Bikernet Blog - Online Biker Magazine

Dying Man’s Final Request Fulfilled By 200 Roaring V-Twins

By Wayfarer | May 12, 2019 | General Posts

200 strangers give dying man a rousing sendoff. To many who ride, motorcycles are far more than a means of transportation. Bikes are a culture, an identity, and a way of life. Even after health issues or old age force some riders to call it quits, that passion never diminishes. Recently, as one terminally ill life-long biker prepared to say goodbye to this world, he decided his final wish was to hear the roar of an American V-Twin one last time. 61-year-old Indiana resident and cruiser enthusiast Jon Stanley—who’d previously been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer—was on his last leg, and his family sadly knew it. Stanley had recently bought himself a Harley Softail, though after taking it out on only a handful of occasions, the progression of his illness forced him to park it for good. Even though he could no longer ride, Stanley nonetheless relayed to his family that he just wanted to hear a motorcycle through his window. Stanley’s brother-in-law reached out to a local South Bend rider named David Thompson, via Facebook, explaining Stanley’s situation and request. Not only did Thompson oblige, but he took it one step further, putting out a call to action on social media, asking other bikers in the region to join in. Just 12 hours after David was initially contacted, he and some 200 other riders were on their way to Stanley’s home. Once there Stanley—a longtime ABATE member and military vet—was treated to his final wish, as more than a collective quarter-million CC’s of America V-Twin sang out. With the assistance of his family, Stanley was carried outside and helped into a sidecar, where he sat and enjoyed the bellow of a big-bore twin for the last time. Stanley finally succumbed to his battle with cancer later that same night, surrounded by his wife and family in his Indiana home. Big kudos to David Thompson for getting the ball rolling on this, along with every other rider who showed up to grant a dying man—and fellow rider—his final wish. Definitely one of the more touching examples of bikers helping bikers. Ride In Peace Jon Stanley.

By Wayfarer | May 11, 2019 | General Posts

National Rental Network Offers Yamaha Motorcycle, ATV, Side-by-Side, and Snowmobile Adventures

MARIETTA, Ga. – May 1, 2019 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is expanding its “Destination Yamaha” rental program with new locations across the country featuring the most comprehensive and diverse line of adventure vehicles available to rent from a leading powersports manufacturer. Destination Yamaha provides opportunities for families and individuals to experience new and exciting adventures they may have never imagined possible.

Details and rental locations are on a newly launched website at www.DestinationYamahaUSA.com.

“Now more than ever people are seeking out new and exciting experiences, and Yamaha is stepping up with added options and ready-built adventures to offer them,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “Getting outdoors – especially interacting with friends and family – is key to making lifelong memories, and that’s exactly what Destination Yamaha is designed to do.”

Through Destination Yamaha, people can choose from an ever-expanding list of exciting locations and authorized rental partners for a trip of a lifetime. With operations in captivating places like Moab in Utah, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hatfield McCoy in West Virginia, the Appalachians of Tennessee, even Las Vegas, Alaska and many more, Destination Yamaha caters to a wide variety of adventures.

“Yamaha brings an increased level of confidence and superior reliability to motorsports rental operations, pairing the most dependable and proven machines with experienced and professional partners,” Nessl said. “Wherever you live, whether you’re a motorsports veteran or completely new to the sport, Destination Yamaha opens up a whole new world of opportunities and experiences.”

With the recent expansion efforts, Destination Yamaha is building on nearly 50-years of rental partnerships dating back to the 1970s with snowmobile operators in popular U.S. riding areas like Yellowstone and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With established operations and the best products in motorsports, Destination Yamaha is uniquely positioned to provide one of the most exciting adventure travel opportunities across the U.S.

Visit www.DestinationYamahaUSA.com to learn more.

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media site:
#Yamaha #YamahaMotor #YamahaMotorUSA #DestinationYamaha #REALizeYourAdventure #ProvenOffRoad #AssembledInUSA
· www.facebook.com/yamahamotorusa
· www.instagram.com/yamahamotorusa
· www.twitter.com/yamahamotorusa

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the powersports industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, and much more. YMUS products are sold through anationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based Yamaha companies include Skeeter Boats (Texas), G3 Boats (Missouri), Bennet Marine (Florida), Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana), and Kracor, Inc. (Wisconsin).

For more information about Yamaha, visit www.YamahaMotorsports.com.

ATVs over 90cc are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older.

SxS Vehicles are recommended for use only by licensed drivers 16 years and older.

By Wayfarer | May 11, 2019 | General Posts

Keith Ball illustration – designed to bring less expensive, light vehicle, two tiered additional lanes to congested areas

Capitol Hill Update

Full Court Press

This week the MRF team in Washington met with 24 congressional offices to discuss motorcycle priorities with an emphasis on H. Res 255, the anti-motorcycle profiling resolution. The strategy to get this resolution passed is simple; we need to get as many co-sponsors added to the resolution as possible. A large number of co-sponsors demonstrates support for the resolution and helps let Congressional leaders know that there is broad political support for passing the resolution.

Last year, the House version of this resolution had 39 cosponsors. This year our goal is to get that number above 60. Since the resolution was introduced six weeks ago, we have garnered 22 cosponsors including seven that were added just this week. The letters sent by MRF members and our meetings on Capitol Hill are helping build momentum, but we need to keep the pressure up. The DC team will continue to meet with congressional offices and Bikers Inside the Beltway is a great opportunity for motorcyclists to educate lawmakers about this issue.

We are casting a wide net hoping to gain support from a variety of different states. Our meetings this week were with members of Congress from 21 different states. Currently, Illinois is leading the way with five co-sponsors on the resolution. We will keep you updated on our meetings and the growth of our co-sponsor list.

Transportation Priorities

Late last week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee asked its members to submit a list of surface transportation priorities. This list will help guide the committee in building an agenda for hearings and legislation in the coming months. Congressman Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) submitted this request to the committee: “Direct NHTSA to reevaluate the federal definition of a motorcycle (the current definition of a motorcycle includes autocycles).”

Congressman Balderson was first elected to Congress in August of 2018 to fill a vacancy created by a retirement. He won reelection three months later and is now serving his first full term in Congress. The Congressman is a motorcycle rider and recently joined the House Motorcycle Caucus. He has shown a desire to learn more about legislative issues motorcyclists face and with his position on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hopes to play a leading role in advocating for the motorcycle community. We are excited about our new ally and advocate and look forward to working on a variety of issues with him.

By Wayfarer | May 11, 2019 | General Posts

The Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Legends Chapter, has announced that Dale Walksler, founder and curator of Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum has been chosen as the recipient of their 2019 “Legends Award.”

Founded in 2016, the Legends Chapter, based in South Carolina, is committed to the love and collection of antique motorcycles. The “Legends Award” was developed to be given away each year to a different person or organization as a way to honor those who have made significant impacts on motorcycle history. The recipient of the award is recognized at a special ceremony and receives the “Legends Trophy,” a perpetual award to be kept for a year.

The trophy is a tribute in and of itself, containing the names of all the previous winners, as well as honoring legendary motorcycle world-record holder Burt Monroe. The trophy is topped with a copy of Monroe’s connecting rods and a hand-crafted replica of his world-famous streamliner motorcycle.

Walksler was selected for this year’s award because of his over 52-year commitment to preserving, collecting, and sharing the history of American motorcycles and American transportation history.

The result of this decade’s long passion is evidenced in Walksler’s Wheels Through Time Museum, recognized by many as the world’s premier collection of rare and vintage motorcycles. The museum displays over 350 all-American made machines and welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually.

In addition to his countless hours committed to preservation, Walksler has dedicated his life to educating future generations on the history, beauty, and craftsmanship of the American motorcycle and to increase awareness of the sport of motorcycling.

The award ceremony will be on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at 1:00 pm at Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC. The ceremony will coincide with the museum’s special Memorial Day weekend celebration featuring The American Motor Drome Company’s “Wall of Death,” a motorcycle thrill show featuring motorcycles driven on a 15-foot vertical wall, who will be performing free hourly shows all weekend long.

By Bandit | May 11, 2019 | General Posts

Around midday on 6 June 2001, locals from Pilar da Bretanha, a parish on the northwestern tip of the Atlantic island São Miguel, saw a white yacht, about 40 feet long, drifting aimlessly near the area’s sheer cliffs. None of the villagers had ever seen a boat of this size floating so close to that part of the coast, where the sea was shallow, the tides strong and the rocks razor-sharp. They supposed it was an amateur sailor who had got lost.

In fact, the man sailing the boat was a skilled seaman. Two Italian passports, a Spanish passport and a Spanish national ID card were later found in his possession, all of which showed the same 44-year-old with weathered skin and dark curly hair. But each of the four documents listed a different name. In the previous three months, he had crossed the Atlantic twice, sailing more than 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands, just west of Morocco, to north-east Venezuela, and then back again, to São Miguel, 1,000 miles west of Portugal.

Although he was under orders to take the yacht to mainland Spain, his return crossing had been rough. Big lumps of Atlantic swell had pummelled the boat, damaging the rudder and leaving him floundering. Realising he wouldn’t make it to Spain without stopping, he set a course for São Miguel, the largest of the cluster of nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores, a bucolic archipelago first colonised by Portugal in the 15th century.

But he couldn’t go directly into harbour. If the port authorities checked his boat, they would find tens of millions of pounds worth of uncut cocaine, which he was ferrying from Venezuela for a gang based in Spain’s Balearic Islands. He had to get rid of his freight temporarily, and so he began scouring the coast for a place to hide the drugs.

São Miguel’s coastline is pocked with grottos and secluded coves. The sailor navigated the yacht to a cave near Pilar da Bretanha and began offloading the cocaine, which was bound with plastic and rubber in hundreds of packages the size of building bricks. According to the police investigation that followed, he secured the contraband with fishing nets and chains, submerging it beneath the water with an anchor. But as he set sail for the nearest harbour, a small fishing town called Rabo de Peixe about 15 miles to the south-east, skeins of fog drifted over São Miguel’s cliffs. Another swell began to rise, waves pounded the island’s rocky inlets and the netting holding the cocaine unravelled.

Then the packages started to wash ashore.

For hundreds of years, most of the people on São Miguel have subsisted on farming, fishing, dairy cattle, or, more recently, government benefits. The island has 140,000 inhabitants, most of whom are separated by only one or two acquaintances. Although the island has the mix of intimacy and claustrophobia that marks many small communities, the predictability of life here creates a sense of security that is reinforced by the vast Atlantic Ocean, which barricades Azoreans within a subtropical paradise. “The paradox of the Azores is that you are always wanting to leave when you’re here, and always wanting return when you’re not,” Tiago Melo Bento, a local film-maker, told me.

The arrival in the summer of 2001 of more than half a metric tonne of extraordinarily pure cocaine turned São Miguel upside down. Earlier this year, I visited the island to speak to people who were affected by the influx of the cocaine, or were involved in trying to track down the smuggler. The stories they told of how the drugs changed the island were by turns bizarre, thrilling and tragic. No one expected in early June 2001 that they would still be talking about the effects of the cocaine nearly two decades later.

On 7 June, the day after the yacht was first sighted, a man from Pilar da Bretanha climbed down a steep path to the small cove where he often fished. On the shore, flapping in the surf like a beached jellyfish, was a large mound covered in black plastic. Beneath the plastic, the fisherman found scores of the small packages. Leaking from some of them was a substance he thought looked very much like flour. He decided to call the police.

Within hours, local officers had registered some 270 packages of uncut cocaine, weighing 290kg. It was only the first of many such discoveries. On 15 June, more than a week after the first batch was found, a man stumbled across 158kg (worth roughly £16m today) in another cove near Pilar da Bretanha. Two days later, a school teacher named Francisco Negalha alerted the police after finding 15kg on a beach on the other side of the island. “I was scared and hesitant even to approach them,” Negalha told me. “I thought someone may have been watching me and might kill me if they saw me touch them.” In the space of a fortnight, there were 11 registered seizures totalling just under 500kg of cocaine.

Not everyone who found packages reported it to authorities. A number of islanders became small-time dealers and began transporting cocaine across the island in milk churns, paint tins and socks. One such report suggested that two fishermen had seen the man on the yacht dumping some of his cocaine. No one knows how much of the drug they retrieved, nor when they rescued it, but the stories of these two fishermen have become legendary among the drug-users in São Miguel. I heard that one of these men was selling so much of the stuff from his car that his seats were white with powder. The same man had apparently paid a friend 300g of cocaine just to charge his phone. Other Azoreans “were selling beer glasses full of pure cocaine”, said Andre Costa, an entrepreneur and musician from the south of the island. Each one of these “copos”, which were about a third of a pint, contained about 150g and cost €20 (£17) – many hundreds of times cheaper than what it would cost in London today. On 25 June 2001, the headline of the local newspaper, Açoriano Oriental, read: “Police fear the mass dealing of cocaine”.

Before the yacht arrived, locals had seen little cocaine on the island. It was more common to find heroin or hashish. “Cocaine was a drug of the elite,” Jose Lopes, one of the leading inspectors from Portugal’s judicial police, told me. “It was expensive.” There was really only one previous case of trafficking that people remembered with any clarity. In 1995, an Italian named Marco Morotti was caught in the port of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s largest town, transporting large quantities of cocaine dissolved in petrol containers. But Morotti’s product had been seized by the police before it reached the islanders.

Now, two types of cocaine were circulating on São Miguel: one was the sort of fine white powder familiar from film and TV shows. The other was in yellowish crystals. Most users snorted the powder, but dissolved the crystals in water and then injected it into their veins. Both methods were potent. “It was euphoria,” Costa said. “You were floating.” One recovering drug user from Rabo de Peixe told me that he and a family member consumed more than a kilo in a month. A police officer told me the story of a man nicknamed Joaninha, or Ladybird, who had hooked himself up to a drip of cocaine and water and sat in his house getting high for days.

A product so valuable in the rest of the world was rendered almost worthless through abundance. “They had gold, but they didn’t know how to work with it,” Ruben Frias, the head of the local fishermen’s association in Rabo de Peixe, told me. There were rumours that housewives were frying mackerel in cocaine, thinking it was flour, and that old fishermen were pouring it into their coffees like sugar. No one knew how much of the stuff was still out there.

In the 24 hours after he had arrived on São Miguel, the man on the yacht had barely ventured out of his cabin. He had pored over maps and made several phone calls to find out how he could fix his boat’s damaged rudder, but he didn’t speak Portuguese and couldn’t afford to draw any more attention to himself than was absolutely necessary. As he lay in his narrow bunk on the night of 7 June, he didn’t know that police officers were already watching him.

Jose Lopes, the judicial police inspector, had been chosen as one of the leaders of the investigation. At the time, he was 34 years old and had worked eight years as a policeman, seven of them on the Azores. He was very familiar with the local drug trade and had a reputation for his encyclopaedic memory. When we spoke, Lopes also claimed he has a “sixth sense” for solving mysteries.

It hadn’t taken Lopes long to figure out that the smuggler’s yacht was floating in the harbour in Rabo de Peixe. He knew that the cocaine had almost certainly arrived by boat. Thanks to the testimonies of villagers, who had described the vessel, and records of the coming and goings of boats kept by the maritime police, Lopes and his team were able to track down the yacht within a matter of hours. Then they began to stake it out.

At around 1am on 8 June, police watched as a Nissan Micra parked up beside the yacht. They later found out that the car had been rented at the airport by a man named Vito Rosario Quinci, who had arrived by plane the previous day. Vito Rosario turned out to be the nephew of the smuggler, a Sicilian whose real name was Antonino Quinci.

Spanish prosecutors would later claim that Vito Rosario was the link between Quinci and the unnamed Spanish organisation running the cocaine operation. According to Spanish court documents, four months before Quinci arrived in the Azores, the leader of the smuggling ring had bought an 11-year-old Sun Kiss 47 yacht for €156,000 in Puerto de Mogán in the Canary Islands, and transferred it to Quinci under an alias. It was later discovered that Quinci’s yacht was only one part of a larger operation. Two more boats, each carrying more than half a tonne of cocaine, were destined for different ports in Spain. (Vito was later found guilty of involvement in this drug smuggling operation and sentenced to 17 years in jail in Spain. However, in 2007, the conviction was overturned after an appeal found that the police had used illegal wiretapping to gather evidence. He denied knowledge of the drug-smuggling operation.)

Vito met his uncle in the cramped living quarters of the yacht. Later that morning, the two men sailed out of the harbour. Police tailed them to Pilar da Bretanha, the location where Quinci had attempted to stash the cocaine two days earlier. The pair drifted there for 35 minutes, presumably long enough to establish that the cargo was missing. Then police followed them as they sailed around to the town of Ponta Delgada, the Azores’ economic capital, on the south side of the island.

There, in the town’s harbour, Quinci and Vito set up base for the next 12 days. They seemed to do little except make occasional trips on a rubber dinghy, sometimes to buy fuel and other supplies, sometimes to places where police could not track them. When sources in port tipped off investigators that the yacht’s rudder would be fixed by 22 June, he knew his team had to act fast. At 9.30am on 20 June, just under two weeks after the yacht was first spotted, they raided the vessel.

In the bowels of the yacht, Lopes and his team found Quinci surrounded by maps and piles of documents, including a notebook marking the boat’s journey from Venezuela via Barbados to São Miguel. On a shelf in the cabin, wrapped up in a plastic bag, investigators also found a brick of cocaine weighing 960g and a film canister containing another three grams. Quinci’s nephew, Vito, had disappeared.

The arrest went smoothly. “Quinci was easy to deal with,” Lopes said. The inspector spoke decent Italian, having lived in the country for a short time before he had become a police officer. He and Quinci were able to converse informally. “Quinci was talkative for someone who had just been detained on a drug charge,” Lopes said. “He seemed worried by the fact that large amounts of cocaine were washing up all over the island.” Quinci even offered to direct officers to the area where he had hidden the cocaine.

But in an official interrogation on the following day, Quinci suddenly stopped cooperating. He denied having trafficked the cocaine, and said the bricks the police seized from the boat were things he had chanced upon at sea. “He almost displayed an arrogance, as if he were above proceedings,” Catia Bendetti, Quinci’s translator during the interrogation, told me. “He barely said a word.” Perhaps Quinci was scared. He had two young children and a girlfriend who were vulnerable to reprisals, and he had just lost tens of millions of pounds worth of someone else’s cocaine. Or perhaps he thought he could avoid prosecution. What soon became clear, however, was that he had not given up hope of escaping the island.

Before Quinci’s cocaine had washed up on shore, Lopes and his colleagues had São Miguel’s drug trade on lockdown. “We knew almost everything that there was to know about the local market,” Lopes said. The flow of drugs was usually small and predictable. Often when the police made a seizure, they would make such a dent in the drug supply that local prices would skyrocket. But now police faced an unprecedented situation. As well as the 500kg of cocaine they had seized in the previous two weeks, Lopes thought that at least another 200kg were still unaccounted for.

Rabo de Peixe, the fishing village where Quinci had first moored his boat, is one of the poorest towns in Portugal, and locals told me that it was a place where even other islanders can feel like outsiders. But that summer, it became a hub for the sale of the missing cocaine. “People from all over the island came here to buy drugs,” Ruben Frias told me. From the town square, perched atop a promontory, narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured houses snake down to the harbour. In these streets, where fishermen hunch over dominos in grotty bars, slurping from small glasses of red wine, kilos and kilos of cocaine exchanged hands.

Later analysis showed that the cocaine was more than 80% pure, far stronger than anything normally found on the street. The drug’s potency made it highly addictive, and many people who started using had little idea what they were dealing with. Francisco Moreira, a local judge, told me that Quinci’s drug made it into the hands of the islanders at a time when many people here had little experience with cocaine.

The results were catastrophic. Mariano Pacheco, a medic and coroner at Ponta Delgada’s hospital, told me that in the weeks after Quinci’s arrival an unusually high number of people were coming into the hospital reporting heart attack-like symptoms, or arriving unconscious. “We revived a lot of people from drug-induced comas,” he said. “Some of them didn’t make it.”

A month after Quinci had arrived on the island, the cocaine was still wreaking havoc. On 7 July, the front page of the Açoriano Oriental opened with the headline “Cocaine kills on São Miguel”. The article reported a spike in the number of overdoses and the death of a young man. Local television networks began broadcasting health warnings to the islanders advising them not to try the cocaine. But it was too late for some.

The prison at Ponta Delgada, where Quinci was sent to await trial, looks like a brutalist castle and looms over the main road heading out of town. According to a witness cited in court documents, while in jail Quinci was often on the phone, talking in Spanish and trying to secure a scooter or rental car. In exchange for help in escaping the prison, Quinci had offered to draw maps for other inmates that would lead them to the cocaine.

On the morning of 1 July, about a week and a half after his arrest, Quinci entered a courtyard of the jail for his designated recreation time. His arms were wrapped in ripped bed sheets to protect them from cuts: the yard was surrounded by a long, low wall topped with barbed wire. At around 11.25am, Quinci started to climb.

From one of the white hexagonal guard towers, a correctional officer named Antonio Alonso fired a warning shot from his rifle, but Quinci kept climbing. Alonso then aimed his sight directly at the fugitive, and placed his finger on the trigger. Below, prisoners had gathered and were cheering Quinci on. On the other side of the wall, Alonso could see civilians walking up and down a promenade on the main road. “I was afraid that I might hurt someone if I fired a shot,” he would later testify. He watched as Quinci went over the wall, up the road, on to a small scooter and into the distance.

Police were immediately alerted of the escape and moved to seal off the island. Pictures of Quinci were sent to all ports on São Miguel and the airport in Ponta Delgada. On 3 July, the Açoriano Oriental asked readers to report any sightings of Quinci to the authorities. Rumours circulated that he was sleeping rough in fields, church lofts and chicken sheds, snorting cocaine to stave off his appetite. Eventually, he ended up in the house of a man named Rui Couto, who lived in a village 26 miles north-east of Ponta Delgada.

When I met Couto, who is now in his late 40s and has a tattoo on the left side of his shaved head, he seemed nervous and agitated, and wore clothes that were too big for his skinny frame. Like many islanders, he had moved to the US when he was young. But he was forced to leave after being busted for drug possession. “They caught me with six joints,” he told me in a thick Massachusetts accent. He came back to São Miguel in his early 20s.

When Quinci arrived at Couto’s house, the Italian was covered in blood. “He had sweatpants and his socks up, but the barbed wire ripped his ankles,” Couto said. It was the day of Couto’s son’s baptism, and his whole family was in a garden terrace at the back of his house. Couto claims Quinci was brought to the house by an acquaintance of his. He also told me he gave Quinci refuge out kindness and that there was no deal or plan with the Italian. “He didn’t pay me nothing!” he said. “I’m a good guy, I was raised with values.”

Quinci stayed in a chicken shed at the bottom of a potato field behind Couto’s garden for around two weeks. The pair would often eat together and talk late into the night. Couto told me that although Quinci was in a sorry state, smoking cocaine in cigarette papers without tobacco, he was always friendly. “He was a good guy, and I miss him,” he said.

Couto said that someone Quinci knew came round to give him a fake passport and money. A relative of Quinci had supposedly bought him a boat in Madeira, another Portuguese island 620 miles to the south-east, and was planning to smuggle him off São Miguel as soon as possible. “He was all set to go, they were going to pick him up down there,” Couto told me, pointing to a bay some 200 metres from the back of his house. “But then, well, they didn’t.”

Couto said he had been up late with a friend on the night before the police arrived. Around 7am on 16 July, he heard people shouting outside the house. Couto opened the door in his underpants and a squadron of armed police burst through the front door.

According to Lopes, who was part of the raid, they were working off a tip from a police colleague who believed Couto was hiding cocaine at his house. But after checking under beds, sofas, cabinets and in toilet cisterns, the officers found nothing. Lopes and a colleague decided to check the stone shed at the bottom of Couto’s potato field. The inside was covered in hay and smelled strongly of manure. There didn’t seem to be anything of interest inside. But then, Lopes heard a noise. At first, he thought it was a cat, “but something told me I needed to search more”.

They found Quinci hiding in a corner, dirty and dishevelled. “We didn’t know Quinci was there,” Lopes said. “We were there to search for drugs. It was the biggest stroke of luck.”

In the span of just a few weeks, Quinci’s cocaine had profoundly changed life on São Miguel. But that was just the immediate aftermath of his arrival. When I travelled to the island earlier this year, the long-term effects of Quinci’s cocaine were evident.

The same year that Quinci arrived on São Miguel, Portugal decriminalised the personal possession and consumption of illicit substances, and redirected resources to prevention and recovery services. Outside Rabo de Peixe, I waited with a group of drug users for the local methadone van, which travels around the island treating people for heroin addiction. That morning, about 20 addicts clustered near a kennel of snarling Azorean cattle dogs. Most of the addicts were gaunt with jaundiced eyes, rotting teeth and grey, wrinkled skin. Small children accompanied a few of the users, while most came alone and spoke to no one, smoking and staring at the tarmac.

The users who agreed to speak with me said that Quinci’s arrival on São Miguel had changed the island in surprising ways. Several people told me that a number of locals had become rich thanks to the Italian’s cocaine, then started legitimate businesses, such as coffee shops, many of which still exist today.

But the drugs also had more damaging long-term effects. Several of the users told me that Quinci’s cocaine was so potent that they started taking other drugs to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal. They became addicted to heroin, which was shipped in from the continent, often via the postal service. Alberto Peixoto, a local sociologist who has conducted studies on drug use in the Azores, confirmed that the arrival of Quinci’s cocaine increased consumption of other illicit substances, and that young people and adults from poorer parts of the island were the ones most affected. “It completely ruined my life,” said one local who had become addicted to Quinci’s cocaine and then to heroin. “I’m still living with consequences to this day.”

After he was re-arrested, Quinci was put on trial in Ponta Delgada and given 11 years for drug-trafficking, the use of a false identity and escaping from prison. The decision was appealed and sent to the courts in Lisbon, which reduced the sentence to 10 years. (The other two yachts that were part of the smuggling operation, the Lorena and the Julia, were impounded in July 2001 in Spain by the Spanish police.)

According to Europol, the pan-European police agency, the Caribbean-Azores route is now a mainstay of international drug trafficking. Criminals use the islands as a pit stop, where cargo is usually transferred to fishing vessels or speedboats for shipment to mainland Portugal or Spain. Last September, a catamaran sailing under a French flag was impounded near the Azorean island of Faial with 840kg of cocaine on board.
After the methadone truck left for its next stop, I took a drive along the island’s northern coast, near where Quinci’s yacht had first been sighted. My journey cut through towns of whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs, past rich green pastures, walled off like squares on a chessboard. Farmers squelched through the soggy fields while portly Holstein-Friesian cows grazed. In the soupy, tropical air, everything seemed settled and staid. But, as I reached the north-eastern tip of the island, I saw the Atlantic stretching out to the horizon like a sheet of rippled slate. And some miles out, a white sail boat was rocking back and forth in the afternoon swell.

NEWS AT https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/may/10/blow-up-how-half-a-tonne-of-cocaine-transformed-the-life-of-an-island

By Wayfarer | May 10, 2019 | General Posts

Nirvana is a state of mind we are all capable of at any minute. Bikers understand the concept better than most. Anytime we straddle a bike and shift into gear our brains slip into a state of nirvana.

We really are so fucking fortunate, but I know there’s constant bullshit politics, scams on the phone every day, etc. We need to be celebrating all the goodness in our lives. Sure, we can improve, but we don’t need to attack everyone who disagrees with us, ‘cause it really doesn’t matter, goddammit. Let’s party, ride and build cool shit until the end.

QUICK – CLICK HERE to Read the Weekly News in the Cantina.

JOIN THE CANTINA for just $24 per annum.

By Wayfarer | May 9, 2019 | General Posts

Our friend Tim works over at the Gasbox.

He came across an old ’73 Ironhead Sportster that had seen better days and decided it was a perfect evening project. He used a bunch of Lowbrow and Gasbox parts, and we think his bike turned out killer. Check it out and let us know what you think by leaving a comment at the bottom of the article!

General:

Owner: Tim Fiorucci

Year/Make/Model: 1973 Harley-Davidson XLCH.

Fabrication: Tim Fiorucci

Build Time: About 6 months.

Engine:

Year/Type/Size: 73 Sportster 1000
Carburetor: S&S Super E
Exhaust: Gasbox Sportster Dual Exhaust with 1958-61 mufflers
Air Cleaner: Gasbox Dogdish

Frame:

Year/Type: Stock 1973 XL frame.
Rear is the Lowbrow Customs KR Style Bolt-on Hardtail frame.
Rake/Stretch: Stock Rake, 4in stretch.

Front End:

Type / Brand: Kyaba 35mm

Wheels:

Front Size: 21in
Rear Size: 18in

Finish/Paint:

Paint by: Joe Koenigsmark at Jerry’s House of Kolors
Plating/Polishing: Akron Plating
Powdercoating: A&I

Accessories:

Front Fender: N/A
Rear Fender: Lowbrow Customs Manta Ray Fender
Gas Tank: Custom Aluminum Sporty style
Handlebars: Lowbrow Customs Stainless T-bars
Grips: Jackhammer
Mirrors: N/A Hand
Controls: Drag Specialties Clutch lever
Foot Controls: Customs Stainless Pegs
Headlight: Stock Seal beam
Taillight: Box taillight
Turn Signals: N/A
License Mount: Custom
Seat: Solo

This beautiful bike is also up for sale! If you are interested please email Tim directly at fiorucci.tim@gmail.com

By Wayfarer | May 9, 2019 | General Posts

National Motorcycle Museum Event: 9th Annual Vintage Rally

Vintage Bike Show, Hot Rod & Custom Car Display and Swap Meet

Pickers Frank Fritz and Dave Ohrt headlining the 9th Annual Vintage Rally, June 29th at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa!

Saturday, June 29, is the once a year chance to maximize your motorcycle history experience at the National Motorcycle Museum; the all-day Saturday Bike Show, Car Display & Swap Meet outside are free and Museum admission will be discounted to $10.00. Special guests Frank Fritz and Dave Ohrt will share American picking stories from over ten years of digging through America’s old treasures.

Celebrate transportation invention when you view the newly installed Early American Transportation INNOVATION exhibition.

Head outside and check out the free 9th Annual Vintage Rally Bike Show and Swap Meet. There’s even going to be a classic car and hot rod display. Advanced bike show and car display registration is free. Cast your ballot to help pick a Bike Show winner.

If you enjoy stories told by long distance riders, hang out with special guest world traveler D.J. Jones. DJ will be giving an inspirational talk and be signing her new book, 50 States of Consciousness. Also making a special appearance is Carl Reese, current transcontinental record holder, who will share his secrets on mental conditioning, nutrition and motorcycle preparation for his under 39 hour transcontinental run.

DJ JONES Inspirational 50 State Iron Butt Rider

This 130-pound, six-foot tall, postmenopausal, African-American motivator loves Country music, rides a motorcycle, yet, has no tattoos or piercings. Despite the odds, she rode her motorcycle, 800-pound ‘Big Bertha’, 169 consecutive days, 25,000 miles, through all 50 states, solo, surviving everything from tornados to grizzlies, in 2006. Hear DJ’s historic, life-threatening, life-altering, emotional and physical roller coaster ride to help raise awareness and to help save lives through her experiences.

100 Year History of Motorcycle “Cannonball” Run Records; presentation by Carl Reese

Carl Reese is a multiple Guinness World Record holding professional endurance driver. Reese and his fiancee Deena Mastracci have set multiple world records to bring attention to Motorcycle Relief Project, a US-based charity that helps combat veterans with PTSD.

You’ll also have time to walk through the Museum, check out over 500 great old motorcycles and thousands of pieces of art, advertising, apparel and great memorabilia on display.

Then grab a shuttle and head up the road a mile to celebrate the J&P Cycles 40th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Weekend with a huge range of parts, installation and live entertainment. It’s all happening in Anamosa, Iowa June 29th.

By Wayfarer | May 9, 2019 | General Posts

The Philippines is converting a historic American military base into a city. Its key funder? China.

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte checks the scope of a rifle at a ceremony marking the turnover of free Chinese military assistance to the Philippines at Clark Air Base in June 2017.Romeo Ranoco / Reuters

CLARK, Philippines—Vince Dizon makes sure his guests take in the view from his ninth-story office before they leave. A set of windows looks out over a hazy, expansive airfield that was the center of the United States’ largest overseas military base, until it was handed back to the Philippines in 1991.

The concrete skeleton of a new commercial-airline terminal can now be seen in the distance. Dizon, who leads the Philippine government agency charged with redeveloping old military sites, is fond of telling visitors that the Americans built a runway of such quality that the U.S. Space Shuttle could have landed on it.

Three decades on, the area is still dotted with vestiges of Clark Air Base, where Americans first established a presence during the Spanish American War while searching for grazing land for their horses. A manicured veterans cemetery is managed by the U.S. government; a building that was once a base hospital sits abandoned outside the gates of a new water park; an American Legion post is wedged between two “entertainment bars”—the infamous red-light district, which flourished thanks to demand from U.S. troops, didn’t leave when they did.

Now, though, the Chinese, not the Americans, are the ones fueling investments here. Officials from Dizon’s agency, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and China’s Gezhouba Group, an engineering and construction company that has moved aggressively into foreign markets in recent years, are finalizing the details of a $2 billion, 500-hectare industrial park, Dizon told me, while Chinese loans will fund a railway linking Clark to the coastal city of Subic, the site of a former U.S. naval base. Separately, Chinese firms are also angling to take over a failing shipyard in Subic.

The projects are part of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s aptly, if not creatively, named “Build Build Build” economic strategy, under which the government plans to transform the Clark base into a green, disaster-resilient, stand-alone city that developers hope will relieve pressure on Manila, the perpetually gridlocked capital some 60 miles south.

Chinese investment in what will be known as New Clark City “is critical,” Dizon said in an interview. “It is how it all started.” He sees the investments as symbols of a “newfound friendship and relationship” between Manila and Beijing. It is one of several similar projects launched across the Philippines, and across Southeast Asia, as China and Chinese companies plow money into projects, largely as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s much-touted Belt and Road Initiative. The globe-spanning infrastructure and investment program has been criticized by Washington, but has nevertheless won admirers: Last month, Italy became the first major European economy to join.

This redevelopment of a former symbol of American might here in Clark by a Chinese developer may be the best example of the shift under way in Southeast Asia, as a more assertive Beijing courts traditional American allies in a part of the world where Washington’s power long went unchallenged. “It is so important,” Dizon, who worked on Duterte’s presidential campaign in communications and was appointed to his current job by the president, said. “I think it will be one of the major legacies of this shift in foreign policy under President Duterte.”

Though Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines say they still need an American military presence in their backyard and fear a rising China—Duterte himself has told Beijing to “lay off” an island claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea—a debate is raging on what that relationship with Washington should now look like. Analysts that I spoke with noted worries in the region that President Donald Trump’s White House appeared uninterested in Southeast Asia compared with its predecessors. At the same time, staunch American allies, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, have looked to China as the rare country that is hungry to sink billions into infrastructure projects and fund development.

To be sure, China’s efforts in Southeast Asia have not been without difficulties. Beijing has inserted itself as a power broker in Myanmar’s (also called Burma) long-running civil wars and Rohingya crisis, and has stirred public resentment as it pushes to restart a highly controversial, and currently suspended, hydropower dam project. Though Malaysia has recently revived two major Chinese-backed projects, it had initially turned away Belt and Road investments whose price tags became too high to bear. And even as the Philippines invites Chinese investment, it has almost no security relationship with Beijing. (By contrast, Manila maintains exceptionally close ties with Washington, its former colonizer, which is still widely trusted and respected here.)

Read: China is quietly reshaping the world

Yet the shift in ties between the Philippines, as well as much of the rest of Southeast Asia, and the U.S. is clear. Vacancies for ambassadorships in the region have piled up and include Singapore and Thailand. Trump in March nominated an ambassador to ASEAN, the regional bloc, after a more than two year vacancy, and Patrick Murphy, the nominee for ambassador to Cambodia, continues to face confirmation delays. David Stilwell, nominated last year to be assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, also has yet to be confirmed.

Barack Obama—who lived for part of his childhood in Indonesia—took a particular interest in Southeast Asia, and while his administration’s “pivot to Asia,” meant to be a centerpiece of his foreign-policy legacy, was never fully realized, even those limited efforts have not been replicated. A 2016 summit convened by Obama with Southeast Asian leaders, the first of its kind, has not been held again. After attending part of the 2017 ASEAN Summit, Trump skipped two Southeast Asia–focused meetings last year.

The Trump administration has defended its handling of Southeast Asia. In particular, the White House has sent a large number of officials to visit the region. Murphy, who currently serves as the principal deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs, met with Southeast Asian officials in March to “reaffirm our embrace of ASEAN centrality.” An increased number of military operations in the South China Sea have also been a central, and highly visible, part of the administration’s efforts to push back on China’s combativeness in the contested waters. And Washington, which will publish an Indo-Pacific strategy report this year, has announced new funds for technological and infrastructure initiatives across Southeast Asia, though the amounts on offer are a fraction of what China is spending.

These moves are not gaining much traction. A February survey of 1,008 Southeast Asian experts, business leaders, and policy makers by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think tank in Singapore, found that 68 percent believed that U.S. engagement with the region has either decreased or decreased substantially. A similar proportion were unsure of, or had little confidence in, Washington’s reliability as a strategic partner and provider of regional security. Separate surveys last year from the Pew Research Center and Gallup found Trump’s image remains poor internationally, while countries continue to recognize the rising power of China.

Read: China’s plan to buy influence and undermine democracy

“How can you reportedly be spending so much time in Asia and yet not [be] reassuring anybody by doing it?” Greg Poling, director of the Washington-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, part of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told me. “There is a sentiment in Southeast Asia that U.S. officials come in and want to lecture about the things that matter to us and don’t have nearly enough patience for the things that matter to Asian partners.”

Nina Hachigian, who served as the U.S. ambassador to ASEAN during the Obama administration, said she doesn’t see “the strategic vision for Asia as a whole and what the U.S. role and interests are.” Hachigian, who now works in the Los Angeles mayor’s office, added that China could exploit that to tell regional allies “that we can’t be trusted, that we are not really Asian anyway, that we are unreliable, that we will leave, that we are only in it for our own interests.”

China’s infrastructure-building is perhaps something that the U.S. does not want to, or cannot, compete with—Manila’s finance secretary, Carlos Dominguez III, for example, publicly lamented last year that American investors “have no interest” in the country’s redevelopment plans. But the U.S.’s once rock-solid defense ties may also be under pressure.

Recent focus in Manila has been on the Mutual Defense Treaty, which was signed in 1951, five years after the Philippines gained independence from Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in March reassured the Philippines that the U.S. would come to the country’s defense if it were attacked in the South China Sea—a significant statement that aimed to address long-standing consternation here over the lack of a firm American position on the issue. But just a week later, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that it was not the lack of reassurances that worried him, but rather that the Philippines would be drawn into “a war that we do not seek and do not want,” noting that increased U.S. naval operations meant the Philippines “is more likely to be involved in a shooting war.”

While stressing that the two countries remain steadfast allies, Sung Kim, the U.S. ambassador to Manila, admitted to me in an interview that “it may not be the simplest time to be working on the U.S.-Philippines relationship for various reasons.” He pointed to “political rhetoric” from the infamously brash Duterte as one of the factors that complicated the relationship. The U.S., Kim said, was looking at whether “any adjustments could be made to update and improve” the 1951 treaty, issues that might be “identified together” with counterparts from the Philippines. (Changes to the text of the treaty, though, would require ratification from lawmakers in both countries.)

Dizon’s concerns are more immediate: He is hoping to drum up more Chinese support for New Clark City. Local media reported that two deals were signed between China and the Philippines at a Belt and Road event in Beijing in April. As I said goodbye to Dizon after our interview, a team from Chinese state television was waiting outside his office, getting ready to film a story on the enormous construction project. The Clark development would, he told me as he walked to join them, “spur the long-term relationship between China and the Philippines.”

By Bandit | May 9, 2019 | General Posts

Hey,

As soon as we open a tool box and start to build a bike, we slip into a state of Nirvana, and I would beg to say that anytime I turn on my computer and start to write about motorcycling or Redheads, I immediately slip into a euphoric state. It’s all about shifting you mind into neutral and away from bullshit distractions that trouble us.

Take a breath and listen to your breath and suddenly you are no longer thinking about your bills, or anything bothering you. If you find your mind cluttered with bullshit, go for a ride, rebuild a carburetor or I would say touch a woman, unless she’s bothering you…

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.

SEAT OF THE WEEK FROM LE PERA–
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 seating area. Also available with Pleated Stitch, Basket Weave and our new Gripp Tape material – for when traction is needed! Many other custom materials and stitch graphics are available as well!

–Christine
LePera Enterprises

LANDLORD’S RULES–“BUT YOUR HONOR – THEY HAVEN’T PAID RENT.”

BY TONY MANISCALCHI

Remember when you filed an unlawful detainer action on a tenant for non-payment of rent and got your property back in 30 days? That was a long time ago because today, it can take anywhere between 120 and 180 days plus legal fees.

In most cases, our courts have evolved into enablers – feeding the often fraudulent and fictional stories of deadbeat tenants. The costs associated with the unlawful detainer process – from filing a notice of default to scheduling a sheriff’s lockout – continues to grow in time, money and loss of rents.

These “judges” or stewards of the law allow tenants every diversion, intentional delay, excuse and defense. What’s so hard to comprehend – “if you don’t pay, you don’t get to stay.”

Even after knowing the tenant is clearly in default, I have witnessed judges push the calendar around and/or force landlords and tenants into the hallway or to the court’s cafeteria to “work it out.” That’s court or judicial talk for the property owners to take a deeper haircut – cut the tenant’s loss, give them more time, etc.

It’s not about right or wrong, but working to pacify and enable illegal or irresponsible behavior with little or no consequences. And while I can acknowledge there are deadbeat and irresponsible property owners, they’re a minority, which means the honest “mom and pop” owners are unfairly punished.

I’ve witnessed judges guide tenants in clear default to free legal services to develop fictional arguments that will no doubt add to further delays in possession. This results in added costs the courts want property owners to absorb – and when you get that occasional out of work or unemployable tenant who might face a temporary homeless situation, you can expect the judge to simply give that tenant more time at the property owner’s expense.

Since when does a tenant’s lack of responsibility shift to property owners? This conduct is unconscionable. And the prize for all this? As a property owner, you could go through all of this and be awarded a worthless, never-to-be collected monetary judgment in your favor. But from my experience, immediate possession and control is far more advantageous than the promise of funds you’ll never see.

Summary of the Unlawful Detainer Process
? Serve tenant notice
? Wait for notice period to end
? File U.D. (Unlawful Detainer)
? Tenant has five (5) days to respond
? You should have a trial date in 30 days.

*Remember: the laws are not for the protection of the property owner but rather the tenant(s). As such, follow the rules precisely or get an attorney to manage the process. If you miss a step or do it wrong, you start over and depending on the case, this can run $1,500 to $5,000.

Common Tenant Delay Tactics
? Lack of Notice
? Habitability (mold, water damage, water supply, no heat etc.)
? Discrimination
? That they paid you in cash (yes tenants will lie)
? Retaliation
? Illness or Disability
? Change Attorneys
? Verbal Abuse

— Tony Maniscalchi and Mike Maniscalchi ng the Cape Town region, covering nearly 2,000km. On their classic Royal Enfields they’ve ridden off the beaten track, traversed the colourful coastline of the Western Cape and cruised through the canyons and the wilderness.

LOWBROW NEWS REPORT–Belts are for pants!

Here at Lowbrow we have been making chain conversion kits to replace the rear drive belt on H-D Sportsters and Dynas for many years. We just upgraded every chain conversion kit we offer by adding a stainless steel, locking tab washer to each one at no extra charge.

With the latest two Dyna kits we just released we now have chain conversion kits available for Harley Sportsters and Dynas 1994 & later! Oh, did I mention they are 100% USA made?

QUICK, OPEN THE BAD JOKE LIBRARY–

My wife and I were watching “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” while we were in bed. I turned to her and said, “Do you want to have sex?”

“No”, she answered.

I then said, “Is that your final answer?”

She didn’t even look at me this time, simply saying, “Yes.”

So I said, “Then I’d like to phone a friend.”

And that’s when the fight started…
–Bobby Stark

NEWS FROM S&S–550 Cam Chest Kits for 2017-Up Touring & 2018-Up Softail Models

Buy all of the matched parts in one kit
and save $$$!

Adding to their collection of complete cam chest kits, S&S Cycle recently launched a version featuring their monster 550 cam. Designed for 114 and larger M8 powered HD®’s, the 550 cam is good for 120hp and 128 lbs of torque on a 114’ motor with only a high flow air cleaner and header!.

Kits include Cam, Outer Drive Gears for Gear Drive Kits, Cam Plate, Tappets, Tappet Cuffs, High Flow Oil Pump, Quickee Pushrod Kit, tappet cuffs (mandatory for high lift cams), heavy duty valve springs and all bearings and gaskets needed for installation.

Each package is designed to work with everything around it and create optimum power and reliability for 2017-2019 114 and larger M8 powered big twins. The S&S cam chest kits includes their new oil pump with a best in the market 44% increase in flow, a 58% increase in scavenge paired with a chain or gear drive cam and pushrod tubes.

More importantly, the kits are comprised of parts designed to work perfectly together and make serious and reliable power! Check out the details on their site at

https://www.sscycle.com/550-cam-chest-kit-for-m8

Oil Pump/Cam Plate

Precision machined from billet aluminum
Passage plugs removable for servicing
Independent scavenge sections for flywheel cavity and cam chest
Debris screens in both scavenge pickups
Magnet in cam chest to help to stop debris from entering oil pump
44% flow increase on supply side and 58% flow increase on scavenge
Pressure relief valve is adjustable with unit installed in engine

Pushrods:

Quickee Pushrods
Chrome pushrod tubes

Tappets:

S&S Premium Tappets

Tappet Cuffs:

Hard Anodized Black Coating
Billet Aluminum Construction
Stronger than Stock Material eliminates Distortion
Improve tappet stability in high lift and high rpm situations

Cam:

S&S 550 cam
Available in both gear drive and chain drive variations
Gear drive kits provide improved cam timing accuracy and eliminate the stock cam chain tensioner

Valve Springs:

Included with 550 kit
High Performance Conical Single Wire Spring includes: Springs, Top Collars, Keepers, Valve Seal/Bottom Collar

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Weekend Round-up for Now

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

Is that some kind of starter/generator? As far as direction…always forward. Tell Frank to come on down.

— Sam
rotorkat@gmail.com
TX

Hey Sam,

I spoke to my resident historic
Guru, Don Whalen. He said that kidney made to face behind the rear cylinder was designed to protect the generator, but it no-doubt created other issues and additional heat. There you have it.

I appreciate your offer regarding my son. He’s headed to Austin next month and will be in touch. He’s 45, but this is his first major living-change adventure and it’s good to know he has someone to talk to. Jesse James also offered to help.

Thanks. –Bandit

Royal Enfield recalls around 7,000 units of Bullet, Bullet Electra–The company said it is undertaking a proactive field service action, concerning brake caliper bolt on motorcycles of the two models manufactured between March 20, 2019 and April 30, 2019.

Niche bike maker Royal Enfield Tuesday announced the recall of nearly 7,000 units of its Bullet and Bullet Electra models to rectify faulty brake caliper bolt.

The company said it is undertaking a proactive field service action, concerning brake caliper bolt on motorcycles of the two models manufactured between March 20, 2019 and April 30, 2019.

“This is because service investigations revealed that the torque maintained on brake caliper bolts, as supplied by vendor, on a few of these motorcycles were not as per stringent Royal Enfield quality standards,” the company said in a statement.

Brake caliper bolt is an essential part of braking system securing brake hose and brake caliper.

This voluntary service action will be undertaken on close to 7,000 motorcycles that were retailed during the said period, it added.

All concerned customers are being called for a service intervention, and also various stakeholders are being informed accordingly, it added.

FUTURE OF THE AUTOMOBILE CONFERENCE–MAY 3, 2019

The Petersen Museum hosted several of these conferences with automotive industry leaders. I’ve been damn curious and petrified and wanted to attend. Markus Cuff attended this one on May 3 and reported in. I’m trying to gather some info to share with you. I’m working on it and will report in next week.

There’s a new documentary on Netflix, call Speed, about the search for speed. The host brought up some exciting alternatives to congestion we might hopefully see in the very near future. I’ll share them with you in my report.–Bandit

The Future of the Automobile Conference, held at the Petersen Automotive Museum, brings together immersive and inspirational talks, demos, test drives and exhibitions to give a glimpse into the future of our mobility. The conference explores the brave new world of the personal transportation revolution that is set to transform every city in the world.

Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week: 96 Years in the Making–

This June, Laconia Motorcycle Week returns to New Hampshire for its 96th year, leaving some wondering how this popular, time-honored event first started.

Don’t try doing the math – because there’s a bit more to it than just counting back 96 years… The rally actually started in 1916, organized by local motorcycle dealers in central and southern New England, with a couple hundred motorcyclists traveling north for a get together (dubbed a “gypsy tour”) at Weirs Beach.

The tour was first sanctioned by the Federation of American Motorcyclists in 1917 and when the FAM disbanded in 1919, the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association (M&ATA) took over the sanction until 1924, when the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) was formed.

Back then, the weekend event centered around races and hill climbs. The number of participants grew each year as did the event’s duration.

Over time, the rally blossomed into a week-long event, eventually suffering in attendance and popularity after getting wrapped up in the upheavals of the 60’s. The rally reverted to a 3-day weekend and would remain so until 1991, when organizers revived the week-long event after seeing the success of Sturgis’ 50th Anniversary Rally in 1990.

Laconia Motorcycle Week reclaimed the support of local businesses and the AMA as a week-long rally and the oldest gypsy tour in the country.

Today, Laconia Motorcycle Week® is a much-expanded version of the early “gypsy tour” years offering attendees lots of fun, food, music, racing, spectator-friendly hill climb competitions and, of course, a forum to share in their passion (big or small) for riding.

Over 250,000 riders are expected to descend on the Lakes Region for the Rally, holding the honor of the oldest of the three national rallies with Daytona and Sturgis being Laconia’s sister rallies. Sure, the rev of motorcycles and sight of leather (lots of it) may be intimidating, but don’t be fooled.

Behind those leather jackets are just regular people; a multi-generational group of enthusiasts, from all walks of life, who all just happen to share in the exhilaration and liberation that come with riding.

“It’s a rite of passage,” says organizer Jennifer Anderson, “This is the one week of the year when riders get to hang out with thousands of other people, from all around the U.S. and world, who enjoy the very same thing they like – getting out and riding. The Rally offers us all a chance of camaraderie while still having fun, packing on the miles, and even raising money for much deserved local charities”

And its boundaries have expanded, too. You’ll notice an uptick in motorcycle traffic throughout the state (not just limited to Laconia, Weirs Beach, or Loudon). Motorcycle enthusiasts come to the state to enjoy the scenic riding as far east as the seacoast and as far north as the picturesque Kancamagus Highway, proving half the fun is getting here.

So be a part of the continuing history. Plan a ride to New Hampshire for this year’s Motorcycle Week (June 8 – June 16). Whether it’s your first or 96th visit, you’ll find the passion for riding, around which this event was founded, has never changed.

Ride Safe and Keep Away from the Centerline!

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY—
perspicacity

[pur-spi-kas-i-tee]
noun
1.
keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration.

QUOTES

How well she deceived her father we shall have occasion to learn; but her innocent arts were of little avail before a person of the rare perspicacity of Mrs. Penniman.
— Henry James, Washington Square, 1880

ORIGIN

Perspicacity ultimately comes from the Late Latin noun perspicacitas (inflectional stem perspicacitat-) “sharp-sightedness, discernment,” a derivative of the Latin adjective perspicax (inflectional stem perspicac-) “sharp-sighted, penetrating, acute.” Perspicax is a derivative of the verb perspicere “to inspect thoroughly, examine, look through, see through.”

The prefix per- here is both literal (“to see or look through”) and intensive (“to examine thoroughly”). The combining form -spicere comes from specere “to see, observe, keep an eye on,” a Latin derivative of the Proto-Indo-European root spek-, spok- “look at closely, examine.”

Greek metathesizes the root to skep- and skop- (as in the English derivatives skeptic and horoscope). The Germanic form of the root, speh-, is the source of English spy and espionage. Perspicacity entered English in the 16th century.

EASYRIDERS STAFF MEMBER SURFACES–Attention keith “b” ball; a woman named Michelina Miraglia says that you are just the greatest thing ever. I said “wait a minute: tall guy?….likes redheads? there’s more than one keith ball ya know.”

TURNS OUT she worked at Easyriders for 15 years translating the magazine into French. How I found this out was a likelihood of one in ten million ‘cause she was working an art booth in Sierra Madre for the annual art fair and we were just yapping about I dont know what. She was just one of them people you can just start yapping with.

So she had this French accent, and I naturally mentioned it “you’re from France, right?”

And she told a few anti french comments in order to save me the trouble, and I asked her about why she was here at all and in the brief recitation of her life story she mentioned she worked at Easyriders for fifteen years.”

I said “wait a minute. I don’t think I heard you right. You worked at Easyriders? The biker magazine?”

She said yeah.

I said, “Well this either will make your day or ruin it…” and I told her I had some affiliation with that very same blight upon the literary landscape. She was all amazed as was
I and I ran through a few names and she said yeah she knew them people and then I mentioned yours and she got all peppy: Apparently you hired her even though she didn’t do too well in the “translation test.”

PLUS you rescued her from some incident where the police took her car away from her on a freeway and left her there, because I don”t know if you are aware of this or not mr ball but cops are total asshole useless fucking shithead cuntballs of turd infection from satan’s infected bunghole filled with islamic ass disease. A lot of people don’t know that. A lot of people think cops are just swell. So anyway, that happened.___

–the jayster

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2016 Harley Davidson FLHR Road King
ONLY $16,995.00
**ONLY 16,992 MILES**

This 2016 Harley Davidson Road King in Vivid Black with silver pin-stripping has the High-Output Air-cooled 103 Cubic Inch Motor with Sequential Port Fuel Injection and is equipped with an oil-cooler for the Harley-Davidson Touring family of models.

These models also get a counterbalancer which costs a couple of horses in output but makes the engines feel smoother at speeds. A 6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission. 17″ laced chrome rims and 16″ rear. Dual Hydraulic Disc front brakes. Full-coverage front and rear fender. Chrome headlamp nacelle and 6-gallon fuel tank. As Shipped 779 pounds, unladen seat height 28.2, and in Running Order 814 pounds.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

The Vivid Black beauty is in excellent condition. Carlini 18″ Gangster ape hanger handlebars, Harley Davidson nostalgia style floor boards, brake pedal and rear foot pegs, rear docking hardware kit, Vance & Hines exhaust, Mustang solo seat and bag guards.

Chrome 103 air cleaner, horn, cam, trans, rocker covers, primary, derby, and so much more! The tires are brand new. This is a clean bike and is in excellent condition and ready to take you wherever your destination may be.

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]

Florida Legislature Approves the Operation of Autonomous Vehicles and their Control with Software Apps

Guident – Autonomous Intelligence

Florida State Legislature approves new bill to enable operation of autonomous vehicles statewide, and control thereof with mobile apps.

Guident Ltd. welcomes this visionary decision. With this bill, Florida has made a tremendous step forward in enabling the market for autonomous vehicles…”— Harald Braun, Chairman

Guident Ltd., the developer of software apps for autonomous vehicles and drones, is pleased to announce that on May 1st, 2019 the Florida Legislature unanimously passed a bill legalizing the use of self-driving cars statewide.

(1) The bill also stipulates that Florida residents will be allowed to interact with self-driving cars through smartphone apps. The bill legalizes autonomous vehicles (AV’s) as well as on-demand AV networks, which are services that use a software application or other digital means to connect passengers to fully autonomous vehicles.

Harald Braun, Guident’s Chairman said, “Guident Ltd. welcomes this visionary decision. With this bill, Florida has made a tremendous step forward in enabling the market for autonomous vehicles and their control by mobile devices. This is consistent with the mission of Guident and its intellectual property.” He detailed further: “One of the main criterion for market success of AV’s as defined by the “Autonomous Vehicle Readiness Index,”(2) is governments’ willingness to regulate and support AV development. Today’s bill clearly shows a commitment by the state of Florida to the AV vehicle and mobility market, and the opportunities it provides for on-demand services.”

The autonomous vehicle market is expected to reach US $65.3 billion by 2027.(3)

Guident is a portfolio company of UK IP investment firm Tekcapital plc. To learn more please visit www.guident.co.

–Harald Braun
Guident Ltd.
+1 561-245-1306

THERE’S A NEW PHOTO-GALLERY IN BANDIT’S CANTINA–
Daytona Main Street during either Bikeweek or Biketoberfest is the party. Dirty Harry’s is just one example, they throw outrageous contests, great bands, and have 3 daily WET T contests. This particular gallery goes back a few years but hey, what’s the difference. It’s all timeless to a point. Enjoy the images.

–JACK MCINTYRE
PHOTOGRAPHER
IRON TRADER NEWS.COM
Photo-editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM

THE RECENT GIRLS OF DAVID UHL–David wanted me to share with you a close-up of his model in this latest piece (the full image is below). Slots are filling in fast, so please let me know if you’d like to add this to your collection. Thanks, Greg

In David’s words, “I became quite immersed in the Prohibition era of American history when I painted the Bootleg Betty piece. During my research I became fascinated with the speakeasy clubs which proliferated in the larger cities.

My son Sterling, being a jazz drummer, advised me to look up the Cotton Club because it was the launching pad for Duke Ellington, one of his heroes. After watching several documentaries, I realized that the Cotton Club was the premier night club – supper club – speakeasy of all time.

By this point I was completely ready to put this down on canvas. And my pinup series was the perfect vehicle. I hope you like this little snippet of history including her fabulous ride to the club for 1928 Harley Davidson.”

We are now taking orders for this signed and numbered canvas print. Each will come professionally framed with Certificate of Authenticity.

Specifics:

Image size 20×24 (one size only), edition of 25 plus 10 Artist Proofs and 10 Hors d’ Commerce. Framed price is $1,250.

We offer first right of refusal on matching numbers to those who are collecting the entire set, and will slot others in accordingly, as orders are received.

Please let me know if you’d like to add this to your collection. I’ll have the gallery at the Steel Horse Rally in Ft. Smith, Arkansas this weekend. If you’re in the area, please stop in and say hello!

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

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

#TuckerTeam Employee Spotlight: Donna Gigout – Fueling Her Passion for Two Wheels

From industry lifers to ex-pro racers to custom bike builders and everything in between, there are hundreds of compelling stories to be told by (and about) Tucker and MAG employees. Each month in the “Tucker Team Spotlight Series” we showcase a different employee and share his or her story about living the powersports life.

Like many in our industry, Donna Gigout has a fascinating story to tell about her path to powersports. She and her husband wanted a motorcycle for some time when one day they saw a beautiful red 1979 Harley Shovelhead with white flames sitting in front of a tiny shop on the north side of Fort Worth. They bought the bike on the spot; the trouble was, neither of them knew how to ride.

Not letting that stand in the way, a friend showed her the controls and basics, and she was off and riding in no time. It didn’t take long before Donna wanted a motorcycle of her own.

After a move south to Highlands, Texas her husband bought himself an RC51 and purchased a bike for her at the same time. Although a 1988 Ducati Paso was not what she was expecting (her first reaction was “NO”) after she fired it up it was love at first sound.

A job at a BMW/Triumph dealership in 2006 helped Donna decide the powersports industry was where she wanted to make a career. After moving back to her hometown of Fort Worth, she landed at Tucker where she started in the warehouse as a receiver, a year later was promoted to Customer Service, before moving to her current role as Product Support Specialist for the BikeMaster brand. Learn more about Donna Gigout in this Tucker Team Employee Spotlight.

Tucker Powersports: Donna, like so many that make their way to the powersports industry you have a unique story to tell. What is it about motorcycles and motorcycling that pulled you in and helped you decide that powersports is where you wanted a career?

Donna Gigout: The first time I got on a bike I was hooked. Not to sound cliché but it truly is a sense of freedom. My love of motorcycles is what drew me to the industry, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

TP: Your first industry job was at a BMW/Triumph dealership in 2006. What was your role there and how do you think it helped get you to where you’re at today?

DG: I was hired on as the Service Writer, and I was horrible at it! I had no clue what I was supposed to be doing, but I did get to test-ride all the bikes after they were repaired and that was the best nine months of my life! (Laughs).

“…. the number of women riders continues to grow every year. I’m able to relate and use that to bring new products to market for women riders.”

TP: Having dealership experience helps one tremendously when moving to the manufacturer and distribution side of the powersports business. How much does your dealership experience help you in your current role as Product Support Specialist for the BikeMaster brand?

DG: I’ve always worked on my own vehicles, and that makes doing my job so much easier. Also, having been out there on the dealer side of the counter, I can understand their needs, and I’m able to relate to them in a way a lot of others can’t.

TP: What’s something unique that you bring to the Tucker Team because of your experience and passion for motorcycling?

DG: Well, I’m a girl (laughs). Honestly, being a woman motorcyclist can be a benefit or a hindrance. There’s still a lot of “old school mentality” out there, but the number of women riders continues to grow every year. I’m able to relate and use that to bring new products to market for women riders.

TP: Would you say a lot has changed in the powersports industry since you started back in 2006? If so, what stands out as a defining moment?

DG: The industry was on the top of a wave when I entered it. Everybody in the world wanted a motorcycle, then it all came crashing down. I got laid off in 2008 because of the crash. It was sad to see so many shops closing and people leaving the industry.

TP: What’s your favorite thing about working in the powersports industry?

DG: Motorcycles! Seriously though, it’s the people. I’ll sit at my desk sometimes or be walking down the halls of Tucker and hear people talking about bikes. We’re a passionate group here, and it’s fun to sit and swap stories.

TP: Here you are five years in at Tucker, and you’ve already made the cover of the 2019 Street catalog on your 2012 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer. It must be an excellent feeling. Tell us about that experience and how the opportunity came about.

DG: That was so awesome! I had no clue they were even considering me, and I’m truly honored. The shoot itself was somewhat grueling. It was cold, and I had to ride around in parking lots at very slow speeds. I was just praying I wouldn’t drop my bike and have it on film! (Laughs). I did almost eat it going around a corner when I hit some gravel. I don’t think any of the photographers caught that though!

TP: As motorcyclists, we don’t typically like to think about the possibility that things can wrong. At one point you had a crash and stopped riding for a couple of years but eventually got back on a bike. Did that experience change you as a motorcyclist?

DG: Absolutely. I had a V Star 1100, and I rode that thing like a total squid. I high-sided it and ended up in the ER. Thankfully, I came out of it with just a badly jammed shoulder, but it changed the way I ride. I don’t take as many chances as I used to. Well, not as many anyway.

TP: If you weren’t working in the powersports industry what you would you be doing instead, and why?

DG: That’s a tough question. I think I would like to have my own shop working on classic cars and motorcycles, or maybe have my own antique/boutique store. I just like building things.

TP: Is there a motorcycle experience that stands out as one of those memorable moments you’ll never forget?

DG: I remember when I first started riding, I was on my Ducati Paso and there was something in the middle of the road. I moved over to go by it, and it was like my bike was reading my mind and responded on its own. It was the moment we had become “one.” If you ride, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

“…. it was like my bike was reading my mind and responded on its own. It was the moment we had become ‘one.’ If you ride, you know exactly what I’m talking about.”

TP: What’s on your powersports bucket list? Are there any rides you’ve always wanted to do or events you’d like to attend?

DG: The Bonneville Salt Flats or the Goodwood Festival.

TP: What about a motorcycle that you’ve had your eye for a while on that’s a must-have to add to your collection, and why?

DG: I’d like to have my old Buell XB9 Lightning back. That bike was so much fun to ride! Honestly, I’d like to have just about every bike out there. (Laughs).

TP: Thanks for sharing your story, Donna. Any last words about living the powersports life you’d like to share?

DG: Live your passion. Even when it sometimes becomes drudgery, it’s what fuels that spark inside of you.

Follow Donna Gigout
Instagram: @tuckerdonna07

BIKERDUDE MAKING THE PERFECT MARINARA SAUCE REVEALED–

https://youtu.be/QXrIjmcXTd0

Rose calls this her “Quick Pan Fry Sauce” because it literally takes only 15 minutes to make this wonderful and amazing Marinara sauce. It is the best I have ever had so far in my life!

You will need the following: Two 24 ounce cans of whole plum tomatoes ( Alta Cucina is preferred) extra virgin olive oil (to cook the onions in) one medium sized onion chopped not to fine though. Salt/pepper to taste granulated garlic to taste 1 teaspoon of dry white wine, 1 teaspoon of tomato paste (not always needed).

Only use if the sauce needs to be thickened a bit and add fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle over the finished sauce, freshly grated pecorino romano cheese (use on your finished sauce and pasta). It is key!

The first thing you do is open your can of tomatoes and taste them! To see if they are bitter or sweet. If they are sweet you will add a drier wine than usual. If they are bitter you add a sweeter wine like marsala.

Set your pan over medium to high heat, add the EVOO, Cook the onions until they are a very light brown. Tear the whole plum tomatoes over the onions and bring back to a high simmer, add the salt/ pepper and garlic.

Now add your wine. Simmer for another 5 minutes the sauce will thicken, now tear your fresh basil over the sauce and stir. Your sauce is done. Orecchiette pasta is Rose’s favored pasta for this sauce. Cook the pasta Al-dente.

Now spoon this delicious Marinara over the pasta and top with the pecorino roman cheese! Enjoy!!

Get some!! Subscribe to my Channel here, youtube.com/c/ABikerDude

–Bikerdude

ALOHA STAR SPANGLED BANNER—By Uncle Willie K. like you’ve never heard it before.

I don’t usually dig when the Anthem is “messed with” but this one gets a pass as it’s just beautiful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsN-Bs6qujg

–Andreas
Midnight Express Motorcycle Company

KEEP THE REMODELED BANDIT’S CANTINA BAND JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN–Q: What is the difference between a drunk and a stoner at a stop sign?

A: The drunk guy runs it and the stoner waits for it to turn green!

Q: What do you call a stoner when horny?
A: A weed wacker!

Q: What do you call a bunch of mexican stoners?
A: Baked Beans.

Q: How do you get a one-armed stoner out of a tree?
A: Wave.

Q: What did the frog say after lighting up?
A: Don’t Worry be Hoppy?

Q: What do you get when you eat marijuana?
A: A pot belly

Q: What do you call a stoner spilling his weed on the floor?
A: Drug Abuse.

–from Rogue

5th Invitational “WHY WE RIDE to The Quail” –Make a Difference for Childhood Cancer

Motorcycle Tour Tackles Pediatric Brain Tumors with Ride Along the California Coast

The Fifth Invitational Why We Ride to the Quail benefit trek ended its annual run on Sunday, May 4 after earning an unprecedented $26,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

The three-day ride boasted a record 70 motorcycles and 100 riders who rode over 400 miles together, stopping traffic and attracting stares along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Over 10 motorcycle manufacturers were represented by the group who started in historic Moorpark, CA, rode through Pismo Beach, Big Sur and culminated in Carmel-on-the-Sea. The ride ended with a check presentation to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at the famous Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Monterey.

“This year, we set our most aggressive fundraising goal to date,” said Bryan Carroll, producer / director of the Why We Ride films and co-organizer of the event. “The generosity of our riders, sponsors and the motorcycle-riding community at large was astounding. We exceeded our fundraising goal by 150%, and all dollars raised go directly to fight childhood cancer. Over 40 sponsors, 21 volunteers, and 100 riders from 12 states and three countries united to support this incredible cause.”

Why We Ride began as a movie about passion for motorcycling but very quickly evolved into something even more impactful: One of the biggest social motorcycle movements in over 40 years, attracting nearly 1 million organic social media followers.

The Why We Ride team knew that the dedication and generosity of the motorcycle community was an incredible resource, and they set out to harness it with a simple mission statement: Inspire, educate and celebrate. When Why We Ride film crew member Joseph Northrup passed away from a brain tumor he had been battling since childhood, it provided a clear focus. Thus began the partnership with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Brain tumors are the deadliest form of cancer facing children today. Only four percent of federal research funding is dedicated to childhood cancers, and only a fraction of that goes specifically toward pediatric brain tumors. There are more than 100 different types of pediatric brain tumors in need of a cure, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation aims to remedy every one of them. Why We Ride to The Quail seeks to help them in that goal.

This was the fifth running of Why We Ride to the Quail, and the event has grown each year. Starting with only 18 riders in its first year, the ride features some of the most exhilarating riding terrain California has to offer and culminates at the beaches of Monterey in time for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering.

Participants in the charity ride enjoy a bevy of perks in addition to the awesome ride, including cocktails and vittles at the WWR Riders Dinner, gift bags and inspirational special guest speakers. This year we celebrated couples who ride and had a panel of inspiring couples tell their stories. It also includes VIP access to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering with private lounge and reserved parking.

You can still donate through the end of May on the dedicated fundraising page! The Why We Ride to the Quail event planning is underway for 2020; rider invitations will be issued in the second half of 2019. Follow Why We Ride on Facebook and Instagram for more details and for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation donation information.

About Why We Ride Films:

Why We Ride Films is the production team behind Why We Ride, a feature length documentary film. Since its December 2013 release, it has quickly become the most critically acclaimed motorcycle movie of all time. Independently distributed by producer/director Bryan H. Carroll and producer James Walker—recipients of American Motorcyclist Magazine’s 2014 Motorcyclists of the Year award—Why We Ride’s aim is to use the power of cinema not only to entertain but also educate, inspire and celebrate the world of motorcycling with audiences worldwide. To learn more about Why We Ride, visit WhyWeRide.com.

–Ken Conte
Rise Above Consulting
970-227-3588

VINTAGE RIDES–It’s nearly a year since we unveiled our first tour outside Asia.

Exploring new roads in a new continent and organizing a trip in South Africa was both a dream and a challenge for the team at Vintage Rides.

Discover

A year down the line and our riders have loved cruising.

Here at Vintage Rides we are delighted to launch our second season today
and now have dates available for 2020.

We had an incredible experience with Vintage Rides, the route, the guides, the mechanic and truck crew, the accommodations were all excellent. Everything from the riding, obviously, to the conversation around the dinner table or camp fire, all made the total experience something we will never forget. »

– Mark, Rider

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Your Comments Needed Now to Battle Major Tariffs on Bikes, Parts, Accessories
The MIC Government Relations Office needs to hear from you, now, about how the Trump administration’s existing and newly proposed tariffs are hurting your business. Yet another round of tariffs is being proposed and ready to harm the motorcycle industry, already reeling from levies on Chinese goods.

“The administration previously proposed tariffs on 50-250cc motorcycles, but we believe that dispute may be coming to a resolution,” said Scott Schloegel, MIC senior vice president of government relations. “However, now the administration is aiming to retaliate against the European Union over government subsidies for manufacturing large Airbus aircraft, which have nothing to do with the powersports industry.

They propose tariffs of up to 100 percent on 500-700cc EU country motorcycles, and on motorcycle and moped parts and accessories coming in from EU countries. Separately, the president last weekend threatened to increase existing Chinese tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent. Tariffs are taxes paid by American consumers and companies operating in the United States, and these unnecessary added costs could cripple our industry.”

We are asking everyone in powersports to email Scott Schloegel at sschloegel@mic.org by May 12, the end of this week, and tell us how your company or dealership would be hit by these new tariffs. Please put your comments on company/dealership letterhead and email as a PDF.

The MIC will be submitting comments to the U.S. Trade Representative and will testify before the agency on May 15.

–MIC

[page break]

Harley-Davidson Announces 1st Quarter Results, Profits Exceed Expectations–

Harley-Davidson, Inc. reported its first quarter 2019 results. Company actions resulted in earnings per share and retail sales finishing stronger than expected during the quarter. The company’s More Roads to Harley-Davidson accelerated plan for growth continued to progress and delivered results.

First quarter 2019 highlights:

GAAP diluted EPS of $0.80 per share, ahead of company expectations
Encouraged by U.S. retail sales performance; Harley-Davidson U.S. market share up
Global dealer inventory down, well positioned for spring selling season
Intensified brand focus; hired President of Harley-Davidson Brand
Acquired StaCyc, a producer of electric-powered two-wheelers for kids
Broadened reach with new Electra Glide Standard at $18,999 U.S. MSRP
Manufacturing optimization remained on-track
Thailand manufacturing strategy accelerated retail sales growth in ASEAN emerging markets
Increased dividend 1.4 percent, repurchased $52.6 million of shares

Harley-Davidson worldwide retail sales decreased 3.8 percent in the first quarter. International retail sales were down 3.3 percent. U.S. retail sales were down 4.2 percent in the first quarter driven by continued weak industry sales which were down 4.7 percent. First quarter worldwide retail sales were impacted by the limited availability of street motorcycles due to the recall H-D announced in January.

“We are acting with agility and discipline to take full advantage of rapidly evolving global markets. Harley-Davidson’s U.S. market share growth and retail sales performance in the first quarter are further evidence of the effects we are having as we continue to implement and dial-in our More Roads efforts,” said Matt Levatich, president and chief executive officer, Harley-Davidson, Inc. “We are driven by our un-paralleled rider focus and deep analytics that are guiding our efforts today and into the future. We, along with our dealers, are determined to lead and stimulate global industry growth.”

Strategy to Build the Next Generation of Riders
Harley-Davidson’s strategic objectives through 2027 are to: build 2 million new riders in the U.S., grow international business to 50 percent of annual volume, launch 100 new high impact motorcycles and do so profitably and sustainably.

The More Roads to Harley-Davidson accelerated plan for growth is aligned with the company’s strategy to deliver sustainable growth and build the next generation of riders by delivering exciting products in existing and new spaces, broader access to Harley-Davidson and an optimized customer experience through an even stronger dealer network. The company plans to maintain its current investment and return profile and capital allocation strategy, while it funds strategic opportunities expected to drive revenue growth and expand operating margin through 2022.

During the quarter, Harley-Davidson made further progress on its More Roads plan, including appointing its first-ever brand president, a move that positions the company to fully engage the power of the brand as a catalyst to achieve its strategy and long-term objectives. The company also expanded its electric portfolio with the acquisition of StaCyc, a maker of electric two-wheelers for kids. During the quarter, the company and its dealers continued preparations to launch LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, later this year.

“In the short eight months since we announced our More Roads plan, we continue to accelerate our progress to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders,” Levatich said. “During the first quarter we intensified our march by investing in our future and adding capabilities that we’re confident will inspire riders today and for generations to come.”

For the full-year 2019, the company continues to expect:

Motorcycle shipments to be approximately 217,000 to 222,000 motorcycles. In the second quarter, the company expects to ship approximately 65,500 to 70,500 motorcycles
Motorcycles segment operating margin as a percent of revenue to be approximately 8.0 to 9.0 percent
Financial services segment operating income to be down year-over-year
Effective tax rate of approximately 24.0 to 25.0 percent
Capital expenditures of $225 million to $245 million including approximately $20 million to support manufacturing optimization

–by MPN Staff Writers

–from Rogue

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–
What “Unsigning” the Arms Trade Treaty Means for American Gun Owners
Last Friday, President Trump took the historic step of ordering the “unsigning” of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty during his address to the NRA-ILA’s Leadership Forum. President Trump’s action effectively withdraws the United States from the most comprehensive effort towards international gun control.

Much of the intervening coverage on the ATT has focused on how the treaty did or did not constrain U.S. arms sales abroad, but many average law-abiding gun owners may be questioning how the treaty could or couldn’t have affected them.

NRA’s complaints regarding the treaty have always been based on its potential effect on law-abiding American gun owners. Those complaints have focused on the treaty’s requirements for end use verification, its sometimes-unintelligible vagueness, its ability to be amended without the consensus of all parties, and its proponents repeated refusals to clarify that it has no effect on the possession of small arms by civilians in the United States.

The treaty urges record keeping of end users, directing importing countries to provide information to an exporting country regarding arms transfers, including “end use or end user documentation” for a “minimum of ten years.” Each country is to “take measures, pursuant to its national laws, to regulate brokering taking place under its jurisdiction for conventional arms.”

Data kept on the end users of imported firearms is a de-facto registry of law-abiding firearms owners, which is a violation of federal law. Even worse, the ATT could be construed to require such a registry to be made available to foreign governments.

The vagueness of the treaty and its ease of being “amended” is best exemplified by actions that took place at a conference on the treaty last year. At that conference, proponents of the treaty “welcome[ed]” several living documents into the ATT. While seemingly innocuous on its face, this change incorporated the International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS) into the ATT.

Falsely described as established “international standards” or “international norms” that “provide clear, practical and comprehensive guidance to practitioners and policymakers on fundamental aspects of small arms and light weapons control”, the ISACS are in reality a series of six standards developed by the UN for states to use in implementing their global disarmament agenda. Series 3 – Legislative and Regulatory – and its Module 3.30, “National Regulation of Civilian Access to Small Arms and Light Weapons,” is the most alarming of all the ISACS.

Purporting to set the standards for “National Regulation of Civilian Access to Small Arms and Light Weapons,” Module 3.30 creates a means to almost entirely limit civilian access to small arms under the guise of International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, and Gender Based Violence. Highlights include, but are not limited to; a ban on civilian possession of “military” style arms – no automatic weapons or magazines with over a 10 round capacity, ballistic recordings, different risk classifications on types of firearms (i.e. calibers over .45 are an intolerable risk to public safety and semi-auto handguns and rifles are high risk), licensing and registration of all firearms, training and storage restrictions, waiting periods, 20-year record retention requirements of sellers, age limits and requiring a demonstrated need to possess a firearm, with self-defense not being one of them.

While incorporation by reference of the ISACS into the ATT was alarming, it was also not entirely unpredictable. As with every anti-firearm UN initiative, concern must never lie entirely with what is in it now, but with what it will become and how it will be used by a future U.S. administration, especially one seeking international justification for a gun control agenda.

Perhaps the easiest way to understand the future danger the ATT posed to U.S. gun owners is the complete refusal by proponents of the treaty to limit its application to civilian arms. NRA and other opponents of the treaty repeatedly asked for a carve-out in the treaty, yet those requests were flatly denied. If the treaty’s proponents had no intention of limiting American gun ownership, why resist such a limitation to the text of the treaty?

Instead, the treaty included language in its preamble that treaty parties be “mindful of the legitimate trade and lawful ownership, and use of certain conventional arms for recreational, cultural, historical, and sporting activities, where such trade, ownership and use are permitted or protected by law.” A careful read will show that the use of arms for individual and collective defense is notably missing from this statement, and the statement creates no limitation and is really only an aspirational provision.

Please join us in thanking President Trump for protecting our firearms freedoms by removing any obligation of the United States to be bound by the “object and purpose” of the Arms Trade Treaty.

KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN AT ALL COST– After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target.
Unfortunately, like most men; I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out.

Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women – she loves to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter, from the local Target:

Dear Mrs. Harris:
Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion, in our store.
We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to, ban both of you from the store.

Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Harris, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras:
1. June 15: He took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people’s carts when they weren’t looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women’s restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, ‘Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away’. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money. We don’t have a Code 3.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.

6. August 14: Moved a ‘CAUTION – WET FLOOR’ sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he’d invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, ‘Why can’t you people just leave me alone?’ EMTs were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the ‘Mission Impossible’ theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his, ‘Madonna Look’ using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled ‘PICK ME! PICK ME!’

14. October 22: When an announcement came over the loudspeaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed;
‘OH NO! IT’S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!’

15. Took a box of condoms to the checkout clerk and asked where is the fitting room?

And last, but not least:

16. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile; then yelled very loudly, ‘Hey! There’s no toilet paper in here.’ One of the clerks passed out.
If you don’t send this to your dearest friends; You will be depriving them of some good humor.

Harley Road Flick Takes Spotlight at Roswell Film Festival–

Ride ’til You Die, starring a 1937 Harley-Davidson Flathead Chopper, will be screened April 26 at the festival.

–from Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com

Officer Frank: NMA E-Newsletter #538

May 5, 2019

Editor’s Note: Over the years, the NMA has received occasional contact from law enforcement officers who have complained about department policies, sometimes crafted to avoid direct violation of state anti-ticket-quota laws, which force officers to write a predetermined number of citations during each work shift. The following commentary recently submitted to us by “Officer Frank” is perhaps the most heartfelt and eloquent that we have seen on the topic. These are his words, altered only to protect his identity and location.

My city has a small police department consisting of less than 50 commissioned officers. The population is under 50,000 surrounded by several hundred thousand more within commuting distance. A large portion of low-income minorities lives within the land-locked city limits.

As you read further, you’ll begin to understand why this is important information. Over the past several years, the police administration (due to pressure from the courts and mayor) has placed unwritten rules and conditions on our employment.

That is a direct violation of our FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) contract and an officer’s sworn oath to serve and protect. One of those unwritten rules is what they refer to as “required contacts” objectives for all patrol officers.

Contacts are, simply put, traffic stops. Officers are required to perform traffic stops-yes I understand this is part of our job-or face discipline up to termination if goals are not met. Since the quota has been in effect, I have personally resisted by performing traffic stops but only issuing written or verbal warnings.

You see, the quota removes the individual officer’s discretion and forces him into an unethical position of simply generating revenue for the city under threat of losing his job, his livelihood.

I worked very hard for many years to become a police officer. I earned an education and strived to meet the standards required for the occupation. During my time in law enforcement, I’ve earned my basic, intermediate, and advanced police certification as well.

Yet all the administration cares about is how much money other officers and I make for the city. Many of us feel that the public good that we do is being ripped from us, and our lives are being placed in additional danger over the pursuit of revenue. It’s all about the money; even the mayor has indicated that fact in open city council meetings.

When I started my career years ago, I was one of those kids who was under the illusion I could serve and protect citizens. I thought law enforcement was about helping people. Unfortunately, I’ve been forced to admit to myself that it is simply not the case most of the time. There is a massive problem when a city’s police department spends more time issuing traffic citations (and locking people up for “failure to appear” bench warrants over twenty dollar seat belt violations) than proactively patrolling the neighborhoods.

At my department, issuing traffic tickets is counted as the only meaningful activity during an officer’s yearly performance evaluation. This is insanity as if patrol officers have nothing else to do such as responding to larceny, burglary, sexual assaults, vehicle theft, child abuse, suicides, armed robberies, dismembered bodies, and all sorts of other calls for service.

Officers are routinely subjected to psychological abuse when the prescribed ticketing numbers aren’t met. As you might imagine, morale could not be any lower. Officers young and old want out; the turnover rate is through the roof.

The president of our FOP lodge hasn’t taken up this issue on our behalf. In a nutshell, WE HAVE NO ADVOCATE! We have no one to we can turn to other than the media, and that carries risks for one’s career.

I’ve attempted to warn the public when the opportunity presents itself. I don’t know what else to do at this point other than to speak out. I will not engage in the wrongful taxation of the public for revenue. That creates a propensity for corruption, which only a fool would not realize, and yet our administration encourages it. Eventually, it will come down to me retiring or being fired for insubordination. Either way, it’s a shame this goes on in America. This job has caused me to have a genuine distrust for government, in its smallest and largest forms.

For the people’s benefit and the protection of their constitutional freedoms, I wish to God there was more I could do to fight this. Truthfully, it inspires me just knowing I’m sharing this story with someone, anyone who will listen.

I want to personally thank the NMA for its efforts in exposing one of the negative uses of law enforcement. Also, so that you know, I’m not the only police officer with this viewpoint. There are thousands and thousands of “Officer Franks” all over this great nation.

REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN’T WANT YOU TO MISS
Jobs Surge in April, Unemployment Rate Falls to the Lowest Since 1969
-CNBC

“The U.S. jobs machine kept humming along in April, adding a robust 263,000 new hires while the unemployment rate fell to 3.6%, the lowest in a generation, the Labor Department reported Friday,” Jeff Cox writes. The American economy “easily beat Wall Street expectations of 190,000 and a 3.8% jobless rate.”

Behind the numbers: Unemployment rate falls to lowest in nearly 50 years

CNN Poll: Trump’s Approval Rating on the Economy Hits a New High
-CNN

“President Donald Trump hits a new high on his economic approval ratings in a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS, reaching 56% of Americans saying he’s doing a good job on the economy,” Grace Sparks reports. “At the same time, Trump’s favorability rating has hit its highest point since the 100-day mark of his presidency.”

Don’t Call it a Coup. Venezuelans Have a Right to Replace an Oppressive, Toxic Regime.

-The Washington Post

“Tuesday’s uprising is not a ‘coup attempt,’ as the Maduro regime, echoed by too many people abroad, calls it. Rather, it is the latest in a series of legitimate and, for the most part, nonviolent efforts by Venezuelans, both civilian and military, to throw off an oppressive, toxic regime so that they can freely elect a legitimate government,” The Washington Post editorial board writes. “Supporters of freedom and democracy should stand in solidarity with Mr. Guaidó and the many thousands of Venezuelans now bravely asserting their rights.”

White House Unveils Rule to Protect Health Workers’ Religious, Moral Beliefs
-The Wall Street Journal

“The Trump administration will expand enforcement of protections for medical workers with moral or faith-based objections to medical procedures such as abortion,” Stephanie Armour reports. “The rule is needed, supporters say, because many health-care providers have long felt they have had to violate their beliefs and often lack the ability to bring legal action on their own.”

Ivanka Trump: Empowered Women Pave the Way to Economic Progress
-CNN

“I recently traveled to Africa to advance the White House’s Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, or W-GDP, which seeks to reach 50 million women in the developing world by 2025,” Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump writes. “We will work to achieve this goal by supporting women in the workplace, helping them succeed as entrepreneurs, and by advancing legal reforms that will create greater gender equality.”

U.S. Steel to Spend $1 Billion on Mon Valley Works
-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

U.S. Steel announced plans this week “that it will spend $1 billion to upgrade its Mon Valley Works, a move the company says will keep the region’s last integrated steel mill operating for decades to come,” Daniel Moore reports. “The company will build a combined casting and rolling facility — the first of its kind at any American steel mill — and a cogeneration power plant. Put together, the combination aims to reduce emissions and increase the efficiency and sustainability of steelmaking in the Mon Valley.”

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500 · USA · 202-456-1111

KEEPING THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– Peaches:
A farmer was selling his peaches door to door:…..He knocked on a door and a shapely 30-something woman dressed in a very sheer negligee answered the door.

He raised his basket to show her the peaches and asked….”Would you like to buy some peaches?”

She pulled the top of the negligee to one side and asked. “Are they as firm as this?”

He nodded his head and said…. “Yes ma’am!” And a little tear ran from his eye….

Then she pulled the other side of her negligee off asking. “Are they nice and pink like this?”

The farmer said… “Yes!” And another tear came from the other eye…..

Then she unbuttoned the bottom of her negligee and asked…. “Are they as fuzzy as this?”

He again said. “Yes!” And broke down crying….

She asked…. “Why on earth are you crying?”

Drying his eyes he replied. “The drought got my corn, the flood got my soybeans, a tornado leveled my barn, and now I think I’m gonna get screwed out of my peaches!”

—
David Campbell
Earl’s Garage – Motorcycle, Hotrod, and Event Photography
www.earlsgarage.co www.facebook.com/garage.photos

I mentioned Nirvana, because I want everyone to have peace and tranquility in their lives. I’ve run across a couple of guys recently, who are not happy in their skins.

Ride Free Forever,

–Bandit

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