Hey,
This week we published a piece about the state of the Chopper magazine market on Bikernet. As usual, when we delve into a topic, shit gets crazy. It’s the nature of every industry. Fifty years ago, life was simple, but exploding. It’s still exploding.
You know and face it daily. Go buy a refrigerator. Now there are a thousand options, sizes and brands. Hell, try to buy a new pair of jeans from Wrangler. Okay, so there are more riders than ever before, if we’re not banned tomorrow. Each guy or gal has their own style of riding and machines.
Then we come up against technology including the internet and social media. Every time something surfaces it divides the market and with each new technology we have opportunities and obstacles. The benefit of magazines is the visual. Web sites can’t do it like a magazine does. When websites were forced to be phone compatible, that messed with them even more.
The benefit of a website includes no word or photo count limitations, but folk don’t seem to want to read anymore. Why am I telling you this? You know it and face it daily.
Here’s the article: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_WORLD_OF_CHOPPER_MAGAZINES_RELEASED.aspx
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.
QUICK HISTORY LESSON–God and “The 3 Mistakes”
What God did at Pearl Harbor that day is interesting and I never knew this little bit of history.
GTour boats ferry people out to the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii every thirty minutes. We just missed a ferry and had to wait thirty minutes. I went into a small gift shop to kill time.
In the gift shop, I purchased a small book entitled, “Reflections on Pearl Harbor ” by Admiral Chester Nimitz . Sunday, December 7th, 1941–Admiral Chester Nimitz was attending a concert in Washington, DC. He was paged and told there was a phone call for him. When he answered the phone, it was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the phone.
He told Admiral Nimitz that he (Nimitz) would now be the Commander of the Pacific Fleet. Admiral Nimitz flew to Hawaii to assume command of the Pacific Fleet.
He landed at Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1941.
There was such a spirit of despair, dejection and defeat–you would have thought the Japanese had already won the war. On Christmas Day, 1941, Adm. Nimitz was given a boat tour of the destruction wrought on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Big sunken battleships and navy vessels cluttered the waters everywhere you looked. As the Admiral’s tour boat returned to dock, the young helmsman of the boat asked, “Well Admiral, what do you think after seeing all this destruction?”Admiral Nimitz’s reply shocked everyone within the sound of his voice.
Admiral Nimitz said, “The Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could ever make, or God was taking care of America. Which do you think it was?”
Shocked and surprised, the young helmsman asked, “What do mean by saying the Japanese made the three biggest mistakes an attack force ever made?
“Mistake number one: The Japanese attacked on Sunday morning. Nine out of every ten crewmen of those ships were ashore on leave. If those same ships had been lured to sea and been sunk–we would have lost 38,000 men instead of 3,800.
Mistake number two: When the Japanese saw all those battleships lined in a row, they got so carried away sinking those battleships, they never once bombed our dry docks opposite those ships. If they had destroyed our dry docks, we would have had to tow every one of those ships to America to be repaired. As it is now, the ships are in shallow water and can be raised. One tug can pull them over to the dry docks, and we can have them repaired and at sea by the time we could have towed them to America. And I already have crews ashore anxious to man those ships.
Mistake number three: Every drop of fuel in the Pacific theater of war is in top of the ground storage tanks five miles away over that hill. One attack plan could have strafed those tanks and destroyed our fuel supply. That’s why I say the Japanese made three of the biggest mistakes an attack force could make or, God was taking care of America .
I’ve never forgotten what I read in that little book. It is still an inspiration as I reflect upon it. In jest, I might suggest that because Admiral Nimitz was a Texan, born and raised in Fredericksburg, Texas — he was a born optimist. But any way you look at it–Admiral Nimitz was able to see a silver lining in a situation and circumstance where everyone else saw only despair and defeatism.
President Roosevelt had chosen the right man for the right job. We desperately needed a leader that could see silver linings in the midst of the clouds of dejection, despair and defeat.There is a reason that our national motto is, “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Why have we forgotten?
PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY! “ In God We Trust”!
Please pass this important message to others. “True Americans” need to stand behind one another and next to each other!
If you believe that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards that would have gotten you labelled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago, and a racist today.
— Thomas Sowell
–from Sam Burns
MONGOLS MC CAN KEEP THEIR LOGO–
A Pasadena appeals court panel ruled Friday that the government cannot seize the logo of the Mongol Nation motorcycle club, but the court let a 2018 racketeering conviction stand.
A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court decision that cited the First and Eighth Amendments in a ruling rejecting the government’s forfeiture request of the club’s logo.
Stephen Stubbs, the Mongols’ general counsel, said in a statement that the ruling was “a victory not only for the Mongols Motorcycle Club, but for all motorcycle clubs, freedom, and America as a whole.”
The club, also called the Mongol Nation, is headquartered in Southern California and was originally formed in Montebello in 1969. Law enforcement officials estimate about 2,000 full-patched members are in the club.
Read the whole story at:
BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—Paul Cox.
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
BIKE SHOWS COMING–
MOTOR BIKE EXPO
January 27-29, 2023
Veronafiere
Verona, Italy
Every January, Verona, Italy becomes the capital of the motorcycle world as enthusiasts from across the globe descend on the city for the world’s largest custom motorcycle event. This massive expo attracts more than 170,000 visitors to explore over 700 exhibitors in over 1 million square feet of exhibition space.
MBE is the beating heart of the international motorcycle scene. It provides a complete representation of the global two-wheel industry from special to sport to off-road and touring. You’ll have the opportunity to admire unique custom motorcycles from around the globe, as well as the latest models from major motorcycle manufacturers. (Not to mention, all the beautiful MBE hostesses.)
Get a taste of the show by checking out the Buffalo Chip’s previous trips to MBE in Sturgis Rider News’ Highlights from Motor Bike Expo.
MAMA TRIED
February 18-19, 2023
Eagles Ballroom
Milwaukee, WI
To a custom builder, an invitation to display your bike at the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show is as good as getting a golden ticket. This indoor invitational features only the best, with over 100 motorcycles of all calibers––flat tracker, hill climber, chopper, bar hopper, you name it. And you’d be hard pressed to find a cooler venue to see them all in.
In frigid Milwaukee, this two-day event helps builders, riders and enthusiasts keep their fire stoked all winter long. Make sure to plan your trip for an extra day on the front end to check out the Flat Out Friday indoor flat track racing shenanigans.
To catch more of the vibe from this show and the races, check out Sturgis Rider News’ No Fun at Mama Tried & Flat Out Friday.
DONNIE SMITH BIKE SHOW
March 25-26, 2023
St. Paul RiverCentre
St. Paul, MN
You can count on the Donnie Smith Show for a memorable kickoff to your spring riding season. Known as the Midwest Extravaganza, it offers 35 classes of custom motorcycles, the largest swap meet on the planet, tons of vendors and live entertainment. Strolling around the show will also give you the chance to meet industry celebrities, premium sponsors, artists and gear heads.
The Buffalo Chip is the first display you’ll spot as you travel down the escalator into the show. Stop by to see a new signature series B4 custom built by Lloydz Garage and a custom Legends Ride® auction bike created by Arlen Ness Motorcycles. Both bikes will be unveiled at the show and available to drool over all weekend. Along with this eye candy, Chip staff will be on-site to answer questions and sign you up for free passes to the Best Party Anywhere.
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–Took the Dyna up to MC Creations, hopefully it’s okay I used the Bikernet corporate card to purchase these 2 items. Top one was kinda pricey!! Made a few runs on the Shovelhead, even had the law get behind me my first trip out the other day.
And some Houston history, Stelter’s I believe was the first Harley dealer in Downtown Houston, opened in the ‘20s. My dad bought his Panhead there. I got to check it out as well before dad’s passing. Fred, a mechanic worked at Stelters, worked on my dad’s bike too. I was going to have Fred put the S&S 84-inch flywheels in my Shovelhead, then I’d do the top end.
The 84-inch kit I brought from Greg, when he worked at Union Cycle Salvage before he started MC Creations. But 3 tickets one afternoon from HPD and I had to sell it to Johnny Mancuso, to pay the fines. Johnny had recently opened the American Speed original location at N Main. Speeding, loud exhaust & one more? Probably being too wild in public!
I’d imagine everyone knew mister Fred, as N-word Fred and while the term offends many, no one meant it that way, back then. I never met anyone who had nothing but respect for him! Me, I just called him Mr Fred. Sorta like Spade George, who’s picture you posted of him sitting on his bike at the bar.
Fred was an amazing Harley mechanic, white or black we’re losing a lot of History as these individuals pass on! I don’t believe the new guys live it the same way we did. Cross country with no cell phones or social media, roads that now are packed with traffic, then not so much and few to no bikes on them that’s for sure!
–RFR
Texas Weatherman
Bikernet.com
THE INFLATIONARY RULE— There’s only one thing that causes inflation, and that is the government.
Printing more dollars causes inflation.
Since the beginning of the pandemic panic, U.S. dollars in circulation rose from about $15.5 trillion to over $22 trillion:
That’s what causes inflation. Making more dollars reduces the value of every other dollar.
Since the federal government uses inflation, the creation of new money, to pay its bills, we can think of it as a tax. A tax everyone pays in higher prices. Some pay more than others.
Inflation results in a transfer of wealth from savers and workers to speculators, bureaucrats and government-favored special interests. People who worked hard and saved, the retired and anyone on a fixed income are robbed just as surely if they were mugged on the street.
The very people who should be rewarded for their efforts in planning for the future are hurt the most.
Inflation is no different from counterfeiting, printing up dollars in a basement, and buying things with them. Everyone knows this is stealing – fraudulently exchanging something worthless for something valuable. And this is exactly what the government does with inflation. (An undetected counterfeiter “stimulates the economy” as much as government money-printing does.)
Our government gives us what today seems normal – constantly rising prices. They aren’t a fact of life, they are an act of government. Inflation undermines growth and leaves the vast majority of Americans worse off than they would’ve been without all that extra money.
There’s only one safeguard against inflationary destruction.
The Founding Fathers, after their experience with inflation during the Revolution, said that real money was physical gold or silver. Our government is far too addicted to deficit spending to ever voluntarily return to a gold standard.
Eventually, this cycle of borrow-spend-inflate will fail – after destroying the purchasing power of the dollar for all time.
I strongly encourage you to protect your own and your family’s financial futures by diversifying some part of your savings out of dollars and into uninflatable, intrinsically-valuable gold and silver. Both have proven a safe-haven asset for thousands of years before our Founding Fathers used them as the basis of real money.
Unless you believe the government is willing to pull the plug on the printing presses voluntarily, and stop the inflationary destruction of our economy and our nation, I strongly recommend you learn more about diversifying your savings with physical gold and silver.
Both have been prized long before the invention of the dollar, and will likely be valuable long after.
Ron Paul is a medical doctor, a retired Captain of the U.S. Air Force, an author who’s published 21 books and former twelve-term U.S. Congressman representing the state of Texas. He’s emerged as one of the leading voices challenging government’s addiction to deficit spending and the Federal Reserve’s wealth-destructive monetary policies. He works with Birch Gold Group to educate Americans about the threats to their financial futures, and how to protect themselves and their families.
–By Ron Paul
Submitted by Graeme Lowen
New Zealand Correspondent
Bikernet.com
“Wait, or you could invest in motorcycles, custom motorcycles, vintage motorcycles, motorcycle memorabilia, you name it. Or maybe honey…”–Bandit
WHAT’S THE SAFEST COLOR FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE?–
If you’re out cruising on the weekends or commuting during the workweek, you may be wondering how you can improve your safety on the road. While there are a number of motorcycle safety tips to follow while you’re riding, choosing your bike color can actually affect your visibility to other drivers on the road. There are a number of factors to consider to reduce the risk of collisions, so Cycle Trader is covering the safest colors for a motorcycle.
How Motorcycle Colors Affect Safety
While there are a number of things to consider when buying your first motorcycle, you may want to think twice about what color bike you choose when shopping on the market. Road incidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles are prevalent due to low visibility. Darker colors blend in with the environment while riding, which can make it more difficult for other motorists to see you, especially if you’re biking at night. At sunrise or sunset, the amount of light on the road can make any dark-colored motorcycle blend in with the road. Even if you’re riding a blue or red bike, it can blend in with your surroundings and appear darker while you ride early in the morning at sunrise, or in the evening at twilight.
Safer Motorcycle Colors
So how do you improve your bike’s visibility to other motorists on the road? Consider choosing a bike with bright colors so you stand out against the dark road while you distinguish yourself from other vehicles.
Your best bet might be to go with a white motorcycle, which is bright, reflects light, and stands out from other colors. While white might not be the first choice for riders, it can appear as a classy option. For instance, a white Harley-Davidson shows off your power and style when you’re cruising around town. And during the hot summer months, it will reflect light and absorb less heat than a darker motorcycle. However, you’ll have to be careful if you’re riding a bright white bike against snow. If you’re going to be frequently riding in this type of weather condition, ride a bike with a contrasting color.
PLUS, you look like a cop…
While black bikes are most popular when it comes to motorcycle colors, you can still add patterns, designs, or trims that will create contrasting colors on your motorcycle to make it stand out. Other colors to consider are orange and yellow, which can draw more attention towards your bike.
5 Tips for Safe Riding with Motorcycle Colors
While going with a light and bright-colored bike can help with safety, there are several other steps you can take to improve your visibility on the road with colors.
1. Plan Your Riding Route
Plan your route and when you’ll ride to improve your visibility on the road. Pay attention to the terrain you’re covering so you can stand out with your motorcycle. If possible, avoid nighttime riding and inclement weather that can make it more difficult for drivers to see your bike on the road.
WAIT, Isn’t White the lack of all color. Gimme a color…
2. Wear Colorful Reflective Gear
When you set out for your ride, throw on some colorful reflective or fluorescent gear so you’re easy to spot. This includes your helmet, jacket, vest, pants, gloves, and boots.
3. Ride with Lights
No matter the riding conditions, your motorcycle lights should be working, including your headlight and brake light. State laws require riders to keep their low beam or dipped lights on at all times during the day. Some riders have personalized their bikes with colorful, customized underglow LED lights. Before you install ground effect lighting on your bike, make sure you check your state’s specific laws for these lights.
4. Bring Colorful Emergency Lights
If you ever have to stop for on the road motorcycle repairs, bring colorful, bright cones and flares to improve your visibility. Pack a flashlight so you can see your bike’s parts up close as you make a quick repair, and to help you see at nighttime.
5. Ride Off-Road with Color
If you’re taking a dirt bike off road through the forest and mud, you may not want to ride with a white bike that’s just going to get dirt all over it anyway. While a camouflage color of brown or green might make your bike look less dirty, it can make it more difficult for other riders to see you on the tracks. Red is a common color for these bikes, so go with something that will contrast with your environment if you’re concerned about a collision.
To help stay safe on the road, consider your color options with your motorcycle. Improve your visibility for other motorists with a light or white bike, then take steps to make yourself more noticeable as you ride. If you’re looking for your next new or used motorcycle, see all the listings on the nationwide marketplace at CycleTrader.com.
BIKE BUILDER OF THE WEEK—
Sebastian Codreaunu, Transylvania, Romaniz. Motorcycle & car Designer & Restorer
–Sam Burns
Builder curator
Bikernet.com™
233: CARBON FOOTPRINT (JOURNALIST/BUREAUCRAT DEFINITION)…… “A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world.
Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons. To have the best chance of avoiding a 2? rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop to under 2 tons by 2050. Lowering individual carbon footprints from 16 tons to 2 tons doesn’t happen overnight!
By making small changes to our actions, like eating less meat, taking fewer connecting flights and line drying our clothes, we can start making a big difference.”_____The Nature Conservancy (ACTUAL DEFINITION)……
An intentionally deceptive vocabulary concoction of Marxist-agenda-driven psychological and emotional energy designed to bend and direct malleable and unfocused humans minds into thinking the release of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere when done by human activity leaves a permanent stain of black shoe-sole muck with tread marks and dirt across the atmospheric carpet, the celestial freshly-cleaned rugs, and the firmament linoleum floor (made with oil) that floats upward and then stops at some point up in the air where the birds and rainbows live thus preventing the earth from cooling its air into the cold of interstellar space thus resulting in the sun heating the earth to an extent that everything alive on it will die.
In truth the agenda of the carbon footprint cabal is what will kill everything on earth, at least the competent human inhabitants of it, not the carbon. The word footprint is calculatingly used because a “footprint” stays in place, it holds its shape, it has generally an unfriendly communicatory aura about it, for after all, footprints are analyzed at crime scenes, very often in the vicinity of blood-spatter, footprints leave the clean floor dirty, footprints have to be mopped and scrubbed-up, footprints can indicate a lurking unwelcome visitor waiting to pounce on you, rape your wife and disembowel your children….things which ascending methane and ascending or meandering floating human exhalations and fuel exhaust used by engines….. do not actually do or resemble.
They’re just stuff that we have. Like oranges.
–J.J. Solari
Research Specialists
bureaucrat/journalism dictionary
Bikernet.com™
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK—2018 Harley-Davidson FXBRS – Softail Breakout 114 for $18,995.00
SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=9785344
2018 Black Cherry Harley-Davidson BREAKOUT SOFTAIL 114-INCH WIDE TIRE
ONLY 26997.00 Miles !
Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike
* 114 C.I. motor
* 6 Speed trans
* 16 inch apes
* Wide back tire
* Black ball milled mirrors
* Chrome down swept exhaust
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
**Open 7 days a week**
Just $18,995.00
at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK–
A chopper is a vehicle of change, after all. It puts the wheels beneath a midlife crisis, a coming-of-age saga, or even just the discovery of something new, something you didn’t realize was there. It provides the means to cross over, transition, or revitalize. Choppers are self-discovery’s favorite vehicle.
–Edited by Sam Burns
TEXAS MILE UPDATE—
Registration and Event Dates
The Texas Mile (Spring):
March 24-26, 2023
Chase Field- Beeville, Texas
Registration opens on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 5 pm Central
Registration will take place on our website, www.usmileracing.com
What you can do now: Create or update your user profile and make sure all information is correct.
If you are having problems logging in, please contact us at: (281)303-1844 or email info@texasmile.net
INSPIRATIONAL PHILOSOPY AT ITS BEST–
Time to talk about something that I have experienced, and something that I believe many of us can relate to.
At times our lives can feel like we are going through a never-ending cycle of trials and tribulations. These moments can often be filled with stress, exhaustion and despair.
However, I want to remind you all that despite how difficult things can be, we can still get through it. We can still stand tall with our heads held high despite the darkness that we face.
We can still be brave and smile even when it seems hard. We can still be resilient and be hopeful for the future. We can still have strength when times are tough.
Whenever you feel as though things have become too much, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you will get through this, and you will be okay.
We don’t need to suffer in silence, nor should we forget to look after ourselves during difficult times. Reach out to family and friends for assistance.
So, no matter what happens, remember to stay strong and be the best version of yourself.
At the end of the day knowing that you have the power to choose how you want to respond to life’s obstacles is truly an empowering feeling. And I’m here to remind you that you are still standing.
–Ray Russell
NEW YEAR FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–Artist David Uhl – Year in Review
As we begin this new year, we welcome all of our new fans. The following recap of 2022 shows some of the new pieces from David, and gives you a glimpse of what you can expect for this year!
NEW PIECES IN 2022
RARE PAIR
ETERNAL RADIANCE–above
–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
303-913-4840
“There are way more new paintings available at the Master’s website.”–Bandit
ENGINE DEAL OF THE WEEK—80-Inch Shovelhead Engine, $2750.
This is a ready to go drop in and ride motor 0-miles on top-end rebuild. Heads rebuilt w/ new guides and decked by heritage Cycle Works in Brockville, Ontario, Canada -heads vapor blasted by precision vapor blasting in Watertown, NY.
New parts include: new piston rings -new base gaskets -new head gaskets -new pushrod tube o-rings & covers -honed cylinders by Hillside Motorcycle and Machine in Munns Ville, NY -S&S 450 cam -brass oil lines -new cam chest gasket -new rocker box hardware -new rocker box gaskets & O-rings -new oil pump. Motor ran great until head gasket blew, and then I took it apart and re-did everything.
Gorgeous looking engine and fantastic runner for your chopper or daily rider build. For sale $2750 obo or trade for any Shovelhead projects with motor and transmission doesn’t have to run as long as the engine spins free.
Message or call with any questions. It was listed in La Fargeville, NY on facebook marketplace.
[page break]
TRAFFIC NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION–Low-Level Traffic Fines: A Slippery Slope to Civil Court:
On January 1st, Nevada became the latest state to remove the threat of a criminal charge for motorists who can’t pay fines for minor traffic violations.
The new law has downgraded these minor infractions from criminal misdemeanors to civil violations with civil penalties. This change only applies to low-level traffic tickets, not to tickets like reckless driving and DUI. According to the Federal Sentencing Reporter, Nevada was only one of 13 states to still prosecute minor traffic violations as criminal misdemeanors rather than civil infractions up until the beginning of this year.
We acknowledge that our position seems counterintuitive, but the NMA actually objects to local and state governments lowering the traffic court bar, downgrading routine moving violations from criminal to civil offenses while issuing lesser fines and eliminating points against defendant driving records. Why? It diminishes your rights under due process.
The Catch-22 is that challenging this loss of due process takes us right back to the same court system bent on protecting its cash flow, along with reducing the court’s administrative responsibilities. Civil court is easier for cities and states to operate—expectations are lower. If ticket holders don’t make restitution, the court will likely send the debt to an outside collector.
The expectation is that drivers will pay for their tickets to make it all go away. Fighting the ticket successfully becomes nearly impossible.
How it will now work in Nevada
A driver who receives a minor violation for such things as speeding or failing to signal will have 90 days to respond.
If the ticket holder chooses not to contest the violation and pay the civil penalty, the court will report the payment to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
If the person does nothing for 90 days, the court will automatically find the ticket holder to have committed the offense and be required to pay certain court expenses.
A person is already presumed guilty. If a driver contests the violation, the case will go through a civil hearing with a judge who evaluates the facts and then issues a ruling. The same rules will no longer apply in civil court—no possibility of discovery or a jury trial.
A traffic fine is one thing, but states and cities also impose court-imposed fees to cover administrative costs, fund special initiatives, and other criminal justice-related charges and penalties. For example, in California, a red-light camera ticket costs nearly $500 after all the fees allowed by the legislature are tacked on top of the initial fine.
Many drivers who cannot afford to pay even a minor infraction ticket will likely not pay these tickets. Not only could they lose their license, but a judge could also issue a bench warrant to the ticket holder for not paying the debt, such as in Nevada’s case before the law changed.
According to the Fines and Fees Justice Center, warrants are a counterproductive and expensive way of coercing citizens to pay a traffic ticket. For example, in Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas), if police arrested a motorist on a bench warrant, he or she would spend almost three days in jail at the cost of over $400 paid by taxpayers.
Due to the new law, Nevada city courts are clearing bench warrants from their systems. Las Vegas is erasing nearly 35,000 warrants, North Las Vegas 16,000, and Reno 1,900. Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Rochelle Nguyen said in an interview, “This law is significant because it ends a cycle of debt that stems from a simple traffic violation that many people find themselves in because they are unable to pay.”
Some would say they did the crime, so they should have the punishment, but the harm to that person and their family might even be worse. Three days behind bars might cost a person a job, housing, and even their children if they can no longer earn money to care for them.
Driver’s License Suspensions due to Non-Payment of Fines
In 2020, Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed House Bill 4210, which, when it came into law, prohibited the state from suspending a resident’s driver’s license for not paying a traffic fine for a minor infraction. She also ordered that all outstanding court fines be cleared up to the time of HB4210 implementation in October 2020 from court records. If you received a suspension for a misdemeanor or felony infraction, such as DUI, the law did not apply.
Before she left office recently, Governor Brown wiped out about $1.8 million in unpaid fines affecting nearly 7,000 drivers pending in state circuit courts. Much of the debt was uncollectable since it was more than three years old and would likely not be recovered.
The roughly 7,000 drivers with suspended licenses in the circuit system can soon apply to have their driving privileges reinstated.
Losing a driver’s license is another surefire way of going down a spiral that a family cannot get out of any time soon.
–NMA
DAYTONA MORNING RIDE–Celebrate women in motorcycling, connect with those who are shaping the industry and help raise funds for worthy charities! After last year’s rain out, 2023 is excited to bring you an even bigger and better event.
On Thursday, March 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., you’re invited to journey through the beautiful Daytona Backroads on a guided ride led by inspiring motorcycle industry women including Ride Captain Maggie Hicks.
The Morning Ride begins and ends at Daytona International Speedway, where friends and leading industry women will gather to share experiences and have the opportunity to register for or attend a women’s ride-in bike show presented by Renegade Babes.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. at Harley-Davidson’s headquarters at Daytona International Speedway, and kickstands go up at 9:00 a.m.
HANG ON FOR THIS— How Green Investors Pay the Media to Promote ‘Climate Change’
The Associated Press revealed last year that it had scored $8 million to promote claims of global warming. The AP impartially described this massive conflict of interest as an illustration of “how philanthropy has swiftly become an important new funding source for journalism.”
“This far-reaching initiative will transform how we cover the climate story,” its executive editor claimed. That is no doubt true. And an incredibly damaging admission.
The philanthropic quid-pro-quo saw five organizations fund the AP’s dedicated team of “more than two dozen journalists” to cover “climate issues” that the wire service would then plant in papers around the country to terrify Americans into supporting ‘green’ taxes and subsidies.
The Associated Press did not bother to explain to its readers or the newspapers that run its stories why these organizations were impelled to throw millions at it except sheer benevolence.
Nor did it explain why they might be particularly interested in convincing Americans that the climate sky is falling and that our economy must be dismantled and ‘greened’: raising energy prices and putting millions out of work. The paragon service of journalism did not even bother explaining to its readers what one of the five, Quadrivium, was beyond a Latin word.
Quadrivium is the pet project of James Murdoch and his wife, the ‘black sheep’ of Clan Murdoch, who left the family business in a huff “due to disagreements over certain editorial content published by the Company’s news outlets“. Quadrivium seeks to reach “a majority of the public” to generate “urgent action” on the bipartisan passage of a US climate strategy.”…
–BY DANIEL GREENFIELD
Jihadwatch.org.
PAINTER OF THE WEEK– Sabit Chopsyle is in Bangkok, Thailand. The theme reminds me of Goldie Hawn and Laugh In, though the quality of the work speaks for itself.
–Sam Burns
OPEN LETTER TO KEVIN MCCARTHY–
I have an old friend who is very involved in the Republican Party in California. I’m sure he knows Kevin McCarthy. I sent him this note today:
Hey,
If you have any kind of relationship with McCarthy and your input matters, I have one magnificent suggestion.
I know he’s starting committees. The most significant move he and the Republican Party could make would be to investigate Climate Doom and force Scientific Transparency to the forefront. Demand Integrity. We are either doomed or we’re not. If we’re not, the world needs to know that it’s okay to drive your car, cook on your gas stove, make medicine and chemicals, poor roads, save stuff in plastic containers and supply energy all over the world.
Bottom line, that one move could revive Trump’s state of the union comment: We’re living in the best of times.
Make it happen or die trying,
–Bandit
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–ROCKIN’ the NEW YEAR BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 5, 2023
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/ROCKIN_the_NEW_YEAR_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_January_5_2023.aspx
In response to your snow comment, your right, it’s not that bad. I have lived in ND all my 68 years. We have friends that winter in AZ and think I’m nuts for not doing that too. I find the snow and cold refreshes my soul and clears my mind. Ride on!
–Rik Savenko
Bismarck , ND
“You’re absolutely right, unless you slip…”–Bandit
ONE OF THE QUOTES OF THE WEEK—
“Strange times are these in which we live when old and young are taught falsehoods in school. And the person that dares to tell the truth is called at once a lunatic and fool.” –Plato
Epoch Bright
NEW FROM THE LOW BROW CREW—
What did Jon, a French tattoo artist and owner of this 500 Triumph, have?
“The willingness to learn and the creative juices flowing inside him…Plus, thanks to COVID, he had a whole lot of extra time on his hands.
He wanted to customize his Triumph into an iconic chopper that screamed 1960’s style. And well, he did it!”
PS – To share this article with your friends and other moto enthusiasts simply post up the link www.lowbrowcustoms.com/T100
BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY FINDING COMMON GROUND–
Bikers inside the Beltway – with the encouragement and direction of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, since the first Bikers inside the Beltway in 2009, thousands of bikers have met with their elected representatives and educated them about issues of importance to all street riding. motorcyclists.
Last week, President Biden signed into law what the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agreed upon — a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that funds the federal government through September 2023 and avoids a government shutdown. Included in that 4,155-page bill is a request by Congress to learn more about the profiling of motorcyclists.
Specifically, within the funding section for the Department of Transportation, language states that: The Committee is concerned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other policies that unjustly profile motorcycle riders. The Committee directs NHTSA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which the agency works with states on motorcycle passenger policies within 120 days of enactment of this Act.
The words of retiring U.S. Representative David Price from North Carolina may just as well apply to the recent efforts of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation “… Understand that not every battle can be won on the first try and that politics is a matter of striking a balance between … compromising and finding common ground where you can, and fighting where you must.”
The MRF’s victories, realized in the waning hours of Congress in December, should drive home Congressman Price’s words. Those victories came from the year-after-year vigilance of MRF members writing, calling, and meeting with members of Congress during the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s annual Bikers inside the Beltway.
The pandemic, and the events of January 6, 2021, did not deter the MRF. More than one hundred motorcyclists attended the first in-person meetings in 2021 with members of Congress. Even more attended Bikers inside the Beltway in 2022.
Now is the time for you to make plans to attend Bikers inside the Beltway – May 15 & 16, 2023.
As in years past, Bikers inside the Beltway will be dual-faceted to accommodate in-person visits to Congress plus visits to local district offices.
To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress continues to be successful, please consider the following:
- Make your appointments locally or in Washington
- Familiarize yourself with the briefing points
- Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington
- Virtual or in person, make notes on your meeting
- Share your meeting notes with the MRF
- In conjunction with Bikers inside the Beltway, a meeting of the MRF Board of Directors takes place on May 15 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF.
Attending Bikers inside the Beltway is an essential element of the MRF’s grassroots activism. Make plans to attend the pre-event briefing and Q&A for visits to Congress, scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 15. Briefing packets and “leave behinds” will be available during the briefing.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers inside the Beltway — May 15 & 16, 2023.
Thank you for your commitment.
Yours in Freedom,
–Fredric Harrell
MRF Director of Conferences & Events
P.S. Registration for Bikers inside the Beltway is free. However, we request that you register early to help us plan the event. Use the link or the QR code below for Bikers inside the Beltway registration. Thank you.
https://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/widget/event-5008758/Registration
NASH HANDLEBAR SALE NOW!–LIMITED TIME 40% OFF ALL HANDLEBARS
PROMO CODE : BARS40
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BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL NEWS BUREAU—
FedEx has deployed EVs in Asia.
Meanwhile, BMW recalls over 124K electric cars over crash risk
The software issue relates to the high voltage battery electronic control unit.
Imagine dying despite having a driving license for over 10 years and obeying all the traffic laws. This does not even include someone/foreign group hacking into your vehicle’s interface to take control of it — just like someone stealing your email login or Facebook account, credit card data, etc.
–Wayfarer
Chief Investigator
Bikernet Motorcycle News Desk
TUCKER POWERSPORTS Hires Sharma as VP of Sales
Tucker Powersports today named Prnuv Sharma to the role of VP of Sales. Sharma joins Tucker after twelve years at Abbott Laboratories, following his previous roles with Valvoline Inc. and Classic Automotive Group in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
Sharma was most recently the Marketing Director for Abbott Laboratories’ Pedialyte business, the fastest growing brand in the company’s nutrition business unit. In his time at Abbott, he held senior roles in Sales Management, Global Strategy, and Brand Management for Abbott’s consumer brands, delivering growth in sales and market share in each case. Earlier in his career, Sharma was the General Manager of a Nissan dealership that was part of the Classic Automotive Group, which owns several dealerships in the Cleveland area.
Sharma is an avid automotive and racing enthusiast. He holds an SCCA recreational racing license and enjoys spending time on the weekends driving at Autocross events.
“Moving into powersports connects me to my passion for power, performance and the beauty of a well-designed vehicle,” said Sharma.
“I’ve had a retailer’s mentality since early in my career and that’s helped me succeed with the global brands that I’ve been part of,” he continued. “I’m anxious to get to know my team at Tucker and spend time with the dealers that drive our success.”
“Prnuv’s background in sales leadership and employee development in dealerships and in large organizations makes him ideal for Tucker’s VP of Sales role,” said Tucker President and CEO Marc McAllister. “He understands the importance of brands, has a passion for fast vehicles and will be able to lead our team of dedicated sales reps in their support of our brands and the products we distribute.”
Sharma joined Tucker on January 1, 2023 and is preparing his sales team for AIMExpo in February. He will be relocating to the Fort Worth area with his family.
–Steve Phiel
ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!–ROCKIN’ the NEW YEAR BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 5, 2023
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/ROCKIN_the_NEW_YEAR_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_January_5_2023.aspx
All the articles were well worth reading. Some more than others but ALL worthy of mine and yours time.
I especially appreciated the info on the Antique and Vintage build projects. I’ve been wondering if anyone was still manufacturing ‘sprotors’ ??? and lo & behold BAM there was one with the Manufactures info.
Thanks again Bandit for all the good work
–Jim ‘el Waggs’
Oceanside, CA
Thanks brother.
–Bandit
THE SCIENTISTS’ REPORT—
This picture, produced for Clintel by the Dutch artist Vincent Geijsen, tells a thousand words. Clintel is David fighting not one but two Goliaths. Indeed, Clintel has applied for leave to intervene in a high profile Dutch court case between oil and gas company Shell and the environmental NGO Friends of the Earth (in The Netherlands called Milieudefensie). Friends of the Earth (FoE) calls this case ‘the Climate Case of the Century’.
Urgenda
In The Netherlands we have now had two prominent climate cases. In 2015 Dutch NGO Urgenda won its case against the Dutch state, demanding more ambitious reduction of greenhouse gases. Now FoE prevailed against a private company in a climate case. Shell was ordered to adopt corporate policies to reduce the CO2 emissions from the group’s activities by net 45% by the end of 2030 compared to 2019. This reduction obligation applies to the Shell Group’s entire global energy portfolio. Shell must not only reduce its own emissions but also ensure that the emissions of its suppliers and customers (Scope 3 emissions) fall drastically.
Sweetheart
The verdict and court documents, reveal that this is some sort of ‘sweetheart’ case in which the parties agreed on the facts. Shell could hardly defend itself against the alarmist statements put forward by FoE because the company had previously made similar statements. Nowadays, a large, publicly traded company cannot publicly deny the “climate crisis.” If a company were to do so, it would have the media, activists, and a large number of politicians all condemning it. No public company can afford such reputational damage. Climate activists exploit the inability of corporations to defend themselves.
FoE in power
With the big win against Shell in its pocket FoE has demanded ambitious ‘climate plans’ from 30 major Dutch companies, including food companies and even banks and insurance companies. These climate plans have been verified by the “New Climate Institute,” a consultancy known for the “Climate Action Tracker” that has turned climate into a huge revenue model. The result was a red “climate crisis index” rating for the vast majority.
These companies face the same dilemma as Shell. If they fight back they will likely suffer huge reputational damage. Shell moved its headquarter from The Hague to London last year, and will receive huge subsidies for CCS-projects (Carbon Capture and Storage) and green hydrogen. Ultimately, the bill for all these ‘climate plans’ will have to be paid by citizens and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Small companies are already suffering due to high energy prices, which are only partly related to the war in Ukraine and for the rest the result of environmental and climate policies.
Intervention by Clintel
Clintel says enough is enough. In October Clintel sent a request to the court of appeal to join the case as a third independent party. Clintel’s aim is to make clear that the judge based its verdict on a distorted picture of climate science, the role of the IPCC and the state of the climate. It will also defend the rights of citizens and democracy.
Not surprisingly, but disappointing nonetheless, both Shell and FoE oppose Clintel‘s proposed intervention. The court ordered a hearing on March 15th 2023 in which Clintel can plead its case.
We launched our own special website for this court case: climatecaseofthecentury.org.
Everyone in the world can (free of charge) join our case (as a citizen/lawyer or as a scientist) by filling in a form on the website. The more people participate, the better for making your voices heard. You can also help us by sending this newsletter to other people that might want to join our case.
Of course, we also need a lot of financial support for this big court case. All the details about how you can contribute are available on climatecaseofthecentury.org.
Many thanks in advance for your help and support!
Guus Berkhout & Marcel Crok (founders of Clintel)
ADVENTURES STILL APLENTY AT VINTAGE RIDES–Welcome to Tanzania!
Your plane lands at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and the next day, you ride your bike ten days through the African savannah.
More than a motorcycle trip, it is an exploration to meet the different ethnic groups of the country and diverse wildlife.
Deserts, lakes, forests, Massai plains, volcanoes, gorges and waterfalls: the days are rich and no two are alike.
Landscapes from around the planet can be experienced in Peru! From the Amazon to Machu Picchu, from Cuzco to Lake Titicaca, we take you on an intense, vibrant, mythical road trip.
You’ll feel like you are soaring. But as always when travelling, you have to know how to embrace uncertainties and expand your horizons in order to come out bigger and stronger. Different even!
Argentina offers a collection of cultural and natural wealth, rousing curiosity and wonder in all bikers.
From Salta, we take you on a great adventure by Royal Enfield on the mythical Route 40 along the Andes mountain range to the most remote tracks to the north of the country.
So, are you ready for a raid in an Andean land ?
The raw and powerful beauty of the Indian Himalayas surprises and captivates all bikers! Faced with the high peaks of Ladakh and the way of life of the Himalayan peoples, a strong dose of humility is essential.
You have to know how to observe and adapt. Push yourself to cross the highest passes in the world by motorbike. And once the trip is over, be proud of what you have just accomplished!
“In adventure, nothing should be left to the unexpected, but everything is unpredictable”
–Paul-Emile Victor
Going with us on one of our most alluring motorcycle adventures means growing, enriching yourself, living adventures that are intimately linked to a state of mind, quite simply one of freedom.
Vintage Rides
teamvr@vintagerides.com
04 87 91 31 96
ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK–
If someone can prove me wrong and show me my mistake in any thought or action, I shall gladly change.
I seek the truth, which never harmed anyone: the harm is to persist in one’s own self-deception and ignorance.
–MARCUS AURELIUS
[page break]
MOVIE PICK OF THE YEAR—Movie Pick of the Last Year
Age is just a number and 59-year young Brad Pitt proves just that with two entertaining movies in the last year. Both of them have references to a book. The Lost City (2022) stars Sandra Bullock as an author who is kidnapped by grown-up Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe. There is a small role for Brad as an expert independent tracker / rescuer.
The movie I am recommending is a lot more closer to heart with Brad Pitt in a starring role. Bullet Train (2022) is based on a novel written by acclaimed Japanese crime-mystery author Kotaro Isaka. Brad plays an assassin plagued by incredible levels of bad luck. That’s the entirety of the similarity between the fictional assassin and me — extreme levels of bad luck that I can’t seem to shake off !
Anyways, this movie is written, edited and directed in a spectacular form. Its as-if Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill (2003) and Ryan Reynolds’ Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) were put inside a blender and churned out to become a new unique creation painted in blood. Dark humor and violent graphic death.
Official description says:
In Bullet Train, Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe – all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives – on the world’s fastest train…and he’s got to figure out how to get off. From the director of Deadpool 2, David Leitch, the end of the line is only the beginning in a wild, non-stop thrill ride through modern-day Japan.
Apart from the lead actor, the performance worth noting was that of Aaron Taylor-Johnson. This actor seems like a fictional character from Guy Ritchie’s British crime movies has come alive in the real world. He is a worthy heir to take over the platform or stage created in Hollywood by Jason Statham for Brit action heroes.
Read the translated Kotaro Isaka novel or not, but this movie stands out by itself as a larger than life adaptation— like a manga comic made into a movie with a convincing star cast.
Watch the Trailer at: https://youtu.be/-YFlAQfbz-Q
Spectacular two hours well-spent. Also, check out Daniel Radcliffe in The Lost City, because until you see a good British actor playing a magnanimous yet grandiose villain, you haven’t truly enjoyed cinema. Maybe he can compete with the likes of Andrew Scott (Sherlock TV series and Bond movie ‘Spectre’) to become a classy movie villain.
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
MONSTER ENERGY PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RACER SIDELINED—
Austin Forkner will be sidelined for the remainder of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship following a collision at Anaheim 1 on January 7th.
Forkner was on track to battle for the 250SX Western Regional Championship when a collision during the start of the Main Event at Anaheim 1, resulted in an injury to his right knee. After consultation with medical professionals, it was determined that the injury will force an early conclusion to Forkner’s 2023 Monster Energy Supercross efforts.
Forkner was off to an impressive start in the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship with the fastest 250SX qualification time and a come-from-behind podium performance in his heat race. After a full off-season of preparation with his team, Forkner was equipped to contend for the 250SX Western Regional Championship in 2023.
“I felt great going into this year and was ready to challenge for the championship,” said Forkner. “I think my qualifying and heat race speed proved that the preparation from the whole team was on par to win races. Unfortunately, I was involved in a racing incident during the start of the Main Event and injured my knee. This is definitely a frustrating situation, but I’m extremely motivated to focus on my recovery and I will get back to work with the team.”
Further updates on Forkner’s expected return to racing will be announced when available.
WISDOM QUOTES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
“Dreams don’t work unless you do.” ~ John C. Maxwell
“Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded there.” ~ Dr. Wayne D. Dyer
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” ~ Jim Rohn
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” ~ Brian Herbert
“Why do we grieve failures longer than we celebrate wins?”
“Picture the New Year as a garden you are responsible for planting. Sow the seeds of good habits in this soil and weed out worries and wrong actions of the past.” ~ Sri Paramhansa Yogananda
“The world is full of nice people. If you can’t find one, be one.”
–Wayfarer
Monk in Training
Bikernet Thought Temple
Pillar Peak, SD
RALLY REGISTRATION NOW OPEN—
Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration – New! Now with Limited Edition Poster
Check In & Get Your FREE Ride Pin, Souvenirs and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Welcome Packet
Making your way around the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally can be an overwhelming experience. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Begin your Sturgis Motorcycle Rally adventure by registering online and picking up your FREE Sturgis.com Rally Ride Pin, Patch and Welcome Packet at the Sturgis Rally Information Center™.
Or pick up this new Limited-Edition Poster by moto artist Donny Conrad with a Premium Registration.
Your Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally registration packet is chock full of helpful maps, money-saving coupons and insider information that’ll help you get the most out of your trip. Not to mention, it’ll set you up with Sturgis patches, pins and t-shirts that’ll help you remember your vacation for years to come.
You’re only just a few simple clicks away from reserving these priceless resources and gifts. Select the option that’s right for you below.
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
THE WORLD OF CHOPPER MAGAZINES RELEASED
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_WORLD_OF_CHOPPER_MAGAZINES_RELEASED.aspx
It’s a daunting future for print but content is king, keep on writing and riding. Great story Bandit, thanks.
–Gary Koz Mraz
Publisher
The Spirit of Sedona Magazine
Sedona, AZ
FUEL FOR THOUGHT: ARE EMERGING SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES THE FUTURE OF THE INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE?
By Mike Imlay
Judging from the headlines, you’d think the internal-combustion engine (ICE) is not long for this world. Europe and U.S. governmental bodies are passing ever more stringent climate measures and incentivizing zero-emissions powertrains. Meanwhile, OEMs are ramping up battery-electric vehicle (BEV) production and shifting resources away from traditional engine development. But dig beyond the headlines and you’ll find that the reports of the ICE’s death are greatly exaggerated.
“Gasoline-powered vehicles will continue to rule the roads in the U.S. for a long time to come,” said Gavin Knapp, director of SEMA Market Research. “There are over 280 million ICE cars and trucks on the road now, and more are selling each year. While sales of alternative-power platforms, particularly electric cars, are ramping up, they are still a small fraction of new-vehicle sales at this point.
Our current forecast shows that it will take more than a decade for electric vehicles to reach even 50% of new-vehicle sales, so ICE engines will definitely be a main component of the vehicle mix for the long haul.”
That fact has many industry companies taking a fresh look at synthetic fuels as solutions whose moment has come. Last year, Bosch announced the development of Blue Gasoline in partnership with Shell and Volkswagen. Following on the rollout of R33 Blue Diesel, the new fuel represented one of the latest salvos in the low-carbon fuel market. In its press announcement, Bosch stated that Blue Gasoline “contains up to 33% renewables, ensuring a well-to-wheel reduction in carbon emissions of at least 20% per kilometer driven.”
“This means a fleet of 1,000 VW Golf VIII 1.5 TSIs alone could save more than 230 metric tons of CO2 per year, assuming an annual mileage of 10,000 kilometers each,” the company explained, adding that Shell would offset the remaining carbon emissions from Blue Gasoline usage through certified offset arrangements.
“On the road to climate-friendly mobility, we must ensure that we don’t leave any technical opportunities untapped, starting with electrobility and ending with renewable fuels,” asserted Dr. Uwe Gackstatter, president of the Bosch Powertrain Solutions division.
Bosch, Shell and VW are not alone in bringing new fuels to market. In December 2021, VP Racing Fuels also announced that it was making advanced bio-renewable components available for adaptation with the company’s race fuel portfolio. In its announcement, the company noted that it continues to develop and test race fuels to meet the upcoming renewable fuel requirements of multiple race series, including Formula 1 and IMSA.
“With enhanced concern over the global environment and an ever-increasing demand on the transportation of people and goods, government regulatory authorities continue to push for more stringent regulations on pollutants and CO2 emissions,” explained Mark Walls, VP’s director of R&D and fuel technology. “Auto manufacturers continue to pursue advanced powertrains such as electric and hybrid-electric vehicles to address this problem, but we felt that onboard fuel could play a part.”
But what exactly are synthetic fuels? Known alternatively as synfuels, renewables, biofuels or carbon-neutral fuels, they are usually liquid fuels produced through the hydrocarbonization of coal, natural gas or biomass feedstocks. Although not derived from fossil sources like crude oil, some liquid synthetics can serve as direct “drop-in” fuels—easily substituting for gasoline or diesel in an ICE vehicle with little or no modification.
Closely related, eFuels are produced through a wind or solar electrification process that creates hydrogen, which is then combined with carbon dioxide extracted from the atmosphere or from industrial processes such as iron smelting. The resulting synthetic fuel can then be refined into eFuel gasoline or diesel.
“I’m very passionate about this particular topic, not only being from the oil and gas side of things but also because there’s so much opportunity to move the needle,” said Ian Lehn, founder of Boostane, a company and product line that he developed based on his college thesis. Recently Boostane formed a partnership with Driven Racing Oils to expand into new products and markets, including fuels, oils and lubrication technologies. Lehn is also a past chair of SEMA’s Emerging Technologies and Trends Network and a voice for alternative fuels and other new technologies that are making IC engines greener and more efficient.
“I think we [in the aftermarket] have had a lot of negativity pointed toward us when in reality we have done more for the advancement of the ICE engine than any other industry,” he asserted. “Performance and competition have birthed innovation and efficiencies more than economics have. We’re pushing the limits of getting the most out of fuels.”
Synthetic fuels, he pointed out, are nothing new. However, economic factors associated with mass production have greatly hindered their adoption. Historically, producers and consumers alike have found renewable fuels simply too cost prohibitive.
“On the other end of the spectrum you have the racing industry, which may not be as concerned about their overall [environmental] impact but would like to be,” Lehn said. “There are going to be a lot of governing bodies pushing motorsports to lower their overall carbon footprint.”
OHV and powersports enthusiasts sit right in the middle. As Lehn sees it, “They have to be conscientious of their impact off highways and on the trails, but they will still need a reliable fuel that’s very high performance.”
From a supply perspective, synfuels are becoming increasingly feasible to produce and market, said Robert Freerks, vice president of products for Strategic Biofuels, based in Colombia, Louisiana. Freerks, who earned his PhD in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, is a passionate advocate of renewable synthetics.
“I’ve been working in the fuels and lubricants area since 1981,” he explained. “I had 18 years at Chevron, and then I went into the synthetic area. I’ve made all kinds of hydrocarbons from natural gas, coal, woody biomass, waste materials and anything that’s got carbon in it.”
Now he plays a key role in Strategic Biofuels’ development of a process and plant that can efficiently convert forest waste into hydrocarbon fuels. The goal is to make renewables more economical and available for transportation use. Currently his focus is on renewable diesel, which he said holds distinct advantages over other biodiesel fuels.
“Renewable diesel is the same thing as what’s made from hydro-processing fats and oils,” he said. “The good thing about that process is that the renewable diesel fuel—as opposed to biodiesel—is a drop-in fuel. It’s a 100% replacement for conventional diesel. It burns clean and it’s perfect.”
He added that the jet fuel version of this fuel is certified for drop-in use in all military and commercial aircraft as well as all diesel engines. No blending is necessary.
“From a transportation standpoint, buses, trucks and airplanes run on diesel and jet fuel, which I can make readily,” he said. “Gasoline is harder to replace, but it can be done. It’s just that right now it’s a yield loss.”
Strategic Biofuels is building its processing plant in California, taking advantage of the state’s renewable energy credits to lower costs. The raw biomass stock will be sourced from Louisiana, but the plant could also easily make use of municipal and other solid wastes.
“Woody biomass feedstocks can be had for $20 to $30 a ton because they’re the leftover remains from harvesting timber,” he noted. “When you harvest a tree for wood, you can only keep the long strands—the 30- to 60-foot sections that are cuttable into 2x4s and other dimensional wood. The rest of it—the bark, the limbs, the stems, the top of the tree, the top 20 to 30 feet—is too thin to use. It just gets chopped up and left in the forest and either rots or burns. The same thing happens with unmanaged forests where all the debris falls to the floor and just becomes fuel for wildfires.”
In addition, the Strategic Biofuels facility will further decrease its carbon footprint by returning the greenhouse gases it generates into the earth.
“If you believe that sequestration of CO2 is what we need to do—and there’s a lot of government support for that—my process actually removes CO2,” Freerks said. “It’s part and parcel of the process, not an add on.”
Whether renewable diesel or any biofuel is more eco-friendly than BEVs and other alternative fuels depends on one’s vantage point. Like all hydrocarbon fuels, biofuels produce tailpipe emissions. However, Freerks argues that if one looks at their overall sourcing, production and carbon footprint, hydrocarbon fuels are much more energy-dense, efficient, economical and net carbon neutral than EV batteries.
“Wind and solar cannot power our transportation industry,” he asserted, and while BEVs may tout zero tailpipe emissions, they carry their own environmental baggage. Mining the raw materials needed for EV batteries and motors merely outsources pollution to third-world countries, he said. Plus, the infrastructure required for a nation of personal BEVs and commercial trucks would be an enormous drain on resources.
Freerks likewise believes that growing and harvesting massive amounts of corn for ethanol presents its own set of sustainability dilemmas.
“To take food like corn and convert it into fuel to me is a sin,” he said. “You could feed half of Africa based off the corn that we grow for fuel.”
“Transportation fuels are just going to be there,” he said. “The U.S. Department of Energy shows us actually increasing our crude oil consumption through 2050, so net zero by 2050 physically is not going to happen.”
But beyond scientific concerns, Freerks also has a personal stake in the ICE engine’s future.
“I’ve got a ’68 Barracuda with a turn plate tank,” he said. “You have to really watch what fuel you put in and how you recycle it.”
Although not synfuels, E85 and other ethanol-gasoline blends are considered significantly more carbon neutral than gasoline. eFlexFuel Technology Chief of Business Development Juha Honkasalo recognizes the controversies surrounding them but nevertheless views the blends as making valuable contributions to ICE engines. To unlock the full (and sometimes hidden) potential of flex-fuel-compatible vehicles, eFlexFuel produces E85 conversion kits.
“If you look at the media, you would think everything’s going to be electric in a few years,” he said. “But when you go out there and drive the streets, you see that there aren’t that many electrics. The average vehicle in the U.S. is over 10 years old. Easily all the cars being sold today will still be in traffic in, say, 2040. I think there’s a huge [ICE vehicle] potential for decades to come.”
–SEMA
THIS JUST IN FROM THE PRISM GANG–
“Super Prism” Throttle Assembly contains the following:
- Polished aluminum throttle housing
- 1/4 turn action with built in internal stops
- 1″ aluminum throttle sleeve
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware
- Designed to be used with all stock HD throttle cables with snap ring
- Includes a barrel end to cut cable to desired length
- Throttle Lock Screw included
Clear Throttle Cover sold separately
For a designed fit we recommend purchasing our throttle cable with this throttle assembly.
MAYBE A NEW CHOPPER CHRONICLES STORY—THE STOLEN TITAN SEARCH—
Bandit, last year you posted a picture of my Titan that was stolen during shipping last summer.
Well, last night on Facebook page for Titan I see this picture of my bike. Someone has it and is wanting to know what model it is and its value..
I messaged the guy and let him know it was stolen. He immediately deleted the post. And started messaging me about how long he’s had it and how he repaired it. I got very pissed off at this stupid fucker.
I forwarded all of this information and his lies of messages to the purchaser. He is going to turn it over to the insurance company that paid him off. Someone that is knowingly is in possession of a stolen bike and tries to cover it up is just a big of piece of shit as the thief. I’m hoping the insurance company investigates.
–Thomas Richmond
Nmblueadobe@gmail.com
“We will follow this and report back. It may turn into a Chopper Chronicles story.” –Bandit
WITH SBS Better Brakes–you get the improved brake performance characteristics you seek–
The key characteristics are:
- REFINED COMPOUND – Sinter brake compounds are 100% copper and nickel-free and ceramic compounds are antimony-free.
- IMPROVED BRAKE PERFORMANCE – A better and more stable brake performance and stopping power.
- NUCAP NRS TECHNOLOGY – Always equipped with the powerful bonding technology that binds the friction material to the backing plate and improves heat resistance.
- HF, HS, MS & SP first in line
We have already initiated the transition of products. We start with HF, HS and MS compounds, and dealerships will already from January 2023 be able to order these with their SBS Distributor.
With everything good happening, something also has to end. Because performance characteristics of the popular SP-series in the new formula are similar to that of the HS-series, we have decided to merge the SP product range into the HS-range. However, this gives you an easier product selection overall. We expect the merger of SP into HS will be complete by Q3 2023.
- Watch out for the SBS Better Brakes marker
To help you identify which product has been transitioned, we’re introducing the Better Brakes marker. You can find it on the packaging just below the product reference code.
Read more about the new SBS Better Brakes on our website and spread the word to your fellow rider community: sbsbrakes.com/better-brakes
THE INVESTIGATIONS START–Under pressure from the White House, Facebook censored “often-true content” that a company executive said in the spring of 2021 “does not contain actionable misinformation” but was “discouraging vaccines.”
The State Attorney General of Missouri, who is suing the Biden Administration for violating the First Amendment, released the email over the weekend.
“As you know,” wrote the Facebook executive whose name was redacted, “in addition to removing vaccine misinformation, we have been focused on reducing the virality of content discouraging vaccines that does not contain actionable misinformation.
The email shows Facebook responding defensively to the White House’s then-covid advisor, Andy Slavitt. “This often-true content,” wrote Facebook, “which we allow at the post level because experts have advised us that it is important for people to be able to discuss both their personal experiences and concerns about the vaccine, but it can be framed as sensation[al], alarmist, or shocking.”
“We’ll remove these Groups, Pages, and Accounts when they are disproportionately promoting this sensationalized content,” said the Facebook executive in an email responding to White House demands for censorship. ”More on this front as we proceed to implement.”
Another White House official wrote in an angry, scolding email to Facebook, “We are gravely concerned that your service is one of the top drivers of vaccine hesitancy – period.” The official said it believed Facebook was at risk of “doing the same” thing it did before the Jan 6, 2021 riot at the US Capitol when “an insurrection …was plotted, in large part, by your platform.”
All of these censorship demands were occurring against a backdrop of the White House and Congress regularly threatening to revoke Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which indemnifies social media platforms from liability for content posted by users. The social media platforms consider Section 230 repeal an existential threat. Without the Act, they would not be able to exist in their current form.
–Michael Shellenberger
“You can find Michael’s full report on Substack” –Bandit
WIMMER MACHINE IMPROVED COMPRESSION RELEASES—
We modify plugs with extended reach but same heat range. The air passes up through the center of the plug then though a tiny hole in the unit to the release. Most times one cylinder is all it takes. It had won an award years back at the V twin Expo. Sure, beats the cost of removing the heads and machining for a release. Obviously when plugs need replacement they must be purchased from us.
–WIMMER MACHINE
INSPECTING AND REPLACING SPORTSTER BRAKE PADS–Dial in those brake pads in 5 easy steps… all by your lonesome!
Your brake pads are very important to inspect and replace when needed. (no duh)
Worn out brake pads are a safety hazard should you need to stop fast when out riding. (like, always)
Conveniently, changing your own Harley brake pads is an inexpensive and easy task you can take on yourself. (woo-hoo!)
We did up a video with Steve from Knoble Moto to get you dialed in. (Yep, this is the first in a new series we are calling Knoble Tech Tips’)
GAIN THE KNOWLEDGE
PS – This how-to video is on a 2012 Sportster, but applies to inspecting and changing most Harley brake pads, as well as other makes of motorcycles!
PPS – Share this how-to video and article by posting up www.lowbrowcustoms.com/sportsterbrakes and be a hero to the uninformed and shiftless masses!
–Lowbrow team
QUOTE FROM THE MASTER–
“I’m totally waiting for the vaccine and boosters that will give me immunity to the harmful effects of climate change.” –J.J. Solari
RIDE WITH THE VENICE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB—
Third Sunday – New destination!
Weather permitting….we’re heading north and trying out a new place.
Tavern 101 & Tap House
28434 Roadside Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
9AM – Meet
10AM – Kick stands up!
All years, makes, and models are welcome!
Please remember…..
– We leave at 10am sharp!
– Be gassed up and ready to go.
– Please do not pass our Road Captains. They are there to lead and keep everyone together as a group.
– Keep this a safe and fun ride by staying aware of your fellow riders.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram, or go to venicevintage.com for the latest updates on our events calendar.
See you there!
-VVMC
DATE:
Sunday, January 15, 2023
TIME:
9:00am – Meet
10:00am – Kickstands up!
WHERE:
1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd,
Venice, CA, 90291
Progressive AFT 2023 Schedule Announced!—
After record-breaking viewership for the 2022 season, the 2023 Progressive AFT schedule is now out, featuring a mix of Miles, Half-Miles, TTs, and Short Track races. Many of the races this year will take place at rallies or over holiday weekends, making it easier than ever for fans to catch the action.
“Get the season calendar on American Rider’s web site.” –Bandit
JUST A FINAL THOUGHT—Here’s a letter I wrote to the boss of Clintel:
The Nazis bullied Europe and now the UN is doing the same. No wonder we got the hell out of there. I wish you the best of luck, truth and integrity. I follow the Climate Doom front on my web site, Bikernet.com. I’ve been involved in the fight for motorcycle freedom and the freedom to build custom motorcycles for over 50 years. I will do anything I can.
I have prompted every motorcycle organization and two automotive organizations in the states to fight climate alarmism. They are all afraid or bullied. Amazing.
I will consistently cover your efforts. I have promoted suing Al Gore as a way to confront the issue publicly in the US, an effort the media can’t ignore. I believe your case and a case against Al Gore in the states could break this movement wide open.
The truth will ultimately win. Let’s make it happen in 2023.
–Bandit
Okay, so maybe I’m nuts, but the truth always makes it to the surface. In the meantime. I’m working on three book projects for this year, two motorcycle builds and a trip to the Texas Mile and Bonneville.
This week I worked with Cabana Dan on my issue with the roller I’m buying from him. I have a ’24 JE and it almost fit but the Lonnie Isam Jr. tanks didn’t work and I don’t want to modify them. It’s back to the ’14 single with upgraded oil pump.
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I’m building a leg press machine for my gym, so I can avoid the squat rack. Hope I have enough weights.
Coming next week, we will deliver on Cabana Dan’s teen builds tech. We will be kicking off a series.
I’ll bring you a report on the VL, XA, S&S FL build soon. Feels like it’s moving slow, but once the parts arrive shit will fly.
Someone said something about being old. I said, “Bullshit, bring more whiskey.”
Keep riding free forever, goddammit!
–Bandit
