AMAZING SEASON BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 7, 2023
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
I want everyone to have a magnificent holiday season. This news column says it all from romance, to the freedom fight, to the need for truth.
It says the holiday spirit, from gift giving, to warm and family joy. What could be better.
Let’s hit it:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
UNDER SIEGE WARNING— Huge network of Chinese fake accounts set up to disrupt, US and India 2024 polls exposed
In a recent quarterly threat report released by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, it was revealed that Meta has successfully dismantled a large network of over 4,700 fake accounts originating from China. These accounts, pretending to be Americans and Indians, were actively involved in disseminating misleading information on divisive topics related to US politics and US-China relations as well as Indian politics.
While Meta did not explicitly tie the profiles to Chinese officials in Beijing, the company expressed concerns about the surge in such networks originating from China, especially with the approaching 2024 US elections. According to Meta, China now ranks as the third-largest geographical source of such deceptive networks, trailing behind Russia and Iran.
The deceptive Chinese network, as outlined in the report, engaged in a variety of topics such as abortion, culture war issues, and aid to Ukraine. The accounts utilized profile pictures and names stolen from legitimate users worldwide, sharing and liking each other’s posts. Notably, some of the content appeared to be directly copied from X, formerly Twitter.
In addition to the large Chinese network, Meta also uncovered two smaller networks—one from China focusing on India and Tibet, and another from Russia posting primarily in English about the invasion of Ukraine and promoting Telegram channels.
In a notable development, Meta highlighted that the US government ceased sharing information about foreign influence networks with the company in July, following a federal ruling related to a First Amendment legal case. This decision is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court, contributing to the broader debate about the collaboration between the US government and tech companies and its potential impact on the free speech of social media users.
READ FULL ARTICLE AT
https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/under-siege-huge-network-of-chinese-fake-accounts-set-up-to-disrupt-india-us-2024-polls-exposed/ar-AA1kWTk9
–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet.com™
POSSIBLE BOOK GIFT FROM VELOCE PUBLISHING—
Pontiac Firebird The Auto-Biography
— New 4th Edition — by Marc Cranswick
A new, enlarged and updated fourth edition of THE Firebird book – now available WORLDWIDE!
Updated and enlarged fourth edition of Marc Cranswick’s complete model history of General Motors’ upmarket F-body variant. Featuring a new foreword – and five new sections – written by legendary Firebird designer John Schinella, plus 128 new photos and 24 extra pages, Cranswick brings the Firebird legend to life in even more glorious detail.
Over a 40-year period the Pontiac Firebird earned a unique place amongst speedy American domestic cars, and what began as just another contender in the pony car race, ended up a true American classic. The Firebird’s tale is a reflection of the development of the mainstream domestic car in the modern era: V8s, turbo V8s, turbo V6s, HO V6s, overhead cam I6s, and even a Super Duty four banger. If there’s a performance avenue to be explored, then the Firebird has been there.
Popular in the sales charts, the Firebird has also been high profile both in television and movies, cementing its legendary status in pop culture and beyond. From the go-faster 1960s, gas mileage- and pollution-controlled 1970s, performance renaissance of the 1980s, through to the indifference of the 1990s, the Firebird was always there. This is its story.
Close attention is paid to both regular models and high level variants such as Formula and Trans Am, and an appendix featuring model highlights from the Firebird’s 35 year span details the specifications and statistics covering sixteen notable models, from the 19671/2 Firebird 400 Coupé, to the 1999 30th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am Convertible. Revealing all aspects of the Firebird story, from social, to economic and beyond, Cranswick shows how Pontiac made the Firebird unique.
Enlarged and updated fourth edition of the definitive Firebird book
Foreword and five new sections by Firebird designer John Schinella
Features 128 new images and 24 additional pages
Tells the ‘twin origins’ of the Firebird story – performance and style
Charts model development and appeal over its lifetime
Detailed model and variant descriptions throughout
Stunning photography, plus reproductions of advertising and marketing literature
Appendices cover model highlights, Firebird clubs, and resources for specific models
PRICE: £35 UK • $50 USA • $65 CAN
SKU V5804 FORMAT Hardback • 25×20.7cm • 232 pages • 400 pictures
ISBN 9781787118041 UPC 636847018047
DAV HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS— NEW CAREGIVERS PROGRAM
DAV is excited to announce the launch of its latest innovation – the DAV Caregivers Support program. The program allows veteran caregivers to access online resources and risk screening to better understand their role as a caregiver.
BE PART OF A LARGER TEAM AND MISSION
More than a million veterans have joined DAV — for a million different reasons. Join now before fees increase in 2024!
JOINDAV.ORG
“All veterans should be members, most helpful.” — Bandit
MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION ALERT–House of Representatives Votes to Defend Internal Combustion Engines
Wednesday, the U.S. House Of Representatives passed H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 (CARS Act). The CARS Act is a bill designed to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from instituting emission standards that force manufacturers to produce more electric vehicles, thus limiting consumer choice.
The final vote on the bill was 221 to 197. 216 Republicans and 5 Democrats supported the bill, authored by Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, the co-chairman of the House Motorcycle Caucus.
After his introduction of the CARS Act, Representative Walberg said, “The Administration cannot continue to create regulations that limit consumer choice, hamper mobility, make vehicles more expensive for families, and cede America’s auto leadership and jobs to China.”
H.R. 4468 is the second bill in 2023, passed by the U.S. House, that pushes back against the attack on internal combustion engines. In September, the House passed H.R.1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. That bill limited individual states from making their own rules on emissions. Recently, California and like-minded states have been using a federal exemption to pass laws that would constrain the sale of internal combustion engines. H.R. 1435 would put a stop to that exemption.
The passage of the CARS Act shows that some members of Congress are concerned about the rush to eliminate the internal combustion engine. Thank you to all the members of the House who voted to protect consumer choice!
Both bills now await action by the U.S. Senate. If you have not already, click on both links below to support the Senate bills that aim to protect your right to choose the type of engine you want.
S. 3094 – Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023
S. 2090 – Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act
PANHEAD OF THE WEEK—
A 1949 Panhead by Bobber FL motorcycles.
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
DIRECT FROM THE CLIMATE DOOM FILES–Wyoming Governor Backs Out of Debate
On November 10, 30 members of the Wyoming legislature and the secretary of state sent a letter to Republican Governor Mark Gordon. In it, they challenged the governor, “joined by our allies, the scientists of the CO2 Coalition”, to debate his proposal to turn the Cowboy State “carbon negative.”
The governor initially accepted the challenge but on November 21, reneged on his agreement, formally backing out of what would have been a landmark event.
Our press release issued after the governor’s withdrawal can be reviewed here and my commentary about his refusal here: Gordon Was Standing Tall in the Saddle Until He Backed Down.
“Somebody wants to hide from the truth”–Bandit
NEW GREASY KULTURE ISSUE COMING–New issue 96. (And some seasonal discounts!)
Scotty Dettwiler makes some beautifully fabricated parts and motorcycles under his shop’s moniker ‘Junior’s Hand Made’. This ’78 Shovelhead chopper was hand-built from the frame upwards and won a couple of awards at last summer’s Born Free show. And it’s on the cover of our new issue 96.
If you’re still looking for a cool gift for the biker in your life, or want to treat yourself this Christmas, don’t forget our 2024 calendars are still available – and check out some of the discounted items in our collectibles cupboard!
THANK YOU for your support over the years. Season’s greetings to you all – we wish you a prosperous and peaceful 2024!
BEWARE THE MASK–Higher Incidence of COVID-19 Found Among Consistent Mask-Wearers: Study
Some mask wearers were found to have up to 40 percent higher incidence of infection, contradicting earlier studies and opposing the narrative of mask mandates.
People who wore protective masks were found to be more likely to contract COVID-19 infections than those who didn’t, according to a recent Norwegian study.
The peer-reviewed study, published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection on Nov. 13, analyzed mask use among 3,209 individuals from Norway. Researchers followed them for 17 days, and then asked the participants about their use of masks. The team found that there was a higher incidence of testing positive for COVID-19 among people who used masks more frequently.
Among individuals who “never or almost never” wore masks, 8.6 percent tested positive. That rose to 15 percent among participants who “sometimes” used masks, and to 15.1 percent among those who “almost always or always” wore them.
–Epoch Times
QUOTE OF THE WEEK—
“To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given the chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life.” –Bette Davis
from Epoch Times
ASSALT WEAPAN TO RETURN TO THE SALT–
I spoke to Berry Wardlaw this morning. We are working out something to get the Assalt Weapan “World’s Fastest Panhead” on the salt once more.
The following is on Berry’s Facebook page,
“This morning I had the great pleasure of speaking on the phone with the Big Boss. He said to me, ‘”Berry, come get the Assalt Weapon and get your butt back to Bonneville. Oh, and Berry. Don’t come back without another record”.’
No pressure. I will be hawking my wares for race funds. T-shirts, caps, etc. SPONSORSHIPS GREATLY APPRECIATED!! Videos soon to follow. Vroooom!!
We have some plans for next year and I will contact him about getting involved in covering this and whatever else I can do to help.
–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
HARLEY MUSEUM HOLIDAYS—With photos from the Black Bear Brand from Sam Burns.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is a hub of holiday fun this month
Breakfast with Santa, a NYE party at MOTOR and special offers – including free admission for Milwaukee County residents – make this a December to remember.
There’s no place like the Harley-Davidson Museum for the holidays. The campus is lit and is ready for the arrival of St. Nick for Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 10 & 17). The shelves at the Harley-Davidson Shop and the H-D Factory Outlet are packed with goodies for those who made the “nice list” (and maybe even those who’ve been a little bit naughty).
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant has a sleigh full of fun holiday specials – including a Hawaiian-themed New Year’s Eve bash – to keep you in a jolly mood (did someone mention the Rum Rum Rudolph cocktail?). And there’s even a new custom bike on display that’s recently been unwrapped.
But in the spirit that it’s often better to give than receive, the H-D Museum is looking to provide a holiday gift for our amazing neighbors, friends and family who have supported H-D for more than a century and made this summer’s inaugural Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival a roaring success.
Join us on New Year’s Eve (12/31/2023) when all Milwaukee County residents will receive free admission to the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum.* The orange-carpet treatment extends over to the Harley-Davidson Shop where your purchase of $25 or more includes a free hat (while supplies last) and on to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant where county residents can score free Clock Shadow Creamery Cheese Curds with the purchase of a beverage, too (one per table). Does it get any more Milwaukee than that?!
If you’re looking to pay it forward this season, consider donating one of life’s most precious gifts on Dec. 12 when the H-D Museum partners with Versiti for a holiday blood drive. All attempting donors will receive a ticket for free admission to the H-D Museum along with a coupon for 10% off in the H-D Shop, a free ice cream sundae at MOTOR as well as a Versiti 2024 calendar (while supplies last).
Finally, don’t forget: We want you to be a part of the H-D Museum’s 15th Anniversary celebration. It’s your last chance to score a four-pack of general-admission tickets online for use on the 15th of this month (12/15/2023) for only $15! These four-packs are on-sale now and advance online purchases are required to visit on the 15th of December. Same-day purchases are allowed.
Visit H-DMuseum.com for details. It’s the perfect time to check out the recently opened special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” and see custom builds and art fresh from the show floor.
Please take note of holiday and seasonal hours:
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Please also note that aside from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant (which will remain open seven days a week) and private events hosted by 1903® Events, the H-D Museum™ campus will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February of 2024.
Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 10 & 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa tradition! Bring the kids down to the Harley-Davidson Museum for a special MOTOR breakfast with Santa! In this annual tradition, parents and children get the opportunity of a lifetime as they saddle up next to Santa on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Our full brunch menu will be available.
Space for the event is limited and reservations are required.
Call (414) 287-2778 to make a reservation.
BONUS! Brunch guests will receive a ticket voucher for free Museum General Admission for children (ages 0-17) following your meal with Santa. Plan ahead and make a day of it! (One adult ticket purchase required.)
Group bookings are available for 2-50 guests. Call 414-287-2799 or email groups@h-dmuseum.com for reservations. Check out the tour calendar for public tour availability, too.
MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” (on display now)
The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show and adjoining Flat Out Friday races are a bright spot in the dead of cold, Wisconsin winters. The show has amassed an army of followers and fans that give the weekend its signature style: People are the heart of the show; the bikes are the social lubrication. The Harley-Davidson Museum’s special exhibit, “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together,” focuses on the builders, the racers and the fans that gather over a bike or a brew.
A riot of bikes await you: outrageous custom bikes, lovingly restored vintage machines and one as rare as hen’s teeth – 1929 FHAC with FLXI Sidecar Factory Racer. Don’t come alone; bring your crew. That’s what Mama Tried is about, after all.
“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (on display now)
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine.
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LET’S TAKE A BREAK IN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY—
I choked on a carrot this morning, and all I could think of was, “I’ll bet a doughnut wouldn’t have done this to me.”
Nothing spoils a good story more than the arrival of an eyewitness. (Mark Twain)
It only takes one slow-walking person in the grocery store to destroy the illusion that I’m a nice person
It turns out that when asked who your favorite child is, you’re supposed to pick out one of your own. I know that now.
It’s fine to eat a test grape in the produce section, but you take one bite of rotisserie chicken and it’s all, “Sir, you need to leave!”
One thing no one ever talks about, when it comes to being an older adult, is how much time we devote to keeping a cardboard box because it is, you know, a really good box.
I can’t believe I forgot to go to the gym today. That’s seven years in a row, now.
–El Waggs
Certified Librarian
Bikernet.com™
BRAND NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT—Biker Hawaiian Style
Mahalo for the article story. What a blessing Hawaii has in its local motorcycle clubs banning together to form a brotherhood that is unique to the world let the world see what Hawaii is.
Imua local style, I’d like to share that my father Frederick smithy Smith was born and raised in Wahiawa, Oahu. My dad started riding when he was very young in the ’40s. He built his own bikes in the local style. My dad rode for many years until my mother was tired of worrying he might not come home one day, because you know my dad he was rascal and he rode the bike in a kind of rascal way too. But anyway, my mom was tired and she made him sell his bike, because we his children were coming left and right and we needed him in our lives.
Anyway, I always used to share with friends about my dad having a local style motorcycle a lot of my friends most of them didn’t know what a local style motorbike was. I am still proud that my dad rode a local boy. My dad passed away at the age of 80 in 2015. I wish I could have rode with him. Anyway Mahalo, for the article blessings to you the motorbike clubs and everyone else in the world aloha peace . Waianae!
–Henry Smith
Honolulu, Hawaii
The PETERSEN MUSEUM REPORT—
Your generous contributions helped fuel so many of our accomplishments this past year. Thank you for being such an important part of the work we do.
Please enjoy a short recap of our year:
We’re so proud of all we’ve accomplished:
100 unique, large-scale exhibitions and smaller installations since reopening in 2015.
Over 50 one-of-a-kind rallies, cruise-ins, collection tours, and special events for our Petersen Members and community this year.
Over 6000 people and 3,000 cars participated in our Cruise-ins this year.
Over 10 million images, 3,000 volumes of research stacks, 230 rare books, 525 bound volumes of Robert E. Petersen’s magazines, and 650 cans of both 16mm & 35mm motion picture film have been repaired, cleaned, and digitized.
Over 100,000 kids participated in Discovery Center, Little Sparks, Field Trips, Free Bus and Admissions program, Auto Maintenance and Detailing workshops, Teen Auto Workshop, and outreach programs.
We are immeasurably grateful for the generosity that made these exhibits, archival work, events, and educational programs possible and for the outpouring of support! Next year marks three decades of work towards becoming “the world’s best automotive museum.” We look forward to celebrating our accomplishments and continuing to build a global community with you – the opportunities are endless!
With profound gratitude and appreciation,
Terry L. Karges
Executive Director
TENNESSEE MOTORCYCLES & MUSIC REVIVAL SET FOR MAY 16 – 19 AT LORETTA LYNN’S RANCH IN HURRICANE MILLS, TN
FOUR-DAY FESTIVAL WELCOMES ADV RIDERS TO THE ADV EXPERIENCE
TICKETS & CAMPING GO ARE ON SALE NOW EXCLUSIVELY AT
WWW.MOTORCYCLESANDMUSIC.COM
Tennessee’s ultimate “Moto & Music” event, Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival (TMMR) will be held May 16-19, 2024 at the historic Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN. The 7th annual event, presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, is a motorcycle enthusiast’s playground and a music lover’s paradise. Tennessee’s largest motorcycle festival will feature a spectacular selection of artists across several genres and a huge variety of two-wheeled action. Tickets and camping are on sale now. For more information, visit HERE.
The ADV Experience was an exciting addition last year and is returning in 2024. The ADV package includes three days of trail riding on the Ranch, biker games, morning coffee, along with skills building and demo rides by Harley-Davidson Pan America. The $149 ticket price ALSO includes general admission to all of the live music, motorcycle action, food trucks, vendors and comradery of the 4-day event.
“The ADV Experience was the perfect addition to this event! It already has great music, exciting motorcycle action and the location at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is pristine. We get to ride the trails plus get the bonus of all the other happenings. It’s like an event within an event. We are also able to reach a lot of street bike riders and give them a taste of adventure riding. We look forward to it every year,” Shawn Wells, White LIghtning Harley-Davidson. More info at ADV EXPERIENCE.
Known for its “two-wheeled playground,” the event offers something for everyone who enjoys motorcycles of nearly any kind. Included will be Harley-Davidson demo rides, motorcycle racing, ADV trail riding, a hill climb, V-Twin Visionary performance bike show, an all-class bike show, biker games, group motorcycle rides, mini bike races, stunt riders and an extraordinary showcase of hand-crafted custom motorcycles from across the country in the BC Moto Invitational. More info at at EXPERIENCE TMMR.
The exciting musical lineup always delivers! Artists and bands are specially curated primarily from the region and the booming talent coming out of the Music City USA. Genres include outlaw country, southern rock, country, bluegrass and some rock’n’roll. Promoters from around the country have been making their way each year to the festival to choose bands from the extraordinary plethora of talent — it’s a musical showcase of sorts. The 2024 lineup will be announced after the new year.
A wide range of Ranch Camping is available in three unique campgrounds including RVs, Glamping, Tent Camping, and Vehicle Camping. Nearby hotels and Airbnb’s are also available. For details, please visit WHERE TO STAY.
TMMR also has a commitment to supporting U.S. Military veterans and will be working with the Special Ops Xcursions to provide complimentary tickets and camping to members of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). Helmets for Heroes will showcase a variety of custom-painted ICON Motorsport helmets available at auction with funds going to the military non-profit.
Subscribe to the email list HERE or text “TMMR” to (888) 306-6093 for updates. General public early bird on-sale starts on Dec. 1.
For more information, visit MotorcyclesAndMusic.com, Instagram @TNMotorcycleRevival, Facebook @TnMotorcycleRevival.
CALIFA ELECTRIC TRUCK MANDATE CONUNDRUMS–
Electric trucks at any cost should have conversations about the conundrums associated with this mandate, before implementing a Mandate.
Published Dec 5, 2023 at Heartland https://heartland.org/opinion/california-aims-to-force-adoption-of-electric-trucks-but-19-states-sue-to-block/
By Ronald Stein
Ronald Stein is an engineer, senior policy advisor on energy literacy for the Heartland Institute and CFACT, and co-author of the Pulitzer Prize nominated book “Clean Energy Exploitations.”
The California GREEN movement, at any cost, is progressing at warp speed.
Earlier this year, California passed regulations that would turn the trucking industry upside down. Zero emission mandates would disrupt the industry, raise shipping costs, and put trucking companies out of business.
A group including 19 states and several trucking organizations recently filed suit to block the California regulation.
A little background on the EV Truck mandate: California’s Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) Regulation goes into effect on January 1, 2024. The ACF requires that truck operators buy only Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) trucks for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucking operations as early as January 2024. The ACF also requires that trucking companies transition their fleets to 100 percent ZEV trucks by 2035 to 2042, depending upon class of truck.
This EV truck mandate lacks conversations about the many conundrums associated with this mandate, i.e., the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about:
For those huge EV truck batteries there is virtually non-existing transparency of the environmental degradation and the human rights abuses occurring in developing countries with yellow, brown, and black skinned people. Both human rights abuses and environmental degradation are directly connected to the mining for the exotic minerals and metals that are required to manufacture those EV batteries. The children used to produce the lithium for an EV battery is appalling.
California has almost 400,000 miles of roadways used by the State’s 31 million vehicles. Those roadways are heavily dependent on road taxes from fuels that contribute more than $8.8 billion annually, the same gas tax revenues that also funds many environmental programs. That $8.8 billion revenue source will diminish in the decades ahead as EV’s begin to replace internal combustion engine vehicles.
The heavier EV trucks will put more wear and tear on the California roadways. How will the State replace $8.8 billion from fuel taxes to maintain the California roadways?
California is the 4th largest economy in the world and has three of the largest shipping ports in America—No. 1 in Los Angeles, No. 2 in Long Beach, and No. 7 in Oakland. Ships arriving and departing from the ports up and down the coast from San Diego to San Francisco.
Many truckers are individual operators that may just stop coming to California! Those trucks that access three of the largest shipping ports in America move a lot of products for the entire country.
Trucker’s travel all over the nation, thus heavy EV truck charging stations sites would need to be built all over the nation to keep those trucks moving.
EV trucks are only for those in wealthy countries as Nearly Half the World Lives on Less than $5.50 a Day, as billions still struggle to meet basic needs. They may never be able to enjoy the materialistic living styles of those in wealthier countries.
Electric trucks suffer major disadvantages when compared to diesel trucks:
- Diesel trucks can travel about 1,200 miles after filling the tank in 15 minutes. The range of electric trucks is about 150-330 miles, and recharging may take hours, even on a high-speed charger.
- EV truck cabs cost two-to-three times as much as diesel cabs, an incremental cost of as much as $300,000 per truck.
- EV cabs also weigh about 10,000 pounds more than comparable diesel versions.
–WUWT
BABES OF THE WEEK— Renee Stephenson is a motorcycle road racer and is on Instagram at renees_racing.
She lives in Odessa, Texas.
Celia Serrato Becerra is an Emergency Medical Technician en AR Médica Querétaro living in Queretaro, Mexico.
–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com™
WHEELS THROUGH TIME HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT—
With Christmas just around the corner, don’t miss your opportunity to give the gift of history!
What better gift could you give the motorcycle lover in your life than a chance to win The 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead!
SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS–Merry Christmas Specials
As a VIP Shock-Talk Subscriber, you get in on the deals before the general public! From now until December 31, 2023, take advantage of these THREE offers:
OFFER #1: $50 Off Front + $50 Off Rear
OFFER #2: FREE INSTALLATION
OFFER #3: $50 Off or FREE INSTALLATION Gift Card
Online Only Special
As a VIP Shock-Talk Subscriber, you and your buddies get first crack at these offers:
Purchase a set of Front Fork Cartridges and get $50 Off!
Purchase a set of Rear Shocks and get $50 Off!
Purchase a set of Front Fork Cartridges & a set of Rear Shocks and get $100 Off!
This offer is only valid if you order online and use the codes below:
$50 Off Code for Front Fork Cartridges or Rear Shocks Only: ST50
$100 Off Code for Both Front Fork Cartridges & Rear Shocks: ST100
BUY NOW
Call-In Special: FREE INSTALLATION
As a VIP Shock-Talk Subscriber, you get the first crack at scheduling your FREE Installation. Starting December 5th, we will open this offer up to the general public. So, if you have a new bike or want to share this offer with your friends, call and schedule an appointment.
CALL NOW
Gift Card: $50 Off or FREE INSTALLATION
Want to surprise your wife or husband, but don’t have the time to bring your bike in for the Free Installation? Give a Suspension Technologies Gift Card and receive Free Installation at one of our 2024 shows. The first advantage here is you don’t have to pay for shipping, as we will bring the shocks or cartridges to the show where we are setup. Or you can use the code and get $50 off your Gift Card.
$50 Off Promo Code for Front or Rear: ST50
$100 Off Promo Code for Front & Rear:
ST100
FREE INSTALLATION at a 2024 show:
ST2024
When using ST2024 you will see a $1.00 deduction from your cart.
This lets us know you want free installation at a 2024 event.
We will contact you to schedule a show install or you can give us a call.
BUY GIFT CARDS ONLINE NOW
Check Out Our New Website:
www.SuspensionTechnologies.com
We welcome you to check out our new website, where it is easy to navigate to your favorite Suspension Technologies products. Purchase online, view installation instructions, read news and tips about Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, and much more.
A TIMELY QUOTE OF THE WEEK–
‘Truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it. Ignorance may deride it. Malice may distort it. But there it is.’ –Winston Churchill
from Epoch Times
[page break]
FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK— Thunderbike Harley-Davidson Niederrhein Amsterdam.
The Thunderbike Top Chop is a classic vintage chopper and is based on a 1957 EL, which has been refined down to the last screw. Many handcrafted parts and surfaces in copper, brass, and nickel make this bike an absolute one-of-a-kind.
The finish is a homage to the glittering choppers of the ‘70s, but with the matte nickel surfaces, we have set the right contrast to the paint.
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–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
There’s No Place Like Home
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Theres_No_Place_Like_Home.aspx
Comments:
Fantastic I loved every word. I have actually met Amy and she is equally as fantastic as a writer. Keep up the great stories.
–Lee Bledsoe
Albany , NY
Breaking News: U.S. House Schedules Vote on Bill to Stop EPA’s Tailpipe Mandate
Encourage support from lawmakers on this proposal:
The U.S. House of Representatives announced that it will vote Wednesday on the SAN-supported “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act” (H.R. 4468). The bill would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing new emissions standards that would limit consumer choice and push the auto industry toward electric vehicles.
The CARS Act also prevents future EPA motor vehicle emissions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type.
If passed into law, the legislation would stop regulatory overreach by the EPA, allowing consumers to have the freedom to decide what car works best for them and their families and preventing auto manufacturers from being forced to meet unrealistic mandates driven by the most aggressive light-duty emissions regulations in U.S. history.
The House Energy & Commerce Committee passed H.R. 4468 in July. Send a letter now telling your U.S. Representative to vote to support the “CARS Act.”
Lawmakers Must Hear from You Right Away!
Use the following website link for an overview and lawmaker contact.
–SEMA
ALL New Bikernet Reader Comment!–CHRISTMAS DREAMS
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/CHRISTMAS_DREAMS.aspx
Comments:
–Bill May
Nashville , TN
“Thanks Bill, I needed that…” –Bandit
GET THE PARTY STARTED—With art from Eric Herrmann.
Deal of the Day “Tequila Tycoon” I was wandering our property, Drinking Tequila, on which we have many Blue Agave plants. I thought wouldn’t it be cool if different Tequila’s bloomed out in bottles from these plants. I’d be a Tequila Tyccon!
I have (1) Canvas Giclee’ 30 x 40 signed & numbered, for $500.00 / frt.
Normally $850.00. eric@ericherrmannstudios.com (480) 280-8738 #Tequila #tequilashots
— at Eric Herrmann Studios.
“I asked Eric if they were all 100 percent agave. I recently attended a Tequila tasting party. Only 100 percent Agave Reposado was allowed. Makes a difference.” –Bandit
FIVE-BALL RACING XMAS ACTION—Check out all the new shots and videos on Instagram.
Five-Ball Racing
Venice, California
HOT, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
There’s No Place Like Home
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Theres_No_Place_Like_Home.aspx
Comments:
I only rode on a bike once (wore a denim mini skirt and my high-top white sneakers) from The Bronx to Closter, NJ. I burned my calf on the exhaust pipe, & this young man’s Mother was aghast, that he maimed me on my first ride! She showed more distress than her 19-year-old son had the capability to embrace.
I love your writing style. Hearing “One hot, muggy, crawfishy night” & I was “Voluntold” made me a reader of yours, ad infinitum.
Rock on, Biker-Bitch!
–SusitheJ
Littlestown, PA
I00 WORD FICTION FOR XMAS—It’s Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas
Rosa spoke little English, but her Mexican dialect could melt a cold man’s heart.
She walked me along the throng of Xmas displays to her booth. Her dark eyes glittered, a crimson smirk crossed her wet lips and she motioned to me. She bumped and ground into my thigh and allowed for our fingers to touch.
The Xmas song filled the festive night air. I was afraid she’d grind the jeans right off of me. Wet to the feel in that low dark place she moaned. I understood her warmth and longing without another word being said.
–Gearhead
BILLY LANE CHOP FICTION BOOK—
Another Xmas gift notion from the Chopper master in Florida.
Billy Lane
2280 Avocado Avenue
Suite #5
Melbourne FL 32935
United States
THE BIKERS FOR TRUTH DEPARTMENT OPENS–New Bikernet Reader Comment!
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for November 30, 2023
(Click here for November 30th news)
Comments: Idea for poster or meme: Climate Change (big Letters)
Winter | Spring Summer | Fall
Nice scene or picture of each season
Cool caption about how you learned this in grade school
–David E
15634, West Pa.
“We are in the process of creating a non-profit behind the name: Bikers for Truth. Our first project includes humorous memes to break the doom. If you come up with something let us know. Just comment below or drop me a note to Bandit@Bikernet.com.” –Bandit
A HOLIDAY SERMON FROM THE PILLAR PEAK TEMPLE—
What Kind of Day am I Going to Choose to have?
“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist or accept the responsibility for changing them.” –Denis Waitley
Life is shaped by the choices we make. I appreciate the notion that even when we believe we have no choice, the act of not choosing becomes a choice in itself. The Universe grants us the ability to shape our lives through the Law, determining what will manifest based on our predominant thoughts and conversations.
If we fixate on problems, they intensify until we shift our focus to solutions. The mindset of victimhood attracts reasons to maintain that belief. A belief in sickness, financial scarcity, or perpetual misfortune tends to materialize as reality. It’s crucial to be mindful of what follows the words “I am.”
Having one foot anchored in the past hinders our ability to live fully in the present. Some of us encounter the same life lessons repeatedly without learning from them. Life’s lessons persist until we glean wisdom from them.
The profound truth is that changing our mindset transforms our lives. The Universe provides solutions to challenges and problems aligned with our conscious thoughts. Today, as I write this, I am making a deliberate choice to have a great day. I am no longer part of the problem; I am actively contributing to the solution.
As I embark on this day, I accept responsibility for choosing to live it to the fullest. My day will be infused with laughter, joy, peace, and love. I acknowledge and appreciate the divine gifts bestowed upon me, expressing gratitude for the goodness in my life. Every facet of my life is cherished, recognizing that my experiences have shaped who I am.
I embrace obstacles and challenges, knowing that within them lies the divine creative solution. Pausing to remember that I am not alone on this journey, I affirm my trust and faith in the Universe. Today marks a step towards a higher level of living and expression. I release this prayer treatment to the Universe with the affirmation:
And So It Is.
Namaste.’
“Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.” –Wayne Dyer
–Yale
THE SIDECAR OF THE WEEK–
It was interesting enough that everyone at the swap meet went to check it out as soon as it pulled in to the lot.
–RFR
Texas Reporter
Bikernet.com™
COP-28 ANNOUNCEMENT— COP28 President Challenges Mainstream Climate Narrative on Fossil Fuels
In a startling divergence from the conventional climate dialogue, COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber has boldly questioned the so-called scientific consensus on the need to phase out fossil fuels to achieve the 1.5°C climate goal. At a recent event, Al Jaber’s remarks signaled a stark departure from UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s stance, drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists.
Al Jaber’s assertion that there is
“I accepted to come to this meeting to have a sober and mature conversation. I’m not in any way signing up to any discussion that is alarmist. There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phase-out of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C.”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/03/back-into-caves-cop28-president-dismisses-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels
This is a direct challenge to the prevailing climate doctrine. His argument strikes at the heart of policy discussions that have been increasingly dominated by calls for the rapid elimination of fossil fuels.
Drawing a line in the sand, Al Jaber posits that a wholesale phase-out of fossil fuels would regress society to a pre-industrial state, “back into caves.” This hyperbolic metaphor underscores his contention that current sustainable development cannot be disentangled from fossil fuel use.
“Please help me, show me the roadmap for a phase-out of fossil fuel that will allow for sustainable socioeconomic development, unless you want to take the world back into caves.”
“I don’t think [you] will be able to help solve the climate problem by pointing fingers or contributing to the polarisation and the divide that is already happening in the world. Show me the solutions. Stop the pointing of fingers. Stop it,”
Fantastic! Maybe now the open debate can begin, and we can educate as to the correct uncensored science. Then we can eliminate the hysteria.
–WUWT
“But wait, what about the reparations for a decade of lies and insanity.” –Bandit
JIMS MACHINE NEW PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS—This transmission case is exciting. We may bring you a tech shortly.
–Bandit
CALIFORNIA HARLEY-DAVIDSON XMAS PARTY-– CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE PARTY
WHERE
California Harley-Davidson
1517 Pacific Coast Hwy
Harbor City, CA 90710-2741
Don’t forget to join us Saturday, December 9th, for our Christmas Open House Party from 9am – 5 pm. Santa will be here to take 360 photos with while you tell him just how naughty or nice you’ve been.
Join ILWU Longshore Brotherhood and California Harley-Davidson as we host a Toy Drive and Run for the Boys & Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor. We will be accepting toy donations through December 9th at California Harley-Davidson. Every donation helps. Thank you!
ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Frames and Frame Geometry 101
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Frames_and_Frame_Geometry_101.aspx
Comments:
I have built a few choppers in my time and been around this community for a while, this is one of the best technical and easy to understand explanations of motorcycle geometry I have seen.
The idea of “using what ya got in your garage” is where choppers came from. While I love and appreciate the rolling pieces of art that some of the modern builders are making, choppers started out as LOW BUDGET DIY affairs not 40,000 dollar queens with paint jobs so impressive you contemplate suicide or homicide if a bird shits on it.
I learned by following one simple motto I got from my friends at the El Foresteros “Build it then Ride The Fuck Out Of It, if you don’t like it change it”. My opinion and mine only is follow some simple geometry and safety rules and build for yourself, you are the only one who has to like it.
Truth about the chopper scene is that you’re most likely going to lose money when you try and sell it but that’s not the point. The point is building, riding, meeting other chopper guys, hearing their opinions, stories and sharing a few laughs.
If you really want to know some of the chopper history research Tom Fugle (RIP). He invented more about building choppers than anyone I know.
Talk to guys to ride choppers every day. The El Forestero MC are chopper gods and as long as you are respectful about asking they usually love to talk about their machines. You can learn more form them for the cost of a couple cold beers than the Internet could ever teach you.
I am sure there are other clubs out there who love choppers, but I am in the Midwest, so I am only familiar with the EF guys. No disrespect to others.
Anyway, the point is to get out there and start wrenching. There are a million dreamers and tire kickers but only a few of us willing to get the saw out and make that commitment. Chop that bitch, there are hundreds of us out there willing to help you with your questions.
In the immortal words of Tome Fugle “Ride Choppers or Fuck Off”
— Chez
Pleasant Hill, IA
IT NEVER ENDS—
We are going to rebuild Bikernet.com this coming year, but I get it. We are all inundated with text, videos, and images from every corner of the globe. From the evil media to scams, love letters, tech articles, you name it, they keep coming.
Bottom line, we enjoy what we’re doing and what we contribute to the motorcycle world. So goddammit, we’re going to improve how we do it or die trying.
I promise, I’ll deliver on Dan’s wheel lacing article in the next couple of days. He proofed the copy and marked-up any and every correction he could dream up. I’m kidding. We try to be as accurate as possible.
We did get a taste of snow and it feels like snow today.
I need to finish John’s 4-speed transmission rebuild for Xmas or Santa will be pissed.
We received the final parts we needed and it’s ready for final assembly. I hope…
Here’s a shot of Sandy the cat. Karley brought it to the Wilmington headquarters over 14 years ago and she’s still going strong on a boat in the LA Harbor.
We had a couple of dark walls in our Ranch Road Livingroom. When I discovered the master of Flat Earths Paint had a son who paints home interiors I reached out.
I installed a propeller on our 5-Ball Rocket Ship and it spins in the wind. My neighbor wants to harness the energy.
We discussed getting a pet, but we have pets including these fucking turkeys, who stop by daily. A family of deer roam around and shit on the lawn but don’t eat the thistles. There’s a mountain lion or two…
I mentioned Tim, the boss of Flat Earth Painting. He’s working on replacing the dragons at the Deadwood House. They couldn’t handle the weather and were coming apart. Basically, he’s painting on aluminum sheet, like the side of a van, so it will last.
I caught this shot about 6:45 this morning. I hope your Christmas is magnificent, although our current government wants to eliminate us. Who votes for that?
In the meantime, ride free or die trying.
–Bandit
There’s No Place Like Home
By Amy Irene White | | General Posts
Yesterday, I roamed to the Arkansas Confederation of Clubs chili cookoff. I loaded my truck down with chili and pastries and cornbread and headed to the Longbranch Saloon in Little Rock. It has been the heart of Arkansas bikerdom since Moby Dick was a minnow…
Even though biker bars come and go, the Longbranch remains the staple, the home place where our memories are seeped into the darkened walls that are stained with photos and momentos of those who have joined the forever chapter for perhaps forty or fifty years now… a bar wallpapered with brothers and sisters who now forever preside over the clacking pool balls from a blurry photograph.
The Longbranch is the place where we always congregate to discuss the memories after our marryin’ and buryin’ and pool tournaments and of course, the chili cookoff, the night before Little Rock’s Toy Hill run… the largest toy run in the state.
So, I loaded up and went… the same as I did my very first Christmas as a brand new biker… twenty five years ago… and as my eyes adjusted to the dark smoky pool hall I saw that many of the same people were playing pool and standing at the bar, who were there over two decades ago the first time my eyes took in the room. Of course, I saw the ones who weren’t there anymore, too.
Even though my move from Iowa to Arkansas was several months ago, and even though I been back in my hometown in Arkansas since early summer… my soul didn’t truly feel the click of Dorothy’s heels until I stomped the dust off my riding boots, walked past the row of Harleys, and stood in the doorway of the LongBranch.
People I haven’t seen in seven years hugged me. I made my way through the building and the hugs and the familiar smells, remembering the times I walked through the door so many times, so many men, so many minutes, so many memories before, like the time I rode in wearing a fur coat and heels… the times I rode up with tears streaming down my face… the times I carried my drunk out the front door… the times in rain, pain and mud, the fear and the courage, the chill and the heat, the music and the laughter and the beer. I put my prodigal chili, my restitution for my absence for far too long, on the tables with the other entries in the chili contest. I would not win… I did not care… I was home.
I spent the day in nostalgic stupor. While I was sitting there watching people fooling around at a table full of patches with men who wore patches the first time I came to that old bar, 25 years ago.
I watched the VnVMC members walking around who were literally at the Dermott, Arkansas Crawdad festival in 1999…. When I rode up on a Road King with one of their friends, a man long gone, the old biker who taught me to ride and died in my arms. Those of his friends who are either lucky enough or cursed enough to still be livin’ were all there last night, the same old men who were around the campfire my very first ride on a motorcycle ever, one hot muggy crawfishy Arkansas night that changed my soul and the course of my life irrevocably forever.
I felt like Dorothy once more, reunited with the Tin Man and the scarecrow and the lion who lead her on a grand adventure like none she ever dreamed before… over a rainbow of colors, indeed! I watched the 1%ers and the church folks and the other clubs in the Confederation hug and smile and fellowship together.
Plus, there was this precious little lady bug of a girl selling tickets and being a little doll. I smiled as I watched her innocent smile, and figured to myself she was someone’s ol’ lady in a mom ‘n pop probably. She made a little crack like about she was being voluntold to sell tickets… She goes ‘if anyone knows how I got roped into this let me know cuz I don’t know how I got here.’ I laughed at her little joke, and I said ‘its ok baby girl. I been sitting at this table since my booboos were up where yours are, and I still don’t know how I got here either.
–The Wicked Bitch
Charity Events Across the Country
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
‘TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE BACK WITH THE LAW TIGERS
https://lawtigers.com/
CHARITY EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Arizona
Trolls Teddy Bear Run
Apache Junction, AZ 12/2/23
California – North
MMA Toy Drive
Sacramento, CA 12/3/23
California – North
Oakland H-D Toy Run
Oakland, CA 12/9/23
Florida
Abate Gulf Coast Toy Run
Pensacola, FL 12/3/23
Montana
39th Annual Road Dogs Toy Run
Billings, MT 12/3/23
New Mexico
Duke City Coat Drive
Albuquerque, NM 12/16/23
Oklahoma
Tulsa ABATE Toy Parade
Tulsa, OK 12/10/23
FIND A FULL LIST OF EVENTS BY FOLLOWING YOUR LOCAL LAW TIGERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Holiday Happenings Bikernet Weekly News for November 30, 2023
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
We survived Thanksgiving, just barely. We met some friends in Deadwood at the Grand, but didn’t have reservations, so got kicked to the sports bar where I ordered a Jack on the rocks and a buffalo/elk burger, oops.
Okay, back to the Xmas Card list updates and corrections. Hang on.
Ride Fast and Free Forever,
–Bandit
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Click here to read this week’s news only on Bikernet.com
* * * *
What is Bandit’s Cantina? Surely you have been there! Well, check it out: Click This !
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for November 30, 2023
By Bandit | | General Posts
Hey,
We are following reports about the COP28 CLIMATE conference by the UN. I also follow the WHO reports. For decades the UN and other global entities wrote reports. They didn’t seem to be able to do much of anything. Suddenly, they want to rule the world. They still don’t want to do anything, but they want to tell us what to do and make your country feel real bad if you don’t do it.
Personally, I would like to pull their lease in New York and send them packing. I think we could do something useful with the building.
Let’s hit the news:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
SEMA Presents Lawmaker of the Year Award– to California Senator Anthony Portantino
During the 2023 SEMA Show, SEMA presented its Stephen B. McDonald Lawmaker of the Year Award to California State Senator Anthony Portantino for his work on SB 301, the “Zero-Emissions Aftermarket Conversion Project.”
SB 301 is a groundbreaking bill, which currently awaits a final vote by the Assembly, that would create new opportunities for SEMA members and provide financial assistance to Californians to convert their gasoline-powered vehicles to zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs).
DON’T DELAY! Please contact lawmakers to request their support for this bill:
Overview: Ohio advances SAN-supported legislation (H.B. 201/S.R. 155/H.R. 198) to prevent any state or local government unit from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including internal combustion engines.
H.B. 201 passed the House and awaits consideration from the Senate. H.R. 198 was reported out of the House Transportation Committee and awaits consideration on the House floor. S.R. 155 awaits consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.
–SEMA
LATEST FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING--Harley JD Front Fork Lower Friction Shock
HARLEY JD 1910 1911 1912 1913 BELT DRIVE THOR LUGGAGE RACK / ACCESSORY RACK
Regular price$279.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
A TRIUMPH MADE FOR INDIA–
After gaining a foothold in India and seeing Honda sell its Made for India bikes in other nations such as in Japan, Triumph is also aiming to sell their India-specific models made in association with Bajaj in other Asian nations.
India-made Triumph Scrambler 400, Speed 400 launched in Malaysia
– Speed 400 priced at RM 26,900
– Scrambler 400 X costs RM 29,900
– Both bikes are identical to India-spec models
–Wayfarer
International Motorcycle Consultant
Bikernet.com
BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—Built by Motorcycles Force.
Venus built by Motorcycles Force of Japan (webbikeworld.com)
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
SPEAKING OF FORCE, DRIVING FORCE ACTION–Expands Campaign with Governor Youngkin “Common Sense” Ad
Urges Virginia Voters to Back Candidates Who Support Governor Youngkin’s Promise to Repeal the Commonwealth’s Ban on Gas-Powered Cars and Trucks
Driving Force Action (DFA), a grassroots organization advocating for common sense consumer and business-friendly policies, has expanded its political ad campaign with a new ad titled “Common Sense.” The campaign urges support for four candidates running for the Virginia Senate who support sensible regulations and empowering Virginians to reclaim control over their own laws.
The “Common Sense” campaign features excerpts from Governor Glenn Youngkin’s 2021 State of the Commonwealth speech, where he called for repealing Virginia’s ban on gas-powered cars and trucks. “It defies common sense that in 2021, lawmakers decided that instead of writing our own electric vehicle laws, Virginia would simply do whatever California decided to do,” Governor Youngkin told lawmakers during his speech. He emphasized the importance of elected leaders in Virginia making decisions that align with the state’s values and priorities, rather than outsourcing the state’s lawmaking function to radical California bureaucrats.
“We believe in empowering Virginians to make decisions that align with our state’s values and priorities. Our ‘Common Sense’ ad campaign underscores the importance of sensible regulations and policies that benefit both consumers and businesses,” said DFA spokesperson Riley Ploch. “We are proud to support candidates who are dedicated to championing these principles and working towards a brighter future for Virginia.”
Driving Force Action invites all Virginians to join them in their mission to promote common-sense policies by supporting candidates who prioritize the Commonwealth’s interests, rather than those of California bureaucrats. The ads will run in support of DFA’s endorsed candidates, which include:
Emily Brewer (District 17)
Danny Diggs (District 24)
Tara Durant (District 27)
Juan Pablo Segura (District 31)
For more information about Driving Force Action and the “Common Sense” ad campaign, please visit DrivingForceAction.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
About Driving Force Action:
Driving Force Action is a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for sensible regulations and consumer and business-friendly policies. Committed to empowering Virginians, the organization works tirelessly to support candidates who prioritize the state’s interests and advocate for policies that foster a thriving environment for consumers and businesses alike.
–Riley Ploch
Driving Force Action
press@drivingforceaction.org
REDHEAD OF THE WEEK—Take a break with Steph
–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com™
BIDEN ADMIN– Preparing to Finalize Barrage of Methane Regulations
The Biden administration is gearing up to finalize a host of emissions rules and regulations in the coming months, E&E News reported Wednesday.
The rules and regulations are all focused on methane, a greenhouse gas that is more potent, but dissipates more quickly, than carbon dioxide, and align with the administration’s commitment to attacking climate change with a “whole-of-government” response.
The Biden administration is aiming to finalize the slew of methane regulations in the coming months ahead of the 2024 election, which would make the rules more difficult for a potential Republican administration to scrap should President Joe Biden lose, according to E&E News.
The White House is reviewing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) final rule that would cut methane emissions from oil and gas production, refining, transport and storage, according to E&E News. The rule could be finalized on Dec. 2, when the U.S. hosts a methane summit with China and the United Arab Emirates at the upcoming United Nations climate conference. (RELATED: ‘Outrageous’: EPA Agents Are Flying Helicopters Over Texas Oil Fields To Crack Down On Methane Emissions From Drilling)
–NICK POPE
CONTRIBUTOR
Daily Caller (@DailyCaller)
LIGHTEN THE LOAD WITH THIS— Have a look at this crazy news.
Burglar who fell asleep mid-heist arrested after his snores woke up homeowners.
In one of the most hilarious robbery incidents seen in recent times, a Chinese burglar fell asleep mid-robbery after smoking a cigar and was later arrested after the homeowners were woken up by his loud snoring, a South China Morning Post report said.
The incident took place in the Yunnan province in southwest China when the burglar entered a house, but got frightened after hearing people talk inside the residence. As a result, he decided to wait in a different room until the homeowners fell asleep. But as he waited for the family members to go to bed, he smoked a cigar and fell asleep himself.
–Wayfarer
International Investigator
Bikernet News Bureau
BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–How Blue States Work Around SCOTUS to Restrict Gun Rights
New York is one of several blue states that have quickly added more firearms restrictions since the Supreme Court said citizens have a right to carry.
Since Bruen, 27 states have adopted so-called constitutional carry laws, which allow law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm without a license.
The centerpiece of New York’s reaction to Bruen was the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), announced on Aug. 31, 2022.
The CCIA increased the training required for a license, expanded the number of places where concealed carry was prohibited, made in-person interviews and a review of an applicant’s social media accounts mandatory, and reduced the license recertification period from five years to three years.
Mr. Edelman said that the restrictions have turned out to have much to do with law-abiding citizens.
He is a federal firearms license holder, gun dealer, and New York state and NRA firearms instructor. He said that since the Oct. 7 attacks, demands for his firearms license class have increased as the threats from protestors have overridden the political leanings of many in the Jewish community.
“I live in a very, very liberal area. A lot of those people are coming to me like, ‘What do we need to protect the house?’ These are the people who never thought they would ever need to buy a gun,” Mr. Edelman said.
Being new to firearms and the laws that apply to them, Mr. Edelman’s students are often surprised at the hoops through which they must jump simply to own a gun. The state requirements can appear daunting, and the process can take anywhere from a few months to years to complete.
As the process plays out, Jewish applicants will be left unarmed as their enemies march, Mr. Edelman said.
–read the whole story on Epoch Times
IN-CAR GAMING COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR BIKERS–
So, maybe distracted driving with smartphones and other gadgets were not enough — the future suggested is video-games in cars.
A generation of children have grown up into adults with smartphone and video game addiction and it seems some can’t even distinguish between reality and fiction. Even chatbots seem to fool this generation into doing what is harmful to others or themselves.
Future of Mobility: In-car gaming could be the new entertainment for cars
As the automotive industry moves towards autonomous and high-connected mobility, technology is becoming synonymous with mobility, a new feature for gamers is developing in the cockpit of the future where they could experience and enjoy in-car gaming, which is eventually expected to become a core feature of the cars of tomorrow. While it is possible in the near-term when the vehicle is stationary, ETAuto finds out how automakers across the world can tap into this evolving opportunity.
–Wayfarer@Bikernet.com
Editor: Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
CAR DEALERS STEP UP–More than 3,000 auto dealers sign letter opposing Biden’s electric vehicle mandate
Electric vehicles ‘are stacking up on our lots,’ car dealers write to Biden
The coalition — which includes dealers located in all 50 states and who collectively sell every major car brand — is taking particular aim at the Biden administration’s tailpipe emissions standards released earlier this year which are the most aggressive federal regulations of their kind ever issued. Under the regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the majority of new vehicle purchases will be electric within a decade.
They added that, while the goals of the EPA regulations are admirable, they are also “unrealistic based on current and forecasted customer demand.” The dealers further noted that the best indicator of customer demand in the auto marketplace is how EVs are stacking up in their lots.
The letter further noted that there are many issues facing the EV industry such as lacking charging infrastructure, energy grid instability and a lack of reliable mineral supplies vital for EV batteries.
Read the whole story on Fox News
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK—COME SEE WHY LIFESTYLE CYCLES IS THE NUMBER ONE MOTORCYCLE DESTINATION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!
We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Tri-Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more! We have a bike to fit just about every budget! You know you’ve been wanting to get a bike, and now is the perfect time! So what are you waiting for? Stop on in today and let’s turn your dream into a reality!
California’s Premier Used Harley Mega-Store
Over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock!!!
AUCTION NEWS–CONSIGNMENTS INVITED
Click here to discuss the sale of your classic or collectible motorcycle
1959 Ducati 175cc Super Sport
1960 Ducati 125cc Super Sport
Syd Tunstall restored 1968 Ducati 250cc Monza
Built by The Garage Company
c.1968 Ducati 350cc Desmo Café Racer Custom
ClassicAvenue.com
BUY – SELL – CONSIGN – AUCTION
What is Y.E.S.?
The NRA’s Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) is an all-expense paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors held in the Washington, DC region.
Our 2024 session will take place July 16th-21st.
While attending Y.E.S., students will engage with political leaders, visit historical monuments, and apply their skills in competitive debates, all while competing for up to $40,000 in college scholarships!
The Youth Education Summit encourages students to explore the workings of our American government, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution. Y.E.S. strives to inspire students to become responsible citizens who actively participate in the democratic process and who will return to their communities as advocates for the Second Amendment.
The NRA Youth Education Summit is now accepting applications for the 2024 Youth Education Summit. Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Entry into the program requires submission of a completed application form, high school transcript, three-page essay on the Second Amendment, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The deadline for applications is March 1st, 2024.
To find out more about the Youth Education Summit, apply, or read frequently asked questions, visit our website today.
–NRA
NITTY GRITTY PARTY COMING TO TEXAS—
[page break]
HOLIDAY INDIAN DEALS–
The New 2024 Lineup is Here. Thinking of adding another Indian Motorcycle to your fleet? Our full 2024 lineup has been released and you don’t want to miss it.
We’ve collaborated with 100% to create the ultimate statement for those who give 100% effort. The new limited edition FTR x 100% R Carbon is highly exclusive with only 400 available worldwide. Ride in style and receive a complimentary pair of Indian Motorcycle x 100% sunglasses when you purchase yours.
The 2024 Indian Challenger Elite is here with an all-new, completely redesigned PowerBand Audio system. This model delivers the ultimate in all-day riding comfort and exclusivity.
Make sure to explore the full 2024 lineup so that you can ride into the new year in style.
THE WORLD’S LARGEST MOTORCYCLE MARKET REPORT—
Which would you say will eat into the market share of Royal Enfield? Harley-Davidson 440X or Honda CB350?
I do not count Triumph’s effort with Bajaj because it is more of a sports themed bike, does not seem to interest cruiser market customers.
Honda seems to inspire more confidence in India because people (and dealers) seem to remember the unsavory way Harley-Davidson shut down its Authorized Dealers and offices in India even though they were the leaders in big-bike segment in Indian market — outselling Triumphs and Polaris Indian and Honda Goldwing, etc. They could have phased it out instead of being a corporate prick.
There are quite a lot of Japanese and German companies in India for many decades and they seem to always have the India Head who is not an Indian person. An actual Japanese leader or German leader heads the MD and CEO roles of their respective nations’ companies in India.
This kind of shows their commitment as well as understanding of the market.
H-D 440X
https://www.bikewale.com/harleydavidson-bikes/x440/
Honda CB350
https://www.bikewale.com/honda-bikes/cb350/
–Wayfarer
Overthinking Analyst
Bikernet.com
COMMENT TO THE HONEST BROKER—
Hey, I look forward to your December reports. COP28 exists because it can. It’s like a college class assignment. In some respects, the entire progressive movement is a college finals paper requirement. You’re wealthy, your folks support you, you’re not doing anything, so write a paper on how to destroy America, then act on it. They are doing it because they can… They’re enabled.
Imagine tomorrow and you can’t get gas for your car, your stove won’t light and there’s no electricity in your home. So suddenly you have to walk and chop wood to keep warm. But isn’t there an effort you’re working on to ban all smoke…
Now your folks can’t work and pay your way. The slum lord, George Soros stopped funding your organization. You need to hike out of town to pick apples and make a few bucks. You bundle-up with all your synthetic petroleum-based thermal gear and step out into the cold. The street is dark, no street lights or Christmas ornaments glow. You hear a loud pop and a rumble. An old biker rides his chopper onto the street, his loud pipes reverberate off the adjacent homes. Bikers fought for freedom and know how to score underground, high-test fuel. He pulls up parallel to your sidewalk. “Would you like a lift,” the bearded outlaw shouts over his rumbling exhaust.
Suddenly, the warm ICE engine feels good and the sound from his exhaust is a sign of real freedom, mobility and something more. The sparkling chrome engine pieces and the polished metal-flake paint shouts creativity, adventure and romance.
What happened? Will nobody let the truth shine. Someday it will, again.
–Bandit
NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Morano to attend UN climate summit in Dubai – Warns of Great Reset summit where ‘Democracy goes to die’
Morano: “COP 28 is shaping up to be a doubling down on the green agenda despite the massive failure on a grand global scale. We will report on the energy rationing, blackouts, and economic disruption from the failed UN-pushed policies globally. This UN climate summit is planning nothing short of a Great Food Reset for USA.
See: COP28 UN climate summit to officially target meat eating! ‘Nations will be told to curb their excessive appetite for meat’ to enforce UN plan for ‘food’s climate transition’
Morano: “Make no mistake, this UN climate summit will continue the push for the collapse of our once plentiful energy, food supply, and transportation. COP 28 aims to force a ‘climate transition’ for our meat and food supply. All the usual suspects will be gathering once again: Bill Gates, King Charles, John Kerry, and the World Economic Forum. The UN’s COP 28 is nothing short of a climate/Great Reset summit in Dubai, where public health bureaucracy and climate merge & Democracy goes to die.”
By Marc Morano
Climate Depot
LATEST FROM S&S– S&S Cycle
S&S – Stud Kits, Piston Cooling Jets and CVO Cam Phaser Tool
New S&S tools and accessories from the Viola, Wisconsin headquartered home of “Proven Performance” include this piston cooling jet kit for M-8 engines.
“This is an exceptional piston cooling jet,” says S&S’ Jon Montgomery. “As they evenly cool both intake and exhaust sides of the pistons, the jets create a cooler engine with more power and better durability.
“The revised spray locations mean more effective cooling and the shortened nozzle increases the rod clearance.
“The patent-pending, dual-spraying kit is a ‘must-have’ and is sold with everything needed for install, including hardware and gaskets. It is crafted from strong, lightweight 6061-T6 heat-coated billet aluminum and anodized in S&S blue.”
Also seen here, because big bores, big compressions and big throttles take their toll on hard parts – including the all-important 4140 chrome moly head studs and head bolts.
Cylinder stud kits
The studs are oil quenched and tempered to 39-44 HRC, 180,000 psi tensile strength with rounded – rather than flat – thread roots to improve fatigue resistance. The positive-stop shoulder allows for consistent installed height.
The head bolts are made in 8640 heat-treated steel and said to deliver a 14% increase in strength over stock 200,000 psi ultimate tensile strength.
Finished with a durable oxide coating, they have formed threads, a cold formed head, 9/16″ 12-point head with integral washer and are compatible with both MLS and graphite head gaskets. They ship in 8-pack kits of either studs and bolts, or studs, for 2017-2013 M-8 models.
Cam phaser tool for 2023 VVT engine CVO models
Finally, this new cam phaser tool for 2023 VVT engine CVO models has many improvements, but there is at least one major drawback – changing anything in the cam chest with Variable Valve Timing requires a special tool.
This new S&S cam phaser tool holds the cam phaser assembly in place to allow you to pull the spool valve bolt and get access to the cam plate, oil pump, and, of course, the cam. If you’re planning to do any work inside the cam chest on one of these new H-D CVO models, you’re going to want to get one of these new tools!
S&S CYCLE INC.
www.sscycle.com
WILD ARIEL SQUARE FOUR OF THE WEEK—
–Sam Burns
Bike Feature Editor
Bikernet.com
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BIKERNET OFFICIAL MOVIE REVIEW—
Ruth: You understand that humans have only one ending. Ideas live forever. Humans not so much. You do know that don’t you?
Barbie: I do.
Barbie: Yeah. Yeah. I want to be part of the people — to make meaning — not the thing that’s made. I want to do the imagining — I don’t want to be the idea. Does that make sense?
—–from Barbie (2023)
I finally got around to seeing the Barbie movie everyone raves about. It is a wild movie. The first two minutes got me hooked.
Whatever the message or social commentary of the movie, one has to admire the concept, the script and the direction. The cast and crew and producers have done what intellectuals probably thought was impossible, i.e. make a live-action Barbie movie and win at the box-office as well.
The movie is not a joke. It is quite serious for a fun movie which some may wish to show to their kids as well–maybe including their boys?! You many never use or understand the word ‘beach’ the same way ever again.
It does address the aspect of how patriarchal society affects men such as the ‘feelings’ of blonde Ken doll. The cast is quite good and have great rapport together. Towards the end, when you think it has slowed and the climax feels like it is poor–comes the zinger. The question about ‘the creator’– of the doll, but a good allegory for humans. What advice and truth is revealed to Barbie by her creator ‘Ruth’?
Watch the movie to find out and hey Keith—-‘Ruth’ stole your dialogue….she says, “And Then You Die!”
(For the uninitiated: “Life is nuts and then you die” — Keith ‘Bandit’ Ball)
Barbie (2023)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/
–Wayfarer
Official Movie Review Specialist
Bikernet.com™
THIS JUST IN FROM THE MRF– End Of Speeding?
NTSB Wants Electronic Countermeasures To Slow Traffic Down
At minimum, they want a warning signal in cars… but they’re suggesting more
After a horrific car crash took nine lives in Las Vegas in 2022, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says it wants new-production cars to have electronic countermeasures to battle speeding. Reading between the lines of the NTSB’s press release, it looks like they’re willing to push this one right over the regulation cliff.
The NTSB says it is time for regulators and lawmakers to crack down on excessive speeding. They want lawmakers to require new cars to have so-called “intelligent speed assistance technology.” In case you wondered, this tech is not designed to assist you in speeding. See the NTSB’s explanation below:
Intelligent speed assistance technology, or ISA, uses a car’s GPS location compared with a database of posted speed limits and its onboard cameras to help ensure safe and legal speeds. Passive ISA systems warn a driver when the vehicle exceeds the speed limit through visual, sound, or haptic alerts, and the driver is responsible for slowing the car. Active systems include mechanisms that make it more difficult, but not impossible, to increase the speed of a vehicle above the posted speed limit and those that electronically limit the speed of the vehicle to fully prevent drivers from exceeding the speed limit.
So, the technology can be as simple as gadgetry that warns you “Hey—you’re going too fast!” Or it can be far more involved in your driving choices, including the potential to limit your vehicle to legal roadway speeds. You’d be exchanging a warning alert (which many of us already get from our GPS units) to a “Sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
What comes next?
About 12,000 motorists in the US were killed as a result of excessive speeds in 2021, says the NTSB. That’s supposed to account for one-third of all traffic fatalities in the country, and as a result, the board says eliminating speeding is a priority.
Based on its findings while investigating the Vegas crash, the NTSB says:
… the NTSB is issuing eight new and one reiterated recommendation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one new recommendation to states and one new recommendation to manufacturers:
To NHTSA:
· Require ISA systems that, at a minimum, warn a driver a vehicle is speeding.
· Educate the public about the benefits of ISA.
· Update the guidelines for state highway safety programs to include identification and tracking of repeat speeding offenders.
· Develop countermeasures to reduce repeat speeding offenses.
· Conduct research and develop guidelines to assist states in implementing ISA interlock programs for repeat speeding offenders.
· Incentivize the adoption of ISA through, for example, the New Car Assessment Program. This recommendation is reiterated from a 2017 recommendation.
To 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia:
· Implement programs to identify repeat speeding offenders and measurably reduce speeding recidivism.
To 17 car manufacturers:
· Install ISA in all new passenger vehicles that, at a minimum, warns drivers when a vehicle is speeding.
To the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety:
· Evaluate the safety outcomes of marketing by auto manufacturers that emphasizes risky behavior, including speeding. The evaluation should compare vehicles based on engine size, power and performance and international approaches to marketing. Make the report publicly available.
This is a very comprehensive approach, and if you want to speed in a new-production car, there would be no room to hide if these measures were implemented. Even if you could put up with the nagging from an electronic warning system and you dodged law enforcement attention, if your new-production car has an interlock program, how long before that interlock shuts down speeding, period?
Also note that the NTSB wants to work with the country’s insurers to crack down on speeding. Remember this story from just a few days ago? If insurers are keen to promote mandatory ABS on new motorcycles, it’s hard to imagine them rejecting a proposal to also manage car driving habits.
So what?
You might think that this is no big deal because it’s aimed at cars only, and might make the roads safer for motorcycles as a result.
Don’t be naive. I would suggest that this tech will very quickly work its way into new motorcycle sales as well. Geo-fenced speed restriction technology is already available in the world of ebikes, so you can bet it’s possible for motorcycles. And as for the idea that cars won’t be running into us as regularly—maybe you should check up on how car autopilots are faring against motorcyclists currently. An increasing reliance on technology has not eliminated risk. Instead, it has created new risks for the 21st century.
See you on the trails?
With all that in mind, the next logical question is, if you’ve got a need, a need for speed, where will you be able to do so in the future? The answer is the trails. The woods. The dunes. The wilderness.
I see this already; many friends have moved away from street riding to dirt riding in order to escape unsafe drivers. How long until they move to dirt riding to increase danger and escape the stultifying effects of safety tech? Don’t be surprised if this is increasingly the case in coming years.
https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Pages/DCA15SS002.aspx
–Kris Cook
MRF
TRIKES OF THE WEEK—
–Sam Burns
Trike Editor
Bikernet.com
NEWS FROM THE MASTER IN THE DESERT— Deal of the Day “English Elegance” A stunning war era Triumph. I understand the Triumph Factory was bombed halting production and there are very few out there. Steve McQueen had one.
I have (1) Canvas Giclee’ signed and numbered, 20×30, for $500.00/ frt. Normally $850.00. (480) 280-8738 eric@ericherrmannstudios.com
www.ericherrmannstudios.com
— at Eric Herrmann Studios.
AMAZING NEWS–Dem governor withdraws electric vehicle mandate in stunning blow to environmentalists
‘Common sense has prevailed,’ says Connecticut Senate GOP leader
Democrat Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont is withdrawing his plan to mandate future electric vehicle (EV) purchases after the proposal received bipartisan pushback from lawmakers on a key legislative panel.
Lamont ultimately pulled the proposal just four months after unveiling it and characterizing it as “decisive action to meet our climate pollution reduction targets.” In July, Lamont unveiled the proposal, tethering Connecticut’s emissions standards to those set in California, which mandates that every passenger vehicle sold is electric by 2035, the most aggressive target of its kind nationwide.
“There are too many questions regarding the capacity of our electric grid, the cost and location of grid improvements, and the negative impact on urban, rural and working poor families,” Kelly added. “More than 90% of our pollution comes from outside the control of Connecticut. We need a national – and international – approach to improve our air quality. A state-by-state strategy will only prolong the attainment of cleaner air.”
Kelly is one of the Republican members of the Connecticut General Assembly’s 14-member bicameral Legislative Regulation Review Committee, which is tasked with approving regulations proposed by state agencies.
The GOP minority leader and other Republicans on the panel led opposition to the proposed EV mandate over the last several months. After Democrats on the committee voiced concerns with the regulations, Lamont ultimately pulled the proposal from the agenda of a committee hearing Tuesday, when lawmakers were set to vote on it.
–By Thomas Catenacci
Read the whole story on Fox News
“Common sense has prevailed,” Connecticut Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly said in a statement. “The Governor’s decision to withdraw the regulations is a reasoned approach to address the growing concerns raised by working and middle-class families. Adopting California emission standards which ban the sale of gas-powered cars is a substantial policy shift which must be decided by the General Assembly.”
[page break]
AT LAST, THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY REOPENED—
The biggest joke on mankind is that computers have begun asking humans to prove they aren’t a robot.
When a kid says “Daddy, I want mommy” that’s the kid version of “I’d like to speak to your supervisor”.
Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.
–El Waggs
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™
THE STURGIS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT–
Quote of the Day
“Great memories happen when you don’t know where you’re going.”
Cyber Mond-YAY
Ugly as all get out!
Get into the Christmas spirit with the
2024 Merry Christmas UGLY Sweatshirt!
(And if you’d like access to a hidden 25% off Ugly T-shirt page only available to Newsletter subscribers.)
THE BABES RIDE OUT COLLECTION—
WE KNOW YOUR INBOX IS CURRENTLY OVERFLOWING WITH DEALS BUT THIS WILL BE THE ONLY TIME OUR BOSS DOG COLLAB WILL BE ON SALE. ACCESS OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR WITH 20% AUTOMATICALLY TAKEN OFF AT CHECKOUT ON OUR STREET AND DIRT COLLECTIONS!
INSIDE THE UN– Plan to Control Speech Online
The UN is escalating its war against ‘conspiracy theories’ and ‘misinformation’ by creating an ‘internet of trust.’
A powerful United Nations agency has unveiled a plan to regulate social media and online communication while cracking down on what it describes as “false information” and “conspiracy theories,” sparking alarm among free-speech advocates and top U.S. lawmakers.
In its 59-page report released this month, the U.N. Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) outlined a series of “concrete measures which must be implemented by all stakeholders: governments, regulatory authorities, civil society, and the platforms themselves.”
This approach includes the imposition of global policies, through institutions such as governments and businesses, designed to stop the spread of various forms of speech while promoting objectives such as “cultural diversity” and “gender equality.”
In particular, the U.N. agency aims to create an “Internet of Trust” by targeting what it calls “misinformation,” “disinformation,” “hate speech,” and “conspiracy theories.”
Read the whole story on Epoch Times
–By Alex Newman
Epoch Times
THE BIKERS FOR TRUTH MAKE A MOVE—
We are working on our non-profit status and funding to spread our billboards far and wide but there’s more.
We are starting a program to attack misinformation with humor or memes about Climate Alarmism and so, we’re kicking off a contest. Send us a notion for a meme, we will handle the art and share it all over the world. Hell, maybe they will end up on T-shirts.
For instance, there are more polar bears than ever, yet they still profess they’re dying off. Or islands are expanding their resorts when alarmist claim they are nearly underwater. Or petroleum products make up most products, but they think they can be eliminated. Have some fun with it and win a bag of Bikernet Bling.
–Bandit
THE NEW MUFFLER STREET TEST–
At this point of expenditure on this Enfield Bullet, I am past pain and pleasure— in ecstatic numbness and Zen.
I rode it around…. there were cops at five different locations, three times — each of them were busy with the scalps they had in hand.
Another one was asleep and one was busy listening to his subordinate. So, I wasn’t stopped — maybe I didn’t get noticed and the noise wasn’t too loud– after all the sleepy cop did not wake up as I passed him and the other cop’s conversation did not get affected.
All this must sound so silly for the world of freedom Americans enjoy in customization and aftermarket parts.
Have a look at the irony of this old Royal Enfield advertisement. Maybe I will make dozens of fliers out of this and hand them out to the local cop shops.
–Old Royal Enfield Rider
India
THE MONKEY FIST FROM HARDTAIL CHOPPERS–” if your coastin , your goin downhill.”
For orders or info , contact john@hardtailchoppers.com 360-750-6780 .
Thanks Again Bandit . Appreciate everything you do for the motorcycle community.
— john grant
INCREDIBLE DEMONSTRATION OF HUMAN SPIRIT AND RESILIANCE–
India Tunnel Rescue
All 41 construction workers are free after being trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in northern India for over two weeks. The men were treated at a hospital and are reportedly in good health.
The men, reportedly working for $250 per month, were pulled through 187 feet of steel pipe on wheeled stretchers after the rescuers used hand-held drills to break through. The drilling machines broke down Friday after rescuers bored horizontally through a section of nearly 200 feet of fallen rock, coming within 50 feet of the cavern. The men were able to survive on food and oxygen supplied through narrow pipes.
The landslide-induced collapse first occurred Nov. 12 amid the construction of the three-mile Silkyara tunnel. The tunnel is part of the government’s $1.5M Char Dham highway project to connect four Hindu pilgrimage sites. The event has cast a spotlight on environmental concerns in the earthquake-prone Himalayan region.
–from 1440 Daily Digest
30% OFF OF LINKERT AIR SCOOP – RIGHT SIDE
use code RSCOOP23 at checkout!
Shop Air Scoop
American Red Cross
An American Red Cross blood donation is a gift that doesn’t cost a thing but can give hope for another holiday to patients in need. You can be a part of the magic of giving by scheduling your next appointment!
To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release, Candy Cane Lane, donors who come to give in December will automatically be entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card** and a 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV.
There will be 12 winners! And here’s a sure thing: Each donor who comes to give Dec. 1–17 will also get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card** by email.*
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the mayhem of the holiday season. Why not take an hour of your time to remember what it’s all about?
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERENS NEWS—
Curious about the benefits of joining DAV? Have questions about who is eligible to become a member? Good news: we’ve got answers!
Here are a few common questions about joining our community of veterans helping veterans. Click through the FAQ to learn more about becoming a member of DAV.
Who is eligible for DAV membership
How much does it cost to become a DAV life member?
What’s included in DAV member advantages?
How will my membership dues help veterans?
We hope to welcome you into our community of more than 1 million veterans soon. Take the step to join our ranks today!
Join Our Ranks
Douglas K. Wells, Jr.
DAV National Membership Director
P.S. Still have questions? Contact us at MembershipPublic@dav.org and we’ll be happy to help answer any additional membership questions you have. Dues are increasing on January 1, 2024 so now is a great time to join!
DENNIS QUAID PERFORMS TITLE TRACK– FROM GAITHER MUSIC GROUP NO. 1 ALBUM FALLEN: A GOSPEL RECORD FOR SINNERS
Emmy Award winner and two-time Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid performed the title track from his Gaither Music Group No. 1 album, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners.
Released July 28, 2023, Fallen debuted at No. 1 on Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart and landed in the Top 15 on Billboard’s Top 200 Christian/Gospel chart. The album also ranked No. 1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers in CDs & Vinyl, Hot New Releases in Christian & Gospel and Best Sellers in Country charts.
Combining soul-stirring renditions of seven hymns and classics with five original songs, Quaid delivers honest, inspiring lyrics sung with unmistakable tones that reflect heartfelt gratitude and eternal hope. In celebration of the release, Quaid graced the August cover of PEOPLE, where he took readers inside The Clement House recording studio and his Nashville home, opening up about faith, love and second chances.
“Dennis Quaid’s Christianity is at the forefront of his new album, an homage to the faith he says got him out of addiction,” writes USA Today. Variety adds, “His commitment to his belief in music and in his Christian religion, which began in his Texas youth, comes to life quite emotionally and rousingly.” Garden & Gun summarizes, “Dennis Quaid’s nearly fifty-year career is marked by both its prolificacy and its high quality. Silver screen, small screen, even your music stream—the Houston native has them covered.”
The 12-song collection follows Quaid’s 2018 album, Out of the Box, described by Quaid as a junkyard of American music. Though he loves writing, recording and making movies, music holds a special place in the Texas native’s heart, and for the last four decades, he has toured extensively, displaying equal ease on the piano and acoustic guitar. Quaid enchants audiences with a set list that ranges from songs such as those included on Fallen to rock ‘n’ roll standards like “Great Balls of Fire!,” an homage to “the Killer,” whom he portrayed in the 1989 box office smash.
To keep up with Dennis Quaid, follow him on Instagram and visit DennisQuaidIsHere.com.
Costa Rica Unlimited, has received the first eight (8) of our 2024 models; the new KTM300EXC & KTM350EXC-F have arrived to the CRU Compound, with more new models to come.
Come test ride up to seven (7) of the top Off-Road bikes; ’24 KTMs, ’23 GASGAS and ’23 Husky models; two and four-strokes 300/350s. Come stay at our incredible homes above the beach, ride epic Single Track, Mountains, Beaches and Jungles with US Guides riding epic locations on the #BucketList tour.
CRU: Our Bikes, Our Guides, Our Homes, Your Adventure.
All tours are private; we don’t combine riders/tours; each tour receives private house(s), Lead & Chase guides; you ride the trails best suited to your ability.
Tour Pricing is based on # of Nights, Number of Riding Days & # of Riders; no tour is too small and we can accommodate groups as large as 16 Riders. Example Pricing below but is 100% customizable; just email your details and we can update pricing and open dates.
CRU runs tours every week all year long; only closing down Aug-October for the rain/wet season. Come Ride with CRU!
TENNESSEE MOTORCYCLES & MUSIC REVIVAL SET FOR MAY 16 – 19
AT LORETTA LYNN’S RANCH IN HURRICANE MILLS, TN
FOUR-DAY FESTIVAL WELCOMES ADV RIDERS TO THE ADV EXPERIENCE
TICKETS & CAMPING GO ON-SALE DECEMBER 1, 2023 EXCLUSIVELY AT
WWW.MOTORCYCLESANDMUSIC.COM
Tennessee’s ultimate “Moto & Music” event, Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival (TMMR) will be held May 16-19, 2024 at the historic Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN. The 7th annual event, presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, is a motorcycle enthusiast’s playground and a music lover’s paradise.
Tennessee’s largest motorcycle festival will feature a spectacular selection of artists across several genres and a huge variety of two-wheeled action. Tickets and camping go on sale Friday, December 1, 2023. For more information, visit HERE.
The ADV Experience was an exciting addition last year and is returning in 2024. The ADV package includes three days of trail riding on the Ranch, biker games, morning coffee, along with skills building and demo rides by Harley-Davidson Pan America.
The $149 ticket price ALSO includes general admission to all of the live music, motorcycle action, food trucks, vendors and comradery of the 4-day event. Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, the ADV Experience welcomes riders on every make and model of adventure bike.
“The ADV Experience was the perfect addition to this event! It already has great music, exciting motorcycle action and the location at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is pristine. We get to ride the trails plus get the bonus of all the other happenings.
It’s like an event within an event. We are also able to reach a lot of street bike riders and give them a taste of adventure riding. We look forward to it every year,” Shawn Wells, White LIghtning Harley-Davidson. More info at ADV EXPERIENCE.
Known for its “two-wheeled playground,” the event offers something for everyone who enjoys motorcycles of nearly any kind. Included will be Harley-Davidson demo rides, motorcycle racing, ADV trail riding, a hill climb, V-Twin Visionary performance bike show, an all-class bike show, biker games, group motorcycle rides, mini bike races, stunt riders and an extraordinary showcase of hand-crafted custom motorcycles from across the country in the BC Moto Invitational.
More info at at EXPERIENCE TMMR.
A wide range of Ranch Camping is available in three unique campgrounds including RVs, Glamping, Tent Camping, and Vehicle Camping. Nearby hotels and Airbnb’s are also available. For details, please visit WHERE TO STAY.
TMMR also has a commitment to supporting U.S. Military veterans and will be working with the Special Ops Xcursions to provide complimentary tickets and camping to members of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). Helmets for Heroes will showcase a variety of custom-painted ICON Motorsport helmets available at auction with funds going to the military non-profit.
Subscribe to the email list HERE or text “TMMR” to (888) 306-6093 for updates. General public early bird on-sale starts on Dec. 1.
General Admission starts at just $129 for the entire event including all the live music, motorcycle action and good times to be had. VIP upgrades are available. RV, glamping, tent and vehicle camping are available on Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. For more information, visit MotorcyclesAndMusic.com, Instagram @TNMotorcycleRevival, Facebook @TnMotorcycleRevival.
–Carrie Rep
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WE MADE IT—We survived Thanksgiving, just barely. We met some friends in Deadwood at the Grand, but didn’t have reservations, so got kicked to the sports bar where I ordered a Jack on the rocks and a buffalo/elk burger, oops.
Bikernet longtime contributor Barry Green cutting the fucking turkey. He went to Cabo to celebrate a major birthday and ended up with a concussion. He still battles it but could slice the bird. We wish him all the best. Fuck Birthdays.
Next week, I’ll bring you Cabana Dan’s lacing and truing report for old rides.
John just pounded on the door to deliver more transmission parts.
So far, this has been the toughest challenge, installing 4th gear and all 44 roller bearings into the case. Got it done, the main-shaft together and the counter-shaft and gears in place for the first time to check everything.
I just needed a new main-shaft clip ring and a set of counter-shaft thrust washers to finalize assembly.
It warmed up slightly and Luke, one of our Torpedo team turned me onto these grainery dust collectors. Propane tanks are ugly, so we went to work turning it into rocket.
We have a few more details including camo netting and it should keep the neighbors off the Bikernet Property…
I’m determined to feature this bike from Peter Linney. I had a short conversation with the builder. He builds bikes for the SEMA show annually.
Okay, back to the Xmas Card list updates and corrections.
Hang on. In the meantime, my VLXAFL5 frame, tank and fender are out for paint. I’ll report next week.
Ride Fast and Free Forever,
–Bandit
Why We Buy
By Ujjwal Dey | | General Posts
I find these articles not only ridiculous and senseless in terms of deciding the fate of a motorcycle’s saleable value but also, it showcases how unempathetic these automotive journalists are to the real world of motorcyclists and vehicle owners in general.
- Resale value
- After Sales Service
- Parts availability in near future and around the nation,
- Technology in the vehicle,
- Sense of belonging to a community, etc
- Screw the above, Coolness factor and Speed
These are the key factors, whereas the so called specs, features, prices, financing is secondary to the way masses pick a vehicle. If only specs mattered, many old marquee brands would only be seen in museums….all the startups in EV sector would be outselling the existing giants of automotive industry….and probably only Japanese (and some Korean) vehicles would ever have any substantial sales numbers in the industry pie-charts. Well, the last bit is partially untrue since Japanese brands rule the developing nations sales charts.
I am not saying anything extraordinary here. It’s obvious. You picked a Harley-Davidson Sportster over a Polaris Indian Scout and Triumph Bonneville. Why? Can you break down all the details? Buying experience? Was it as pleasant as at a Triumph dealership. I would say no! How about free accessories or goodies? Tough luck, huh? Maybe they had the color you wanted for the bike? Last such unit in the State already sold and none in your favorite color? You still bought it? Well, surely, it was the specs, features, price and financing? Eh! Nope.
Check out the Triumph Scrambler. It’s so tiny, Japanese sports bikes look huge in comparison. A guy took a test ride and felt his dick shrink because he wrote in his review, “For such an expensive bike it has no street presence. It’s tinier than commuter spec motorcycles and uglier.”
Bah, hum! Vehicles as extension of personality is not an alien concept. It’s natural. We wear the clothes that highlight our attitude. We have a hairstyle and favorite music that advertise our style. We go places and be with people who “get” our vibes and all these knickknacks become “our” personal culture.
Brands die when they abandon their identity and pretend to be their competition. Phonies! You can catch ‘em in their tries. You probably knew a kid in high-school or college who was such a wannabe, trying to be someone else and failing at being genuine, dignified and honorable. Identity crisis is another humanistic woe faced by brands today in 21st century. Just as the modern day confused generation, there are brands that don’t know whom to sell and how—
1. those from old guard who keep buying and have the wealth and time to enjoy shit or
2. to the detergent-pod consuming, handset staring, with ears drowned in streaming-audio-impaired hearing, graduates with unemployable academic degrees youth who will have to become the future of the brand if the brand wants to survive.
Royal Enfield and, to much extent, Triumph are great examples of making profit from nostalgia. How new generation perceives these dinosaurs gave the brands the concept to pitch to them a more modern beast in the old reptile’s shell.
Enfield’s story is more dramatic because it’s an absolute business turnaround. A case study for management college syllabus. Instead of buying an Enfield, if you had purchased equity shares worth the motorcycle’s retail price, then in 10 years, by 2018, you would be a multi-millionaire. It was so unconceivable that at the time only Enfield’s parent company Eicher threw money and investment at the old bull—then suddenly, this child company delivered such thoroughbreds, that people know Eicher trucks by associating them as an Enfield company.
What works for Marlboro or Jack Daniels or Rob Zombie or Scooby Doo (or SpongeBob SquarePants) or Royal Enfield?
Unfortunately for Harley-Davidson, at present, their vision and values are all over the place. Additionally, they are a public company—listed on the stock exchange. Their decisions are not coming from customer feedback, but choices from Wall Street volatility.
Finding a rider who can also be a corporate head is a rare event. Not every person can be a Mr. Ferrari or a Mr. Harley & Mr. Davidson. December is arriving. I would be keen to see the latest sales numbers of Harley-Davidson’s Pan America or LiveWire Del Mar or Serial 1 bicycles. They likely sell more apparel than most apparel brands who spend top dollar on advertising for their clothing line, using trending fashion models. Yet, an authentic Harley-Davidson jacket will make you grin wider and reach higher in high-school than the Levis or Nike in your classmates arsenal.
Okay, we drifted away….back to basics. Sometimes, we just buy what we can afford or what’s in the store. You want pizza? Tough luck if the neighborhood only has fried chicken and Wonton soup. Would you love to buy a Tesla? Well, they are not having dealership enquiries from your nation right now. Ride the tuktuk. Dream of wearing Air Jordans but it’s first day at your first job? You can’t spend what you never had (unless you are a banker). If you are a banker, it’s no wonder you are interested in this article to have read it so far.
I am not suggesting any typical formula that would sell all vehicles off the showroom. In general—the vehicle needs a future because the rider imagines himself/herself being associated with the vehicle being bought for the near future. Some ride their motorcycle all their life and never upgrade or sell, choosing to maintain it in running condition for the lifecycle of the rider rather than the perceived lifecycle of the ride.
However, never be fooled by the media claiming their numbers and statistics. If the buyers of Borough Superior imagined that they needed a rule-book to guide their purchase, none of those Borough Superiors would survive till today—and the world would be poorer for it.
Why We Buy
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Before you ride ’em, you gotta buy ’em.
Don’t let the media tell you what to buy, allow me!
An extreme and absurd view for the heck of it
by Ujjwal Dey with illustrations by Wayfarer & friends
Click here to read this handbanged nonsense at breakneck speed, only on Bikernet.com
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Nash Motorcycle: Cyber Monday Only
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
Cyber Monday Sale Today !!! 35% Off today only !!
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100 WFC: Cop Out
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
Cop Out
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer
Man without a plan, rabblerouser without a pause, I set out to ride one last time before winter sets in. Clear skies lighted up, straight, almost empty highway. Next beer at State line I thought.
A siren blasted behind me as my Fatboy touched 120 mph.
“Papers,” officer says. As he searched me for drugs, I noticed his car had bad blinkers. I stared at them and he caught my line of sight. He grunted as if to dare me to mention it.
“Will that be all officer?” I asked.
He retorted, “Limit yourself. Doesn’t have to be Vegas or bust!” and closed his book.
I got the drift and got away.
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WINNER for the month of November 2023: TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON
Know past winners and read all entries ever published by visiting:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx
All you gotta do is subscribe to Bikernet’s free weekly newsletter and send in your entry to wayfarer@bikernet.com
WindVest Cyber Monday Deals
By Wayfarer | | General Posts
CYBER MONDAY!!
Great Deals Start Here!
When ordering through our website use Promo Code: CM2023
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