Hey,

Imagine if the concept of life changed dramatically. With the advent of scienctific discoveries and studies, everything is changing rapidly regarding religion, philosophy and nature.

It always blows me away, the more I learn the more motorcycling, custom motorcycling and choppers become pure bastions of freedom. According to science we are born, go through the process of growing, living, loving and dying. Simple as that. We are no more than a blossoming flower in your garden. Life comes and then it goes.

Ah, but there’s so much more to our lives and what we make of them. Every day we can conjure up our next ride, our next chopper, our next girlfriend (or boyfriend), or our next adventure. Fortunately, we’re around for many seasons, so our opportunities for creative and adventuresome expansion are many fold.

So, take advantage of every fucking season you have, ‘cause when you’re gone, you’re gone. Let’s hit the news and ponder the meaning of life. Maybe it’s the pursuit of love and creative freedom and Choppers are creative steel gods we are allowed to ride off into the sunset.

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.

TATTOO OF THE WEEK—Here’s the latest from Lincoln Tattoo Company, down the street from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson. This tat was administered by the masterful hands of my grandson, Frank Jr. His work is more amazing constantly.

Here’s a shot of Frank, my son, and Frankie with the Dyna I rebuilt. It’s about to be featured in Cycle Source Magazine.

NEWS FROM JASMINE CAIN–I am so excited to share all of the good news with you and show you what we’ve been up to! Many of you know we have been working on our new album “SEVEN” for almost 2 years, and we are finally finished! You can pre-order bundles now on our website: http://jasminecain.com! Those packages will be mailed out on May 6th so you will have them in your hands by our release date May 10th! Yayyyyy!!

If you are in the Daytona Beach area or want a little vacay, we have partnered together with the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach to bring you the Ultimate CD Release Experience! Check out all the information and get discount hotel prices here: https://www.facebook.com/events/996321773889888/!

If you’ve been following us on social media, you know that we are working on a music video for our first single “Be Brave” and reaching out to our fans to help us make this video. If you feel comfortable telling your story on camera, we would love to hear about a time in your life when you had to reach down and #BeBrave.

The stories you have shared with us already have been so powerful and healing and we appreciate everyone that was BRAVE enough to share with us. If you would like to submit a video, record a 2-3 minute clip and email us at 2kproductiongroup@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for supporting us and our music. We love you! Keep rockin!

–Jasmine Cain

 

Ocasio-Cortez Proposes Nationwide Motorcycle Ban–Junior Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez has made a lot of waves recently with her Green New Deal nonsense and child-like proposals and speeches. Well, it’s no different this afternoon as the political pixie announced her intention to draft legislation banning motorcycles from use in the United States of America.

The Senorita of Socialism threw out all manner of statistics regarding deadly accidents and injuries, relaxed traffic rules and tolls for bikers, as well as a not-so-veiled jab at a core demographic of President Trump’s supporters :

“Besides like, what I just said? A lot of these like, motorcycle people, okay, they’re like : ‘Ooh, look at me, I’m all old and fat and tough and I voted for Trump and smell like wet dog.’ And I’m supposed to slow my Prius down so you can like, noise pollute past everyone? I mean some of us have a nail appointment, people.”

Opposing the ban, spokesman and leader of “Bikers For Trump”, Clee Torres, also gave a statement to the press, expressing his, and his organization’s views :

“I don’t know where they found this little girl with the cute little mouth, but ain’t nobody taking away our hogs. President Trump is the best damn thing to happen to this country since Zima.”

Torres added that Bikers For Trump would hold a protest against the proposal with a million motorcycle convoy in Washington, previous incarnations of which have drawn tens of participants. Cortez may want to get herself back behind the bar where her little Punky Brewster act can make her some tips.

Editor’s Note: This is untrue, a satirical report from a website devoted to political satire. Politics are bad enough, we don’t need made- up bullshit.–Bandit

QUICK, LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2007 Harley-Davidson FXDL – Dyna Low Rider

$6,495.00

When this long and low factory custom first debuted, it was an instant hit among the Harley-Davidson faithful. The word “low” describes much more than rider position when it comes to the Dyna Low Rider. With the 25.8-inch seat height is among the lowest in the Harley-Davidson line. The bikes ergonomics are well-suited to those looking for a comfortable ride, while the Twin Cam 96 powertrain actually brings the low rider to a high level of performance.

This Amazing bike is in Excellent condition passing every Lifestyle Cycles Service inspection.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

This Low Rider comes with tons of upgrades and aftermarket parts. Starting with a set of low-rider style handlebars with a set of chrome mirrors. Both front and rear wheels are contrast cut with a front fender mud-flap.

Forward controls with a powerful 2 into 1 full exhaust system. A set of chrome Adjustable Progressive Suspension system. A 2-up seat with passenger pegs mounted to give your passenger a comfortable riding experience. Chrome primary housing cover with a chrome horn cover.

Overall this classic Low Rider has style, performance, and comfortable fitting to give you the true Harley-Davidson experience.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!! 

–Dan Leadbetter
Director of Marketing
Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155

LAW TIGERS HIT AZ FLAT TRACK–Law Tigers is doing another VIP ticket giveaway for the AZ Flat Track Super TT Race.

We are giving away 2 sets of AZ Bike Week Tickets + Observation Deck Concert Tickets to George Thorogood and the Destroyers Thursday, April 4th 9 pm and to Godsmack Saturday, April 6th 9 pm. Winners will be announced 03/27/2019.

Enter Now!

 

 

 

BREAKIN’ THE LAW IN CHICAGO– What should Chicago do about cyclists who don’t play by the rules?– Ever since my last Reader column on Chicago’s mayoral election was published, I’ve been fielding a lot of complaints about lawbreaking bicyclists. I mentioned Toni Preckwinkle’s statement from a recent debate that many bike riders “don’t pay any attention to the traffic laws, which is not only infuriating, but also scary for drivers.”

A typical comment I received on Twitter read, “Many, many cyclists ARE unsafe. Very self-centered, all-about-me-me-me and generally disrespectful.” Isn’t it great that drivers never act that way?

In fairness, though, hazardous and obnoxious cycling is a thing. So, I’d like to throw a bone to the “there are a lot of reckless bikers” crowd with a look at what Chicago should do about bicyclists who break traffic rules.

Let’s classify lawbreaking by bike riders into three categories:

1. Technically illegal, but widespread and largely harmless, behavior. This includes slow, cautious cycling for short distances on sidewalks or against traffic on side streets. Another example is riders treating stoplights like stop signs and stop signs like yield signs. This is known as the “Idaho stop” because it’s legal in the Gem State.

2. Lawbreaking that may be annoying, but is mostly a danger to the cyclist. This includes riding for long distances on sidewalks or against traffic on main streets, and riding at night without lights. (People who do the latter are nicknamed “bike ninjas.”)

3. Willfully inconsiderate or reckless riding that can terrify or endanger others. This includes hauling ass down crowded sidewalks; failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks; and mindlessly bombing red lights and stop signs.

There’s a racial equity component to the question of how we should deal with these behaviors. A 2017 Tribune investigation found that some communities of color saw exponentially more tickets for bike infractions than majority-white neighborhoods. A police rep eventually acknowledged that this was due to officers using bike enforcement as a pretext for searches in high-crime areas.

To get some different viewpoints on the best policies to address unlawful cycling, I checked in with a few city agencies and transportation experts and advocates.

I contacted the Wisconsin-based National Motorists Association for the right-wing windshield perspective. After all, the group’s hard-line stances against automated enforcement, lower speed limits, traffic calming, stricter DUI rules, and even seatbelt laws make the American Automobile Association look like Greenpeace. But I was pleasantly surprised by spokeswoman Shelia Dunn’s fairly balanced response, which stressed that everyone “driving, riding, or walking . . . should be responsible for their own safety and look out for others on the road.”

Predictably, the NMA doesn’t support legalizing the Idaho stop. Dunn argued that doing so would make it difficult for pedestrians and drivers to predict bicyclists’ behavior, and embolden cyclists to run reds and signs even when intersections aren’t clear.

Dunn called for better and earlier mobility education for kids, including safe walking, biking, and driving practices. “I lived in Germany for a time, and my fourth-grader was required to take a bicycling course in school,” she said. “This would be a tremendous help.”

I asked the Chicago Police Department about their cycling enforcement policies. (We didn’t discuss the racial discrepancies, which I’ve written about at length.) Spokesman Howard Ludwig said officers are told to use discretion when writing bike tickets, differentiating between behavior that’s merely unlawful, and that which is truly hazardous. For example, he said, a bike ninja on a dark side street might get a ticket, but “a cyclist without a light in a well-lit commercial area might pedal away with a warning.”

This latitude helps explain why officers often choose to ignore cyclists doing Idaho stops. But Ludwig said the CPD will sometimes conduct “targeted enforcement” stings on bike riders, staking out particular locations where residents or aldermen have complained about bike infractions, or in response to a cyclist-involved crash…

–John Greenfield
Chicago Reader.com

RUMORS ABOUT THE HORSE MAGAZINE–As far as I know no one ever got a refund for subs.. I contacted them three times, never anything. I see it on the newsstand but never buy it because of his reason!

–Stealth

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE CONNECTED BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS

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

And I say again what happened too the country I left in 1965 and came back to in1967?. I am sorry my daughter will not have the same one I grew up in. The silent majority needs to speak up, vote against these politicians. France did it right.

Anyway, I will be 73 this year, and believe I will go for a ride on my coming home Panhead. Clear my head.

–Alex Jemery
aj846@lycos.com
Deland, FL

NEWS FROM ARIZONA ABATE–
It was a slow week at the Legislature for the most part. We did get a few things moved forward. One of the bills we are still working hard on is SB1001 Highway Safety Fee Repeal. We will be sending an ACTION ALERT later today to contact State Representatives to vote to pass this repeal.

It’s Bike Week. Make sure you stay alert and safe if you are out and about this weekend.

HB2109:
COUNTY TRANSPORTATION EXCISE TAX
If approved by a majority of the qualified electors, a county transportation excise tax must be levied and collected at a rate that, by itself or together with any tax county transportation excise tax for roads, is not more than 20 percent, increased from 10 percent, of the transaction privilege tax rate in effect on January 1, 1990 (5 percent) or of the jet fuel excise and use tax rate prescribed by statute (currently 3.05 cents per gallon).
4/4 Senate COW approved. passed Senate 21-8; ready for governor.

HB2319:
HURF TRANSFERS; HIGHWAY PATROL; REPEAL
Repeals statute requiring the Department of Transportation to allocate and transfer $10 million from revenues of the Arizona Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) to the Department of Public Safety for funding a portion of highway patrol costs.
4/2 Senate appro held.

SB1001:
HIGHWAY SAFETY FEE; REPEAL; VLT
Repeals the highway safety fee that was previously required to be in an amount established by the Director of the Department of Transportation annually in order to fund 110 percent of the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol budget for each fiscal year.

If monies in the Arizona Highway Patrol Fund are insufficient to fully fund the Highway Patrol in a FY, the Legislature is required to appropriate monies from the general fund to eliminate the insufficiency.
4/4 House appro do pass; report awaited.

SB1258:
CLASS M DRIVER LICENSES; APPLICABILITY
A class M driver license is not necessary for operating a motorcycle that has at least three wheels and a three-point safety belt and bucket or bench seats and that is fully enclosed or uses a roll cage frame.
4/3 passed House 60-0; ready for governor.

QUICK, REPAINT THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— Grandpa story:
Last week, I took my grandchildren to a restaurant.

My 8-year-old grandson asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food and I would thank you even more if Grandpa gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty, peace & justice for all. Amen!”

Along with the laughter and nodding of heads from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman at the next table remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray.. Asking God for ice cream! Why — I never!”

Hearing this, my grandson burst into tears & asked me, “Did I do it wrong Grandpa? Is God mad at me?”

I assured him that he had done a terrific job & that God was certainly not mad at him. Then an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my grandson & said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.”

“Really?” my grandson asked.

“Cross my heart,” the man replied. Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is sometimes good for the soul.”

Naturally, I bought my grandchildren ice cream at the end of the meal. My grandson stared at his ice cream for a moment, & then he did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over & placed it in front of the woman.

With a big smile he looked her in the eye and told her, “Here ma’am, this is for you, you grouchy old bitch. Shove it up your ass and cool off!”

Kinda brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it!

–EL Waggs

[page break]

NEWS FROM THE NMA–Why Speed Limiters Are NOT About Safety, But More About Control

By Florida Member Stephen Donaldson

Life Member, Stephen Donaldson has held various volunteer positions (including Florida State Activist) with the National Motorists Association. He currently serves as a member of the NMA’s Foundation. He wrote a version of this post as a letter-to-the-editor.

Say NO to speed limiters!

The speed limiters that will soon be on all new EU vehicles by 2022 are NOT about safety one bit. If this starts in Europe, you know that new car speed limiters will soon find their way here. And these limiters are no more to safety than adhering to a number sign without question.

Anyone who lived through the 55 mph speed limit era can attest to that. During that time, limits were set on politics NOT safety. After repeal, the overall traffic death rates WENT DOWN, despite claims of doom and gloom, which was manufactured reports by the auto insurance industry.

The prevailing one-third of crashes are “caused” by “speeding” claim is very misleading. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA counts three different things for “speeding” crashes: street racing, driving too fast for conditions (below the speed limit), and driving above the speed limit regardless of cause.

According to this 2017 TheNewspaper.com post entitled, Federal Stats Overstate Role Of Speeding In Fatal Crashes:

“The US Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) describes the actions of 48,613 drivers who were involved in 32,166 fatal crashes in 2015. NHTSA took the database and used the broadest possible definition of “speeding” to arrive at the 27 percent figure.

NHTSA considers a crash to be speeding-related if any driver in the crash was charged with a speeding-related offense or if a police officer indicated that racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash,” the report explains.”

Of course, all of this is a judgment call from the investigating officer at the scene of the crash. According to the detailed information from the 2015 FARS database and not the detailed report, traffic accident statistics looked much differently according to TheNewspaper.com:

Eighty-two individuals were identified as racing before the fatal accident which accounted for 0.2 percent of incidents.

 

Only 102 speeding tickets were issued to drivers, compared to 6864 tickets for non-speeding offenses.

 

Only seven percent or 3469 drivers were actually found to exceed the posted speed limit.

Most “speeding” has more to do with underset limits. Many posted limits are posted based on politics NOT safety. This is happening more and more often in cities and states across our country.

When you have most cars breaking a limit safely (the 85th percentile rule), then the posted speed limit is likely too low. The vast majority of drivers, however, are not driving “unsafe.” The mandatory 55 mph speed limit back in the 1970s and 1980s showed the nonsense of basing “safety” on a number sign without any question.

Car speed limiters are not only an excess of fantasy control by so-called “safety” advocates, they are also just downright dangerous because there are times a driver needs to use judgment to deal with emergencies or avoid crashes. DRIVERS NEED TO BE IN CONTROL, not unelected employees of government agencies.

There is more to “safety” than a number sign or impact speed. We don’t even saddle aviation with this nonsense. This “car limiter” needs to be tossed in the trash can of bad ideas.

ONE-MILLION MILE BIKER–The Million Mile Man – Dave Zein – 10 th anniversary Blog Post shows how much eager the netizens are to know about famous bikers and adventurous biker trips.

Million Mile Blog Post reached 4,259 facebook users engaging 394.
There was 70 Clicks to the Blog Post Link.

125 Likes, 35 Shares and 5 comments. Attached Screenshot.

WE NEED TO DO More of such legend celebrations to document it for posterity.

Best Wishes,
–Ujjwal Dey

Looks like we are headed in the right direction.
I am happy that I made that final part of the adventure by riding with Dave and Tony Sanfelipo from Florida To Milwaukee

Posted by Tony Sanfelipo.

This was another great day in motorcycle history for Wisconsin. I rode down to Florida with Dave Zien to pick up John Rogue and add another 1,300 miles to Dave’s odometer each way. A couple of days later, we swung into Hal’s Harley-Davidson as the odometer turned over to all zeros. On April 9, at the Harley plant on Juneau Ave., Attorney Michael Hupy watched his partner, Attorney Jason Abraham as the last person to ride Dave’s iconic FXR before it was shipped to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

–Rogue

 

MAKE SURE THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY STAYS OPEN– This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary.

For my sixty fifth birthday this year, my wife (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me. Although I am still in great shape since playing on my college tennis team 45 years ago, I decided it would be a good
idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. My wife seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started!

The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress ..

MONDAY

Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess -with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines.

She took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. She was alarmed that my pulse was so fast, but I attribute it to standing next to her in her Lycra aerobic outfit. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, all though my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

TUESDAY

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air — then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile.

Belinda’s rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It’s a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY
The only way I can brush my teeth is by lying on the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals.

Driving was OK as long as I didn’t try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO
in the club parking lot. Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for early in the morning and when she scolds, She gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators?

Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other shit too.

THURSDAY
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn’t help being a half an hour late, it took me that long to tie my shoes.

Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the men’s room. She sent Lars to find me. Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine — which I sank.

FRIDAY

I hate that bitch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world.

Stupid, skinny, anemic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it. Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don’t have any triceps! And if you don’t want dents in the floor, don’t hand me the M—– f—– barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn’t it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY

Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her made me want to smash the machine with my planner.

However, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY

I’m having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my wife (the bitch) will choose a gift for me that is fun — like a root canal or a vasectomy.

–Bobby Stark

JESSE ROOKE PASSES—What a creative, innovative spirit. He passed last week after an accident, unfortunately he didn’t survive. It’s a shame to see a young gun pass.

–Bandit

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–
funemployed [fuhn-em-ploid]

 

adjective
1.
without a paid job but enjoying the free time: Ask one of your funemployed friends to come along with you.

noun
1.
funemployed people collectively (usually preceded by the): Most of the funemployed are under 30.

QUOTES

So far, at least, he seems like an excellent match for this slightly wilder, funemployed new version of Jess.

— Izzy Grinspan, “New Girl Recap: Off the Grid,” Vulture, September 26, 2012

ORIGIN

Funemployed, an informal combination of fun and (un)employed, is a neologism dating to 1995.

5-BALL RACING—We just received our first Racy Full Hoodie womens’ jacket and we collaborated with Bartels’ Harley-Davidson and the Redhead on this puppy. It’s going to be a hot item, or maybe I should say Warm.

Check out our enter line of leathers. More new stuff coming next week.

–Bandit

 

GLOCK’s New Spokesperson is Chuck Norris–

It’s hard to top a spokesperson like R. Lee Ermey. Unfortunately, Gunny’s tour of duty came to an end almost exactly a year ago. Now, in a stroke of marketing genius perfection, GLOCK has signed on none other than Chuck Norris — yes, that Chuck Norris — as their new spokesperson. If you’ll be at the NRAAM, prepare to wait in line to say hi.

Here’s their press release . . .

SMYRNA, GA—April 8, 2019—GLOCK, Inc., a leading innovator and global manufacturer of firearms, today announced legendary world champion martial artist, actor, producer, philanthropist and entrepreneur Chuck Norris as the company Spokesperson.

As a company driven by a commitment to perfection, relentless innovation and disciplined precision, GLOCK was seeking a spokesperson that exemplifies the same characteristics and principles. The parallels between GLOCK and Norris deliver an authentic, fun and legendary alignment of brands.

“Chuck Norris revolutionized and ushered martial arts into the American mainstream just like GLOCK revolutionized firearms by inventing and commercializing polymer-based pistols and the SAFE ACTION® System” said Josh Dorsey, Vice President of GLOCK, Inc. “Having him represent the GLOCK brand brings two iconic names together that are mutually committed to perfection and their fan base. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.”

The collaboration will include traditional, digital and social campaigns as well as public appearances, the first being at the NRA Annual Conference in Indianapolis April 26-27, 2019.

“I’m honored to partner with this world-renowned brand,” said Norris. “The values that I have built my life and brand on—tough, real, constant and powerful—are echoed in everything that GLOCK does and creates. Let me put it this way, if I ever decided to go into firearms, there would be no point—I would just be recreating what GLOCK has already built. The only thing that would change is the name.”

For more information about the partnership, or GLOCK, Inc. and our products, visit us.glock.com.”

–BY DAN ZIMMERMAN
Truth about Guns

BIKERNET STAFF COMMENT–I read the weekend round up the part about us dying.. Seems I think about it from time to time. I guess when I read Arlen had passed it kinda hit me. The past 20 years have flown by. my Dad would always tell me you only live once, so live and I guess that is what I try do.

Great article!

–Mike Pullin
Southeastern Biker Society Editor
Bikernet.com™

 

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK–Le Pera
‘Stubs Café’

The North Hollywood, California seat specialist had a big year in 2018 with three stylish new designs – the ‘Streaker’ for Sportsters; ‘KickFlip’ for ’06-’17 Dynas and the ‘Sprocket’ Solo for ’08 and up Baggers, with selected options include ‘Smooth’, ‘Diamond’ and ‘Pleated’ stitch finishes.

There’s more to come from them in 2019, and seen here the ‘Stubs Café’ for ’08-‘19 Baggers “is everything a seat like this should be and absolutely nothing more!”
The ‘Stubs Café’ features a tapered tail section, old school accent piping, just the right amount of gap between seat and tank, deep angled back support with 12.25” wide driver seating, two optional passenger seating widths. It too is available in ‘Smooth’, ‘Diamond’ and ‘Pleated’ stitch finishes.

All Le Pera seats have 47 years of handcraftsmanship invested into every detail, and feature a powder-coated 16-gauge steel base plate, a specially poured high-density “Marathon” molded foam foundation and double-stitched handcrafted cover.

LE PERA ENTERPRISES
www.lepera.com

MOTORCYCLES AS ART COMING TO THE TOWN OF THE CHIP IN AUGUST–See Dozens of Light and Lean Machines Built for Motorcycles As Art Exhibit Curated by Michael Lichter

What:What’s the Skinny Exhibit
When:Saturday, Aug. 3 – Friday, Aug. 9, 2019 – 2 -10 p.m..
Where:Buffalo Chip Event Center Near the East Gate

Why: See this one-time collection of world-class custom motorcycles built by industry leaders whose past work been influenced by the skinny aesthetic.

How:It’s FREE to the public! Get there
What happens when you thin the herd of the custom motorcycling world and gather the builders known best for creating the lightest, leanest and meanest machines on two wheels? You’ll find out when you experience the stunning collection of masterpieces curated by Michael Lichter for the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s® 2019 Motorcycles As Art™ Exhibition, “What’s the Skinny: Motorcycling Without the Fat.”

During the exhibit’s 11th year at the Buffalo Chip, you’ll get to know the works of a diverse group of over 40 custom builders and artists hand selected by exhibit curator Michael Lichter. This one-time collection will assemble a remarkable group of custom motorcycles all built by master builders inspired by the “skinny” aesthetic.

The exhibition is free to the public and open in the Buffalo Chip’s Event Center 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3 through Friday, Aug. 9, 2019.

 

NEW FROM LOWBROW–Introducing the Banana Gas Tank.

Lowbrow Customs has reproduced the original Wassell Banana Tank, with a few updates and options. The Wassell Banana Tank was originally made in England starting in the 1950’s as a custom gas tank for Triumphs, BSAs and other British motorcycles. It ended up on Harley-Davidson choppers and other custom bikes of all types.

Originals are expensive, crusty, and thin gauge steel. Lowbrow decided to reproduce the Banana Tank, widening the tunnel so it will fit many more types of motorcycle frames. The filler neck was also changed to accept the common, thread-in, Harley-style gas cap. In addition to the original deep tunnel version, a have a mid tunnel tank is also available. A third option is the aptly named Super Banana, which has the same sleek side profile but is an inch and a half wider for added fuel capacity.

All styles of Banana Gas Tanks are $229.95. For more information or to order please visit www.lowbrowcustoms.com/banana or call Lowbrow Customs at 1-330-850-7040.

 

BikeNord celebrates 10 years in new premises–Before this year’s season, you will find BikeNord Sweden at a new address in Löddeköpinge, Teknikvägen 14. BikeNord is one of the industry’s smaller distributors in Scandinavia with major brands such as JHON DOE XTM / Kevlar clothing, REMUS sportsexhaust system, DAVIDA helmets, ZANDONA protective clothing, etc.

At the new address we have invested in being a “John Doe brand store” for the southern parts of Sweden where our customers can see and buy the entire John Does range. Most of our business is still going through our local dealers in Scandinavia, and we now have a representative meeting place / showroom where we can meet our resellers, customers and suppliers, says CEO and owner Göran Sidnor.

We welcome ALL to our 10 year celebration Saturday 11 May with lots of hands, food and offer both in and outside the site.

Follow us:

WEB: https://www.bikenord.se

THIS JUST IN FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT DOOMSDAY FILE–Melting Glaciers To Drown Us (At 2 Inches A Century!)

 

Melting glaciers causing sea levels to rise at ever greater rates–Doomsayers
by University of Zurich

Melting ice sheets in Greenland and the Antarctic as well as ice melt from glaciers all over the world are causing sea levels to rise. Glaciers alone have lost more than 9 trillion tons of ice since 1961, raising water levels by 27 millimeters, an international research team under the lead of the University of Zurich has now found.

Glaciers have lost more than 9 trillion tons (that is 9,625,000,000,000 tons) of ice between 1961 and 2016, which has resulted in global sea levels rising by 27 millimeters in this period. The largest contributors were glaciers in Alaska, followed by the melting ice fields in Patagonia and glaciers in the Arctic regions. Glaciers in the European Alps, the Caucasus and New Zealand were also subject to significant ice loss; however, due to their relatively small glacierized areas, they played only a minor role when it comes to the rising global sea levels.

 

 

Wow!! 27mm between 1961 and 2016!

That’s the equivalent of 2 inches a century. Head to the hills!

–By Paul Homewood
From Phys.org

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BMG TO RELEASE MUCH-ANTICIPATED BILLY RAY CYRUS ALBUM THE SNAKEDOCTOR CIRCUS
MAY 24– NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While Billy Ray Cyrus shares the No. 1 song on all music streaming platforms worldwide with the remix of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” Cyrus is equally excited about the release of his long-planned album, The SnakeDoctor Circus. Cyrus and BMG planned to release the concept record on May 24 long before the phenomenon of “Old Town Road.”

“Life is a series of adjustments. I’ve been working on this album, The SnakeDoctor Circus, for more than two years now. In January this year, my label, BMG, had planned and scheduled the release of this album May 24. Twenty-seven days ago, I heard a song from Lil Nas X and felt the injustice of the way he was being treated. You just don’t pull the rug out from under someone like that. He impacted a worldwide psyche and touched a universal harmony. That’s when I made the adjustment in my schedule, went to the studio, wrote a new verse and sang on ‘Old Town Road’ with Lil Nas X,” said Cyrus.

Cyrus recorded The SnakeDoctor Circus in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with some of the most respected musicians, including Cyrus’ longtime collaborator and songwriting mentor, Don Von Tress, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dewey Lyndon “Spooner” Oldham (piano), Nashville Musician’s Hall of Fame Member Will McFarlane, as well as David Hood (bass guitar), Kelvin Holly (electric/acoustic/bass guitar), Bekka Bramlett (vocals, tambourine), Kimi Samson (violin, viola, piano), Caleb Elliott (cello), Will McFarlane (electric guitar), James LeBlanc (electric guitar), Mike ‘Dillon’ Curington (drums), John Brannen (acoustic guitar, harmonica), Shonna Tucker (bass guitar), Angela Hacker (vocals), Larry Byrom (piano), Mick Utley (piano), Johnny Monteagle (drums, baritone sax, synth) and Jimmy Nutt (acoustic/electric guitars, tambourine, percussion). Nutt, a Grammy®-winning recording engineer, also mixed The SnakeDoctor Circus.

It’s a full circle moment for Cyrus because Von Tress wrote the multi-platinum smash “Achy Breaky Heart” on Cyrus’ record-breaking debut album Some Gave All. Cyrus penned “Some Gave All” about a Vietnam veteran in 1989 only to meet Von Tress, whom is also a Vietnam veteran, a few years later. The collaboration between the two songwriting titans more than 25 years ago continues with new music on The SnakeDoctor Circus.

Be sure to follow Cyrus on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information on Billy Ray Cyrus and his upcoming projects, visit BillyRayCyrus.com.

Photographer: LOWFIELD

KEN’s Factory Bolt-on Bagger Bests–Signal Hill, CA April 3, 2018 – Hottest Bagger Bolt-on’s coming from Ken’s Factory: Master Cylinder, Ignition Switch, Gas Cap Covers…and Saddlebag Latches

At Ken’s Factory, each part is designed with the mantra “Details Create Style.” More and more touring model riders are putting attention to the details as Ken’s Factory is reporting top designs from the company’s roster:

For more information please contact:
KensFactoryUSA.com
info@KensFactoryUSA.com
(562) 597-5666
1881 Obispo Ave
Signal Hill, CA 90755

 

DIRECT FROM THE BIKERNET DISCOVERY GROUP– 9 April 1941
A Guardsman of 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, 7th Guards Brigade, 3rd Division rides a Norton Model 18 motorcycle fitted with a special mount to accommodate a Thompson sub machine gun, allowing the rider to fire while in motion. Swanage, Dorset, UK

— Mark V. Lonsdale
STTU / Operational Studies
MarkVLonsdale@gmail.com

SOME VERY WORTHWHILE ADVICE–
NOT ALL THIEVES ARE STUPID …

1. LONG – TERM PARKING

Some people left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into the car. Using the information on the car’s registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people’s home in Pebble Beach and robbed it. So I guess if we are going to leave the car in long-term parking, we should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor your remote garage door opener. This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

2. GPS:

Someone had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard. When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.

The thieves used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house.

It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents. Something to consider if you have a GPS – don’t put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.

3. CELL PHONES:

I never thought of this! This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her cell phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc., was stolen.

Twenty minutes later, when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says, “I received your text asking about our Pin number and I’ve replied a little while ago.”

When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text “hubby” in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

Moral lesson:
a. Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc.

b.. And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back.

c. Also, when you’re being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet “family and friends” who text you.

4. PURSE IN THE GROCERY CART SCAM:
A lady went grocery-shopping at a local mall and left her purse sitting in the children’s seat of the cart, while she reached something off a shelf. Wait till you read the WHOLE story! Her wallet was stolen, and she reported it to the store personnel.

After returning home, she received a phone call from the Mall Security to say that they had her wallet and that although there was no money in it, it did still hold her personal papers. She immediately went to pick up her wallet, only to be told by Mall Security that they had not called her.

By the time she returned home again, her house had been broken into and burglarized The thieves knew that by calling and saying they were Mall Security, they could lure her out of her house long enough for them to burglarize it.

–Billy Tinney
Supreme Editor
Tattoo Magazine

CALL TO ACTION

ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO JOIN THE LETTER TO NHTSA ADDRESSING THE FEDERAL DEFINITION OF A MOTORCYCLE

We are asking you to take the a few minutes to ask your elected officials to join their colleagues on a letter being sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ask them to address the decades old definition of a motorcycle at the end of this week. The letter must be sent in the next 48 hours to ensure your member of Congress will be included in the letter.

One of the priorities for the MRF this year is addressing the definition of a motorcycle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in charge of the federal definition. The current definition is 40 years old and so broad that autocycles are classified as motorcycles which creates ambiguity surrounding licensing, registration, insurance and safety courses.

NHTSA defines the term “motorcycle,” as “a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with ground” (49 CFR 571.3).

ABATE of Iowa led the charge at the state level to update the definition of a motorcycle in Iowa. However, some states have not been able to address this issue in their statehouses. Now the MRF is seeking to change the definition at the federal level, which will ensure vehicles that are classified as motorcycles are indeed motorcycles. Leaders from ABATE of Wisconsin helped lead this push at the federal level. They came to Washington, DC earlier in the year and met with their Senators and Representatives as well as leaders of the Motorcycle Caucuses.

Those meetings resulted in a letter from Congressman Burgess of Texas and Senator Johnson of Wisconsin to NTSHA asking questions about the current definition of a motorcycle.

Congressman Burgess and Senator Johnson want their colleagues to sign onto the letter and join them in asking these crucial questions of NHSTA. We need you to contact your Congressman and Senators and ask them to join this letter. We want the definition of a motorcycle to be a motorcycle, and that starts with putting NHSTA on notice that the current definition is unacceptable.

We have all seen these autocycles on the road, and we know they aren’t motorcycles. Let’s make sure the bureaucrats in DC understand the difference!

Take Action

–Tiffany Cipoletti
Director of Operations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation

AT LAST, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez wants to decriminalize prostitution–He’s decriminalized marijuana and now Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez wants to do the same for prostitution — and is even open to making sex work legal.

“I believe in decriminalization,” Gonzalez told an April 4 forum sponsored by Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.

That was a shift from three weeks earlier, when he said he would take a “fresh look” at the issue, but was still undecided.

Gonzalez emphasized that the decriminalization policy wouldn’t apply to pimps or sex traffickers.

He said he would also consider supporting a law to outright legalize sex work — as long it doesn’t let sex traffickers off the hook because that’s “obviously a big issue.”

“I’m actually interested to hear a little bit more [about] the work towards legalization and whether that makes sense,” he said.

Gonzalez noted that some women’s groups oppose legalization, for fear it would hamstring the prosecution of sex traffickers.

His comments were first reported by Gay City News.

According to Gonzalez, his office currently handles prostitution cases in a “soft prosecution” manner.

People arrested on the charge typically get a desk appearance ticket and are required to complete service with a social service group. After that, the case is dismissed.

“There is no prosecution. No one goes to jail,” he said.

Bronx DA Darcel Clark said that hookers who complete services and counselling in her borough can get their records expunged if they’re not re-arrested within six months.

But she also said that “decriminalizing or legalizing prostitution is up to the state Legislature,” according to spokeswoman Patrice O’Shaughnessy.

DAs in other boroughs said they don’t prosecute prostitutes in most cases.

“Our policy is to ensure that those engaged in prostitution are not further marginalized by having a criminal record. In Manhattan, every person arrested for prostitution is offered services through community-based organizations,” said Emily Tuttle, a spokeswoman for Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr.

“After completing meetings with service providers, the prostitution charged is dismissed,” Tuttle said.

Queens DA Richard Brown said that most of those charged with prostitution-related offenses are similarly required to complete community service “and then the case is eventually dismissed.”

 

Staten Island DA Michael McMahon said his office has a similar policy.

Overall prostitution arrests in the city have dropped sharply between 2012 and 2018, from about 4,000 to 1,500 per year.

Advocates are pushing to decriminalize sex work around the nation. Sen. Kamala Harris, the former California attorney general and a Democratic presidential candidate, recently endorsed that position.

By Carl Campanile
Photo: Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez by Erik Thomas

–NY POST

–from Rogue

SPECTRO NEWSLETTER ARRIVES–
The warm weather is here, and that means it’s time to ride! There are now less than two weeks until the inaugural Ride1 Rally, so if you haven’t prepped your bike for your first ride of the season now is the time to do so. We’ve got a lot of great announcements that will be coming out in the next couple days as we prep for this event so keep an eye on our Facebook Page and the Website for news. Check below for an update on some of our past announcements.

We have two great sponsors joining us this year in Brookfield Indian Motorcycle, and MAX BMW Motorcycles. These two companies are fantastic ambassadors of the motorcycle industry.

Do you like to stop for a nice meal when you ride? The Ride1 Rally will have quite the selection to choose from while you are at Lime Rock Park. We currently have five local area food trucks who have signed up to be in the vendor area.

Do you enjoy seeing a machine pushed to it’s limits, used in ways that most people can’t even imagine. Check out the Grim Company stunt shows that will take place at the rally!

Need something new for your ride, want to check out some of the new bike models coming out soon? The Ride1 Rally will have a vendor area with local dealers, aftermarket accessory vendors, and more!

Want to see some custom motorcycles, vintage motorcycles or just straight up unique ones? Stop by to check out the bike show and vote for your favorite! If you want to enter your own bike into the bike show, please stop by the info tent when you get to Lime Rock Park. (VIP parking included if you enter your motorcycle)

Keep an eye out on the main track throughout the day. On the main track all day will be the Lime Rock Park Drivers Club, and while we cannot allow any rally guests out on the track during the rally we will have occasional exhibition laps on track to show you what a track day at Lime Rock Park would be like. If you, or your group are interested in hosting a track day at LRP, they are currently booking dates for 2019!

Ride1 Rally has partnered with Autism Speaks during the month of April for Autism Awareness. Please click here to donate today to help us reach our goal!

 

SORTA SCATTERED BRAINED TODAY—I woke up this morning with a start, like a gun went off and I was racing. I had issues with our 5-Ball leathers, the Salt Torpedo, the news, the trash, shit that was damaged by the recent winds and Cash, our high-security dog is aging, or should I say he’s dying.

I’m also working on another Cantina episode revolving around the marinas and dead dudes floating alongside their boats. Were they murdered? You’ll find out.

I’ll get the Redhead to approve, since she works in one of these Marinas and Sin Wu runs the Chowder Barge. Then I’ll run at another episode of the Salt Torpedo. Consider becoming a sponsor and helping us set a couple of records. We are making serious progress.

It was just one of those days. I just wanted to focus on the news, but shit kept flying at me. More reports scrambled in regarding taxes, parts arrived for the Salt Torpedo, Jeremiah installed a new Thunderheader on his Dyna and needed fasteners. He had nothing but problems with his D&D system. We fixed it a few times, but he finally gave up.

What the hell? Never a dull moment. It’s all good and all about progress. Maybe that’s the meaning of life, progress. I found out positive stress is very good for you, as long as you have time to relax and rebuild and as long as you have the right prospective. 

Friday will be damn exciting. I have a new PBI trans sprocket for the Salt Torpedo. I received 50 pounds of lead shot for the frame. I have bungs for the frame and turnouts from Paughco for the Bassini Exhaust System. I may even receive a short velocity stack for the S&S G carb. I’m working with Barnetts on the cables and the new Paughco gas tank is in place. I’ll be cooking all day.

 

We create our own meaning of life including riding free forever!

–Bandit