DEADLINE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April 25th 2019
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
Yesterday was strange. I check in with the Climate Depot about once a week to see what’s happening. You’ll see below. The state of Washington has passed a bill initiating a green state with massive requirements and the end of fossil fuel use by 2045.
I also ran across a report about the new David Attenborough documentary calling for doomsday by 2025 if we don’t act now. Hell, that’s six years from now and the last two years have been cooling.
Then in the evening I ran across two reports on PBS, one about Alaska and one regarding Taft, California, a major oil industry hub. In both cases it’s turning into a strange, twisted conflict between oil and green. In Alaska a community thrives because of the oil industry, yet the other side claims dire straights for Polar Bears. Others claim that ice is growing and changing for centuries and we have more polar bears than ever before.
The major of Taft pointed out that he has worked in the oil industry for 50 years, with thousands of employees. Nobody is sick and oil may not look pretty but it supplies us with way more than fuel, but most of the products around us and most of the products that help our kids, doctors, kitchens, the space industry, you name it, come from oil.
The mayor next door says his constituents are dying and they need to pass laws against the oil industry, while he drives his SUV and benefits from all the products the oil industry creates.
Okay, so we’ve passed Al Gore’s deadline. What if we reach 2025 and nothing happens? Will they back off and relax? Will we find a balance for freedom with fossil fuels? Will the California Air Resources Board return billions they extorted from companies all over the country? We will see.
What bothers me the most is that we should be dancing in the streets, not fighting. We are healthier and living longer lives than ever before. WTF?
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
NEWS FROM ATOMIC BOB–We saw you have some work going on with your build and I know you need a drawing from Bob. He will get it to you early May, does that work?
We opened the tattoo shop early July.
In my father-in-law’s passing he left Bob his ‘78 Harley Lowrider. It was bagged for 14 years perfectly stored. It is bone stock. People keep telling Bob what a great restoration it is. When he tells them it is stock they lose it.
He has the original pipes, but they were taken off years ago, they are also in perfect condition.
He enjoys the memories it brings riding on the back with his dad as a kid. I am glad it is on the road and being noticed honoring his father and brother who took rides into town on the back as a kid too.
I have an 8-5 job now. I work as a Supply Chain Planner at Coastal Pet in Alliance OH. Funny thing, I can’t get the hell away from bikes, we manufacture Harley pet attire and toys exclusive to dealerships.
I guess I will always be married to motorcycles in some way or another.
–SaraBelle
NMA REPORT–Again, The Lines are Drawn in Ohio
In early April, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine approved an $8 billion, two-year transportation budget that included a 10.5 cents-per-gallon gas tax hike and a 19-cent hike on diesel fuel. Raising taxes is always controversial but what has the state’s mayors in a tizzy is something entirely different.
When the governor signed off on the budget set for July 1st, he did not veto language that financially punishes cities like Dayton and Toledo that operate automated traffic camera programs.
State lawmakers pushed for a mandate that requires cities that use automated traffic cameras to report annually to the state how much red-light and speed camera ticket revenue is collected (school speed camera tickets being the exception). The state will now deduct that amount from state funding that would normally go to those cities.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said they would sue the state over the newest law just passed. Cities have sued the state before over their home rule authority. Ohio’s constitution allows municipalities to self govern, i.e., establish their own laws, as long as local ordinances do not conflict with state statutes.
In July 2017, cities won a case in the Ohio Supreme Court against a 2015 law that required speed-camera programs to station a full-time police officer with each automated enforcement device in use and to conduct a three-year traffic study before deployment.
However, the state’s Supreme Court has never ruled whether legislators have the authority to cut off the flow of cash to offset any financial benefits the cities might experience from operating ticket cameras.
Representative Bill Seitz of Cincinnati, a major critic of cameras, told the Toledo Blade that lawmakers do have the right to control the Local Government Fund, which distributes a share of state taxes to local municipalities. He stated, “We cut the Local Government Fund by 50 percent seven or eight years ago. Cities have no constitutional right to the Local Government Fund. Period.” Seitz added that the new legislation does not tell cities how to operate their programs, which has been something the Supreme Court has frowned upon in previous court cases.
Kapszukiewicz said after the budget was signed that this would potentially cost Toledo $6.5 million a year. The city was expected to receive $5.1 million more in the next fiscal year as its share of revenue from the gas tax increase.
Also included in the compromise deal is a provision that would require cities to file all automated ticket camera appeals in municipal court. That would prohibit the use of administrative hearings to deal with drivers who contest their photo tickets.
Toledo Municipal Court Presiding Administrative Judge Tim Kuhlman has many questions about how this will work. He feels the move would transform the city trial court into a quasi-appeals court. Kuhlman added, “We have very little time to stand up a new docket and [have] no funding for it…I cannot go to the city of Toledo in April or May for funding to start up a new docket in July.” Under the new law, the costs for appeal cases would be paid in advance by the city rather than by the cited vehicle owner, even if that person later loses the appeal.
Toledo might well see automated traffic enforcement banned if Chester Straley has his way. In March, Straley organized a petition drive to place a referendum on the ballot to end the city’s use of red-light and handheld speed cameras. He started the drive after receiving two camera tickets on the same day and after his wife received another two citations at the same traffic signal. One of the petition’s stated goals is to get the city “to stop doing business with a company (Redflex) that has a track record of violating the law and unfair practice of law enforcement.” Up until now, photo ticket fines are $120 and are considered a civil penalty with no assessment of driver’s license points.
Ohio cities will continue to fight for all the ticket revenue they can get, but it will take local action and help from state lawmakers to get rid of the cameras entirely.
The battle against photo enforcement will undoubtedly continue, and with the amount of money involved, it isn’t confined to just the Buckeye State.
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SALT TORPEDO UPDATE—We are scrambling to build a Streamlined Trike for Bonneville this year and listening to anyone who provides thoughts or considerations:
I’d be curious what the guys at Airtech say about the safety of running two of those “wheel pants”, that is what they were called back then. Back in the day when we ran dragsters we had a friend who ran them on his top fuel car. He crashed and lost a leg. Tommy Ivo ran them back then too. NHRA outlawed them soon after the crash.
Not sure about the safety of them but certainly understand the aero benefit. Story below:
https://www.nhra.com/news/2012/wheel-pants-aero-aid-fashion-statement-or-dangerous-duds
Just my $.02
Ride on!
–Paul Aiken
Owner
Aeromach USA, LLC
10015 Metromont Ind. Blvd, Ste F
Charlotte, NC 28269
www.aeromach.net
www.highwayhawk.us
www.linkedin.com/in/paulaiken
Paul, I checked out some of the dragster front wheel wings. Most of them cover the entire wheel. We can only cover ½-wheel to the axle. Unfortunately, the FIM require front fenders.—Bandit
KICK START SPRING MOTORCYCLE SEASON IN THE NC SMOKIES–
Spring is stirring early in the mountains, so pack your saddle bags and head to the NC Smokies of Haywood County for the finest riding in the Southeast. From hair-raising mountain curves to mellow country roads, your quest for motorcycle utopia is over.
Looking for waterfalls? We got it. Mountain scenery? Check. Countryside? Got that, too.
But most of all, we’ve got the curves. Broad sweeping curves, tight hairpin curves, gentle serpentine curves, cliff-hugging switch-backs — we’ve got hundreds, maybe thousand of ‘em, with routes to suit every skill level.
Motorcycle touring is all about the open road. The sense of adventure for what’s around the next curve, the rush of mountain ridges unfurling as you climb higher, the feeling of freedom as you ride the swells and dips of the Appalachian countryside.
To help you map out your ideal two-wheeled escape, the travel team at Visit NC Smokies compiled a “best-of” selection of mountain rides with a home base of Haywood County.
There’s another big reason Haywood County has racked up accolades as the ultimate motorcycle destination: its friendly people. Bikers value the human experience. It’s more than just a ride, it’s about the people you meet along the way, from other bikers to diner waitresses to roadside produce peddlers.
To experience our friendly local flavor, stop in to a rural country store during your ride, like Ferguson’s General Store in Fines Creek, Sorrells General Store in Jonathan Creek, Bethel Grocery or Harley Creek General Store in Cruso.
A must of every biker’s bucket list, Wheels Through Time all-American motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley saw visitors from all 50 states and more than 50 countries last year. True to its moniker of “the museum that runs,” the rare collection of more than 300 vintage and antique motorcycles have been restored to working condition, garnering national attention. Open April – November.
So suit up and kick-start your spring riding season with a motorcycle adventure of your own making in the NC Smokies of Haywood County.
ALERT: Exit 20 on I-40 W near Maggie Valley is OPEN. Be advised that I-40 W after Exit 20 is one lane due to a rock slide. Visit the NCDOT website for the latest information.
BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB—New, The Red Baron’s Ultimate Ducati Desmo Manual: Belt-Driven Camshafts L-Twins 1979 to 2017
By Eduardo Carbrera Choclán
Paperback • 27×20.7cm • 288 pages • 1220 pictures
The secrets of Ducati L-twins with belt-driven cams finally explained in a single DIY-mechanic-friendly manual. This book is the incredibly comprehensive practical manual you have been waiting for!
ISBN: 978-1-845848-78-1
£ 65.00 Postage + P&P (eBook prices vary, and delivery is free)
Features
• User friendly explanations, written from the D-I-Y mechanic’s point of view
• Fully practical book
• Difficulty rating for each of the operations to be performed
• Modular engine logic: common crankshaft + different head configuration
• Money-saving home-made special tools and commercial alternatives
• Covering a wide model range
• Lots of neat & clear schematic drawings
• 1220 full color step-by-step photos and other illustrations
• Lots of useful practical tips & hints
• Free EMS diagnostic software and alternative software explained
If you’re passionate about your Ducati, wish to know your motorcycle in real depth, and keep it in perfect shape with the loving care she’ll only receive from you, this is your book.
This is a comprehensive service manual for you and your Ducati, that will help you to perform all maintenance and repair operations in your own home workshop. From basic servicing to the most complex repair and adjustment operations, everything is covered.
The bikes covered in this book range from the first 1980 ‘Pantah’ to the ‘Testastretta Evoluzione’ models, and it spans 30 years of Ducati models.
Within these pages you will discover the secrets of your pride and joy, and be enabled to enjoy making repairs or carrying out maintenance in your workshop or garage.
With the rhythm of their mechanical soul, and powerful twin heartbeat, Ducatis are motorcycles for true lovers of voluptuous Italian style and character. The author, Eduardo Cabrera, is better know in the Spanish ducatisti community as Baron Rojo (Red Baron), a lifelong Ducati owner and enthusiast, and a regular contributor to the Spanish Ducati online forum.
Period covered:
1979 to 2017
Models covered:
This work covers all Ducati L-twins with belt-driven cams of the “Pantah” generation: From the original 1979 500 Pantah to the models still in production in 2017
5-BALL RACING ALERT—Bling comes with your leather order. Order any leather from us and we’ll send you a signed book about the future of motorcycling, an exclusive Bikernet Bandana and more.
JAK 5/8 shirts shipped to Arizona. We received a massive order of JAK 5/8 leather shirts for the hot areas of Arizona.
Can’t beat it!
–Bandit
[page break]
5th WHY WE RIDE to The Quail Charity Motorcycle Ride– Sets Aggressive Goal for Much-needed Funds for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Scenic Motorcycle Tour for Charity Set for May 2–4
Moorpark, CA (April 24, 2019) – The sold out Fifth Invitational WHY WE RIDE to The Quail charity motorcycle trek will take place May 2, 3 and 4.
Why We Ride began as a movie about passion for motorcycling but very quickly evolved into something else entirely: one of the biggest social motorcycle movements in over 40 years.
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 our Why We Ride film crew member Joseph Northrup passed away from a brain tumor he had been battling since childhood, a new goal became clear,” said Bryan Carroll, producer of Why We Ride Films, organizers of the event. “For five years, we’ve partnered with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to defeat the deadliest childhood cancer, and this year we’re setting our most aggressive fund-raising goal thus far.”
To aid in reaching that goal this year, riders are now able to fundraise on their own. Participating riders can be sponsored as individuals or teams, with donations from friends, families, co-workers and members of the public contributing directly to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Sponsors can then stay involved with the journey via live feeds and social media updates. One hundred percent of all funds raised will go to the foundation. This year, over forty sponsors (almost double from last year), 100 riders and 21 volunteers from 12 states and 3 countries are uniting to support this great cause.
Currently there are dozens of teams signed up to help raise funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation with over $3500 raised. The goal is to raise $10,000 and there is a week left before the ride starts.
The donations go directly to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation with only four percent of federal research funding are dedicated to childhood cancers, and a fraction of that goes toward pediatric brain tumors it is important to donate today. 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.
The Why We Ride team invites you to join them on their journey and help in their mission to bring afflicted children and their families hope.
To learn more about Why We Ride, visit WhyWeRide.com.
–Ken Conte
Director of Advertising Cycle Source Magazine
Founder of Rise Above Consulting Public Relations and Marketing Firm
Test Editor at Cycle Source Magazine
Co-Host of Shop Talk Weekly Motorcycle News
Host of 4Ever2Wheels Podcast
Co-Host of Yoga Pod Podcast
Washington State Passes 100 Percent Clean Electricity Legislation– ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES COALITION
New legislation is strongest clean electricity bill in the nation
Olympia, WA — April 22, 2019 — Following the historic House vote on April 11, the Washington State Legislature today passed the strongest clean electricity bill in the nation with the Senate approving the final version of the bill. Washington is now the fourth state, and the first in the Northwest, to pass 100 percent clean electricity legislation, which will eliminate coal power by 2025 and transition the state to 100 percent clean and renewable electricity by 2045.
This major climate action demonstrates collective agreement around the growing urgency to address the economic, public health, and environmental impacts of climate change. A unique and diverse coalition of labor unions, environmental justice groups, businesses, medical professionals, faith leaders, and environmental and clean energy groups worked together to get the Legislature to pass the bill, in development for several years.
The state’s commitment to 100 percent clean electricity will boost jobs and strengthen energy equity through provisions in the bill that increase funding for energy assistance programs for low income households and incorporate equity considerations in the planning and acquisition of new sources of electricity. The bill also ensures new clean energy jobs that include strong worker protections and pay family wages.
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The RIGHTS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for April, 18 2019
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_RIGHTS_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_April_18_2019.aspx
I am still baffled as to why anyone would stay in commifornia. I retired from driving an 18 wheeler. After last winter, high taxes and bad roads I moved to Florida. I looked at Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. It’s been 5 years and it’s still great.
–AJ
Deland, FL
US expands air bag probe to 12.3 million vehicles--The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it is expanding a probe into potentially defective air bags to 12.3 million vehicles.
WASHINGTON: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it is expanding a probe into potentially defective air bags to 12.3 million vehicles.
The agency said the air bags were installed in some vehicles from model year 2010 through 2019 sold by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Honda Motor Co, Hyundai Motor Co, Kia Motors Corp, Mitsubishi and Toyota Motor Corp.
They were equipped with an air bag control unit initially produced by TRW Automotive Holdings Corp now owned by ZF Friedrichshafen.
The agency said they could fail during a crash event. The agency, which first opened a probe in 2018, has reports of two crashes and two injuries related to the defect along with one death in a Toyota.
NEWS FROM MONTE MOORE-– Convention season is nearly upon us, which keeps many artists like myself quite busy and on the circuit.
In my case, I often attend 5-10 shows a year! Many times, I have the opportunity to develop exclusive pieces for the shows that I attend. These Convention Exclusives are often only available on a “First-Come, First-Served” basis at the show itself.
If you will be at any of the shows I am attending this year, please stop by the amazing Monte Moore / Maverick Arts booth and check out the exclusives!
The thing I most love about Con Season, however, is the interaction with new and existing fans and drawing live for them at shows or often in hotels (or even on the flight to the show).
Look at this example of commissioned work from a convention, the piece is called “Suicide Girl” and was from a convention in 2015.
One of my favorite things about being a traditional artist and not relying on the computer is that you can create your art live for your fans and have the confidence and skills to do so, which makes for a very happy fan base.
Currently I’m diligently working on getting caught up on fan commissions I have already accepted, and once caught up will be opening myself back up for new art assignments both personal and commercial. Thank you for following and supporting my artistic adventures, I hope to have Moore art to show to you all soon! – BAM- Monte
This week’s Weekly Winner is Carole N. from Colorado Springs, Colorado! Carole will be receiving this SIGNED print of “Sittin’ Pretty” from Monte!
“Sittin’ Pretty” was a piece commissioned by the National Finals Rodeo
You could be the next winner just by entering! If you want a chance to be the next Weekly Winner, click HERE to enter, remember, you must enter each week for each drawing, if you already have an entry registered for the current drawing, the system will tell you that you are already signed up. Good luck!
The Art of Monte Moore
To see an entirely different side of Monte, please visit his Western Cinema and Wildlife Fine Art site, TheArtofMonteMoore.com.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Recognizes Hupy and Abraham (motorcycle attorneys) as a Top Workplace for 7th Time
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently held its “Top Workplaces” Awards Breakfast at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel publication has worked with Engergage, a workplace consulting company, to survey the thousands of employees working for businesses throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
Out of the 228 businesses polled, Hupy and Abraham was ranked as one of 75 “Top Workplaces” in the small business category.
CHOW HALL OF THE WEEK– Chicago Pizza Tours! With the Tour owner John and A Biker Dude!
https://youtu.be/MoKSr6BI2sM
John took me to three different, but all amazing Pizzeria’s in Chicago!!
John’s passion for pizza and his knowledge are not only mind blowing but fun! The history of Pizza in Chicago should be made into a movie, there are so many twists, turns and families involved.
The three Pizzeria’s we went to were Pizano’s on Madison, Coalfire on Grand and
Pequod’s on Clybourn. Like I said before, they were all fantastic but all different.
Being on the tour bus (so comfortable and smooth) John made it so easy, we had lots of laughs, learned so much about pizza and of course ate lots of awesome pizza!
Do the tour!! It is the best way to experience the pizza in Chicago! Get some!!
Subscribe here to my channel, youtube.com/c/ABikerDude
–Biker Dude
BOAR’S NEST TUNE-UP FOR THE LAUGHLIN RIVER RUN– Come by for a quick tune-up and once over while you wait before heading out to Laughlin….
If the bike has been sitting or its time for the fluids to be changed before heading out into the heat, come by for a onceover while you hangout at the shop. We’ll make sure your charging system is up to par and the oils are fresh for the road! Give us a call to schedule an appointment and get a quote today!
Boars Nest Choppers
3207 Roymar Rd. Suite A
Oceanside, CA 92058
SALT TORPEDO UPDATES–Keith,
What are you using for power? Is there an existing class record for a three wheeled streamliner in SCTA?
I know the FIM has a cyclecar category that is separate from the sidecar streamliners, specifically created for the triangular wheel layouts, either two steering and one driving line yours or the one steering and two driving like most of the H-D kit trikes.
Will your front wheels be covered or open? Pay close attention to the aerodynamic center of pressure (CP) in relation to CG of the race ready machine.
You will want the CG to end up forward of the CP for optimum yaw stability. A three wheeled configuration with the wide track in the rear will tend to be more stable aerodynamically as the vertical surface of the rear tires (enclosed or open) is behind the CG.
Your setup can work if you manage the other vertical surfaces and keep the CG far enough forward.
What tire size are you running? Fronts look like 17-inch Goodyear dragster tires.
–Tom Burkland
There is no trike class in the SCTA and we aren’t sure we can even do trial runs at El Mirage dry lake bed. This is all great input.–Bandit
THE BAD COP DEPARTMENT OF THE BIKERNET JUSTICE SYSTEM IS NOW OPEN–Cops Claim That Mice Ate A Half TON of Marijuana In The Evidence Room
More than a half ton of marijuana disappeared from a police warehouse without a trace, and upon investigation, the police who were responsible for the warehouse claimed that the missing contraband was eaten by mice.
The incident occurred in the Argentinian town of Pilar, which is 60km outside the capital city of Buenos Aires.
Incoming police commissioner Emilio Portero grew suspicious of his predecessor Javier Specia, the city’s former commissioner, who seemed to intentionally leave the marijuana unaccounted for in his records before he left office.
During the investigation, Specia and three of his subordinates all had the same story, they claimed that the large amount of plant matter was eaten by mice. However, forensics experts investigated the scene and determined that the explanation offered by the police was highly unlikely and there was no proof to substantiate their claims.
While it is true that mice do often eat marijuana, it would have been physically impossible for them to eat such a large amount, and there would have ample evidence in the building if this was the case.
“Buenos Aires University experts have explained that mice wouldn’t mistake the drug for food, and that if a large group of mice had eaten it, a lot of corpses would have been found in the warehouse,” a spokesperson for the local judge said.
By all indications, this is an inside job. In fact, this type of thing happens all of the time. Corrupt cops are notorious for stealing drugs from the evidence room so they can either use them or resell them back on the street. In most cases, they never actually get caught. this case is rare because the corrupt cops were actually held accountable by other police.
However, it is possible that this is just an internal political struggle between high ranking officers at the department who are attempting to cover up their tracks by pinning the blame on one another. it is very possible that this massive theft would have never been uncovered if it were not for the change in leadership.
Since it is impossible that the mice are responsible for the disappearance of the evidence, the police would have been much better off just saying that it was stolen. Even though the officers who were suspected to be involved or fired, they will likely never have to work again a day in their lives if they did in fact take the cannabis.
In 2016, The Simpsonville Police Department was the victim of a massive robbery, in which $30,000 in cash, drugs, and guns were stolen from an evidence room. However, an investigation uncovered that it was actually an inside job, carried out by an officer who had worked at the department for over two years.
According to police, officer Terry Putnam broke into the police department and then the evidence room on November 6 of 2015, around 1 a.m. Putnam made off with whatever he could grab, and ended up taking home thousands of dollars worth of money, weapons, and drugs.
It was hours before any other police officers learned that the department had been broken into, and Putnam was long gone before anyone arrived on the scene.
The next day, Simpsonville Police launched a formal investigation and audit of the evidence room with the assistance of the Kentucky State Police.
A few years back, the Brooklyn Police Department was raided by a number of other law enforcement agencies, including, the Illinois State Police, and the St. Clair County Sheriff.
Local News 4 reported that the raid was connected to corruption allegations, which relate to the theft of evidence, weapons, drugs and other items from the evidence room.
Outside the Police Department, Illinois State Police Capt. James Morrisey told reporters that the raid was “in reference to some allegations received by Illinois State Police and the State’s Attorney’s office. No further information is available at this time.”
One former officer, Chris Heatherly reportedly kept an AR-15 rifle in his car that had been stolen from the evidence room. He flaunted the rifle in a photo that was later used for a police department calendar. Other guns and drugs that were missing from Heatherly’s cases have yet to be found.
By David Cohen
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WindVest Motorcycle Products will be located at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino.
Stop by and check out the latest in wind protection at the Laughlin River Run 2019
Upcoming Events 2019
April 24th – 28th Laughlin River Run www.laughlinriverrun
June15th 12th Annual Norman Dober Memorial Run www.windvest.com
July 5th – 7th Hollister Rally/Corbin Rider Appreciation www.corbin.com
August 3rd – 12th Sturgis Rally www.sturgis.com
September 25th – 29th Street Vibrations http://roadshowsreno.com/sv_fall.php
WindVest Motorcycle Products | 16840 Joleen Way, Ste B2, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
SOMETHING ABOUT H-D CLOTHING–I regularly get emails from H-D for clothing and accessories. Have you noticed that most all the clothing is slim fit. I know they are reaching out to the younger riders but this sizing leaves a whole bunch of Harley enthusiast uh, out in the cold.
–Sam
NEWS FROM THE SENATOR— Action requested by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists ( NCOM) Board of Directors and NCOM Legislative Task Force On May 20,2019
Whereas motorcyclists have been wrongly stereotyped, wrongly accused and are being victims of profiling;
and where is it is up to Bikers to properly tell their story , to be properly understood and promote the Biker way of life;
And whereas on May 17, 2015 at the Waco Biker Tragedy, 9 bikers were killed , 20 wounded & nearly 200 arrested without due process;
And whereas all State & Federal charges have been dropped for the Waco Biker tragedy of May 17, 2015;
And where as there are there are obvious efforts by law-enforcement judicial and legislative entities to not depict what really happened by whom or why at this tragedy;
Be at hereby resolved that the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Board of Directors and Legislative Task Force promote and participate in the proposed dedication Ceremonies of a 4 x 8‘ double sided LIVING HERITAGE LEGACY TRIBUTE sign which depicts the Waco Biker 5/17/15 tragedy at Bubbas campground -near one of three Harley Davidson production facilities in Tomahawk Wisconsin on Saturday, September 14, 2019 / during the Tomahawk Fall Ride ;
Be at further resolved that other such Living Heritage Legacy tribute Signs be located nation and world wide – including either the Buffalo Chip- or FUll Throttle throttle campgrounds during the August 2019 Sturgis motorcycle rally;
and be at further resolved that a Select NCOM & LTF and Board of Directors committee be established to pursue National Monument Status through the US Park Service at Waco Texas ( near the Twin Peaks Restaurant , if possible ) to include the May 1916 Jesse Washington Horror and the Branch Davidians David Karesh 1993 massacre in which 20 men women and children where victimized;
and be it further resolved that this committee pursue otherBiker related historic places , individuals ,groups , exceptional facts & Feats —to be prominently recognized by state, national historic & appropriate designations.
And be it further Resolved that such designations include Easy Rider movie (50th Anniversary) locations near Baton Rouge Louisiana – 1) restaurant where two Bikers were denied service, because they were Bikers, 3) Flagstaff Arizona motel.
This is Dave Zien her ,” your Constructive feedback as ever is greatly appreciated. “
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WEEKEND_ROUNDUP_for_April_24th_2019.aspx
Won’t you need some back pressure for some horsepower? By removing the turn-out on the exhaust, that will be eliminated, unless the unit makes so much horse power that you have to make different exhaust tip lengths to find the maximum horsepower out put.
Just a thought.
Torrance, CA
This is not a dragster and we’re not looking for torque. We need pure top-end power. Based on the experts I’m working with, we need to be able to pour fuel and air into one end and let the exhaust flow unencumbered out the other end. This is all about ease of efficiency. Hang on for more reports.
–Bandit
MAYBE TRUMP WILL GET SOMETHING DONE–President Trump and First Lady join leaders in America’s war on drug abuse
This afternoon, President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump addressed the Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The annual event brings together practitioners and stakeholders from the front lines of the war on drug abuse.
Past Presidents have attended the summit, but today President Trump was able to share evidence of real progress from his Administration’s fight to end the opioid epidemic.
The Trump Administration has unveiled numerous programs across the Government since President Trump launched his Initiative to Stop Opioid Abuse last year. Those efforts include securing $6 billion in funding, increasing law enforcement efforts through the Department of Justice, and signing the bipartisan SUPPORT Act into law.
Another crucial part of the President’s plan is to cut off the flow of illicit drugs before they flood into our communities. The Department of Homeland Security recently seized 1.2 billion lethal doses of fentanyl over a single 12-month period—enough of the deadly drug to kill every American four times over. President Trump’s efforts to secure our border and crack down on illegal distributors are drying up this lucrative drug supply.
The death toll from this “crisis next door” is nothing short of a national tragedy, but there are signs of progress from the Administration’s massive push. In the President’s first year in office, 68 percent fewer Americans over the age of 26 began using heroin than in the previous year. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizures of fentanyl alone are up 265 percent over the last two full fiscal years.
“We will not solve this epidemic overnight,” the President told leaders in the fight against drug abuse today in Atlanta. But “we will never stop until our job is done.”
The American car industry is back. Let’s keep it that way.
This afternoon, Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Detroit, Michigan. It’s the same factory town that has produced some of the most iconic Ford automobile lines in American history, from the Model A and Mustang to the newer F-150.
Today, the plant is home to some 7,500 employees—each one of them using innovative techniques to help develop America’s next generation of cars.
“The automotive industry is the backbone of American manufacturing today,” Vice President Pence told workers. “The [United States–Mexico–Canada trade agreement] will finally give workers the level playing field and be able to compete and win on a global stage as never before.” The USMCA, which President Trump negotiated late last year, will replace NAFTA once it is approved by Congress.
THE COPPER PENNY FIX—Jeremiah Soto recently installed a freshly chromed Thunderheader on his Dyna. It replaced his troublesome D&D system. It kept breaking.
Okay, so a week goes by and he let his uncle ride his bike around the block. The uncle rested his leather brown boots against one of the pipes and stained the pipe.
Jeremiah is a nut, a manic nut. He gets crazy over shit. I told him to start with soaking it with WD-40. He tried it for a minute and it didn’t work. I gave him Oven-Off and told him to let is soak over-night. He has no patience, tried it and it didn’t work.
He started to ask other old-timers. On YouTube he found a video where a guy used an original copper penny to remove burnt on stains. It worked, but you need to find a penny from the ‘50s.
–Bandit
State Police raid motorcycle club, arrest 3, confiscate 4 unlawful guns— EVERETT – Police raided the headquarters of a motorcycle club, arrested three people, confiscated four unlawful guns and uncovered what officers called an illegal cash bar.
The raid by the Middlesex State Police Unit and the State Police Tactical Operations Team was conducted after an investigation into the Pagan Motorcycle Club. That investigation is continuing, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie said while announcing the arrests.
Police received a search warrant and raided the Pagan Motorcycle Club building on Orient Avenue at about 10:15 p.m., Friday. There were about a dozen club members wearing Pagan patches and insignia and multiple other people in the clubhouse at the time, they said.
During a search of the building, police found four illegally-possessed, semi-automatic handguns with loaded magazines and an additional separate magazine containing ammunition, they said.
Police also uncovered an alleged illegal cash bar operating in the building, they said.
The three people arrested were arraigned in Malden District Court on Monday.
The investigation focused on two gangs, The Pagans and Kryptmen, whose members were allegedly involved in gun and drug trafficking and other criminal activity, officials said.
James Snow, 28, of Tewksbury, was charged with two counts of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device, two counts of illegal possession of ammunition and two counts of improper storage of a firearm. Judge Jane D. Prince set bail at $1,000 but he remains in jail because she revoked bail on a previous firearms charge he is facing out of Lowell District Court, Ryan said.
Jeff Wentworth, 47, of Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and improper storage of a firearm. He was released on $500 bail after his arraignment, Ryan said.
Marcus Basiliere, 26, of Derry, New Hampshire, was arrested on an open warrant out of New Hampshire for larceny. Basiliere was arraigned as a fugitive from justice and was held pending extradition. His next court date is May 1, Ryan said.
Wentworth and Snow are scheduled to return to court on May 21, Ryan said.
–By Jeanette DeForge
MassLive.com
DAVE ZIEN’S TRI-GLIDE EXPERIENCE– Any ideas about the Harley-Davidson extended warranty Program?
It’s Supposed to be unlimited mileage, for the five years following the two year factory warranty.
I just found out yesterday that it only covers repairs up to purchase price, in my case $32,549. This threshold has been met and I am staring at $5,000 plus additional repairs!!
This seems to be deceptive or a possible violation of state and federal lemon laws. Seems most Harley dealers and sales persons have never heard about this provision.
My 2014 -260,000 mile plus Triglide Engine overhauled last summer and now is being overhauled again. Since purchase I’ve experienced a total of five engine overhauls, six radiators, seven water pumps and six belt /pulley assemblies have been replaced since purchase on March 7,2014.
Being on a fixed income and having spent much of my life savings on repairs and maintenance, I am looking to depart with either of my 2011 HD 175,000 miles plus or my 2014 – 260,000 plus mile Triglides.
Both engines and transmission overhauled last summer. Both bikes would be an excellent living/riding museum artifact for you or someone !! Please pass the word.
Am Still on the way back from filming Rough Boys in Dalton Alabama. My 2011 broke down Saturday 4/20/19 in Paducah, Kentucky. I replaced the clutch, primary, compensating sprocket, throughout bearings $2100 of repairs. Reverse motor still out -$1400 to replace. Trying to be home soon.
Pray to Live
Live to Ride!
–Dave Zien
Million-mile Biker
STORAGE WARS STAR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT— ‘Storage Wars’ star, Barry Weiss in ICU after motorcycle accident.
TMZ, citing law enforcement officials, said the likable reality TV star was out on a motorcycle ride with a friend in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon. While in a parking lot, a car allegedly pulled out of a parking space without looking and slammed into both Barry and his friend. Both men went down.
Barry, 60, was transported to the hospital and sent to the ICU unit. He is in stable condition.
Police said drugs and alcohol were not a factor in the accident.
www.msn.com
–from El Waggs
FINAL New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Life_and_Times_Meets_the_Chowder_Barge.aspx
I ponder why John Wayne never played a biker part, but I come to realize he did not have a writer like you for the written part.
The only story that comes to mind it the Last Ride with Stamos. A beautiful knuckle as the main character and a beautiful scientists daughter. One we all should see.
–Gearhead
msgearheadtg@yahoo.com
Torrance, Cali.
Hey, I will try to check it out. We need a strong motorcycle movie to hit the screens.–Bandit
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–
frisson
[free-sohn; French free-sawn]
noun,
1.
a sudden, passing sensation of excitement; a shudder of emotion; thrill: The movie offers the viewer the occasional frisson of seeing a character in mortal danger.
QUOTES
Musical passages that include unexpected harmonies, sudden changes in volume, or the moving entrance of a soloist are particularly common triggers for frisson because they violate listeners’ expectations in a positive way …
— Mitchell Colver, “Why do only some people get ‘skin orgasms’ from listening to music?” The Conversation, May 24, 2016
ORIGIN
Frisson is still unnaturalized in English, as its pronunciation shows. In French frisson means “shudder, shiver.” Frisson comes from Old French friçons, a plural noun meaning “trembling (as before the onset of a fever).” Friçons in turn comes from Latin friction-, the stem of frictio, an irregular derivative (as if from the verb fricare “to rub,” with a short i) of the verb frigere (with a long i) “to be cold, lack vigor.” Frisson entered English in the 18th century.
ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE—I wonder if all the bullshit is human nature. We just can’t relax and have a good time. We need to fight over something. I just hope it doesn’t lead to something devastating. Maybe I read too much.
I just want to ride free, race, and chase redheads. Life can be so fuckin’ amazing, if we just let it be.
Okay, enough. I’m about to launch a new Cantina episode. I’ve monkeyed with it a couple of times. We have Barry’s footboards tech about ready. And you just don’t know what might happen next. Joe Teresi told me he has a deal to sell ER and take the company off his hands.
Shit is changing fast. Ride hard and die fast.
Forever Free,
–Bandit
In the Cantina – Weekend Roundup for April 24th 2019
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
You know me, I can’t sit still and talk about old times when we’re burnin’ daylight. I had to monkey with the Torpedo exhaust system again. The turn-out was going to be an issue.
Micah and I got together on Monday and hammered at the firewall. We had a long discussion with Drew, who is a Bonneville AMA, and FIM tech. We kicked around the massive fire suppression bottles and whether we need two or one for both compartments.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ROUNDUP IN THE CANTINA
Subscribe to the Cantina for just $24 annual fee.
www.Bikernet.com
Trump warms to Harley Davidson, says EU tariffs ‘unfair’
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to reverse course on Harley Davidson Inc, saying European tariffs facing the motorcycle manufacturer were “unfair” and vowing to reciprocate, after urging a boycott of the company last year amid a steel spat.
The Wisconsin-based company last year announced plans to move production of its motorcycles destined for the European Union to its overseas facilities from the United States to avoid EU tariffs imposed in response to Trump’s duties on steel and aluminum imports.
Trump retaliated by calling for higher taxes, threatening to lure foreign motorcycles to the United States, and backing a boycott of the iconic American motorcycle maker.
On Tuesday, Trump appeared more sympathetic, calling the EU tariffs “unfair” but giving no other details about any planned U.S. action in a tweet citing comments by a Fox Business Network host.
“So unfair to U.S. We will Reciprocate!” Trump wrote.
On Saturday, Trump is scheduled to travel to Wisconsin to hold a campaign rally as he seeks reelection in the 2020 presidential election.
Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on any planned actions, as both the EU and the United States prepared to launch larger trade talks.
Representatives for Harley Davidson could not be immediately reached for comment on Trump’s tweet.
The company on Tuesday reported quarterly profit that surged past expectations and stuck to its full-year shipment forecasts amid concerns over falling U.S. sales and European import tariffs, sending its shares up 3 percent.
Lifestyle Cycles has some job positions open
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Lifestyle Cycles has some positions open, so take a look below and see if you (or someone your know) would be a perfect fit for our team!
Come Join the Coolest Team on the Planet
BIKE SALESPERSON POSITION
Do you eat, sleep and breathe Harley-Davidson motorcycles? Do you have an upbeat, enthusiastic personality and love talking with people? Are you a self-starter with a “can-do” personality? Are a fast learner? Do you like dogs? If so (or you know of someone that is) Lifestyle Cycles wants to talk to YOU! We’re looking the best of the best to join our pre-owned motorcycle sales team! Send in a resume and cover letter (we’ll ditch resumes without a cover letter just to see if you are thorough and can follow directions) telling us why you’re the best person for the position to dan@lifestylecycles.com
APPAREL SALES ASSOCIATE
Want a job at the coolest place on the planet? Lifestyle Cycles has an opening for an Apparel Sales Team Member! Full and part time positions are available. Do you have a sparkling fun personality and love the motorcycle culture? Do you have a strong work ethic, and love helping people? Do you have a keen fashion sense and like dogs? Then we want to hear from you! Send in a resume and cover letter (we’ll ditch resumes without a cover letter just to see if you are thorough and can follow directions) telling us why you’re the best person for the position to dan@lifestylecycles.com
Zero Motorcycles announces new financing round
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Following the recent launch of its industry-shaking SR/F model, Zero Motorcycles today announced the close of a $25 million funding round, bringing the brand’s aggregate equity capital raised to over $250 million. With 13 years of experience developing the most power- and energy-dense EV technology in powersports, Zero leads the industry with a global supply chain and distribution network, and a broad portfolio of effortlessly powerful, safe and reliable electric mototcycles.
ZERO MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCES NEW FINANCING ROUND BRINGING AGGREGATE INVESTMENT TO OVER $250 MILLION
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (April 23, 2019) On the heels of the successful launch of its transformational SR/F model, Zero Motorcycles, the global electric motorcycle sales and innovation leader, announced today the close of a $25 million funding round, bringing its aggregate equity capital raised to over $250 million.
With 13 years of experience, Zero Motorcycles has developed the most power- and energy-dense EV technology in powersports and has built Zero into the leading brand with a global supply chain and distribution network, and a broad portfolio of products, which are effortlessly powerful, safe, reliable, and delight our riders every time they twist the throttle.
“At Zero Motorcycles, we’ve been defining the electric motorcycle category since our inception in 2006,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “To build a company like Zero is not easy. You need to build a leading EV technology business, an industrial business, and consumer-branded business all at once. In addition to break-through innovation and R&D investment, this takes time, hard work, and significant capital. Zero has been capital efficient over the years, and our committed and consistent backing has enabled us to fully fund our strategy and to succeed when others have failed. We sell more electric motorcycles annually than all of our competitors combined and with our strong capital base, know-how, brand, and team, we will continue to be the driving force behind two-wheeled and broader powersports electrification. We look forward to the next few years as both adoption and innovation continue to accelerate.”
For more information on Zero Motorcycles please visit www.zeromotorcycles.com.
About Zero Motorcycles
Zero Motorcycles is the global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Designed and crafted by hand in California, Zero Motorcycles combines Silicon Valley technology with traditional motorcycle soul to elevate the motorcycling experience for smart, innovative riders around the world.
Indian Motorcycle Racing’s FTR750 Secures Second Consecutive Podium Sweep
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Defending Champion Jared Mees Secures First Victory of the Season; Fellow Wrecking Crew Rider Briar Bauman & Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson Finish Second and Third at Texas Half-Mile
FORT WORTH, TX. (April 22, 2019) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, continued its torrid start to the season, as the FTR750 secured its second podium sweep of the season at the Texas Half-Mile. Back-to-back reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees collected his first win of the 2019 season, while Wrecking Crew teammate Briar Bauman finished second, and Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson (Kennedy Racing/Armbruster Racing Indian FTR750) rounded out the podium with a third-place finish.
Mees and Bauman separated themselves from the field almost immediately at the start of the race. The two teammates spent the majority of the race jockeying for position atop the leaderboard. After a series of lead changes throughout the early stages, Mees managed to create some separation from Bauman in lap 22 and did not relinquish his lead again. With his first victory of the season, Mees was able to move himself up to third on the championship leaderboard.
“We are thrilled to see Jared get his first win of the season and make up some ground to stay near the top of the leaderboard,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “If this race was any indication, this is going to be an exciting season to watch Jared and Briar push each other to new heights the rest of the year.”
Mees’ victory snaps a seven-race winless streak and moves him into second on the all-time win list for Half-Miles. For Bauman, the second-place finish continues a strong start to the season that has seen him reach the podium in all three races, including a victory at the Daytona TT. His impressive start has him atop the leaderboard with 62 points followed by Robinson and Mees with 53 and 47 points respectively. Fellow Wrecking Crew Rider Bronson Bauman currently finds himself in eleventh with 24 total points.
The season continues on April 27 with Arizona Super TT in Chandler, Arizona. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, visit their websites: Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, S&S Cycle, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Alpinestars, Bell Helmets and J&P Cycles.
Pirelli Presents the New ANGEL™ GT II Sport Touring Tire
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Pirelli Presents the ANGEL™ GT II, the New Tire That Rewrites the Rules of the Sport Touring Segment in Terms of Mileage, Wet Performance and Sportiness Combine with Safety
The Carcass with Innovative Variable Cord End Count and High Silica Compounds Combined with a New Tread Pattern Design – Derived from ‘Intermediate’ Race Tires – Set the Benchmark for Performance and Optimizes the Effect of the Electronic Ride Aids
MILAN, Italy (April 8, 2019) –ANGEL™ GT II is the new Pirelli Sport Touring tire, the successor of the highly regarded, award winning ANGEL™ GT and the evolution of the Italian brand’s interpretation of the Gran Turismo concept.
Pirelli has designed ANGEL™ GT II with the aim of rewriting the rules of the Sport Touring segment thanks to key features including high mileage, sporty handling and grip combined with fantastic wet conditions behavior and great confidence and safety to the rider. The carcass with innovative variable cord end count over tire section and high-silica compounds combined with a new tread pattern design – derived from World Superbike ‘intermediate’ race tires – set the benchmark for performance and optimizes the effect of electronic rider aids.
The Gran Turismo designation generally refers to travelling at speed over a long distance, with safety and comfort. Most importantly GT signifies making the ride able to offer emotions and fun, in other words, giving great riding pleasure.
ANGEL™ GT II development has been focused on consolidating the former ANGEL™ GT’s strengths – already a benchmark for mileage and versatility with different bikes and conditions – enhancing wet performance, riding pleasure and confidence in order to define a new reference point for the Sport Touring tire segment, in-line with Pirelli DNA and the Gran Turismo concept.
The reason why Pirelli has decided to develop a new product in this tire segment generates from its relevant and growing market volume and from the competitive scenario where products need to keep pace with the evolving need of motorcyclists’ and motorcycles.
The technical development of ANGEL™ GT II in terms of profiles, structures, compounds and tread pattern targeted the following main objectives:
• To ensure maximum adherence in all road conditions, linear behavior in lean transition and consistently support line-holding;
• To couple the sportiness of Pirelli DNA to exceptional performance also in full wet conditions;
• To further raise the bar for tire lifespan in the segment where its predecessor was already a reference;
• To maximize the effect of electronic rider aids.
The new ANGEL™ GT II has been developed to meet the needs of three different motorcyclist groups:
Grand tourers
These riders extensively travel on medium-to-long distances both alone or with a passenger and luggage. They ride sport tourers, adventure bikes and the new generation of crossover machines. They demand extended mileage, great stability when heavily loaded, enhanced comfort from dampening, and great safety and confidence, even in the wet.
Smart urbans
These riders use their machines all year long to commute and for urban mobility, with occasional short or medium length free-time trips. They ride super-sport, naked/roadster bikes, sport tourers and the new generation of crossovers. They demand control and braking grip in all conditions including wet and need light handling at low speed. Sometimes they engage in a more dynamic and exciting ride.
Free timers
These riders use their bikes mainly for short weekend trips. They ride mainly super-sport, adventure bikes and the new generation of crossovers. They demand sporty handling, plenty of grip but with extended mileage, performance in the wet and versatility to loading conditions.
With ANGEL™ GT II, Pirelli aims to confirm and expand the brand’s recognition in the Sport Touring tire segment by complementing the consolidated values of the brand – such as sportiness and sporty handling – with those of performance consistency, reliability and versatility.
ANGEL™ GT II is available in 17 and 19-inch front and 17-inch rear sizes as below:
(A) Heavy Weight Motorcycles version
NCOM Biker News Bytes April 19, 2019
By Bill Bish | | General Posts
FEDERAL ANTI-PROFILING RESOLUTION INTRODUCED IN U.S. HOUSE
Last December, the United States Senate passed a nonbinding resolution by unanimous consent calling for an end to the discriminatory profiling of motorcyclists by law enforcement, and now the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced an identical bipartisan measure in the 116th Congress, H.Res.255; “Promoting awareness of motorcycle profiling and encouraging collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement officials to prevent instances of profiling.”
Sponsored by Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), the anti-profiling resolution was introduced in the House on March 26 to thwart ”the illegal use of the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle related apparel as a factor in deciding to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest, or search a person or vehicle with or without legal basis under the Constitution of the United States,” as profiling is defined in the resolution’s text.
“Michigan has a strong and vibrant riding community, myself included, that use motorcycles as a source of recreation and transportation,” Walberg said in a statement. “Making sure riders are free from profiling coincides with motorcyclists’ appreciation for our law enforcement community. I’m proud to work with Rep. Burgess on this effort to foster a greater understanding of the issue of motorcycle profiling and ensure our roads and highways are safe for all to enjoy.”
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) is one of three original cosponsors, among 12 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle, and said that with Texas being home to thousands of motorcyclists, he is committed to advocating for riders both on and off the road.
Walberg and Burgess are also co-chairs of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus which aims to improve public knowledge of motorcycle issues, promote safety on the roadways, and encourage Americans to enjoy responsible motorcycle riding.
All motorcyclists are encouraged to contact your Congressional Representative and ask that they join their colleagues as a cosponsor of H.Res.255 and help put a stop to law enforcement unfairly targeting motorcycle riders for traffic stops, questioning and citations.
TWIN PEAKS UPDATE — PROSECUTIONS UNRAVEL
It was portrayed in the national press as a gang war shootout at a family restaurant on the edge of a shopping center in Waco, Texas on May 17, 2015, leaving nine bikers dead and more than 20 wounded.
Nearly two hundred bikers were incarcerated in the aftermath of that deadly melee involving police who had surrounded motorcycle club members attending a regularly scheduled Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents meeting at the Twin Peaks restaurant, raining down a hail of police gunfire.
From the start, lawyers and others pointed out that it was very unlikely indeed that all the 177 arrested had committed any crimes at all, and that the initial $1 million bond set for each of them charged with a blanket crime of “engaging in organized criminal activity” seemed unreasonably punitive. The police strove in the aftermath to keep a detailed account of what actually happened from reaching the public eye, or that of defense attorneys.
Over the next four years, as the cases began moving into the courtroom one-by-one, they each began to fall apart until ultimately only two dozen remained indicted, with not a single successful prosecution to date. The first and only case to go to trial ended in a hung jury and mistrial in November 2017.
McClennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna, the D.A. at the time of the arrests, lost re-election last year, and before leaving office he “dismissed the vast majority of the 154 pending indictments his office sought in the Twin Peaks shootout,” according to the Tribune newspaper. On April 2, 2019, newly-elected D.A. Barry Johnson announced that his office has chosen not to prosecute the remaining 24 cases, calling the way the former D.A.’s office handled the situation “a harebrained scheme” that was “patently offensive.”
“This is a difficult decision which must be made based on the existing facts and evidence in accordance with the laws of this state and in the interest of justice,” stated Johnson.
McLennan County reports that the shootout has run up $1,317,835.96 in total identifiable costs, with nothing so far to show for it, and all the while realizing the final cost is not yet calculated for the defendants and in some cases may never be.
Many of those bikers who’ve had charges eventually dropped, after spending months in jail on million dollar bonds, have subsequently filed civil rights suits, and as of January there were 133 federal lawsuits naming McLennan County, Waco police, the district attorney, the sheriff, police chief and individual officers, charging violations against the 4th and 14th Amendment Constitutional guarantees, plus a number of other civil rights violations.
Texas AIM Attorney Bill Smith will be presenting an update on the Waco situation during the Confederation of Clubs Patch Holders Meeting at the upcoming NCOM Convention in Orlando, Florida, Mother’s Day Weekend May 10-12, 2019 at the Doubletree by Hilton – Universal Orlando.
MONGOLS CASE STILL PRESENTS A THREAT DESPITE PATCH VICTORY
“The recent decision by Judge David Carter in US v. Mongol Nation that the First and Eighth Amendments to the US Constitution prohibits the government’s request to seize the collective membership marks of the Mongols MC, including their club name patch and center-patch, is a victory for all,” writes Kit Maira of Easyriders Magazine in his Biker’s Rights blog. But, he adds; “Beyond the issues of forfeiture, a brand-new strategy to target motorcycle clubs under RICO has been born and legally confirmed. The idea that a motorcycle club can be indicted under RICO as an entity, regardless of other members’ personal guilt, should equally alarm everyone.”
Although the government can’t take a club’s patch, they can seize a club’s property and impose huge fines, he explains, noting that while federal law enforcement spent more than a decade on a failed mission to take away the Mongols’ collective membership marks, their property and patches, they stumbled upon a new theory of prosecution; “determining guilt for an association.”
What element is required to find an association guilty of RICO? An implied connection to leadership is apparently enough. Judge Carter argues that Congress may constitutionally impose criminal liability upon an entity for acts of its agents, even though it’s not necessary for the government to prove that the act was authorized by the entity – thereby setting a very low threshold of proof to establish that an act was committed “at the implied direction of leadership.”
“The Mongol Nation is guilty of substantive RICO and RICO conspiracy,” determined the judge, going on to proclaim that, “The criminal organization is subject to sentencing fines and criminal forfeiture consistent with this Order,” the extent of which will be determined at a sentencing hearing in late April.
“There is no way to predict what the federal government will do moving forward with the newfound strategy of targeting a motorcycle club as an entity under RICO, but there are empirical reasons to believe that whatever strategy authorities employ will not advance civil liberties,’ writes Maira, concluding that; “The Constitution does not seem to be a barrier in the decision-making calculus of authorities’ intent on targeting motorcycle clubs.”
‘LANE FILTERING’ NOW LEGAL IN UTAH
Utah legislators have endorsed lane splitting, or “lane filtering” as it is referred to in HB149, signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert on March 21, making the Beehive State the second behind California to legalize “filtering” through lanes of traffic.
The Utah Lane Filtering Bill does not allow lane filtering on freeways, and only on roads where the posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. Also, the motorcycle can only filter through stopped traffic at 15 mph or less — different from California’s lane splitting law that allows riders to pass moving traffic.
The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Walt Brooks (R-St. George), whom the Salt Lake Tribune reported was rear-ended twice, prompting the ‘safety’ measure. The newspaper further reported that between 2011 and 2017, there were 1,288 incidents of a motorcycle getting rear-ended in Utah.
The bill takes effect May 14, 2019 but contains provisions for the law to expire on July 1, 2022 if the legislature takes no action to extend it.
48 U.S. states, Canada, and a few other countries prohibit motorcyclists from traversing lanes of cars in slow or stopped traffic, though it is common practice throughout Europe and Asia. The only other state currently considering lane splitting for motorcycles is Oregon, HB2314, which like California would allow lane spitting on freeways.
NEW YORK CITY TO IMPLEMENT CONGESTION TOLL
On March 31, 2019, New York state lawmakers approved a first-in-the-nation plan to implement congestion pricing in the busiest parts of New York City, hoping that this new toll will ease traffic congestion during the busiest parts of the day by encouraging people to take mass transit instead of driving a car or, apparently, riding motorcycles
The price has not yet been set, but a trip to lower Manhattan during peak hours may cost $10, and there are no exemptions for any other type of vehicle, though low-income or disabled drivers may be exempt. The city plans to use the revenue to repair their subway system.
These tolls will not go into effect until 2021, so now is the time, New Yorkers, to start making noise to have motorcycles exempted from this toll.
TEXAS LAWMAKERS AIM TO MAKE CHANGES TO HELMET LAW
Legislation is being considered in Texas to make changes to the state’s motorcycle helmet law, aiming to make sure riders who choose to ride without a helmet are still riding legally. House Bill 748, sponsored by Representatives Victoria Neave and Ana-Maria Ramos — both from the Dallas area — would allow police officers to pull over motorcycle riders who are not wearing helmets to make sure they’re following the law. In Texas, you’re allowed to ride without a helmet, but only if the rider is 21 or older, has completed a motorcycle safety course and has adequate health insurance.
The issue the bill aims to fix is that currently police officers are not allowed to pull someone over simply because they’re not wearing a helmet, so that means they’re unable to check to see if the rider is following the rules unless they’re caught breaking another traffic law.
The bill is now in the transportation committee.
NCOM CONVENTION IN ORLANDO WELCOMES ALL RIDERS NATIONWIDE
One of the largest gatherings of motorcycle rights activists in the world will take place in Orlando, Florida as the 34th annual NCOM Convention draws hundreds of bikers from motorcycle rights organizations (MROs) and Confederations of Clubs (COCs), as well as independents and other allied riders from across the country.
This year’s NCOM Convention will be held Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-12, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Universal Orlando, and will address such topics as Motorcycle Profiling and “Save the Patch” among the many issues concerning our nation’s motorcycle community.
Agenda items will cover various legal and legislative issues, with additional seminars regarding RICO And Its Effect on Your Organization, Restoring Your Rights, Leadership 101 and “Share the Road” Motorcycle Safety.
A Silver Spoke Awards Banquet will cap off the gathering, highlighted by the recognition of those freedom fighters who have distinguished themselves from within our ranks; Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan (GOVERNMENT), James “Hollywood” Macecari of Insane Throttle Motorcycle Magazine (ENTERTAINMENT), Jim Wear, founder of the Salute to American Veterans Rally (COMMERCE), with SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS presented to David Duff of ABATE of Iowa, William Bird of ABATE of Florida and Mike Friend of Bikers For Christ. NCOM’s highest honor, the Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award will go to “JR” Reed -1%er of Sons of Silence MC and Smitty 1%er of the Outlaws MC.
For more information, or to pre-register, call the National Coalition of Motorcyclists at (800) ON-A-BIKE (662-2453) or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.”
~ Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-73) 36th President of the United States
ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).
In the Cantina – Salt Torpedo Chapter 17
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Salt Torpedo Chapter 17: Cable Mania
Wild Action Every Day: Where’s Our Fiberglass Guy?
By Bandit with photos by Wrench
I always wanted to be able to adjust the height or ground clearance, but that’s becoming more of an issue. So initially I would like to know if I can buy larger diameter front wheels, which I will research today.
READ THE BONNEVILLE ACTION – CLICK HERE
Join the Cantina – Subscribe for just $24 per year
Salt Torpedo Chapter 17: Cable Mania
By Bandit | | General Posts
This chapter will contain lots of questions. I always wanted to be able to adjust the height or ground clearance, but that’s becoming more of an issue. So initially I would like to know if I can buy larger diameter front wheels, which I will research today.
Micah wants it as low as possible. “Less air to deal with going under it,” he says on a regular basis. I’ve looked at some of the fastest vehicles on the planet and they are slammed, so maybe he’s right.
On the other hand, Dennis Manning recommended allowing lots of ground clearance. “To allow the air to flow easily under and around the liner,” he told me. His liner, number 7, has amazing wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics. It’s proven to slip easily through the air.
We may not be looking at the full equation. If you’re a Land Speed Record fan, you know which vehicles are slammed. They are designed to be very flat on the bottom; we’re not. We are trying to be a sleek fish slipping through the air unobstructed. Dennis built his number 7 to look like a Salmon. We’ll see. In the meantime, I would like to research larger diameter wheels to give us more ground clearance. I don’t mind having two sets of wheels on the salt for testing purposes.
holy moly…. that is some trike…. sure, i would be glad to help…
1) if you put a taller rear tire on it for ground clearance, you will increase the rollout which will also give you more traction…
2) i would keep the front tires small (17″) i see the front axle is all welded up, but maybe you can do some dropped spindles to get ground clearance
3) if you change the front tire size dramatically (17 to 19) you would alter the scrub radius and pretty much guarantee twitchy handling
4) i would recommend enclosing the wheel/tire as much as possible… i have these wheel covers that should work for you.. http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/images/SCWC1.jpg I can help with ideas on how to mount them
Yours in sport!
We finally got the transmission PBI 1.060 offset sprocket lined up with a ½-inch sprocket spacer for an aligned rear chain. I’m going to ask Yelvington for a 1-inch longer set of rear shocks to see if we can raise the rear some.
It’s not so much an issue on the salt, but loading and riding this puppy around the block could be a serious issue if we only have 2 inches of ground clearance.
I won’t get into to cable mania just yet. The Salt Torpedo is sort of the ultimate artistic endeavor. It’s the ultimate custom trike. I bought the smallest available belly tank based on a few measurements, and we went for it. It’s working for the most part once we shrunk the pilot from me at 6’5” to Micah at about 5’8”. Then we faced the rear shocks, but so far, the driveline is not an issue, except maybe the carburetor and the exhaust system, which you will see.
Bassani was kind enough to supply us with a tight, two-into-one header system. Micah mounted it and made a transmission mounting bracket. I welded it and painted it, but I needed to know about the collector, and I reached out to Lee Clemens of Departure Bike Works in Richmond, Virginia. He had a 25-year top fuel drag bike team and worked extensively with one of the best tuners/engine builders in the industry, Giggy, who passed away after moving to California and working with Ben Kudon.
I sent him a photo to access the needed length and he immediately said, “That won’t do at all. You need to cut that collector off and put on a collector that’s a diameter twice the size of your pipe diameters.” They were almost 2 inches. I reached out to Tim at San Pedro muffler and took the system to him. In a hot flash, he made us just the system we needed with a turnout to push the exhaust outside the body.
Lee also pointed out that we needed to lose the S&S Super G for a D with several Thunder Jets. He constantly tells me about making top end speed over anything else. It takes a completely different formula. Lee may send me another carb. I switched from Carl’s massive Typhoon carb with one thunder jet to the G because of the lack of space and aerodynamics. Micah is comfortable with the G. We will see what happens next. More questions. As you will see, most of the exhaust system will be exposed, but I believe that’s okay.
Last weekend, I spent a lot of time mounting the coil, moving the regulator for more accessibility and mounting the Altmann electronic ignition system. Frankie came over and we spent a lot of time lifting the torpedo to remove the under-body to make fiberglass cuts and replacing it. We are getting damn close to actually mounting the body to the frame with Dzus fittings.
We finally received the cool rear shocks from Yelvington, so now the rear is suspended, but the front shocks still elude us. Yelvington is kind enough to make us custom shocks, but it’s a daunting process when you’re set up to make shocks a certain way and our configuration doesn’t fit in their manufacturing process. Plus, the team is jamming from show to show to build their business. We appreciate their efforts.
Paughco has bent over backwards to send us parts and pieces, including lots of bungs, which come in very handy and the gas tank, which is too cool.. I needed one specific bung for the front rubber-mounting alignment adjustable Heim joints.
We have only a few elements left before we can make fiberglass mods and ship the body to a paint shop. Gary Maur, from Kustom Fab in Detroit, coached me on fiberglass. My confidence is growing. Then we will tear this puppy down, finish welding it, spray-can the frame behind Dennis Manning’s recommendations not to powder coat it and start final assembly.
Okay, so hang on for the cable story. We are working with Barnett’s for our clutch and throttle cables. Both called for custom applications and 90-inch outer liners. No problem, and Ivan at Barnett’s has been very helpful. For some reason, I thought some of these other rule requirements would come with high-tech components, like electronic-activated solenoids, but not so fast.
The required Pingel remote shut-off fuel petcock must be closed from inside the cockpit. As it turns out, it is spring-loaded and cable activated. That’s not all. Our Shrouds parachute comes with a handy lever and a cable 12 feet long and get this: The massive fire-suppression extinguisher bottles are also cable-activated and we will have two of the massive bastards. All must be launched from inside the cockpit.
Okay, so we’re flying. And here’s the list for this week:
We need to consider a small dash with a tach, and a pushbutton for the starter which I ordered from Pingel. We need an on/off ignition switch, and Micah requested only a tach.
The FIM book requires front wheel fenders and I will reached out to Kent Riches. You saw his response above. I bought 50 pounds of lead shot and it arrived in canvas sacks. We are going to install it into the front sections of our frame before final welding takes place. Jeremiah came up with a way to capture the shot from slipping deeper into the frame. You’ll see more about CG or center of gravity in the news this coming week.
You’ll see that operation in the next episode. When we jump into that operation, the engine and trans will be out of the Torpedo and the frame will be upside down on the bench.
We were going to push in lead rods, but they were too spendy, almost a grand. We bought 50 pounds of shot for $122. I ordered a set of head-breathers for the JIMS 135-inch twin cam. A short velocity stack arrived this week and my grandson mounted it. Hang on for the next report.
Sponsors:
Jim’s Machine
Hot Rod Underground
Paughco
BDL
Strictly Hawgs
MetalSport Wheels
Custom Cycle Engineering
LowBrow
S&S
Bassini Exhausts
Twin Power
Lucky Devil Metal Works
