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Sep 23

100 WFC: Mountain by Koz Mraz

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100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Mountain
by Koz Mraz
(illustration by Wayfarer)

The mountain where we dance, endless pirouettes, left, right then left again. Freely falling into gravity’s demanding arms then with a twist of the throttle are thrust into the next delicious curve. She lifts the spirit as we ascend, transcend, riding high above the mundane until among the stars we fly.

And the mountain is where we fight. Wrestling against hairpin turns, battling hard against opposing forces, often for our life. Because if the mountain wins…we die.

Mountain is where we face our fears, test inner resolve or chase foolish whims and from atop, the breadth of life’s journey reveals.

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Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to wayfarer@bikernet.com

WINNERS SO FAR:
1. for the month of May 2023: “Been There Done That” by Steven Sanner
2. for the month of June 2023: “A Hundred” by Chris Dutcher
3. for the month of July 2023: “First Time” by Rhys
4. for the month of August 2023: “Hilary” by Gearhead

Sep 23

Book Review: Exile On Front Street

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A Review by J.J. Solari

Hells Angel… And Beyond, by George Christie

The first sentence of Chapter 13 of this 16-chapter book is…..

“Solitary confinement is the worst thing one man can do to another.”

Now, since this is a “book review” and since I don’t know this guy, but I do know who he is, mostly from the “news,” once I got to the above-mentioned sentence in the course of my already having read the first 12 chapters of the book – which I was reading not to give a “report” on it but to get some familiarity with the fellow, from, ya know, his own self, rather than from the news…….where was I. Oh yeah: so I’m reading this here book, and most of it has been read and stuff, I’m almost done, and I’m goin’ along fine, and then I get to this sentence, the opening sentence of chapter 13.

Click here to read this detailed review by J.J.only on Bikernet.com

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Sep 23

100 WFC: Shallow Grave

By General Posts 3 Comments

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Shallow Grave
by Rhys
(illustration by Wayfarer)

Gary finished his Triumph chopper metal flake gold with helmet to match. Out for a shakedown run. Cruising back roads all seemed good, until a truck rounded the bend on the wrong side. Both rider and bike slid off the road.

Gary awoke in the ditch his bike several feet away. In incredible deep pain, a bone protruded through his jeans. He yanked off his helmet and flung it up onto the road hoping a passerby would see it. A car stopped. The driver snatched the lid and left. Did he hear Gary’s screams?

The DWP crew found Gary’s lifeless body a week later.

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Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here.

Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com

WINNERS SO FAR:
1. for the month of May 2023: “Been There Done That” by Steven Sanner
2. for the month of June 2023: “A Hundred” by Chris Dutcher
3. for the month of July 2023: “First Time” by Rhys
4. for the month of August 2023: “Hilary” by Gearhead

Sep 22

Kawasaki KX 50th Anniversary Edition Motorcycles

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2024 KAWASAKI KX™450, KX™450X AND KX™ 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION MOTORCYCLES

THE BIKE THAT BUILDS CHAMPIONS

Over the last 50 years, the Kawasaki KX™ brand of motorcycles has helped pave the path to championships for the some of the most popular motocross racers of all time. Today, the KX family remains one of the most dominant motocross and supercross brand of motorcycles available, with the all-new KX™450 once again raising the bar. With development cues taken from the Monster Energy® Kawasaki factory racing team, the all-new 2024 KX450 is one of the strongest and race-ready machines on the dirt. To commemorate the celebration and success of 50 years of the KX brand, Kawasaki is pleased to announce the release of 50th Anniversary Edition motorcycles. Equipped with a limited retro-inspired KX shroud graphic, a Uni-Trak swingarm graphic, blue seat, silver wheels and white fork guards, the 2024 KX250 50th Anniversary Edition and the KX450 50th Anniversary Edition motorcycles will spark nostalgia and tug at the heartstrings of motocross enthusiasts across the globe.

ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX™450 HIGHLIGHTS:

• NEW Engine tuning
• NEW Cylinder head
• NEW Straight exhaust port and center exhaust
• NEW Smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX*
• NEW Handlebar-mounted traction control switch
• NEW Brembo brake system
• NEW Lightweight aluminum perimeter frame
• NEW ODI Lock-On grips
• NEW Easy-to-remove side cover
• NEW Slim ergonomic bodywork
• NEW Kawasaki TRaction Control and riding modes

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Sep 21

MRF “Road Show” is on the road all year long

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Last week was a busy week for the MRF “Road Show”…

Beginning in Ohio, President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard and Vice-President Jay Jackson attended the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Motorcyclist Association Museum. MRF State Rep Sherry Hill and folks from ABATE of Ohio set up a membership table at the AMA’s Bike Night on Saturday. AMA hosted a Road Captain training that was attended by ABATE of Arizona, ABATE of Indiana, ABATE of Michigan and ABATE of Ohio on Sunday.

This series of events also allowed facilitation of a meeting between the MRF President and representatives from the Federation Internationale De Motorcylisme (FIM) out of Switzerland and a member of the Board of Directors from the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) out of Belgium. The topics of concern were End of Life Directives related to motorcycles, European and United Nations activities surrounding internal combustion engines and electric vehicle mandates. We also discussed the issues surrounding motorcycle parts certification and availability of parts. The timing was ideal as it allows this information to be disseminated in real time at the Meeting of the Minds this week in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The State Motorcycle Safety Association (SMSA) held their annual Summit in Columbus, Ohio September 13th through 16th. State motorcycle rights organizations from Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and others were in attendance to learn the latest statistics, trends and issues related to motorcycle safety. MRF Vice President Jay Jackson presented “Promising Practices in Rider Training” as part of an alliance with six other states. The 2024 Summit will be held in Denver, Colorado.

The week ended with the MRF President and Russell Radke, the MRF Motorcycle Club Representative to the MRF Board, attending the National Council of Clubs meeting in Dayton, Ohio. The highlights were participating in an update of the Motorcycling Profiling Project which has played a very important role in our collective motorcycle anti-profiling successes. We also had an opportunity to share strategic updates on our legislative agenda and provide an update on the concerns we share regarding the future of motorcycling to a crowded room of motorcycle club members.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit http://mrf.org

Sep 20

Electric Kawasaki Announced: Ninja E-1 and Z E-1

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These Electric models will aim to capture the 125cc commuter class for urban mobility

Kawasaki Europe has officially announced full specifications and details about its first electric motorcycles.

Ninja e-1 sportbike and the naked Z e-1 are to be launched in Europe. Both models are classified as 125cc-class motorcycles and will reach European markets soon. It is expected that other markets including Australia, Japan, and America will get these too.

Both the e-1 models are powered by the same air-cooled interior permanent magnet synchronous motor, rated at 6.7 hp at 2,800 rpm (claimed peak output of 12.1 hp), and a claimed 29.9 lb-ft. of torque. The curb weight is 298 pounds compared to 324 pounds for the Z 125.

Each motorcycle will be powered by two removable 50.4 V lithium-ion battery packs, and each having a nominal capacity of 30 Ah. The batteries are mounted in parallel under a storage compartment where typically a fuel tank is located. After installation, the battery charge levels are shown on the left and right sides of a TFT display. Each battery has its own charge level indicator.

Another interesting feature is the three different ways to charge these batteries:

  1. plugging it into a charger,
  2. connecting it to a charging dock, or,
  3. with the battery installed on the motorcycle, by connecting the charger to a port located in the tail.

Kawasaki has claimed charging time from 0 to 100% in just 3.7 hours for each battery, and a partial charge from 20 to 85% in 1.6 hours.

Knowing the industry reputation of Kawasaki in heavy machinery and not just motorcycles, one can be assured of quality and performance from electric motorcycles presented under a Kawasaki badge.

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Sep 20

Delivery and Deliverance

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A tale of two parties to a deal and one steadfast old iron engine

Text and photos by Ujjwal Dey with illustrations from Wayfarer

An Enfield Bullet 350 finds a home after being in limbo for four stressful months. The cast iron engine with right-hand-side gear shift is a well-known legend among motorcyclists, especially purists who don’t want the brand name “Bullet” associated with run-of-mill modern designs & engines. What misadventure occurred and what new adventures await?

“First time in life I decided to purchase a used vehicle. An out of production cast-iron engine Enfield Bullet 350cc with right-hand-side gear shift which is the closest thing available to the 1955 Enfield Bullet 350 including chassis and engine design by the Britishers among other things such as dashboard, tank, hand-painted pinstripe, etc. These come with Green Tax for the alleged pollution they may or might be making. I got a fitness test certificate from the Road Transport office, where the ownership change is registered.” — Dey

Click here to read this awesome anecdote about ‘love after love’. Believe it!

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Sep 20

Royal Enfield launches rental program

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Royal Enfield today launched “Royal Enfield Rentals” program to provide Royal Enfield motorcycles to individuals by partnering with motorcycle rental operators.

These rentals will include more than 40 motorcycle rental operators across 25 cities and destinations in India, thus enabling explorers and enthusiasts to rent and ride over 300 Royal Enfield motorcycles.

Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer, Royal Enfield stated, “Our extended family of motorcycle rental and tour operators and mechanics have played a critical role in shaping our culture and mission of pure motorcycling. Alongside our efforts, the people of this extended ecosystem have built wider access and aspiration for our motorcycles.”

This initiative will enable access for riders to rent a motorcycle anywhere in India. It will also enhance the level of support offered by the brand to all motorcycle rental operators who represent the backbone of Enfield ecosystem across tourist and rider destinations everywhere.

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Sep 18

How Big Was The 2023 Sturgis Rally?

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“Friends among strangers” illustration by Wayfarer

Hey, the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Attendance Was Down 8.1%

Article & photos from sturgis.com with illustrations by Wayfarer

Read on to see how the numbers break down. South Dakota Department of Transportation reported traffic numbers as well. How are all these statistics accounted? What are the numbers regarding taxation? Let’s find out.

Click here for this Feature Article on Bikernet.com

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