Hey,
Another exciting week ahead. It’s Bike Week Daytona and Paisano Publications is on the auction block. We are about to publish a piece on the new Biker’s Choice dealer show. Almost 800 dealers signed up to attend in Texas.
According to reports from the front sales may be down but action is up. The stock market is singing and with it comes confidence to spend bucks. Let’s see how Daytona Bike Week works out next week.
Don’t forget to check in with 2Wheelers on main for the coolest shit on the planet.
I’m watching a Prohibition documentary series on Netflix. It’s amazing. It’s another example of how freedom works and control freaks don’t. Obama should have watched it. There’s got to be balance with a major consideration for Freedom. Let’s party.
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A biker went to a bar and ordered a drink. As he sat sipping his whiskey, a young lady sat down next to him. She turned to the biker and asked, “Are you a real biker?”
He replied, “Well, I’ve spent my whole life on Harleys. My momma was pregnant with me when she rode on the back of my Daddy’s Harley, then as a little boy I rode on the back with my Daddy until I finally got my own Harley. I’ve been riding a Harley ever since. So yes, I guess I am a real biker.”
She said, “I’m a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about women; when I shower, watch TV, eat, whatever, everything seems to make me think of women.” Then she got up and left.
The biker was thinking about what just happened when a man sat down next to the biker and asked, “Are you a real biker?”
He replied, “I always thought I was, but I just found out I’m a lesbian.”
–from Rogue
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SUICIDE BOMBERS GO ON STRIKE— BBC News
Muslim suicide bombers in Britain are set to begin a three-week strike on Wednesday in a dispute over the number of virgins they are entitled to in the afterlife. Emergency talks with Al Qaeda have so far failed to produce an agreement.
The unrest began last Tuesday, when Al Qaeda announced that the number of virgins a suicide bomber would receive after his death, would be cut by 25% this February from 72 to 54. A spokesman said increases in recent years in the number of suicide bombings, has resulted in a shortage of virgins in the afterlife.
The suicide bombers’ union, the British Organization of Occupational Martyrs (B.O.O.M.) responded with a statement saying the move was unacceptable to its members and called for a strike vote.
General Secretary Abdullah Aloud Bang told the press, “Our members are literally working themselves to death in the cause of Jihad. We don’t ask for much in return but to be treated like this is like a kick in the teeth.”
Speaking from his shed in Tipton in the West Midlands, Al Qaeda chief executive Aisheet Mapants explained, “I sympathize with our workers concerns but Al Qaeda is simply not in a position to meet their demands. They are simply not accepting the realities of modern-day Jihad in a competitive marketplace.
Thanks to Western depravity, there is now a chronic shortage of virgins in the afterlife. It’s a straight choice between reducing expenditures or laying people off. I don’t like cutting benefits but I’d hate to have to tell 3,000 of my staff that they won’t be able to blow themselves up.”
Spokespersons for the union in the North East of England, Ireland, Wales and the entire Australian continent stated that the change would not hurt their membership as there are so few virgins in their areas anyway.
According to some industry sources, the recent drop in the number of suicide bombings has been attributed to Rosie O’Donnell. Many Muslim Jihadists now know what a virgin looks like and have reconsidered their benefit packages.
Vision Wheel to Sponsor World Speed Record Attempt by Team “7” Racing and Valerie Thompson– World’s Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer Receives Vision Wheel Support for Land Speed Record Attempt
Team “7” Racing welcomes Vision Wheel as a new associate sponsor for their world motorcycle speed record attempt with award-winning driver Valerie Thompson. Team “7” will attempt making Thompson the fastest motorcycle racer in the world by breaking the current record of 367.363 mph at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials competition August 27 – September 1, 2017 in Wendover Utah.
Thompson joins off-road racing legend Rob MacCachren, as part of Vision Wheel’s growing stable of company supported racing ambassadors. A seven-time land speed record holder and member of six different land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, Thompson re-wrote racing history at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, with a speed of 304.263 mph (489.6 KMH) piloting the Team “7” Racing Streamliner. She is the first female rider over 300 mph, earning the title of “Worlds Fastest Female Motorcycle Racer.”
“We are delighted to have world class racers like Valerie and Team “7” Racing represent our world-class products,” said Roger Minor, founder and CEO of Vision Wheel. “I’ve watched Valerie’s career over the years and she’s a winner, both on and off the track. We look forward to sharing in her success,” added Minor.
“As an independent team owner, I look for value and reliability in everything I buy, whether its racing equipment or trailer tires. That’s why I’ve used Vision Wheel products for years,” said Thompson. “Without Vision Wheel tires, wheels and accessories, we’d never get our equipment to the track. All our support equipment, ranging from tow vehicle tires to our golf cart wheels roll on the best-in-class products provided by Vision Wheel,” added Thompson.
Team “7” Racing owners John Jans and Joe Harralson will continue utilizing the talents of Motorcycle Hall of Fame member, designer and team leader, Denis Manning. The Manning designed and American built “7” Streamliner held the motorcycle speed record from 2006 to 2008 (350.884 mph) and again from 2009 to 2010 (367.382 mph).
Additional Information
http://www.ValerieThompsonRacing.com
http://www.visionwheel.com/
Valerie Thompson and the Team “7” Racing Streamliner at the 2016 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. Team members from L to R, include Lou Fischer, Peter Manning, Danny Weger, Jim Moser, Rich Voliva, Arch Owens, John Jans, Denis Manning, Valerie Thompson and Ray Garcia. (Photo by Lou Fischer – BonnevilleStories.com)
NEW MRF REP FREEDOM FIGHTER– Good morning Freedom Fighters, I wish to introduce Annette (Pita) Ault who has accepted the task of being the assistant MRF Rep in Utah. Annette has been a driving force here in Utah and I am sure she will be an asset to the MRF so lets welcome Annette (Pita) Ault to our team!
I am greatly appreciative to have Annette’s acceptance to this position as I have had one personal hit after another that is overwhelming to say the least. Utah is in the middle of a legislative battle that I have not been very able to participate in. Annette has been attending the governmental sessions and the following is Annette’s introduction to you and request for your assistance.
Roger “The Swede” Blomquist
MRF Representative
FOUR-SPEED TRANSMISSION WORK STAND FROM LOWBROW– Lowbrow Customs created a simple and trouble-saving work stand for use while maintaining or completely rebuilding your 1936 to 1985 Harley-Davidson Four Speed Transmission.
Lowbrow Customs has added to their growing line of motorcycle engine stands and specialty tools with the addition of this purpose-built work stand for use with Harley-Davidson four speed transmissions.
The Four Speed Transmission Work Stand allows you to clamp the stand in your bench-mounted vise, allowing for easy access to all angles of your tranny, all while keeping it at a secure and convenient work height.
Made in the USA with American steel and black powdercoated for oil and rust resistance, this tool will give you flawless service for years to come. The Four Speed Transmission Work Stand is SKU 007590 and is $29.95. For more details or to place your order call toll-free 1-855-456-9276 or visit www.lowbrowcustoms.com
Lowbrow Customs is run by a tight-knit crew based in Brunswick, Ohio, USA and has been at the forefront of design in custom motorcycle parts for bobbers and choppers since 2004.
AMA supports efforts to protect riders from unsafe fuel–
Contact your representative today!–
Take Action!
In an effort to prohibit the availability of E15, a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, the American Motorcyclist Association supports U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.) H.R. 1315, the RFS Reform Act. The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It also would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from allowing the introduction into the marketplace of gasoline blends with more than 10 percent ethanol by volume.
In other words, E15 will not be permitted if this legislation becomes law.
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle fuel systems and engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15.
Passing H.R. 1315 will protect the 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in use on America’s roads and trails (and the riders who depend on their safe operation) from inadvertent misfueling.
Preventing these inadvertent misfuelings has been one of the AMA’s top priorities, because motorcycles and ATVs in use today are not designed to run on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Many older machines favored by vintage enthusiasts have problems with any ethanol in the fuel. Often, simply using fuel blends higher than 10 percent ethanol can void a manufacturer’s warranty, potentially leaving motorcyclists with thousands of dollars in additional repair or maintenance costs.
We need your help to pass H.R. 1315. You can send a prewritten email to your representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to adjust their messages by drawing on personal riding experiences.
Please join the AMA in the fight for access to safe fuel. More members mean more clout against our opponents, and your support will help the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government. To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
Take Action!
BIKER’S CHOICE MAKES A MOVE— I spoke to James Simonelli the other day about the Biker’s Choice dealer show. Over 600 dealers attended and the mood was very upbeat.
James is working on a program to support their dealers. Biker’s Choice and specifically Twin Power products are after producing stock replacement products. Due to H-D factory rules most dealers can’t buy stock replacement products from local dealers. But now there will be an alternative for many stock products such as batteries, gaskets, crank position sensors, oil filters, wiring kits, you name it.
We are working with James on a series of articles covering everything they currently manufacturer under the Twin Power name and their other suppliers. Hang on for more reports, or head over to the Biker’s Choice web site.
CHANGING TIMES THURSDAY NEWS for March 2, 2017
Chop that Shovelhead!
–Wayne Whitfield
Bridge City, LA
Just as soon as we fix Frankie’s Dyna and FXR. I’m already looking at different gas tanks and oil tanks. I know what I will do with the bars. –Bandit
QUOTE OF THE DAY— He who has hope, has everything.—Confucius
Senate Bill S 456 passes Senate Full Committee on March 2, 2017–
ABATE of South Carolina is pleased to announce that Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee Senator Grooms has introduced Senate bill S 456 which has two separate changes to current South Carolina Law.
The DMV has been working on a way to stop the reissuing of motorcycle permits and get all motorcyclists to ride with a class M endorsement.
Although the DMV could just refuse to continue to reissue a permit if they felt a person does not show the aptitude to operate a motorcycle, we felt that there should be a compromise.
After working with the DMV and looking at what other states have done the idea came up with allowing three attempts and if the person still cannot complete the skills test, then the person with a motorcycle permit would have to take a motorcycle safety class.
The motorcycle safety classes in South Carolina currently allow a person to get a class M license with a successful completion of the class.
Currently there are 196,181 class M operators and 21,697 class M permits over the age of seventeen with a comparison of 3,121,603 class D operators and 18,574 class D permittee’s over the age of 17.
The first part of this bill amends Section 56-1-50 with a new section to read:
A person who holds a motorcycle beginner’s permit who has failed the motorcycle driver’s license test three or more times must successfully complete a South Carolina Technical College motorcycle safety course, or its equivalent, in lieu of passing the motorcycle driver’s license test, in order to obtain a motorcycle license.
All courses must be at least eight hours in length and be taught by an instructor accredited through a training program in which the procedures for accreditation are equivalent to those set forth in ‘Manual of Rules and Procedures’ published by the National Safety Council.
All courses must include successful completion of an examination equivalent to the Department of Motor Vehicles motorcycle skills test. These programs are subject to Section 56-1-15.
The DMV has been working with ABATE to come up with an addition to current law that would allow a person with a class M endorsement to take the motorcycle safety class to reduce four points off their driving record just like it is currently allowed by taking the Defensive Driving course offered by the National Safety Council.
The second part of this bill amends Section 56-1-770 with a new section to read:
Any driver with a Class M (motorcycle) endorsement who has accumulated points under the provisions of this article shall have the number of his points reduced by four upon proving to the satisfaction of the Department of Motor Vehicles that he has successfully completed a South Carolina Technical College motorcycle safety course or its equivalent.
All courses offered for point reduction must be at least eight hours in length and be taught by an instructor accredited through a training program in which the procedures for accreditation are equivalent to those set forth in ‘Manual of Rules and Procedures’ published by the National Safety Council
–from Ralph Bell, JR
ABATE of South Carolina
[page break]
Saxon Models For 2006
Interesting. Anyone in the UK riding Saxons, I have a 2007 Septre I bought back from Dubai when I moved back.
–Paul
paul.oman337@gmail.com
derby, DE, United Kingdom
We haven’t heard much from Saxon. They were bought out at a bad time and the US market tanked. They moved to Europe, but then I lost track. Their site is still up and running at Saxonmotorcycles.com. Here’s the latest news from 2010:
Billy Idol started his World Tour 2010 in Moscow – Riding on a Saxon Firestorm.
Before starting his concerts, he wanted to see Moscow. He and his band did this on several Saxon bikes. As he tells in his blog he found this the best way to visit the city.
After his ride on Thursday, he called our Moscow dealer to have another ride on a Saxon on Saturday.
Exiting new plans for Saxon Motorcycles
New owners Saxon Motorcycles USA 2009
Casa Grande, Arizona – USA
New owners have taken over Saxon Motorcycles USA as officially back on Monday August 24, 2009. We are pleased to announce the transition in ownership and the exciting plans to take Saxon Motorcycles into 2010 and beyond.
Saxon Motorcycles was created in 2004 to develop and produce a semi custom production V Twin cycle at an affordable price. We currently have 9 US compliant models in our line for 2009 and are planning to introduce 1 new model for 2010, a semi custom bagger. Saxon Europe now has 4 EU compliant models in their line.
Plans in the works now include another new model in the 2011 line up and increasing the Dealer network in the USA, Europe, Canada and Australia.
The new management team is committed to the continued growth and success of Saxon Motorcycles and will continue to focus on quality motorcycles at a price everyone can afford along with delivering superior customer service.
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN ON SUNDAYS– I got caught taking a pee in the swimming pool today. The lifeguard shouted at me so loud, I nearly fell in…
During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, “How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age home?”
“Well,” he said, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to empty the bathtub.”
“Oh, I understand,” I said. “A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup..”
“No” he said. “A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?”
–from Rogue and sidehack Jerry
in the Bikernet Old Biker Garage
THIS IS BULLSHIT– Iowa lawmakers introduced two bills last month that would require motorists who are arrested or convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) to undergo a twice-daily in-person sobriety testing. Those who pass can go about their day. Those who don’t go straight to jail.
The proposed 24/7 sobriety bills are aimed at repeat offenders, and first-time offenders whose blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.15 percent at arrest. Offenders would also have to install and use ignition interlock devices in their vehicles and unless they can prove they can’t afford it, pay for the daily monitoring and the fees for the interlock devices.
The 24/7 sobriety program has been embraced in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming plus all but four counties in South Dakota. Thirteen states are currently conducting pilot programs and four more plan to do so soon.
In South Dakota, officials have noted since the legislated sobriety program began there has been a dramatic decrease in traffic fatalities due to DUI. They claim the recidivism rate for convicted DUI motorists has decreased as well.
Late last year in Iowa, a statewide governor’s task force convened to tackle the issue of impaired driving. The twice-daily in-person breath test was just one of 66 proposals recommended by the group.
If the 24/7 sobriety bills pass in Iowa, judges would have the authority to order an offender to take part as a condition of bond, pretrial release or sentencing. The Board of Parole could also require participation.
Twice before Iowa lawmakers have proposed a similar bill. In 2016, the legislation stalled in the House after Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed the bill.
MADD is pushing for interlock devices on all vehicles driven by DUI offenders and generally oppose any new DUI bill without that measure. “The 24/7 program is more like a treatment of alcoholism,” said J.T. Griffin, MADD’s chief government affairs officer. He added, “Ignition interlocks are geared toward protecting the public, because they keep people from drinking and driving.”
ACLU of Iowa Legal Director Rita Bettis described the 24/7 sobriety program as a “dramatic overreach” that requires full-time sobriety instead of targeting “a lack of sobriety when driving.” The ACLU also opposes motorists participating in the program who had not yet been convicted of a crime. Montana’s Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that requiring 24/7 participation by people charged but not convicted with drunk driving did not violate their rights to due process.
The 2015 Federal Highway Bill provided funding to states for the 24/7 sobriety program giving it parity with ignition interlocks. Incentives for states to work out the 24/7 laws will continue beyond the twenty-two states that have programs or have already shown interest.
Being arrested for drunk driving is a serious offense and can have cataclysmic personal consequences such as jail time, hefty fines, ongoing monitoring, loss of auto insurance and even the loss of a job.
DUI Laws Update: Part 3 will explore the current financial costs of a DUI conviction.
Use this link to share this NMA E-Newsletter with others:
https://www.motorists.org/alerts/dui-laws-update-part-2-twice-daily-person-breath-tests-nma-e-newsletter-425/
Read Driving News every chance you get:
https://www.motorists.org/news/
VINTAGE RIDE TOURS GOES WAY OUT–
Facing temperatures between -20 and -40 degrees Celsius, seven adventurers are about to start an incredibly physical, mechanical and mental challenge.
The deepest and coldest lake of Mongolia is completely frozen from January to April. During the first part of their journey they will travel 1,000 kms (620 miles) in 10 days, departing from Mörön, the administrative capital of the Khösvgöl province.
They will head towards the north of the country on 4 sidecars – from our partner Alternative Side-Car – harnessed to Royal Enfields. They will confront the cold through the steppes and then on the Khösvgöl lake which spans 136 kms long and 36 kms wide (84 and 22 miles).
During this time of the year, the lake becomes an ice desert. Will the machines withstand these extreme temperatures? And how do men react to ice, silence and solitude? Bordering Russia at the gates of Siberia, this lake is referred to as the “Dark Blue Pearl” and is located in legendary territory where only arduous people have decided to inhabit.
The adventurers will advance full speed ahead on the ice, swept by gusts of wind. They travel at their own risk, trusting only their machines and instincts. We can only imagine the troubles, obstacles, and doubts they will encounter.
MEETING WITH A MYSTICAL AND SOLITARY PEOPLE
“I prefer human natures that resemble frozen lakes to those that resemble marshes. The former are hard and cold on the surface but deep, tormented and alive underneath. The latter are soft and spongy in appearance but their bottom is inert and impermeable.” Sylvain Tesson
On a second stage, our protagonists will meet a nomadic people called the Tsaatans, whose name stems from the meaning of “those who live among the reindeer”. Cut off from the modern progressive world, the Tsaatans never considered the idea of conforming to the city life.
Supporting themselves and satisfied with the bonds they’ve created with nature, they take what it has to offer and trust in their shamans during hard times. The current Tsaatan population is composed of 80 families, half of whom still live in the taiga. These people are at one with nature and in perfect harmony with its elements.
They lead a rough life, but a chosen and free one. This encounter will allow us to question Western values where the individualistic attitude overpowers community well-being and personal profit supercedes sharing. These new relationships will make it possible to confront the conflict between modern man and wild nature.
EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERS
Frozen Ride, whose idea was born several months ago in Alexandre Zurcher (Vintage Rides) and Jean Burdet’s heads (Alternative Side-Car), wouldn’t be possible today without the support of trusting partners who believe in this human adventure and physical challenge.
This project is a dare between adventure enthusiasts eager for thrills, and for that it seemed obvious to associate with partners who share the same values. Royal Enfield, a historic and prestigious brand which is not necessary to present. We believe in the strength of its legendary motorcycles.
La Mutuelle des Motards, a mutual insurance company which embodies values ??forged in the daily life of the motorcycle world: solidarity, sharing and freedom. Nikon, one of the most popular French brand, believes in the power of images, and their ability to inspire humans in everyday’s life.
Frozen Ride will take place from the 3rd to the 13th of March 2017, 10 days of travel in extreme conditions. We’ll reveal more about the journey’s progress and adventurers’ conditions very soon.
Vintage Rides would like to personally thank Sylvain Tesson, Thomas Goisque, Jean Burdet, Clément Gargoullaud (Babel Doc), Baptiste Chappert and Ghana.
WEEKEND DEALS— Dr. Hamster is selling an original Billy Westbrook modified FXR. It’s a classic and runs like a champ. Just $10,000.
The other is a VLD from 1934, only 300 made. It took him years to get it rolling, but once he did I helped him get it running. He’s looking for $16,000.
Call Dr. Hamster anytime
310-600-8872
AMA WINNER, BMW R75/6 Raffle Bike Grand Prize– AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame raffle bike won by Pennsylvania rider
Custom 1975 BMW R75/6 motorcycle goes to AMA member Bill Chick
A 1975 BMW R75/6 motorcycle customized by renowned custom bike builder Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles in Chicago was won by Bill Chick of Indiana, Pa., the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announced today.
Chick’s name was drawn during the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show on Feb. 17 in Milwaukee.
Chick, an 11-year AMA member, said he has been buying $20 worth of raffle bike tickets each year for the past five years.
“I didn’t expect to win, so I just considered it a donation to the Hall of Fame,” Chick said. “But last year, when the raffle bikes were unveiled, I saw that BMW and told my wife that that was a bike I would keep.”
Modifications to the motorcycle — dubbed The AMA BMW R75GS by Prust — include a custom subframe, Fox Street Performance RC1 shocks, Race Tech Gold Valves, billet triple clamps and rider pegs, an engine refresh, an aftermarket performance ignition, updated electronics and wiring throughout, custom paint, new controls, new brake lines and much more.
Chick said the news of his win took a while to sink in.
“At first, it just wasn’t clicking,” he said. “Then I told a few friends, and I started to realize that I had actually won a motorcycle.”
The raffle is a fundraiser for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate and preserve the rich tradition of motorcycling in America.
To donate to the Hall of Fame and get a chance to win a beautiful 1966 Harley-Davidson FLH, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The donation is $5 per entry, five entries for $20. Entrants must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States to win.
The Harley-Davidson winner will be selected and announced at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 7-9, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
DIRTY BIRD PLACED 3RD–
Just placed 3rd in my heat race.—John Shope
The #1 custom bagger builder based in Phoenix, AZ. He leads the custom bagger world with his mind blowing bagger creations and unique aftermarket parts line.
PHOENIX, AZ
DIRTYBIRDCONCEPTS.COM
noun
1. a person who leads a life of dreamy, indolent ease, indifferent to the busy world; daydreamer.
2. Classical Mythology. a member of a people whom Odysseus found existing in a state of languorous forgetfulness induced by their eating of the fruit of the legendary lotus; one of the lotophagi.
QUOTES
Octavia passed the days in a kind of lotus-eater’s dream. Books, hammocks, correspondence with a few intimate friends, a renewed interest in her old water-color box and easel–these disposed of the sultry hours of daylight.
— O. Henry, “Madame Bo-Peep, of the Ranches,” Whirligigs, 1910
ORIGIN
In book 9 of the Odyssey, Odysseus tells the story of being blown off course for nine days as he was rounding Cape Malea (the southern tip of the Peloponnesus) westward toward Ithaca, his home island. On the tenth day Odysseus and his companions landed on an unnamed island that the Greek historian Herodotus (5th century b.c.) located on the Libyan coast.
The Greek historian Polybius (2nd century b.c.) specifically identified the island as Meninx (now Djerba) off the Tunisian coast. The Greek noun lotós “lotus” in ancient times referred to several different herbs, plants, shrubs, and trees. One of these, the shrub Ziziphus lotus, is often thought to be the lotus of the Odyssey. Lotus-eater entered English in the 17th century.
Any body have Doug Johnson’s phone number. I haven’t talked to him in years. He knows me. I helped Doug at his shop in Burbank. Doug is cool and I have a RD gold 250 tricked out to a 350 sport bike rz reeds spect 2-road-race pipes, 34mm carbs, ported big-time.
–Richard Barker
rmarker325.rm@gmail.com
Long Beach
AUTOCYCLE BILL IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSE– We just returned from a productive day at our state house and wanted to share the news with everyone especially on the Autocycle bill.
We had noticed that there was some mention of changing a current definition of “three wheel vehicle” to “auto cycle” in a bill.
It appeared it may be up for a subcommittee hearing this morning so the normal crew showed up. It did not go to subcommittee but we did have a chance to talk with a local lobbyist that is under contract with Polaris.
We sat down in the chairman’s office and helped explain why we would like them to be Autocycles and make sure they are registered as anything other than a motorcycle and that the operator licenses requirement should not be a motorcycle license.
It looks like they are on the same page and want to make sure that other states are aware in the event someone may be running around your state house for Polaris.
We also had a bill sponsored by the chairman and introduced today to allow a motorcycle safety class to be used to remove four points and also in the same bill a requirement that after three attempts to pass the DMV skills test a person must take a motorcycle safety class.
I know Dennis can echo my statement that it has been a busy day,
–Ralph Bell
ABATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
THE NEXT WEEK IS HEATING UP— I’m kicking off the next Cantina Episode. There’s some evil shit surfacing. We are working with James Simonelli and the Biker’s Choice team on their dealer coverage and on some stock replacement part tech articles.
I know Rogue is working on several Bikernet Bagger techs. Since I’m helping my grandson fix his wrecked Dyna and detail his Mudflap FXR by Spitfire motorcycles, we will have a couple of platforms for tech articles. We should have his bike back from Dr. John (Anaheim, CA), who is straightening his frame, next week.
And I just started another project, one of our goals for the year. It took me awhile to do a little research and speak to sculpture artists. Suddenly, I’m inspired. You’ll see all the progress on Bikernet. We are using this 1916 Excelsior Auto Cycle as a guide.
I got inspired yesterday and started to build the skeleton, which will be wrapped with clay. Need to buy some tools next week and clay. Need to read more, first.
Hang on for more reports.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
