FEMA welcomes riders from Spain and Italy

At the FEMA meeting in Brussels on 2 June, the FEMA Committee voted in a new member. FEMA is proud to welcome our newest member, Asociación Mutua Motera (AMM) from Spain.

Joining us with observer status, with the intention to become a full member a year from now, is Comitato Coordinamento Motociclisti (CCM) from Italy. CCM represents four Italian riders’ organizations (AMI, Biker Alto Adige, CCM & Motor Lab).

Are you planning a motorcycle trip abroad?

If you travel abroad on a motorcycle, you will be affected by laws and regulations that differ from country to country. And motorcycle rules may differ from rules for cars. Make sure you are prepared well and use the information FEMA offers you! More information here.

Improving infrastructure safety for powered two-wheelers

The European Union Road Federation (ERF) and the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) have published a joint position paper, called ‘Improving infrastructure safety for powered two-wheelers’.

Motorcycle fatalities represent more 15 percent of total EU fatalities, while accounting only for 1,8 percent of the total traffic flow. Both ERF and FEMA strongly believe that road safety for motorcyclists can be improved by looking at the design of road infrastructure.

Download information here.

Motorcycle recalls

Products placed on the European market are subject to general safety requirements. These requirements are included in the General Product Safety Directive which aims at ensuring that only safe consumer products are sold. The European Commissions’ Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) enables the quick exchange of information between the European countries and the European Commission about dangerous non-food products posing a risk to health and safety of consumers.

FEMA publishes all recalls from the RAPEX reports that are of concern to motorcyclists, such as recalled motorcycles or motorcycle clothing.

Click here for details.

The Third Mobility Package Can Improve European Motorcyclists’ Road Safety

After the first and second Mobility Packages, the European Commission completes the process of delivering a new industrial policy strategy on mobility with the publication of the Third Mobility Package.

On the 17th of May, the European Commission published the Third Mobility Package. This communication concerns road transport and is called ‘Europe on the move, Sustainable Mobility for Europe: safe, connected and clean’. One of the conclusions is that “mobility is the cornerstone of freedom of movement of people and goods, which is fundamental to the smooth functioning of the European Union”. Several elements in the communication are important for motorcyclists. In fact, one of our wishes comes true.

The EU member states called upon the Commission to “prepare a new road safety policy framework for the decade after 2020, including an assessment of road safety performance taking into account the targets and objectives set out in this declaration”. The European Commission gives special attention to vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists. The communication mentions speeding, driving under influence of alcohol or drugs and the failure of to wear helmets as significant contributing factors to road accidents. We can imagine that not wearing a helmet leads to more severe head injuries and possible fatalities in case of an accident, but we cannot see how it contributes to more accidents.

The European Commission gives special attention to vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists.

The European Commission uses the ‘Safe System’ approach. The Safe System accepts that people make mistakes and aims to ensure that such mistakes do not give rise to fatalities or serious injuries. As part of this Third Mobility Package, the Commission is adopting two proposals to further the goal of road safety. One aim is to transform EU vehicle safety standards to include, for example, the latest safety features, and the other to improve safety management of road infrastructure. The Commission also plans a new procedure to map the risks of accidents.

One of the most important measures however is the plan to extend the scope of legislation beyond the Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) to primary roads relevant to cross-EU transport. Have they really listened to us? This is exactly what FEMA has been asking and lobbying for.

Another important element is that the Commission finally wants to invest money in road safety and especially safe road infrastructure. Maybe the EU can finally allocate some money to develop barriers that are safe for motorcyclists? At the same time, the annex contains a tricky sentence: “The Commission will identify the need for further action, for example in relation to the definition and implementation of the notion of ‘safe speed’; cyclist helmets and protective clothing for motorcyclists; and/or graduated licencing for novice drivers”. We do not know what exactly is meant here, but we need to be alert, that much is clear.

Maybe the EU can finally allocate some money to develop barriers that are safe for motorcyclists?

The Third Mobility Package is not only about road safety: a lot of attention goes to connected and automated mobility. Important here is that the Commission clearly states in the annex that a code of conduct should be developed “for the safe transition to the higher levels of automation, to make sure that requirements and procedures take road safety considerations (mixed traffic, interaction with other road users, platooning) fully into account”. In other words: (partly) automated and connected vehicles are not to provide a hazard for not-connected and -automated vehicles like motorcycles.

Finally, a lot of attention goes to ‘clean mobility’: next to the support of a European battery industry, road transport needs to be cleaner. One of the measures is putting forward a methodology that will allow users to make a straightforward comparison of the pricing of these different fuels. Another is the promotion of electro-mobility.

Our conclusion is that road safety is in the picture again. After several years of having attention only for exhaust emissions (especially the diesel fraud and its consequences) and automatic driving cars, the Commission recognizes the need to invest in road safety in general and particularly in safe road infrastructure. Hopefully this will lead to better and safer roads. This is something we are already working on.

Written by Dolf Willigers

At the FEMA meeting in Brussels on 2 June, the FEMA Committee voted in a new member. FEMA is proud to welcome our newest member, Asociación Mutua Motera (AMM) from Spain.

Joining us with observer status, with the intention to become a full member a year from now, is Comitato Coordinamento Motociclisti (CCM) from Italy. CCM represents four Italian riders’ organizations (AMI, Biker Alto Adige, CCM & Motor Lab). Read more.

Hey,

We live is such strange times. On one hand we could be at a terrific juncture in our history, having a great time, living longer, healthier, safer and more free. But the same old shit gets in the way, control freaks (government) and religion.

Damn, I’m glad I’m a biker. I’m fighting the California Air Resources Board for internal combustion motorcyles to continue to exist. But they are like the sheriffs in a small town paid for by the Mayor. In this case the governor who has mandated (don’t you love that word) Zero emissions by 2030. That means only electric motorcycles and no barbecues.

Get this. Last year the California Legislature passed a new fine for motorcycle products that are not CARB approved (and it takes major funds to be CARB approved). The old fine was $500 per widget sold. It has been raised to $3,700 per product sold. Can you imagine receiving a ticket for that amount for your backyard barbecue? Read my letter to the CARB guys:

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/SPECIAL_REPORT_Letter_to_the_California_Air_Resources_Board.aspx

I had a meeting with an old shop owner yesterday over a Mexican egg scramble. He just turned 70. His shop is over 40 years old. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be around,” said Larry referring to his shop. He didn’t know the true facts regarding Climate Change. Here’s just one:

No trend in flooding in Europe

And at the their Die kalte Sonne site here geologist Dr. Sebastian Lüning and Prof. Fritz Vahrenholt report in Europe that floods and storms In Europe have not been more frequent, despite all the unending claims by the media.

Over the past week the German media hyped up some local, severe thunderstorms that had hit in parts of the country, causing heavy downpours and local flooding.

Lüning and Vahrenholt first cite a recent study, which was even featured in detail by German DLF public radio, which tells us that the frequency and severity of heavy rain events and flooding have not increased in Europe over the past 150 years:

Severe weather in Europe: Flooding not more than in the past
When it comes to torrential rainfall and flooding, many people agree: Such things never happened in the past. But that is not true Dominik Paprotny of the University of Technology in Delft analyzed. Historical sources show that large floods are not more frequent today.”

It’s all nuts. Let’s hit the news.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

SMOKEOUT RALLY COMING FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND—The epicenter of the chopper world is alive and rolling toward RockingWorld, North Carolina.

http://www.smokeoutrally.com/

The countdown to the Smoke Out is at two weeks! This continues to be one of the craziest years, ever. A lot of people might think the event was cancelled (don’t ask…) and I need as much help as I can get to get the word out that it is on and it will be epic. This is the year to call your friends!!! Please.

I never know what chaos is going to happen from one day to the next but strangely… almost everything still seems to be working out.

We still have room for more vendors, so please tell your friends if they are vendors. We also have some interesting new vendors.

If you bring your art work there is a vendor who will make patches on site and there is a seamstress to sew them on. Steve’s Leather isn’t new to the event but they will have a massive layout.

There is someone who can produce custom stickers and Artistic Metal Design made BADASS Smoke Out art for prizes for some of the new contests. Personally, I want to talk to Extreme Car Audio about audio for my truck.

We have someone with electrical impulse devices to reduce pain and you can see the latest Simpson helmets.

Oh… shout out to Billetproof who can’t make the event but still did these amazing trophies.

—Edge
Supreme Commander
SmokeOut Security Detail

Swedish Success: Motorcycles Will Be Allowed In Low Emission Zones
After a strong lobby from Swedish riders’ organization SMC, motorcycles and mopeds will be able to ride in all low emission zones.

In March 2018, the Swedish government announced that it is possible for municipalities to introduce three different low emission zones from 1 January 2020. The Swedish Motorcyclist Association, SMC was consulted in this issue.

Motorcycles and mopeds will be able to ride in all low emission zones. To SMC this is a sign that the government sees motorcycles and mopeds as smart and environmentally friendly vehicles that help to make the air cleaner and urban environment better in the cities. The total emission from mopeds and motorcycles in Sweden is very low.

From 2020 the local authorities in Sweden can choose to introduce three different low emission zones. When SMC was consulted last year, the Swedish Transport Agency proposed that only emission free powered two-wheelers would be allowed in Zone 3. It was a pleasant surprise that the government decided against the proposal from the Swedish Transport Agency and will now allow motorcycles and mopeds in all zones.

In environment zone 3, now all types of motorcycles and mopeds will be able to run while only light cars, light trucks and light buses powered by electricity or hydrogen can be carried out.

For SMC, the decision is welcome. It shows that the government does not see MC and moped as an environmental problem in Stockholm and other Swedish municipalities. This shows that the government see motorcycles and mopeds as vehicles that contribute to reduced congestion, increased accessibility, and contribute to sustainable cities.

The Swedish government will give municipalities the possibility of introducing three different kinds of low emission zones as of 1 January 2020:

Zone 1
The first type of low emission zone regulates heavy duty vehicles. Municipalities can already implement low emission zones for certain heavy vehicles (lorries and buses). Low emission zones already exist in eight Swedish municipalities.

Zone 2
The second type of low emission zone sets standards for cars.

Cars with higher environmental performance, such as electric cars and fuel cell vehicles, may also drive here.

Zone 3
The third type of low emission zone sets the highest standard. This zone only allows purely electric cars, fuel cell cars and gas cars that meet the emission standard Euro 6. High standards are also set for heavy vehicles. This zone only allows electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, plug-in hybrids and gas vehicles that meet emission standard Euro 6.

–Written by Maria Nordqvist (SMC)
–from FEMA Member news Wim Taal

BIKERNET JUDGE SENT TO SMOKEOUT 2018--I did not know for sure until today that I am a bike show judge at the Smoke-Out!

I am picking a bike for a Bikernet feature! This is a GREAT honor for me, thanks for putting your trust in me!

–Stealth with his lovely assistant Vicky

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE Sponsors Fourth Annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis–
Veteran Non-Profit Organization Uses “Motorcycle Therapy” to Rehabilitate & Support Veterans Returning from Combat

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its support and sponsorship of the fourth annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. The veteran operated non-profit organization uses “motorcycle therapy” to help fellow veterans adjust to post-war life.

Many of the veterans joining the Veterans Charity Ride for the first time are amputees, paraplegics, or suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress and other issues veterans face after leaving the military. These new veterans will pair with veteran mentors who have already been through the Veterans Charity Ride program and receive one-on-one support to help their transition back to civilian life.

“We built a program specifically designed to assist wounded and amputee combat veterans with their needs and the issues they deal with on a daily basis. We give them the tools and a support structure to help get their life back on track following their tour of duty and life overseas,” said Dave Frey, Veterans Charity Ride Founder. “Many of our veterans used to ride motorcycles before their injuries and thought they never would ride again. Through support from companies like Indian Motorcycle and Champion Sidecar, we are able to get these vets back on bikes and enjoy the freedom of the open road.”

The Veterans Charity Ride will depart from Las Vegas on July 28 and travel through the most scenic roads of the western United States on Indian motorcycles.

The eight-day ride to Sturgis will include a multi-day stop in Moab, Utah; where the participating veterans will experience the camaraderie of the group through off-road adventures and outdoor activities. The motorcycle ride will continue through Colorado, visiting Eagle and Fort Collins, and make its way through the Black Hills in South Dakota.

On August 4, members of the Veterans Charity Ride will experience a “Hero’s Welcome” upon their arrival to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The journey not only delivers the freedom of the open road and cathartic experience only a motorcycle can deliver, but allows the veterans to bond by sharing stories and engage in peer-to-peer discussions.

“Veterans Charity Ride is a life-changing program for those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Reid Wilson, Senior Director – Marketing and Product Planning for Indian Motorcycle. “Supporting the U.S. military has always been core to our brand DNA, and it’s an honor to give back by supporting a noble cause.”

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis was conceived and developed by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Robert Manciero of Full Vision Productions, leveraging the therapeutic effects of motorcycle riding to create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded veterans.

Primary sponsors of the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis include Indian Motorcycle and Monster Energy Drink, with additional sponsorship and support provided by Champion Trikes & Sidecars, Cycle Gear, Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, Wrangler Jeans and the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

To support the Veterans Charity Ride, donate, or to learn more visit IndianMotorcycle.com and VeteransCharityRide.org.

 

THE COCK FIGHTING REPORT–The Louisiana State Police (LSP) had received numerous reports of illegal cock fighting being held in the area around
Abbeville and had sent their famous Detective Boudreaux from Thibodeaux to investigate.

Boudreaux promptly began his investigation and then reported to his Commander the next morning.

“Dey is tree main groups involve in dis rooster Fightin”, he began.

“Good work! Who dey are?” the Commander asked.

Boudreaux replied confidently, “De Texas Aggies, de local Cajuns, and de Demcratic Natnal Cheerman from N’awlins”.

Puzzled, the Commander asked, “Now Boudreaux, how did you find all that out jus in one night?”

“Well,” he replied, “I went down and done seen dat rooster fight in person. And I knowed immediately dat dem Aggies was involved when a Duck was entered in the fight wit him.”

The Commander nodded, “I’ll buy that. But what about da others?”

Boudreaux nodded knowingly, “Well, I knowed de Cajuns was involved when sumbody bet on de duck!”

“Ah, I see, I see … ” sighed the sergeant, “And how did you figure the DNC was involved?”

“Well Suh, dat ole duck won!”

–Sam Burns

BIKERDUDE FOOD SOURCE–Hey Bandit Have been a member of Bikernet for a long time it is the BEST! Thank you for all of your hard work! I have a You Tube page called A Biker Dude and I do videos of amazing food.

Here is the link, youtube.com/c/ABikerDude.

I also am starting to do videos of Amazing People you should know. Are you ever in the Chicago area? Would be awesome to do a video of you! Let me know. Thanks so much! –Darrin

We are going to work with Darrin on the food score of the week. Here’s the first one.–Bandit

https://youtu.be/noZF5KpSuBU 

Aloha Wagon!! Husband and Wife team Richard and Rebeca are making awesome real deal Hawaiian Food! Here are some highlights to order FOR SURE! Potato Mac Salad, Kalua Pork, Spicy Pork, The Burger with Grilled Pineapple and their Aloha Bar!!Located on Historic Route 66 at the corner of Ogden and Western in Chicago, IL. Get here now! Subscribe to my You Tube Channel to see more awesome food destinations!

—Darrin
darrin.klapprodt@comcast.net
youtube.com/c/ABikerDude

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON OF THE WEEK–
atavism

noun
1.
reversion to an earlier type; throwback.
2.
Biology. a. the reappearance in an individual of characteristics of some remote ancestor that have been absent in intervening generations. b. an individual embodying such a reversion.

QUOTES

So much of their business was done via e-mail that the phone was almost unnecessary–a sort of quaint atavism that nobody thought to use first–but this morning the ringing had been ceaseless.
—Debra Ginsberg, What the Heart Remembers, 2012

ORIGIN

The Latin noun behind the English noun atavism is atavus “great-great-great grandfather; ancestor.” Atavus is formed from atta “daddy,” a nursery word widespread in Indo-European languages, e.g., Greek átta “daddy,” and the possibly Gothic proper name Attila “little father, daddy.” The second element, avus “(maternal) grandfather,” also has cognates in other Indo-European languages, e.g., Old Prussian (an extinct Baltic language related to Latvian and Lithuanian) awis “uncle,” and, very familiar in English, those Scottish and Irish surnames beginning with “O’,” e.g., O’Connor “descended from Connor”). The Celtic “O’” comes from Irish ó “grandson,” from early Irish aue, and appearing as avi “descendant of” in ogham (an alphabet used in archaic Irish inscriptions from about the 5th century). Atavism entered English in the 19th century.

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POWERSPORTS AUCTION COMES TO BIKERNET–Good Afternoon Powersports Fans!!

Here at Manheim Indianapolis, we take pride in our growing Powersports Auction! We wanted to make sure you were in the know of our upcoming Powersports Auction on Wednesday, June 6th at 10:00 AM ET!!!

With over 200+ Units, you will not want to miss out on this inventory! There will be metric bikes, HDFS bikes, CanAm , Spyders, and more! We will be offering $100 Rebates on EVERY metric bike bought!!!

For more information call our Specialty Department at 317.527.2165, reply to this email, or call Nick Anderson at 317.385.3208.

Manheim Indianapolis
3110 S Post Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46239
manheim.com

RIDE TO WORK DAY ACTION– Ride To Work Website and Blog Banners

Motorcycle and Scooter Annual Ride To Work Day is Monday, June 18th
Please use the attached banner ads to remind your readers and viewers each week about this year’s upcoming 27th Annual Ride to Work Day! June 18th, 2018. Additional signs, posters and propaganda art are available for download here. Thanks!

Contact Ride to Work Day, a 501 c4 nonprofit organization, at:
1730 West Superior Street, Duluth Minnesota 55806 USA
http://www.ridetowork.org
218 722 9806
info@ridetowork.org

METALSPORT INC. INTRODUCES their Latest Design for 2018–Metalsport Wheels is proud to introduce our latest wheel design for 2018.

Always starting with USA forged wheel blanks made from 6061-T6 prime aluminum, this wheel is machined to the last detail.
The “Delusion” features six spokes with a slight twist.

Each spoke has the inlay that allows the customer to personalize it or not. As seen here, the chrome version without any inlay coloring and one with the “copper” coloring. Sizes start from the 16×3.5 up to and including the monster 32”.

The Delusion is available in three finishes, chrome, all black anodized and black anodized with 2nd cut to provide a chance to do some color matching (there are other colors to choose from).

All our wheels come with hubs and we offer matching rotors and pulleys. We can even offer the wheel already mounted with your choice of tire, Vee Rubber or Shinko.
If you have questions about application for your bike, call us at (562) 776-9594.

Metalsport offers a full line of 3D and 2D finished wheels featuring over 25 designs including the Chip Foose exclusive line. We have one of the largest selections of wheel sizes in the USA. Wheel sizes start from the 16” wheel to their monster 34” wheel. All wheels come with options to add matching rotors, pulleys, sprockets and hubs.

For more information
Contact: Terry Quintana
(562) 776-9594

[page break]

BRAND New BANDIT’S CANTINA Reader Comment!–
THE SEEMINGLY SOLITARY SUNDAY POST for June 3, 2018

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=13664

Just a few thoughts on Rever: Last year at this time my wife and I were riding around the country. I had the Rever app and used it everyday, it was a nice way to record our trip and post the days ride.

It showed the top mph, avg speed, altitude, etc., I liked it. But the premium version, did not work out for me, even though the maps that they have are Butler maps and they have some great roads to take, we were kind of blazing our own route.

They also have contests that you can join for high mileage riders for added interest. A couple of days riding across the southern states it showed us below sea level for hundreds of miles, kinda cool. Anyway, I always enjoy my Sunday and Thursday reads.

—Robert
Orange, CA

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB–
The TRIALS OF NINA McCALL: Sex, Surveillance, and the Decades-Long Government Plan to Imprison Promiscuous Women

Hardcover – May 15, 2018

by Scott W. Stern (Author)

The nearly forgotten story of the American Plan, a government program to regulate women’s bodies and sexuality–and how they fought back–told through the lens of one of its survivors

Called 1 of the “30 Most Anticipated Nonfiction Books of 2018” (Bitch) and “12 Best New Nonfiction Books Coming Out In May 2018” (Bustle)

In 1918, shortly after her eighteenth birthday, Nina McCall was told to report to the local health officer to be examined for sexually transmitted infections. Confused and humiliated, Nina did as she was told, and the health officer performed a hasty (and invasive) examination and quickly diagnosed her with gonorrhea.

Though Nina insisted she could not possibly have an STI, she was coerced into committing herself to the Bay City Detention Hospital, a facility where she would spend almost three miserable months subjected to hard labor, exploitation, and painful injections of mercury.

Nina McCall was one of many women unfairly imprisoned by the United States government throughout the twentieth century. Tens, probably hundreds, of thousands of women and girls were locked up–usually without due process–simply because officials suspected these women were prostitutes, carrying STIs, or just “promiscuous.”

This discriminatory program, dubbed the “American Plan,” lasted from the 1910s into the 1950s, implicating a number of luminaries, including Eleanor Roosevelt, John D. Rockefeller Jr., Earl Warren, and even Eliot Ness, while laying the foundation for the modern system of women’s prisons. In some places, vestiges of the Plan lingered into the 1960s and 1970s, and the laws that undergirded it remain on the books to this day.

Scott Stern tells the story of this almost forgotten program through the life of Nina McCall. Her story provides crucial insight into the lives of countless other women incarcerated under the American Plan.

Stern demonstrates the pain and shame felt by these women and details the multitude of mortifications they endured, both during and after their internment. Yet thousands of incarcerated women rioted, fought back against their oppressors, or burned their detention facilities to the ground; they jumped out of windows or leapt from moving trains or scaled barbed-wire fences in order to escape. And, as Nina McCall did, they sued their captors. In an age of renewed activism surrounding harassment, health care, prisons, women’s rights, and the power of the state, this virtually lost chapter of our history is vital reading.

AUTHOR Scott W. Stern is a graduate of Yale University, with a BA and MA in American Studies, summa cum laude. His thesis, on the American Plan, won Yale’s Norman Holmes Pearson Prize. A native of Pittsburgh, Stern is continuing his studies at Yale Law School.

—Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS WIDE OPEN–
A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, “Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, but they only know to say one thing.”

“What do they say?” the priest asked.

They say, ‘Hi, we’re hookers! Do you want to have some fun?”

“That’s obscene!” the priest exclaimed. Then he thought for a moment. “You know,” he said, “I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, whom I have taught to pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we’ll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter. My parrots can teach your parrots to pray and worship, and your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase in no time.”

“Thank you, this may very well be the solution.” the woman responded.

The next day, she brought her female parrots to the priest’s house. As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. Impressed, she walked over and placed her parrots in with them and the female parrots cried out in unison, “Hi, we’re hookers! Do you want to have some fun?”

There was stunned silence, then one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and said, “Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered!”

–Sam Burns

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
1934 Husqvarna Factory TT Racer

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=13667

BSA gets mentioned but no mention of Royal Enfield. As if it didn’t exist in those World Wars I and II they talk about here.

—Boo
wayfarer@bikernet.com
India

RIDE TO WORK FACTS–
On June 18th of this year, the number of motorcycles and scooters on roads and highways will more than double as many riders become two-wheeled commuters to help demonstrate that riding is an efficient, economical form of personal transportation which makes parking easier and helps traffic flow better. This year marks the twenty-seventh annual worldwide event, which involves riders of all ages occupations, and from all walks of life.

“Motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and they take up less space in parking areas and on roads. Riders seek employer support for this efficient form of transportation, and more government and public awareness about ridings many benefits,” states Andy Goldfine, the program organizer.

Commuting on this day shows the positive value of motorcycles and scooters for transportation. For hundreds of thousands of workers, motorcycles and scooters are an economical, efficient and socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits. Motorcycling and scootering clubs around the world encourage their members to ride to work on this annual day.

Get more information at RIDETOWORK.ORG

What is MOTOAUCT?

1970 BSA 650 Thunderbolt – cool bike in great shape – $8495

1970 BSA Thunderbolt 650 A65T – This BSA classic is in great shape, very original and complete.

Last year of this classic series, considered by many to be one of the most collectable BSA models. In 1971 BSA went to the unloved and unsound oil-in-frame designs, then the company folded in 1973.

This 1970 model is seen by many as the last “good” BSA … all the detail improvements and fixes, none of the failed “modernizations”.

Thunderbolt features an easy to tune single carb head, starts readily and runs strong.

Unit construction with 4-speed gearbox.

No issues, no problems, everything works.

Classic Brit sound and handling .. very fun bike to ride.

Coming out of a private collection … this bike is a beauty.

Dynamic style and flash .. all there, very original.

One of the last BSA model years to feature the chrome tank and large BSA star badges.

Comfortable dual saddle and mid-rise bars.

Clean California title current reg

Low original milage = under 9K miles.

Starts easy, runs and rides excellent .. collection quality cosmetics.

Great looking, nice riding, no problems classic that is ready to enjoy or add to a Brit bike collection.

Priced at $8495 or best reasonable offer …

https://youtu.be/hKZI852C7QQ

STRANGE FILM OF THE WEEK—Movies in my bucket list of must-watch entertainment

Great reviews on IMDB.
It won 9 Awards, with 15 Nominations. Shown at many Film Festivals

Shoot him in the other brain
Review By
Michael Ledo
On IMDB.com, 2 September 2017

Warning: Spoilers because otherwise you won’t watch it

The film starts off disgusting with a graphic scene of necrophilia by Cornelius (Wayne W. Johnson) of a woman with STD who died from radiation sickness. The film then becomes a rape-zombie film, but nothing like “Lust of the Dead.” Christine (Rebecca C. Kasek) introduces the “teen” cast going on holiday which formula-wise sets her up for the Final Girl…but the black guy (Tarrence Taylor) doesn’t die first.

The appearance of Scream Queen Brinke Stevens early on as a teacher cameo, sets you up for an homage/ spoof film. The characters have the names Freddy, Jason, Christine, Carrie, Samara, Pam (Jason’s mom) and Dirk (?) …not Ash? I started to make a list of the gross and disgusting scenes, but found it was easier to list the non-disgusting scenes. About every scene ended with something either barf-worthy or off colored humor. I will mention there is a Hershey squirt to the face and use of used feminine hygiene product as food. There is also the formula creepy store owner and creepy motel owner. I loved the cigarette gag. The only other dead person I know who can keep a cigarette lit indefinitely is Keith Richards.

Not for everyone. Disgustingly good.

Guide: F-word, sex, nudity (Nicola Fiore, Jennie Russo)

Youtube Trailer https://youtu.be/k1e1suiJsr8

Tell me if you wish to know more about cool stuff in my bucket list.

—the Wayfarer
Official Film Correspondent
Bikernet.com
The wayfarer@bikernet.com

P.S. I am not crazy, my mother had me tested.

“OLD GUYS RULE!”
The new T-shirt for Honda CB 750 riders

There is hardly a motorcycle that has put its mark on the world of two wheels in the last 50 years as much as the legendary Honda CB 750 Four. For the riders and fans of the first four-cylinder motorcycle from mass production, there now is a new T-shirt from the CB750Four.us online shop.

“OLD GUYS RULE! CB 750 FOUR SINCE 1969” is the motto of this T-shirt with white, extra-large print. The high-quality shirt is available in sizes M to 3XL.

The new T-shirt sells for 25 euro including shipping and handling and is available worldwide exclusively online at www.cb750four.us.

2019 YAMAHA NIKEN— First Ride Review
A revolution in motorcycle handling, or the answer to a question that no one is asking? Yamaha’s Niken Leaning Multi-Wheel Vehicle leans and countersteers like a motorcycle, has a narrow 16.1-inch track that means it’s legally considered a motorcycle, and it’s based on Yamaha’s Tracer 900 three-cylinder motorcycle. So is it a motorcycle? We traveled to Austria for a first ride to find out.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK– I know, brother, learning new shit when you’re as old as shit, like us, is hard as shit. I just want to fucking ride, drink whiskey and FTW.

—Josh Placa
Certified Senior SFV Editor
Bikernet.com

Smoky Mountain Crawl Chosen for U.S. Release of Two New Honda Motorbikes
Largest Small-Bore Event in the United States Returns to Townsend–
The Smoky Mountains of Tennessee are a mecca for motorcyclists who are drawn to the scenic and thrilling roads. The popularity of the area has made it the site for numerous motorcycle rallies and events, and now major motorsports manufacturers like Honda are taking notice.

On Thursday, June 7, Honda will host the release and reveal of two new motorbikes that are new to the United States at the Smoky Mountain Crawl.
Touted as the largest small-bore motorcycling event in the country, the Smoky Mountain Crawl provides a gathering place for enthusiasts of small bikes and scooters like the Honda Grom, Kawasaki Z125, Benelli 135 and Honda Ruckus and Yamaha Zuma.

The reveal of Honda’s new bikes will take place at the Smoky Mountain Crawl’s welcome dinner located at the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center located at 123 Cromwell Drive in Townsend, Tennessee. Attendees at the event will be the first to see these new models.

In addition to Honda’s big unveiling on June 7, the Smoky Mountain Crawl will run through Saturday, June 9 and will feature entertaining and interactive opportunities for attendees like music, vendor displays, demo rides, food trucks, a raffle, off-road racing and a poker run presented by Kawasaki.

Hosted by MNNTHBX (Man in the Box), a dealer of small-bore parts located just down the road from Townsend in Seymour, Tennessee, founder and owner Greg Hatcher finds Honda’s choice to unveil the bikes at the Smoky Mountain Crawl exciting.

“We’re honored to have a renowned manufacturer like Honda involved in this event and we’re thrilled they selected the Smoky Mountain Crawl,” said Hatcher. “It’s a really cool opportunity for those attending.”

For more information on the Smoky Mountain Crawl, visit the Facebook event or https://www.mnnthbx.com/events/.

THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN FOR LUNCH– THE COAST GUARD STOPPED FOUR MEXICANS IN A ROWBOAT

A U. S. Coast Guard vessel stopped four Mexicans in a row boat rowing towards California. The Captain got on the loudspeaker and shouts, “Ahoy, small craft. Where are you headed?”

One of the Mexicans puts down his oar, stands up, and shouts:
“We are invading the United States of America to reclaim the territory taken by the USA during the 1800s.”

The entire crew of the destroyer doubled-over in laughter. When the Captain is finally able to catch his breath, he gets back on the loudspeaker and asks:
“Just the four of you?”

The same Mexican stands up again and shouts: “No, we’re the last four. The rest are already there!”

—MR. Wonderful

Actually the Spanish took California from the Indians before we came along.—Bandit

POLARIS SNOW REPORT–RJ Anderson & legendary snowboarder Torstein Horgmo took over Donner Ranch Ski Resort to put on the ultimate snow session.

RJ piloted the all-new 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo-S that was modified with bolt-on components by RJ37 Off-Road & UTVUnderground.com. The team utilized Holz Racing Products roll cage, Walker Evans Racing wheels & shocks, BFGoodrich KR2 BAJA T/A studded tires, Rugged Radios communications, SPARCO seats, color matched powdercoat by American Powdercoat, and featured an insane Pro-Line Wraps graphics package designed by Mad Media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URo3Uz1W7KU

The film was produced and directed by motorsports production powerhouse, Mad Media, and was shot on location in Norden, CA?. Mad Media is responsible for Anderson’s XP1K viral film series, which completely re-defined the UTV and SxS market. Snow Blind is the first installment of the VISIONS series, which promises more premium-branded, viral video? content throughout the year.

“From the design of the car to the integration of Rockstar’s Torstein Horgmo, we really wanted to make this project something special,” commented Co-Director, Matt Martelli. “We’ve always wanted to create an automotive film integrating our love for snowboarding. This project was both challenging and fun in many ways.”

Enjoy the film & stay tuned for more from RJ Anderson’s VISIONS series this year!?

Our mailing address is:
UTVUnderground.com
2554 Pahvant St.
Oceanside, CA 92054

JOIN US FOR JUNE 9TH, FATHER’S DAY NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION– AND ALSO RACING THE IRWINDALE RACE TRUCKS.
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE, BUT GOING FAST!

BUY YOURS TODAY BEFORE THE EVENT IS SOLD OUT.

ENTER DISCOUNT CODE “FATHERSDAY” TO SAVE $5 ON ADULT ADMISSION WHEN YOU BUY ONLINE TODAY AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY

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LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK— 1999 753.Confederate AMERICA GT

Badass. That’s the word that came to mind when we first saw the Confederate America GT. Actually, we heard the motorcycle first. By the time the America GT came to a stop outside, everyone had stopped what they were doing just to stare at the incredible machine.

The America GT’s bad-boy image could come from the motorcycle’s long, low, lean look, or its beefy radial-shod wheels sporting high-end brakes, or its plethora of machined billet aluminum components, or its 113-cubic-inch torque-monster motor.

Confederate’s unique approach to building motorcycles is illustrated by the design of the GT’s frame. Made of 120-gauge DOM carbon steel tubing, the single-backbone, double-cradle frame features an impressive three-inch outer-diameter (OD) backbone that also pulls double-duty as a 5.5-quart oil tank. The downtube measures 2 inches in diameter while the cradle weighs in with 1.25- inch-OD tubes. All of these pieces are machine fit and heliarc welded, producing a frame as inflexible as an extremist’s value system.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED:

Silver paint is in very good condition for 1999. Black powder coated inverted Paioli forks. Billet triple trees. Billet headlight bezel. Chrome nostalgic turn signals with amber lenses in the front and red lenses out back. 6 piston ISR billet calipers with stainless steel lines. ISR billet controls and levers. Free floating rotors. S&S 113 cubic inch engine with S&S Super G carb and S&S chrome Stage 1 Hi-Flow air filter. 5 speed transmission. 8 inch rise Black powder coated T-Bar style handlebar with black bar end mirrors. Auto Meter Pro-Cycle 8,000 rpm tachometer. Forward controls. Chrome cam cover. Hydraulic clutch. Right side chain drive. Lucas taillight. Billet primary case and cover. Dry clutch. Works shocks. 2 piston billet ISR rear caliper with free floating rotor. 2-up seat with passenger pegs.

California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock!!! We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!!! Choose from over 200 bikes in our inventory. To view our current inventory, please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or call us at (714)-490-0155. EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available!!! **Open 7 days a week**

Only $8,995 at Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155

Sale Price $8,995.00

Location: Anaheim, California
Condition: Pre-Owned
Stock Number: 10862C
Year: 1999
Make: Confederate
Model: AMERICA GT
VIN: 1C9SL2758XB071100
Color: SILVER
Mileage: 18,117
Fuel Type: Gas

WILD INDIAN BAGGER— Turbo bike
for the upcoming bbc tv show. By Matias Murad.

—from AD

We are hoping to see a feature of this sleek Indian on Bikernet Baggers.—Bandit

UPCOMING LAW TIGERS EVENTS—Upcoming Events
Santa Fe, NM – Rule of Five 5-Day Ride-Out Lite w/West 38 Moto – 06/08/2018 – 06/13/2018

Carrollton, TX – Caffeine and Gasoline Bike & Car Meet – 06/09/2018

Saint Charles, IL – 3rd Annual Ride to Remember to support Alzheimer’s Disease – 06/09/2018

Colorado Springs, CO -­ Pikes Peak Supercross by Pikes Peak Supercross – 06/09/2018

Albuquerque, NM – Bobby J’s Yamaha Track Day – 06/16/2018

Albuquerque, NM – Law Tigers’ Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing Championships Round 2 – 06/17/2018

Albuquerque, NM ­ Southwest HOG Rally ­ 06/21/2018 – 06/23/2018

NEW HANDMADE BANDIT BELT BUCKLES FROM 5-BALL RACING— 
While stumbling through Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles on a cold winter night, I met an old scrawny opium dealer on a dark street corner. He also had a tiny metal bucket filled with brass Buddhas. I was impressed with the detail in the solid brass figurines and cut a deal with him. Here’s one example.

All belt buckles can be made in Small 1.5 inch diameter, Medium 2.5-inch, Large 3-inch and Extra Large 3.5-inch outside diameter sizes. Keep in mind as they get larger they are heavier.

Each buckle is hand made for the most part and you will be in a very small group of owners in the world, perhaps one or two, or at most a dozen. No two buckles are exactly the same.

BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL EDITOR SPEEDWAY EXPERIENCE—AAA Autoclub Speedway Fontana

The car tops out at 155. They had to yellow light me cause I couldn’t hear the spotter tell me to come in.

–Art Hall
Magnificent International Editor
Bikernet.com

BANDIT’S CANTINA DREAM—
“Bandit told me it was my lucky day. That I can meet the Bikernet Girls in the Cantina section to photograph them for a new feature. Even nudity.

“ I was so happy. Bandit’s gonna love it when he sees my artwork with a camera.”

—Wayfarer
Official Correspondent
Bikernet.com
India

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY RACE DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY—
superluminal

[soo-per-loo-muh-nl]
adjective
1.

One of the Latin sources for the English adjective superluminal “faster than the speed of light” is the very familiar prefix and preposition super- “above, beyond.” The second Latin source is the adjective luminosus “filled with light, dazzling, luminous” a derivative of the noun lumen “light, radiance,” from an assumed leuksmen or louksmen, a derivative of the root noun lux (stem luc-) “light.” The same root, leuk- (and its variant louk-) lies behind the Latin noun luna “moon,” from an assumed louksna. Superluminal entered English in the 20th century.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE WATCH IN MONTANA—Off the bench…
Jeffrey has been busy with some great custom pieces on his bench.

Following our Highline Aviator theme this month – the Cattleman Watch pictured at right is actually a Highline Aviator design with a fixed saddlehorn style lug system. There were four artists involved in this impressive one of a kind manual wind timepiece on it’s path to completion of the clients vision.

Some of the custom elements on this piece included:
Hand twisted and overlaid gold rope on the bezel
Hand cast solid gold star at 12
Western single point deep relief engraving
Red tipped hour and minute hands and red sub second.

Now completed, this unique timepiece lives in Florida. Congratulations David!

Tapplock Gives the Traditional Padlock a Futuristic Makeover—Fingerprint scanner opens lock at lightning speed, no forgettable combinations required

Padlocks have long been used to secure valuable items, but remembering the combination or where the key is can be a hassle. Fingerprints have replaced passwords for electronic devices and are now replacing combinations and keys.

The Tapplock one is the world’s first smart fingerprint padlock. It can unlock in 0.8 seconds with no effort compared to a traditional combination lock that can take up to 15 seconds, or several minutes if the combination is forgotten, to open.

Everyone has had the frustrating experience of spinning the dial of a lock in an endless circle, blocked from changing out of gym clothes or accessing garden tools in a shed. Featuring a state-of-the-art capacitive fingerprint sensor, the Tapplock one has an adaptive algorithm that allows the lock to become faster and more accurate with each use.

It can store up to 500 fingerprints to allow multiple users to access the lock. And, lock owners can use the Tapplock app to track who opened the lock and when, or to grant mobile access via a remote unlock feature.

The rugged Tapplock one is crafted from Zamak 3 zinc alloy metal and features a cut-resistant 7mm reinforced stainless steel shackle, strengthened by double-layered lock design with anti-shim and anti-pry technologies.

The smart padlock is rated IP66, meaning it is water resistant when the lock is closed and is fully functional between 14 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for locking up gates, sheds, boat lockers and bikes. Tapplock one’s battery lasts up to a year off a single two-hour charge, which equates to around 3,000 unlocks per charge and users can check the remaining power using the Tapplock app.

The idea for Tapplock came to David Tao, the co-founder, while he was using a standard combination lock for his gym locker in college. “The traditional padlock was very difficult to operate and I forgot the combination if I didn’t go to the gym every day. I thought about how fingerprints are used to gain access to smartphones and how that technology would solve the problem of remembering a combination or key to a lock. Plus, using your fingerprint gives you quicker access to your belongings.”

Tapplock one comes in three colors sterling silver, gun metal and midnight black and is priced at $99.00 for a single lock and bundles are available starting at $179 for two. The smart padlock is available for purchase from www.tapplock.com.

Tapplock is 2018 CES® innovation Award Honoree recipient, named as “Canadian’s Top 15 Startups” by Metabridge, and featured on CBC’s Dragon’s Den (Canadian version of Shark Tank).

Deadline Fast Approaching to Enter
Garage-Girls—Ultimate Biker Makeover Contest!

Everyone has a chance to “Score Big” if they enter the popular Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover contest. Deadline to enter is June 22, 2018, those interested in entering should send in submissions now!

How would you like to score a HUGE list of parts and accessories for you AND your motorcycle? You can, if you enter the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover 2018, but, you must hurry, as mentioned above The deadline to enter, June 22nd 2018, is FAST approaching.

Contestants (Girls and Guys) must submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo (jpeg no larger than 5mb) to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com Deadline for entries is June 22, 2018.

Submissions will be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls. From there, the judges will decide who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover and will get to take home all the prizes which include; A wardrobe of shoes from Harley-Davidson Footwear, a case of full synthetic oil from Spectro Oils, A new Corbin motorcycle seat, gear from S&S Cycle, Memphis Shades, Bare Knuckle Choppers, Star-Brite and MUCH MORE!! Winner will be announced August 11th on Garage-Girls.com and Garage-Girls FB page.

The focus of the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover is to “Hook a Rider Up”
and help them replace their worn, busted parts and gear.

“For the last 9 years our contest has allowed guys and girls to submit a short story along with a photo of why they need some new gear for their “Body” and “Machine”, it’s a great feeling being able to help a fellow rider get back out on the road with that much needed wind time.” ~Sara Liberte, founder garage-girls.com

LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST NEW—October 11-14, 2018 Check out the Vegas BikeFest Biker Bell!

All VIP Pass Holders will receive this exclusive Vegas BikeFest 2018 Biker Bell during registration check-in.
The Biker Bell is not included with any other package so be sure to grab your VIP Pass today!

Grab your VIP Passes today at the
SUPER EARLY BIRD Price!

We’re giving away a brand new
2018 Harley-Davidson Street Rod XG750A.
Check out the first bike reveal here!
To be eligible, you must register for a Party, Ultimate or VIP Pass and must be present to win.

Book Your Room Today!

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino returns as Headquarter Hotel for the 2018 Vegas BikeFest. As the headquarter hotel, the Golden Nugget is including exclusive perks for everyone who stays with them during the 2018 Vegas BikeFest. Value-added perks include:

Two (2) 2-for-1 Breakfast or Lunch Buffets
$5 off a $20+ lunch or dinner at the Grotto
$5 off lunch or dinner at Chart House
One (1) complimentary dessert at Lillie’s with a purchase of two entrees
10% off at Nineteen Forty Six or Style & Trend
$2 draft beer & $3 well drinks at casino bar locations (5pm – 7pm)
Complimentary fried rice side at Red Sushi with an entree purchase

Click here to check out what the Golden Nugget and all additional hotel options have to offer and to book your room today!

NEW FROM THE BUCKLEGUY–Buckleguy.com has new magnetic closures!

We are introducing magnetic closures! They are available in two styles, and all four finishes. These will make a great addition to your bag, clutch, wallet or purse.

To see how these are installed, go to the product page and click through the images!

Thanks Everyone!

The Buckleguy Team

AMAZING—I met with Larry Settle about his Trask Turbo Bike, so I should have the feature posted shortly.

Check this note from a reader: With the motorcycle industry so hard hit by this next generation? Why won’t the big guys such as H-D work with the independents to bolster the marketplace: In the work, in the parts and in the service?

I just ponder these things sometime. I understand that nobody wants a monopoly on any particular industry, but in times of struggle we just have to swallow our pride and work shoulder to shoulder. I know you are one of the industry gurus. So enlighten me and other consumers. Thanks for all you and others do in the industry to help us stay free as freedom riders.

–Gearhead

Many complain about capitalism. In a sense competition can be an ugly side preventing one company from working with the aftermarket for the greater good. In a sense our government agencies have become capitalists. Each year they want larger budgets, more power and they use additional regulation to promote their efforts to grow. When in reality, they should be working for the folks who pay them (taxpayers). And they should be promoting freedom, right? But that won’t get them a raise or more power.

So, fuck it. We’ll ride until they come for us. We’ll party like crazy at the SmokeOut and Born Free.

In the meantime, we are scrambling to accomplish a bunch including cleaning the shop, Getting Frankie’s Dyna and FXR on the road and getting my funky Panhead running properly. Plus, Frankie wants to look into buying a late model Ford F-150 and we need to check it out. The weekend will be scrambling.

Plus, I’m working with some local artist on a project for Wilmington, which is the Heart of the Harbor. Hang on.

Ride Free Forever,

—Bandit

Hey,

We live is such strange times. On one hand we could be at a terrific juncture in out history, having a great time, living longer, healthier, safer and more free. But the same old shit gets in the way, control freaks (government) and religion.

Damn, I’m glad I’m a biker. I’m fighting the California Air Resources Board for internal combustion motorcyles to continue to exist. But they are like the sheriffs in a town paid for by the Mayor. In this case the governor who has mandated (don’t you love that word) Zero emissions by 2030. That means only electric motorcycles and no barbecues.

Get this. Last year the California Legislature passed a new fine for motorcycle products that are not CARB approved (at a major expense). The old fine was $500 per widget sold. It has been raised to $3,700 per product sold. Can you imagine receiving a ticket for that amount for your backyard barbecue?

Read more.

OSHA inspector and shed based bike builder PJ walks us through his The Wrench: Scout Bobber Build-Off full-fairing Cafe Racer.

Many moons ago I made my way to Stockholm, Sweden, where I found work in a restaurant at the Hotel Domus, and very much enjoyed the endless summer days and the local fauna and flora—lots of it very blond. At that time, vehicles drove on “the other side of the road” as in England, and I dodged many a Volvo and Saab, but not one Husqvarna TT of 1934 vintage. That would have to wait until I migrated to Los Angeles where all things motorcycle are possible. As a result, and this several years ago, I had the good fortune to meet  Chris Carlson, a native Swede now living the SoCal life, but also realizing a childhood dream to own and ride that very rare Husqy. Like all odysseys, it took time and determination and a few thousand miles traveled, and no small expenditure of hard-earned coin.

Read more.

“The adrenaline is nonstop. The light goes on and the flag goes up – it’s a rush.”

Scott Jones of Noise Cycles talks about #HarleyHooligans racing and how we went from not just building Harleys but also racing them.

 

Indian Motorcycle Racing secured its fifth consecutive all-Scout FTR750 podium, as the factory Wrecking Crew placed 1-2-3 at the Red Mile. Reigning Grand National Champion and current points leader Jared Mees continued his dominating season by earning his sixth win in 2018. Fellow Wrecking Crew riders Bryan Smith and Brad Baker rounded out the podium with second and third place finishes.

After winning each Semi, Mees and Smith earned the top starting positions for the Main. Mees jumped out to an early lead and steadily increased his lead on Smith. Baker, who had a tough start from the third starting position, battled his way from the middle of the pack to the third-place position. After a red flag restart, Mees again stretched the gap between he and Smith, while Baker battled with Indian privateer Henry Wiles (Wilco Racing/Willy Built/Bandit Industries) and secured the final podium position by .008 seconds.

“The team was awesome tonight. It felt good to get another win and our first Wrecking Crew sweep of the season,” said Mees. “It was one of those nights where the Scout FTR750 was just incredible.”

Of the 11 Scout FTR750’s competing in the Main, 8 finished inside the top 10. In addition to the top four positions from Mees, Smith, Baker and Wiles, Indian Motorcycle privateers Chad Chose (Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma City), Jeffery Carver Jr. (Roof-Systems, Indian of Metro Milwaukee) and Kenny Coolbeth Jr. (Nila Racing/Columbia Avionics) placed sixth, eighth and 10th, respectively. The Red Mile marked the first race Jake Johnson (Estenson Racing, McCandless Truck Center) put the Indian Scout FTR750 into competition, where he finished in ninth place.

“The track was fast with a challenging and narrow groove. But Mees came out dialed in and ran the line to near perfection,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Our factory and privateers are consistently competing race-to-race, and we look forward to seeing what the OKC Mile brings us in two weeks.”

Through eight races, Mees holds a commanding lead with 170 points, while Wiles ranks second with 116 points. Baker’s third-place finish moves him up the leaderboard from sixth to third overall, with 101 total points. Carver and Coolbeth rank fourth and fifth with 99 points. Meanwhile, Smith is pushing his way up the leaderboard after suffering a broken left fibula and missing two races. Since returning three weeks ago, Smith has reached the podium twice and had a top-five finish. He currently ranks ninth with 73 total points.

The Indian Wrecking Crew and stable of privateers aboard the Scout FTR750 will continue its season on June 16 at the OKC Mile.

Hey,

I’m just an old grubby biker, not the CEO of a major motorcycle manufacturer, but I feel compelled to speak out.

At one time, my contention included only that motorcycling amounted to such a small impact on the planet that we should be left alone. Since then, my reasoning has expanded many-fold.

Here are the broad strokes:

1. In order for politicians or bureaucrats to advance policy goals, they must prove manmade global warming and they can’t.

2. Motorcycling is such a small fraction of the total fossil fuel emissions it shouldn’t even be considered.

3. The road to zero-anything is fraught with problems and human sacrifice, except when applied to a growing, expanding regulatory bureaucracy.

4. What is government, but by the people for the people? Is it designed to regulate, fine and attack everything for its own power and financial gain? No!

5. The world regulatory competition. We should not ever compete with countries around the world in a race to pass more laws than China or the EU.

Read more.

Hey,

I’m just an old grubby biker, not the CEO of a major motorcycle manufacturer, but I feel compelled to speak out against new and old motorcycle emission rules.

At one time, my contention included only that motorcycling amounted to such a small impact on the planet that we should be left alone. Since then, my reasoning has expanded many-fold.

Here are the broad strokes:

1. In order for politicians or bureaucrats to advance policy goals, they must prove manmade global warming and they can’t.

2. Motorcycling is such a small fraction of the total fossil fuel emissions it shouldn’t even be considered.

3. The road to zero-anything is fraught with problems and human sacrifice, except when applied to a growing, expanding regulatory bureaucracy.

4. What is government, but by the people for the people? Is it designed to regulate, fine and attack everything for its own power and financial gain? No!

5. The world regulatory competition. We should never compete with countries around the world in a race to pass more restrictive laws against Americans.

So let’s looks at the facts behind my contentions:

1. Manmade Global Warming, Global Cooling and Climate Change:

We are safer, healthier, greener than ever before, but that’s not all. The air is cleaner.

It’s not simply the sun that can cause climate change. It is the sun, volcanoes, the tilt of the earth’s axis, water vapor, methane, clouds, ocean cycles, plate tectonics, albedo, atmospheric dust, atmospheric circulation, cosmic rays, particulates in carbon soot, forests, land use and more. –Marc Morano, Climate Depot.

Transportation exhaust is responsible for 13% of all greenhouse gas emissions. [.i]–Greenhouse gas emissions from this sector primarily involve fossil fuels burned for road, rail, air, and marine transportation.
“Livestock’s Long Shadow: environmental issues and options”. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Rome 2006
Environmental Protection Agency. “Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data”.

Humanitarian organizations should work hard to help mankind to increase the CO2 concentration… CO2 is the key compound that plants need to grow—and, indirectly, that every organism needs to get the food at the end—Physicist Lubos Motl, formerly of Harvard University

Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, or 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.–
Goodland, R Anhang, J. “Livestock and Climate Change: What if the key actors in climate change were pigs, chickens and cows?”
Goodland, Robert & Anhang, Jeff. “Livestock and Climate Change: What if the key actors in climate change are…cows, pigs and chickens?”. WorldWatch. November/December 2009
Hickman, Martin. “Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases”. Independent. November 2009
Hyner, Christopher. “A Leading Cause of Everything: One Industry That Is Destroying Our Planet and Our Ability to Thrive on It”. Georgetown Environmental Law Review. October 23, 2015. (New)

Methane is 25-100 times more destructive than CO2 on a 20-year time frame.--Shindell, Drew T, et al. “Improved Attribution of Climate Forcing to Emissions”. Science. 326, 716 (2009)
Vaidyanathan, Sayathri. “How Bad of a Greenhouse Gas is Methane? The global warming potential of the gaseous fossil fuel may be consistently underestimated”. Scientific American. December 22, 2015.
“IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007. 2.10.2 Direct Global Warming Potential”. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (New)

We had both higher temperatures and an ice age at a time when CO2 emissions were 10 times higher than they are today. There is no scientific proof that human emissions of carbon dioxide are the dominant cause of the minor warming of the Earth’s atmosphere over the past 100 years.

The fact that we had both higher temperatures and an ice age at a time when CO2 emissions were 10 times higher than they are today fundamentally contradicts the certainty that human-caused CO2 emissions are the main cause of global warming.—Greenpeace co-founder and ecologist Patrick Moore

We are actually experiencing a cooling period, ice is growing, sea rise is declining to 7 inches every century from 10 inches for the last 2000 years. There are more polar bears than ever before, etc.

It begs the question: Why isn’t the California Air Resources Board planting more trees and helping their fellow man?

2. Motorcycle emissions are infinitesimal when compared to all mobile source emissions totals.

1. There are 8,392,682 registered motorcycles in the U.S.

2. There are 881,386 registered (on-road) motorcycles in California as of 2017 per the DMV.

There are 25,467,663 automobiles and 5,254,450 non-commercial trucks in California as of 2017 per the DMV.

Some numbers:

• Total ROG (Reactive Organic Gas) from on-road motorcycles: 30 tons per day.

• Total ROG from off-road vehicles: 16 tons per day.

• Total ROG from all mobile sources: 749 tons per day.

• Total ROG from all non-mobile (stationary) sources: 939 tons per day.

• Total ROG from all sources: 1,688 tons per day.

— Do the math and you will find that the emissions contribution from both on- and off-road motorcycles is too small to jeopardize the future economic stability of motorcycle sales by mandating requirements that may force manufacturers to abandon the California marketplace altogether, or produce models that consumers won’t buy.

—John Paliwoda
California Motorcycle Dealers association

Note that motorcycles are not even mentioned in the SCAQMD chart that shows pollution sources in Southern California.

3. The Road to Zero

We’ve lost the thread of enjoying life behind zero tolerance. Zero is a bad word. It means zero freedoms, and zero profit, It’s against the Code of the West.

The very contention of a zero mandate is unattainable, but will cause never-ending regulation. The governor of California mandated zero emissions. That’s absurd. Should all 25 million Californians quit breathing?

How about cows? Since you can’t regulate them, what will CARB do, throw more regulations at their fellow Californians and American industries who employ citizens and pay your wages?

So, here’s what you have accomplished:
With the additions to VW recent settlements EPA and ARB fines are topping between $30-$40 billion and pending action against Bosch as I understand ARB is in negotiation of some additional aftermarket automotive players, this list gives you an idea of how active they have been at ARB.

Below are settled cases of companies you will probably recognize it’s from your web site.

Auto flash Tuners
https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/hypertech.htm

Light Diesel Truck
https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/derive_systems.htm

Parts Unlimited- Drag Specialties $627,000

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/lemans_corp.htm

WESTERN
https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/western_power_sports.htm

JEGS $1.7 million plus legal fees

https://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/jegs_automotive_inc.htm

CCI
http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/custom_chrome.htm

K&N $521,000

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/kandn.htm

Freedom

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/free_performance.htm

RC

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/rccomp.htm

Bassani

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/bassani.htm

V&H (this was a million dollar fine that was negotiated down to $500,000 with huge fees by their law firm)

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/vh_performance.htm

Tucker-Rocky- In addition to this fine their legal fees were over $650,000

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/tucker_rocky.htm

Akrapoivic

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/akrapovic.htm

Rush

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/rushracing.htm

Samson

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/samson.htm

Dirt Bike Exhaust Mfg

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/fmf.htm

Husqvarna (1) million + legal fees

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/husq.htm

Piaggio
http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/piaggio.htm

Ricardo (5) Million Dollars + Legal Fees

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/ricardo_moto.htm

Diesel Truck Market supplier $1 million

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/hands.htm

Lawnmower Mfg almost 1/2 million $ plus legal fees

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/mtd_southwest.htm

International Test lab

http://business-bankruptcies.com/cases/motorscience-inc

This one is similar to the VW case, Big $ for EPA and ARB

Volvo $14 million
This case dates back to 1998, Fed Govt also fined Volvo for 50+ million

http://www.arb.ca.gov/enf/casesett/volvo_powertrain.htm

Recently in the Port of Los Angeles, where the air has been cleaner and cleaner for 25 years, even more regulation is being considered: POLA/POLB Clean Air Action Plan.

They’ve been trying to get the boaters to replace older outboards, too. Then there’s the leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and on and on.

I know guys in automotive and m/c parts business who will not sell in California over the confusion and cost to prove yourself innocent with products designed to fit on pre-emission and emission compliant models.

If CARB came after them, they would go for the total number sold regardless of what year vehicle they were installed on.

The strict rules and regs stifle our innovation. Even if you make a product that is clean, there has to be a reg for it and the testing process will likely make you walk away unless there is a massive market, and unfortunately there isn’t.

So, this begs the question. Zero means you can never stop, because you will never reach zero. Every year you will attack a new sector, like go-carts and barbecues, while failing at others. You will never attain enough power, enough resources or large enough staff or budget. You are mandated to regulate and fine unmercifully against fellow Americans, while other issues will be ignored. Sounds like the perfect regulatory business model.

4. So, what’s government all about. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.—John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence.

We left Europe to escape to the new world for religious freedoms and for freedom from tyrannical monarchies. The British Empire, France, and Spain subjugated their people while conducting wars over colonization. When our ancestors arrived in America, it was a new beginning of freedom. Our forefathers fought the British to rid America of the King’s rule, taxes, regulations and the arbitrary search and seizure of their homes.

Some shrug at thes old historic documents, but if we want freedom and happiness, there must be a balance of regulation and freedom. We have shifted from a government for the people, to one for the Planet. It was the golden door for control freaks, who want to control everything. How can you consider your own feeble life if the planet is at stake? But what if the warning deadlines have passed and nothing happened? We are healthier and breathe cleaner air than ever before. So, can we shift back to a balanced government, respect business, fun and maybe plant more trees?

5. This is the silly one. I listened to your rationale regarding stiffer regulations, because the other guys are doing it. But you represent Californians, not Parisians or Germans. You represent freedom-loving Americans. You are paid by California taxpayers.

If you study the bottom line, you’ll discover that the threats and alarmist predictions didn’t come true in over a decade. Then why wouldn’t you embrace the industry, work with them and let us ride?

Why do we use the EU as a competitive excuse for more unnecessary regulations against Americans?

We are the one country that supposedly respects freedom.

We are not in a competition with the world to see who can pass the most onerous regulations against the public.

So, from your standpoint and the governor’s, we no longer live in a society mandated to deliver freedom and happiness. You are mandated to regulate everything. Just think about that for a second. Barbecues will be banned for solar warmers. Campfires will be eliminated and replaced. All roofs, according to the mayor of Los Angeles, need to be white.

So, what if you are absolutely wrong about manmade climate change? What if nothing Al Gore predicted ever came to pass? Will you feel bad because you fined hundreds of companies billions of dollars? Will you return this money on a silver platter? Will Al Gore return all the money he made by lying to the country and terrifying kids for a decade?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

— Abraham Lincoln

A final thought:

 Alex Epstein of the Center for Industrial Progress had this take on Hurricane Harvey–“Those in the industry should feel proud of producing the affordable, reliable energy we need to cope with an inherently dangerous climate.

“Before industrial development, and in the underdeveloped world today, storms like Harvey routinely claimed tens of thousands of lives. That equates to thousands upon thousands of lives saved in Texas thanks to fossil fuels and the development they make possible.

“The opponents of fossil fuels trying to use this tragedy to promote their anti-energy, anti-development agenda should be exposed as advocating policies that would make storms like Harvey more dangerous and more deadly.”

–Climate Depot