Hey,
Here’s a tough one. We have the 120th anniversary coming up and I asked myself where do the custom guys, the real bikers, fit in and how will they be acknowledged. For decades the factory ignored us. At one time they came out of the closet and built the Wide Glide and from time to time they build models to suit guys who want to be cool, but can’t wrench for whatever reason.
The movie Easy Rider spoke to many of us. I guess I am asking where do the Chrome Rebels fit into the history of Harley-Davidson and the current motorcycle culture. The choppers that folks said died a couple of times is back. In reality, Choppers never died. They just ducked underground for a spell. So, what does the chopper represent to you. Is it sex, drugs and rock and roll?
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.
THE BILTWELL FINAL SIX—
The votes are all counted and the top six builders for 2023 have been selected! This year we have three Panheads, a Knuckle, a 1929 “D” Model, and believe it or not – a hand-built chopper powered by a helicopter engine (parts of it at least!). These builders have already put in tons of hours and have more to go before the big reveal.
In May, we’ll send our team to shoot videos and photos of each bike and builder in their home shops/garages. Once those videos and photos are complete voting will go live on or around June 20th and will close the morning of June 23rd while they are riding the treacherous Ortega Highway to Cook’s Corner where we will have all the bikes on display, and will announce the Champ around 9:00 pm or so.
There is no cover charge or entry fee to get in at Cook’s, and it’s a great way to get your Born Free weekend started!
Follow along to get tons of updates along the way: @biltwell_peoples_champ
You can get all the details here
www.Biltwellinc.com
BIKERS OVER BILLIONAIRES!!!
Our rights are under attack! I must call your attention to a new bill (HB 837) that was filed recently in the Florida Legislature. This bill, by the multi-billion-dollar insurance industry and corporate elites would strip away the rights of Floridians … taking away our constitutional right to hold others accountable and responsible when they harm you, your family, or your business.
If the multi-billion dollar insurance industry were to put together a wish list of ways in which they would harm policy holders, while at the same time attacking our access to courts, it would read exactly like HB 837.
This bill seeks to take away our rights by reducing insurance company accountability to Insureds and claimants, expand insurance company profits, take away our rights to go to the doctors we choose and ultimately increase costs that will fall back on workers, taxpayers, and healthcare providers.
All this, while trying to claim that the bill “may indirectly lower the cost of insurance.” How many of you have ever seen your auto, motorcycle, home, health, or life insurance rates ever go down?
Please join me on Thursday as we RIDE FOR OUR RIGHTS to Tallahassee to attend the House Civil Justice Subcommittee meeting, this Friday, February 24, at 8:00 a.m., where this bill will be considered. I will be there, along with countless others, making sure that the voices of actual bikers and Floridians are heard.
Statement from the Florida Justice Association (FJA) President Curry Pajcic:
“Florida is under attack. The rights of every Floridian are under assault by insurance companies and corporate elites who think they can dictate which rights should be preserved and which can be tossed aside.”
Don’t let them tread on Florida!!!
–Dmac
JUST IN FROM THE DICE NEWS DESK—Issue 99 is coming.
NEWS FROM THE STATE OF DISARRAY—
Just wanted to share some good news. Patrick ‘Chappy’ Carver is our MRF State Rep for California. California is currently considering issuing permits for vehicles larger than 10,000 pounds to operate on state highways autonomously, with no driver in the cab.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRnYSaAY/
Shown here is a link to the testimony Chappy gave to the CA DMV recently.
Great work, Chappy! Keep it up!
–Mark Buckner
MRF
GEORGIA GRUNDLE RUN—
Fri Sep 15 2023 at 07:00 am to Sep 17 2023 10:00 am
1211 Old Northcutt Rd, 1211 Old Northcutt Road, Ellijay, United States
NATIONAL ROADWAY SAFETY STRATEGY— Is it a better mouse trap?
In January of 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, published the “National Roadway Safety Strategy,” (NRSS) which serves as the playbook for revamping our current roadway system. It spells out the following goals and corresponding implementation strategies for:
Safer People
Safer Roads
Safer Vehicles
Safer Speeds
Post-Crash Care
USDOT National Roadway Safety Strategy | US Department of Transportation
On Friday, February 3, while Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog was sleeping off his annual workday, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) issued a press release titled, “The Institute of Transportation Engineers Supports USDOT’s Call to Action.”
In this two-page document, very lengthy by most standards, the ITE announced its full support in “addressing the roadway safety crisis” and proudly proclaimed that they are part of an elite group of “First Movers,” those organizations and businesses that are “all in” in terms of leading the charge for change.
The press release goes on to define their support in the form of a delivery of a “wide range of products to support widespread adoption of the Safe System Approach.” Their products, more aptly called projects, take the form of education, training, and certification. Calling all traffic engineers!
What does all this mean, you ask?
Certainly, we are on the verge of sweeping change, as we move from a strategic national template for roadway safety to education, training, implementation, and safety messaging focusing on human “frailty.”
These changes are not cosmetic; they are systemic, far-reaching, and represent a huge undertaking. The National Roadway Safety Strategy is characterized as a collaboration between the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the Operating Administrations (OAs): the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Truth be told, there are scads of other players exerting influence on this regulatory scrum, including social activist groups, Political Action Committees, and other special interests.
Proven Safety Countermeasures | FHWA (dot.gov)
The NRSS outlines numerous departmental actions and their corresponding targeted completion dates. I’ll highlight two critical components:
Safer Roads…
Modify the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD). The MUTCD, administered by the Federal Highway Administration, is a compilation of national standards for all traffic control devices, road markings, signage, and traffic signals. This would not be the first time the MUTCD has been modified, and we anticipate that these changes will, among other things, pave the way for more state autonomy (call it free rein) in implementing traffic regulations. (Thankfully we have at least one member who has intimate knowledge of the MUTCD, its evolution, and its unraveling, of which a whole book could be written.)
Safer Speeds…
Remove the 85th-percentile speed engineering study as a consideration in setting speed limits regardless of the type of roadway. What would replace the 85th percentile? The NRSS will provide “improved” information to set speed limits through a range of methodologies. Hmmm.
Rest assured, the NMA will be monitoring not only the implementation of the NRSS but also the political posturing and the marketing spin through campaigns such as “Speeding Wrecks Lives.”
Now, more than ever, we need your support!
Your rights are being taken away in the name of safety. To use Pete Buttigieg’s own words, “Zero is the only acceptable number of deaths and serious injuries on our roadways.” And they seemingly won’t stop until they reach this utopia.
On the USDOT website, they call out these priorities: equity, climate, safety, and transformation.
Clearly, there is a larger agenda. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
–By Stewart W. Price,
President of the National Motorists Association
THE LATEST BIKERNET READER COMMENT— Bandit’s Cantina Series, Episode 102
I’d trade Kalifornia’s fucking governor times 100, for the great Governor of South Dakota! But nobody wants our douch bag asshole! So close to actuality, your story is scary, but extremely accurate here!
I know a young Longshoreman who is actually against any and all fossil fuel, even though that is the only thing that keeps his job, and his entire chosen industry viable!
We are screwed until these idiots finally get hungry enough to see the BIG PICTURE OF HOW THE WORLD WORKS!
Now, back to my oil change!
–Gail
“Thanks. We need scientific transparency. Until we have it, we get this Doomsday stuff. There are two major court battles happening now. One is against the EPA and the other in Europe.
Either one could begin to break the Doomsday mold. It’s ridiculous. We just want the truth and sooner or later it will surface. Hang on!”
–Bandit
MIC AND SELF DRIVING CARS—
A Los Angeles Times story last week said that “Under pressure from federal safety regulators, Tesla on Thursday launched a recall to repair defects to the experimental Full Self-Driving software deployed on public roads….
To be delivered by over-the-air-software, the fix is intended to repair code that can cause FSD-equipped Teslas to run yellow lights, disobey speed limits and travel straight ahead from turn-only lanes. Recalled models make up about 10% of the 3.6 million vehicles that Tesla has sold to date globally….
The company has been under fire for years from critics who say using the software is a risk to public safety. YouTube is rife with videos showing FSD-equipped cars crossing double yellow lines head-on into oncoming traffic, mistaking railroad tracks for roadways, aiming cars into pedestrians in crosswalks, and more.”
–MIC
MAJOR STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION—Take a few minutes to watch this video of a Tucker Carlson editorial.
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2023/02/18/tucker-carslon-the-climate-cult-has-grown-stronger/
It’s a step in the right direction.
–Bandit
FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK— The Street Chopper from Bob.
–Sam Burns
Bike Feature Editor
Bikernet.com™
NEWS FROM DAYTONA—
Bandit, may be old news to you but, Daytona News Journal just released news that Dirty Harry’s, Full Moon Saloon and Bank and Blues have been sold to CTO Realty Growth. The property has been leased to the current operators for a few months. This leaves only The Boothill Saloon, Froggy’s and Main Street Station as famed Daytona Main Street as true bikers bars.
–Dmac
THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB—
The best quality made soft book you can buy, packed with 172 photos and 58,000 words on 200 pages of premium gloss paper.
A true-life account of the life of the author, “Shovelhead Dave”. At the time a young talented carpenter from Texas rides his 74 Harley Davidson AMF Chopper, seeking a new life and traveling across the USA. Dave recounts his days as a biker living on the road. His journey will make you laugh and cry at the ups and downs of how Shovelhead Dave meets fortune and misfortune. This story shows the transformation from a homeless biker tramp living in a tent to become known as the Chopper Hobo.
ENTER DISCOUNT CODE K2V6D5 FOR 30% OFF
Description
Dave recounts his days as a biker living on the road, entertaining several “Shovel” enthusiasts on social media. He tells his story to many people from all over the world. His followers have commented that his journeys should be a book and “Chopper Hobo” was born. This story is written in Dave’s own words in a style that will captivate you and have you laughing your socks off with the fortunes and misfortunes of living a life as a biker. Through reading this book you can live through it, laugh, cry at the ups and downs of Shovelhead Dave meeting fortune and misfortune. This is his journey to become the homeless biker tramp living in a tent to being known as the Chopper Hobo.
About The Author
In 1973, Dave got his first motorbike and started his adventures on two wheels. He became a professional carpenter and an award-winning custom chopper builder with his bikes featured in magazines. Throughout his life, he has clocked up many miles on his ’74 AMF Chopper on road trip adventures, capturing the moments in time with his camera. Dave continues to ride the same chopper 48 years later and still builds choppers in his spare time when he’s not writing down his memories for the next memoirs to follow, “The Early Years”
ROYAL ENFIELD ON THE TRACK—
MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield Announces Two-Rider Team for 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Season
Johnny Lewis and Ryan Wells to contest Mission SuperTwins class aboard Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycles
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, February 21, 2023) – Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team are prepared to take on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track championship. For Lewis, this marks his fourth year of competition with Royal Enfield, and the 2023 season marks another step forward as the MotoAnatomy team will now field a full-time two-man team in the premiere class, adding Ryan Wells to the roster.
Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy team have made great strides in American Flat Track, introducing the Royal Enfield INT650 motorcycle into the world of competition. After spending several seasons in the Production Twins class developing the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle, Lewis carded multiple podium finishes in the last two seasons, including a historic win at the Lima Half-Mile in 2021—a first-ever feat for Royal Enfield. Lewis is now confident that the Twins FT has the potential to be a serious contender in all formats of AFT racing: Short Track, Half-Mile, TT, and even the formidable Mile. Lewis and crew are ready to jump into the busy 18-round AFT Championship.
“This is going to be another historic season for Royal Enfield in American Flat Track,” said Johnny Lewis. “The Twins FT motorcycle is something we’ve spent a long time developing, and we’re now at a point where we have the confidence to go all in. We’re thrilled to bring on a second rider, as well. Ryan Wells is already a great addition to the MotoAnatomy team. We’re looking forward to kicking off the season at the Daytona Short Track.”
Ryan Wells is a force in AFT competition, and the 2016 GNC2 (Singles) champion ranks among the Singles’ class all-time winningest riders. The 2007 AMA Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year has been winning pro-level races for over a decade, and now brings his flat track expertise to Royal Enfield.
“Words can’t express my excitement to join the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team for 2023,” said Ryan Wells. “Finally rejoining the Mission SuperTwins class full time is long overdue for my personal goals and I’m glad it’s finally coming to fruition. Being able to work alongside Johnny Lewis, someone I’ve looked up to for so long, is really the icing on the cake. I thrive off of positivity and people chasing the same goals and Johnny and I really click in those ways. I’m very excited to get the ball rolling.”
The expanded Royal Enfield racing team will make its 2023 racing debut at the Progressive AFT season opener at Daytona Bike Week in Florida. Look for Johnny Lewis (#10) and Ryan Wells (#94) at the Daytona Short Track Doubleheader on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10.
Lewis, Wells and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team will be joined at select rounds by the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. (BTR) program. The women of BTR will be contesting a schedule of four rounds within the Progressive American Flat Track schedule, starting with the Dallas Half-Mile on April 22. For more info visit BuildTrainRace.com.
2023 Progressive American Flat Track Racing Schedule
March 9 (Rnd 1) Daytona Short Track I – Daytona Beach, FL
March 10 (Rnd 2) Daytona Short Track II – Daytona Beach, FL
March 25 (Rnd 3) Senoia Short Track – Senoia, GA
April 1 (Rnd 4) Arizona Super TT – Chandler, AZ
April 22 (Rnd 5/ BTR Rnd 1) Dallas Half-Mile – Mesquite, TX
May 6 (Rnd 6/ BTR Rnd 2) Ventura Short Track – Ventura, CA
May 13 (Rnd 7) Sacramento Mile – Sacramento, CA
May 27 (Rnd 8) Red Mile – Lexington, KY
Jun 17 (Rnd 9) DuQuoin Mile – Du Quoin, IL
Jun 24 (Rnd 10) Lima Half-Mile – Lima, OH
July 1 (Rnd 11/ BTR Rnd 3) West Virginia Half Mile – Mineral Wells, WV
July 8 (Rnd 12) Orange County Half-Mile – Middletown, NY
July 22 (Rnd 13/ BTR Rnd 4) Bridgeport Half Mile, Swedesboro, NJ
July 30 (Rnd 14) SC2 Peoria TT – Peoria, IL
August 6 (Rnd 15) Buffalo Chip TT – Sturgis, SD
August 12 (Rnd 16) Castle Rock TT – Castle Rock, WA
September 2 (Rnd 17) Springfield Mile I – Springfield, IL
September 3 (Rnd 18) Springfield Mile II – Springfield, IL
For more on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Championship, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.
WANNARYD MOTORCYCLE NEWS—
18 x 5.5″ Relay Chrome Wheel
*180 minutes CNC machine time approximately
*20 lbs lighter than stock 18″ Wheels on average
Racelite Series by RYD Wheels
CONVERT TO 18 X 5.5″ FAT FRONT WHEEL
*Widest Possible Tire Size
**Best Quality Tire Among 180’s
***Significantly Better Ride
****Fits Touring & FL Softail Models
SUPER HOOLIGAN’S LIKE MISSION FOODS—
The 2023 Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship powered by Indian Motorcycles and brought to you by Roland Sands Design kicks off with Moto America in Daytona Beach, FL March 9-11th for four rounds of double headers across the country.
Get ready to experience the twisted, high-octane spectacle that is the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races. With defending champ Indian’s FTR 1200 and the addition of the Harley Davidson Pan America, the stage is set to rekindle the 100-year rivalry between two great American motorcycle companies at America’s most iconic venue, Daytona Beach. Add KTM, Ducati, BMW and the electric machines of Energica, and the stage is set for the world’s first ICE vs. Electric motorcycle road race series.
The Mission Super Hooligan National Championship will feature four rounds of doubleheader races at some of the country’s most iconic racetracks, starting with the opening round at Daytona International Speedway from March 9-11. Round 2 will be held at The Ridge in Washington State from June 23-25, Round 3 will be at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, California from July 7-9, and the final round will take place at Circuit of the Americas in Texas from September 8-10.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races at Daytona Beach,” said Roland Sands “This series will showcase hand-built race machines from a variety of manufacturers racing what OEM’s sell in dealers around the country, and we’re looking forward to providing fans with an exciting and unforgettable experience that is purely Super Hooligan at the holy grail of racing.”
Riders on custom-made high bar street bikes will tackle the high banks of Daytona Beach at 150 plus mph with only a flat number plate to protect them . . The rules? There aren’t many with naked Water Cooled, Air Cooled, and Electric Machines racing head-to-head for Super Hooligan Glory.
“The Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races is a unique opportunity to see the best hooligan riders from around the world compete in a high-stakes, high-energy event on custom-built Hooligan road racers,” said Wayne Rainey, Moto America Partner. “We’re looking forward to seeing the incredible talent and skill on display and providing fans with an unforgettable experience that only the Hooligans can bring. And there’s no better place to do it than the world center of racing at Daytona Beach”
“We are pleased to partner with Roland Sands and become the official title sponsor of the Roland Sands Design Super Hooligan National Championship,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “It further expands our involvement with MotoAmerica, and I believe this new partnership will create exciting moments for both racers and fans.”
The Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship is powered by Indian Motorcycles and sponsored by Motul Oils, Sucker Punch Pickles, Drag Specialties, SENA Communications, SDI Racing, and Dunlop Tires.
For more information on the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races, please visit…
@superhooligans
www.rolandsands.com
www.superhooligan.com
[page break]
A MIND LESSON FROM THE MASTER–Get er Done
“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” –Wayne Gretzky
Procrastination robs us of Life. I think about how much time I have wasted on procrastination, and even worse how I have beat myself for not just doing it. It seems that many of us have a bad habit of putting things off until tomorrow that we should have done yesterday. Then tomorrow comes and we feel guilty for what we didn’t do yesterday and waste a lot of energy on guilt rather than just doing it and moving on.
How many opportunities have we lost because of procrastination? I think back many years to when I was back in school and the habits I developed when it came to getting a project done. I may have had a week to do it, and procrastinated until the night before to start. Then I would rush through and end up with a poor market and feel guilty.
Today I think about the great opportunities that I have lost because of procrastination and what I have learned from the lessons. The lessons range from getting poor marks in school to still having to work today because I procrastinated on putting together a proper retirement savings plan. Mostly, I have learned to take the time to do the things, that I don’t like to do first. Then I have much more time to do and enjoy doing the things I like to do.
And So It Is
Namaste’
–Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle
QUICK NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT—Fuck Yosemite by J.J. Solari
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/FUCK_YOSEMITE__.aspx
I visited Yosemite in the late 1960s and 1970s before the crowds. I even survived the tent cabins and bears in the campground. I thought the bears were part of the entertainment.
The biggest complaint my dad’s aunt and uncle had, who were with us, were with all of the “damm hippies” that seemed to be there. Maybe I was young, but I had a good experience. I’m not sure I’d want to go visit today. I’ve heard plenty of negative things about the traffic and crowds. If I want to experience those, I just stay where I am now.
As to J.J. ‘s suggestion to build a dam there, go to the valley next to it where the Hetch Hetchy dam is. I have seen pictures of the valley before the dam and while it was nice, I shudder to think what a mess it would be today with it being managed by the park services. So maybe the dam isn’t such a bad idea after all.
–Jim Weed
“Thanks brother. J.J. will get a kick out of your response.” –Bandit
THE MASTER OF PEN AND INK, HAL ROBINSON—
Hal became a freelance cartoonist for different publications including Easyriders Magazine . He joined them in 1971 starting with the first issue. He had to feel free in his environment for creative reasons, so he worked from home in Seal Beach, CA. He mailed his work in to the magazine and always was accepted without any changes.
He called the shots in this regard.
–Ann Robinson
Hal2
New RACING Bikernet Reader Comment!—
THE OPTIONS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 16th, 2023 – click here to view
Hey Bandit, if you haven’t already come up with a GPS speedometer idea, check out the The Exhaust Notes blog. They have a lot of content and I read this article about a GPS speedometer and how he mounted it. It was a bit tough to find the article again, but I did.
I found a search spot on the right-hand side mixed in with all of their adds. I just typed in GPS speedometer. It is on an article of a dirt bike that he installs it on.
Anyway, good luck in Bonneville.
— Bob Warren
Orange, CA
“Thanks Bob. I started digging, and then the redhead mentioned handlebar speedos. We looked up bicycle handlebars speedos and bada bing. Easy to install, chargeable speedos. Lots of them. One issue. It’s digital, but I’m not sure ii will read over 200 mph.
We will test it in April. Hang on.”
–Bandit
25th ANNUAL THUNDER by the BAY–Sarasota, Florida
For 25 years, Thunder By The Bay has hosted the best winter weather Motorcycle and Music Festival! Concerts all weekend, Bike Shows, Vendors, Sound off contests, Big Trucks and more! James Irwin – of “A Biker Helping Bikers” & www.healthinsurance65.com presents a spectacular Ride In Bike Show on Saturday Come meet James! When it comes to financial services, you want someone like James that helps bikers find money that they are losing unnecessarily.
–Choppertown Live
QUOTE OF THE WEEK—
Life has told me I am not always in control.
Life is full of experiences, lessons, heartbreak and pain.
But it has also shown me love, beauty, possibility and new beginnings.
Embrace it all.
It makes us who are, and after every storm comes a clear sky.
–Ray Russell
Senior Philosopher
Bikernet Thought Temple
Down Under
NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT—
I currently have the gallery in downtown Chandler, Arizona for the Thunderbird Artists art event this weekend. If you’re in the area, please stop by. Today, tomorrow and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.
3 – David is working on pieces for Daytona – and on the 3rd and final Bounty Hunter piece. Stay tuned!
Thanks and have a great weekend!
–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Ave
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840
NEWS FROM BILLY LANE—
Bonneville/Lake racing is on my short list, I’ll be there some day. We tried so hard last summer to put together a Sturgis race with Buffalo Chip, but it’s not going to happen.
I did move back to Florida, Melbourne area 90 miles south of Daytona. I have a 1946 WR that should sweep my races in March. I’ll be racing my rare 1934 Harley-Davidson CAC 500cc alcohol speedway Peashooter (de-tuned for gasoline) that will be exciting in the single cylinder class.
–Billy
NEW DIGITAL MAGAZINE COMING–A new digital mag coming out in a couple of weeks. motoencampment.com
ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
THE OPTIONS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 16th, 2023 — click here to view
Saw Micky Ward fight in Lowell, Ma. several years back in the Golden Gloves. He was good and wondered what happened to him.
–Rhys
South Daytona, FL
“As it turns out that movie, The Fighter, was made in 2006. I’m sure I’ve seen it.”
–Bandit
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE UNLEASHES NEW SPORT CHIEF–RAISES THE BAR FOR AMERICAN V-TWIN PERFORMANCE CRUISERS
New Sport Chief Combines Timeless American Style with Quality Performance-Oriented Componentry, Including FOX Piggyback Shocks, KYB Inverted Front Forks, Dual-Disc Brembo Brakes and More
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 21, 2023 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed its most aggressive iteration of the iconic Indian Chief with the launch of Sport Chief. Building upon one of the most historic and influential motorcycle namesakes of all time, the 2023 Sport Chief raises the bar for American V-Twin performance cruisers through premium performance-oriented componentry and timeless, American styling.
“Since launching in 2021, the reimagined Indian Chief has garnered incredible feedback from riders all around the world,” said Mike Dougherty, President of Indian Motorcycle. “With the introduction of Sport Chief, the 2023 Indian Chief lineup is more diverse than ever– offering a wide range of performance and styling options to meet each rider’s unique personality and riding preferences.”
When designing Sport Chief, Indian Motorcycle set its sights on performance by utilizing the finest components from proven brands. With KYB® inverted front forks, also featured on Indian Challenger models, Sport Chief offers superior handling and ride performance. The Sport Chief’s dual-disc, four-piston, semi-floating caliper, radial-mounted Brembo® brakes deliver confidence-inspiring stopping power, while piggyback rear FOX® shocks increase travel to four-inches and increases lean angle to 29.5 degrees, compared to other Indian Chief models. The result is an Indian Chief that begs for more aggressive riding and provides the confidence and capability to take the riding experience to another level.
“In 2021, we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Indian Chief with a lineup that pays homage to the glory days of American motorcycling,” said Ola Stenegärd, Director, Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle. “With Sport Chief, we wanted to maintain the same care-free attitude and American muscle but elevate it even further with componentry that not only delivers a style and attitude that exudes performance but raises the bar entirely for performance cruisers.”
Featuring a simplistic steel-tube frame, Sport Chief preserves the Indian Chief’s mechanical styling. At the heart of it all, a blacked-out Thunderstroke 116 motor delivers 120 ft-lbs of torque, while a stylish new Quarter Fairing, along with new moto-style bars with machined triple clamps and six-inch risers set the Sport Chief apart from the rest of the Indian Chief lineup. With mid-mount foot controls and a solo gunfighter seat, riders are in a commanding, yet comfortable, riding position. Sport Chief features sport cast wheels wrapped in Pirelli Night Dragon tires, a four-gallon fuel tank, bobbed rear fender, dual exhaust, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and three selectable ride modes, including Sport, Standard and Tour.
Ride-enhancing technology comes standard with Indian Motorcycle’s class-leading four-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND. Accessible via handlebar controls or the digital touchscreen display, riders can cycle through multiple interfaces, including two different gauge configurations, bike and ride information, and turn-by-turn navigation with connected features like weather and traffic overlays.
If using a wireless helmet communicator, riders can control their music within the RIDE COMMAND system once their phone is paired via Bluetooth or USB. Riders can also access phone information, including recent calls, contacts, number pad and text message history. When connected, incoming calls will appear and can be accepted or declined directly through the RIDE COMMAND system.
For riders looking to personalize their bike, Indian Motorcycle offers an array of accessories that enhance the bike’s performance, comfort, or adds personal style.
Performance Accessories
For a smoother, more comfortable ride, Indian Chief riders can add Adjustable Piggyback Rear FOX® Shocks. Featuring 24 clicks via easy-to-operate twist knobs, riders can adjust compression and rebound damping to suit their riding preference.
Current Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief riders can upgrade to the Sport Chief’s stock dual exposed FOX® Piggyback Rear Shocks, which provide four inches of travel with increased lean angle and an aftermarket, stylish look that increases stability, and improves comfort and capability for aggressive riding.
The new Chief Pathfinder 5 ¾ inch Adaptive LED Headlight, available in chrome or black, features patented, innovative technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle and delivers optimized illumination of the road ahead. With an industry first adaptive high-beam, lighting performance is superior to that of a standard headlight, projecting light a greater distance and spread in front of the bike.
To improve air flow and add high-performance styling, riders can purchase either the Thunderstroke High Flow Air Intake or Thunderstroke Forward Air Intake.
Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SKILLS CRISIS OVER LACK OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING IN MOTORCYCLING
The motorcycle industry is in desperate need of more young people to work as technicians or in dealerships if it wants to survive for future generations, warn UK industry bosses. “The challenges we face in attracting young people to work in the sector are the same we face in attracting new and young riders,” CEO of England’s Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) Tony Campbell warns. “Over the past two decades, we have been great at servicing an ageing rider community; this in large part is mirrored by our workforce.”
“As with attracting new young riders, as a sector we have to be seen to be at the cutting edge of new technology, innovation, and design. In my view, we have an identity problem when it comes to attracting young talent to the industry,” he continued, adding that “There is and will continue to be a shortage of skilled resources.”
Campbell’s comments were echoed by Head of Operations at the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), Symon Cook, who spoke to MCN.com about what could happen if nothing changes; “It’s going to fail and it’s going to disappear and that’s certainly not what any of us want. We need action and we need it now,” he said. “We’re behind the times and within the next two years we need to really accelerate our idea of how we recruit and how we drive an interest into the motorcycle industry.”
Keen to get more young people involved in the industry, the MCIA teamed up with recruitment firm BikeJobs and the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) to create a Careers Hub stand at the Motorcycle Live show in Birmingham. Of the 150 enquiries registered at the event, 78.5% were male and 21.5% were female — with 78% of all respondents being aged between 13 and 30. The largest of these groups was 17-20, who made up 28%.
–Bill Bish
NCOM
Check out Bill’s monthly legislative report on Bikernet:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/NCOM_Biker_Newsbytes_for_February_2023.aspx
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Curator
Bikernet.com™
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— STOCK # 13751 2022 SOFTAIL STANDARD FXST
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Marketing Director
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MIC members are invited to register now to meet key Congressional legislators and staff during the Capitol Hill Fly-In scheduled for April 25-26. Members should plan to arrive the afternoon of April 25 and depart the morning of April 27. The Fly-In is free for MIC members.
The MIC has discounted hotel rates available at Canopy by Hilton, for $289 plus tax per night. Register today and take advantage of the discounted rates.
PRESSURE MOUNTS— on Federal Government to Act on Self-Driving Cars
Late last week it was announced that Tesla will recall 362,000 vehicles equipped with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software. This comes after U.S. regulators said on Thursday the driver assistance system did not adequately adhere to traffic safety laws and could cause crashes. The recall comes on the heels of a string of crashes last summer involving motorcyclists in Florida, Utah, and California.
In the announcement the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the software reportedly may not respond sufficiently to posted speed limits and may cause cars to drive through intersections in an “unlawful or unpredictable manner.”
NHTSA noted that the software may cause Tesla owners to travel straight through an intersection in a turn-only lane, fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, or drive through a yellow light “without due caution.”
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long been concerned about the deployment of these vehicles without proper testing. Additionally, it seems that consumers have a false sense of security when driving these vehicles, are not aware of what the vehicles true capabilities are, and don’t understand they must remain alert and engaged in the operation of the vehicle. Just two months ago the MRF worked with congressional leaders seeking answers from NHTSA about this new technology and how it interacts with motorcyclists. To read the December 2022 letter click here.
Pressure is also being applied by state motorcyclist rights organizations. ABATE of Wisconsin will be using their “Lobby Day” in Madison to take aim at rules and regulations on self-driving cars in their state. ABATE of Indiana and ABATE of Illinois remain focused on this battle in Indianapolis and Springfield. A growing number of other states are also taking up the battle to protect the safety of motorcylists as it relates to this new technology.
While the MRF and state groups remain vigilant in our fight to protect you as a biker, as always, you should remain alert of all other roadway users.
To read the official NHTSA recall notice click here.
Ride Safe and Ride Free!
–MRF
WHAT’S THE DEAL?—My question in the intro about the outlaw plight of the biker is an interesting challenge. I wrote a story recently called Rode Alone:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Rode_Alone.aspx
Then we started a series of article, some fiction, some called Why We Chop. Here’s one example:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WHY_WE_CHOP_SERIES_Chapter_3_.aspx
I’ve often thought biker stories would take over for the Western genre movie, but I constantly test my theory with stories. Is the chopper rider the romantic loner, who makes his own way and rescues the girl? We’ll see. I’m working on it.
We are babysitting Lulu and she fell in love with our bulldog neighbor, Tank. It’s a trip. They run to greet each other like lost loves and dance in the snow.
It’s minus 9 degrees in the Black Hills. I went out side and swept the walk, fresh…
Snowed for the last couple of days.
Bad photo, but made major progress on the VLXAFL5. My new TIG welder works like a champ.
Took a break last weekend. The girls went on the wine/chocolate/cheese tasting extravaganza in Deadwood. We trudged through the ice to John’s storage shed and tried to start his 45 trike. We succeeded with some starting fluid and a lot of kicking. He wants to sell the trike and start a new project.
This convention is all about the fight for Freedom, humanity and questioning the doom. We’ll see what the results are and report back.
In a sense this is all about riding free into the future. Hang on!
–Bandit
