I could pull out an old copy and show you a small piece of some great work a bike builder had done and file that idea away for a future build. And most of all the editorial content that said we may be bikers but we don’t take anything seriously and especially ourselves.

I couldn’t stand looking at some of the copycat magazines that took themselves so serious with their tough guy attitude and parts-built feature bikes. While at CCI I refused to advertise in any of those magazines, because I was an Easyriders fan 10 years before joining CCI!

I’m sure Joe Teresi (owner of Paisano) has his reasons, and I’m not faulting him for his decision to sell to a group whom have let me know that Easyriders will be available on newsstands only, quarterly, and as a lifestyle magazine or a catalog. My hat’s off to all of the Easyriders staff for the years of entertainment that have provided this motorcycle enthusiast for over 40 years.

Easyriders and Paisano have been intertwined in my entire motorcycle life from the beginning all the way to my latest project where the ultimate goal was a feature in this preeminent publication. Now what?

I’m in mourning………
Ride Hard,
Dan

PS. I’m headed to Sturgis in 2020. If things go right – I’ll have to trailer my sidecar. Trailer…HA first time…and hopefully the last.

Miami officer suspended after video with models in lingerie–
MIAMI BEACH – Officials said a Florida police officer has been suspended after a video of him in uniform pretending to arrest three scantily clad models went viral.

The Miami Herald reported that Miami Beach police Officer William Beeker was placed on administrative duty Monday and suspended Tuesday.

Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales released a statement saying that it was disgusting that a representative of the Miami Beach Police Department would choose to participate in the distasteful video.

The video posted Monday of the models’ Instagram accounts received more than 2 million total views.

The video shows Beeker accompanying the handcuffed women toward the police headquarters. A second video shows the women thanking Beeker for letting them go as he sits on an ATV.

A message seeking comment from Beeker’s union wasn’t returned.

Senior Editor’s Note: Over the years we took a lot of photos of women and cops for Easyriders – Times have changed.

–Rogue

Should people be forced to be on juries?

Judge clears record of man jailed for missing jury duty

ASSOCIATED PRESS
WEST PALM BEACH – A Florida man who spent 10 days in jail after he overslept and missed jury duty had his record cleared by a judge Monday.

Palm Beach County Circuit Judge John Kastrenakes rescinded his contempt finding against 21-year-old Deandre Somerville, writing that Somerville has been apologetic, “totally rehabilitated” and no longer needs to be on probation, news outlets reported.

“I know he now understands and respects our system of justice and the critical role jurors play in that system,” Kastrenakes wrote. “In conclusion, I do not want even a finding of contempt to be gleaned from a perusal of his background or record.”

Somerville served his 10-day jail sentence last month. Kastrenakes had initially also sentenced him to 12 months of probation and ordered him to perform 150 hours of community service. On Friday, the judge reduced those terms to three months of probation and 30 hours of community service.

Three days later, Kastrenakes vacated the probation sentence entirely, although he maintained that Somerville had been careless to not show up for jury duty on Aug. 21.

Somerville said he overslept and didn’t call the bailiff before heading straight to his afternoon job in an afterschool program at the West Palm Beach city parks department. His absence delayed the court by 45 minutes, according to court records.
Somerville, who had no previous criminal record, read a letter of apology in Kastrenakes’ court on Friday.

“As a result of my irresponsible actions, my life has been forever changed,” he said. “Everything I’ve gone through. I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.”

Kastrenakes on Monday said he found Somerville’s apology letter to be “moving, sincere and heartfelt.”

–from Rogue

THE EVEL KNIEVEL MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN—Alicia Knievel Vincent told how her father had considered sites in Nevada, Montana and Florida, but still hadn’t decided when he passed away in 2007.

The Evel Knievel museum found a home next door to Historic Harley-Davidson in Topeka, Kansas. Credit goes to Lathan McKay, producer, actor who amassed the largest collection of Evel memorabilia. The other majority of the credit goes to the dealer/owner Mike Patterson.

The Evel Knievel Museum is located at 2047 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka Kansas.

www.evelknievel museum.com


FAKE NEWS: ELECTRIC BIKES—I love this one. In the Week Magazine they posted what the critics said about the 2020 Zero SR/F motorcycle.

Jalopnik.com called it outrageously fun. Car and Driver boasted about hot acceleration from zero to 60 in three seconds and a purported 319 mpg and a noisy rear wheel belt drive. Motorcycle magazine said it’s the best electric motorcycle on the market for $20,000 and sharp looking.

I ran into a couple of kinks in this program. First, it looks like any other sport bike. I’d give it a 2 for appearance, and then there’s the pothole in the center of the lane. The Zero factory call for 161 miles per charge, but only for city traffic. Car and Drive pointed out, “At a constant 75 mph, we could clock only 70 miles.”

Even the skinniest chopper, not meant for long runs can reach 100 miles. What good is any vehicle incapable of going 100 miles on a single charge. –Bandit

THE STRANGE LAW OF THE WEEK—In Australia you could be fined as much as $2,700 if you don’t walk your dog daily. So, what kind of surveillance is going to monitor that?– Bandit

–from the Week Magazine

MORE ON THE EASYRIDERS SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEM–
Hey Bandit, just got a voucher from Easyriders for no more subscription. I can use it to buy, I guess left over swag. Better than nothing I guess.

–AJ

Rogue: I received a brochure from Easyriders indicating that they were going to be a non-subscription/newsstand only quarterly magazine or catalog. They offered basic Easyriders hats, t shirts, hoodies and koozies at inflated prices with an order form for the product and absolutely no mention of a refund.

I started riding when I was 13 in a small rural community and with a license since I turned 16 (I’m 67 now) and have more biker wear than I can wear in a year’s time. The Easyriders T was priced at $40 and the hoodie at $70. (priced higher than H-D stuff).

I sent the following email requesting a refund. I’ll let you know the outcome.

To whom it may concern. I received the brochure today indicating that the new owners have shut down the monthly subscription of Easyriders magazine in order to go to a quarterly magazine at some newsstands (That I will not be likely to be able to find in my area). The brochure indicates a balance of $104.96 and a code of 105158.

I have been getting this publication since 1970 and, as you see by the amount of subscription credit, anticipated to do so for some time into the future. The only magazine I have subscribed to for several years. I am extremely disappointed at the direction that the magazine is now taking.

I have more T shirts, sweatshirts and hats than I could possibly need, and I have no relatives that would want any of the product since they don’t ride or like the biker lifestyle. As I do not want product you are offering I am asking for a refund of the full amount.

— Gary Weaver

The madness of Extinction Rebellion–This is an upper-middle-class death cult and we should ridicule it out of existence.

Yesterday, in London, I witnessed an eerie, chilling sight: I saw a death cult holding a ceremony in public.

The men and women gathered outside King’s Cross station and formed a circle. They swayed and chanted. They preached about End Times. ‘What will you do when the world gets hot, what, what?’, they intoned, conjuring up images of the hellfire they believe will shortly consume mankind. They sang hymns to their god – science. ‘We’ve got all the science / All that we need / To change the world / Hallelujah’, they sang, rocking side to side as they did so.

They demanded repentance. ‘Buy less, fly less, fry less’, said one placard. Catholics only demand the non-consumption of meat on Fridays, as an act of penance to mark the day of Christ’s death. This new religion demands an end to meat-consumption entirely, as penance for mankind’s sins of growth and progress.

And like all death cultists, they handed out leaflets that contained within them ‘THE TRUTH’. The leaflets foretell floods and fire: ‘We are in trouble. Sea levels are rising… Africa and the Amazon are on fire.’ The only word that was missing was locusts. They can’t be far behind these other ghastly visitations to sinful mankind.

And if you question their TRUTH? Then, like those heretics who were hauled before The Inquisition 500 years ago, you will be denounced as a denier. A denier of their revelations, a denier of their visions. ‘Denial is not a policy’, their placards decreed. Spotting me filming their spooky, apocalyptic ceremony, one of the attendees waved that placard in my face. A warning from the cult to a corrupted outsider.

–from Spiked.com

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TEXAS DEAL OF THE WEEK–So ended up with ‘07 Dyna FXDB, was on my way to Dallas to buy another one Sunday, but it sold the night before, which was okay, as I ended up taking the redhead to the ER.

She is okay though, but left her Monday morning to go get the ’07. She was there through Wednesday, then the 7-month-old grandson hit town Thursday. So, no motorcycle work yet

Had a friend up in Austin check this one out, some things he didn’t notice, but hopefully she’ll be okay at her new home? So far, the farthest I’ve ridden it was up the driveway. Already have Progressive black 412s and a new front rotor and pads.

Probably gonna go with a Thunderheader and it needs some bags like on that first Dyna. My daily commute is 130 miles round trip. Went to transfer the title this morning, forgot it wasn’t legal, so needs an inspection first.

–RFR

AUCTION OF THE MONTH–$500,000 bid expected for vintage motorcycle at Barber auction

by: Chris Best

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WKRG)— There are so many vintage motorcycles at Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham it’s almost mind-numbing. It’s the largest collection in the world. They literally have them stacked four stories high. And then there’s the basement. The display is awe-inspiring to anyone. But those who really know what to look for can spot the most rare bikes among the masses.

Saturday, Bonhams will be at the museum auctioning off one of the rarest of all, a 1959 Crocker Big Tank V-Twin. It’s expected to go for as much as half a million dollars. This is all happening during the Barber Vintage Motorcycle Festival. About 85,000 motorcycle fans from across the globe are gathered in Alabama this weekend at the site.

1940 Crocker Big Tank V-Twin
Engine no. 40-61-114• Formerly owned by Crocker employee Elmo Looper
• From the last two years of Crocker motorcycle production
• One of fewer than 30 Big Tanks built
• Engine and transmission overhaul by Mike Lange

It’s not the only rare bike up for grabs. Here’s the full press release from Bonhams:

Museum

Crocker and Merkel among world’s most desired collectors’ motorcycles; Bidder registration now invited for sale hosted with Barber Vintage Festival

In anticipation of its second annual auction “Collectors’ Motorcycles at the Barber Museum,” Bonhams is very pleased to announce the consignment of two very rare and highly sought-after collectors’ motorcycles – a 1940 Crocker Big Tank and a 1910 Flying Merkel Twin.

1940 Crocker Big Tank and a 1910 Flying Merkel Twin Called the “Duesenberg of motorcycles,”

Crocker is the definitive American motorcycle – handmade, powerful and fast. Very much a Hollywood “hot rod” production bike, Crocker was created in and shaped by the culture of pre-war Los Angeles, California, by former Indian distributor Al Crocker. When it debuted, the upstart founder brazenly challenged world dominators Harley-Davidson, boasting of superiority. As the story goes, Al Crocker famously advertised that if any of his bikes were ever beaten by a stock Harley, he would refund the owner’s money. No refunds were ever requested.

As a bespoke machine, each Crocker was made to the specifications of its buyer. This expensive and time-intensive approach meant that quality remained high but output low. Total Crocker numbers never exceeded more than 125 units before World War II forced the firm’s closure, and today only around 50 of those units are accounted for, making Crocker motorcycles extremely rare.

After fading into relative obscurity for half a century, two major events transpired that vaulted Crocker to the consciousness of collectors worldwide. First, the Guggenheim Museum’s groundbreaking 1998 exhibit The Art of the Motorcycle prominently featured a Crocker (owned by famed auto collector Otis Chandler).

Then, the seminal 2006 Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d’Elegancepresented Crocker as a featured marque with a record-breaking 20 examples on display. The attention provided by these two events – highlighting the marque’s unique history, success and rarity – suddenly made Crocker one of the most desirable and expensive motorcycles in the world. Since then, values of Crockers have increased by more than 500%.

The 1940 Crocker consigned to Bonhams’ sale is #4061-114, said to have been owned by Elmo Looper, former Crocker employee and the man who bought the spares and tooling from Crocker after the factory’s 1947 closure.

1910 Flying Merkel 884cc Twin
Flying Merkel of Ohio is the archetypal pioneering American motorcycle and represents all the attributes of desirability – innovation, high build quality, success in racing, low manufacturing numbers, short corporate lifespan, and few surviving examples. Produced in both single and twin-cylinder configurations, the scarce existing twins are today the most sought after. The 1910 v-twin to be offered by Bonhams has benefitted from an exhaustive and accurate concours-level restoration and is reported to run as beautifully as it looks.

Bidder registration is now invited for the October sale that’s to be held in conjunction with the world’s largest vintage motorcycle event – The Barber Vintage Festival – in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information, visit Bonhams.com/Barber.

Please be careful out there, and follow me on social media:

www.Facebook.com/TVBikerDad
www.instagram.com/the_biker_dad
www.twitter.com/TVBikerDad

Chris Best is the News Director for WKRG. He’s a husband and father of four. He’s also a motorcycle enthusiast.

— Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–flexuous
adjective [flek-shoo-uhs]
full of bends or curves; sinuous.

How is flexuous used?
The searching stems are gently flexuous, belying their innate urge to reach up to the light.
ANDY BYFIELD, “IVY: THE FORGOTTEN FESTIVE PLANT,” THE GUARDIAN, DECEMBER 31, 2013
… George Best corkscrewing his way past man after man on a flexuous run of perfect balance and improvised brilliance.
PAUL GARDNER, “SOCCER, AMERICAN STYLE,” NEW YORK TIMES, MAY 4, 1975

What is the origin of flexuous?

Flexuous comes straight from Latin flexuosus “full of bends or turns, winding,” an adjective derived from the noun flexus “an act of bending, turning, or swerving, or of turning a corner,” which in turn is a derivative of the verb flectere “to bend, curve, curl (the hair).” Further etymology of flectere is uncertain. Flexuous is not common in English; the word is used chiefly in zoology and botany.

Aeromach to Distribute QD Exhaust for Indian FTR in the USA–

Aeromach USA, LLC, a motorcycle parts manufacturer and distributor located in Charlotte, N.C., is pleased to announce they are the US distributor for QD exhaust for the new Indian FTR motorcycle. QD, is based in Vercelli, Italy, southwest of Milan.

“We are excited to add this line of quality products to our offerings for the new FTR motorcycle,” said Paul Aiken, owner of Aeromach. “We have been selling QD exhaust for the Indian Scout and when I met with the team from QD we immediately decided we needed to sell these beautiful Italian mufflers in the US and according to feedback from our customers they agree.”

The slip-on mufflers feature a carbon fiber heat shield and can be mounted directly to the factory resonator or with the available QD-70005 “cat-delete” pipe to remove the resonator. A reflash unit will follow shortly to reflash the bike’s ECU to compensate for the exhaust change when removing factory resonator.

Retail price for the QD-700012 and QD-70015 mufflers is $875, the QD-70005 Cat-Delete is $298. They can be ordered at many dealers in the US as well as online from Aeromach’s website www.aeromach.net

For more information contact:

Aeromach USA LLC

Paul E. Aiken, 800-990-9392

paul@aeromach.net

www.aeromach.net

Highway Hawk is a product of Motolux

SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS–
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Fish Window Cleaning is giving back. This month, the local FISH location will be giving away free window cleaning to the home of a local breast cancer fighter or survivor.

“It would have been especially hard for me to clean my own windows while undergoing treatment since upper body strength is needed. I was worn out, weak and in no condition for such a task and to climb ladders was out of the question, says Sheila, a breast cancer survivor. Just keeping up with daily cleaning tasks became almost impossible. It was really great how my friends, family and community rallied around to help me by providing meals and helping keep my house clean. A free window cleaning could really brighten up a breast cancer fighter’s day, for sure.”

Breast cancer treatment can be incredibly draining for women and FISH wants to help provide a fighter in our community with some relief. Often, breast cancer treatments are time-consuming, exhausting and/or painful. The last thing a woman undergoing treatment (or her family members) want to think about after a full day of treatments is keeping the house clean.

According to Psychology Today, a clean house can affect a woman’s mental health:

Women who live in a cluttered home were more likely to be depressed and fatigued.
Women who viewed their homes as restful or restorative were more likely to have a more positive mental outlook.

Cleanliness can help improve and support physical and mental health.

With one in eight women in the U.S. being affected by invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, there is a desperate need for more awareness, fundraising and support for families in need. This month, FISH is hoping to make a difference in our community.

To enter to win a free window cleaning, breast cancer fighters or survivors can be nominated through FISH’s website through a simple information form and a brief description of her breast cancer story. Nominations open on October 7 and will remain open through the end of the month. The winning home will be announced in early November.

*Please note there are participating locations across the country, so even if a loved one is fighting cancer outside your city – you can still possibly nominate them.

Thanks,
Malena Wilson
MWilson@919Marketing.com
919.459.8168

Glory Daze Motorcycle Show–
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania isn’t too from from Cleveland, Ohio where Lowbrow is based. Both share a gritty, industrial past.

This is evident in the venue for the first annual Glory Daze Motorcycle Show that took place in the historic Carrie Blast Furnace complex a few weeks back.

Make your plans to attend the next one. See you there!

–Tyler


VINTAGE RIDES TOURS SRI LANKA–
12 stages – 876 miles

D1 / Arrive in Negombo
You are met at the airport and taken 20 minutes by car to Negombo, a fishing port and coastal resort. After you settle in at the hotel, time for some beach- or pool-based R & R. From the shore, you can admire the flotilla of oruwas, traditional fishing boats whose square sails dance on the ocean.

D2 / Negombo – Kalpitiya – 68 miles
We begin the tour by heading north towards Kalpitiya peninsula, along a series of minor coastal roads and some tracks, passing through fishing villages. We reach a stretch lined by huge coconut plantations before they give way to shrimp farms. We fork off onto the peninsula and ride between the lagoon and the ocean.

D3 / Kalpitiya – Sigiriya – 118 miles
After around 18 miles of main road skirting the immense Karuwalagas lagoon, we cross a plain peppered with jungles, rice paddies, coconut plantations, mango groves and several lakes. We make a detour to visit the Ritigala ruins, a monastery that was abandoned many years ago, nestled in the heart of the jungle. Only when the imposing Lion Rock is dominating the reddish plains do we know that we’ve arrived in Sigiriya.

D4 / Sigiriya – 84 miles
Today, we have two options: we can visit either the ancient city of Polonnaruwa or Dambulla’s Buddhist cave temple. We ride along the edge of Minneriya National Park, where elephant sightings are common. After a break near Giritale tank, we head to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, we can head to Dambulla and its astounding caves housing numerous Buddha statues.

CONTACT BEN
your motorcycle tour expert
www.vintageridestravel.com

FROM THE BIKERNET™ GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION TEAM—Seems we can blame the opioid crises on the DEA.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) allowed a massive increase in the production of narcotic painkillers, the justice Department inspector general reported this week.

Overdose deaths increased by an average of 8 percent a year from 1999 to 2013 and a startling 71 percent per year from 2013 to 2017. Yet the DEA—which sets quotas for painkiller production in the U.S.—authorized a 400 percent increase for oxycodone between 2002 and 2013, and didn’t begin cutting back until 2017.

Drug companies, in turn pointed to the lenient DEA limits to justify the torrent of pills.

Incredible!

–from the Week Magazine

What Happened to Actual Cars— Automakers have made some big announcements this past year regarding cars—I’m talking about sedans, coupes and smaller runabouts that we have all owned in the past.

By guest writer Jim Millick

The car companies have decided to stop manufacturing most related models. The SUV (“sport” utility vehicle) and pickup trucks, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has lumped into a “light truck” classification, are taking over the auto industry.

How did it come to this?

For those of us who still drive actual cars, and other road users such as motorcyclists and bicyclists, we are at an increasing disadvantage, and less safe. Many times, someone driving an SUV does not even understand how big their vehicle is and will frequently crowd a smaller car without even knowing it. That’s why I like my horn.

Also, if you are in the blind spot of an SUV or pickup truck, the driver cannot see you with their invariably misadjusted mirrors, and you, the car driver, have to be ever-vigilant.

There are advantages to owning a car; they are generally cheaper to buy and operate because of better gas mileage. Also, cars are easier to park in tight spots and the home garage. Some cars even have nearly equal cargo space to the SUV’s popular brethren, the CUV (compact utility vehicle), e.g., a VW Golf vs. a Porsche Macan. Another plus for cars, sedans, and coupes—they are more efficient, smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic, and more comfortable to get into—you don’t feel as though you need a commercial driver’s license to drive them.

But gas is cheap, and so consumers have decided they can afford to lease, rent, or buy the more massive machines. Americans love big and new, whether it’s a house or vehicle, and they vote with their wallet. As critics have noted, this light truck designation is a government fiction desired by the Detroit automakers to protect their high-margin, high-profit vehicles from the more stringent rules cars must meet.

Peerless automotive designer Gordon Murray states that a vehicle’s manufacturing carbon footprint is directly proportional to its weight, something in which 4,500-6,000 lb. SUVs and trucks do not fare well.

We’re not even talking about their aerodynamic inefficiency and fuel consumption. Did you know it takes about seven years for fuel energy consumption to equal the energy used in the manufacturing of any vehicle?

The European Union measures carbon dioxide output across the board, and a vehicle doesn’t get an emissions waiver because of size. EU climate groups have called for SUV bans (which probably means cars are next on the list). Europeans might be in for an unwelcome surprise with their train tickets, though, since high taxes on gasoline and diesel directly subsidize rail transport.

Crew cab trucks (with four doors) were once the domain of railroad and utility companies. The no-towing, no cargo-carrying 4-door pickups now function as an expensive, high center-of-gravity sedan, not a truck. A ladder is needed just to climb in, too (or better yet, an expensive, factory optional, motorized running board).

Of greatest concern, of course, for the motorist driving in the forest of SUVs and trucks on the highway and streets, is safety. At least 90 percent of the information needed for driving is the visual observation of the road. If you can’t see around large, vision-obscuring objects, you are at a distinct disadvantage, making it much tougher to anticipate any potential issues ahead of you on the road.

This is especially difficult if one of these behemoths has darkly tinted windows. Parking lots can be frightening for owners with smaller cars—you have to hope for the best when you back up out of the parking space in between a darkly tinted SUV and a crew cab pickup, with the truck part higher than your car.

The other safety piece is the crash impact—especially in a T-bone collision. The lower mass vehicle will often come out the worse in the deal, though any body-on-frame SUV or pickup will have demonstrably worse crash performance than a unibody vehicle, all other things being equal.

It may be bad for a car driver, but for the two-wheeler or pedestrian, it’s far more likely to be fatal. In the UK, a London lawmaker wants to restrict SUVs for this reason. The EU has “pedestrian friendly” impact standards for cars, believe it or not. The U.S. doesn’t bother with that wishful-thinking fiction, and it would be nearly impossible to do that with heavy-mass SUV and pickups, anyway.

After the numerous disadvantages, are there any pluses for the average car driver in this SUV-pickup trend? Not in a net way, but at least there are a few.

Parking spaces may become wider and longer, which means, though, there will be fewer of them—especially with the proliferation of road diets around the country. Having a wider and longer parking space could indeed lower the probability of careless door-dingers whacking your car’s flanks or perhaps hitting a bicyclist or scooter rider in a bike lane.

I found another unexpected development on a recent trip to California. Apparently, nobody wants “full-size” rental cars any more. This category of rental car was once the province of the most expensive tier, now dominated by—you guessed it—SUVs and crew cab pickups (along with vans). The full-size car now costs just one step up from the tiny penalty-box 3-cylinder import machine. Even an ordinary “compact car” rental costs more than the full-size car!

Passenger cars are becoming the minority vehicle on the road, which means their drivers need to be more vigilant than ever before.

If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of the SUV craze, including why they’re so popular, check out Malcolm Gladwell’s seminal work, “Big and Bad, how the S.U.V. ran over Automotive Safety.”

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the author.

–NMA

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LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2016 Harley Davidson FLS Softail Slim
ONLY $12,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=4154549

This 2016 Slim (FLS) comes with an Air cooled, Twin Cam 103 High Output Engine with Sequential Port Fuel Injection as well as a 6 Speed transmission. Front suspension has 41.3 mm telescopic Shocks while the hidden, horizontal coil over suspension gives the bike it’s rigid appearance. The bike has a 5-gallon fuel tank.

This Charcoal Grey paint and “Blacked Out” Styling give this bike a fantastic look. The wheels are powder coated black with chrome spokes. Also “Blacked Out” are the Hollywood bars that date back to the 40’s. Front and rear bullet style turn signals, oil bag, headlamp cover and fuel tank console add to the great look of this Slim.

A chrome engine guard and saddle bag rails are also installed. The Slim weighs in at 706 pounds wet and offers the lowest seat height of 23.8″ out of the factory. With only 18,548 miles you have many miles and years left of enjoyable riding.

This FLS Softail Slim has only 18,548 miles!!!

It has a Vance & Hines black 2:2 short exhaust. Black 103 air cleaner cover and polished trans / cam covers, Vivid black Nacelle, Mustang seat and LED stop / turn / taillights in the back. LED license plate light and is side mounted. Sweet bike!!!

The paint is super clean!!! No scratches, No dings, No chips, No scuffs, this bike is EXCELLENT!!!

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!!!

A RECOMMMENDATION TO THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME–The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is indeed blessed to have such a wonderful facility shared with excellent staff & volunteers. It is indeed admirable that many types of motorcyclists & their machines are properly recognized.

Now you are about to “discover” that worthy to be formally inducted into the Sturgis motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is, “ The World’s Toughest Riders – The Iron Butt Association!”

Incredible feats of courage and stamina are to be shared. The proper preparation, unique improvising & declaration that, ”Angels are Real” will be revealed .

The testimony, personal bests & World records achieved by the 75,000 plus IBA members / achievements are staggering . Most of these seemingly miraculous feats —are unknown to the public, shielded from the media and held “tongue and cheek “with law-enforcement .

IBA riders are different, passionate and some would say possessed / crazy ! But might be said about all of us who celebrate,”the motorcycle way of life!”

The Sturgis Museum does a superb job in portraying the mystique and heritage of the wide variety of exceptional individuals and their machines .

Each person , cycle & artifact has ;
—stories to be told
—legacies to be shared
— lessons to be learned
—and Legends to be Lived !

A basic Trademark of the IBA is a 1000 miles traveled within 24 hours – called a “ Saddle Sore.” For many Bikers and Biker wannabes, this is bucket list goal . To document and have verified mileage in order to receive the IBA sticker, patch and license plate holder proclaiming, The Iron Butt Assoc. – The World’s Toughest Riders” — is pure Joy !

Some IBA’s don’t even get a second wind or runners type High until several of tanks of gas (sometimes in extreme – 1,000 mile -Saddle Sores) are runback to back!

Just last summer , two couples Bill / Deb Boyea & Tim/Joy Thiers completed their 1st Saddle Sore. For a rider & passenger to do this for the first Time, is very exceptional indeed! Their marriages became even stronger. Both couples are eager to pursue other IBA category’s.

Frank Boorn, a retired attorney & world motorcycle traveler —has just achieved last week , the 1,350,000 mile patch from the Harley Owners Group,” High Mileage Recognition Program. Feats by Frank are truly inspirational, especially for other retired attorneys like the founder of IBA ,”Michael Kneebone!”

Michael Kneebone has a keen insight that has initiated the Monumental IBA movement. The IBA has yet to be fully appreciated in its monumental impact upon the world of motorcycling.

Neither Michael nor Lisa Landry, who in many ways is Kneebone’s boss — would be good politicians. They are just too honorable and humble !

Please Emma and Sturgis MC Museum & Board of Directors, consider this to be an official nomination for the Iron Butt Association to be inducted into the Sturgis MC Museum/Hall Of Fame in August 2020 .

Pray to Live
Live To Ride –
God bless you all !!

–Dave Zien
former State Senator
Million “s” Mile Motorcycle Man
1716 63rd St.,
Eau Claire, WI
cell 715-829-9436


OLD TOWN REVIVAL–First year event in Cornelius NC. Great turnout lots of cool stuff to see.

–Paul Aiken
Aeromach Machining

BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY RE-OPENS–A desperate looking woman stood poised on the edge of a high bridge, about to jump off. An old homeless guy who was wandering by stopped and said, “Look, since you’ll be dead in a few minutes, and it won’t matter to you, how about a quickie before you go?”

She screamed, “NO! Bug off you filthy old bastard!”

He shrugged and turned away saying, “Okay then, I’ll just go and wait at the bottom.”

She didn’t jump.

Object lesson: Suicide counseling really does work!

–from El Waggs


 
REPORT FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–
The post on Harley-Davidson LiveWire received a lot of eyeballs on Bikernet Facebook Page. The LiveWire has not generated interest in prospective motorcycle buyers nor with Harley-Davidson Dealerships.

You can read the Blog Post here:

Harley struggles to fire up new generation of riders with electric bike debut

https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-struggles-to-fire-up-new-generation-of-riders-with-electric-bike-debut/

The post reached 1,725+ people on Facebook with 22+ comments, 12 shares and 56 reactions.

People on Facebook commented:

Mark Shubin – Good luck, the ones I work with find things tuff to do.

Robert Cook – I’m not speaking for most of us Harley riders, but I am guessing that some out there are feeling my pain in the direction that H-D is going. That PC BS electric thing is nonsense! And that is as nice as I can say about it.

Robert Nicholson – Not exactly my thing but Harley is a “for profit” business so they are trying new things to see what sells. As they learned with V-Rod, not everything they envision as the holy grail of motorcycles pan out. Companies sometimes come out with flops. Ford had it with the Edsel as an example. As far as the “electric” aspect of it goes, Chevrolet just announced the end of their Volt car production. Still way too many shortcomings to be a totally viable replacement for conventional internal combustion powered vehicles.

Kirk French – Especially when Eric Buell has one with much better range at a THIRD of the price. Harleys is 29k and Buell’s is 11k

Richard Thomas Lothian III – I don’t like the bike because It’s made for little people. I also think it’s overpriced by 10k. I’ve read they aren’t even on the same page as the competitors’ bikes for less money.

Kim Adair – Where’s the playing cards for the spokes?

ML Zimmermann – Nice bike but waaaay too expensive by $10,000.

Doug Quinn – Not really sure what Harley is thinking when they are struggling to sell $30k baggers, why they think a $30k electric motorcycle would be any different—SMH.

Mike Lea – That’s because they abandoned the real biker and started catering to the yuppies.

Jim Gianatsis – A great idea, poorly styled, with no riding range, and over-priced by $10,000. Why did they make it look like a sportbike for their Harley market. It should have looked more like the stylish Ducati Diavel cruiser.

David Sorrell – Well, it’s electric so….

Ronald D Price – LOL….. I guess they thought it would replace the Dyna….Fire up? They poored water on what was already on fire…

Jon Towle – It’s over, the fat lady has sang. The youngsters don’t like them, don’t understand it…..it’s sad, but it must be said…….

Michael Bradford – The zero is cheaper faster and better.

Mary Del Rio – An electric Harley? Seriously? Lolol bwaahaha

Arthur Hamilton – Shoulda built a cruiser style bike. That thing looks like a rice burner.

Bart Richards – Electric vehicles suck……

Kraig Richard – Read they were going to use a speaker to make noise so people will hear them… They should sample a Panhead wearing straight pipes.

Join our Facebook Page by clicking Like Page to stay connected with Bikernet Motorcycling Community.

https://www.facebook.com/bikernetbiker

–Wayfarer
Editor Supreme
Bikernet Blog

MAXINE IN TEXAS–A photo of your grand daughter modeling with a Panhead and Justine’s brassier in Austin, Texas, “stunning!”

–Son Frank
VP Ball Empire
Senior Tattoo Specialist
Austin, Texas

Ohio Courts Could Block Public From Voting On Speed Cameras–Local judge to decide whether to intervene in election to protect speed cameras in East Liverpool, Ohio.

East Liverpool 2019 ballot
Ohio voters have spoken clearly in opposition to the use of speed cameras and red-light cameras over the past decade. Out of eleven times in which the use of automated enforcement was a ballot issue in the state, cameras only won once.

Columbiana County Common Pleas Judge Scott A. Washam could decide on Friday whether he will personally intervene in a local election to protect the speed cameras from the verdict of East Liverpool’s residents.

The city of over 10,000 has already printed ballots for the November 5 election asking the question, “Shall the proposed ordinance preventing the city of East Liverpool from using mobile speed enforcement vehicles and traffic law photo-monitoring devices in the city of East Liverpool be adopted?” The mayor is asking the court to shred those ballots and print a fresh batch without any mention of a referendum on the devices that generate $1 million in annual revenue for the city.

East Liverpool residents successfully gathered the number of signatures required to put the matter to a public vote two years ago, but the city refused to allow a vote because the proposed referendum contained a technical error. The ballot measure sought to cancel the previous speed camera legislation — Ordinance Number 53 — instead of Ordinance Number 17. The city changed the ordinance numbers a few months before the petition was filed. The initiative proponents sued for a chance to correct the text of the ordinance, but the appellate court last month rejected that idea.

“In this case, Citizens’ initiative petitions did not merely involve a de minimus error or a slight misstatement,” Judge David A. D’Apolito wrote for the panel. “Rather, the wrong legislation was cited.”

It falls to Judge Washam to decide whether the appellate court’s decision empowers him to intervene to block the public vote, or to allow the electoral process to play out. Texas courts have considered the question, and they decided in favor of allowing such votes to proceed, saying it was impossible to show “irreparable harm” in allowing a vote because there is no way to pre-judge whether the cameras would win or lose at the ballot box.

View the Houston case, the Arlington case and the Cleveland case. The California Court of Appeal in 2014 upheld what it called the constitutional right of Murrieta voters to decide on the red-light camera issue at the ballot box (view case). Likewise, the Fifth Circuit US Court of Appeals in 2012 sided with residents over the “well-funded and longstanding opposition of the mayor and city council” (view case).

–NMA
From the Newspaper.com

I watched an interview with our Attorney General on the PBS news hour. The notion of Chinese survelliance was discussed with distain. Red-light cameras seem to follow a similar path and should be outlawed.—Bandit

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride New York: Big City Ride for a Noble Cause–By Jacob Vaughan | All photos: Jacob Vaughan

When we set out to be a part of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) in New York City, we had no idea just how massive and thought out the event is. Tucker Sales Director Tom Owens loaded up his 2001 Triumph Bonneville and headed to New Jersey from Boston for the American Flat Track Meadowlands Mile. After Saturday night’s race, we unloaded and set out on our journey to the Big Apple. With the help of a local shop, I was able to ride in style with a 2019 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 loaner. Not sure of what to expect, I threw on a pair of suspenders and a bow tie.

According to its website, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities while raising funds to support the men in their lives. Together, DGR and The Movember Foundation work to tackle men’s health issues. The focus is on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life. In particular, they raise funds for cutting-edge research into prostate cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention programs, as part of its mission to support men’s health globally. The 2019 event consisted of 675+ rides in 110 countries, with over 114 thousand riders total worldwide. This year’s event raised over $7 million for the Movember Foundation. In total, DGR has raised over $26 million since its inception in 2012.

“… the smell of coffee filled the air on a beautiful morning. The crowd was dapper, with a New York high-fashion runway feel.”
Upon arrival just under the Brooklyn Bridge, Tom and I were greeted by the DGR hosts. They guided us where to park our bikes, and we made our way through the sea of vintage and modern bikes on the original cobblestone roads of Manhattan. Kickstands down, we walked around to take in the sights and sounds, the smell of coffee filled the air on a beautiful morning. The crowd was dapper, with a New York high-fashion runway feel. Everyone was all smiles, taking photos, and checking out all of the amazing vintage bikes. There were sidecars, vintage Triumphs, CBs, Yamahas, choppers, and Ducatis, as well as modern HDs and Urals. A pop-up barbershop was set up for clean cuts and merchandise to show off your support. British fashion designer and car collector Magnus Walker was also in attendance and rode alongside his girlfriend in a pretty sweet vintage sidecar. The ladies were also there in support of the cause, dressed up in their finest. Some rode on the back with their gentleman, and many rode on their own. After a quick group meeting, kickstands were up, and we were off.

Dozens of NYPD’s finest led the way on motorcycles, with the roads shut down on or route, and hundreds of people crowded along the sidewalks and on bridges taking photos and waving. It was pretty amazing to see that their smiles were just as big as ours. The pace varied; at times we slowed down to stop and exit as the 800+ bikes bottlenecked on the now open roads of NYC. Other times we weaved in and out of each other at 60 miles an hour. Pretty amazing to think we had free reign on New York’s most popular and ordinarily congested roads and to ourselves for a few hours. We wound our way over the Brooklyn and Queensboro Street bridges, up the FDR, down the West Side Highway, through Central Park, Columbus Circle and Grand Army Plaza, and down the FDR, ducking under the Manhattan Bridge. The weather couldn’t have been better.

Read the whole tamale at Tucker.com

WE GOTTA GO—But as soon as I get back, we are hosting a photo shoot at the headquarter to highlight our new leather products. Imogen (above) might be there.

Micah is back from the Race of Gentlemen and Greg Thiessen, from JIMS is getting married this weekend in Ojai. I’m going to Austin to check the action with my Son Frank.

James represented Bikernet at the Las Vegas Bikefest. We will have a report coming right up. Looked like a blast in the desert surrounded by all that neon.

I need to post Gene’s life and times story. Which I will try to wrap up tomorrow morning. We have a batch of interesting content coming your way.

In the meantime, ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

Read More

THE BIG CARTEL BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for October 17th, 2019

 

Hey,

This is crazy, I spent three days in Austin, Texas, I saw Jesse James new shop, his projects and guns. He’s keeping the chopper faith and even restoring some of his old West Coast long choppers. His guns are amazing and he starts by forging his own steel. The guy is talented beyond belief.
 

 

 
 

 We hung out with my son at Old Saints Tattoo on 6th street and with his highly educated wife who works for a drug rehab center as a phycologist. Austin is sorta like New Orleans with freeways running everywhere. The guy who designed their road system was on acid. I’ve never seen anything like it and the city is the fastest growing city in the country.

Folks are flying out of California by the droves and landing in the artsy Austin. I always say we need an infrastructure for a growing population. That means thinking out of the box for more folk, not just repairing the roads and bridges. Let’s hit the new. I’m still absorbing my trip, catching up and adjusting to PST.

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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

 

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS–
New Hampshire Becomes 16th State to Create Outdoor Recreation Office

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu recently signed legislation to create an office of outdoor recreation to help the state promote its growing outdoor recreation economy, a move applauded by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association.

“Offices of outdoor recreation can create opportunities for the powersports industry to grow,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president, government relations for the MIC, SVIA, and ROHVA. “We are happy that New Hampshire, a state with many beautiful trails for motorized off-road vehicles, has taken a lead in supporting outdoor recreation. Our associations have joined with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable to urge governors in all 50 states to create offices of outdoor recreation.”

New data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported for the first time that outdoor recreation contributes $2.7 billion in economic output in New Hampshire, and employs nearly 38,000 people in the Granite State.

“New Hampshire’s low-tax environment and booming economy are a beacon for business in the Northeast,” Sununu said in a statement. “This office will allow us to better leverage the tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities we have here in the Granite State not only to grow the industry but attract the workforce of the future.”

New Hampshire’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development will be housed in the state’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs. It joins Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming with an office of outdoor recreation or an outdoor recreation task force.

–MIC

LIVEWIRE ANNOUNCEMENT CANCELED–
Forgive us, we have to cancel the LiveWire unveiling this weekend due to circumstances beyond our control. We’ll let you know when and if we are able to reschedule.

We appreciate your interest in this event and apologize for any inconvenience this causes to your schedules. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

–Jodi Gilbert
California Harley-Davidson
jodi.gilbert@californiaharley.com
(310) 539-3366

NEW FROM LOWBROW—Painless Stainless from Lowbrow Customs
Here at Lowbrow we know just what you need when it comes to custom motorcycle handlebars:

-Perfect fit and finish
-All stainless steel construction
-100% TIG Welded
-Leave as-is or polish to a mirror shine
-Made in Cleveland, Ohio

Only $99.95 – $119.95, and ships free

Our stainless steel handlebars are 1″ diameter and are available with stock-style dimples for those using stock Harley-Davidson hand controls or smooth for use on any custom motorcycle.

It is also worth mentioning that the same handlebars are also available in BLACK! To scope out ALL the handlebars available at Lowbrow click here.

Regulators Want to Know if Cameras Should Replace Car Mirrors: Deadline for Comments—December 9, 2019

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeks public and industry input on whether future light and heavy vehicles should have camera monitoring systems to replace rear- and side-view mirrors.

In 2014, Tesla Inc. and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers petitioned the NHTSA to allow cameras in lieu of traditional mirrors. They cited that replacing the cameras would improve fuel economy through reduced aerodynamic drag and improve rear and side visibility inside the car.

The NHTSA has been studying this idea for 10 years already and found in 2017 tests that prototype cameras monitoring systems were generally usable in most situations. Officials stated that the cameras produced better quality images than mirrors at both dusk and dawn. The potential flaws found included:

Displays too bright at night
Distorted images from the camera lenses when obscured by raindrops
Please read this information from the Federal Register for more details and on how to submit a comment.

Here are some additional articles on the topic that might be of interest:

From Transport Topics: NHTSA Seeks Comments on Rear-Visibility Camera Systems

From Forbes: Replacing Rearview Mirrors with Cameras would benefit the Ears as Well as the Eyes

From Jalopnik: The U.S. Government Needs Your Help to decide if Cameras should be allowed to Replace Mirrors
From Landline: Camera monitor systems a substitute for rearview mirrors?

After you make a comment directly to the Federal Register, please consider sending a copy to us via email to the NMA National Office, nma@motorists.org. We are interested in the general sentiment among members on the mirror vs. camera issue.

Thank you for your support of motorists’ rights and your support of the NMA!

 

COMMENT FROM A BROTHER–I think of all the stuff you did personally that today’s riders have no idea what faced us years ago. Yes, I understand the m/c industry has had ebbs and flows but it doesn’t seem like the tide has gone out as far as it is and looking into the future…whoa.

So, as I continue to ride and enjoy the freedom from the help of people like you all I can say is keep doing what you’re doing. Some of us really appreciate it, I know I do!

–Dan

Thanks Dan. Today our challenges are not only financial. But I do believe freedom will reign once more, and the desire for motorcycles and open roads will rock the world. Hang on!

–Bandit

REVIVAL CYCLES SUPPORT OIL IN THE BLOOD–In celebration of the amazing film Oil in the Blood, Gareth Maxwell Roberts partnered up with Velomacchi, REV’IT!, Revival Cycles, Hedon, and TW Steel to give away $3,700 in prizes!
————————-
Please read the contest rules and sign up here by 11:59PM on October 21, 2019.

Oil in the Blood Giveaway Contest
In celebration of the film’s release, Gareth Maxwell Roberts partnered with Velomacchi, REV’IT!, Revival Cycles, Hedon, and TW Steel to give away $3700 in prizes. Please read the Official Contest Rules at the bottom of this page, or by clicking here, prior to completing the form and entering the contest. Submit the entry form by 11:59pm PST on October 21, 2019 for a chance to win one of the prizes.

Seven (7) winners will be randomly selected to win one (1) of the following prizes:

One (1) Velomacchi 50L Speedway Hybrid Duffle Travel Backpack
One (1) Velomacchi 35L Giro Backpack
One (1) Velomacchi Speedway Tool Roll
One (1) REV’IT! Brentwood Jeans
One (1) Revival Cycles Palo Duro Pannier Briefcase
One (1) Hedon Full Face Heroine Racer Helmet and Visor of Winner’s Choice
One (1) TW Steel TW999 Watch

BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS OPEN–Why did I get divorced?

Well, last week was my birthday. My wife didn’t wish me a happy birthday. My parents forgot and so did my kids. I went to work and even my colleagues didn’t wish me a happy birthday.

As I entered my office, my secretary said, “Happy birthday, boss!” I felt so special. She asked me out for lunch. After lunch, she invited me to her apartment. We went there and she said, “Do you mind if I go into the bedroom for a minute?”

“Okay,” I said. She came out 5 minutes later with a birthday cake, my wife, my parents, my kids, my friends, & my colleagues all yelling, “SURPRISE!!!” while I was waiting on the sofa… naked.

–from Micah

RALLY REPORT, Biketoberfest 2019 – the 27th annual edition of the fall motorcycle rally in the Daytona Beach area – begins October 17th (Thursday) and continues until October 20th (Sunday).

To ensure a safe environment where residents and visitors can move with a minimum of traffic issues, please make a special note of the following:

1.Those wishing to enter or leave beachside are encouraged to use the Seabreeze/Oakridge Boulevard or International Speedway Boulevard bridges.

2.Excessive noise from loud pipes is prohibited by Florida law and Daytona Beach city ordinance. Violations will be enforced!

3.Motorcycles must have mufflers by state law and city ordinance. Violations will be enforced!

4.A “Motorcycles Only” pattern will be in effect for Main Street. Other vehicles will be directed elsewhere or must receive special permission to access.

5.Motorcyclists arriving and leaving festival areas via residential streets should proceed with extra caution due to pedestrian traffic.

6.Police will enforce designated residential/decal parking restrictions in specific areas, especially on beachside. Check for signage before you park!

7.It may be necessary to restrict traffic on the Main Street Bridge during peak event times to facilitate movement of emergency vehicles.

We are anticipating around 125,000 visitors to the area during this year’s rally. Most of them will be in these areas, especially at night.

MAIN STREET
Side street traffic heading north/south between Auditorium Boulevard and Harvey Street may be restricted during events on Main Street. Affected roadways will include:

o Oleander Avenue
o Wild Olive Street
o Grandview Avenue
o Hollywood Avenue
In order to ensure traffic flow, special traffic patterns may go into effect for motorcycle riders who want to access Main Street. Those are as follows:

Atlantic Avenue/State Road A1A:

NORTHBOUND: Turn left (west) on International Speedway Boulevard and then right (north) on Peninsula Drive. Please avoid trying to turn left (west) onto Main Street from Atlantic Avenue.

SOUTHBOUND: Go to the right lane. Upon reaching Main Street, you may be able to turn right (west), depending on the amount of traffic. If not, continue south and turn right (west) on International Speedway Boulevard, then turn right (north) on Peninsula Drive.

Peninsula Drive:

NORTHBOUND: Remain on Peninsula Drive until you get to Main Street, then turn right (east).

SOUTHBOUND: Turn left (east) on Oakridge Boulevard to Atlantic Avenue, then turn right (south) and head to Main Street.

NORTH BEACH STREET

There will be motorcycle-only parking on selected areas of North Beach Street. These areas will be clearly marked by signage.

Expect heavy traffic around Indian Motorcycle Company (290 North Beach Street).

DR. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE BOULEVARD (MMB)

Eventgoers can use any of the major roadways intersecting with MMB.

Public parking areas may be restricted to assist with pedestrian safety and vehicle movement during events.

Side streets near the 800 block of MMB will be restricted and/or closed to assist with spectator safety.

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

We are not anticipating any major traffic concerns in this area, but minor traffic patterns may be implemented to assist with inbound and outbound traffic.

Signage will be clearly posted directing spectators to all events on Speedway property.

–from Rogue

AMA NATIONAL NEWS– National

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act (S. 349) passed the U.S. Senate by voice vote on Sept. 9 and was signed by the president. The bill passed the House in February. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to request nominations for, and make determinations regarding, roads to be designated under the national scenic byways program, which has been closed for six years. The AMA was part of the coalition that helped create this program in 1991 and is part of a coalition now intent on reviving the program. Many of the country’s favorite motorcycling roads are National Scenic Byways and benefit from the resources provided to preserve and enhance them. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching 469 miles from North Carolina to Virginia, to the Beartooth Highway between Montana and Wyoming, to Hells Canyon in Oregon, there are 150 roads designated as National Scenic Byways. The program provides resources that help communities along these byways benefit from the tourism they generate, while preserving the characteristics of the roads that made them great destinations in the first place. Officials are prepared to seek National Scenic Byway designation for 44 roads in 24 states as soon as the program is restarted.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Interior Secretary David Bernhardt signed an order in late August that allows electric bicycles on all trails on Department of Interior land where pedal bicycles are permitted. The new policy covers all of the national parks and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Despite the BLM and U.S. Forest Service still considering e-bikes motorized vehicles, the San Juan Nation Forest in Colorado has allowed some e-bikes on selected nonmotorized trails following an environmental assessment and public input in 2017. In a more controversial move, the Tahoe National Forest also recently allowed electric mountain bikes on some nonmotorized trails without undergoing reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act or seeking public comments. The AMA believes federal lands should be available for use by all Americans engaging in a wide range of recreational activities. However, the AMA believes the growing popularity of e-bikes has posed many questions and agencies should manage their use consistently, especially in terms of soliciting public comments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The federal highway bill introduced July 29 in the U.S. Senate contains a provision calling for a study of funding levels for the Recreational Trails Program, which the AMA believes has been underfunded for years. The program receives revenue from the sale of fuel for nonhighway use. That money helps pay for recreational trails for motorized and nonmotorized use. Typically, annual funding is about $84 million. But the Recreational Trails Coalition-which includes the AMA-believes the trail fund should receive more than $270 million a year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the government’s approval of the year-round sale of fuel containing as much as 15 percent ethanol, motorcyclists and ATV riders need to be even more vigilant when filling up their vehicle’s tanks. The Nebraska Corn Board is promoting increased availability of E15 fuel by offering $50,000 grants to service stations that upgrade to blender pumps that would supply the higher-ethanol blend. The blender pumps also would handle E30 and E85, which are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in flex-fuel vehicles only. As more retailers install E15 pumps and offer the product throughout the year as “Unleaded88,” the risk rises for motorcyclists to unintentionally pump E15 or higher blends into their tanks. None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in use in the United States is certified by the EPA to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must reconsider its 2018 renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard because the agency failed to consider how the policy would affect endangered species, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled. In a suit brought in 2018, the Sierra Club and the Gulf Restoration Network argued that habitats of whooping cranes and gulf sturgeon could be affected if corn production is increased to meet federal standards for ethanol in vehicle fuels. Claims made by refineries and energy companies that the RVOs were too low or too high were rejected by the court.

The EPA argued that it did make a determination when it responded to comments on the proposed standards by saying it could not attribute any damage to habitats or species to changes in the rule.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc., has asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remove regulatory barriers for self-driving cars that do not have steering wheels or brake pedals, according to a Reuters report.

But Waymo still wants NHTSA to ensure the safety of those cars on the road. Automakers currently must meet nearly 75 auto safety standards for self-driving cars, many written under the assumption that a licensed driver is in command of the vehicle using traditional controls. NHTSA should first work on addressing those safety standards that assume a human is behind the wheel before revising rules to address alternative seating configurations, Waymo said in a letter to the agency.

That will “enable the timely deployment” of vehicles without manual controls. NHTSA is also grappling with how and where to test self-driving cars to assure they are safe, according to the Reuters report. The agency is considering whether to use simulations or external remote controls in testing. Many automakers plan remote controls to pilot autonomous vehicles through factories or onto trucks.

The AMA objects to the deployment of automated vehicles that do not properly detect and appropriately respond to motorcycles, other nearby vehicles or pedestrians.

Industry

MILWAUKEE – The Harley-Davidson Motor Company is offering two years of free charging for its LiveWire electric motorcycle at ChargePoint stations at participating Harley dealers. The company also is providing 500 kWh of charging service at Electrify America stations. The LiveWire is Harley’s first electric motorcycle, claiming a range of 140 miles of city driving per charge.


FROM THE GEARHEAD--I gotta have rotator cuff surgery on the left shoulder. Looks like I will have time to write those stories, I feel I owe you. It is way sad about Easyiders mag.

We all got so much in that bobber, a chopper, a custom, a stripped dresser and a race bike should look like and perform like over the years. I have been a reader since 1978, when I got my Low Rider FXS.

I am glad we have a venue like BIKERNET to follow for some of the same information.

Thanks and TKOB.

–Gearhead

[page break]

TECH DISCUSSION OF THE WEEK–Commander Ball,

You might remember that when I was doing the trans repair we spoke about various trans lubricants. JIMS said to break it in with conventional 80-90 and then go with synthetic.

I believe I told you about my one and only experience with synthetic motor oil. Over the course of years, I’ve rebuilt many manual auto transmissions.

Two of the beefyest trans built at that time were the Borg Warner Super T10 and the Muncie M22. They were for the big inch, big horse power muscle cars. The Muncie got the nick name “rock crusher” because it had stronger straight cut gears (like a rock crusher in a quarry) rather than the helical (quieter but also weaker) cut gears like the Borg Warner regular T10 and the regular M20 and M21 respectively.

Also, both the Super T10 and M22 transmissions were designed and built with the bigger and stronger 1″ diameter cluster gear counter shaft vs. the smaller 3/4″ shaft used in the other transmissions. They all also had caged bearing assemblies along with double rows of needle bearings supporting the cluster counter shafts and brass syncro blocker rings.

Where am I going with this? Those transmissions performed flawlessly for years using conventional gear lube. I’m still using the standard 80/90 weight gear oil in the bagger trans. ?
It shifts flawlessly there is no clunking going into any gear and it’s quiet. As far as I’m concerned, all the hype and expense associated with some synthetic lubricants, transmissions specifically, is a bunch of crap.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it……………….

–Steve Bauman

FROM THE HAL ROBINSON ARCHIVES—The latest find from the history of Hal Robinson and his art from Easyriders.

We have a few select pieces you can own. Check ‘em out.

–Bandit

NMA ALERT–A Policing-for-Profit Cautionary Tale–New Miami, Ohio

An hour away from Cincinnati, the known speed trap village of New Miami sits just north of Hamilton, the Butler County seat. Over six years ago, drivers in a class action sued this sleepy village of nearly 2,400 residents over its questionable speed camera practices.

Even though the village’s program was found unconstitutional in 2014, the court case continues. Last October, a Butler County judge ruled that New Miami would be allowed to take up to 10 years to refund the estimated $3.2 million (with interest) back to the drivers. Paying back all of the money at once might have bankrupted this village. Drivers, of course, still have not seen a dime.

But this is just one part of the story.

Due to the class action, New Miami stopped that speed camera program and started another. This time, officers used handheld speed cameras and issued automated tickets themselves. Since 2016, the village collected $1.76 million with its newest speed trap scheme.

This program, however, stopped on June 30th due to a new state requirement that took effect the following day. State legislators passed a law that limits the use of automated traffic enforcement cameras by stripping state funding to localities that use them. It also mandates that courts handle speed camera citations as civil proceedings that include both court fees and costs.

Five much larger Ohio municipalities have filed lawsuits challenging this new law. In August, New Miami also filed suit. Village Solicitor Dennis Adams asked a Butler County Judge for a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctions against the state. He wrote, “Injunctive relief will allow New Miami to serve the public interest by continuing its Photo Enforcement Program that reduces costs, potential physical injury and disruption to the residents caused by motor vehicle accidents and promotes compliance with traffic laws.”

Adam’s primary argument was the state cannot violate home rule—this is the reason there is a years-long struggle between state lawmakers and cities over automated enforcement in the first place. Toledo already won a preliminary injunction on that basis, and New Miami would need one to resume operating its handheld speed camera program.

In early September, the Ohio Attorney General’s office responded by writing that the state controls its own spending and has jurisdiction over the lower courts. Senior Assistant Attorney General Halli Brownfield Watson illustrated this point in the state’s brief,

“The general assembly properly exercised its constitutional authority to regulate the jurisdictions of lower courts and provide for their financial maintenance when it enacted these provisions. The village has no home-rule right to continue ‘administrative’ processes the general assembly has determined belong in state courts.”

In a county court proceeding in late September, Adams told Judge Greg Howard if the law remains in place, the village will have to lay off its entire police department and cut the Chief of Police back to part-time.

Fiscal Officer Belinda Rickets testified that this new law would also cost the village an estimated $612,000 in court costs per year, while tickets only generate about $222,000. If paid, each ticket generates $95, with 64 percent going to the city and the rest to the camera company. Due to the new law, the cost of the civil court filing for each ticket is $85 plus any additional fees the village must pay to the court.

Another issue for the village: The county seat of Hamilton actually handles the tickets. Court Clerk Michelle Deaton testified that her office could not handle the influx of 600 cases per month. Her office already handles 22,000 cases per year, and an additional 7,200 cases would be a considerable burden.

County Court Judge Howard will give his ruling on a temporary restraining order against the state soon. Undoubtedly, this will not be the last related court case for New Miami. The village has already spent over $350,000 in legal costs to fight for the right to profit off the backs of motorists.

New Miami should serve as a cautionary tale for other Ohio municipalities because policing for profit rarely pays off in the end. When predatory enforcement is allowed to continue, the loss of public trust comes at a high price for the community.

Harley-Davidson: The Road Only Goes Downhill–Summary
Harley Davidson sales have been on a decline the past five years hurting the company’s bottom line. The company has introduced new initiatives to buck this trend.

Despite the new strategy Harley-Davidson will have a hard time attracting millennial customers and will face stiff competition in Asia.

Harley-Davidson is highly levered and not trading at a large enough discount to warrant an investment.

Harley-Davidson (HOG) has been having a rough last couple of years, with its current stock price nearly half of where it was in 2018 as it fell from around $50 per share to its current price of about $35 per share. The company is an American icon, with the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker being founded more than 100 years ago, and conjures up a certain type of imagery – that of big bikes, loud engines and groups of somewhat older riders riding together in large groups.

This level of brand loyalty and, dare I say, cult following has been a cornerstone of Harley Davidson’s strategy for years. However, Harley Davidson’s sales have begun to slump in recent years after reaching a high in 2014 with this trend set to continue in 2019. In Q2 2019, the company delivered nearly 69,000 bikes for the quarter, down 5% compared to the same period a year earlier and overall sales fell 6% to $1.4 billion.

The brand loyalty that Harley Davidson has cultivated has become its weakness as its core demographic of rider’s ages the company struggles to attract the new millennial rider and re-align its brand messaging to match what that segment is looking for.

UBS conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people between the age of 21 and 34 in an attempt to figure out why Harley-Davidson stock has fallen 32% in the past 12 months. While their findings are bad news for big expensive cruisers and touring bikes, they are actually good for other parts of the industry.

Unlike older buyers who considered a bike “as a hobby” or because “motorcycles are cool” Millennial responders want them for “ease of transportation.” Young buyers are interested in practical and affordable bikes, for now, partially because many of them don’t have a lot of money.

There is no telling if hooking Millennial customers now with affordable and practical might lead to selling them a big touring bike when they are older and have more time and money. Among the young target demographic, the second most common reason listed for buying a bike was “it goes with their self image” so the important thing might be to not try to sell them their dad’s motorcycle.

Source: Ride-Apart

Harley will have difficulty attracting the millennial audience
I struggle to see how 10 years from now a millennial who would have values such as being more frugal, more minimalistic and more environmentally conscious would not opt for a sleek, sporty high-tech Ducati and go for a big, loud, chrome-plated Harley Davidson.

Therefore, it makes sense that Harley- Davidson would try to shift its brand away from this older image and embrace something more modern. And the fact is, the company is well aware of that.

On July 30, 2018, the Company disclosed its “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan to accelerate the Company’s strategy to build the next generation of riders globally. Under the plan, the Company intends to introduce new products including electric motorcycles, a new middle-weight platform of motorcycles that includes adventure touring, custom and streetfighter models with engine displacements ranging from 500cc’s to 1250cc’s; and smaller displacement motorcycles for emerging markets.

The Company plans to introduce these new motorcycles between 2019 and 2022, starting with a new electric motorcycle, LiveWire, in the second half of 2019.

The brand loyalty that Harley Davidson has cultivated has become its weakness as its core demographic of rider’s ages the company struggles to attract the new millennial rider and re-align its brand messaging to match what that segment is looking for.

UBS conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people between the age of 21 and 34 in an attempt to figure out why Harley-Davidson stock has fallen 32% in the past 12 months. While their findings are bad news for big expensive cruisers and touring bikes, they are actually good for other parts of the industry.

Unlike older buyers who considered a bike “as a hobby” or because “motorcycles are cool” Millennial responders want them for “ease of transportation.” Young buyers are interested in practical and affordable bikes, for now, partially because many of them don’t have a lot of money. There is no telling if hooking Millennial customers now with affordable and practical might lead to selling them a big touring bike when they are older and have more time and money. Among the young target demographic, the second most common reason listed for buying a bike was “it goes with their self image” so the important thing might be to not try to sell them their dad’s motorcycle.

Source: Ride-Apart

The Company plans to introduce these new motorcycles between 2019 and 2022, starting with a new electric motorcycle, LiveWire, in the second half of 2019.

–from Seeking Alpha

Unfortunately, the LiveWire has been canceled. —Bandit

Canadian Motorcycle Manufacturer Havoc Motorcycles Announces New 140 HP Model 2020 Havoc 127 Voodoo With Special Pre-Order Pricing

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island, Havoc Motorcycles, the makers of Canada’s Performance Supercruisers, has announced details of its newest muscle bike to be released for the 2020 model year.

The Havoc 127 Voodoo sports a 2.081 Liter (127cc) V-Twin producing an astounding 140HP and 140FT-LBS of torque, with a power-to-weight ratio approaching superbike territory.

With 1960s styling, the 127 Voodoo is a retro-themed bike, including a hidden shock frame, springer front end, thick spoke wheels, sprung solo saddle, and high tracker pipe.

Despite the retro looks, there’s modern technology where it counts, like dual 4-piston front brake calipers on floating rotors, LED illumination, and full digital instrumentation made by Dakota Digital. It’s back-to-basics with modern technology – and tons of power.

The 140 horsepower gets to the ground via a double belt-drive dry clutch system driving a meaty 200/50R-18 Metzeler ME888. The front gets a 21 x 3.5 dual disc wheel with a 120/70-21 Metzeler. Single -fire ignition and a dedicated coil per cylinder announce that this bike is all business.

The pre-production model shown to the press sports a mix of gloss black accents over satin black powder-coat, applied to the frame, springer fork, wheels, exhaust, and handlebars. However, the bike will also be available with a “Show Chrome Package”, with all of these same components in chrome, at no additional charge.

“Our philosophy is that customers should be able to personalize their motorcycle at the time of order,” says Havoc’s Jarrod Wiener. “We also operate one of Canada’s largest online stores for customizing American V-Twin motorcycles, so our most popular performance enhancements are already designed right in to the bike. A customer can further personalize the metal finish options to their own preference at the time of order for no extra charge.”

Customers can also choose from a palette of 18 colors, in metallic, pearl, and candy coat finishes, all for the same price.

“We’re doing a limited production run of the 127 Voodoo for 2020, so the chances of seeing a motorcycle exactly like yours on the road is pretty slim,” said Wiener. “It’s a true production custom.”

The company is currently taking orders for Spring 2020 delivery, and it is offering a pre-order discount of CAD $3,000 off suggested retail price for a limited time. Pre-order pricing is USD $22,500 or CAD $29,995. A $5,000 deposit secures your bike, which will be shipped to a Havoc Motorcycles Dealer or Authorized Service Center across Canada and the US for delivery in the Spring.

Consider the gauntlet thrown. Havoc Motorcycles, of Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, just launched what could be the baddest production muscle bike to hit the streets for 2020.

See more of it online at https://www.havoc-motorcycles.com/127-voodoo.html

TO PRE-ORDER:
Email: sales@havoc-motorcycles.com
Tel: 1-855-694-2862

NEWS FROM EASYRIDERS–I forgot to mention the voucher also goes on to say that ER will be published every quarter, and you can only buy it at Select newsstands and boutique venues around the world?

Please, someone explain what a boutique venue is?

–STEALTH

Ya got me? –Bandit

THIS IS HOW THE DAY STARTED AT AEROMACH MANUFACTURING—

-Paul Aiken
Supreme Leader
Aeromach


BAD COP FILES–Deputies ask man to quit calling about his stolen marijuana

DADE CITY – Authorities said a Florida man repeatedly called 911 to report that his roommate had stolen his marijuana.
A deputy for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office posted a Twitter response to the man’s calls Saturday night: Stop calling.
Deputy Neal Zalva said in the Twitter video that he called the man back to tell him to quit contacting the sheriff’s office about his stolen marijuana. Zalva recorded the video as part of the agency’s #TweetAlong program, which allows viewers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the police work by the deputies.

Recreational marijuana use remains illegal in
Florida.

A sheriff’s office spokesman said no charges were filed against the caller.

Sheriff’s office communications director Kevin Doll said Tuesday they just wanted the man to stop calling about the stolen weed.

–from Rogue
Senior Editor Supreme
Bikernet.com™

Stackin’ it deep & sellin’ it cheap.
The 2020 Biltwell Blowout is Coming Up!

WHAT:

After seven years of holding this shindig in our parking lot, we’ve definitely outgrown it. The new location at Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium has a ton more room so we can have way more vendors, a real stunt show, better food and more bike parking. Every year we have left over samples, scratch-and-dent helmets, returned merchandise and ever-growing piles of our own motorcycle parts and take-offs. The Blowout is like our pop-up outlet store where we discount deep to move the metal. We’ll also have some cool motorcycles and cars on display along with several food and coffee vendors.

WHEN & WHERE:

The Biltwell Blowout opens at 7:00AM and runs ’til 2:00PM on Saturday, January 4th 2020. Here’s a MAP to Elsinore Storm Stadium. If you want to get in line early to get the best deals right at 7:00AM, feel free to do so on the sidewalk outside the main entry, you won’t be alone. The Speed Kings Cycle Supply Stunt Show will go down at 10:00AM and noon. Any questions? Hit up otto@biltwellinc.com

WHO:

GENERAL ADMISSION: There is a fee to get into the Blowout of $5.00 per person. This helps cover the additional insurance and everything else required to make it a legitimate and safe event. The five bucks will be collected in cash at the entry point to the event. Active duty military with ID get in free. Kids under 12 are also free. There’s plenty of parking in the adjacent stadium parking lot and that’s free too. We will be accepting credit cards and cash at the Biltwell tent, but most of our other vendors will prefer cash.

VENDOR SPOTS: $100

Our friends and customers always like to get in on the vending action too and with the new location we can fit way more of you! If you’d like to reserve a 10×40’ space, please register HERE.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/biltwell-blowout-registration-70032506111?mc_eid=e2bb53cb8d&mc_cid=8859d032d4?

[page break]

BIG RIDE WITH VINTAGE RIDES–Third Sunday Ride.
This month, we’re heading south to…

Niko’s Pizzeria
399 W 6th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731

Vintage bikes encouraged but all years, makes, and models are welcome!

We would like to stress that this is a safe and fun ride.
Some guidelines for the ride:

– We leave at 11am sharp!
– Be gassed up and ready to go.
– Do not pass our Road Captains. They are there to lead and keep everyone together.
– No lane splitting in large rides.
– Keep your lines clean & eyes open!

See You There!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram, or go to venicevintage.com for the latest updates an events calendar.

Cheers,
-VVMC

DATE:
Sunday, October 20th, 2019

TIME:
10:00am – Meet
11:00am – Kickstands up!

WHERE:
1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd,
Venice, CA, 90291

October 2019 Environment & Climate News: Federal Court, Trump Administration End Obama-Era WOTUS Rule

The October issue of Environment & Climate News reports that one of the most far-reaching regulatory initiatives ever undertaken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been struck down by a federal court in Georgia and withdrawn by the Trump administration. “Congress has delegated the important role of protecting the nation’s waters to the Agencies, but in fulfilling that role, the Agencies must comply within the law,” Judge Lisa Godbey Wood said in her ruling on the case.

Also in this issue:

A U.S. District Court judge in Oregon rejected a lawsuit filed by environmental groups against the federal government claiming policies allowing fossil fuel use violate plaintiffs’ constitutional “rights to wilderness.”

The Nebraska Supreme Court approved a revised a path for the Keystone XL pipeline through the state, ending the final legal challenge to the pipeline in Nebraska.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Inspector General released a report stating the agency greatly exceeded President Donald Trump’s goal of cutting two regulations for every new one enacted, having rescinded 26 regulations while developing four new ones, saving taxpayers more than $96 million.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee received 0 percent support in the Democratic presidential primaries while making climate change the central issue of his campaign.

H. Sterling Burnett, Managing Editor
–from the Heartland Institute

THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT–
Subject: Best friends

On a large farm lived a chicken and a horse, both of whom liked to play together.

One day the two were playing, when the horse fell into a bog and began to sink.

Scared for his life, the horse whinnied for the chicken to go get the farmer for help!

Off the chicken ran, back to the farm. Arriving at the farm, he searched and searched for the farmer, but to no avail, for he had gone to town with the only tractor.

Running around wildly, the chicken spied the farmer’s new Harley.

Finding the keys in the ignition, the chicken sped off with a length of rope hoping he still had time to save his friend’s life.

Back at the bog, the horse was surprised, but happy, to see the chicken arrive on the shiny Harley, and he managed to get a hold of the loop of rope the chicken tossed to him.

After tying the other end to the rear bumper of the farmer’s bike, the chicken then drove slowly forward and, with the aid of the powerful bike, rescued the horse!

Happy and proud, the chicken rode the Harley back to the farmhouse, and the farmer was none the wiser when he returned.

The friendship between the two animals was cemented: Best buddies, best pals.

A few weeks later, the chicken fell into a mud pit, and soon, he too, began to sink and cried out to the horse to save his life!

The horse thought a moment, walked over, and straddled the large puddle.

Looking underneath, he told the chicken to grab his hangy-down thingy and he would then lift him out of the pit.

The chicken got a good grip, and the horse pulled him up and out, saving his life.

The moral of the story?

‘When you’re hung like a horse, you don’t need a Harley to pick up chicks!

–Barry
–from Mil Blair

 

UPGRADE TO A 2018 Road Glide Special
Installed Factory 47 14″ Apes, 1st Stage Kit, J & M 630w 4 speaker system. Pretty much stayed with HD stuff like midframe cooler and Fan Assist Oil Cooler. Factory 107ci.

Took the bike to New Mexico through Beatty NV and through most of AZ visiting Tombstone then up through NM then through CO and UT then Northern NV and back to Marysville CA. The next trip I did another trip to NM then up through east side of the Rockies then up through WY and stopped at Little Bighorn MT and stayed in St. Marys MT almost into CAN then down through ID, WA, OR then back to Marysville, CA. What a ride hit some hail which hurt like the dickens!!! Loved visiting my daughter in St Mary’s and the bike ran flawlessly!

–Al Gallegos

IT’S NOT ALL BAD–Cycle Source Magazine Now Reaching A Half Million Monthly!
The World’s Favorite Motorcycle Publication Is Leading A Revolution… Again!

For the past decade Cycle Source has participated in developing a digital magazine following and had long ago decided not to limit the reach of the fantastic content they create in print. With that in mind, Cycle Source Magazine has decided that the missing link between print publications and digital content is that you shouldn’t try to sell digital media, people expect to consume it for free! Knowing that, they are now releasing their monthly digital edition at no charge to the reader.

This by no means is a sign that we are discontinuing print. Cycle Source knows that print is not dead and will be leaving their print business just as it is, still in the stores, still in your mailbox, and still plenty of free copies at the shows. However, once the print issue of the magazine comes off newsstands, they now send out, at no charge, a digital, to some 260,000 qualified consumers from the motorcycle segment. Additionally, Cycle Source Magazine makes that same digital issue available to their 300,000 FB followers to consume as well, not only giving this new distribution of their content unlimited shelf life but a reach of nearly half a million.

While our print readers will continue to have first access to each issue that we develop every thirty days, digital readers will now get it all in one shot, and it will look exactly like the magazine. The digital issue has some great features as well; readers can share it, save it, and if they feel that they might benefit from receiving a print copy a month earlier, then we will still have print subscriptions available. As a bonus to both print and digital readers, this digital free content contains expanded content such as photo galleries, additional coverage, and special offers from select advertisers.

A tremendous benefit for readers and advertisers alike is that the digital version comes complete with live hyperlinks that allow the reader to jump right over to the source to get more information on a part, an event, or a product, etc.

Cycle Source founder and Editor In Chief, Chris Callen states, “This is the only thing I can see that would make the digital platform work for publishers. People are used to getting information fast and in an unencumbered manner. By holding the reigns in an attempt to tie a revenue stream to it, we’ve slowed it down and have kept real performance numbers from reaching our advertisers. With nearly 70 some stringers creating Cycle Source media, it’s a shame to not get all this great content into the hands of people who are waiting for it as well.”

But don’t think you are losing anything if you are a current print magazine subscriber, your magazine will be in your mailbox every thirty days just like it has for the past 22 years. Cycle Source will always be a print magazine, but this new plan will supercharge that effort and be the perfect mix of print and digital media.

While this will be perceived as a bold move from the ranks of the publishing world, for Cycle Source, this is just the next step in being a modern motorcycle media outlet that began with a single print publication.

Check Out the October 2019 Digital Issue Of Cycle Source
If your company would like to be part of this game changing reachgame-changing please contact Heather at cyclesourcemain@comcast.net

–Heather Callen
Managing Editor
Cycle Source Magazine
118 Dellenbaugh Rd
Tarentum PA 15084
Office – 724-226-2867
www.cyclesource.com
Cycle Source on Facebook

NEWS FROM TEXAS STREETS–
So, I got to use my 5-Ball vest again, in a 2-day real world test. First at the Zwolle Tamale Festival, redhead and I did a one day turn around. Her sisters (yep there’s 3 of em) used to live in that area of Louisiana years back and they have been going or involved in the Festival for 20 years.

Got to use most of the pockets, my 45 year old road quite nicely, but I realize it’s a bit heavy for the pocket. Then yesterday putting the Thunderheader on, we got a small cold front for a few days, think it’s gone now.

Dyna is coming along quite nicely, the Villian 2 saddle bags should be here Wednesday? Then she’ll need bars, was thinking about the Whiskey bars from the Little Red Rigid on 12” risers, but don’t feel that what she wants? If you have a Le Para Kickflip Diamond or a Saddleman Step-Up Tuck & Roll seat for an ‘07 Dyna just laying around, can I borrow it? Bike, shocks, pipe and bags took most of my money!

–RFR
 

 

We are working on something for you and digging through the seat bins.–Bandit

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Mean Gene, from Bartels’ H-D

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

Hey this is Gene! Thanks for the nice story. Just wanted to add a few Celebrities that are bartels customers.

And the list goes:

Bob Dylan

Peter Fonda

Anthony Keidas

Bruce Willis

James Cameron

Neil Diamond

Randy Jackson

Jermaine Jackson

Heart

Gary Busey

King of Malaysia

Cher

Arnold

Elvis

Mickey Rourke

Priscilla Presley

Mike Tyson

Kenny Norton

Atom Ant

Eric Clapton

Poison

Motley Crew

James Cann

Mel Gibson

Heather Lockhart

Nicholas Cage

White Snake

Stallone

Sonny Bono

Jay Leno

Jeff Hamiton

Chrome Hearts

Stevie Nicks

Bono

Leahpatra

Paul Mitchell

Chip + Pepper

Joe Walsh

Steve Tyler

Holk Hogan

Marvin Davie

Bruce Springsteen

Michael Bower

Billy Idol

Liz Taylor

Jerry Lewis

Harvey Burak

George Clooney

Dennis Rodman

Chad McQueen

Jerry Lewis

The Sultan of Brunel

Keannu Reeves

— Gene Thomason
genetgolf@gmail.com
Modesto, CA

Plus many more but I can’t remember them all. Sorry!

IT’S ALL NUTS—We are flying at life, trying to make the most of the time we have. I’m working on lead weight plates for the torpedo, the fire system mounts and our leaky gas tank.
 

 
 

 

I’ve got the Stealth’s article about his impressions regarding the rise and fall of Easyriders. I also have another Life and Times article about an Outlaw who flew into Chicago to buy a new SuperGlide and the scene changed his life.

So, hang on for more reports from Texas.

In the meantime, ride fast and free, forever.

–Bandit

Read More

D-DAY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for June 6, 2019

Hey,

A PITCH FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A GROWING POPULATION—I wake up with the craziest thoughts. I watched Chris Kristofferson’s documentary about the Past and the Future and of course Climate Change and Man. His experts contend that fossil fuels will be around for a long time. But he asks that we try to do something to help. That was the confusing part. Did he mean drive one less car or buy one less motorcycle?

I had a friend in Australia who thought he had a formula to take old tires and anything plastic and turn it into pure diesel fuel. Imagine if that worked. It would change the trash landscape of the world.

Okay, so the Climate has been changing forever. Really, forever. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for climate change. So, ponder this for a minute. The climate is changing, and we have eliminated fossil fuels. Suddenly, the electrical grids are down, and we can’t get supplies to people who need them. We can’t leave our city because of an earthquake, because we can’t drive or ride our motorcycles.

Fossil fuels and the oil industry support everything from your freedom to ride and travel to medical supplies. We should be damn proud of the industry and hammer the government about an improved infrastructure for a growing population.

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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

BIKER LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT SUPPORTED BY BIKERNET.COM™–Thank you for the support!

https://blog.bikernet.com/biker-lives-matter/

Biker Lives Matter would like to Thank Bandit at Bikernet.com for being the first of our motorcycle media friends to let all know about our new Safety Organization on his blog and for the flow of new members that it has generated.

https://www.facebook.com/BornToRideTVMagazine/posts/10156777971729902

Thank You Born To Ride

Please look in other motorcycle publications for news in upcoming issues.

As others in the motorcycle safety and rights organizations are finding out about us it is good to see their names on the membership list. And we thank them for letting others know about us.

Those of us working hard to make Biker Lives Matter welcome all who have joined, you are the backbone of what we are working for and we appreciate the confidence you have placed in us. Please continue to invite others you know.

We are still in the early stages of making Biker Lives Matter a name in the world of motorcycling and as we work with other more established organizations, we will continue to support them and feel we will be able to help with some of the things they have been working on as we move forward.

Something us old gear heads say all the time, we aren’t trying to re-invent the wheel just want to rub on it and make it a little better, that is what our goals are here.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

-Rogue

Biker Lives Matter Inc.
PO Box 184

Melbourne, FL 32902
 

NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT--10 Of 10 Coastal Antarctic Stations Show Zero Warming Over Past Decades.

Failed Scientists Need To Resign

By Kirye
and Pierre Gosselin

Update: Another coastal station has been added: Novolazarevsk, so it’s 11 stations.

Over the past few years, climate alarmists have increasingly been resorting to weather-ambulance chasing, which has necessitated the trotting of the globe in the search of weather anomalies to behold as proof of man-made climate change.

But one place they have been avoiding like the plague is Antarctica as a number of studies have been showing the opposite of what was predicted earlier has been happening down at the South Pole, except for volcanic activity beneath parts of the Antarctic ice shelf.

Analysis of Antarctic stations show cooling

Today we look at 10 Antarctic stations under operation in Antarctica, scattered along the Antarctic coastline and operated by various countries. These are not impacted by volcanic activity:

With the 2018 data in, now is a good time to look at the long-term temperature trends of these stations. We do know that Antarctic sea ice extent has seen an impressive upward trend over the past 40 years, and so tells us cooling may be at play:

Antarctic sea ice has gained steadily over the past 40 years. Chart: Comiso et al, 2017

What follows are annual mean temperature charts of each of the 10 Antarctic stations unimpacted by volcanic activity.
Butler Island and Neumayer

Both show a clear downward trend:

Halley

Halley as well shows a downward station since 1956:

Syowa and Casey

Data from the Japan operated Syowa station and the Australia Casey stations both show no trend since 1961. Here we see no signs of any warming:

So far not a single station remote of volcanic activity has shown any warming.
Davis

The Davis station data go back 35 years and show a flat trend (very slight cooling in fact). No warming has been detected there since the great global warming scare began in the 1980s. So far 6 of the 6 stations plotted show no warming over the last several decades.

Zhongshan

This Antarctic station shows a definite cooling trend over the past 30 years:

Mirnyl

The Mirnyl station has been recording temperature data since 1967, i.e. more than half a century. It too is statistically flat, even showing a very slight cooling trend:

Dumont D’Urvi and Mawson

Both D’Urvi and Mawson Antarctic stations have recorded data going back to the 1950s. As the following chart tells us, there’s been no warming at these two long term stations as well.

Novolazarevsk

This station has not seen any warming in 40 years. Instead the trend has been cooling.
 

None show warming

In summary, not single Antarctic coastal station shows warming, with most showing cooling. Now you know why the climate change ambulance chasers have been silent about this remote, vastly undisturbed continent.
South Shetland Islands

Next we look at the annual temperatures of the 5 stations of the South Shetland Islands (located in the Antarctic Ocean).

They too show no warming since 1993. Centro http://Met.An , Marsh has had no warming trend since 1977. Where’s the warming? There certainly isn’t any at the South Pole.

Antarctic seas cooling, new study shows

Finally a fresh comprehensive study by Zhous et al also tells us that summertime sea surface temperatures (SSTs) all around Antarctic coast have been COOLING.

This is really inconvenient news for the global warming alarmists. Just when they predicted the South Pole would warm and start a dramatic melting, the opposite has in fact happened.

Grand failure as grounds for dismissal

It’s time to dismiss these alarmists as complete failures. They should be fired permanently, and never be allowed to practice science again. Their failed predictions have led the global community on a wild policy goose chase that has cost hundreds of billions of dollars and set back progress in the developing countries by many years.

I didn’t code all the charts, but you can check them on Climate Depot.–Bandit

 
 

BIKERNET HITS BIGGEST NUMBERS EVER--Here are the numbers –

BIKERNET WEB SITES
Impressions: 31,452
Uniques: 13, 142

BIKERNET BLOG –
Impressions: 339,005
Uniques: 319,803

TOTALS:

Impressions: 371,457
Uniques: 332,945

Alyssa Berry, QA Director & Senior Project Manager – Robin Technologies, Inc.

Hell, I’m not sure what our social media reach is. I do want to thank Ujjwal Dey, Director of Social Media Team, Bikernet Publishing Empire, for his social media efforts, which have made a significant improvement to our numbers and reach. –Bandit

NEW FROM BROCK’S PERFORMANCE--Upside-Down forks for your Dyna, FXR or Sportster

With Triple Trees from Brock’s Performance, installing sport-bike fork assemblies in a Harley-Davidson becomes a straightforward bolt-on project. Cut from 6061 T6 billet aluminum, the triple trees are designed to mate a set of Hayabusa fork tubes with Harley-Davidson Dynas, FXRs, and Sportsters. A reversible lower triple tree, and available fork extensions make it easy to adjust the ride height of your bike.

If you’re looking for quicker turn-in, faster stopping, improved handling in the twisties and overall improved riding performance, a set of upside-down forks with the matching rotors and calipers, should be at the top of your list. By sourcing the fork assembly from eBay, the whole project can be done on a budget.

With a little help from one of Brock’s information pages, installing an upside-down fork assembly in your ride is a one-afternoon project that can easily be done in your garage or shop. http://blog.brocksperformance.com/millennial-blue-harley-davidson-dyna-budget-build/

•Made in the USA
•Includes a stainless stem and Zinc-coated steel jam nut
•Uses 1-inch standard H-D tapered bearings and seals.
•Lower tree threaded for fork stops and headlight bracket.
•Upper tree taped for headlight eyebrow, accepts handlebars with 3.5 “ spacing, and has a cutout for routing wires and brake lines.
•Triple Trees spaced for Hayabusa wheels, calipers, and rotors.

More information regarding fitment and installation can be found in Brock’s online library, just click on the links below.

•Click to view V-Twin Triple Tree Installation Information
•Triple Tree w/ Reversible Bottom Clamp
•(Fork Extensions available here)

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling May Spell Trouble for Pittsburgh Gun Control Laws

BY DAN ZIMMERMAN

The Pennsylvania supreme court handed down an important decision on Friday in the case of Commonwealth v. Hicks. The court ruled that the mere possession of a firearm — carried either openly or concealed — does not constitute reasonable suspicion of a crime. That’s something that should go without saying, but that’s not the world in which we live.

The ruling invalidated justifications police departments were using for “stop-and-frisk” checks of individuals based solely on the fact that they were in possession of a firearm.

The court wrote:

Although the carrying of a concealed firearm is unlawful for a person statutorily prohibited from firearm ownership or for a person not licensed to do so, see 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 6105-06, there is no way to ascertain an individual’s licensing status, or status as a prohibited person, merely by his outward appearance.

As a matter of law and common sense, a police officer observing an unknown individual can no more identify whether that individual has a license in his wallet than discern whether he is a criminal.

Unless a police officer has prior knowledge that a specific individual is not permitted to carry a concealed firearm, and absent articulable facts supporting reasonable suspicion that a firearm is being used or intended to be used in a criminal manner, there simply is no justification for the conclusion that the mere possession of a firearm, where it lawfully may be carried, is alone suggestive of criminal activity.

The Firearms Policy Coalition, which wrote an amicus brief in the case, issued this press release . . .

HARRISBURG, PA (May 31, 2019) — Today, the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court issued a significant 53-page majority opinion in the criminal appeal of Commonwealth v. Hicks. Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Firearms Policy Foundation (FPF) filed an important coalition amicus brief cited by the Court supporting Hicks in December of 2017, alongside Firearms Owners Against Crime (FOAC) and seven Members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly. The Court’s decision, concurring opinions, and the FPC/FPF amicus brief can be viewed at www.firearmspolicy.org/legal.

At issue was whether someone’s carrying of a firearm could be used as reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct, and thus justification for police to conduct a “stop-and-frisk” of the gun owner. The court ruled in Hicks that such searches and seizures, in the absence of other evidence are completely unlawful.

The coalition’s brief, which was relied on heavily in the majority opinion, argued that the Pennsylvania and federal constitutions prohibit searches and seizures based on a suspicion of criminal activity due to carrying a firearm.

According to the brief, “As protected by the Second and Fourth Amendments to the United States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution . . . the mere open or conceal carrying of a firearm cannot establish reasonable articulable suspicion of criminal conduct, in the absence of additional indicia of unlawful activity.”

The Court agreed, noting “that the government may not target and seize specific individuals without any particular suspicion of wrongdoing, then force them to prove that they are not committing crimes.”

“Hicks’ position is supported by several amici curiae, including Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Firearms Owners Against Crime, the Firearms Policy Coalition, and the Firearms Policy Foundation.

Hicks’ amici argue that the Robinson rule is contrary to this Court’s precedent and to the general teachings of the Supreme Court of the United States’ Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. Amici further point to numerous decisions of the courts of other states and federal appellate courts that have addressed the specific question at issue here, and which have held that mere possession of a concealed firearm provides no basis for an investigative detention,” Supreme Court Justice Wecht wrote for the majority.

FPC President and FPF Chairman Brandon Combs hailed the decision. “Stop-and-frisk practices that harass gun owners who carry for lawful purposes including self-defense, like the one at the core of this case, are unconstitutional, bad public policy, and dangerous,” explained Combs. “We are thrilled that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania agreed with these fundamental principles and issued such an incredibly positive decision in favor of constitutional rights.”

Kim Stolfer, president of FOAC, was also delighted with the ruling. “We are thrilled to have participated in this case. The Commonwealth’s position, that the ‘mere sight’ of a firearm, with no criminal act, ‘justifies’ arrest and detention at gunpoint, is constitutionally repugnant and unjustified. Today the Court rightly held as much.”

Joshua Prince, author of the coalition’s brief, said that “the Court, in dismissing the Commonwealth’s position, declared that to permit investigative detention solely to determine whether someone is properly licensed is ‘ultimately untenable, because it would allow a manifestly unacceptable range of ordinary activity to, by itself, justify Terry stops.’”

“This ruling rightly puts an end to abusive, non-justifiable searches of law-abiding gun owners, and it should be relished by all those who support the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution,” Prince concluded.

But there’s more to the ruling than the Fourth Amendment implications of the ruling.

This ruling is especially significant in light of the Pittsburgh ordinances — the mayor et al. acknowledge that Pennsylvania state law prohibits their activities, but they are pushing anyway on the hope that the state Supreme Court will overrule the state law precluding cities from passing such ordinances.

That would be a real shame.

–Truth About Guns

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–
fecund

[fee-kuhnd, -kuhnd, fek-uhnd, -uhnd]
adjective
1.
very productive or creative intellectually: the fecund years of the Italian Renaissance.

QUOTES

… he possesses a fecund imagination able to spin out one successful series after another ….

— John Koblin, “As the Streaming Wars Heat Up, Ryan Murphy Cashes In,” New York Times, February 14, 2018

ORIGIN

The English adjective fecund ultimately comes from Latin fecundus “fertile, productive,” used of humans, animals, and plants. The first syllable fe- is a Latin development of the Proto-Indo-European root dhe(i)- “to suck, suckle.” From fe- Latin forms the derivatives felix “fruitful, productive, fortunate, blessed, lucky” (source of the English name Felix and felicity), femina “woman” (originally a feminine participle meaning “suckling”), fetus “parturition, birth, conception, begetting, young (plant or animal), child,” and filius and filia “son” and “daughter,” respectively (and source of filial). Dhe(i)- appears in Greek as the(i)-, as in thêsthai “to suckle” and thel? “nipple, teat” (an element of the uncommon English noun thelitis “inflammation of the nipple”).

Fecund entered English in the 15th century.

[page break]

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–ABOUT THIS BIKE……

Freshly Built SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION Custom Softail

ONLY $9,995.00 (Note that no financing is available for this motorcycle)

Check it out here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=7119671

If you liked ‘Easy Rider’, the look of a low rider old school chopper, this can be called a mini version of those but with more modern amenities. If you want something no one else has, this just could be the bike your looking for.

All freshly built. Add lots of chrome and completely customized, this is certainly not a ‘cookie cutter’ motorcycle. You will not find one the same anywhere and it will turn heads.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

Painted by Bootleg, custom Candy Blue metal flake with scallops and custom graphics is beautifully unique. Craftech custom frame and a chrome console. Chrome 18″ apes, braided lines, and chrome / rubber grips.

Chrome levers, custom tear drop type mirrors, brake reservoir, blinkers, and completely chrome H-D front end sitting on a chrome laced 21″ rim. Chrome engine and rear guards. Dual 2:2 chrome exhaust with fishtails. A 110ci Ultima polished motor, Ultima polished 6 speed trans, and a Mikuni carburetor.

Chrome circular air cleaner, cam, primary and derby cover. Chrome oil tank, coil cover, trans cover, and more. Custom hand tooled brown solo seat and tank strap by Danny Gray is unique as well. Rider floorboards and H-D brake pedal that matches grips.

Chrome swing arm and a gorgeous chrome spoke style drive sprocket. 18″ chrome laced rear rim with both tires looking almost new. Flared fender and tombstone type tailight. Fast, unique, and reliable.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101-point safety and mechanical inspection. Come on in to Lifestyles and own something unique!

AUSTRALIAN CLUB NEWS– MC club leader says police are also a criminal gang
Tuesday, 04 June 2019

The Australian national president of the Bandidos motorcycle club has told a Sydney court that if he is banned from having a firearm because some of his members are criminals, so should the NSW police as some of their members have been convicted of crimes.

In 2018 Jason Addison was banned by the NSW state Police from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm on the grounds that it was not in the public interest because of his presidency of the Bandidos and his criminal record for drug offences.

Mr Addison, a stonemason from Echuca in Victoria, appealed the prohibition order arguing that neither his membership of the motorcycle club nor his criminal record – which he said did not relate to firearm offences – was reason to prevent him from having a firearm.

Last week the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), upheld the prohibition order. “We are satisfied that as National President of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle club, Mr Addison is not fit, in the public interest, to have possession of a firearm.”

Mr Addison’s lawyers argued that he was not applying for a firearm and that being placed on a firearms prohibition order gave NSW Police special powers to search his home without the need for a warrant.

The NCAT spokesperson said, “We understand the potential for abuse of the powers that are authorised by a firearms prohibition order and that they can be used as a random search power without the need for a search warrant and therefore without the protections associated with a search warrant.”

However, it was judged that there was, “no weight” to the club leader’s submission that the interpretation of the Firearm Act could mean that “the Commissioner would be required to issue a firearms prohibition order against himself and every member of the NSW Police force” as some members of the force had been “convicted of criminal offences.”

A local marriage celebrant from Echuca provided a reference for Mr Addison suggesting he was a man of “high values, ethics and loyalty” and was a “highly regarded craftsmen in the funeral industry.”

However, Anthony Macken, a criminal analyst, claiming to being a ‘specialist’ in outlaw motor cycle clubs, told the tribunal that the Bandidos have a documented history of violence as well as possession and use of weapons. He said the club had members who were involved in crimes including drug offences and violence and that violence was employed to enforce the hierarchical structure within the club. NCAT stated that Mr Addison’s position of president means that “he is capable of intimidating members of the community generally and other members of the Bandidos in particular.”

In September 2018, the Queensland Court of Appeal upheld a jail sentence against Blair Thomsen, the head of the Caloundra Chapter of the Bandidos. When Stephen John Chambers left the gang in 2012 due to ill health he was ordered to attend the clubhouse. When he declined he was told that if he didn’t attend, the Bandidos would come to him. The judge noted that from experience Chambers knew that if his former colleagues came to his home “violence and damage” would ensue.

At the clubhouse meeting Thomsen said to him, “Sprogg, we’re taking your fucking bike.” This was because of Chambers’ “disrespect”. Mr Chambers never saw his $18,000 Harley Davidson again. Instead, the registration showed a new owner – Jason Addison, the national president.

In 2015 Mr Addison was charged with extortion after a former Bandidos member was forced to sign over his Sunshine Coast marble business to Mr Addison, along with his bike and the family home. The man was allegedly threatened with personal harm if he did not comply. In 2017 a Queensland jury found Mr Addison not guilty of all charges.

Honoring Greatness Among Us at Laconia Motorcycle Week, 2019

(Laconia, NH) – Monday night, June 10th, some of those past and present, with over 40 years serving our motorcycle community promoting rights and safety / awareness, will be remembered and recognized at the Looney Bin Bar and Grill, in Laconia, in memory of Bob Doiron, the creator in 1982 of the “Check Twice – Save a Life, MOTORCYCLES are Everywhere motto and bumper stickers.

“This is our 5th year reunion of sorts with Charlie St. Clair, Executive Director of Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, just recognizing some of our long time local Biker heros and advocates who’ve put so much time, energy, efforts, talents, money, their heart and soul for over 40 years helping our riding community,” said Paul W. Cote, who Doiron passed along the “Check Twice” property to as its caretaker and leader of the American Citizen Biker Political Action Committee.

“Bob and others not only rode for years but also pounded the pavement supporting biker rights, safety and awareness aimed at reducing accidents,” claims Cote.

“We started this reunion and recognition night at Laconia 5 years ago after the sudden, unexpected death of long time rights advocate and activist Billy Gannon, who was my mentor. We didn’t get to honor him and tell him while he was alive and tell him how appreciative we all were of this work on our behalf,” Cote said.”

“But we got to honor and thank Bob Doiron before he passed in 2016 and Bob supported recognizing other ‘ole schoolers’ like him who had more yesterdays than tomorrows.”

The Monday, June 10th reunion, remembering and recognition night at the Looney Bin (where else ?) begins at 7:00 p.m., with “Down Cellah” band rockin and presentation between music sets to this years honorees, including Joe Richard, co-founder (1977) of the Horror Merchants (MC); Joanne Packard, the matriarch of the New Hampshire Motorcyclist Rights Association (NHMRO), both who left us in 2018 and are riding in peace; Dick Cartier, long time local and Northeast Bike Show Promoter; and another special – still secret honoree.

For more info, see FaceBook Event page at
Check Twice night Remembering Reunion and Recognition at Laconia
https://www.facebook.com/events/448777415890652/

WHEELS THROUGH TIME HITS 17 YEARS– Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum is celebrating 17 years of preserving and promoting American motorcycle history in Maggie Valley, NC the week of July 4-9.

Explore California

The weekend celebration will be highlighted by the running of 17 of the world’s rarest motorcycles, including rare experimental models, unique racing bikes, and one-of-a-kind machines such as the 1916 Traub, often billed the “World’s Rarest Motorcycle.”

Relocated to North Carolina in 2002, Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum and the expansive collection housed inside is the lifetime work of founder and curator Dale Walksler.

The vision for the museum started over 52 years ago when a young 15-year-old Walksler bought a wrecked Harley Davidson for twenty dollars from behind a local service station. This purchase would be the first of many more to come and an investment that would cement a legacy of motorcycle pursuits. A few weeks later, Walksler had the bike running and the rest, as they say, is history.


On the Trail of Genghis Khan – Mongolia – May 2019

VINTAGE RIDES BEST SHOTS– We recently took our riders to remote areas
in Mongolia and Nepal for motorcycle holidays off the beaten track.
Check out some of our most beautiful adventure tour photos!

Mustang: the Legendary Expedition – Nepal – May 2019

Discover all our adventure tours

On the Trail of Genghis Khan – Mongolia – May 2019

Mustang: the Legendary Expedition – Nepal – October 2017

Photo credits: Johann Rousselot / Leo Fvy / Ravi Nayak / Deepak Thakur

Vintage Rides
(By appointment only)
128 rue de la Boétie
75008 PARIS
hello@vintagerides.com
+442032898785

DIRECT FROM THE WHITE HOUSE–Why Mexico must act

America’s border crisis reached another milestone today—and not an encouraging one. A few hours ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its apprehension figures for last month. There’s only one way to describe the new report.

“Just stunning,” in the words of The Washington Post’s immigration enforcement reporter.

144,278. That’s how many immigrants were apprehended or deemed inadmissible at our southern border last month alone. The May figure represents a 32 percent spike from April and makes for the third straight month with at least 100,000 apprehensions or inadmissibles. All told, CBP officials have detained more than 680,000 such migrants this fiscal year alone—more than the entire population of Miami, Florida.

“We are in a full-blown emergency, and I cannot say this stronger: The system is broken,” acting CBP Commissioner John Sanders told reporters today.

The changing face of illegal immigration demands immediate attention. Families and unaccompanied children make up a growing share of those who circumvent our legal immigration system, which makes an already-severe humanitarian crisis even worse. Last month, 88,676 family unit migrants—including both legitimate families and groups that human smugglers pose as families to game the system—and 11,893 unaccompanied children were apprehended or deemed inadmissible at the border.

President Donald J. Trump has repeatedly called on Congress to address the holes in our immigration system that cause this crisis. Just as it has for decades, Capitol Hill ducked. Congressional Democrats have gone so far as to deny that any crisis exists at all.

Americans deserve the real action that politicians have promised them for years. Last Thursday, President Trump took it, announcing that the United States would place tariffs on goods from Mexico until our southern neighbor steps up and helps stop the massive number of migrants who violate its laws to illegally access our border.

More than words are needed. America has been good to Mexico for many years. All we ask now is that Mexico do its fair share to support our Border Patrol officers and bring law and order to its side of the border, as well. President Trump is confident that Mexico can and will act swiftly to confront this dangerous situation.

 

Louisiana Unanimously Passes Anti-Motorcycle Profiling Law–
On June 3, 2019 Louisiana became the third state in America to unanimously pass legislation addressing the issue of motorcycle profiling when the Louisiana House voted 103-0 in favor of HB 141, and concurred with the Louisiana Senate’s 38-0 approval with amendments the day before. Following similar laws in Washington State (2011) and Maryland (2016), HB 141 requires motorcyclist profiling training to be integrated into current training on biased policing.

Notably, Louisiana is the first state to pass a law following the US Senate’s unanimous approval on December 11, 2018 of a resolution directing every state to follow Washington and Maryland’s lead.

Louisiana’s victory, a result of Representative Howard sponsoring ABATE of Louisiana Inc.’s grassroots driven e?orts- with the support of the Louisiana Confederation of Clubs, the National Council of Clubs and the MPP- are important for a number of reasons. HB 141 will reduce incidents of profiling in the short and long-term.

Also, HB 141 demonstrates that motorcycle profiling is a non-partisan issue impacting motorcyclists in blue and red states alike, regardless of party a?liation. This, in turn, will likely make things a bit easier for the next state, and even the federal government, to address the issue.

Reducing incidents of profiling.

Mandatory motorcycle profiling training will bring a greater awareness of the issue to law enforcement in Louisiana. This will, in turn, reduce incidents of motorcycle profiling. But even before the first o?cer is trained, the increase in awareness of the issue as a result of legislative action will likely have a more short-term impact.

Using Washington State as the example with the most data, based on the reduction in reports to the WA State Council of Clubs, integrating motorcycle profiling training into current training on profiling noticeably reduced incidents of profiling in the state. The impact was immediate and, the MPP believes, most likely the result of an immediate increase in awareness.

Although some profiling incidents do still occur, reported incidents are nowhere near pre-2011 levels. Importantly, when challenged in court, most incidents that do occur result in dismissals. But the key to maintaining a reduction has been continued diligence from the same community that pushed for a new law in the first place.

Unanimous Consent

Notably, laws addressing motorcycle profiling have been the result of legislation passed without a single no vote, in any committee or on the floor, in Washington State and Maryland. Louisiana proudly continues this trend with HB 141, also passing all legislative stages unanimously.

Laws addressing motorcycle profiling are nonpartisan, speaking to a broad base of legislators on both sides of the aisle. Louisiana is far more conservative than Washington State or Maryland. HB 141 demonstrates that discriminatory policing is equally condemnable by the left and the right, particularly the targeting of an entire community defined by the 1st Amendment. Motorcycle profiling is an issue providing the opportunity for collaboration and cooperation unbound by party a?liation that every legislator should openly support.

A Word of Caution

Passing a law addressing motorcycle profiling is a noticeable accomplishment that should not be undersold. ABATE of Louisiana has driven a grassroots e?ort into the end zone. Although nowhere near pre-2011 levels- the year the law passed- motorcycle profiling incidents still do occur in Washington State. Maintaining a grassroots infrastructure in the form of the Washington State Council of Clubs and Washington State ABATE provides a place for victims of profiling to report their incidents and receive advice and in some cases legal assistance.

Many dismissals have been granted since 2011. Many of these individuals received advice or assistance from the COC. The MPP believes maintaining a grassroots infrastructure in Louisiana will be directly connected to the new law’s ultimate e?ectiveness.

There are considerations beyond dismissals as well. For example, motorcycle profiling sensitivity training will be o?cial law enforcement policy in Louisiana providing a tangible basis for o?cial complaints filed against o?ending o?cers. An e?cient organizational response to incidents that do occur will help insure the new law addressing motorcycle profiling is as e?ective as possible.

May the dominoes fall

Every state that passes laws addressing motorcycle profiling makes the next state considering the issue more likely to act. This is particularly true when, in the legislative e?orts that have seen success, there has not been a single vote of opposition by an elected o?cial at the state or federal level.

Every successful e?ort addressing motorcycle profiling has also been centered around a grassroots movement consisting of collaboration between independent motorcyclists and the motorcycle club community. Indeed, Louisiana is the most recent living example of why the MPP was founded and proof of the results that can be obtained, without opposition, by implementing the best practices and principles developed at the state and national level.

Congratulations Louisiana.

–Double D
Motorcycle Profiling Project

NEW WALLETS AVAILABLE– Awesome.. I sent a message to Jon Towle for the Dimebag logo.

I got a couple more hand-tooled leather wallets completed. I drew all the art looking using vintage Harley gas tank emblem art. I really like how they are turning out.

These are available for order now at www.AdamCroftLeather.bigcartel.com

 

QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver’s license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home.

I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, “Unbutton your shirt”
So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.

She said, “That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me”, and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, “You should have dropped your pants. You might have got disability too.”

And then the fight started.

–from Sam Burns

THE 5-BALL LEATHERS FIT RULE—from a customer:

Hope all is well. Thanks for the swag!!! Very cool. The shirt is a PERFECT FIT! Great product! Nice features and quality. Although I will admit it is heavier than I had hoped.

So I swim in the 4x. I had to go buy a tape measure to be accurate. I’m a 50 gallon drum. 50” chest same at the belly. But I’m dropping inches so… I’m gonna go with the 2x and I’ll get laces put on it.

P.S. thanks for the book. Didn’t know that about you being a writer.

–Diablo

We have a rule in the 5-Ball Racing Leather family. It if doesn’t fit, send it back. We will exchange it for another size, no charge for anything, including shipping. We want you to wear your 5-Ball leather shirt, vest or jacket for years to come, comfortably.—Bandit

This light and breathable Ballistic Nylon vest has suddenly become very popular. It’s a natural for Hawaii and humid climates.—Bandit

[page break]

QUICK BIKE REVIEW WITH CHOW–

https://youtu.be/mATxZOuihlw

What a bike! The first thing I noticed was that huge rear tire, it has a cool custom look right out of the gate. The second thing was how comfortable and light the 2019 felt vs my 06 Fat Boy and the third and most important was the power of this stock bike!

Over 100hp and 100-foot-pounds of torque at the rear wheel! I actually spun out the rear tire at one point during the test ride, when we took off!

Jeremy the Sales Manager at City Limits Harley and I had a blast taking these two Fat Boys out!

We also stopped for awesome Bacon, Peanut Butter Burgers at Rep’s place!! Get some!! Thank you, City Limits Harley for letting me take out the 2019 Fat Boy!

–BikerDude

ELECTRIC REVOLUTION Exhibition Opening–
Right passed the entrance of the world famous Los Angeles Petersen Automotive Museum, owner Kent Riches’ electric race motorcycle sits spotlighted amongst a large crowd of onlookers who arrived for the opening of the Electric Revolution Exhibition.

If you missed all the importance of this thing, it set the world record for fastest electric motorcycle 203.833mph at the Salt Flats in 2009!

Curated by Paul d’Orléans, this exhibit aims to explore the history and current state of the electric industry, seen through the handiwork of both visionary home-builders and established manufacturers, with ultra-stylish contemporary designs that point the way to the future.

–AIR TECH Streamlining

ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
The other Milwaukee motorcycle!! Fielbach limited in 1913 and 1914 were not only built in Harley’s back yard they were bigger and faster. Built to an excellent standards, cops loved the single speed Limited, because they “were able to easily overtake a speeding automobile.“

–Don Whalen
Sierra Madre Motorcycle Co.

This classic is for sale. If you are seriously interested drop me a line to Bandit@Bikernet.com and I’ll reach out to Don.–Bandit

 

THE FLYING NUN MEETS MOTORCYCLE MISSIONS– “The Flying Nun? I have just been blessed this morning by Sister Mary James of the Carmelite Sister of The Most Sacred Heart Los Angeles for buying her custom FXR built by Mil Blair!

Why does an elderly Catholic Nun who still wears a full habit own a Harley? This motorcycle was the last bike built by Mil Blair, co-founder of Easyriders Magazine. It is a pro-street frame with a hot rodded TWEVO motor. (A Twin Cam set of jugs and heads on an EVO bottom end) with an air shifter.

Mil Blair contracted Parkinsons soon after completing this hot rod meant for the drag strip. The motorcycle was donated to Sister Mary James. I have recently purchased this machine and am having it delivered to Bikernet.com™ Headquarters to be donated to Krystal Hess, Founder of Motorcycle-Missions.org as a potential 2020 West Coast build by her PTS(D) Veterans & First Responders Build Program.

The current plan is to reconfigure the metal work, handlebars, suspension, seat, paint & re-gear it as a future Texas Mile Land Speed bike. An exciting project when the unlikely combination of The Power of The Carmelite Sisters Prayer comes together with The Power of Motorcycle-Missions.org Veterans!

We may have found a direct line to the Gods of Speed? #TheFlyingNunProject #DivineGodSpeed #TheTexasMile? #StayTuned Steve Klein Founding Board Member.

–The Klein Collection TXUSA”

THE ULTIMATE GUN NUT REPORT–KEEP YOUR GUN – DON’T SHOOT YOURSELF!

Think about it this way…

There are 30,000 gun related deaths per year by firearms, and this number is not disputed. U.S. population 328,735,259 as of Monday, May 6, 2019. Do the math: 0.009125884% of the population dies from gun related actions each year. Statistically speaking, this is insignificant! What is never told, however, is a breakdown of those 30,000 deaths, to put them in perspective as compared to other causes of death:

• 65% of those deaths are by suicide which would never be prevented by gun laws ?• 15% are by law enforcement in the line of duty and justified ?• 17% are through criminal activity, gang and drug related or mentally ill persons – gun violence ?• 3% are accidental discharge deaths

So technically, “gun violence” is not 30,000 annually, but drops to 5,100. Still too many? Well, first, how are those deaths spanned across the nation?

• 480 homicides (9.4%) were in Chicago ?• 344 homicides (6.7%) were in Baltimore ?• 333 homicides (6.5%) were in Detroit ?• 119 homicides (2.3%) were in Washington D.C. (a 54% increase over prior years)

So, 25% of all gun crime happens in just 4 cities. All 4 of those cities have strict gun laws, so it is not the lack of law that is the root cause.

This leaves 3,825 for the entire rest of the nation, or about 75 deaths per state. That is an average because some States have much higher rates than others. For example, California had 1,169 and Alabama had 1.

Now, who has the strictest gun laws by far? California, of course, but understand, so it is not guns causing this. It is a crime rate spawned by the number of criminal persons residing in those cities and states. So if all cities and states are not created equally, then there must be something other than the tool causing the gun deaths.

Are 5,100 deaths per year horrific? How about in comparison to other deaths? All death is sad and especially so when it is in the commission of a crime but that is the nature of crime. Robbery, death, rape, assault all is done by criminals and thinking that criminals will obey laws is ludicrous. That’s why they are criminals.

But what about other deaths each year?

• 40,000+ die from a drug overdose–THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THAT! ?• 36,000 people die per year from the flu, far exceeding the criminal gun deaths ?• 44,000 people die per year in traffic fatalities(exceeding gun deaths even if you include suicide)

Now it gets good:

• 200,000+ people die each year (and growing) from preventable medical errors. You are safer in the Chicago streets than in Cook County hospital!

• 710,000 people die per year from heart disease. It’s time to stop the double cheeseburgers! So what is the point? If our law makers and the anti-gun movement focused their attention on heart disease, even a 10% decrease in cardiac deaths would save twice the number of lives annually of all gun-related deaths (including suicide, law enforcement, etc.). A 10% reduction in medical errors would be 66% of the total gun deaths or 4 times the number of criminal homicides……Simple, easily preventable 10% reductions!

So you have to ask yourself, in the grand scheme of things, why the focus on guns? It’s pretty simple.:

Taking away guns gives control to governments.

The founders of this nation knew that regardless of the form of government, those in power may become corrupt and seek to rule as the British did by trying to disarm the populace of the colonies. It is not difficult to understand that a disarmed populace is a controlled populace.

Thus, the second amendment was proudly and boldly included in the U.S. Constitution. It must be preserved at all costs.

So the next time someone tries to tell you that gun control is about saving lives, look at these facts and remember these words from Noah Webster: “Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword, because the whole body of the people are armed and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretense, raised in the United States.

A military force at the command of Congress can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power.”

Remember, when it comes to “gun control,” the important word is “control,” not “gun.”

–from Joe Teresi
Private Citizen

We are trying to get these statistics confirmed.–Bandit

BIKER BUILD-OFF BUCKLE FOUND—We recently discovered one rare Biker Build-Off Bill Wall Belt Buckles and belt. It was locked in the hands of the former director, Hugh the Chopper King. It’s now for sale.

Bill Wall’s signed buckles and belts run from $1300 to $1500. But they are much smaller than the Ultimate Biker Build Off buckle.

Let me know if you would like to make an offer on this rare and signed buckle.–Bandit


U.S. Traffic Law History and Why State Laws Are Subordinate: 

By Chad Dornsife
 

NMA Nevada Activist, Executive Director of Best Highway Safety Practices Institute

Editor’s Note: This is Part 1 of what Chad half-jokingly refers to as his manifesto, written nearly ten years ago from a federalist point of view. This installment details the development of traffic laws in the United States and the origins of the government entities that oversee those laws, for better or worse. It is a history worth knowing, written by someone who has been actively involved in traffic law reform with the named agencies and the courts for most of his professional life.

Our Founding Fathers knew that the regulation of our nation’s transportation corridors (Article 1 § 8(7); Post Roads) along with commerce and national defense were indispensable to the general welfare of the nation, and these powers were not enumerated to the states.

In the 19th century, Post Roads came to embrace all related modalities, including the telegraph, railroads, waterways, etc.

Before travel became ubiquitous, and we changed the nomenclature of our nation’s “post roads” in the early 20th Century to roadways or highways, this constitutional authority nexus was raised from time to time, but for all practical purposes, it was dormant in the public’s consciousness.

The need for uniformity to achieve safety came to the fore in 1926 with the first efforts to establish a Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC), and in 1927 the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), but the realization of Eisenhower’s’ National Defense and Interstate System turned it into an imperative.

In 1966, in addition to Congress’ constitutional regulatory authority per Article 1§8(7), Congress in the Highway Safety Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-564, 80 Stat. 731) invoked the Commerce Clause to encompass this entire field to achieve roadway safety on any facility open to public travel.

In this Act, Congress assigned oversight to the Commerce Department and the former Bureau of Roads, et al.; in 1967 this new cabinet-level agency became operational as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The reconfigured authority included the new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that was responsible for roadways and traffic control and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); and the new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that was assigned drivers, vehicles and oversight of the Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC).

The “U” in MUTCD and UVC is the term “uniform,” which is implicit in all federal acts and regulations and adjudication standards per the Equal Protection Clause, US Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The Highway Safety Act of 1966, et al., as adopted by Congress, created a new paradigm for the nation’s traffic laws. Its phased-in mandates encompassed all of us; individuals, law enforcement, public entities, the courts, and the USDOT!

All means and instruments of travel, traffic control, and the exercise of police powers became a fact-based federally regulated field designed to be uniform in every aspect regardless of political boundaries, entity type or classification in the US and its Territories; subject to all constitutional protection therein. Any subordinate regulation must substantially conform to the same standards as the empowering law, including those regulating the actions of a federal agency per 5 USC 706. It is the responsibility of the USDOT that these mandates and individual rights remain unabridged; the agency was empowered to cause compliance.

Whether the USDOT acts or not, it does not abrogate the rights of the citizen, or the responsibility of the posting authority and the engineering practitioners to promulgate their laws and practices in substantial conformance with the US Constitution and Congress’ intent. Nor can the USDOT allow an inferior Authority in a federally regulated field to violate the mandates of the governing federal laws.

The Supremacy Clause invalidates state laws and federal agency administrative rules, MUTCD or UVC regulations that interfere with, or are contrary to the US Constitution and the intent of Congress. As such, USDOT (FHWA; NHTSA) is not empowered to abrogate or subvert these mandates, only enforce them.

–NMA

THE VOICE OF DENNIS MANNING AND THE SALT TORPEDO—I spoke to Dennis Manning today about his Number 7 Streamliner Effort and our Salt Torpedo.

We needed to know about Naca vents and 4-inch wide Naca vents should do the trick at the rear with a 1-inch vent in the front. Dennis tested his in a wind tunnel with Chris Carr under the canopy. Without any exhaust vents air seemed to escape, so one in the front should do the trick for the pilot.

The rear are way more important and critical. Dennis mentioned that in the mile his engine is running cooler than in the beginning. He has room to play with regarding heat and his engine.

Our other issue encompassed the hatch, how it should hinge and how it should lock down. He mentioned that his current cupboard unit wasn’t working and they were replacing it with a Bear claw type clasp available from hot rod sites.

Regarding the hinge he made one comment. We need a lip of the front of the canopy to slip under the inside of the body to prevent vibration from allowing air to slip under the canopy and lift it. Never got to the hinge.

NEW FROM LOWBROW–What’s up, Doc?
I’ll tell you what’s up. Two styles of new Rabbit Ear handlebars from Lowbrow Customs. Available in standard and narrow versions, in your choice of black or chrome.

These bars are at home on a ground-up chopper (like Mikey’s Shovelhead with the Narrow Rabbit Ears), though they also transform the look and feel of mild to wild custom Sportsters and Big Twins alike.

Quick and easy install to dial in your bike, only $99.95 and free shipping!

NEWS FLASH FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Greenpeace co-founder Dr. Patrick Moore on UN species scare: “You cannot call yourself a scientist if you pretend that there are 6.2 million species that have no names and have never been identified. That is not science. That is fiction. Fairy tale stories. And that’s what we’re being told here.”

Climate Depot’s Marc Morano described the report as a politically driven document, “the latest U.N. appeal to give it more power, more scientific authority, more money and more regulatory control.” “At best, the U.N. science panels represent nothing more than ‘authoritative bureaucracy,’ claiming they hype the problem and then come up with the solution that puts them in charge of ‘solving’ the issue in perpetuity,” Mr. Morano said in his prepared remarks. “A more accurate term for the U.N. than ‘authoritative science’ may be ‘authoritative propaganda.’”

Mr. Huffman fired back, referring to Mr. Morano as a troll. “I don’t know what inspires someone to make a career out of trolling scientists or monetizing contrarian ideology on the YouTube and Ted Talk circuit, but it’s just a very different kind of conversation than the science-based conversation I think many of us would try to have,” Mr. Huffman said.

No House committee hearing this year would be complete without a climate change row. Republicans took aim at the Green New Deal, the Paris climate agreement and the 97% scientific “consensus,” while Democrats’ witnesses stressed the impact of global warming on species.

OKAY—I’m sorta tired of this global bullshit and most folks ignore it anyway. We are living in the best of times, I swear. We should honor our accomplishments and freedoms.

I’m just a grubby biker but I believe in freedom and not in anyone who claims doomsday. I’m so surprised to witness all the media just bending to this bullshit without questioning a word. There are more media outlets and books surfacing constantly against the Global Warming Hoax, but mainstream media and even the motorcycle press doesn’t question the intentions or facts.

I’m blown away anytime someone wants to take our freedoms and folks don’t say, “Wait a minute. Let’s take a hard look at what you are saying.” When the media attacks the NRA, I point out that the NRA is protecting our right. Get a grip.

Didn’t anyone check the history books. A politician in the ‘50s claimed doomsday regarding communism. People lost their freedoms and jobs, but finally came to their senses and kicked his ass.

Bikers faced the same scenario with the helmet law. Joan Claybrook came up with the excuse to take our freedoms away, the public burden theory. If it costs the public there needs to be a law. Quickly, motorcycle rights groups came up with ways to dispute her claims and retain freedom.

Now we have this claim against the planet, the ultimate excuse to take our freedoms. Governments love it. But here’s the fly in their ointment: What if ten years from now nothing happened? That would make it about 27 years since Al Gore proclaimed doomsday.

I’ll keep fighting for freedom and questioning authority until the end. I guess it’s my nature as just another grubby biker who loves to ride free.

You know the drill…

–Bandit

Read More

ACTION-PACKED Bikernet Weekly News for June 13, 2019

Hey,

Every morning I wake up, throw my long legs over the edge of our drooping bed and say, “It’s going to be an exciting day!”
 
 

 

Ever since dragging the Salt Torpedo back to the Bikernet Headquarters, we’ve been scrambling. Yesterday, we peeled the top of the new fiberglass body off of the torpedo for the first time in about a month. Jeremiah and Zack helped hoist the trike back onto the lift.

Hopefully, Friday I will take the body to have the canopy and windshield made in Los Alamitos. Monday, we will start final welding on the frame. And if the gods of sparks and rod are on our side, by next Friday we will start final assembly. 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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

NEWS FROM THE RODDER’S JOURNAL--Dad’s Day News from TRJ– Father’s Day is this Sunday, and that means this weekend is dedicated to dad. Whether it’s a few peaceful hours in the garage or a nice cold one on the deck, this is the perfect time to celebrate.

To make things even more special, we’re offering 25% off until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Just use the code DAD2019 online or over the phone. This sale applies to everything—including subscriptions. And remember, all orders over $50 (after the discount) will receive a TRJ shop sign absolutely free.

Father’s Day is all about traditions and, for as long as we can remember, we’ve spent the third weekend in June in the Los Angeles area for the L.A. Roadster Show. Now in its 55th year, the show brings some of the region’s best roadsters—and plenty of other traditional rods and customs—to the Pomona Fariplex.

The Roadster Show has long been one of our favorites, and it always makes for a fun weekend to catch up with friends and make new ones. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to make the trip south this year due to our publishing schedule, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank the L.A. Roadsters for organizing such a high-quality event. To learn more about the club and the weekend’s festivities, click here.

Even though we won’t be in L.A., we will be uploading a wide array of long-lost TRJ treasures to our online store in the coming week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, take advantage of our 25% off sale by clicking the red box above or giving us a call at (800) 750-9550 in the United States, Canada and the Carribean or (804) 496-6906 internationally.

Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal


Indian Motorcycle Great American Cookout–Please join us Saturday June-15th, 2019 for the Indian Motorcycle Great American Cookout right here at Indian Motorcycle of Libertyville.

What could be better than firing up the bike and riding over with Dad for Fathers Day Weekend, grabbing a cold beverage and hot food straight off the grill before taking a ride on a brand new Indian Motorcycle? Probably not much!

Please be aware of the “Libertyville Days” Parade on Milwaukee Ave right in front of the Dealership on that day. Milwaukee Ave will be closed to traffic at 9:30 am for the 10:am parade. Customers are welcome to take Church street to our parking in the rear of the building.

See you Saturday,

Don O’Shea

Mileage Standards and Biofuels Are Both Terrible–
These top-down government mandates override the free market and should be scrapped.

The Trump administration is set to make major changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that govern what automakers produce and undoing yet another Obama-era power grab. Barack Obama elected to raise fleet CAFE standards to 54 miles per gallon by 2025. It was a mark that the automotive industry fears it could not reach in time and still stay in business.

Thankfully, the Trump administration is about to put a freeze on those requirements, setting the fuel-economy standard at 2020 levels through 2025. The change would also revoke California’s waiver to set its own fuel economy standard under the Clean Air Act. This rule has been in place for decades, but it came to the nation’s attention when California essentially set the fuel-economy standard for the country during the Obama years.

A protracted legal battle between California and the Trump administration is assured if a deal cannot be worked out on a common fuel standard that suits both parties. Meanwhile, 17 automakers sent a letter to Trump to create one national fuel standard and not go to war with California. An extended court case would put car companies in regulatory limbo until matters are sorted out.

On a side note, Government Motors (GM) shareholders sent a letter to CEO Mary Barra stating that they want the automaker to hold firm to the California model. Never forget that this is the company bailed out by government largess “repaid” with leftist board of director appointments and transfers of voting stock.

At this point, there doesn’t look to be any forthcoming deal between California and the White House.

Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. Hot on the heels of the Trump administration’s wrong-headed expansion of ethanol usage comes news that further proves why the president is acting on the wrong side of this issue.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) first came about in 2005 as an attempted end run around the free market by forcing drivers to buy biofuels that nobody would otherwise touch. Biofuels have been government subsidized and sycophantically supported by the Left ever since. Despite reasoned scientific study that pointed out the weaknesses of biofuels since the beginning, our enlightened government superiors mandated that we use ever more of it in our fuel supply.

The [Government Accountability Office(https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-19-47) (GAO) released a report last week that didn’t receive as much press as it deserved. The GAO determined that ethanol has basically been a bust. The biofuel has not had any noticeable impact on CO2 levels in the atmosphere, nor has it made gas cheaper at the pump — both ostensible goals of the ethanol mandate.

It’s not the GAO’s place to make policy recommendations, but the office’s work speaks for itself.

The GAO got involved in examining biofuels in 2014 when it discovered that refiners’ costs for complying with the Renewable Fuel Standard had increased. Two years later GAO also found that greenhouse gas emissions were not going to meet the target set for 2022.

The GAO’s findings were immediately attacked by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has an obvious interest in seeing ethanol succeed. The USDA challenged GAO’s conclusions about the limited effect the program has had on reducing emissions. While they’re on the subject, they should talk about last year’s EPA report that found corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel were hurting water quality.

The issues of mileage standards and ethanol levels are related because of the top-down, Big Government mandates that dictate what kind of cars we drive and what fuel we put in them. Both should be permanently scrapped so the free market can determine the way forward.

–The Patriot Post

–From Rogue


HEMPWORKS SAVED MY LIFE– Cool. The CBD products from Hemp are very low in thc. .03. The THC from the marijuana Cannabis strain is very high. I think the Cannabis strain that hemp cbd comes from is the sativa.

The hemp plant is harvested before the flower is produced. The stem and leaves have all the cbd in them. The hemp seeds are squished to provide the base carrier oil and the cbd is extracted from the stalk and leaves. Most other companies use a MCT oil, (coconut oil) as a carrier then they add a touch of cbd from Hemp. This is why there is a wide range of affects from different cbd oils out there. A pure hemp seed oil with added cbd is a far better product.

Hempworx is such a product and is 1 of only 13 companies certified pure CBD. 22000 companies summited samples for testing and only 13 passed. Along with Hempworx passing so did the Gencanna farm in Ky that is the sole provider of the Hempworxbrand.

It too has the Hemp Seal Certification. Non gmo and federal compliance in the farming techniques has propelled Hempworx as the fastest growing CBD company on the planet. Woohoo.

–Kevin Kahl

HAL ROBINSON NEWS–
Famous Cartoonist Harold (Hal) Robinson is wearing his art work on his cap. Hal is having a meeting with Lou Kimsey of Easyriders Magazine at the office in Agoura Hills, CA. Picture taken around the middle 1970s.

–Ann Robinson

We carry a new line of Hal Robinson T-shirts and limited edition prints. –Bandit

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–TTAG Weekly Gun Law Roundup: Northam’s Special Session, Cities Fight Supremacy, and More Spooky Ghosts

BY MATTHEW LAROSIERE

Ralph Northam Gun Control Virginia
courtesy rga.org

VA Special Session

Following the mass murder in VA beach where a city employee murdered 12 people, disgraced Virginia governor Ralph Northam announced his intention to “take on” the Republican controlled state legislature by forcing a debate on a package of gun control measures. Included in Northam’s suggested measures are a ban on suppressors, universal background checks, assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and banning firearms in city buildings.

The suppressor ban is pretty shockingly daft, as all the reports from the shooting indicated there were no questions about the presence or location of gunshots. The suppressor did nothing to affect the killer’s lethality, and yet, here we are. The “emergency” special session is set for the 9th of July. The main question is how many Virginia Republicans will bend the knee.

Municipalities Hate State Supremacy

Dovetailing nicely with our continued discussion of the push-and-pull of state vs. local governments, this week the city of Cincinnati joined with other cities in a lawsuit over the state’s new supremacy law, which prevents local governments from setting stricter-than-state gun laws.

Ohio’s House Bill 228 is set to go into effect March 28, and it attempts to prevent overzealous municipalities from making their towns into landmines for gun owners. The city governments argue this violates their home rule authority. This is really a matter of Ohio’s state constitution, but supremacy provisions are commonplace. We’ll find out with time whether this is municipal saber rattling or an actual claim.

In Florida, a Leon County judge heard arguments in a similar challenge to the state’s supremacy clause yesterday. The cities and counties make the profoundly ironic contention that the state supremacy law violates their free-speech rights, as well as separation of powers.

This, of course, completely ignores the fact that Florida’s constitution Article I, § 8(a) provides “The right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and of the lawful authority of the state shall not be infringed[.]” We can expect a ruling in the coming weeks.

Connecticut’s Scared of Ghosts

Joining Washington in the state ghost-hunter club, Connecticut governor Ned Lamont signed into law today two new gun laws. The first is a ban on ”ghost guns,” reflecting the typical alarmism surrounding unserialized homemade guns, and the other requires handguns to be locked in a safe which is then locked in the trunk or glove box when the vehicle is parked.

Governor Lamont is expected to sign “Ethan’s law,” regulating the storage of firearms at homes where children might be present, next week.

Delaware’s Safe Storage Law Hits the Books

Today Delaware governor John Carney signed a law similar to “Ethan’s law,” subjecting parents to prison time if firearms are stored in places where minors might access them. As I’ve always said, being safe with firearms around children is important, but blanket prohibitions will only worsen the relationship of police and the people in their precincts. It’s unlikely these laws will have any impact on the incredibly rare incidences of negligent firearm discharges in their respective states.

–Truth about Guns

 
  

Bolt of lightning kills motorcyclist– on I-95 in Central Florida
Victim in Ormond Beach crash ID’d as Benjamin Lee.– Graham Media Group

All our best to Benjamin’s family.

–Bandit, Sam and Rogue


Super Hooligan National Championship Series steams towards Tulsa Oklahoma and has finalized the remaining 2019 race schedule

Los Alamitos, CA (June 10, 2019)— Roland Sands and crew have ignited a two-wheeled lifestyle explosion with the “Moto Classic Series” and as the 2019 Super Hooligan National Championship (SHNC) presented steams towards Round 5, we’ve expanded our events with the Mayo Moto Street Classic in Tulsa Oklahoma.

June 15th, Roland Sands Design joins forces with the Mayo Moto Museum on one of the greatest motorcycle, music, and art cultural experiences to hit the Midwest. This new festival features Super Hooligan riders racing through the streets of downtown Tulsa, The Lansing Street Drag Races, Stunt Show, Moto Classic Bike show, Stay Gold Art Show and vendor village, all accompanied by the biggest bands in Southern Soul Rock – JJ Grey & Mofro and the Paul Benjamin Band in the heart of the city with the picturesque Tulsa skyline as a backdrop.

Remaining SHNC Races for 2019:
JUN 15 Mayo Moto Street Classic: Tulsa, OK
JUNE 21 Perris Short Track: Perris, CA
AUG 7 Buffalo Chip TT, Sturgis SD
AUG 17 Salt Lake City, UT
SEP 21 Costa Mesa Speedway: Orange County, CA
OCT 26-27 Moto Beach Classic Surf City Blitz WEST: Huntington Beach, CA

The week after Tulsa, OK, the SHNC has added Perris Short Track in Perris, CA June 21st. “Super Hooligan racing was born and bred on the short tracks of Southern California, with the Hooligan X Games qualifier the day before and the Born Free motorcycle show that weekend we are pumped to be right smack in the middle of a So. Cal two-wheel enthusiast dream week”.

The 2019 SHNC current standings after 4 rounds:
1. Joe Kopp #3 100 PTS
2. Andy DiBrino #1 67 PTS
3. Tony Alves #16 52 PTS
4. Jordan Baber #27 46 PTS
5. Frankie Garcia #24X 43 PTS
6. Jordan Graham #47 41 PTS
7. Chris McDougal #114 40 PTS
8. AJ Kirkpatrick #12 33 PTS
9. Jimmy Hill #88 28 PTS
10. David Kohlstaedt #29 23 PTS

Dunlop Dash 4 Cash: $500
K&N Hole Shot: $300

2019 Contingency awards:
1st: $1000.00
2nd: $750.00
3rd: $500.00
4th: $400.00
5th: $350.00
6th: $300.00
7th: $250.00
8th: $200.00
9th: $150.00
10th: $125.00
11th: 100.00
12th: $75.00
13th: $50.00

–Kevin Olivares

LAIDLAWS H-D WINS

Here is a link to our Bike.

https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_US/bike_detail/217

We received the “People’s Choice Award” and we are now a “Race Category Finalist”

The Battle of the Kings contest is the largest dealer custom bike build competition in the world. Since 2015, more than 500 custom bikes have been built for the competition.
Through programs like Battle of the Kings, Harley-Davidson will build the next generation of skilled tradesmen and inspire students to get involved in the exciting world of motorcycle customization.

This year, Harley-Davidson dealerships in the United States partnered with local schools to build a customized Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the Battle of the Kings contest.

In the past 30-days, the competition went viral with the public voting for their favorite build. 21 motorcycles were awarded the People’s Choice award. I am proud to announce that Laidlaws Harley-Davidson, along with Isaiah Castro from North Park H.S., were awarded a People’s Choice Trophy!

In June, Harley-Davidson Marketing and Styling Teams will be voting for the Top 18 Category Finalists. 6 Chop, 6 Race and 6 Dirt custom motorcycles will advance to the next round. Category Finalist Winners will be announced on H-D.com on June 10.

Then Media Influencers and Motorcycle Journalists will narrow the field to the Top 3 builds. 1 Chop, 1 Race and 1 Dirt custom bike will be crowned Category Winners and announced on H-D.com on July 1.

The Top 3 will go on display at the Annual Dealer Meeting taking place in August in Milwaukee. Dealership staff will vote for the custom build they want representing the U.S. at the International Motorcycle Trade Show in Milan, Italy.

In November, one U.S. custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the Build Crew will travel to Milan, Italy to compete with 4 other global motorcycles at the International Motorcycle Show. One motorcycle and one Team will be crowned the Battle of the Kings Champion. Last year, the Grand Champion was a stunning custom Harley-Davidson Street Bob motorcycle from Bangkok.

-Matt Laidlaw
mlaidlaw@laidlawsharley.com

MUSIC VIDEO BRINGS OUT 5-BALL RACING—A couple of brothers rode their Dynas into Hollywood to stand-in as extras during the filming of a music video. They were both wearing 5/8 Jak Shirts.

While they were on hand Jeremiah ran into this big guy also wearing a 5-Ball vest. We were well represented. Check out our line-up.

–Bandit

[page break]

THE ART OF MONTE MOORE–As I have been expanding into the world of fine art I have found myself applying to many new and different art shows and festivals to try and reach a new audience with my artwork, but with that also comes a new set of pitfalls and potential disappointments.

The world of art, in general, is extremely competitive – even though most might not think it to be. As a ‘luxury’ item that folks can live without, unlike food, art isn’t something the regular person thinks about on a daily basis… unless you are an artist.

These past two weeks I have had some disappointment and setbacks, as I received three different rejections from art shows coast to coast, some small and some very high profile.

No matter your previous successes, we all still experience rejection, and all of us will continue to ’stumble’ as we climb up the mountain, no matter what that mountain might be.

An artist has to have thick skin, and every time we share a new creation online or in a show we set ourselves up for criticism and even sometimes outright ridicule, and this can often be tough to take, given that each piece of art has a bit of ourselves in it.

On the flip side we also get the joy of basking in the adoration of fans when the art is well received! Like so much in life, we take the good with the bad and hope it all evens out in the middle.

I’ve always loved the Vince Lombardi quote “The man on the top of the mountain didn’t fall there”, and in my mind I usually add a second part – “but I bet his knees were pretty skinned up when he reached the top!”

So this week I’d like to leave you with a bit of inspiration and hope it helps you out – When you experience your own disappointments and rejections let it be the fuel on the fire of your future success and prove them all wrong by saying “OH YEAH!? WATCH THIS!!” – bam!

Monte #ExpectMoore

PFF Exclusive – “The Defender” 11×17 metal print $50 – limited quantities
USA and “Valley of the Sun” Edition available, only 20 made


HANG ON FOR LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST–It is (almost) officially summer! Time to confirm your plans for Vegas BikeFest in the fall! We have extended our early bird discount on booth space to JUNE 15!
There’s always lots of new at Vegas BikeFest 2019 – Here are the top 7 that your customers are talking about.

1.New Look, New Feel! – Have you seen our new logo? Vegas BikeFest has a new look – check it out https://lasvegasbikefest.com/ to catch a glimpse.
2. Lower Hotel Rates! – Our hotel partners have provided us with even lower rates than last year which makes it easier for attendees (and vendors) to attend and save money.
3. Hooligan Dirt Dash Flat Track Racing – Happening Thursday and Friday night in downtown just steps away from Rally Central. Sure to draw in a new crowd to the rally.
4. More shaded seating! – The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center now has a permanent tent that will provide additional shaded seating to keep attendees comfortable while shopping.
5. Food Court Added! A new food court area will be added featuring top food trucks and other food vendors.
6. Bands are Back! – More than 15 bands at Rally Central – bringing a variety of live entertainment back to the rally!
7. All in one venue! All vendor space will be at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
Go to INFO to view Vendor Brochure for all the details.

Ready to join us? Go to BUY-A-BOOTH to purchase a booth TODAY.

Got Questions? Give me a call.

Thanks again for your support of Vegas BikeFest. See you in October!

Call me!

–Mindi
Las Vegas BikeFest
www.LasVegasBikeFest.com
P: 702-216-5832 | E: mcherry@LasVegasBikeFest.com

Save the Date! 19th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest – October 3-6, 2019

CBD vs. THC – What’s the Difference?

Several CBD Sample Customers recently asked us this question:

What’s the difference between CBD & THC?

So we wanted to take a few moments to explain this difference for you.

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, but they’re different in many ways. The main difference between CBD and THC is that CBD does not induce a high whereas THC does.

CBD: Cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent that naturally occurs in industrial Hemp, is just one of over 85 cannabinoids that is identified in the cannabis plant. CBD is 100% non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t negatively impact your mind or mental process. In other words, CBD does not get you ‘high’ or stoned. There is no mental slowness or haziness caused by CBD. And, CBD has been shown to have many health benefits that our customers love.

THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is a psychoactive component of marijuana, although the THC molecule is surprisingly similar to its non-psychoactive counterpart CBD. THC is what gets you high.

At HempWorx we offer a range of CBD Products including ZERO THC products in the form of CBD Oil, Coffee, Creamers, and Creams, as well as CBD products with 0.3% or less THC available in our full-spectrum CBD product line.

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LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2018 Harley-Davidson® FLHC – Softail® Heritage Classic

For only $14,795.00

check it out here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=6961952
CALL (714) 490-0155

This “Nearly New” Heritage has only 15,197 miles!

In Vivid Black with silver pinstripe projects a purposeful no-frills appearance that forgoes shiny distractions. The newly designed sidestand is much easier to deploy and retract.

Fob-sensing keyless ignition is another new convenience, and the traditional barrel-key steering-head lock has been replaced by a quarter-turn conventional-style key. Larger LCD multi-function display integrated into the lower portion of the boldface speedometer.

The LCD features a fuel-level bar graph and gear position indicator that both remain persistent as you toggle through the other functions with the left thumb switch. The mid-height ape bars are comfortably positioned and angled, the saddle is oh-so plush, and the floorboards rock.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

Vivid black paint with silver pin-striping is flawless. Vivid black 10″bars on 2″ risers. Chrome mirrors, vivid black console, studded leather tank strap and raised tank logos.

Quick detachable windshield with the lower half in black. Black blinkers and LED head and passing lamps. Vivid black fork, fender trim, chrome hub and laced vivid black rims. Chrome 2:2 tapered exhaust. Chrome push-rod tubes and tappet blocks. Vivid black rocker covers, circular 107 air cover, oil tank, trans cover, cam with H-D logo, primary, derby cover, and kickstand.

Solo seat with matching pillion. H-D floors and passenger pegs. Hard leather locking side bags and more… This is a beautiful nearly new bike!

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 go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!


1941 Harley Davidson Shaft-Driven Knucklehead Servi-Car

WHEELS THROUGH TIME NEWS–17 Rare Bikes for 17 Years.

July 4 -8 | 9 AM to 5 PM

This year the museum will celebrate 17 years of operation in Maggie Valley and to commemorate Dale, and the staff wanted to do something special. “Keeping in line with the museum motto “the museum that runs,” we figured what better way than to start 17 of our rarest bikes, one for each year the museum has been open in Maggie Valley,” said Walksler.

1917 Henderson Four-Cylinder

Included in the 17 rarest motorcycles will be the 1916 Traub, the “world’s rarest motorcycle,” discovered bricked up behind a wall in Chicago, Illinois, a 1917 Henderson four-cylinder, once ridden by Maldwin Jones in an attempt to set a 24 hour speed record in Ohio, as well as an experimental 1941 Harley Davidson Shaft-Driven Knucklehead Servi-Car, one of only 17 built for the US Military.

For 17 days leading up to July 4th, the museum staff will be starting one of the rare bikes each day. The celebration will culminate on Saturday, July 6th when all 17 of the world’s rarest machines will be fired up during the day’s festivities.

THIS JUST IN FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–THE TROPICAL SKIES Falsifying climate alarm

By John Christy

The Global Warming Policy Foundation, GWPF Note 17

Excerpt: Measuring the greenhouse effect

When I grew up, science was defined as a method of discovering information. You would make a claim or a hypothesis, and then you would test that claim against independent data. If it failed, you rejected your claim and you started over again.

In otherwords your hypothesis was not good information. But nowadays, if someone makes a claim about the climate, and someone like me falsifies it, rather than abandoning the hypothesis, that person tends to just yell louder that their claim is right. They find it difficult to look at what data might say about their beloved hypothesis.

I’m referring to the climate’s response to the emission of extra greenhouse gases as a result of our combustion of fossil fuels. In terms of scale – and this is important – we want to know the impact on the climate of an extra 0.5 units of forcing, amongst all the other forcings, some of which are over 100 units each. So we’re trying to figure out the signal of an extra 0.5 of a unit amidst these large and variable natural flows of energy.

About the Author

Dr John R. Christy is the director of the Earth System Science Center, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science and Alabama State Climatologist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he has been employed for over 30 years. His responsibilities include managing a science centre with over 80 employees, working on several research projects ranging from developing and launching space-based instruments to studying impacts of significant weather events in developing countries, to high-resolution studies of air pollution (air-chemistry and meteorology). His own research concerns developing, constructing and refining global and regional climate data records that can be used to test claims of climate variability and change and to understand the climate’s sensitivity to various forcing factors. This work has resulted in almost 100 peer-reviewed publications.

This publication is available at https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploads/2019/05/JohnChristy-Parliament.pdf

DIGITAL DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK— In storage

Crated and somewhere in post WWII Europe. Find ‘em quick!

–Frogman

AMA VINTAGE DAYS–Featuring Honda as the marque of the year, the 2019 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are set for Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio July 5-7. Billed as the nation’s premier vintage motorcycling event, AMA Vintage Days include racing, a bike show, live music at the Old Bike Barn Crossroads stage, plus seminars and motorcycle attractions.

Best of all, the activities at the event financially support the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the 501(c)(3) non-profit that raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

[page break]

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
SALT TORPEDO Chapter 19: Fiberglass Prison

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SALT_TORPEDO_Chapter_19_Fiberglass_Prison.aspx

Nice ‘glass how to, good inspiration too. Maybe that’s what I need when I get bogged down with one of my books.

— Timothy Remus
tim@wolfpub.com
MPLS, MN

Hey Tim. As soon as we get back from Bonneville, we will consult with you on a Salt Torpedo tech book.–Bandit

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY–
Earliest evidence for cannabis smoking discovered in ancient tombs

Traces of potent pot were identified in 2,500-year-old wooden artifacts buried with people who lived along the Silk Road in China.

BY MICHELLE Z. DONAHUE

The earliest direct evidence for human consumption of cannabis as a drug has been discovered in a 2,500-year-old cemetery in Central Asia, according to a research paper published today in in the journal Science Advances.

While cannabis plants and seeds have been identified at other archaeological sites from the same general region and time period—including a cannabis ‘burial shroud’ discovered in 2016—it’s been unclear in each context whether the versatile plant was used for psychoactive reasons or for other ritual purposes.

An international team of researchers analyzed the interiors and contents of 10 wooden bowls excavated from burials at Jirzankal Cemetery, a site on the Pamir Plateau in what is now far-western China. The bowls contained small stones that had been exposed to high heat, and archaeologists identified them as braziers for burning incense or other plant matter.

When chemical analysis of the braziers revealed that nine of the ten once contained cannabis, the researchers compared the chemical signature of the samples against those of cannabis plants discovered 1,000 miles to the east at Jiayi Cemetery, in burials dating from the eighth to the sixth century B.C.

They saw that the Jirzankal cannabis had something the Jiayi hemp did not: Molecular remnants of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC—the chemical responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects. The strain of cannabis found at Jiayi does not contain THC, and would have been primarily been used as a source of fiber for clothing and rope, as well as nutrient-rich oilseed.

The Jirzankal cannabis features higher levels of mind-altering compounds than have yet been found at any ancient site, suggesting that people could have been intentionally cultivating certain strains of cannabis for a potent high, or selecting wild plants known to produce that effect.

Cannabis is known for its “plasticity,” or ability for new generations of plants to express different characteristics from earlier generations depending on exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature, and altitude. Wild strains of cannabis growing at higher altitudes, for instance, can have a higher THC content.

The discovery at Jirzankal also provides the first direct evidence that humans inhaled combusted cannabis plants in order to obtain its psychoactive effects. No evidence of smoking pipes or similar apparatus has been found in Asia before contact with the New World in the modern era, but the inhalation of cannabis smoke from a heat source is described by the fifth-century B.C. Greek historian Herodotus, who described in his Histories how the Scythians, a nomadic tribe living on the Caspian Steppe, purified themselves with cannabis smoke after burying their dead: “The Scythians then take the seed of this hemp and, crawling in under the mats, throw it on the red-hot stones, where it smolders and sends forth such fumes that no Greek vapor-bath could surpass it. The Scythians howl in their joy at the vapor-bath.”

–National Geographic
News At https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/2019/06/earliest-evidence-cannabis-marijuana-smoking-china-tombs/

VINTAGE BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
Harley-Davidson Panhead 1950

A premier builder of over 200 motorcycles, Mil Blair actualized his dream of building “TEX” in 1994.

This bike is a renowned replica of the timeless April 7, 1951 Saturday Evening Post cover bike “TEX”, possessing a 98% likeness to the cover/painting by Steven Dohanos. “The bike had been in the back of my mind since the day I saw the painting” said Mil, recalling seeing the cover for the first time when he was just 11 years old.

The replica is so intricate and detailed, Tex Keeler, who built the original bike, says he can’t tell the two bikes apart! While the likeness is undeniably striking, you’ll find a few inconsistencies from the bike featured in the painting, primarily because it was Mil’s dream to own and ride the bike, which involved making necessary adjustments in order to make it suitable for daily riding.

Built with a real Harley-Davidson Panhead engine, transmission, among many other original parts, this bike is a real museum quality motorcycle – so much so in fact the bike is not currently running as the oil, gas and battery had been removed for its period on display at Eiteljorg Museum for “Steel Ponies” Exhibit in Indianapolis, a testament to the bike’s significance.

Furthermore, this celebrated replica was featured in “Earlyriders” Magazine Issue Number 1 in 1994 (a copy of which will be accompanied with the bike), was seen on “American Pickers” Season 2 Episode 24 “California Dreaming” on The History Channel, was named “Best Panhead” at Bartells Harley-Davidson show and won the Otis Chandlers Vintage Museum honor of “Best American Motorcycle” at Ventura Motorcycle Show (winning trophy will accompany the bike).

While Mil has spent several decades enjoying this special bike he built, he feels it is time to let someone else have as much fun as he has had with it.

Key Details:
74 cubic inches
4 Speed Hand Shift “Tank Shift”
Linkert Carburetor
Low mileage on motor
Letters “TEX” on saddle bags are solid sliver
License plate: Special California #8898
12 Volt System
BDL belt drive primary
Bob Lepera handmade seat
*While the bike is built primarily with Harley-Davidson original parts, aftermarket parts were used

$ 42,500

–Mil Blair
HarleyMil@aol.com

SHOW REQUEST FROM AMERICAN IRON–Suggestions Requested!

Every year I help the local Greenwich Concours d’Elegance show to expose the car collectors and general public to some amazing motorcycles. And every year they seem quite popular.

I am looking for suggestions for next year’s “third “class.

We always run American motorcycles on Saturday, and imports on Sunday, but also a special themed class of bikes. Last year it was competition (race) bikes and had The World’s Fastest Indian, this year it was orphans (brands no longer in business).

Suggestions for next year please?

–Buzz Kantor
Grand Emperor
American Iron Magazine

BORN FREE COMING–Have a great Born Free. Europe working HARD too!

–the Sheriff
Media Group
Sweden

NEWS: Harley-Davidson Closes Kansas City Plant – What Happened?

The Last Nail in the V-Rod’s Coffin and Harassment Allegations at Harley-Davidson
Friday May 24th was the last day of production at the Harley-Davidson’s factory in Kansas City, Missouri. Closure was announced earlier in the year, but the shutdown process began in August of 2018.

The factory was built in the late 1990s at a cost of approximately $85 million dollars. At the time, thirty other communities were competing to have Harley-Davidson build in their towns, offering tens of millions in state tax abatement and other incentives. Some 22 years later, it’s been shut down, and about 800 employees are out of jobs.

Harley’s media statement:
 

“The Kansas City plant has been assembling Harley-Davidson motorcycles since 1997, and our employees will leave a great legacy of safety, quality, collaboration and manufacturing leadership. We are grateful to them and the Kansas City community for their many years of support and their service to our dealers and our riders.”

The plan is for production from the Kansas City factory to be shifted to the company’s York, Pennsylvania factory. This should create 450 new jobs in Pennsylvania where Harley-Davidson is investing $150,000,000 to expand their state-of-the-art plant. The expanded York plant will take over production of the Sportster, Dyna, and Street family of motorcycles previously made in Kansas City.

 

How does the V-Rod play into this?

The original first-generation V-Rod was everything Harley-Davidson wants to offer customers today, but it came eighteen years too soon. By the time the V-Rod entered its final production generation it was too heavy, fat, and expensive for a new generation of riders. There was always hope, especially among the V-Rod fanbase on 1130cc, that the V-Rod would be brought back as the bastion of Harley-Davidson’s performance potential. An 1130cc (and later 1250cc) motor that put their big twins to shame.

Harley enthusiasts had hopes that as long as the plant stayed open, there would always be an opportunity to bring the V-Rod back to production, once the market was once again ready for it. While we have seen other companies bring back models from their past (think Suzuki bringing back the Katana thirteen years after it was last produced), the Kansas City plant officially shutting down may be the last nail in the V-Rod’s coffin. That’s a real shame, because it was arguably the greatest bike Harley-Davidson has ever produced, and undoubtedly the most future-forward one.

So why did the Kansas City factory close?
 

When Harley-Davidson first made the announcement last year, they blamed the need to close the plant on President Trump’s trade policies and soft sales. A tariff increase on motorcycles that Harley-Davidson sold in the European Union meant that Harley’s motorcycles would cost over $2,000 more per motorcycle in Europe, on every motorcycle made in America and sold in the Europe. This created a need to move production overseas.

Random motorcycle history blurb: Companies building factories in Europe to get around tariffs and trade barriers is nothing new. One of the most successful examples in motorcycling was the Honda Hornet a.k.a. the Honda 599. In the early-2000s, the Honda 599 was the hottest selling street bike in Europe. It was a European-styled and European-built street bike, with Japanese performance and reliability. Honda was selling so many of these things that they were making them in Italy so they could keep the price down for European riders.

Harley will be opening more plants outside of the United States (not just in Europe, but also in Thailand and possibly Malaysia) to sell to foreign markets. According to Harley-Davidson, motorcycles made overseas would be for overseas sales only, and any Harley-Davidson sold in America would still be made in America. Still, the decision has created a rift not only between Harley and their employees, but also between Harley and many other Americans.

So what’s happening to the Kansas City plant?

The plant has grown over the years from 400,000 initially to over 500,000 square feet. It sits on a 314 acre lot that you can buy for only $26,500,000. Sure, that’s a lot of money, but when you take into account the $85,000,000 to build the facility, and the fact that the deal includes a paint booth system that cost $30,000,000 alone, it’s a steal of deal. Not to mention you have 600 machinists and other skilled workers nearby just waiting to get to work… Any billionaires out there want to bring back the V-Rod? Send me an email and let’s get to work!

So what about those out-of-work employees, anyway?

*sigh* That’s a loaded question. Harley made it clear to them that the plant would be closed back in January, so they’ve had a few months to try to figure out their next move. The Motor Company has been providing support to help employees transition to new work, which includes a workforce development center that has operated at the plant for the past year, hosting job fairs with other local employers and offering free workshops for employees to develop new skills to help them be more sought after by other employers. If this is true, that’s a classy move on the Motor Company’s part and helps to make the most of an unfortunate situation.

But it isn’t all classy…

Nope. Not at all. Minority workers at the Kansas City plant say they’ve been the victims of racism and harassment for years. There’s been allegations of swastikas and nooses found all over the plant. Harley-Davidson says that they’ve investigated any and all reported claims, but the media reports that harassment only became worse as the closing of the plant drew nearer. There’s no denying that the situation sucks, but come on Kansas City, I know you’re better than that.

Conclusions

The Kansas City Harley-Davidson plant closing should allow for the motor company to “cut the fat” and focus on areas of opportunity that will hopefully keep the Motor Company alive for another hundred years. Unfortunately, this is bad news for V-Rod aficionados, and terrible news for the local economy. The 450 new jobs being created in Pennsylvania are only about 56% of the jobs lost in Missouri. Harley-Davidson is operating from an “Evolve or Die” mindset, so the company looks a lot different than it’s former self. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

–www.YouMotorcycle.com

 
 

BIKERNET EAST COAST EDITOR HEADING TO THE SMOKEOUT–
Heading to the Smoke-Out Saturday morning. Again this year, I will be a judge in the bike show, a great honor. I will be choosing a bike for a full feature in BIKERNET! Ready to roll!

–STEALTH

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON
bastion

[bas-chuhn, -tee-uhn]
noun
1.
anything seen as preserving or protecting some quality, condition, etc.: a bastion of solitude.

QUOTES
 

… Notre Dame went from being a football school to being not just academically respected but a bastion of intellectual freedom and ideological pluralism ….

— Ann Hornaday, “The timely documentary ‘Hesburgh’ looks back fondly on a great conciliator,” Washington Post, May 1, 2019
 
ORIGIN
 

The English noun bastion still looks French. It comes from Middle French, from Upper Italian bastione “rampart, bulwark, bastion,” an augmentative noun formed from bastita “fortified,” from the verb bastire “to build,” from Medieval Latin bastire, possibly of Germanic origin and akin to bastille “tower, small fortress, bastion.” Bastion entered English in the late 16th century.

Illinois motorcyclist killed after grass clippings left on road--BUREAU COUNTY, Ill. (KWQC) – A motorcyclist was killed Monday in an accident caused by grass clippings left in the road, according to WMBD-TV.

59-year-old Cheryl Zeglen of Canton, Illinois, was riding with her husband and other motorcyclists on County Highway Route 6 in Bureau County when the accident occurred.

When the group came upon fresh grass clippings left on the road, the lead rider, Zeglen’s husband, Thomas Zeglen, began to lose control, according to WEEK-TV.

When Thomas Zeglen slowed down, Cheryl Zeglen crashed into him and was ejected from her motorcycle.

Zeglen died at the hospital two days later.

In late April, KWQC published a story about the potential dangers grass clippings can pose for motorcycle riders.

–www.KWQC.com

More on grass on roadway: We need to do more to make motorcycle riders aware of this and how to handle motorcycles in this and other situations, where the wheels lose traction?

Maybe this should become part of Rider Training and testing before getting a license.

–Rogue
Supreme Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
Founder
Biker Lives Matter

LUPE JUST LEFT—After peeling the form out of the fiberglass Salt Torpedo top. I have my work cut out for me today. I need to clean and organize the shop. Micah is coming over to dismantle the Torpedo, so we can finish welding all the pieces starting Monday.

Andrew Ursich is coming over Monday after work to give us a hand.

I took Zack over to Brat Style. Go was preparing for a local race in Pomona. Zack is thinking about a bobber.

Taking the 5-Ball van to have the trailer hitch installed tomorrow. Non-stop action.

Ride fast and free,

–Bandit

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