SPRING BOARS NEST SERVICE REMINDER
By Bandit | | General Posts
Royal Enfield Jan 2020 sales, exports break up – Classic, 650 Twins, Himalayan
By Bandit | | General Posts
By Pearl Daniels
Rushlane.com
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 was the highest seller in domestic market with 40,834 units sold out of a total sale of 61,292 units in the past month.
Following a tumultuous calendar year in 2019, Royal Enfield sales in Jan 2020 continue to decline in the domestic market. On a more positive note, the company saw increase in exports with 2,228 units shipped to global markets in January 2020 as against 1,829 units exported in January 2019.
Domestic sales in the month of January 2020 were down to 61,292 units as compared to a total of 70,872 units sold in January 2019. A majority of these sales were brought in by the Classic 350 of which 40,834 units were sold during the past month, down 11.85 percent while taking into account sales of 46,321 units sold in January 2019.
In an assessment of sales model wise, it can be noted from the table that bikes in the 350cc segment found more buyers in the past month. The Classic 350 was at the top of the sales charts followed by the Bullet 350 with 9,559 units and then came in the Electra 350 at No. 3 with 5,869 units sold.
Sales of the Electra 350 jumped 134.95 percent in January 2020 as against 2,498 units sold in January 2019. Next in line was Thunderbird 350 with sales of 2,415 units. The Himalayan was at No.5 on the list of sales for January 2020 with 1,438 units sold and posting growth of 67 percent as against 859 units sold in January 2019.
Conversely, in the above 350cc segment, the Thunderbird 500 saw just 1 units sold in the past month as compared to 146 units sold in January 2019 while Bullet 500 sales were down to nil along with the Classic 500. It is to be noted that the 500 cc Royal Enfield motorcycles have been discontinued in India. They will not get the BS6 update as well. Sales of the 650 Twins – Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 also dipped 10.01 percent to 1,176 units, down from 1,069 units sold in January 2019. 650 Twins BS6 has been launched.
Talking about company exports in January 2020, the 650 Twins scored in top order with 1,144 units exported, up 22.62 percent higher as compared to 933 units exported in January 2019. The Classic 350 was also a favoured bike in export markets with exports rising 471.05 percent from 76 units exported in January 2019 to 434 units shipped in the past month.
The Bullet 500 and Thunderbird 350 also noted positive exports up 282.61 percent and 288.89 percent respectively with 88 units and 70 units exported while Electra 350 which had seen no exports in January 2019 saw 18 units exported in the past month. Himalayan and Classic 500 noted lower exports at 266 units and 208 units respectively, while Bullet 350 and Thunderbird 500 failed to find any sales in global markets.
In related news, Royal Enfield embarks on a new strategy to enhance domestic range. The company is mulling the introduction of a motorcycle targeting women riders with special design characteristics. The bike which is currently codenamed J1C0 and expected to be called Royal Enfield Hunter, will be lower and with a more comfortable seating position. It will be lighter and more affordable as compared to other RE models. It is expected to go on sale next year. From Q2 CY 2020, RE has plans to launch one new motorcycle every quarter in India.
Future Harley-Davidson Sportbike Render Looks Badass
By Bandit | | General Posts
Something sportier this way comes?
Harley-Davidson is starting to mix things up. After finally acknowledging that it was in dire need of a branding overhaul, the company started making bolder decisions—not actually bold, just bolder by Harley’s standards. Among other things, we’re expecting the company’s first adventure and streetfighter motorcycles to show up later in 2020 which at least shows a will to do things a little differently. There are also rumors of other, more daring projects in the works in Milwaukee and a faired sportbike seems to be on the list. What would that look like? Thanks to a Japanese graphic artist, we now have an idea.
The guys at Young Machine have worked their magic once again and shared their vision of what they think a future Harley sportbike would look like. While the design looks pretty “out there” for a Harley, it isn’t actually all that farfetched.
For instance, the bubble fairing isn’t just a creative liberty the artist took. Back in October 2019, we found a Bar and Shield patent studying a sportbike fairing design similar to the one in the Japanese render. Patents come and go and in a lot of cases, the designs don’t make it to production but considering Harley is trying to reinvent itself, chances are we might see the design come to life.
Not only that but Young Machine’s design is also pretty close to a render we spotted in a Harley promotional video that seemingly illustrates what the new Bronx would look like with a fairing. Both the Japanese and the American renders share similar features with the rounded fairing, of course, the high-set “braided” dual exhaust, and the upswept tail end silhouette.
As surprising as it may sound to some of you, it would also not be Harley’s first stint in the wonderful world of fully-faired sportbikes. In the late 80s, the company came up with a little something called the VR1000. While the Superbike-inspired model never made it in the showrooms, it is still an interesting chapter in Harley’s history book. 
At the moment the company seems focused on growing its presence on the Asian market and on expanding its electric lineup so we might not see a sportbike anytime soon. The company is notorious for taking a long time to develop its projects so it will probably be a little while. That being said, I’m completely on board if that sportbike ever makes it to production.
Source: Young Machine
Unbridled Truth Bikernet Weekly News for February 20, 2020
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
Join the Cantina today
Zero’s SR/S electric motorcycle promises up to 201 miles of range
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
by Steve Dent from https://www.engadget.com
by Alex Perry from https://mashable.com
You can also charge the premium model in under an hour.
Like EV owners, electric motorcycle riders suffer from range anxiety. Zero Motorcycles is trying to alleviate that a bit with a new model, the SR/S. It can go up to 201 miles in the city and 103 miles on highways — better numbers than the last SR/F model all around. Best of all, Zero managed to keep the price just above the SR/F by keeping the same platform and introducing a full fairing to improve aerodynamics.
On top of the full fairing, the SR/S has a more relaxed riding position, but otherwise uses the same battery pack and engine as the last model. As more of a sport touring-type bike, it also weighs about 20 pounds more than the 485-pound SR/F. However, it still goes like heck thanks to a 100 horsepower, 140 foot pound motor, hitting speeds up to 124 mph.
The base SR/S can go 161 miles on a charge or 82 miles on the highway, so to get the extra range you’ll need to add the Power Tank option. It takes four hours to charge the base model with a regular charger, or 1.3 hours with the 6 KW rapid charge option. However, you can speed that up to two hours (regular charge) and one hour (fast charge) with the premium bike.
Other features include the Cypher III operating system that can handles traction control, braking and charging, along with connected capabilities that lets the owner monitor bike status, alerts, system upgrades and more. The SR/S is now available starting at $19,995 (compared to $19,495 for the SR/F), or $21,995 for the premium model. The 3.6 kWh Power Tank option runs an additional $2,895 and will be available starting March 1st.
Zero’s new SR/S electric motorcycle has a new design and increased range
If you want to roam cities and highways in style without relying on a single drop of gasoline, Zero’s newest electric motorcycle might be up your alley.
Zero invited members of the press to an unveiling of its new SR/S e-bike on Wednesday. It has a sleek new design compared to its SR/F counterpart, and was designed with aerodynamics in mind, according to Zero. This should allow 13 percent more range at highway speeds once riders are fully leaned in, the company says.
As far as more detailed specs are concerned, the SR/S boasts 140 ft-lbs of torque, 110 horsepower, and a top speed of 124 mph. Its city range by default is 161 miles, while its highway range is 82 miles. Those numbers are bumped up to 201 miles and 103 miles, respectively, with an optional power tank add-on.
The SR/S comes in both standard and premium configurations. The first, with a 3 kW charger, is $19,995, the second, with a 6 kW charger, is $21,995. That power tank we mentioned earlier is an additional $2,895, so expect to spend a good deal more money than the starting price if you want all the bells and whistles.
Oh, and there are two colors: Cerulean Blue and Skyline Silver. We saw the blue version at the press briefing and it looked, well, blue. One last thing to note is that the Zero SR/S is using level 2 electric charging. It seems level 3 charging is still just a little too prohibitive for Zero’s liking. The standard model takes four hours to go from zero to 95 percent battery, while the premium takes two hours. You can cut that down to merely an hour with the 6 kW charger.
It may cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000 to get the SR/S with everything that makes it cool, but it seems like it might be cool nonetheless. Zero said it ships to dealers immediately, so anyone who wants one should look into their local options.
UNBRIDLED TRUTH BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 20, 2020
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
I just drove back from Deadwood through snowstorms and black ice in two days. That was an easy 1331 miles and I’ll bet I can cut it to less than 1290 miles on the next run to the Badlands.
I’ve been edgy recently about all the stuff on my plate for this year, until I looked at the patina B&W photos of 1880 settlers living in tents in Deadwood during the winter. We have it so fucking easy, it’s incredible how blessed we are.
While warm in the 2WD high-top Bikernet van we watched the digital temp gauge click from 1 degree in Evanston, Wyoming to 70 degrees in Nevada as we rolled through Las Vegas.
I know many of you have experienced these shifts most of your lives. Hell, some of my neighbors in Deadwood moved from North Dakota for the climate in Deadwood. I had a blast shoveling snow and working on the new digs.
Now, I need to get the Salt torpedo prepped for Bonneville this year. We need sponsor and I need to take the body off and take it to paint at Chris Morrison’s shop in Harbor City. Hang on for the next report. Let’s hit the news:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
STATES SEEK TO LEGALIZE LANE SPLITTING–As of January 2020, California is the only U.S. state that formally authorizes motorcyclists to lane split. Utah passed a law to allow riders to lane filter in 2019, while Hawaii made shoulder surfing legal in rush hour traffic situations in 2018. Now, Arizona and Virginia could soon join California on the elite list of lane-splitting-friendly states.
Proposals to legalize lane splitting both in Arizona and Virginia were recently submitted to those states’ legislative bodies. The Arizona bill, House Bill 2285 introduced in January by Representative and Arizona House Transportation Committee chairman Noel Campbell, a former Navy and U.S. Forest Service pilot and a motorcycle tour guide, would allow riders to lane split on roads of more than one lane in the same direction with a speed limit of 45 mph or less and when traffic is cruising at no more than 15 mph.
In Virginia, Rep. Tony Wilt proposed a similar measure, House Bill 1236, to allow motorcyclists to lane split on roads of more than one lane in the same direction but traffic speed would have to be under 10 mph and motorcycles would be limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Over the past few years, a slew of bills have been introduced to legalize lane splitting and filtering, including;
Connecticut, where lawmakers are actively considering Senate Bill 629 to make both lane splitting and filtering explicitly legal.
In Oregon, House Bill 2314 was referred to the Speaker’s desk. If approved, motorcycles could travel between cars on roadways where the speed limit is 50mph or greater, and traffic is moving at 10mph or slower.
Washington state reintroduced Senate Bill 5254 on January 13, 2020 and it’s currently in committee.
In Canada, the Toronto city council is considering Agenda Item MM43.53 to allow filtering throughout the city, as well as allowing motorcycles to “use reserved lanes” in some specific areas of the city.
–Bill Bish
NCOM Editor
Check out Bill’s full legislative report on Bikernet tomorrow. Lane splitting should be a national bill. It would solve lots of issues in a congested world. Years ago, I suggested a motorcycle lane next to the fast lane. Freedom always works.—Bandit
DIGITAL EXHIBITION: CHRIS GIBBANY—
When I was little, I collected Hot Wheels and toy motorcycles. As I got older, I built model cars and would ask for Hot Wheels for my birthday and the Christmas exchange during my elementary school years.
I always dreamed of Camaros and Corvettes, with the late 70’s and early 80’s models being my favorites. While in college I purchased two 1978 Camaros; a black LT that I put “Back in Black” on the spoiler and a 78 Z-28 I called “Mean Streak”. I kept both cars for many years. Goals are a very huge part of my life and while in my twenties decided I wanted a Corvette before I turned 30. I ended up owning three of them before I turned 29!
I bought my first Vette, a 1981 model while working for minimum wage, taking a job at a department store to complete this goal. As always, people around me laughed at my goals as they considered them too far-fetched.
For the first 40 years of my life, I was ALL Chevy, owning eight different Corvettes and Camaros, but I carried a deep dark secret that I didn’t dare mention.
Just six years ago, I admitted to my husband Gabe that I wanted a Mopar. Since I speculated that this might end in divorce, I was ecstatic when I found out that he wanted one too! I set a goal to own a Mopar by the time I turned 41.
The car I had dreamed about for years was a Dodge Challenger. On July 1st, 2013, I sold the 1981 Corvette after owning it over 13 years and drove 10 hours to purchase a Panther Pink 1973 Challenger. Upon arriving, the car was in such poor shape for the asking price that I didn’t buy it.
Driving away without getting the Challenger sent me into a month-long depression as all the other Challengers I spotted were out of my price range. I realized I had to free up the prospects of other Mopars if I was to reach my deadline.
Two days before my birthday, I purchased a 1974 Dodge Charger. When we arrived, I saw potential in the car and my paint and body man Jim Crabb agreed to work on it for me. I never liked the 1970-74 Dodge Chargers but knew I could make an awesome car out of it. After two years, I built a car that exceeded my expectations.
In the interim, Gabe picked up a white 1973 Rallye Challenger that was fairly rusty. He only owned it for two months when he decided he had too many cars. I still owned the 1978 Z-28 that I built the motor for, did most of the bodywork and used to drag race.
Tears would run down my face when Gabe ever mentioned the word “sell”, but I jumped at the chance to acquire this Challenger. After 23 years together, I sold “Mean Streak” and I even covered up my Chevy bowtie tattoo with Mopar art! None of these changes were easy but, I felt that they had to be made to keep moving forward.
My favorite color has always been purple and I have always wanted a Plum Crazy Purple car, even when I owned Camaros. I assumed that my painter would be too busy to paint another car for me, so I bought a purple 1973 Dodge Dart Sport.
After meeting with my paint guy, he agreed to paint my Challenger purple. When my Charger came back from the body shop painted Green-Go, the Chall left. With all of my previous cars, it had always taken me years to get them to the super nice phase; the Charger was different. I soon realized I had built a car so nice that when I discovered a rock chip or other imperfection, I would have mental distress. After several months of heartbreak, I had my Challenger painted flat black instead.
One day while washing the Charger, I told Gabe I was going to sell it and buy a ’68 Charger. He had no doubts that I would, but other people, once again, figured I was pipe-dreaming. I ended up finding a ’68 the same day I sold mine, and it was PLUM CRAZY PURPLE! I had big plans for the car, working on it for a year and a half but decided I was putting myself in a “prison” once again and sold it earlier this year.
For the last four years, Gabe and I have hosted an event at the local Kenda Drive-In in Marshall, Arkansas called “Throwback Thursdays”. This event is free to anyone driving a pre-1980 vehicle, and we show car movies once a month from April to August. We give out goody bags, owners get a punch card and we give out grand prizes during the finale to those who attend the most movies.
As I was getting ready for the May event, my pet chicken Amos Moses tried to fly into my trunk. When he didn’t make it, his toenails put deep scratches on my driver’s quarter panel. For two months I didn’t drive the car and finally came up with the idea to put our logo, “Old Iron Never Dies” on the side and I LOVE IT!
I have always had nice cars, with shiny paint and great interiors. My ’73 Challenger gets 8mpg, has no a/c, and no stereo, but I feel like a rock star every time I drive it. It has a lot of heart; it runs strong, and it is rough around the edges, just like me.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS ISSUES FROM THE MRF–
I’m interested in learning what your organization and/or your State is doing relative to Motorcycle Awareness in your Driver Education Programs.
In Massachusetts, it’s sadly gotten weaker instead of stronger and I want to gather best practices before taking a non-Legislative approach to fixing it.
The Statute needs to change for sure… Currently it only calls for a MSF Curriculum, but what they currently use is quite weak. The statute is here:
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section13D
The regulation only calls out the 8-1/2 minute version of a MSF video through the curriculum:
Video: Cars, Motorcycles and A Common Road: A motorist awareness program 8.5 min
https://www.mass.gov/doc/drivers-education-program-curriculum/download
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCPHe2R6Ufk
UGH. It’s so bad that I’ve learned that some are using a 3-1/2 minute version, which is even worse:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPvAtFcmgYc
Of things I’ve collected through the years, one of my favorite awareness videos so far is this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b3T7u4ZJ1Y
And a quick 30-second “Look Twice”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xMfk1msw9A
This one’s tough to follow because it’s UK-based, but powerful:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_UaN25B8s
And in the realm of paying attention to things you might NOT see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4
What are some of the things you’ve collected, delivered, or are used by your State’s Driver Education Programs?
PLEASE share!
–Doc
MRF.ORG
DAYTONA BIKE WEEK ACTION–Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed Vintage Motorcycle Race 2020.
Hosted by Billy Lane of Choppers Inc. and Sons of Speed
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 5 PM – 7 PM EST
New Smyrna Speedway
3939 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168
Tickets
www.eventbrite.com
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
WILD ADVENTURE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 13th 2020
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WILD_ADVENTURE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_13th_2020.aspx
Fish Camp averages 63 inches of snow per year. This is twice the national average.
–Sam
rotorkat@yahoo.com
TX
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2017 Harley-Davidson® FLRT – Freewheeler for $20.995.00
See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8058899
**JUST 2,995 MILES**
The Freewheeler puts stripped down, custom style into an easy handling frame that lets you roll with the confidence three wheels gives to a rider. You get classic cruiser lines and styling details, like bobtail rear fenders, slash cut pipes, chrome headlight nacelle, 12-inch mini ape hangers and Enforcer aluminum wheels.
You also get enough cargo space to hold two full-face helmets. The acceleration is instant thanks to the low-end torque of the all-new Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. And the 49mm front forks and adjustable rear suspension make the ride smooth. They say good things come in threes, and Freewheeler is the proof.
The Freewheeler trike represents iconic Harley-Davidson hotrod-inspired styling and attitude that just happens to be on three wheels. Visually and physically smaller than the Tri Glide Ultra, its rear section is pulled forward making the overall vehicle length 76.2 mm shorter. The Freewheeler offers a confidence-inspiring stance and a low-profile trunk that adds to its hotrod style.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT…
Vivid Black paint with raised tank logos is pristine and near new. Chrome / rubber grips with wrist saver. Leather lever covers. Black regulator shroud. Chrome engine covers including a black accented ‘107’ air cleaner cover, cam / horn covers with black accented H-D logos, and black accented six speed cover. Foot operated parking brake, a chrome rear bumper and a luggage rack. 2-up seat with backrest and passenger handles. Almost new tires and more…
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!!!
BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT– When More Research Funding Isn’t the Answer to ‘Gun Violence’ in America
In the aftermath of impeachment, and with Coronavirus apparently under control in the U.S., it appears the mainstream media is out of things to talk about. There’s no other explanation for a recent article in USA Today titled, “Congress approved $25M in funding for gun safety research. Now what?”
This piece rehashes the tired, inaccurate argument made by gun control advocates that if the government only spent more time issuing papers on their pet policies, our communities would be safer.
Of course, research on the criminal misuse of firearms isn’t prohibited – only funding politically-motivated projects. And the policies these groups call for would have no impact on crime or accidents with firearms.
But that doesn’t stop the same small group of anti-gun researchers from publishing deeply biased “studies” in the pursuit of their political goals.
Root Causes
This piece also lumps together the fortunately declining trend of homicide by firearm, and the tragically increasing trend of suicides. These are two distinct problems that merit separate policy discussions and solutions. As suicides are about two-thirds of all firearms-related deaths, it is ridiculous to argue that targeting the guns themselves will solve the mental health crisis.
As we have said here numerous times, firearms and their law-abiding owners are not a public health issue. The criminal misuse of firearms must be addressed – and the fields of criminal justice and criminology are better suited than the public health arena to pursue solutions.
The USA Today article’s flaws don’t end there, however. The authors also attempt to draw a comparison between firearms-related deaths (homicides, suicides and accidents) and those due to car crashes. As we have said here before, it’s apples to oranges to compare deliberate actions with unintentional accidents.
Real Solutions
The firearms and ammunition industry knows that there is more work to be done to make our communities safer. We’ve proven that with our leadership in getting our FixNICS program signed into law in Congress and 16 states, increasing the disqualifying background checks from 1.7 million to 5.3 million since 2012, a 241-percent increase.
It is the firearms industry that leads with Project ChildSafe, passing out 38 million free gun locks. We’ve partnered with the largest suicide prevention group in the country to provide gun ranges and retailers the resources to intervene before a moment of crisis. We’ve led on preventing straw purchases with our Don’t Lie for the Other Guy campaign.
And we know that increasing suicide trends is a major crisis in the U.S. today. We are working to reduce these tragedies through partnerships with groups like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs. We know the answer isn’t more government spending on ineffective proposals, but is in coming up with Real Solutions for safer communities.
–By Larry Keane
BY TTAG CONTRIBUTOR
Larry Keane is SVP for Government and Public Affairs, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Four great confusions still unresolved.
1 At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours?
2. If people evolve from monkeys, why are monkeys still around?
3. Why is there a ‘D’ in fridge, but not in refrigerator?
4. Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made?
–El Waggs
Bikernet Librarian
SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK–1979-2003 XL Sportster Profiler™ Tattoo Seat with Stitched Flame
Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: XL SPORTSTER
Year Fitment: 1979-2003
$338.00
Drag Specialties Part #: 0804-0064
Saddlemen Part #: 879-03-0512
Heat up your ride with our one-piece Profiler Tattoo seat design for Harley-Davidson®.
Profiler Tattoo is the ultimate low-profile, slammed seat for two with our custom Tattoo flame and 3-D effect stitch pattern. The Profiler incorporates our Integrated Design Philosophy (IDP™), which takes styling cues from each motorcycle and incorporates them into the contours and patterns of each seat. What you get is a seat that looks and fits perfectly on your bike – no generic, “one size fits all” styling.
The Profiler Tattoo offer a great looking seat which is a more comfortable ride that is noticeable from the moment you get on. Why?
Almost two decades ago, Saddlemen® was the innovator of SaddleGel™ for motorcycle seats, bringing over a gel technology widely used in medical applications. Now widely copied, but not duplicated, SaddleGel™ provides undisputable comfort.
Adding to the comfort is our unique SaddleHyde™ covering, a glove-soft that has the right amount of stretch built in to make better use of the SaddleGel™ underneath.
Saddlemen® has engineered the perfect and only matched motorcycle seating foam that works in conjunction with SaddleGel™ and SaddleHyde™ for maximum riding distance and pleasure. Saddlemen’s® proprietary Profoam™ with its high resilient properties maximizes your motorcycles suspension package by collapsing just enough to conform to the rider’s body shape. In turn it helps to equalize the pressure to allow good blood flow. Combined with our precisely engineered molding cavities, our 3 part system is carefully molded with a skin that resists penetration by rain or perspiration. All completed in house under the careful supervision of train technicians to guarantee a perfectly contoured seat with every pour.
NEW INDIAN SCRAMBLER–Built on the FTR 1200 platform, the new scrambler-inspired Indian FTR Rally has spoked wheels with knobby tires, a taller ProTaper handlebar, a flyscreen, a brown aviator seat and a Titanium Smoke paint job with the Indian Motorcycle headdress graphic on the tank.
–from Rider Magazine
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM YOUTH PROGRAM FOR 2020– Tuesday night was the kick-off for the 2020 youth motorcycle build scholarship program, Lonnie’s Heart, a 501c3 non-profit within the Museum.
This year six students from Sturgis Brown High School will participate in the program, transforming a 2015 H-D Heritage Softail into a custom cholo or vicla style motorcycle.
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Students who participate throughout the entire program and demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for learning will earn college scholarships. The program is open to all high school students in the northern Black Hills but for the second year in a row, only Sturgis students applied.
The 2020 build will be lead by Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Inductee Keith Terry and well known builder Patrick Garvin.
In 2019 students built a custom Softail with a modern board-tracker vibe, complete with a 26-inch front wheel and a 23-inch rear wheel. That motorcycle sold at Mecum Auction in January garnering $35,000 for the scholarship program. A small portion of that money will be used toward the 2020 build and the remaining dollars will be used to support future scholarships.
–Emma Garvin
Executive Director
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
[page break]
MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK–
Description: Jason Wadzinski riding Jess, his 1947 Indian Chief in the Cross Country Chase motorcycle endurance run from Sault Sainte Marie, MI to Key West, FL. (for vintage bikes from 1930-1948). Stage 1 from Sault Sainte Marie to Ludington, MI USA. Friday, September 6, 2019. Photography ©2019 Michael Lichter.
Filename
190906_MLXC_160749B.jpg
HOMETOWN RISING
COUNTRY MUSIC & BOURBON FESTIVAL
ANNOUNCES 2020 LINEUP
SEPTEMBER 12 & 13
HIGHLAND FESTIVAL GROUNDS AT KY EXPO CENTER
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley,
Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Chris Janson, Billy Ray Cyrus
and Many More Lead Music Lineup for 2nd Annual Festival
Single Day, Weekend & Camping On Sale
Friday, February 21 at 10:00 AM EST
Louisville, KY – Following last year’s sold-out debut, Hometown Rising Country Music & Bourbon Festival, produced by premier independent festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents, returns to Louisville, KY on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13 at Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center.
Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley and Old Dominion lead Hometown Rising’s music lineup with additional appearances from Jon Pardi, Chris Janson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Clint Black, CAM and many more artists across the festival’s three stages. The two-day festival also features exclusive bourbon tastings and workshops, line-dancing, art activations, speakeasies and more.
The music lineup for Hometown Rising is as follows (subject to change):
SATURDAY: Blake Shelton, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Clint Black, Russell Dickerson, Riley Green, Jessie James Decker, Shenandoah, Caylee Hammack, Jon Langston, Aubrie Sellers, Noah Schnacky, The Josephines, Ross Ellis, Emily Ann Roberts, Stephanie Quayle, Lakeview, Kaitlyn Kohler
SUNDAY: Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Chris Janson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mitchell Tenpenny, CAM, Matt Stell, Blanco Brown, Kassi Ashton, King Calaway, Tennessee Jet, Lainey Wilson, Adam Doleac, Chris Bandi, Sean Stemaly, Tyler Booth, Madison Kozak, Alex Hall
“Always love coming to play Louisville because you love your country music and having a good time. Look forward to seeing y’all in September at Hometown Rising!” says Blake Shelton.
Old Dominion adds, “We’ve had the pleasure of playing shows in Kentucky and the crowds always have so much energy. We’re looking forward to returning and getting back on that stage!”
“I’ve always said I’m a singer-songwriter from Flatwoods, Kentucky, so I’m looking forward to coming back to my home state and playing Hometown Rising,” shares Billy Ray Cyrus.
New this year, Hometown Rising will be introducing sections within the site for fans to determine where they want to experience the event. Festival goers can choose between the following pass options:
Top Shelf VIP Passes include access to the limited capacity Top Shelf Hang area which features a tiered shaded deck with a view of both the Oak and Barrel stages, all-inclusive premium drinks, an air-conditioned lounge with live audio/video of the Oak and Barrel stages, a shaded area with a dedicated bar and comfortable furniture, access to the VIP front-of-stage viewing area in front of the Oak and Barrel stages, a dedicated Top Shelf entrance lane inside the festival grounds, complimentary hors d’oeuvres during lunch and dinner hours, dedicated air-conditioned, flushable restrooms, complimentary lockers with cell-phone chargers, complimentary Wi-Fi access, dedicated merch stand, concierge staff, a commemorative laminate and access to all other festival areas, including VIP, The Rodeo, The Ranch and The Range Festival Grounds.
VIP Passes include access to the VIP Hang Area featuring a front-of-stage viewing area of the Oak and Barrel stages, a shaded hang area with dedicated bars, comfortable furniture and live audio/video streams of the Oak and Barrel stages, air-conditioned, flushable restrooms, premium, dedicated food offerings (for additional purchase), a merchandise stand for shorter shopping lines, dedicated entrance lanes into the festival, designated chair zones in the VIP Hang Area and a commemorative laminate. VIP’s also have access to The Rodeo, The Ranch and The Range Festival Grounds.
The Rodeo General Admission Passes offer the perfect vantage point to both the Oak and Barrel Main Stages. The Rodeo is located directly behind the VIP pit and is standing room only (chairs not allowed). The Rodeo pass purchasers also have access to The Ranch and The Range Festival Grounds.
The Ranch General Admission Passes offer access to the area directly behind The Rodeo which includes designated chair zones as well as standing room. The Ranch pass purchasers also have access to The Range Festival Grounds.
The Range Festival Grounds General Admission Passes provide a super affordable option (with single day passes only $35 and weekend $59) to experience the festival’s amazing activations and sponsors, line dance in the Big Bourbon Bar and more. Designated chair zones are also available in The Range Festival Grounds.
Hometown Rising single day, weekend and camping passes go on sale Friday, February 21 at 10:00 AM EST. Pass prices for Hometown Rising start at the following levels:
*plus applicable fees and taxes
Hometown Rising will be followed by two consecutive weekends of festivals including Louder Than Life (Sept. 18-20) and Bourbon & Beyond (Sept. 25-27). With three back-to-back festival weekends in Louisville, Danny Wimmer Presents wants to ensure that all fans have the chance to enjoy multiple events with an affordable and convenient ticketing option with the Louisville Trifesta Presented by Budweiser, which will go on sale in March.
NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–The ‘Climate Change’ Scam Blown to Pieces By just six Images
The six images below blow the climate change scam to smithereens.
Climate change alarmists keep telling us we only have 5, 10, 15 or some other arbitrary number of years left to act.
Here’s the long sordid history of such attempts:
The simple math mistake discovered on page one of the study that rendered the entire thing meaningless. Oops!
From The Washington Free Beacon:
A highly circulated study claiming oceans are warming at a much higher rate due to global warming contains “key errors,” forcing researchers to issue a correction.
The study published by the journal Nature on Oct. 31 by researchers at Princeton University and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography claimed the oceans were warming at a rate 60 percent higher than previously thought.
However, a mathematical error discovered by independent climate scientist Nic Lewis after he perused the study’s first page has led the journal to retract its key finding. The study has a much larger margin of error, making their findings of a 60 percent increase in ocean warming less precise, and actually between 10 percent and 70 percent.
The lead researcher now says its findings are practically meaningless, with a margin of error “too big now to really weigh in” on ocean temperatures.
When first published, the study led to “alarming” warnings in mainstream media outlets, claiming the “world has seriously underestimated the amount of heat soaked up by our oceans over the past 25 years.”
CNN initially reported the planet is “‘more sensitive’ than thought” based on the study and would lead to “more dire” predictions than the U.N.’s latest, which gave Earth only 12 more years.
CNN has since reported “errors were made” but is still defending the study claiming its scientific errors “do not invalidate the study’s methodology.”
The Washington Post is now reporting the scientists made “key errors.”
“A major study claimed the oceans were warming much faster than previously thought,” the paper reported. “But researchers now say they can’t necessarily make that claim.”
“Unfortunately, we made mistakes here,” said Ralph Keeling, a Scripps researcher and coauthor of the study, adding the mathematical error means a “much larger margin of error in the findings.”
Keeling told the San Diego Union Tribune he was grateful to Lewis for pointing out the mistake and said the new calculations change the probability of an increase in ocean temperatures to between 10 percent and 70 percent.
“Our error margins are too big now to really weigh in on the precise amount of warming that’s going on in the ocean,” Keeling said. “We really muffed the error margins.”
Following the study’s publication, Lewis wrote a blog post questioning its findings and reached out to lead author Laure Resplandy, a Princeton assistant professor, but never received a response.
“Just a few hours of analysis and calculations, based only on published information, was sufficient to uncover apparently serious (but surely inadvertent) errors in the underlying calculations,” Lewis said.
Lewis discovered an error in the equation used to estimate a trend in ocean temperature. A correction led to an “ocean heat uptake estimate … well below the estimate in the paper.”
“The findings of the Resplandy et al paper were peer reviewed and published in the world’s premier scientific journal and were given wide coverage in the English-speaking media,” Lewis said. “Despite this, a quick review of the first page of the paper was sufficient to raise doubts as to the accuracy of its results.”
“Of course, it is also very important that the media outlets that unquestioningly trumpeted the paper’s findings now correct the record too,” Lewis added. “But perhaps that is too much to hope for.”
–Steve Straub
The Federalist
MEANWHILE BACK IN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Vagaries of English Language!
Ever wonder why the word funeral starts with FUN?
Why isn’t a Fireman called a Water-man?
How come Lipstick doesn’t do what it says?
If money doesn’t grow on trees, how come Banks have Branches?
If a Vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a Humanitarian eat?
How do you get off a non-stop Flight?
Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO and those sent by truck SHIPMENT?
Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and the dishes in the Cupboard?
Why do doctors ‘practice’ medicine? Are they having practice at the
cost of the patients?
Why is it called ‘Rush Hour’ when traffic moves at its slowest then?
How come Noses run and Feet smell?
Why do they call it a TV ‘set’ when there is only one?
What are you vacating when you go on a vacation?
Did you know that if you replace “W” with “T” in “What, Where and
When”, you get the answer to each of them.
–from El Waggs
Librarian
NEWS FROM RODDER’S JOURNAL–
What’s inside TRJ #83?– We wanted to give you a sneak peek at our new issue.
TRJ #83 has been printed and will be mailing to subscribers shortly. Within its 168 pages there’s a ton of exciting content, from a Model A Competition Coupe and a ’32 Ford survivor to a Midwest road trip and early custom car and ’60s show rod history.
After spending the better part of last year relocating, we’re settling into our new headquarters and gearing up for the year ahead. We’ve also got some big news we’ll be announcing later this week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here’s a peek into issue #83…
Our table of contents includes this long-lost snapshot of a ’39 Ford convertible tastefully restyled by Jimmy Summers.
Jack Fuller is a hot rodder’s hot rodder. He builds low-buck early Fords in his Hampton, Virginia, garage, and in this issue we zero in on his trusty Deuce highboy and survivor ’32 three-window from the ’50s.
During the pre-war years, Jimmy Summers was at the forefront of the American custom car movement. But until now his story was somewhat of a mystery. That’s changing thanks to Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama. With the help of Jimmy’s family and their scrapbooks, he sheds new light on Summers’ life, cars and legacy.
We’ve always been intrigued by the famed ’60s show rod “The Uncertain-T,” so we were excited when we learned of New Zealand hot rodder Martin Bennett’s unbelievable tribute. With the help of the T’s original builder, Steve Scott, we’ve uncovered more history about the original—including some never-before-published images. When combined with the tale of Martin Bennett’s version, it makes for one wild story.
Lucky Burton started building his Model A coupe for Bonneville 14 years ago. Then, in 2018, things kicked into high gear. After a yearlong thrash he finished it just in time for 2019 Speed Week. We have the full story, which is complemented by Tim Sutton’s dynamic photography out on the dry lakes.
Jimmy Smith loves to push cars to their limits, and in this issue’s Artist Profile we enter his world of spindle-mounts, slicks, wild paint and wilder proportions. We highlight our favorite pieces from his portfolio and talk with him about his inspiration, techniques and ever-evolving ’37 Ford pickup.
Deadend shines a unique light on the world of customs, lowriders and hot rods in a way like never before. Founded by brothers Jesus and Juan Espinoza Jr. in 2004, it began as a website that quickly grew into a global brand. Our feature tells their story and shares some of the photography that’s come to define the Deadend style.
Nothing beats a road trip. Over the summer, we tagged along in 22-year-old hot rodder Michael Starr’s ’39 Ford Standard (not pictured) for a drive across Missouri to the H.A.M.B. Drags. It was a weekend filled with racing, rain and roadside Americana—and we capture it all in “Off to the Races.”
While we were visiting Jack Fuller to photograph his pair of Deuces, we documented his process of dropping Henry Ford’s I-beam axles. It’s a service he’s offered for years out of his backyard shop, Fuller’s Frame & Axle, and he was able to share some of the tips and tricks he employs when practicing this time-honored rodding tradition.
Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal
P.S. Looking to subscribe or renew? We’ll be launching a sale later this week that we know you’ll love. Stay tuned!
VETERANS’ NEWS–This weekend, at DAV’s Mid-Winter Conference, hundreds of veterans will come together at our nation’s capital, presenting a unified and powerful voice on behalf of our nation’s ill and injured veterans.
Through our daily work with veterans in need, DAV is able to keep our finger on the pulse of veterans’ issues. And THIS is our chance to ensure our congressional representatives hear how these critical issues are affecting veterans and their families every day.
We will talk about veterans’ exposure to toxic burn pits. We are only just beginning to understand the real effects of burn pits, and it is critical that we press Congress to ensure veterans get the benefits, health care and research that is necessary to understand what this exposure has done.
We will talk about enhancing veterans’ access to mental health care. It is estimated that 20 veterans die by suicide every day. Not only must we strengthen veterans’ mental health care as the foundation for the VA’s suicide prevention efforts, but we must also do more to reach veterans in remote communities who have little access to the VA or service organizations.
And we will talk about equal access for women veterans. Women veterans still face major barriers in accessing VA benefits, programs and health care services. Comprehensive legislation to address these inequities, known as the Deborah Sampson Act, passed the House of Representatives in November. We must keep up the pressure in the Senate to ensure this bill crosses the finish line and is passed in 2020.
Keith, as I present to Congress on your behalf next week, help me show just how strong and united this community of veterans really is. Add a “DAV Life Member” Facebook profile frame to show you stand with veterans for life.
And remember you can help make our voice for veterans even stronger by participating in our Recruit a Warrior program. Simply share your personal referral link below with your fellow veterans and ask them to join our powerful community of veterans helping veterans.
Thank you for being a member of DAV and for all you do for your fellow veterans.
Sincerely,
–Stephen “Butch” Whitehead
DAV National Commander
ACTION AT THE ACE CAFÉ, ORLANDO–Thursday, February 20th
The Original Wailers! | @ 7pm
The day is finally here! Join us for our 1st concert in our awesome updated space, Backyard at the Ace!
See The Original Wailers alongside opening bands, local Central Florida favorites, Melodic Dissent & Hor!zen LIVE at the Ace!
Also, check out 10+ eclectic local vendors, have a drink or two and grab a delicious bite to eat! Good vibes and great times ahead!
VINTAGE RIDES’ GIRLS RIDE 2020 TO INDONESIA–It seems that our Girls Ride 2020 is victim of its own success – and we like it. A few months ago, we opened a departure in July, which was booked within a few weeks. That’s why we’re now offering the chance to join us from September 20 to October 1, 2020 to ride the Indonesian volcanoes from Bali to Java.
On the menu: small roads and tracks off the beaten track, treks to reach the summits of the Ijen and Bromo volcanoes, discovery of the laying turtles and massages at the hotel. A solidarity day is also planned to meet families of the sulphur carriers from the Ijen volcano.
Girls Ride 2020: On the Volcanoes Trail
12 days incl. 9 days riding
685 miles
20 September – 1 October 2020
Vintage Rides
(by appointment only)
128 rue de la Boétie
75008 PARIS
hello@vintagerides.com
+442032898785
SHORT AND SWEET—I’m just getting my feet back on the ground in stinkin’ Los Angeles. It smells, the trucks are scrambling all around us. We’re being threatened with new taxes to help the homeless and punish homeownership.
It’s noisy. James Conway is detailing the Bikernet Van. The Sirius radio is blasting BB King Blues in the shop and Cash, the Bikernet Security dog barks at anything wandering past.
I didn’t even have a radio in Deadwood and it was dead quiet most of the day. A snowplow and one truck passed by every day.
Once I got home, I swept the gravel and heavy, like lead shot, black dust out of the gutter in front of the old stucco and brick headquarters. Homeless tried to break into Jeremiah’s slick, sky-blue, Toyota Tacoma truck and cracked the polished metallic flat cover over the bed. He’s pissed.
James “The Tileman” has shifted to detailing cars for his primary income. He’s almost 50 and his desire to tile has waned along with his bones. He needed a change.
Now, I need to shift to taking the Salt Torpedo apart and getting the body painted and the mechanical aspects of the torpedo tweaked and ready for Bonneville. Hang on for the next report.
Ride fast and free, forever!
–Bandit
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Feb 2020
By Bill Bish | | General Posts
MOTORCYCLIST ADVISORY COUNCIL REAUTHORIZATION ACTION
On February 3, 2020, U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced S.3249 as a bipartisan companion to House bill H.R.5234, calling for the Secretary of Transportation to reauthorize the Motorcyclist Advisory Council established under the FAST Act of 2015.
The “Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act” (S.3249 & H.R.5234) calls for a 12-member council, including members of the motorcycling community, to “advise the Secretary, the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration regarding transportation safety issues of concern to motorcyclists, including (A) barrier design; (B) road design, construction, and maintenance practices; and (C) the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.”
‘AUTOCYCLES’ DEFY FEDERAL DEFINITION
With the advent of “three-wheel light-duty vehicles, also called ‘Autocycles’, as a method of passenger transportation,” states across the country have attempted to legislate their licensure and operation, as well as establish a definition of the vehicle and registration protocol, which has prompted concern “that a patchwork of laws and inconsistent regulations now exists, absent a Federal standard for autocycles, thereby causing confusion and hindering the growth of this emerging industry.”
Although 38 states have established new regulations and definitions for autocycles, under Federal regulations they are currently classified as motorcycles though they have different physical and operational characteristics than traditional automobiles and motorcycles.
Last year, the U.S. Congress directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct research on the appropriate safety standards and existing regulations that apply to autocycles, and in a January 2020 “Report to Congress on the Federal and State Regulatory Status of Autocycles”, NHTSA determined that because they do not use the term “autocycle” in its regulations, it currently “regulates all autocycles the same as conventional motorcycles,” which “are subject to the same minimum Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that are applicable to motorcycles, rather than those FMVSS that are applicable to light vehicles (e.g., passenger cars and light trucks),” such as seat belts, air bags, etc.
Regarding the inconsistency of state laws affecting autocycles; “NHTSA does not regulate vehicle usage or operation on roads as this takes place at the State and local level. Vehicle registration, driver licensing, and rider equipment regulations such as whether helmets are required for motorcycle operation are among the areas regulated directly by individual States.”
Therefore, any regulatory uniformity from the federal level doesn’t seem to be forthcoming any time soon, leaving individual states to determine whether autocycles will be registered as motorcycles and whether operators will be required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their drivers license, or be required to wear a helmet or not, among other pending issues.
CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR RECREATIONAL TRAILS
On February 6, 2020 a group of Representatives introduced bipartisan legislation to increase funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). introduced in House, H.R. 5797, the “Recreational Trails Full Funding Act of 2020”, would more than double financial support for the RTP.
Since 1991, RTP has provided funding to states to develop and maintain outdoor recreational trails, allowing millions of Americans and their families to enjoy activities such as off-roading, snowmobiling, hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing, “creating countless opportunities for motorized recreation and human-powered experiences,” says Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) a sponsor of the measure.
The bill will more than double RTP funding to at least $250 million by requiring the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide a current estimate of the amount of gas taxes paid by non-highway recreational users. The program is modeled after the Highway Trust Fund and is funded through taxes paid on gasoline used to fuel snowmobiles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles that do not use highways. The program is currently funded at $84 million annually, which is substantially less than is collected in taxes on fuel used by these vehicles.
POW/MIA FLAG LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN KENTUCKY
Last November we reported in NCOM Biker Newsbytes that President Donald Trump had signed the National POW/MIA Flag Act into law; a bipartisan bill to require the POW/MIA Flag be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on prominent federal properties to honor the more than 82,000 Americans who are listed as Prisoners of War (POW), Missing in Action (MIA), or otherwise unaccounted for from our nation’s past wars and conflicts.
While the federal legislation appropriately regards federal buildings and memorials, Kentucky Motorcycle Association (KMA/KBA.com) member Danny “Greasy” Belcher, director of Task Force Omega of KY, has taken steps to ensure that the flag will fly atop State properties as well.
Belcher lobbied Kentucky legislators to introduce Senate Bill 104, “to designate the POW/MIA flag as the state’s symbol of concern and commitment to achieving the fullest possible accounting of United States military personnel who, having been prisoners of war or missing in action, still remain unaccounted for or those who in the future may become prisoners of war, missing in action, or otherwise unaccounted for as a result of hostile action; specify locations, dates, and circumstances under which the flag shall be displayed.”
The recognizable black and white POW-MIA flag you see flying all across the country has a special meaning to Kentuckians, as it was created by Bowling Green resident Mary Hoff in 1970 after her husband’s plane was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War.
Call (800) 372-7181 and ask Kentucky Senators to co-sponsor S.B.104; “It is the least we can do for our POW/MIAs,” says Greasy.
DISTRACTED DRIVING TARGETED BY LAWMAKERS
Nearly four in 10 drivers admit to looking at their phones while driving, according to a AAA survey, and distracted driving has become a leading cause of highway accidents and fatalities nationwide. Nearly every state has enacted laws against texting while driving, while many others have banned handheld wireless communications devices altogether, such as a new law that recently went into effect in Florida.
Perhaps 2020 will be a major year for distracted driver bills sweeping through state legislatures, as Utah (H.B.101) and Colorado (S.B.65) have already introduced measures this year to require drivers to use hands-free devices, and motorcycle groups in those states say it’s about time!
On Tuesday, February 11, the Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee passed Senate Bill 65 unanimously, on a 5-to-nothing vote.
Lawmakers in Ohio recently extended the definition of “distracted” to include “any activity that is not necessary for the vehicle’s operation and that impairs the driver’s ability to drive safely,” including eating, handing things, or even changing the radio station could all result in a ticket.
Maryland has taken a different approach, introducing H.B.721/S.B.512 “Prohibiting an individual from causing the serious physical injury or death of a vulnerable individual as a result of the individual operating a vehicle in a careless or distracted manner.”
STATES SEEK TO LEGALIZE LANE SPLITTING
As of January 2020, California is the only U.S. state that formally authorizes motorcyclists to lane split. Utah passed a law to allow riders to lane filter in 2019, while Hawaii made shoulder surfing legal in rush hour traffic situations in 2018. Now, Arizona and Virginia could soon join California on the elite list of lane-splitting-friendly states.
Proposals to legalize lane splitting both in Arizona and Virginia were recently submitted to those states’ legislative bodies. The Arizona bill, House Bill 2285 introduced in January by Representative and Arizona House Transportation Committee chairman Noel Campbell, a former Navy and U.S. Forest Service pilot and a motorcycle tour guide, would allow riders to lane split on roads of more than one lane in the same direction with a speed limit of 45 mph or less and when traffic is cruising at no more than 15 mph.
In Virginia, Rep. Tony Wilt proposed a similar measure, House Bill 1236, to allow motorcyclists to lane split on roads of more than one lane in the same direction but traffic speed would have to be under 10 mph and motorcycles would be limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Over the past few years, a slew of bills have been introduced to legalize lane splitting and filtering, including;
Connecticut, where lawmakers are actively considering Senate Bill 629 to make both lane splitting and filtering explicitly legal.
In Oregon, House Bill 2314 was referred to the Speaker’s desk. If approved, motorcycles could travel between cars on roadways where the speed limit is 50mph or greater, and traffic is moving at 10mph or slower.
Washington state reintroduced Senate Bill 5254 on January 13, 2020 and it’s currently in committee.
In Canada, the Toronto city council is considering Agenda Item MM43.53 to allow filtering throughout the city, as well as allowing motorcycles to “use reserved lanes” in some specific areas of the city.
NCOM CONVENTION IN “CIRCLE CITY” ON THE FAST TRACK
The 35th annual NCOM Convention in Indianapolis is in the home stretch, so plan now to be a part of one of the largest gathering of motorcycle rights activists in the world. This year’s NCOM Convention, to be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 8-9, 2020 at the Marriott Indianapolis East (7202 East 21st Street) will draw hundreds of concerned motorcyclists from across America to “Circle City” to address topics of concern to all riders.
Known worldwide for its “Indy 500”, it was motorcycles that first lapped the Brickyard’s banked oval track in 1909, and over a century later bikers are still racing toward the checkered flag of victory.
Racing is a team sport, and everyone’s contributions facilitate the win, so ALL motorcyclists are welcome to attend and participate in the many meetings, seminars and group discussions.
Many of today’s finest Freedom Fighters will be on hand to promote strength through unity, working together throughout the legislative process, teach organizational and leadership principles, and share lobbying techniques and political insights to retain and regain Freedom of the Road.
Agenda items will cover legal and legislative issues of concern to all riders, including “Protect Your Rights/Probable Cause” and “Vulnerable Road Users Legislation To Protect Our Riders” seminars, with Special Meetings for Veterans Affairs, Women in Motorcycling, Clean & Sober Roundtable and World of Sport Bikes, as well as the Christian Unity Conference and Confederation of Clubs Patch Holders Meeting. Renown EMT Dick “Slider” Gilmore will present his “Save a Biker’s Life” seminar on The Golden Hour, a must-see tutorial.
Registration fees for the NCOM Convention are $85 including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $50 for the Convention only. For more information, or to pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) 525-5355 or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
Claim your spot in the starting lineup and reserve your hotel room now for the special NCOM rate of $129 per night by calling (317) 352-9775, and we’ll see you at the finish line!
In the meantime, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists is requesting that MROs, motorcycle clubs, and riding associations submit the names of those members and supporters who have passed away over the past year, since May 2019, so that we may honor their memories with the traditional “Ringing of the Bell” tribute to fallen riders during the opening ceremonies. Dedications should be e-mailed in advance to Bill Bish at NCOMBish@aol.com, or can be hand-delivered at the Convention to “Doc” Reichenbach, NCOM Chairman of the Board.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
~ Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born physicist
ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).
–Photos from the Bob T collection–
BARTELS’ H-D EXCLUSIVE LOS ANGELES DEALER FOR 5-BALL LEATHERS
By Bandit | | General Posts
In addition, Deb Black the apparel manager at Bartels’ helped us develop our first women’s Racy leather jacket and hoodie system with the sizing help and input from her female crew. The women riders on the Bartels’ staff tested and sized this sharp leather jacket. The hoodie zips out, if need-be. It has two deep gun pockets and our exclusive media pocket.
The hoodie can act as a jacket thermal liner or a separate snug piece. Check it out at: https://shop.bikernet.com/product-category/women/
Check out our entire line of cool leathers. If you are part of a club or organization and want your own line of vests, reach out to us. We could help and save you a bunch. And don’t miss our Bandit’s Bedrolls in leather or cordura.
–Bandit
Bandit@Bikernet.com
Illinois: Red Light Camera Salesman Busted By Feds
By Bandit | | General Posts
A federal grand jury in Illinois last week indicted a senior Cook County staff member who moonlighted as a red light camera salesman. Patrick J. Doherty, the chief of staff to Cook County Commissioner Jeff Tobolski, bribed an unnamed Oak Lawn trustee on behalf of the red light camera vendor Safespeed, according to the indictment.
“Patrick J. Doherty used and caused to be used a facility in interstate commerce, namely a cellular telephone and an associated communications network, with intent to promote, manage, carry on, and facilitate the promotion, management, and carrying on of an unlawful activity, namely, bribery,” the indictment stated.
Oak Lawn signed a deal to allow Safespeed to issue automated tickets within the village in February 2014. In 2017, Doherty wanted to influence the trustee to call for the installation of more cameras, as he received a percentage cut of every single photo ticket issued. So he allegedly funneled $4000 to a trustee, disguising the transaction by paying one of the trustee’s immediate family members with a regular series of $500 checks drawn against his company.
“If it’s going to get us the job, I’ll just pay it,” Doherty said in a recorded cell phone call to another Safespeed salesman on May 25, 2017. “Just make sure get get the, make sure we get the [expletive] contract.”
Conversations about the bribes are thought to have been recorded by Safespeed co-owner Omar Maani, who is thought to be cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in return for a lighter sentence. He has not been publicly charged.
Doherty’s bail was set at $100,000. He faces a maximum of five years in prison. So far, the federal corruption probe has snared the former chairman of the state Senate Transportation Committee Martin A. Sandoval, who entered a guilty plea to the charge of taking bribes from Safespeed. Sandoval faces no more than ten years behind bars. To date, fourteen public officials, lobbyists and photo enforcement executives have been convicted in various corruption schemes in the United States (view full list). Similar scandals have been uncovered around the globe (view the red light camera and speed camera CrimeLine).
Bill Would Nearly Triple Recreational Trails Funding
By Bandit | | General Posts
A bipartisan group of House representatives recently introduced the Recreational Trails Program Full Funding Act, which would boost funding for trails to at least $250 million. The MIC has worked closely with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable in strongly pushing for this legislation.
“The RTP is a critical program to ensure the development and maintenance of trails for motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides,” said Scott Schloegel, the MIC’s senior vice president, government relations. “We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Peter Welch, John Curtis, Angie Craig, Mike Simpson, Annie Kuster, and Chris Stewart on this legislation, which will require a fresh study of the amount of gas tax paid by the powersports community, so we can fight to return more of that money to trails all across the country.”
Click the image and turn Twitter’s sound up to hear from Welch and Curtis on why the RTP is so important for Americans and local economies, and why it’s a fiscally responsible move. Read More
