THE MOST CRITICAL BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 21, 2016

 

 

Hey,

Talk about a wild week. Visitors rolled in from New Orleans. Anson Alexander worked on offshore oil rigs, but liked to keep up with Bikernet. The bosses banged on his door and shut off access—something about the girls. Anson went right to the top. The girls in the free section are cool and he made his case. He won.

A local brother stopped by on his Dyna. He’s headed for his second hip replacement and he’s anxious to install a Trask Turbo as soon as he gets out of the hospital. We will stay on top of his progress.

I’m confused about a couple of issues. I believe we as an industry need to create a strong voice against CARB in California. If you don’t know the impact against performance modifications on bikes 2013 and newer, you need to check it out. Carb in California will have an impact all over the industry if we don’t step up.

As long as you only work with bikes older than 2013 I think you’re cool, but that’s going to become a problem rapidly, although I’m an Evo fan. Okay, so no negative waves.

Always remember: Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end…

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM PUTS PEDAL TO THE METAL WITH ITS LINEUP OF 2016 EXHIBITS
Sprint, Run, Race Or Ride To The Museum For Programming That Highlights The Need For Speed

The Harley-Davidson Museum is going full throttle into 2016 with high-octane exhibits, events and programming that shine a spotlight on Harley-Davidson’s deep ties to the sport of racing.

It all kick-starts this week with two new exhibits that will go on display Friday, Jan. 22. The Bridge Gallery will be taken over by Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track, which will feature dozens of photos from flat track racing’s foremost photographer, Dave Hoenig. Also on Friday, the public will get its first opportunity to see the revamped Design Lab. Racing Machines from the KR to the XR drills down deep to show how Harley-Davidson engineers created the world’s foremost racing team. The Museum will also have extended hours on Jan. 22 (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) as a part of Gallery Night.

Later this year, the Museum’s special summer exhibit will open June 17, with a special media preview day on June 16. Drag Racing: America’s Fast Time will give museum-goers the opportunity to trace drag racing’s humble back-road – and often illegal – beginnings to the high-tech and high-powered races of today.

With new exhibits, unique race-inspired items from The Shop, a new menu from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant to be revealed Jan. 27, parties, events and so much more scheduled for 2016, the Harley-Davidson Museum is on a mission to show the world that #SpeedThrills.

Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track, Jan. 22-Sept. 5
The Museum will start kicking up a little dirt on Jan. 22, when Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track, a photo exhibit featuring dozens of images from flat track racing’s preeminent photographer, is unveiled. Dave Hoenig takes you down to pit row and into the grandstands to document the thrills and chills of life in the fast lane. Hoenig has captured more than 1,000 races in his career, keeping his lens trained on the pageantry, emotion and camaraderie of a day at the track.

Racing Machines from the KR to the XR
The Museum’s Design Lab, which recently underwent a renovation, will also reopen on Jan. 22. The installation focuses on the role Harley-Davidson’s hardscrabble engineering team played in creating the legendary bikes that would dominate the race tracks of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. This exhibit shows how man and machine have combined to make Harley-Davidson Racing a king and the winner’s circle its throne.

Additionally, the Museum lobby will feature a newly acquired 1947 WR Harley=Davidson racer believed to be one of only 20 made. The bike was also discovered to have Wisconsin ties, as it was owned by legendary racer Ray Tursky of Madison.

Drag Racing: America’s Fast Time summer exhibit; June 17-Sept. 5

Go under the hood with mind-blowing mad scientists of speed to see just how much blood, sweat and elbow grease hot rodders pour into their machines – two wheels or four – in their race against time. See the sport make tracks from its humble beginnings on darkened streets to the bright lights of the winner’s circle as the need for speed permeated pop culture.

Confirmed artifacts and exhibit details will be shared this spring.

–Jenn

EASYRIDERS SHOW TOUR HEADS TO CHAROLETTE, NC THIS WEEKEND– Lisa Ligon and the Purrfect Angelz – Touted as the “Queen of Country Music Videos,” Lisa Ligon will act as the Master of Ceremonies at all Easyriders Bike Shows.

The Purrfect Angelz, who are most-recently recognizable as the “Flaunt Girls” at Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis [which tragically burned down in the Fall of 2015], will be showing off their choreographed dance performances live on the main stage and offering attendees photo opportunities.

Geico Giveaway Bike – Presenting sponsor Geico Motorcycle is furnishing a motorcycle to be given away to one lucky entrant at the end of the 2016 tour year. The giveaway bike will be on display at all 2016 Easyriders Bike Show Tour locations and attendees can enter to win at all tour stops.



NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW LEGISLATION–
Along with the new year comes an onslaught of new legislation, as new legislative sessions across the nation consider a myriad of motorcycle laws such as helmet legislation in ARIZONA that would charge riders a fee to ride without one.

Prefiled on January 6, 2016, H.B. 2052 introduced by State Representative Dr. Randall Friese (D-Tucson) would modify their Under-18 helmet law to read; “An operator or passenger of a motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or motor driven cycle who is at least eighteen years of age is exempt from the helmet requirement if the owner pays a (as yet undetermined) fee when registering their vehicle.”

“A person who violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of five hundred dollars,” and a ‘portion’ of the fees collected from the pay-to-play p-pot plot would be “deposited in the Spinal and Head Injuries Trust Fund.”

Meanwhile, in INDIANA S.B. 157 would “eliminate the portion of the motorcycle registration fee that is currently distributed to the spinal cord and brain injury fund.”

MISSOURI is considering numerous motorcycle-related bills, including seven helmet bills; one would repeal the law for anyone 18 or over (HB1663), another would exempt motorcyclists 21 or older from wearing a helmet if they have appropriate health insurance coverage (HB1464), one “Prohibits law enforcement from stopping a motorcycle for failing to wear protective headgear” (HB1957), while (HB1371) treats the infraction as a secondary offense, requiring another reason to pull a rider over, and four separate bills concern autocycles and primarily exempts certain operators of motorcycles and motor-tricycles from wearing protective headgear (SB659, SB694, SB851 & SB1732).

Three-wheelers are of concern in several states, as legislatures struggle with defining and regulating “autocycles,” and in KANSAS House Bill 2436 would allow persons to take a motorcycle license driving exam on a 3-wheeled motorcycle and would restrict such licenses to trikes.

In NEW HAMPSHIRE, as in some other states, the state legislature will consider HB 1308 to allow motorcycles to travel between lanes of traffic in certain instances, a.k.a.; lane-splitting. HB1347 would “establish a committee to study sharing the road with bicycles and motorcycles.”

Also in the Granite State, Senator Andrew Hosmer, a Democrat from Laconia, has introduced SB 360 to repeal the statute restricting handlebar height and legalize so-called “ape-hangers”. New Hampshire is currently among more than 30 states that limit the height of motorcycle handlebars.

Since 1967, existing statute prohibits handlebar grips “higher than the shoulder level of the driver when in the seat or saddle” and also prohibits riding a motorcycle with “improvised, defective, or repaired handlebars.”

“I applaud Senator Hosmer for sponsoring this bill,” said Charlie St. Clair, executive director of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association. “I have never heard the height of handlebars presented as a safety issue,” he told the Laconia Daily Sun. “There is no history of accidents caused by high bars.”

Without a federal standard, the regulation of handlebars on motorcycles rests with the states. Currently, 12 states limit the height of handlebars to 15 inches above the saddle. 5 others require the handlebars to be below the height of the shoulder. Last summer, South Dakota, which hosts the annual Sturgis Rally became the most recent state to repeal its shoulder level statute.

–Bill Bish

Watch for the full NCOM State-to–State report on Bikernet in the next couple of days.




LARGEST SWAP MEET IN TEXAS–
Cherokee Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet and Concours Motorcycle Show coming.

The Cherokee Chapter is proud to be the major Motorcycle Swap Meet once again at the 44th Annual Pate Swap Meet. In 2016 Cherokee has obtained over 400 Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Swap Meet vending booth spaces to be able to expand the motorcycle parts offerings and the Concours Bike Show to the over 100,000 general public attendees at Pate even more.

Admission for the general public is free!

The Pate Swap Meet is now the second largest “Everything Transportation Related Swap Meet in the USA” with over 9,000 booth spaces lining over 18 miles of asphalt streets at Texas Motor Speedway on Interstate 35 in Fort Worth TX.
For information on acquiring motorcycle vending spaces contact:
Shelby M. Withrow, Event Chairman at 940-748-2555 or email shelbyinparadise@wccs.net

For information on entering the Concours d’Pate Bike Show or sponsorship opportunities contact: Steve Klein, Concours Chairman at 361.652.8300 or Steve@SteveKlein.com

For up to date information leading up to the event please visit www.CherokeeAMCA.org


MAJOR AD AGENCIES HEADED TO MILWAUKEE– Agent Zebra, a Bikernet contributor who works for a major advertising agency out of Miami threatened to ride to the meeting unaware of the 0 temps in Milwaukee.

We discussed the highs and lows of the motorcycle industry in the United States and some of the factors messing with sales.

We discussed the threat of distracted drivers and awareness campaigns, and motorcycle training.

Kids are growing up surrounded by the threats of climate change and the evil giant is the oil industry followed closely by the auto industry. I would love to see the message changed. We all know there’s another side of the coin, but no one talks about it. How about all the freedom and jobs oil provides. How about all the riding adventures we’ve had.

The whole crazed biker notion was a very blue collar movement. It was fueled by young guys with only limited tools and resources, but they could work on a motorcycle. Regulation is taking that away from us. Kids don’t know tools, end up obese and staring at a cell phone screen.

I mentioned Freedom initially. So many young people have been told being safe is more important than freedom. But without Freedom our spirit is dead. So many of the above topics don’t mention Freedom but it’s always behind the scenes.

Some of these topics are apart of a bigger picture. He would be selling the sport of motorcycling and not a specific model.

We need to bolster the allure of riding, the open road, the brotherhood, the desire to create and the keys to adventure travels.

My 2-cents to the Creative Director Agent.

–Bandit


A BIKERNET SMALL SPIRITUAL MOMENT– Subject: Dealing with the squirrel problem…
The Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about their squirrels. After much prayer and consideration they determined the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn’t interfere with God’s divine will.

At the Baptist Church the squirrels had taken an interest in the baptistery.

The Deacons met and decided to put a water slide on the baptistery and let the squirrels drown themselves. The squirrels liked sliding and unfortunately, knew instinctively how to swim, so twice as many squirrels showed up the following week.

The Episcopal Church decided that they were not in a position to harm any of God’s creatures. So, they humanely trapped their squirrels and set them free near the Baptist Church.

Two weeks later the squirrels were back when the Baptists took down the water slide.

But the Catholic Church came up with a very creative strategy. They baptized all the squirrels and consecrated them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

Not much was heard from the Jewish Synagogue, but it’s rumored that they took one squirrel and circumcised him, and they haven’t seen a squirrel on their property since.

–from Rogue and Jerry

DRIVELINE UPGRADE FOR ’80-01 FXR AND TOURING MACHINES– Check this out. Paughco has designed and now offers this unique “5-Speed Swingarm Upgrade Kit” for use on popular FXR and touring models.

The kit significantly enhances both the feel and function of the driveline by replacing old style OEM parts with high tech spherical bearings and CNC precision machined spacers and collars. The conversion fits all FXR and Touring models from 1980 through 2001.

Suggested retail for the 7-piece kit is $335.95. To order call 775-246-5738 or checkem’ out online at www.paughco.com



SPEEDY UPDATE~ Fast Andie Racing

We’ve Been working with a coach and testing my 1640 big tire Suzuki to get it race ready! Justin Collier laid down an impressive 7.52 1/4mile pass @ 172mph! We are looking at running a 4.60 1/8th mile index class and hitting up to 20 races this season! Sturgis is definitely on the list!

Also~I’m very excited to announce that Wind Therapy has just signed on as a product sponsor for this race season! Go check them out at www.windtherapy.rocks and on Facebook.com/windtherapy

Andie and the crew at Fast Andie Racing are also excited to announce that they are fueled by Le-Vel’s 8-week Thrive Experience! Whether you are racing, or just riding your Harley on the weekends, check out why the ENTIRE crew is thriving:

*energy and focus
*weight management
*digestive & immune support
*joint support
*lean muscle support
*appetite control
*restful sleep
To support the crew and feel great yourself, go check it out at:
www.fastandie.le-vel.com

Watch for more pics and updates on Facebook.com/fastandieracing and of
course at our favorite biker website, BikerNet.com!

For more info on how YOU can become a supporter of Fast Andie Racing, contact Andie at fastandie200@gmail.com


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V-TWIN EXPO ACTION–
You are cordially invited to our 6th Annual V-twin after party.

The past five years have been a blast and this year should be even better. This year, like last our friends at Ole Smokey Moonshine and the CHOP-IN-BLOCK are helping us host the event.

Come and hangout with old friends while making a few new ones. This year we have taken the entire venue!

Where: MYNT on Fountain Square
When: Saturday February 6th from 6:30 till ?
Below are the details (subject to be enhanced):

– Anyone on “the list” or with an expo badge no Cover Charge.
– Special/V-Twin Party appropriate Live Music and late DJ.
– Beer and drink specials exclusive to our group.
– VIP area with bottle service (You know who you are)
– Discount Bottle Service available for our guests.
– We have convinced the bar to bring in cases of PBR for one night only. Free while supplies last!
– Ole Smokey bar menu exclusive to Steves’ Garage, plus free samples and swag giveaways.

P.S.
You are also invited to join us Friday night at Jimmy G’s Steak house 435 Elm Street across from the Hyatt. Some have dinner, some enjoy appetizers and drinks in the bar. My friend Jason Richie will be playing some old school acoustic in the bar.

We leave Jimmy’s about 8:30-9:00 and do our semi famous: Unscripted, Impromptu Pub Crawl. Last year we ended up with about 40 lost souls wondering the streets with us. Good times!
Event FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1100204170014193/

 

 
 THE WEEKLY SHERIFF TRAVELOG–The master’s digs in the snow.
 
–from the Sheriff
Sweden 
 
 
 

 


ROD SHOWS TROPHY GIRL CONTENDERS— Trophy girl action is always a favorite.

In the mean time, we invite you to visit our website www.rodshows.com, for show dates, show history and so much more!

Or if you would like to connect with us on Facebook click on any of the following links!


NEW FROM BIKER’S CHOICE– 2016 Helmet & Apparel Catalog

With the release of its 2016 Helmet & Apparel Catalog, Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice is excited to announce its largest offering ever of riding apparel, lifestyle apparel and helmets. The catalog offers 14,388 products with 96 additional pages from last year.

The 2016 catalog features a wide range of products that include new technology specifically designed to improve rider safety and the riding experience.

Answer and MSR® have used MIPS® technology in their new helmets; developed by brain surgeons and scientists, MIPS® helps reduce the rotational forces on the brain due to angled impacts to the head.

They have also introduced the D30® shock-absorbing insole in three styles of boots; not only do they help provide comfort at varied impact energies, they also help reduce the risk of lower leg injuries

Black Brand™ is introducing a half-helmet with “Composite Fusion” technology that is the smallest D.O.T.-approved helmet on the market. It is so small the helmet is named Cheater .50 because it feels like it is cheating the helmet certification law.

The Cheater is kept small because the composite fusion in-molding lets the EPS liner be thinner, and each size has its own shell size.

Firstgear® is introducing their “37.5” fabric. It uses energy from the rider’s body to keep them dry, wicking sweat away before it can be felt on the skin.

100%’s “The Forecast” film system is a complete system that offers the largest field of clear vision in motocross.

The print version of the 2016 Helmet & Apparel Catalog will be delivered to dealers at the end of January and is available online at www.tuckerrocky.com as well as on TRDealer.

For more information, visit Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice online at www.tuckerrocky.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. To inquire about becoming a Tucker Rocky dealer for products and accessories, contact the New Dealer Development Department at (817) 258-9255 or newdealer@tuckerrocky.com.

–Beth Rauch


TRAILBLAZERS MC THREATENS TO INDUCT STEVE STORZ, FROM STORZ PERFORMANCE— Steve started in the industry in 1970.

“After witnessing my first Ascot race, a TT National,” Steve said. “I knew that I wanted to be involved in the sport somehow and working as a mechanic was a logical choice. I volunteered to help local riders Al Baker and Lloyd Houchins at regular Friday Ascot races to begin learning the trade.”

In a few months Steve with be honored at the TrailBlazer Banquet. This event is an inspiration to onlookers and attended by all the great racers.



Watch for the new Storz Café Racer Sporty feature on Bikernet tomorrow.–Bandit


SALT TORPEDO LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE–
No, the F.I.M. landspeed regulations are STILL not published. As a matter of fact I just sent an email to all those involved asking when. I would use the AMA regulations for your build as they basically mirror those of the F.I.M.

http://bonnevillespeedtrials.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/AMA-LSGC-SR-2015v13.pdf

You would need to follow and adhere to all the streamliner rules since your proposed machine will have the rider incased in a fuselage type of cockpit. Best of luck with your build, and please feel free to contact me any time with questions.

–Drew Gatewood
Supreme certification, standards, compliance, and toenail inspector on the Salt


NEW AND HOT IN THE CANTINA– Capone’s Street Rod Motorcycles has been producing some wild bikes over the years, they are always very visible on Main Street in Daytona, every Bikeweek & Biketoberfest. I’ve been lucky enough to shoot them over the years, and this gallery is just one example of a hot bike with hot
biker chick on board.

Enjoy the gallery[here]!

 
–Jack McIntyre
Supreme Master Bandit’s Cantina Editor and Overlord



DEI Powersports Announces Sponsorship of The RoadRace Factory Superbike Team–
Supporting success in the Premier Superbike Class of the 2016 MotoAmerica Series

DEI Powersports announces that it will be partnering with The RoadRace Factory Team (RRF) for the 2016 MotoAmerica Road Racing Series. As the official heat control products supplier to the team, DEI will help keep the RRF prepped Yamaha YZF-R1 cool under race conditions.

Piloting this effort will see the return of 2015 MotoAmerica Superstock 1000cc Champion, Jake Gagne. However, in lieu of defending his Superstock title, Gagne is moving up to compete in the premier Superbike Class.

“We are very excited to partner with The RoadRace Factory and pleased to see Jake returning as the rider. The organization and professionalism shown from Danny, Jamie and the team has been fantastic.

It will be a great opportunity to showcase the performance of our products at the highest level of competition,” said DEI Powersports Brand Manager, Brian VanKoevering.

“Working with a sponsor like DEI is a great fit for us because they offer only top quality products along with the technical resources that will help RRF compete at the highest level,” offered Assistant Team Manager, Jamie Spinks.

The MotoAmerica Road Racing Series kicks off the season April 8, 2016 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas. For more information regarding MotoAmerica click here.

To learn more about DEI Powersports’ heat and sound control products, visitdeipowersports.com, call 800-264-9472, or email brianv@deipowersports.com. Keep up with the very latest DEI Powersports product introductions and company news on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.




LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage FLSTC.

Our Price
$8,995
Was
$10,995
– See more at: http://www.lifestylecycles.com/2006-Harley-Davidson-Softail-Heritage-FLSTC-Anaheim-California-92806/5585264

Bike Sales
714-490-0155




PIRELLI PHANTOM Sportscomp: from 1977 to today, mounted on the new Triumph Bonneville family–

A special Triumph Street Twin by Pirelli on show at the Motor Bike Expo of Verona to celebrate the historic partnership between the tire brand and the Hinckley based manufacturer

Tires of Pirelli’s PHANTOM line are legendary. They were produced for the first time back in 1977 and redesigned over the years to keep pace with the most modern technologies. Triumph has selected them for Street Twin, Bonneville T120 and Bonneville T120 Black in the new sizes 100/90 – 18 M/C 65H TL front and 150/70 R 17 M/C 69H TL rear.

The historic partnership between Pirelli and Triumph is renewed with the new Triumph Bonneville range fitted with original equipment tires PHANTOM Sportscomp. To celebrate the collaboration of two historical international motorcycling brands and especially to honor two models; PHANTOM and Bonneville which have made history in the world of two wheels, Pirelli and Triumph have created a special based on the new Street Twin.

The Triumph Street Twin by Pirelli presents the livery used by the Bonneville in 1977, the year of birth of the Pirelli PHANTOM Sportscomp, with some elements of customization as the legendary Pirelli graphic logo “Scudetto and Stella” on the front fender and the tread pattern of the PHANTOM Sportscomp on the tank.
The Special made by Pirelli and Triumph will be on show from January 22 to 24 at MotorBikeExpo at VeronaFiere in Viale del Lavoro, 8 in Verona at Triumph booth: Hall 4 Stand R14.

PHANTOM Sportscomp was selected by the Hinckley based manufacturer as original equipment for the new Bonneville family. Specifically, to equip the new Twin Street, Bonneville T120 and T120 Bonneville Black, Pirelli has worked closely with Triumph engineers in identifying the new 100/90 – 18 M/C 65H TL front and 150/70 R17 M/C TL 69H rear sizes as ‘best fit’ for the new line of Bonneville motorcycles.

The timeless style and character of the legendary original Bonneville is relived in the elegant and genuine Bonneville T120 and in the dark and moody T120 Black. Both are built with the highest standards of quality and attention to detail, yet with all the capabilities and performance of a true modern classic.
The new Triumph Street Twin is the newest modern Bonneville, fun and affordable. With its unique character, exciting engine, unmistakable soundtrack, minimalist style and dynamic riding experience, the Street Twin is the Bonneville for the bikers of today.

All this thanks to the excellent features offered by the 9Sportscomp that, as with the machines of the new Bonneville family, is a perfect mix of vintage and contemporary technology.

The PHANTOM Sportscomp presents a wavy longitudinal groove on both front and rear tires which promotes fast water drainage, providing confident grip in wet conditions. The tire has a sportier image with the characteristic “semi-slick” design.

Finally, the compounds used have a high silica percentage which ensures grip in the wet and especially fast warm up, with a confidence inspiring grip factor on cold or wet roads.



BIKERNET BATTLE WITH THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES–
Holy shit Batman. Our entire Constitution is based on the premise of the private ownership of property… instead of being owned by the government (like a king).

The power of governments to tell you what you can do (and can’t do) with your own property just keeps increasing. The government sort of already owns your property if they can control everything that you can and can’t do on your property… that you purchased with your own money. Fuck. Dark times.

–Commander Edge

And to think, we pay these guys.–Bandit




THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR–
A parable to meditate on in our politically correct society

An old man, a boy and a donkey were going to town.

The boy rode on the donkey, and the old man walked.

As they went along they passed some people who remarked, “What a shame, the old man is walking, the boy is riding.”

The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.

Later they passed some people who remarked, “What a shame, he makes that little boy walk”.

So they decided they’d both walk.

Soon they passed some more people who remarked, “They’re really stupid to walk when they have a decent donkey to ride.”

So they both decided to ride the donkey.

They passed some people who shamed them by saying, “How awful to put such a load on a poor donkey.”

The boy and the man figured they were probably right, so they decide to carry the donkey.

As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the donkey, the donkey fell into the river and drowned.

The moral of the story: If you try to please everyone, you might as well kiss your ass goodbye.

Have a nice day.

–from John Reed
The Master of the Mirage and Rubberbands


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HONORING DAVID BOWIE–
The Tribute Shows– David Bowie is one of the most legendary musicians of a generation and indeed the last century. His inestimable legacy includes a catalog of songs that defy categorization, yet enjoy universal acclaim and adoration. Bowie was a genre-bending artist that had many personas and sonic excursions, from Ziggy Stardust, to the Thin White Duke, to his latter day incarnations as jungle drum/bass and proto-industrial artist; and finally with this weeks #1 album Blackstar, to avant-jazz auteur.

Music Zirconia represents two of the world’s finest David Bowie tribute bands. Both acts reverently cover multiple eras of Bowie’s legacy and journey through musical styles with a dynamic stage performance that honors the man and his music. Fans have been responding favorably to these acts for years but especially so this past week, where the heartfelt performances have been celebratory and even cathartic.

The Tribute Bands

Space Oddity
David Brighton’s tribute to rock and roll’s most electrifying superstar…the Legendary David Bowie.

David Brighton is credited as being the world’s best David Bowie impersonator, with one of the most entertaining tribute acts ever to hit the stage.

Brighton has been performing live concerts and making radio and television appearances worldwide as a celebrity look-alike/sound-alike since 1994. He’s performed on bills with some of the biggest acts the world has known – including: Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Devo, Kenny Loggins, Three Dog Night, Little Richard and Barry Manilow. From the Superdome in New Orleans with bands like Chicago and KC & the Sunshine Band, to stadiums, arenas, concert halls, theaters, casinos, cruises, festivals, fairs, conventions, private functions and corporate events, touring extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados and Puerto Rico.

This unforgettable stage production is complete with flamboyant costume changes, elaborate staging, perfectly emulated vocal stylings and one of the best all-star backing bands in the business. All of the many faces David Bowie are present from stadium-sized pop phenomenon, to space-age rock and roll alien Ziggy Stardust¦ and so is the excitement and electricity.

Christopher Holloway
Music Zirconia Tribute Agency
San Diego, CA 92111
Office: (858) 598-7311
Cell: (760) 883-0625
Web: mztributebands.com
Email: chris@mztributebands.com
CA Talent License #155441




UNCLE MONKEY ON CLIMATE CHANGE–
We can see it off on the distant horizon. Those summer days with the sun shining bright. The air warm enough to be perfectly comfortable in your usual gear. Not too hot. Not to cold.

Your bike is running strong and smooth. To your right is your best friend, maybe your old lady clinging tight behind you, a bedroll tied tightly to the bars, your world in the saddlebag. Curves and railroad crossings, cool valleys and hill tops where you can see for miles.

It is going to be a short day as a campsite beckons you in. Just enough tree cover, a stream and pebbled shore line with a fallen tree stretching over a pool. A makeshift hook, a make shift line. A crackling fire and the sizzle of a fresh fish.

For all the lure of the concrete jungle there is still something about reconnecting with nature. Whether it is pitching a tent or pitching a tarp we need to feel the damp earth under us, the smell of long grass and trees in our lungs.

For all the technology and modern conveniences we are only a few short decades away from living in the wild, living free. We don’t have to look that far back in history when our drinking water only came from a stream, when hunting skills meant whether we lived or died. There was a time when we chased great herds on steeds of flesh and blood instead of steel and oil.

So fire up that campfire, open a beer, put some grits on and reconnect with your former self.

-bad Uncle Monkey




2016 UPDATED MASTER MOTORCYCLE DRAG RACES AS OF 1/20/16–
We have added the PMRA and the CMDRA and Texas Scooter Drag Races, and another AMRA Sept event.

Please always check w the sanction or track to verify events.

Thank you, Sandra Alberti, WMDRA for re-editing and putting all these events in chronological order.

–ML

METZELER appears at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona as Main Partner of the gala event “Vernice e Benzina” and as the promoter and organizer of the “Conference on customization.”

The tire brand will present the conference dedicated to the importance of design in the motorcycling world that can also be followed live streaming on the METZELER website during the dedicated evening on Thursday, January 21 (at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Verona, at 19.30).

Verona (Italy), 20 January 2016 – The tire brand METZELER will appear at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, to be held in Veronafiere from January 22 to 24, as Main Partner of the gala event Vernice e Benzina to be held on Thursday, January 21 at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia in Piazza Bra in Verona.

The tire brand of German origins, has always paid attention to trends related to design and customization in the motorcycle world thanks to its unique commitment to producing only tires for two-wheels.

At 7.30 pm an event organized by the Motor Bike Expo as promoter and organizer of the “Conference on customization”, a round table dedicated to the importance of design and customization in motorcycling, a phenomenon that has always existed but in recent years has gained more and more importance and visibility.

The “Conference on customization” will be moderated by Michael Lichter, motorcycle American photographer of international renown and already chosen by METZELER to create the 2015 edition of the famous METZELER calendar.

It will also involve authoritative names of the two wheeled customization and design world, including Ray Drea, Chief Stylist of Styling of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Cory and Zach Ness, respectively President and Designer of Arlen Ness Enterprises, and the journalist Giuseppe Roncen, Editor of the the Italian magazine Lowride.

They will be joined, as a METZELER representative, by Piero Misani, Director of Research and Development of the tire brand which has over thirty years of experience in the development of tires and their tread design elements which, in some cases and regions, cover an important role in the choice of the tire to be purchased by the motorcyclist.

The participants in this exclusive round table, which will be streamed live starting from 7.30 pm on Thursday, January 21 on the website of the tire brand www.metzeler.com, will be called to answer the question of how important is, in their respective sector, design and customization, how they have changed over the decades, and what could be their evolution and their development in the coming years.




FREE TALES OF THE MIDNIGHT RIDER BOOK DOWNLOAD!

Starting today you can download the latest Kindle Book by The Midnight Writer FREE!

A Good Day to Die- On a midnight ride moto/journalist Koz uncovers a dark tale of Indian Nations, Keystone XL, big oil, big money and corporate deceit. A story of Americas forgotten ghosts, provoked to expose an apocryphal future.

Passing through a small town in Idaho, the Midnight Rider discovers a 100-year-old secret and the beautiful woman who holds the key. She just doesn’t know it, but the entire town is dying to know it, and it’s a good day to die.

LINK TO FREE BOOK DOWNLOAD http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OX2BFSM

FREE Promotion runs for 5 days… Pass the word.

–Gary Mraz
Triking Viking
Editor/Emperor
Bikenet Trikes


BIKER’S CHOICE NEW 2016 STREET CATALOG– Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice is excited to announce the release of its 2016 Street Catalog, featuring an extensive product offering for Cruiser, Touring, Sport Touring, Adventure, Sport, Scooter and more.

With 224 additional pages over the 2015 catalog, the portfolio in the Street Catalog is now more than 28,000 products. The Chemical Section has been reorganized and can now be searched by category. Chemicals have also been rearranged in the index so that customers can find the product they are looking for within a brand or by product category.

The 2016 Street Catalog also sees the addition of the Adventure Touring category, which will continue to grow throughout the year.

The portfolio also sees the addition of products from new partnerships with Adventure Medical, Ohlins, Schumacher, Phillips, Sea Foam®, Evans Coolant, E3 Spark Plugs, Freedom Metric Exhaust, Trimax, Pelican™, Z-Shade™, Boss Audio® and more.

The print version of the 2016 Street Catalog will be delivered to dealers at the end of January and is also available online at www.tuckerrocky.com as well as on TRDealer. To inquire about becoming a Tucker Rocky dealer for Street products and accessories, contact the New Dealer Development Department at (817) 258-9255 or newdealer@tuckerrocky.com.



THE STORY OF MOFO—
Last night late, after even the junkyard dogs in our ghetto fell asleep I received a call. A voice whispered to me about a lingering divorce and shady parts deals.

But amid the conversation we discussed old bikers and brothers who were gone to the great sunny open highway in the sky. That’s when he brought up Mofo an elderly biker who discovered he had stage four cancer.

After being diagnosed Mofo straddled his Panhead and departed the city. Months passed with stories of small town bars and girls who enjoyed hanging with old, strange, wandering gray beards, while sharing whiskey and wings. The stories came frequently for months, and then suddenly disappeared.

Brothers reached out, but Mofo couldn’t be found. The winter engulfed the calendar and no sign of Mofo. Four months passed before his story unfolded.

He rode into a cold state as winter unfolded. Maybe he could sense the C-word getting the best of him. It started to snow and he pulled off the highway for a break and parked his trusty Panhead. He sat at the base of a tree as the snow fell around him.

It snowed for a couple of days until no one could see the frozen stranger or his motorcycle. It wasn’t until the thaw that Mofo was discovered at peace with the Spring.

–Bandit and the dark stranger



JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–
No. 975 Twin Cam Engine Rotator Socket.

Use this handy socket when rebuilding a Twin Cam engine on the bench or while in the chassis without the primary drive installed. The JIMS No. 975 Twin Cam Engine Rotator Socket will fit the sprocket shaft allowing the technician to rotate the engine with a ½” ratchet. This is essential when adjusting tappets, checking operating clearances, or holding the flywheel from rotating when torquing cam drive bolts. JIMS No. 975 has a suggested list price of $123.80, features JIMS lifetime tool warranty, and is proudly made in the USA. Use on all 2006-present Dyna and 2007-present FLH and Softail models.




America’s Queen of Speed to appear at Pomona’s 67th Grand National Roadster Show–
7-Time land speed record holder Valerie Thompson and her 200+ mph BMW race bike to be featured in SCTA’s “Quest for Speed” tribute exhibit

Seven-time speed record holder, Valerie Thompson, will be a featured celebrity racer at the 67th Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona. Hand picked from a group of accomplished land speed racers, Thompson’s record setting BMW will be displayed in a special tribute area dedicated to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) named “Quest for Speed.”

Over 500 show vehicles will compete for awards within the Fairplex buildings. Another 400 – 800 vehicles will join the event over the weekend for the 11th Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In event.

“I’ve always had a passion for land speed racing. Competing on the Salt Flats of Utah and dry lakebeds of California as an independent racer always reminds me of the unsung heroes who made American racing what it is today.

This special invitation to appear at the most prestigious rod show just blows me away,” said Thompson. “More importantly, this exhibit will be used as a fund raiser for the SCTA, a non-profit organization that makes racing dreams possible for all competitors, no matter the size of their pocket book,” added Thompson.

Thompson formed her own land speed racing team in 2012 and recorded a personal best top speed of 217 mph at the 2014 Texas Mile. In 2015, Thompson became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club on her Quicksilver Powersports Lubricants/CTEK BMW Motorrad and is now a member of six-land speed racing 200 MPH Clubs, including the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club. As a result, she is often referred to as “America’s Queen of Speed.”

The Grand National Roadster show will be held at the Fairplex in Pomona, located at 1101 W. McKinley Avenue. For schedule updates and tickets, visit https://www.rodshows.com/gnrs/index.




THE BIKERNET PROPERTY DEAL OF THE WEEK—
The Playboy mansion is for sale for a measly 200 million. Now get this. Hef will gladly stay on site and live there in his silk pajamas. He’ll even invite the girls over from time to time.



I made an offer to trade the Bikernet Oracle Interplanetary Headquarters straight across for his digs. –Bandit

Source: The Week Magazine




NOTHING MAKES SENSE TO ME—
The President is pounding his chest about his accomplishments, and I congratulate him for trying. He’s a brave soul, but the picture is strange. He passed mandatory health insurance, which helped folks who can’t afford insurance and over-charged the rest of us. The industry needs to be fixed before it’s forced on everyone. And this effort will put government into every aspect of your life.

He’s proud of his Climate Change efforts, which is another effort to control everything. I don’t deny the science, but the scientists still don’t know how much is fossil fuel and how much is weather patterns. And then he points out that we sold more cars than ever last year, while saving the auto industry. Seems strange to me.

Is the middle-east and the war on terrorism better or worse? I don’t even need to go there.

And finally the economy: A couple of things could be fixed and have us dancing in the streets, but folks struggle more every day. I believe that is a factor in global unrest. It could be fixed simply and easily, but nothing happens.

–Renegade
Bikernet Senior Dower Editor




LATEST ART FROM STEPHANIE RUSSELL–

Here’s the latest 4-foot by 3-foot watercolor. Another bike built by Mark Platt.

Also my new website is up and running where people can easily go to order originals, prints or custom paintings of their own bikes!!
http://artistsr.bigcartel.com

–Stephanie Russell



BUT LIFE SCRAMBLES ON—
It’s interesting. I can sometimes run at stories and all the elements just fall into place.

Other times, more material keeps floating to the surface, or the builder takes a trip, another show gets in the way, you name it. I don’t want to deliver any story without all the extra pieces. The Steve Storz feature is a perfect example.

We are on the brinks of publishing the Strictly Hawgs Performance Bagger piece on Bikernet Baggers, and then a story about Steve Storz’s most recent Café Sportster kit. And I now have another Bikernet Bagger Paughco Bagger rebuild chapter.

Jim Waggaman suggested a couple of tech tips, but he’s the master at procrastination. Don’t know if we’ll ever see the fiberglass poured. But hang on, let’s see…

Ride Free Forever,

–Bandit

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