The Sordid Story Behind the Growing Magnificent STURGIS Museum Endeavor
By Bandit |
Most museums don’t make money. But they do make friends, educate folks, impart history, invite onlookers to learn about the area, share artifacts, educate and entertain.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum could be and should be the most significant collection of motorcycle memorabilia and Sturgis rally history on the planet. It’s at the epicenter of freedom, racing history and the custom motorcycle aftermarket.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum efforts sprang forth as the rally grew. Someone grubby biker drank beer while swinging on a porch swing and watched a parade of motorcycles from all over the world enter town. Some riders revved their engines, others popped their clutches and sprang into wheel-stands, another rider a grizzly of a man stood over his FXR dwarfing it, grabbed the front brake, snapped the clutch with the throttle wide open and filled the street with smoke. A chopper rumbled past and sweet thing on the back yanked her top off for the world to see and enjoy. She held a fist-full of cash to pay the cop at the end of the block. The brother on the porch, rocked back and forth under the chromium August sun and thought, “We need a museum goddammit. We gotta capture this shit!”
Back in the early ‘60s quirky Maynard Rude escaped the “city life” of Rapid, a town of 50,000 at the time, took his dirt bike and bought a house in Sturgis with his wife Alice in 1965. The wooden home built in the ‘50s with used lumber included a two-story garage with access to the lower level via a stone and concrete tunnel under the corner home. At the time, he rode a 125 cc James on the winding web of Black Hills gravel roads.
A true visionary, Maynard enjoyed the expanding rally, found an early Excelsior-Henderson single and his favorite British make, a BSA Gold Star. A rudimentary and grimy collection of mostly dirt bikes grew around the motorcycles he worked on to make a living. In 1984 the Meade County Times-Tribune published an article on the Rude Motorcycle Museum in Sturgis.
His grungy collection of over 20 motorcycles displayed on the upper level of the garage with a smattering of memorabilia and western weapons became what we could consider the first Sturgis Motorcycle Museum but hang on. The story continues to unfold.
Mike Kane, a long-standing vintage motorcycle enthusiast and member of the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) bought Rude’s house in 2015. This house was meant to be owned by a biker. Who doesn’t want an abode with a slippery, mud deck and twisting tunnel into a two-story shop?
We sensed a Sturgis Motorcycle Museum fancy floating in the air and every August it sparkled with anticipation and metalflake flecks of inspiration.
In 1989, an unassociated chain of events blew open the glass doors of a former Sturgis grocery store and the National Motorcycle Museum commenced. Ed Netterberg, the first director’s grand concept included honoring the Sturgis Rally Legacy. With little funding, no motorcycles, displays, photographs or memorabilia it actually opened.
Brothers at the time enjoyed the vision, and fortuitously a growing custom parts retailer shared the space during the rally, J&P Cycles. John Parham, the boss, recognized the need for a museum and delivered his antique motorcycles, toys and memorabilia to the abandoned grocery store.
The vision was launched to recognize the heritage of the motorcycle, their riders, the rally, racers, customizers and supporters of the motorcycle industry. John Parham knew something big would happen the following year, as Sturgis was about to host the 50th anniversary of the rally.
John quickly built an impressive J&P facility on the major throughfare through town, Lazelle Street. He set up the two story structure with storerooms, National Motorcycle Museum space and retail areas for J&P. The National Motorcycle Museum had a home. He rented half of the building to the museum year round and used the other half for retail during the rally.
He graciously offered this space and his expanding collection to the museum, even though J&P was based in Iowa. With Parham not around for half of the year displays weren’t being handled well and maybe parts and motorcycles slipped out the back door.
J&P kicked ass during the rally with 400,000 attendees, and the company expanded. But even in tumultuous times of massive growth, the museum still couldn’t pay the rent. Remember what I said about museums. Robin Baldwin, the auditor and museum secretary for 20 years said to me during an interview on a rare March sunny day as we sat outside on Main Street, “Just learning how to survive a winter and stay financially viable is a challenge in Sturgis.”
Speaking of surviving and history, the factory and the Harley-Davidson lifestyle changed abruptly in 1984. The advent of the quality EVO engine, and the shifting of the Harley ownership from AMF back to the family ultimately led to the company going public. The launch of the Harley Owners Group opened roadworthy doors to a new generation of riders. The growth in the custom and performance world kicked off a wild cottage market and followers rode all over the world. No one would miss the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Companies like S&S, Zipper’s Performance, BDL, Spyke made precision performance parts and kept old bikes on the road and crossing the country on any freedom-based whim with Sturgis securely at the top of the to-do list.
Old Harley shops felt the change and the factory required dealer upgrades which caused old inventories and H-D memorabilia to disappear into collectors, restorers and chopper builders’ hands. There were industry visionaries who understood and relished the past, such as John Parham. He wasn’t going to let it go but collected every old dealership poster, old parts and the early apparel. He wasn’t alone. Mike Egan cruised the countryside collecting old dealer inventories with his wife Patty. Bob Stark focused on Indian shops. Dale Walksler began collecting bikes and memorabilia at his Harley dealership in Illinois, and then bought an old hospital and filled it with old motorcycles and parts until he could open his magnificent Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC.
At some point toward the end of the decade John Parham decided that trying to run a museum from a distance wasn’t working. The museum crew still wasn’t paying the rent and also held a $100,000 note adding to their financial woes. John knew the debt wasn’t going anywhere but up. He took over the museum by forgiving their back rent and taking on the note.
He packed up the growing collection of motorcycles and memorabilia and hauled the lot to J&P’s hometown, Anamosa, Iowa. When John pulled the cork on the Sturgis Museum, rumors soared and John became very unpopular in the industry as the guy who stole the museum. That clearly wasn’t the case and he offered to return it to Sturgis if someone would take back the $100,000 loan. That wasn’t happening. He ultimately combined his massive collection and ran the National Motorcycle Museum for 20 years until he passed. His widow, Jill Parham kept it running until just this last year, when the National Motorcycle Museum closed and Mecum auctions sold off all the valuable treasures.
Sometimes stuff happens for a reason. The abrupt move from Sturgis to Anamosa caused other industry leaders to step up and form another attempt at a real Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
It caused a member of the Sturgis Hall of Fame, a freedom fighter, a motorcycle legislative leader and a member of the Hamsters, Bob Illingsworth approached the city and he said, “This city and the rally have must have a museum.” The hall of fame already underway with breakfasts at the Fort Meade VA facility offered active, devoted talent who wanted to help. By now, the rally grew exponentially from 20,000 attendees in the ‘70s to well over 300,000 every year since the 50th anniversary in 1990.
Bob, Sturgis, the rally and the industry deserved a museum and several entities came forward including Woody from the Buffalo Chip, the longest running board member. Pepper Massey the popular executive director of the former museum and her dog Willoughby met with Bob and Robin (the secretary/bookkeeper). The four of them joined forces with the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, local students and members of the Sturgis community. They gathered on March 10th, 2001 to scrape, sand, and paint a very old church building next to the Pyramid Bar on Main Street. The entire crew pitched in 25 bucks apiece. Gene and Nancy Flagler, owners of the bar, determined the rent should be a whopping $1.00 a month, helping to make the Museum’s first and most critical year a tad easier to manage financially.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame opened its doors to the public on June 1, 2001. Local and national collectors loaned the new Museum a variety of rare vintage motorcycles, colorful V-twins and rally memorabilia, offering visitors a glimpse into the magnificent world of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Community craftsmen used scraps from construction jobs to cobble together wooden displays. It wasn’t much, but the Pyramid Bar loved the traffic the museum drew into the saloon.
After only a year in business, the City of Sturgis so impressed with the museum’s progress offered the old Post Office on the corner of legendary Main Street & Junction Avenue after they built a new facility on Lazelle. “I use to pick up my P.O. Box mail in the brick building constructed in 1937,” said Woody. Everyone wants a Sturgis, SD address. What could be cooler?
With financial support from the State of South Dakota, the Hamster organization, made up of custom bike builders and motorcycle business owners, and many others, the museum was able to open the doors at its present location in 2002 with only a small 4,000 square feet of space. Once more the motorcycle community including the AMCA volunteered bikes and memorabilia. Hell, little Robin, the bookkeeper and owner of the gift shop, Black Hills Rally & Gold in town, helped paint the interior of the building. Everyone pitched in.
The Museum continued to grow, opening the basement level in August 2003. With several exhibit rooms and an increasingly impressive selection of unique motorcycles, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum offered a world class experience for visitors and was listed as one of the 10,000 Top Places to See Before You Die in a book by author Patricia Schultz.
Expanded in 2020 the main level grew to 6,000 square feet, for a total of 10,000 square feet, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame became home to an eclectic array of over 80 historic, custom and race motorcycles dating back to 1905. A magnificent display of local motorcycle art blossomed and added color and culture to the interior.
“The gift shop offers a wide variety of items ranging from motorcycle patches to fine jewelry and motorcycle history books,” said Heidi Haro, the museum’s new executive director. “We’re open year-round, seven days a week. Summer months are the busiest as people flock to the celebrated motorcycle mecca, culminating in August during the renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.”
But the 17-member active board of directors, including a handful of Hamsters, aren’t sitting on idling bobbers drinking beers. They are devoted to expanding the museum and potentially growing the footprint on that very historic corner from 10,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet with four stories of world-class exhibits, meeting rooms and office space overlooking historic Main Street with balconies and perhaps a skywalk across Junction. Hang on for the future and donate and or support if you can. It’s a non-profit run organization with mostly volunteers.
A pilgrimage to Sturgis isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. This institution stands as a testament to the rich history of motorcycling, honoring those who have shaped the sport and lifestyle while paying homage to the heritage of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Don’t miss it!
–Bandit
The Bastard in the Black Hills
Help us Honor the ride and build the legacy.
Nominations for induction into the Hall of Fame are accepted year-round, with the process streamlined through the museum’s website. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, a visit to Sturgis Motorcycle Museum at 999 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785, promises an enriching, inspiring experience.
–K. Randall Ball
HEATED RIDING GEAR
By Rogue |
STAYING WARM
Well by now a lot of riders have made decisions about what they are going to be doing because of the change in the weather. Some are winterizing their rides and putting them away because of cold weather and or road conditions.
I have been layering clothing for years under my leathers But decided it is time for me to try some heated clothing.
I did quite a bit of research on the internet motorcycle chat rooms to see what others are using and what they like and dislike.
More riders are using heated gear, and sometimes which type depends on the motorcycle they are riding.
I chose the one that plugs into the electrical system of my motorcycle. The harness easily installs to the battery and has a fuse built into it.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/12v-programmable-heated-mens-jacket-liner/p/97140-22VM
The jacket has a heating system using five heating panels, two chest, one back body and top of each sleeve. It uses a temperature controller with three heat settings for the jacket liner and Heated Glove Liner.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/heated-12v-programmable-glove-liner/p/97138-22VM
The heated glove liner can be worn directly against the skin but only in combination with the heated jacket liner as that is where it picks up the 12 volt power to operate.
To operate start your motorcycle. connect the jacket to the battery harness and the gloves to the jacket if going to use them.
Press and hold the touch control button for a few seconds until it powers on. After it is on you can use the buttons to set to the heat range you want.
If you are also using the pants they will connect to the jacket and have their own controller for temperature settings
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/12v-programmable-heated-mens-bottoms/p/97139-22VM
The heated socks work like the gloves and get their power from the pants.
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/12v-programmable-heated-sock-liner/p/97141-22VM
There are numerous ways to combine pieces which is a nice feature.
I think all of us have used the layering of clothes to keep warm But the room all those items take up can sometimes be an issue,
Not long ago I was riding with a thermal shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a fleece lined jacket. I was doing okay during the day but after the sun went down, I was cold. It was then I decided to get a full set of heated gear
One of the things I like about this set up is I can decide what pieces I want and or need depending on conditions.
My 2022 Ultra has heated grips from the factory but my 2009 Street Glide does not so I will have some choices to make depending on which motorcycle I am riding. Yes, I will be adding a battery harness to my 2009 motorcycle as well.
I am trying out how well each part works so that in the future I can figure out what combination I want to use.
A couple of days after my gear arrived, I installed the battery harness. We suddenly encountered a cold spell and a serious drop in temps. It was a perfect opportunity to try it out.
I am very happy and was nice and warm during the rides. I also got to try different temperature settings for each piece. The testing will continue as the weather and my travels change. BUT because of my level of satisfaction, I expect to be comfortable riding more this winter.
I ended up meeting with some friends at the American Legion after one of my rides and we were discussing my gear and one of my them told me I was spoiled. I admitted that I am, But also said that I think I should be.
It was the perfect time to say you can be spoiled too. Get yourself something to keep you warm.
Go To The Links Above To Find Out A Lot More Information.
• Product intended to be used in conjunction with protective riding gear.
–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com
Bandit’s Cantina Episode105
By Bandit |
Bringing the Crew to the Black Hills.
The Brothers sat drinking in the log built with creaking decks, Deadwood, Number 10 Saloon from the 1800s and asking locals questions about the area. Bandit scratched and pulled at his mustache while pondering catching a flight back to the coast. Marko fresh from the gym, stretched, drank a virgin Mary and Jeremiah bitched and pondered his wounds and dinged motorcycle. He needed a shop.
Back on the coast the harried crew scrambled to load vans.
The streets of LA turned to a shit pile of homelessness, anti-cop action, needles and crime—a shit show literally. Some attempted to turn the once glorious city into a third world country. Illegals poured into the streets looking for handouts and gang connections.
Bandit dreaded it but jumped on the next plane back to the coast to help with the harried migration out of the once golden state. As the plane touched down, the stained movement in flapping tents showed its varied colors along the edge of the cracked tarmac. Homeless encampments lined the concrete. Illegals over-took massive hangers and hung Muslim support flags proclaiming jihad against everyone on the outside of the once stellar buildings constructed to house state-of-the-art aircraft.
The LAX airport turned disaster zone packed with homeless, illegals, drug dealers and protestors was once the gateway to the magnificent city of the stars. Bandit pushed his way through the ill-smelling throng to the chipped concrete curb, where Toby the welder, with his thick scruffy, tangled gray hair waited in Jeremiah’s sparkling metallic blue Toyota pick-up smoking one Canadian cigarette after another. “Over here,” he shouted out the window and honked his horn.
“Let’s get the fuck out of here,” Bandit said tossing his backpack into the bed of the truck.
“Grab it,” Toby shouted, “Or at the next intersection someone will steal it.”
Bandit snatched it out of the bed and jumped inside.
“We’re ready,” Toby said. “Let’s go to the land of freedom.” The congestion remained thick as thieves all the way from the sprawling airport through the South bay interrupted momentarily by a climate protest blocking traffic. Area bikers moved them out of the way, so traffic could edge along into the Port of Los Angeles. It shifted from commuters to jammed container truck traffic. Infrastructure repairs were promised and never received. Funds were shifted from the working man to free drug programs and illegals.
The truckers, snarling behind the wheels of fish delivery trucks and container 18-wheelers sought to find a moral compass in a corrupt political system. To a man, they wondered whether one party desperately pushed America purposely toward a 3rd world status leaving the middle class to fend for themselves.
Bandit and Toby struggled through the muck and mire that once was a magnificent Los Angeles. They ultimately found the Cantina crew huddled around a couple of tall loaded vans at the designated meeting place on the edge of a dilapidated marina, slash homeless encampment.
Bandit jumped out of the shiny blue metallic pickup truck and pondered the dichotomy of a society gone wrong. The pickup glimmered with state-of-the-art construction and technology while society crumbled under corruption.
His crew jumped to their feet. Margaret stood front and center with her teenage son, Jimmy. The large round Chinaman constantly adorned in chefs, slightly stained, white attire came forward with a plate of tacos followed by his adopted Hispanic family. Tina and Mandy waved from the back and pointed to their packed suitcases. Shiela, the bodacious blonde fell off the wagon and disappeared into the free-drug slums of Long Beach. A week later she was discovered Ode’d in an alley.
“We’re packed and ready,” Margaret said and wrapped her arm around her son who she stopped enabling and he became a competent electrician.
“I have enough gear and supplies to feed us all the way to New York, if that’s what it takes,” the Chinaman said, and his Hispanic crew nodded.
“Let’s roll,” Bandit said. “If your gassed up we will hit it out of town. Let’s meet in Primm, Nevada at the Neon Buffalo. We’ll relax for a minute and check the traffic in Vegas. It might be a good notion to wait until nightfall before rolling north through Sincity.”
They mounted up and meandered through the constantly cramped city congestion. Slowly cutting from one freeway to another they finally rolled into the intersection of Highway 10 and interstate 15 where traffic lightened, and they picked up
speed.
Two motorcycles followed. Clay who had no other place to go or family on his FXR and Toby riding a hopped-up Sportster used for racing in the Canyons. The Cantina crew was everything to Clay and the only group who stood beside him through thick and thin. He bought a used Evo FXR and Eric Bennett, of Bennett’s Performance, dialed it in before the EPA forced him to close his doors and escape to Tennessee.
They gassed up in Primm, on the Nevada Border, checked the traffic and decided to slip through the city. By nightfall the caravan slithered through the neon wonderland of Las Vegas and spent the night at a Best Western in St. George, Utah. The next morning the crew awoke to a brilliant sun sparkling over verdant fields of vegetables and somewhat open roads. They ate breakfast and hit the highway north and east into the center of the state.
The day glistened until they reached Provo and Salt Lake City loomed in the briny distance. Traffic snarled and the crew rolled off the interstate to gas up. Off the freeway, under the pillars of dozens of historic Mormon churches and into a gas station. The crew scrambled out of their vehicles. Two other traveling scooter tramps refueled their Pan Ams and their multiple panniers were packed with spare fuel tanks.
“What’s the deal?” Clay asked one of the fully suited riders wearing fluorescent full-faced helmets.
“It’s scary,” a rider flipped up his face shield and looked concerned. “No Fossil Fuels are allowed in Colorado.”
“What do you mean?” Clay said not wearing a helmet only a sweaty bandana around his forehead.
“Yep,” the other rider said and lifted her face shield. The two riders in their full space-suit-reflective uniforms were uni-sex until their faces appeared. “I once agreed with the blue birds, but it hasn’t worked. You’ll see. Only electric is allowed in Colorado. You’ll need to snake around the state using two-lane highways.
“Thanks,” Clay said and passed on the news to Bandit who checked his maps. Toby, took off his helmet to smoke. The caravan slipped onto highway 40, and then sliced north on Highway 191 past Flaming Gorge. At every intersection they encountered stalled trucks. At one small gas station on a knoll someone set up a diesel powered crane to remove containers from semi-trucks and line them up so horse drawn carts could pick up goods and meander into Colorado. Some electric car owners tried to attach small flatbed trailers to their chassis, but without bumpers and mounting abilities, it was tough.
Some tried and bolted trailer hitches to EV frames, but the electric systems didn’t respond. Some caught fire, some electronically shut down and left electric cars, trailers and cargo alongside dusty roads leading into Colorado.
The crew rolled around the corner of Colorado, caught the 80 and gassed up in Rock Springs where a row of massive wind turbine propeller trucks rested alongside the highway leading into Colorado. “This makes no sense,” one trucker snapped while unhooking the long trailer from his cab. “This is my last run. I can’t make a delivery.”
“We aren’t allowed to deliver the oil to lubricate the joints in these bastards,” another trucker pulled off the highway at the intersection in the middle of nowhere, crawled out of his cab and lit a cigarette. “I don’t get it. Doesn’t anyone read anymore.”
He unloaded a pallet jack out of the back of his box truck on the lift gate. With the jack in tow, the big man started a slow process of unloading 50-gallon drums of lubricating oil out of the back of the box truck and just setting them neatly on the edge of the asphalt tarmac in orderly rows. “There’s 80 gallons of lubricating oil in each major wind turbine, except in Colorado. They’re running dry!”
Bandit decided to pull the crew into Rawlings for the night, but most of the motels were booked up with travelers to Colorado being turned away. He tried a seedy motel on the edge of town and ran into an upscale gent heading toward his high-dollar Mercedes.
“No rooms?” Bandit asked.
“Not a one,” the tall, well dressed doctor raised his eyes under bristling eyebrows from the pavement. “I’m a cardiologist and there’s no sense trying to treat patients in Colorado. We can’t get gear or fossil fuel based medications, which most are. Hell, we can’t use sterilizing machines. People are starting to die.” He shrugged his shoulders and the gray-haired gent slipped into his two-seater luxury car and headed back to Salt Lake to catch a flight.
Bandit found a single room in a motel on the edge of town. The crew huddled their caravan of vehicles and motorcycles outside the door in the parking lot. They formed sort of a U-shape fort and the Chinaman’s Hispanic crew pulled a barbecue out of one of the vans and started a fire. They all had access to the motel room bathroom and the girls shared the two queen beds.
With folding chairs and milk crates they huddled around the fire and the crew became quiet in the silent moonlit night. The sky was amazing with final tints of crimson against the dark star-studded sky.
The rotund Chinaman was about to tell a story about the back streets of Chinatown when a couple of hippy looking guys slammed the door to the motel office and headed back to their dinky electric vehicle when they spotted the Cantina crowd around their barbecue fire.
Bandit watched as one of them looked into the compact sedan and nodded toward the crew. Suddenly out popped a long-haired mixed-race woman wrapped with vast, multicolored lengths of materials. He couldn’t tell whether she wanted to be a muslim, a terrorist or just an angry hippy. She was definitely angry and started to scream in their direction followed by her pair of seemingly unarmed guards.
“What are you doing?” She snapped at no one in particular. “It’s people like you who need to be eradicated from the planet and your fossil fuel motorcycles.”
Toby rounded the corner of one of their white vajns. Heavily armed he stormed to the rescue, but Bandit held him off. “Is there a problem?” Bandit asked and studied the marching woman.
Wrapped from her sandled feet to the top of her head in colorful berka type garments. Her face drawn and tight with angry expression.
“You know by now!” She hollered. “We’re coming for your motorcycles and your cars and trucks. How could you still drive when the planet is burning up.”
Bandit nodded to Toby to watch the other guys. “Can you read?” Bandit asked calmly.”
“I’m a graduated from UC Berkely!” She snapped.
“Is that where they taught you plant food is a pollutant?” Bandit asked moving close to her.
“All fossil fuels must be left in the ground,” she stammered.
Bandit straighten his vest over his flannel shirt while checking out her team. They were both wearing outdoor hiking boots and flannel shirts. Both had on hats, were young and fit. One hosted a knife sheath on his leather belt. The other came to a halt and folded his arms defiantly.
“So how many products are made from fossil fuels?” Bandit asked and didn’t back down. “How many health products?” He asked and stepped forward.
“I don’t care,” She stammered.
“You will,” Bandit said and stared directly into her dark eyes. “When you need a doctor or a hospital in Colorado. I suspect that’s where your headed, correct?”
“You damn right,” She snapped but her furfur diminished.
“Good luck,” Bandit said. “I hope we can suck all the CO2 away from Colorado and see what you can do with a state unable to grow food.”
She looked a tad cross-eyed trying to figure out what he said.
“What’s your issue with the motel?” Bandit asked.
“They have no rooms and no charging stations for our car,” she said. “We can’t get much further.”
“We have a diesel generator,” Bandit said and Toby went after it. “We have tacos cooked on a propane stove and Corona beers from our ICE vehicle generator charged fridge.” Her guards perked up when Mandy, her waitress-self sprang into action and delivered chilled brews.
“What’s your name?” Bandit asked. “Are you from Colorado?”
“Samatha,” she said. “We escaped the shit streets of Olympia.”
“Come on over and get warm,” Bandit suggested and the Chinaman approached with a plate of tacos and his masterful fresh guacamole with diced red onions and jalapenos. Samatha and her crew dug in.
“We heard illegals are pouring into Denver,” Bandit said.
“You’re right and we hope to land in Boulder before the drugs and homeless parade arrives,” Samatha said, bit into a fresh coleslaw and salmon taco. Her face finally lit up into a satisfied smile. “These are amazing.”
“So, you’re not onboard with all the Progressive policies?” Bandit asked and Margaret brought him a Jack on the rocks in his favorite glass tumbler.
“No one is,” Samatha said. “No one in their right mind, but there are activists bullies who are pushing this shit constantly. That’s one reason we left. It’s over the top.”
“We’re headed to the black Hills of South Dakota from LA,” Bandit said. “Where America is still a free country.”
Samatha took another bite of the Chinaman’s magnificent marinated salmon taco, crunched and sighed satisfied.
“I’m afraid the progressive movement is coming for everyone and anyway they can. Somebody’s got to fight back and quick.”
Bandit stared into her sincere eyes. He knew, but he never heard anyone say it.
“They started in the schools,” Samatha took a swig of beer. “It’s as if it was a college class. ‘Let’s see if we can take over the country’ class and they’re doing it. Even if your senator in South Dakota is a freedom loving Republican, his staff is Woke and trying to change shit. I’ve lived it. It’s bullshit, but it’s like living in Nazi Germany. You toe the line or you’re fucked, no job and no friends. Hell, they’ll run you out of town. That’s what happened to us. We weren’t all-in playing the game and got asked to leave.”
Bandit listened intently while watching her lieutenants nod. “I’ve seen it try to edge its way into the biker community.”
“Why go to Colorado?” Bandit inquired.
“We’ve been fed the racist line against anyone who isn’t blue,” She muttered while Toby and Clay helped one of her guys hook up their car to a Honda generator set for charging. Marko yanked the cord and the little engine fired to life and warmed to its gas-powered rhythm.
Bandit took a swig of whiskey and thought for a while. “Do your thing,” Bandit said. “But know the majority of Americans want their lives back. They just want to do good, build shit and protect their families. If you run afoul of bad policies again, come find us.” He handed her his card. “The address is no good, it’s a California address, but the phone will work.”
Bandit got up and moved around the little parking lot fort, checking on stuff and his staff. Concerned, he checked the vans and Margarete followed. They grew close and she tugged on his arm. “Everything okay?” She asked.
“Yeah,” Bandit turned and looked into her sparkling blue eyes. Her brilliant gaze always warm and alert. He gave her a hug and a deep kiss. “I’m concerned. The next group we run into might not be so forthright and open. I look forward to South Dakota.”
She hugged him hard, and he wished he could scoop her up and find some warm place where they could be alone. It had been too long.
“Tomorrow,” she said as they continued to check the vans and all the crew.
Toby approached and reported the watch system for the night. The girls went inside the dinky motel room and shared the beds.
Little Juan from the Chinaman’s crew took the first watch, and then Clay and Toby managed the final few hours. About 5:00 a.m. the Chinaman and his crew went to work preparing breakfast.
Samatha slept on the floor of the motel room in a sleeping bag. Her and her team got up early, had a cup of coffee and prepared to hit the road with her car charged. “We can get almost three hundred miles,” she said to Bandit. “Thanks so much.”
“Stay in touch,” Bandit said. “We will build a new life near Sturgis. There are plenty of jobs for folks who want to get along and prosper.”
She seemed relieved, there were people of hope in the world and gave Bandit a hug. Her crew also thanked Bandit profusely and shook his hand.
Bandit pulled himself into one of the packed vans and fired it to life. He didn’t pray much, but as he watched the sun clear the dark sky and add warmth he hoped for clear weather, open roads, no-breakdowns and the lack of violent encounters.
“I’m asking for one too many,” He muttered as Toby put out his cigarette and fired up his Sportster.
“What’s that?” Frankie, Margaret’s son asked pulling himself into the van.
“Nothing,” Bandit said, shifted into drive and rolled out of the parking lot and through motel row into the old section of town with block building from the ’30 and brick city buildings built after the war.
He turned left onto 287 heading almost due north through the muddy gap almost through the center of the Wyoming and thought about the problems they encounter the last time on bikes.
“We got everyone?” Bandit asked and Margaret touched his shoulder from the jump seat.
“Yep,” I checked twice. “Everyone is excited.”
As Bandit turned onto the lonesome highway north he pondered the miles ahead, the object of their journey. They just needed to pass through the gap and into Casper. They would be halfway across the state. He thought about his girl in Thermopolis and the fun they had.
But mostly he hoped for safe passage. He reached down beside the seat to check on the red-handled, deadly sharp machete. He checked the console for his .357 magnum and leather pouch of extra ammo.
Bandit harbored a constant confidence in the outcomes of almost anything and the ability to overcome any obstacle. He took a deep breath and said to himself, “Relax,” and shoved the van to 75 mph and set the cruise control. They were on their way.
THE SCRAMBLED BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 5, 2024
By Bandit |
Hey,
I’m scrambling in 48 different directions and the old lady wants to spend 20 minutes discussing how to wash the throw-rug in the kitchen.
I don’t know which direction to go. We are hitting the new year and all switches are on go to raise funds and expand the museum. We are in the middle of creating a strategy for the long-term growth of the museum.
Just a year ago, when I first became involved with the museum, we were starting from scratch and we’ve made serious progress. My mantra continues to be wrapped around the growth of the museum for the museum, for the rally, for the city of Sturgis, for South Dakota and for the motorcycle industry all over the world.
We now have a board of directors made up of industry leaders. More iconic motorcycles are headed our way. David Uhl said the other night at our fundraising Giving Tuesday Event, “Enlarge this museum and I’ll fill it with art. And imagine the David Mann exhibit we could create.”
I will report on Sturgis Motorcycle Museum news in the column below, so let’s hit it. It’s whiskey Thursday…
The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
RARE 5-BALL GARAGE NEWS—
We’ve made a bunch of changes to the 5-Ball Garage shop website. Check it out when you have a chance. Here’s the new About story:
5-BALL RACING GARAGE
After 28 years with Bikernet.com, Keith “Bandit” Ball still doesn’t know what he’s doing. But we try to provide our readers with wild KRB books, a handful of accessories, unique riding gear and now we are fortunate to promote Danial James fine art. Check it out!
ABOUT
5-Ball Garage came to be as Bandit got married for the fifth time (a tribute to all five Mrs. Balls), started Bikernet.com under the 5-Ball Inc. banner after almost 30 years with Easyriders Magazine.
He baled on the big business life, continue to write books, built a custom motorcycle every year and rode to Sturgis Annually. He continued to fight for our rights with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, set records at Bonneville and was inducted into three motorcycle halls of fame, as he entered his 50th year in the Motorcycle Industry.
Never give up or give in.
There you have it. Take a look when you have time.
–Bandit
MEANWHILE FROM THE CO2 COALITION–
5 Things Climate Realists Can Be Thankful For This Year
1 – More CO2 is feeding the world – Increasing carbon dioxide levels are turbo-charging plant and crop productivity.
2 – Modern warming trend is not unusual nor unprecedented – Modern warming began more than 300 years ago, lifting us out of the death-dealing cold of the Little Ice Age (A.D. 1250 to 1850).
3 – Sea-level rise is small and not accelerating – Modern sea-level rise began in the mid-1800s and continues at about the same rate today at approximately 7 inches per century.
4 – For human advancement, warmer is better than colder – Before climate science became politicized, warm periods were referred to by scientists as “climate optima” because, for almost all species on Earth, warmer is better than colder.
5 – More CO2 means moister soil – More CO2 in the air means more moisture in the soil. With more CO2, the pores or stomata are open for shorter periods, the leaves lose less water, and more moisture remains in the soil.
More from the CO2 Coalition check their website.
–Greg Wrightstone
Executive Director
CO2 Coalition
JERRY GREER INDIAN PROJECT–
Latest pic of the 1937 at Greer’s attached. Unfortunately we were not at the rally this year due to my wife Judy’s chemo treatments. Hope all is well with you these days.
Warmest Regards,
Eric Neubecker
“Wish you and your wife all the best during the Holidays.” –Bandit
BUILDER OF THE WEEK–
Charlie Palmer is a former Training Facilitator at Harley-Davidson, having studied at Harley-Davidson University. He lives in Kenthurst, New South Wales, Australia, from Euroa, Victoria.
–Sam Burns
Feature Editor
Bikernet.com
TOP TEN CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION ITEMS FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP—
Economy will soar
By James Taylor, Steven Milloy
This list was compiled and presented by The Heartland Institute, E&E Legal Institute, Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), Truth in Energy and Climate, and The American Energy Institute.
1. Paris Climate Treaty and Endangerment Finding. Determine that the Paris climate agreement is properly a treaty (rather than a mere “Executive agreement”) that requires Senate ratification. Transmit the treaty to the Senate for its advice. This is will legally relieve the US of any and all obligations under the treaty until and unless the Senate formally ratifies it. Repeal the Obama/Biden EPA determination that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are threats to the public health and welfare (the “endangerment finding”).
2. EV mandate and California waiver. Repeal the Biden tailpipe rule/EV mandate and withdraw the California CO2 waiver that allows California to set tailpipe emissions and de facto national gas mileage standards. Request legislation clarifying that the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) pre-empts state regulation of fuel economy, including Clean Air Act waivers, and that clarifies that the Clean Air Act cannot be used to regulate CO2.
3. Green New Scam and Grid Security. Freeze all Inflation Reduction Act climate/energy spending pending review. Ask Congress to repeal all the energy subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act through budget reconciliation. For national and economic security purposes, bar electricity grid reliance on variable sources of electricity generation such as wind and solar.
4. Oil and Gas. Restore active federal oil and gas leasing on federal lands and offshore, including the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska. Lifting moratoria on offshore drilling in areas put off limits by prior presidents. Reverse the Biden moratorium on federal leasing for coal mining. Streamline the permitting process for energy production. End the Biden moratorium on LNG export terminals.
5. Presidential Appointments. Appoint officials at federal agencies like EPA, Interior, DoE, FERC and other key agencies who will aggressively permit new oil and gas pipelines, LNG terminals and other infrastructure required for producing oil, gas and coal. Streamline the permitting process. Terminate all existing federal science advisory boards and reconstitute only the ones legally required. Appoint qualified and pro-energy individuals to the boards.
6. Offshore wind. Foreign offshore wind developers threaten consumers, endangered species, and iconic maritime communities whose prosperity depends on the fishing. The industrialization of fisheries by offshore wind development should be terminated by delisting unleased wind energy areas, revoking the “30×30” pledge, implementing a cumulative effects approach to planning, and developing a balanced interagency process not dominated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
7. Coal. Repeal all the anti-coal regulatory actions of the Biden administration and promote coal as a preferred means of producing electricity. Commence a review of related air quality regulations issued by EPA.
8. Litigation. Withdraw from, so as to terminate, industry litigation over Biden administration regulatory actions. Re-staff the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division attorneys who will zealously defend administration priorities.
9. Regulatory Reform. End regulatory agency use of the linear non-threshold model (LNT) for radiation and chemical risk assessment. Reinstate the EPA rule against the use of “secret science.” Request legislation to require that federal courts no longer defer to regulatory agencies on scientific matters.
10. Regulatory Burden. Request the REINS act be passed to require congressional authorization of regulations with a significant economic impact, including but not limited to those with an economic impact of $100 million or more.
POLICE FORCED TO RETURN CONFISCATE CASH–
to Motorcycle Gang After Misreading the Word ‘Drugs’ on Envelope Containing funds.
Auckland police returned an envelope of cash to the Head Hunters West motorcycle gang after…
Source: lawyerherald.com
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM NEWS–
I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your incredible support last night. We had about 80 people join us in person and another 40 following along live on Facebook.
Together, we raised just over $11,000 (gross) and received many wonderful compliments from attendees.
A special shoutout to Shareece, who worked tirelessly, starting her posts at 2 AM and wrapping up at 11 PM, in an effort to win one of the hourly prizes from SD Gives. Her hard work paid off—we won the 8 PM post prize of $250!
The feedback from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive, and I think that’s the biggest win of all.
Thank you all again for your support in making this event a success.
–Heidi Haro
Executive Director
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
999 Main Street
Sturgis, SD 57718
“My compliments to you and your team for a stellar effort. And I’ll repeat here something you mentioned at yesterday’s marketing meeting. Lacey and Shareece donated their hours on Tuesday as their participation in Giving Tuesday. That’s great cooperation! “–Marilyn Stemp
The silent auction was supported with Danial James and Scott Jacobs art. Bandit’s Metal Art helped along with support from the Buffalo Chip and local businesses.
More to come.
–Bandit
BUFFALO CHIP CELEBRATES THE STURGIS 85TH ANNIVERSARY–
The First Announcement of the Rally’s 85th Anniversary is a
TKO!
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025
Save Up to 55% on Multi-Day Passes
For 8 Days Only
Special Prices End on Friday the 13th
(12/13/24)
Save 40% off 3-Day Passes, Right Now
Don’t Get Killed by Procrastination
GREASE AND GEARS TV–
We’re stoked to announce the release of our latest video, Darla The Dyna By Mike Aldridge! We can’t wait for you to check it out.
You can watch the video now on our network Grease & Gears TV – please help spread the word and share it. Tell them you saw it on Grease & Gears TV.
Ride Safe & Be Cool!
–Chris and Heather Callen
THE HISTORY OF DANIAL JAMES–
Danial James is no stranger to the Motorcycle world or the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. When you see someone wearing a Vintage Harley- Davidson T-Shirt, odds are the design was created by Danial James at some time in the 17 years he created t-shirt art for the Harley-Davidson factory.
It’s cool to walk the streets during Rally and see thousands of people wearing artwork he created, whether it was Harley-Davidson, Indian or Triumph. “I can spot them right away, Danial said in Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium on Main in Sturgis. “No matter how many times I see them, I always find it to be humbling when someone likes your artwork enough to wear it around.”
Danial started his lifelong career before he even knew he was. He says from a very young age he knew he wanted to be an artist. As a child he would draw for hours every day. Art helped Danial overcome some very hard times in his life. One being the untimely death of his Mother when he was just 5 years old. He says he didn’t know how else to cope with what had happened so he buried himself in drawing. All these years later he doesn’t consider it work because he loves what he does. He says when painting becomes work then it’s no longer a passion and to him creating beautiful paintings and seeing the smiles that they bring to his clients faces is his lifelong passion. I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life, I’ll be painting until I take my last breath.
Danial’s application of his background in Technical Illustration has helped him become the Fine Artist that he is today. He says “when I am at an art show and people want to stop and talk to me, they always compliment me on my detail, skin tones and knowledge of light. If you don’t know light you will never get the painting , its perspective and tones right.In the last couple years I’ve found myself incorporating a looser feel to my paintings, known as abstract impressionism. It’s a new feel for me and I really enjoy painting it. It doesn’t matter what Danial is painting, it is imperative to him to have his paintings be a piece of art that someone cannot walk by. They are drawn in to get a closer look and really study his art. That’s when you know you are doing things right. When someone tells me that my painting is so perfect it looks like a photograph, I get such a smile inside. I know all the years of hard work and persistence has paid off.
Danial’s love and ability to paint an array of subjects,has earned him a clientele that is as diverse as his subjects. From Motorcycles, to Pin Up Girls, to Cars,to Family and pet portraits, and the list goes on and on. No matter what he is painting his heart and soul goes into each and every painting.
When asked where people can come and see his Artwork on display, Danial says he has been given a huge honor by Keith Ball when he asked Danial to be the only Artist to display his Artwork at Keith’s storefront, Bandits 5 Ball Emporium, located at 1008 Main Street, Sturgis, SD. At Bandits, you will not only find a large selection of my artwork, says Danial , but an array of other items for sale like a Custom Built Motorcycle by Keith Ball on display, Antiques, books written by Keith Ball and a lot of other items. I’m very excited for this opportunity, says Danial, everyone that comes into Bandits is so impressed and excited. They all say this is what Sturgis needed. We had an awesome Rally at Bandits in 2024 and I’m predicting the 85th in 2025 is going to be even greater.
I’m very excited for 2025, says Danial, I have a lot of Commissions on the books and in between I’ll be painting a lot getting ready for Rally and I’ll be on the road doing shows. My Artwork is exclusively at Bandits 5 Ball Emporium at 1008 Main Street, Sturgis, SD
Anyone interested in seeing my artwork can go to my website at Danialjamesfineart.com or if you’re in the area stop by Bandits 5 Ball Emporium.
SOUTH DAKOTA REPORT FOR MRF NEWS LETTER—
Hey,
The boss of South Dakota ABATE and I are trying to get to know the new Governor of South Dakota.
Of course, we want to know how he feels about motorcycles and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Specifically, we want to know about the four Western states coalition to be Zero emissions through expensive Carbon Capture efforts to bury much needed CO2 in the ground.
Do you know how ridiculous that is? We breath in oxygen and breath out CO2. What if you were forced to breath out into a canister every day and return your government issued container daily to a recycling center.
If you face these issues in your state, you might reach out to the CO2 Coalition for the facts and for info to educate your lawmakers.
CO2 Coalition is working right now to provide thought leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to unravel the lies and understand the facts surrounding climate change – especially with newly elected officials and those heading into the Trump Administration.
Someday the alarming Climate Change adage will just be the Weather again.
On a very positive front, Freedom Fighters are represented for the world to learn about in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Nominations are being accepted now on the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum web site.
As you are all very aware, fundraising is critical to our survival and growth. We are very fortunate to have fine artist Danial James on our team for the 85th Anniversary of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With the City of Sturgis at our back and a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle Danial is going to create an iconic 85th Annual Poster Painting incorporating an image of the motorcycle, and we will sell raffle tickets with the blessing of the State of South Dakota right up until the rally. The winner will receive the painting and the motorcycle, painted to match the painting. Multiple other prizes will follow.
All the proceeds with be devoted to the survival and betterment of the museum. Hang on for more reports.
K. R. Ball
Janitor
Bikernet.com
THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE—
At the base of Pillar Peak Mountain, Black Hills of South Dakota
Choice: The Power Within
“What you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Unknown
Everything can be taken from a person except one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance and to choose one’s own way. – Viktor E. Frankl
Life is about choice. I once heard a profound saying: Even when you think you don’t have a choice, you’ve just made a choice.
Every day, we encounter challenges—some small, others monumental. Yet, the truth remains: we always have the power to choose how we respond. While we may not control our circumstances, we can control our perspective. It is choice, not chance, that shapes our destiny. Remarkably, each day brings the opportunity to decide the attitude we’ll embrace.
I believe the law of cause and effect is directly tied to our choices, and the Universe supports us in the decisions we make. This is why it’s essential to nurture empowering thoughts, intentional conversations, and uplifting beliefs.
Consider the lesson from The Little Engine That Could:
“I think I can, I think I can,” it repeated as it climbed higher. With unwavering determination, it eventually reached the mountaintop, saying:
“I thought I could, I thought I could.”
Every decision carries its own mix of lessons, outcomes, and opportunities. However, indecision—the fear of making a choice—often robs people of time and potential. True courage is found in taking that leap of faith.
Today’s Affirmation:
I choose to create a great day today.
I choose to face challenges with ease and grace.
I make brave, bold, and wise decisions.
I align with the infinite field of possibilities and make choices that serve my highest good.
I pause, stay mindful, and connect consciously with my Higher Self throughout the day.
I trust Spirit to reveal the how as I focus on the what.
I am deeply grateful for the ability to choose.
And so it is. Namaste.
“Every decision you make reflects your evaluation of who you are.”
– Marianne Williamson
–Yale
Master Monk to the Stars
Senior Philosopher
Bikernet.com
THE WHISKEY CHRONICLES—
We were just introduced to a new whiskey. Seems a brother worked for Jack Daniels when it faced Woke policies and the company started changing. Jeff Arnett pondered trying a batch on his own and stepped away from the company, although relatives still work there.
Take a look or a sip…
–Bandit
WHISKEY AS GOOD AS THE COMPANY YOU KEEP
For years now, we’ve had this spirit in the back of our minds. Straight bourbon whiskey fully matured in oak barrels and finished with maplewood to produce a sip like no other.
NRA GIVING TUESDAY ARRIVED AND DEPARTED THIS WEEK—
But you can always support.
Since its inception, the NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) has inspired young people to become active citizens and future leaders by educating them about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, federal government, and the importance of civic engagement.
Throughout the summit, students compete for $40,000 in college scholarships. This is where your help is needed! Donate on or before #GivingTuesday this year to support the Y.E.S. scholarship fund and invest in the next generations.
Say Y.E.S. to helping Y.E.S. students LEAD THE LEGACY!
Contributions to The NRA Foundation are tax-deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by federal law.
Tax ID #52-1710886
Y.E.S. Applications Are Now Open!
Y.E.S. DATES: JULY 22-27, 2025
Contact us at YES@nrahq.org
THE BIKERNET TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–
I’m may not be a smart man, but I know what heated gloves are, I just don’t own any!
36 degrees when I left Saturday at 6:00 a.m. I planned on just a 50-mile loop in town with more concrete. Ever since I got the frostbite coming in from Willis in 2019, my fingers tips start to hurt as soon as it hits the 30-40 degree range.
I noticed a really amazing sunrise about to happen when I stopped for gas and wanted to try and get a picture. So, I went farther out, didn’t get the picture, but was close to the 1488 curves.
Thought I’d developed a 2nd/3rd gear vibration, but it was just my frozen hands. Yesterday afternoon I rolled through 150 miles in the 70 degree sunshine, no issues.
Only 39 degrees when I got back from my 100 miles and a 10+ minute soak for the finger tips and hands. Do you have any recommendations or know someone that can recommend a heated MC glove brand?
Not sure how much cold weather riding you get before the snow, now that you’re not a California sun bunny. So far the three brands I’ve seen aren’t rated very well.
Since you shared your throwback, I probably shared this before, we were 17, I was already in the Army.
–RFR-FXR Life
LIFESTYLE CYCLES HOLIDAY DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2006 Big Bear Choppers Sled Chopper for Sale
Stretched frame, six speed transmission, and an open primary, this is one mean chopper!
The Sled Chopper is an American chopper with a drop seat stretched frame, 300 rear tire and an innovative fuel tank. This chopper handles remarkably well considering its wheelbase.
After you’ve clocked 500 miles for the day from the highways, weaving through traffic and maneuvering in parking lots, you’ll forget you just got off a 9-foot 6-inch long motorcycle.
The Sled Chopper is designed for the customer who wants a chopper style motorcycle with creative, smooth lines at a reasonable price tag. With a 6-inch stretched radius dual down-tubes to achieve that chopper stance and a low rider rear end gives her a dramatic sinking and flowing profile.
Standard components include the proprietary low vibration 100 SMOOTH™ polished engine in front of a Baker six-speed overdrive transmission, exclusive primary drive, chrome front-end and controls, and so on.
Stock 14382C
$10,995
1510 N. State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone714-490-0155
THIS WEEK HELD Giving Tuesday–
a day to support your favorite non-profit charities.
On Giving Tuesday, we were hoping that you will consider making such a gift as we finish up 2024 to help us successfully launch our 2025 programming without missing a beat.
There are many reasons to support the CO2 Coalition today. Here are a few:
· CO2 Coalition is working right now to provide thought leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to unravel the lies and understand the facts surrounding climate change – especially with newly elected officials and those heading into the Trump Administration.
· CO2 Coalition’s legal strategy continues being wielded successfully, helping to turn back the administrative state here in the U.S. as well as other countries.
· CO2 Coalition’s expanded grassroots educational programs are some of the most expansive – and successful – campaigns in the climate debate. We punch far above our weight class for an organization of our size.
· CO2 Coalition’s members are standing up and fighting against tech giants like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other platforms – expanding the work of the CO2 Coalition many times over.
These are just a few of the successful projects we’ve undertaken this past year – but it’s just the beginning of the fight we are waging.
Can you donate this week and help us launch our 2025 programs without any delays due to funding?
Every dollar counts, and every contribution brings us closer to our goal.
We sincerely appreciate any gift you may choose to donate today.
–Greg
FEULING CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE–
For any purchase made of $300 or more, get a free 2025 FEULING photo calendar! Limited quantities available, get yours now!
DIRECT FROM THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM–
Give the gift of Harley-Davidson
A new exhibit, Breakfast with Santa, the return of Marquette Thursdays plus sleigh loads of gift-giving inspiration can all be found on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus this month.
The holiday season is upon us, and the elves at the Harley-Davidson Shop at the H-D Museum have been hard at work stocking the shelves with goodies for the Harley-Davidson lover in your life. Gifts for him, for her, for the kids and even for your four-legged bestie can be found just a little south of the North Pole at the crossroads of 6th & Canal.
The H-D Museum’s Annual Pass is a terrific option for the curiosity seeker in your life, with individual, family and VIP options. It’s a fantastic way to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits, including the all-new photography showcase, “Ezy Ryders: History & Tradition, Heart & Soul”, which just opened in November.
And one of Milwaukee’s favorite traditions makes its return to Rumble, just above MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant this month. Breakfast with Santa will provide one of the cutest photo ops in the city as jolly old St. Nick rolls onto campus to bring smiles to all the little girls and boys.
Check out the delicious brunch buffet, pen a letter to Santa, decorate holiday cookies, check out the classic movies and so much more as the H-D Museum turns into a hub of holiday fun. After breakfast, pop over to the H-D Museum as kids tickets for Breakfast with Santa include free admission to the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum.
Another seasonal favorite makes its triumphant return when Marquette Thursdays comes back to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus on Dec. 5. Hear from Marquette coaches and players on select Thursdays through March as the Golden Eagles look to bring home more hardware in 2025.
Finally, the H-D Museum’s largest-ever Factory Outlet Sale will arrive on campus Dec. 26 – 28. If you don’t get everything on your wish list this year, you can still score incredible deals as you ride into the new year. Find the gear you need as we countdown the days to riding season.
Don’t forget that the H-D Museum is a great experience for visiting friends and family. Named one of Milwaukee’s top attractions, the H-D Museum tells the story of a legendary global brand that began in a backyard shed in Milwaukee in 1903.
Please take note of holiday and seasonal hours:
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
BREAKING NEWS FROM SEMA–
Georgia State Rep. John Carson Named SEMA 2024 Lawmaker of the Year for Vehicle Suspension Reform
SEMA is excited to announce Georgia State Rep. John Carson, a Republican representing the Atlanta suburbs in District 46, as winner of the 2024 Stephen B. McDonald Lawmaker of the Year Award. Rep. Carson was honored for his outstanding leadership in passing SB 352, legislation that modernizes Georgia’s vehicle suspension modification laws.
The Stephen B. McDonald Lawmaker of the Year Award–presented to Rep. Carson at the 2024 SEMA Show–is one of SEMA’s highest honors, given annually to a state lawmaker who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting and protecting the rights of automotive businesses, consumers and enthusiasts.
–SEMA
LAW TIGERS UPDATES–
What If I Can’t Afford to Hire a Motorcycle Lawyer?
The financial stress after a motorcycle accident can be enormous after accounting for your medical bills, lost income, and property damage. As the bills start to mount up, panic might set in, and you might start to think: What if I can’t afford to hire a motorcycle lawyer?
Most Motorcycle Attorneys Work on a Contingency Basis
The good news is that most motorcycle attorneys in San Antonio, such as Law Tigers, work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive payment if you get a settlement. If you don’t get any money from your claim, then you won’t have to pay attorney fees.
Additionally, most motorcycle attorneys offer free case consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking to one. So, it is always worth seeking the help of an experienced motorcycle attorney as you can still receive their services even if you don’t have any money to pay an upfront attorney fee.
How Do Motorcycle Attorneys Calculate Fees?
Typically, motorcycle attorneys take their payment as a percentage value of the final settlement. The American Bar Association states that the average contingency fee for a personal injury attorney is between a third and forty percent of the final settlement. For example, if your final settlement was $100,000, the attorney would receive about $33,000 (one-third), and you would receive the remaining $67,000.
Attorneys may also incorporate a sliding scale into their fee percentages. Generally, the more time an attorney spends on a particular case, the higher the percentage. For example, they may charge one percentage for fulfilling a single task but might charge a higher percentage if you decide to file a lawsuit, as that takes more time and preparation.
Still, others operate on a hybrid contingency fee/hourly fee basis, which charges a reduced hourly rate in addition to a portion of the final settlement.
Other Options for Paying for a Motorcycle Attorney
If you are unable to find a motorcycle attorney that charges contingency fees, there are other options available to help you manage the costs.
Legal Aid Societies
Legal aid societies are non-profit organizations that exist to provide reduced-cost or free legal aid to low-income or zero-income individuals. Note that these organizations may require you to provide proof of income to qualify for free or reduced-cost services.
–Law Tigers
www.lawtigers.com
WOW, IT’S NONE-STOP–
In a town of 5700 folks. I find that so many issues are caused by sincere folks not watching out or confronting issue. We’re passed all of that now. It’s time to rebuild and rejoice. We have every resource to build a state of the art Museum and make Sturgis a vibrant community.
Of course the community needs to be behind the motorcycle industry all out.
Some of the guys are afraid to expand the museum. We could share this building on Main and create a training center for kids. We need to develop an Educational Committee for the Sturgis Museum and need volunteers.
I came close to writing the caption for this Michael Lichter exhibit piece. Brett from the JackPine Gypsies gave me the names, but I need a year. I’ll get there.
For six months we’ve messed with Panhead John’s ignition system. Suddenly we thought we could add this Mallory auto-advance circuit breaker. But we discovered ’61-’62 Pans had larger head fins. He needed to remove the head to get the job done. Here are the tuning instructions.
And here’s the problem.
If you know Randy Simpson he made the etched dice key rings below at Milwaukee Iron. I’ve had that on my briefcase for over 30 years. He’s had a tough time recently. Give him a call, if you know him
I still have the Dicey Knucklehead he built me. It’s a classic.
Don’t ask me. A brother sent me this image. I was going to box in the heavy-weight class on the St. Paul one year off the coast of Vietnam, but the big badass I was going to fight bowed out.
Here we are heading into the holidays during the remaining month of an amazing year. I can’t wait for 2025. It’s going to be an even more amazing year.
Maybe Riding Free will be a reality next year. It feels like it!
Merry Merry,
–Bandit
Celebrating Motorcycle Mary
By Wayfarer |
North American motorcycle racing legends have rolled onto the great highway in the sky. Malcolm Smith left this world on November 26, at the age of 83. One day later, on November 27, Mary McGee left this world at age 87.
McGee passed away just a day before ESPN hoped to launch the much-celebrated short documentary about her racing career, titled Motorcycle Mary into wider distribution. Directed by Haley Watson and executive produced by seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, the just-under-23-minute-long film is a joyous, unflinching look at McGee’s racing career, told in McGee’s own words.
Life of Mary McGee is an inspirational story for aspiring women in male-dominated fields, such as motorsport. Also, its a story for anyone who just wants to go out and do their thing. Why worry what’s ‘normal’ or ‘acceptable.’ to others as if that helps any industry or society.
Hollywood legend Steve McQueen challenged Mary to go from the road racing she was comfortable with to getting into off-road and motocross and Mary accepted this as an opportunity to further prove herself–and said yes. When the chance to race in the Baja 500 came up, she said yes. When she finished, she became the first solo racer ever, of any gender, to complete the event.
So go out and do it and say yes to life.
—Wayfarer
Associate Editor, Bikernet.com™
Watch ESPN YouTube short at
Giving Tuesday at Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
By Wayfarer |
Hello everyone,
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and I hope you can all join us 4-7pm at the museum. We’ll also be going live on Facebook to share updates, including details about our silent auction.
A quick reminder: Tomorrow is the final day to join the 100% Club—where every board member and I contribute to the museum. If you’d like to participate, you can donate while you’re here tomorrow or visit www.sturgismuseum.com and click the “Donate” button at the top of the page.
A heartfelt thank you to those who have already donated. Here’s to an amazing Giving Tuesday!
All the best,
Heidi Haro
Executive Director,
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
Yamaha RX 100 to run down competition
By Wayfarer |
ASIA-PACIFIC: Yamaha India
Lot of media reports and industry sources are abuzz with news of a renewed and revamped Yamaha RX 100 to be released soon. This new model is expected to retain the legendary and street proven legacy of the original. The modern RX 100 will also incorporate some modern technology and features to ensure a whole new generation falls in love with the fastest 100cc on Indian roads of 1980s.
Reports hint at a January 2025 relaunch, assuring that Yamaha is revamping the RX 100 tradition.
Reports suggest the new model will reflect design cues from the original while also updating the specs and features. The engine will be upgraded to modern standards. Yamaha Motor India’s official website has not yet made any announcement yet. Its all hush hush instead of “The Call of the Blue.”
With so many “new” retro motorcycles making a comeback including the well-received BSA and continued demand for Jawa, Yezdi… with Norton yet to set foot in Indian mass market, a Yamaha RX 100 would have established presence with automotive fans memories still remniscing its glory.
RX 100’s return would change the market-share balance from middle-weight competition to light-weight lean mean street tough muscle bikes. Royal Enfield is raising the bar with pushing more 650cc motorcycles such as the new Bear 650 and offering an upgrade to its bread-and-butter Classic 350 with the recently launched Classic 650. The Himalayan too is expected to receive a 650 cc engine.
Will RX 100 turn the tables in favor of street-wise motorcycles making a laughing stock out of the newly minted stock from brands such as Bajaj N200, Yamaha and Suzuki line-up with Hero MotoCorp also surprisingly chasing speed with a 250 cc XTreme and 210 cc engine for its XPulse model announced at EICMA recently this year.
— Wayfarer
Associate Editor, Bikernet.com™
Check out the news from MSN and others online. Click here.
BIKERNET BLACK FRIDAY SPOTS
By Bandit |
We’re Kicking Off Black Friday Weekend Early!
Right now, at www.sscycle.com, you can use promo code BFSale10 to take 10% off all apparel and accessories. As an email subscriber, you get early access!
Don’t miss out! Get everyone on your holiday list, including yourself, shirts from your favorite proven performance parts company today!
As an exclusive benefit, this promotional code grants you an extra 10% discount on the already reduced prices of our sale apparel!
Don’t forget to use Promo Code BFSale10 at checkout!
Mary McGee Dies. Motorsports Legend And Star Of Oscar-Contending Documentary ‘Motorcycle Mary’ Was 87
By Matthew Carey, Deadline.com
Mary McGee, the motor racing legend profiled in the Oscar-contending documentary Motorcyle Mary, died Wednesday in Gardnerville, Nev., according to her family. She was 87.
“Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism,” McGee’s family wrote on Facebook. The post did not disclose a cause of death. “She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”
Read the whole tamale at Deadline.com
THE THANKSGIVING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for November 28, 2024
By Bandit |
Hey,
We have so much to be thankful for today. I’m proud of America for standing up for freedom and democracy. More than that for standing up for truth and integrity.
For the first time in almost four years we have something to look forward to. In my entire life I never thought evil could sweep our country and try to take over the world, but they gave it their best shot.
A buddy of mine came over to deliver some metal snowmen yesterday with his son the manufacturer. My buddy complained about the city government of Spearfish and said, “That’s why I’ve never voted.”
I corrected him. Voting has never been so important to our survival as it was this year. The public stepped up and made their voices heard. For that alone we have tons to be thankful for.
Let’s hit the news and see what’s happening on this glorious day.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION (MRF)–
The purpose of every holiday, birthday, anniversary or feast day on every calendar of every nation is to remind us to be thankful for something or someone.
Thanksgiving serves to remind us that we have so very much to be thankful for. We may not have it all together, but together, we have it all.
–MRF.org
We’re Thankful for Motorcycles ~ Bandit
BIG STURGIS NEWS—
There’s a large, refurbished grocery store in Sturgis on Junction Ave., just north of Junction and Main. For the last few years it’s the Black Hills Harley, satellite boutique.
For so many enthusiasts that’s a bummer. Sure, it’s a cool brick building and you can order parts from the guys behind the glass counters, but it’s not a full-blown dealership, so you couldn’t buy a Harley from Sturgis Harley-Davidson.
The other brisk, cloudy night I stumble out of the Dungeon Bar and encountered a tall cat in a Dixon flannel leaning against the door to Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium. It was nearly midnight, but he wore shades and motioned to me. I looked for weapons or trick bags as I approached.
“Got news for you, and only you,” he muttered through a graying beard. “That brick building over there is going to be a full-on Harley Dealership, with service, sales, you name it.”
“You mean we will have Sturgis Harley-Davidson?” I asked and stepped closer, peering under the bill of his Harley ballcap into his dark glasses. “Like a brother can come to the Black Hills and buy a bike from Sturgis Harley?”
“Yep, but don’t tell anyone,” he said and I wondered if I knew him, but it was dark and he wore shades. He started to reach around his back and I stepped to the side quickly and reached for my new Elswich knife next to the Bikernet Bandana in my right back pocket. My knife was as sharp and a titanium razor blade.
He came back with a Sturgis Harley-Davidson sticker and held it out. “I’ve only got one,” He muttered looking down at the classic, orange, black and white emblem and then he handed it to me.
“Cool,” I said. “Thanks brother, this is major news.”
“Ya, but you can’t tell anyone,” he said and pulled his black-rimmed shades down an stared into my blood-shot eyes. “Ya gotta promise.”
I pulled my titanium knife and flicked it open. It snapped like a riding crop against her tender ass. The black blade shimmered reflecting the streetlight behind me.
Suddenly, he stood up straight, backed-up and said, “Just Bikernet readers can know…”
“Perfect,” I said snapped the knife closed. “Thanks,” and I walked to my truck.
Great news!
DEALS ON WHEELS—
11/29: Black Friday
11/30: Small Business Saturday
12/2: Cyber Monday Sale
12/3: Nice Guy Tuesday Sale
12/4: National Cookie Day
12/7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance
12/13: National Day of the Horse
12/13: National Cocoa Day
12/21: Winter Solstice
12/25: Christmas
12/25: Hanukkah Begins
12/27-12/28: FREE INSTALL EVENT (Largo, FL)
12/31: New Year’s Eve
KTM Is Nearly Bankrupt–Files to Save the Company From Insolvency
KTM AG, which houses the group’s motorcycle brands (Husqvarna, KTM, GasGas, and newly acquired MV Agusta) has now filed to restructure its business in a bid to stave off its looming insolvency.
KTM AG faces a financial crisis and was unable to secure the necessary interim financing to avoid insolvency. We don’t know the current figure, but as of June 30, KTM had a net debt of €1.469 billion (US$1.541 billion), with €136 million in debt set to mature in 2025.
“Over the past three decades, we have grown to become Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. We inspire millions of motorcycle riders around the world with our products,” says Stefan Pierer, chief executive officer of KTM AG. “Now we are taking a pit stop for the future. The KTM brand is my life’s work, and I will fight for it.”
With Reference from
https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/news/ktm-ag-enters-self-administration-to-restructure-debt-44613250
https://www.rideapart.com/news/742336/ktm-ag-insolvency-filing-stefan-pierer
–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet.com™
Brixton Motorcycles sets foot in India with 4 models
Brixton Motorcycles has finally set its foot in India with as many as four models. The Chinese-owned British brand was eyeing the Indian market for a long time. Part of the MotoHaus group, headlined by the KAW Veloce Motors along with the VLF brand, these motorcycles will be manufactured at KAW’s facility in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
The company had filed trademark applications for four motorcycles including Crossfire 500X, Crossfire 500 XC, Cromwell 1200 and Cromwell 1200X earlier this year.. Bookings for the same commenced earlier last month at a token amount of Rs 2,999 with deliveries slated to commence December 2024 onwards. MotoHaus intends to deliver around 10,000 units in the first year.
The Brixton lineup starts with the Crossfire range– Crossfire X and Crossfire XC– priced at Rs 4.75 lakh and Rs 5.20 lakh (both ex-showroom). While the former is a roadster, the latter is a scrambler. As expected, the 500 X is more suited for an urban environment, whereas the 500 XC is a more rugged and off-road focused machine.
Both motorcycles are powered by a 486cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that pushes out 47.6 bhp at 8500 rpm and 43 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The chassis rests on a fully-adjustable suspension setup sourced from KYB comprising upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. Braking duties in both motorcycles are handled by 320mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes with J.Juan callipers.
READ THE DETAILS at
https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/news/brixton-motorcycles-sets-foot-in-india-with-4-models-check-names-prices-features-specs/ar-AA1umeLE
Wayfarer suggests — these prices are uncompetitive especially for a Chinese company trying to get a foothold in India. With existing established brands and popular models from Honda CB350 or Triumph Speed 400 or Enfield Classic 350, to Jawa 42, etc– these Brixton motorcycles are not fooling anyone regarding their history or legacy.
It took quite a while for MG Motors (Morris Garages) to gain any sales in four-wheelers and they did it by offering goodies at prices lower than competition. They are still not much popular due to being owned by a Chinese automotive major. Customer concerns are about quality rather than long term support or performance.
Similarly Benelli two-wheelers are looked down upon for their ugliness and poor engine performance and the same is accepted at face value because of Chinese ownership of this previously well-known European brand.
The strategy of Chinese companies globally in all industries–not just in the automotive segment– has been to outright purchase any company making a loss or losing value in stock exchanges. Why? Not that they need that brand name or the office space–they buy companies only to gain their technology and scientific knowledge from these ailing companies. So lesser known companies are known to be gobbled up by the Chinese corporate “visionaries”.
Thanks & regards,
Wayfarer
Associate Editor, Bikernet.com™
STURGIS AFT MEETING AT COUNTY COURTHOUSE—
I attended the AFT wrap-up meeting at the beautiful block county courthouse in downtown Sturgis last night.
What was once the local high school hosted about 30-35 locals and business owners as Cameron and Gene spelled out the ups and downs, mostly ups of the first AFT TT races in downtown and how they hope to expand AMA Pro Racing into the JackPine Gypsies property for the 85th Anniversary with Short track and motocross races.
The trifecta of racing is the hope of lighting a fire under Sturgis racing competitions and perhaps afford the motorcycle community a refurbished historic 1/2-mile flat track across the street from the JackPine Gypsies property. Hopefully gearhead leaders can make it happen before a local school board snatches the property for a new facility.
There will be another meeting at the city hall on January 6th. The biker community needs to step up. Hang on!
–Bandit
BROTHER SPEED—Go Fund Me.
The infamous Brother Speed was discovered trying to crawl away from his burning pad recently. Search for Brother Speed on the GoFundMe page and send him a few bucks. I will.
–Bandit
From the Wayfarer —Help “Brother Speed” ( John Finlay )
Brother Speed recently lost his home to a fire. He is currently in the hospital at MUSC and will be there for at-least a few more weeks.
As most have already seen on line, Speed has lost his home to a fire. He has 2nd degree burns over a good portion of his body, head, face, hands, arms and his feet.
Bro Speed is well known Nationally and internationally for his life in the motorcycle industry and motorcycle rallies all around the country. His old motorcycle (’62 pan Shovel an old police bike) is considered to be the gold standard of what Rat Bikes are that many have tried to copy but never will. Speed was also the very first Biker inducted into the SC Biker Hall of Fame (2014)
Speed lived on his own in a single-wide mobile home on family property in Walterboro SC and received hospice nursing care. He will need all the help he can get and we want to lend a helping hand. please donate to help!
PLEASE VISIT https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-brother-speeds-healing-and-home
–Wayfarer
Associate Editor, Bikernet.com™
wayfarer@bikernet.com
BLACK FRIDAY AT HOGS AND HEIFERS SALOON-–
Avoid the crowded, crazy stores and head to Hogs & Heifers Saloon for BLACK FRIDAY to find that perfect, unique gift this Holiday Season. Friday, November 29th ~ “PICK A CHIP & SAVE”. Shop and then when you head to check out, we will let you pick a Hogs & Heifers Saloon Poker Chip and that chip will save you anywhere between 10% to 50% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE. * ++ You get to keep the Hogs Poker Chip. Wooo Hooo.
*Excludes Flannels, Western Peal Snaps and #HogsPride Merch.
SOMETHING WONDERFUL FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT– Artist David Uhl
”12 Days of Uhlness – Day 1″
Welcome to the fifth year of the insanely popular “12 Days of Uhlness”. Let’s kick the 2024 version off today!
First thing…these prices are only available through this promotion. We do not have them loaded on the website. Simply call or email me with your order.
Each day, for the next 12 days, I will be sending out a different group of pieces which are being offered in a 24-hour flash sale. You will only have 24 hours to reserve your piece from the time that day’s email is sent out. And, only one of each is available in most cases, so you’ll want to act quickly.
At the end of the 12 Days, three lucky winners will be chosen to win the prizes – two David Uhl original oil paintings and a Fine Art print! A minimum purchase of $600 during this promotion is required to participate in the drawing. Perhaps the best part is that, with each $600 you spend, you will receive an entry into the drawing…the more you spend, the more chances you have to win!
The Grand Prize drawing will be held after the 12 days and the lucky winners are responsible for shipping charges.
–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
Uhl Studios website
303-913-4840
SHE WOLF ANGELS — Ride Wild to Hell, Naked!
Top 10 must see classic (or not) Biker Movies
Click on the link below to see the photos
https://www.kozmoto.com/app/uploads/2024/11/Biker-Flix.pdf
CHECK OUT THE KOZMOTO TRAVEL KIT
Everything you wish you had in one small 4 x 6 pouch
https://www.ebay.com/itm/226247498916
AMERICAN FLAT TRACK RACING KICKS OFF IN DAYTONA–
Tickets for the Senoia Short Track, Round 3 of the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, are officially available for purchase.
Saturday, March 29, will mark the series’ third visit to Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, and the third time in succession it’s served as the season’s third round. On each of the two prior occasions, it properly set the table for the incredible title fight to come, with Jared Mees twice overcoming Dallas Daniels in a barnburner to secure the opening victories of his record-tying ninth and record-breaking tenth Grand National Championships.
With Mees now retired, Daniels will look to assume his former rival’s position atop the pecking order. Whatever his ambitions, Daniels can expect to encounter significant resistance from a star-studded field of Mission AFT SuperTwins competitors, headlined by the likes of Brandon Robinson, Briar Bauman, Davis Fisher, and many more.
The AFT Singles presented by KICKER category is in a similar state of flux, with no shortage of potential champions in its ranks and ready to chase the #1 plate.
Built by Hence Pollard in 1969 and recently re-acquired and updated by the Pollard family with four-wheeled short track superstar Bubba Pollard as co-owner, Senoia Raceway is a cornerstone of the thriving dirt track scene in the Southeast. The high-banked, 3/8-clay oval has quickly proven itself an outstanding venue for two-wheeled racing as well, lending itself to a brand of racing an authority no less than Mees once described as a “fistfight in a phone booth.”
Fans who attend will not only witness world-class racing on track and via Jumbotron but also be treated to numerous off-track attractions, including live music, a fireworks display, the Fans Zone and Kids Zone, along with a variety of food and beverage options.
General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under free) while Reserved Grandstand tickets start at $50 (all ages). Fans seeking the ultimate in access can purchase the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience for $99, a ticket package that provides reserved seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line – complete with photo opportunities – and infield viewing of the Opening Ceremonies and a portion of the night’s race action. Reserved Trackside Parking ($75) and Multi-Day Camping Passes ($70) are also available to purchase.
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/senoia-short-track-122449 to reserve your seats today.
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Illegal customized license plates are catching the eye of Florida law…
Source: Click10.com
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT ON THANKSGIVING–
I always go out early on holidays as the officers don’t usually start to show until after 7:00, especially New Year’s Day. Thanksgiving Day however due to so many people still traveling, they were everywhere at 6:15!
Wanted to see if the handlebars were tall enough, mirror height, etc. And if I could tell what differences the Screaming Eagle module I got with the 85 harness from Elvis might make? Other than the higher max RPM level, it “seems” to assist a little with the Bassani & S&S stumble during shifts?
More testing is required, anyway this is how I mounted the gauges. I still have to stretch the ignition switch wires, but the main harness reaches.
I always save various spacers, big truck Cummins valve cover gaskets have the perfect size to apply pressure on the clamp and work as a stand-off to support the flat bar I used.
Actual Happy Thanksgiving!
RFR-FXR Life
Official Weatherman
Bikernet.com
NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET EXTRATERRESTRIAL DEPARTMENT–
Ok on Wednesday November 13 they had another congressional hearing on UAP. That’s the new term for UFO. Back in May of 23 they had a similar hearing in which a whistleblower named David Grusch came forward with claims of a secret crash retrieval program going back to the 1930s.
He said that we have more than 10 alien craft from other worlds in our possession and it is the highest classification there is. No one is let in except a very small select group. He said he couldn’t get into details in a public hearing. This is all stuff I as a resident of Nevada have known since the late 1980s.
It’s fascinating stuff but most people either ignore it completely or consider it folklore. Now it is verified by people with credibility under oath. The other witnesses in 23 were commander David Favor and Ryan Graves. Pilots who had chased these things.
This time was just more of the same with Luis Elizondo who worked in the pentagon on aatip program and resigned because he couldn’t get anyone to tell the sec of defense what was going on.
Other witnesses were Retired Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet and Michael Gold. You can just google this hearing and read the entire transcript if you are interested. The hearing in 23 is on utube.
Meanwhile the pentagon is trying every trick to discredit these people and they have a new investigating office call AARO who so far has done nothing but debunk the whole thing. The Pentagon has failed 6 audits in a row. They can’t explain where a few trillion dollars have gone.
Elizondo and Grusch are the main witnesses so far that are in the public eye. If you want to hear more about actual aliens google a guy named Richard Doty. I know him personally and he has great stories to tell. He told me he has testified before congress twice in the last couple of years in closed sessions, so they already know who all the secret contractors are that are breaking the law by keeping this from congressional oversight.
We are on the verge of WW3. I can only hope saner minds prevail. I need some time to put miles on my new chopper.
Ride forever,
–Bill May
Commander
UFO Studies, Bikernet.com™
LAW TIGERS HELPFUL HINTS–
What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can be life-altering events, often resulting in serious injuries and significant financial burdens. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about four times likelier to be injured and 22 times more likely to die than passenger car occupants, per mile traveled.
But what percentage of riders actually get into accidents, and where do most of these incidents occur? More importantly, what is the average payout for a motorcycle accident, and what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to recent data from the National Safety Council, motorcycles represent a small portion of the total vehicles on American roads, accounting for just 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of the total vehicle miles traveled. The majority of these accidents occur in urban areas, where traffic is heavier and there are more potential hazards, such as intersections, pedestrians, and vehicles changing lanes.
Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, accounting for around 50% of all motorcycle accidents. Other common locations include curves in the road, where riders may misjudge their speed or fail to navigate the turn properly, and rural areas, where factors like wildlife and poor road conditions can contribute to crashes.
So, what percentage of riders get in accidents? According to the NHTSA,an estimated 82,868 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in 2021, or about 873 people for every 100,000 registered motorcycles. In other words, about 0.9% of all bikers were injured in crashes that year.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, the first and most important step is to seek medical attention, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical care can help prevent complications and provide documentation of your injuries for any future legal proceedings.
After ensuring your safety and well-being, it’s crucial to contact a reputable motorcycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible, and without proper legal representation, you may find yourself accepting a lowball offer that doesn’t fully compensate you for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.
Firms like Law Tigers focus on representing motorcycle accident victims and can help you navigate the complex legal process, protecting your rights and advocating aggressively for the money you deserve.
Average Payout for Motorcycle Accidents
There’s no such thing as an average payout for motorcycle accidents. How much your case could be worth depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your property damage, and the level of fault attributed to each party involved. Minor accidents with no injuries and minimal damage may settle for a few thousand dollars, while more serious crashes resulting in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can lead to settlements or jury awards in the millions.
It’s essential to work with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you assess the true value of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. By gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking your case to trial, a skilled lawyer can help you pursue a fair settlement that accounts for all of your current and future losses.
Law Tigers Always Have Your Back
At Law Tigers, we’re riders just like you. This allows us to provide the best legal representation and resources with a biker-friendly perspective. With our team on your side, you can go on adventures anywhere in the country and know that we’ll be there in case something unfortunate does happen.
THE CLIMATE CRISES ENDED–
Clintel international climate conference in Czech Parliament
Climate scientists officially declare ‘climate emergency’ at an end
Prague, 14 November 2024
Climate scientists have issued a shock declaration that the ‘climate emergency’ is over.
A two-day climate conference in Prague, organized by the Czech division of the international Climate Intelligence Group (Clintel), which took place on November 12 and 13 in the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic in Prague, ‘declares and affirms that the imagined and imaginary “climate emergency” is at an end’.
The communiqué drafted by the eminent scientists and researchers who spoke at the conference makes clear that for several decades climate scientists have systematically exaggerated the influence of CO2 on global temperature.
The high-level scientific conference also declared:
‘The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which excludes participants and published papers disagreeing with its narrative, fails to comply with its own error-reporting protocol and draws conclusions some of which are dishonest, should be forthwith dismantled.’
This declaration supports the conclusions of the major Clintel report The Frozen Climate Views of the IPCC.
Moreover, the scientists at the conference declared that even if all nations moved straight to net zero emissions, by the 2050 target date the world would be only about 0.1 C cooler than with no emissions reduction.
So far, the attempts to mitigate climate change by international agreements such as the Paris Agreement have made no difference to our influence on climate, since nations such as Russia and China, India and Pakistan continue greatly to expand their combustion of coal, oil and gas.
The cost of achieving that 0.1 C reduction in global warming would be $2 quadrillion, equivalent to 20 years’ worldwide gross domestic product.
Finally, the conference ‘calls upon the entire scientific community to cease and desist from its persecution of scientists and researchers who disagree with the current official narrative on climate change and instead to encourage once again the long and noble tradition of free, open and uncensored scientific research, investigation, publication and discussion’.
The full communiqué can be read on Clintel website.
The press release was also posted on WUWT.
BANDIT’S EMPORIUM NEWS
SALT TORPEDO BECOMES FINE ART—We are so privileged to have Danial James as our exclusive Bandit’s Emporium fine artist. He is also going to be on the fund-raising committee for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Danial was inspired by our success on the Bonneville Salt Flats this year with the Salt Torpedo 5-Ball Crew built and set a record with at 147.6 mph. Danial created this painting and will release a small geclee canvas print edition in two sizes. They are signed, numbered and documented with certificates.
16 by 20-inch Framed: $795.00
Unframed $545.00
Shipping to be determined. Our shipping team will contact you.
11 by 14-inch Framed $580.00
Unframed $395.00
Shipping to be determined. Our shipping team will contact you.
HAND DESIGNED, LIMITED EDITION, 3D LAZER CUT, WOODEN STURGIS XMAS ORNAMENTS—
Danial James, the master, also created and manufactured these detailed pieces for the season. Terrific for the Biker Christmas Tree, the Worldly Motorcycle Home or as gifts. They inspire the traveling scooter tramp to consider his Sturgis plans in the Winter or remind all of us of good times.
Just $18.95 plus shipping for the small size.
The Larger version goes for $22.95.
Just slip over to the shop to order: https://5-ballgarage.com/
The Real Deal Bedrolls
We’ve just ordered another batch of improved Real Deal Bandit’s Bedroll. There padded, meant to be packed for the long ride and designed to be slept on in the dirt or a motel room floor, when you lost the bid for a bed. They’re also nearly queen size for the couple on the run. Check ’em out in the shop. Great Xmas gifts.
–Bandit
HAPPY THANKSGIVING–
Hope y’all are spending quality time with friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving from our crew to you!
–Prism Gang
INNOVATIONS at INTERMOT 2024
Manufacturers present new models for the first time in Germany
If you want to start the 2025 season on a new bike, INTERMOT from 5 to 8 December 2024 in Cologne is the place to be: BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki and Yamaha, among others, will be showcasing their new products at the most important German motorbike and scooter trade fair, including numerous models that have never been seen here in Germany before. Ducati will even be there with an exclusive world premiere. The INTERMOT innovations at a glance:
– With the new R9, Yamaha is presenting the current generation of super sports bikes – Yamaha racing at the highest level. The redesigned TRACER series, the MT-07 Hyper Naked and the update of the legendary Ténéré 700 will also be on show at INTERMOT.
– Ducati is going all out in Cologne: The range extends from various Multistrada models to new Panigales and the Streetfighter V2/S to various Scrambler models. Highlight: two world premieres under the slogans ‘The Next Level Form’ and ‘Unlock Everyday Adventure’.
– Kawasaki is making a statement with the brand new Z900 in the striking Sugomi design. The new Versys 1100 (SE), the Ninja 1100SX (SE) and the W230/Meguro S1 will also be presented in Cologne.
– BMW is coming to Cologne with the new bikes from the M and S series – including the S 1000 RR superbike, of course. The C 400 X scooter will also be an exciting contribution to the theme of ‘The Urban Mobility’.
– The modern Supermoto DR-Z4SM and the Dual Sport model DR-Z4S will take centre stage at Suzuki. The new GSX-S1000 power naked bike will also be on show.
– With the Bear 650, Royal Enfield is presenting a road scrambler with sixties appeal under the motto #PoweredByIntuition – inspired by the Big Bear Run in the Californian desert and powered by the brand’s celebrated two-cylinder engine.
– Honda will be showing its view of the future in Cologne: two new electric motorbike concepts and a ground-breaking combustion engine innovation will be on display at INTERMOT. Highlight: a new model name for Europe, the GB350S.You can find a detailed list of INTERMOT innovations at https://www.intermot-cologne.com/events/eventcluster-erleben/produkte-und-highlights/
The German bike scene will kick off the 2025 season at INTERMOT from 5 to 8 December 2024. INTERMOT is the only complete showcase for the start of the season in Germany; almost all new bikes can be experienced live in Cologne and some can be test ridden. INTERMOT is organised by Koelnmesse and the Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland e.V. (IVM) as the conceptual sponsor.
Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the mobility segment: Koelnmesse stages INTERMOT, THE TIRE COLOGNE and polisMOBILITY, three major international trade fairs in the mobility segment, hosted at its trade fair grounds in Cologne/Germany. Alongside tires and wheels, THE TIRE COLOGNE focuses on equipment for motor vehicle servicing and tire fitting centres and presents a comprehensive range of products and services for tire retreading and the recycling and disposal of old tires.
INTERMOT is the show for motorised two-wheelers and presents the key innovations in electromobility, accessories, clothing, parts, customizing, touring and workshop equipment. The latest format polisMOBILITY shows how urban mobility can and must be designed in the future. The events serve as central, international business platforms, bringing the industry together with a carefully targeted approach to showcase the latest products, developments and innovations.
Further information: https://www.intermot-cologne.com/trade-fair/intermot-2024/industry-trade-fairs/
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MORRIS MAGNETO—
–Dave and crew
BRAND NEW Bikernet Reader Comment!–Bikernet Reader Comments for August 2024
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Reader_Comments.aspx
Honda has always played an important role in motorsports, viewing it as a springboard for technological advancements. We have also been a strong contender in endurance races, motocross, and trials worldwide. At Honda, we are committed to further enhancing this momentum as we strive for greater achievements.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.hondaracingindia.com/
–Hondaracing
hondaracingindia2@gmail.com
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Ya got me? –Bandit
AMERICAN FLAT TRACK ACTION–
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today that tickets are now available for purchase for the Ventura Short Track, at Ventura Raceway on Saturday, April 26, in Ventura, California, and the Silver Dollar Short Track, which will take place the following weekend, Saturday, May 3, at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California.
Despite their relative newness to the tour, both venues have quickly become fixtures on the Progressive AFT slate. Now entering its third season on the schedule, the Ventura Short Track has drawn sellout crowds to the stunning 1/5-mile dirt track situated just 100 meters from the Pacific Ocean.
Meanwhile, the Silver Dollar Short Track, which celebrated its inaugural Progressive American Flat Track stop just one year ago, showed its high-banked, 1/4-mile clay oval to be an outstanding battleground for the series after previously making its name as one of the West Coast’s premier auto racing venues for more than six decades.
This season’s back-to-back California swing represents the fourth and fifth of five consecutive all-action Short Tracks set to open the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins and AFT Singles presented by KICKER title fights. That sets the stage for two evenings of drama and excitement in a week’s space as the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers struggle to gain the upper hand as the championship races begin to come into focus.
Incredible racing and spectacular viewing won’t be the only attractions for fans, who can also expect a multitude of vendors, big screen viewing, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options at both races.
General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Ventura Short Track are $50 (kids 12 and under free), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are $65 (all ages). Pricing includes all taxes and fees.
General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Silver Dollar Short Track are just $40 (kids 12 and under free) while Pit Grandstand tickets ($50, all ages), Reserved Grandstand tickets ($60, all ages), Trackside Box tickets ($85, all ages) offer premium viewing experiences. Pricing includes all taxes and fees.
Also available for purchase at either round is the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($105), which includes reserved seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photos opps included, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and a portion of the night’s race action.
Fans can take advantage of a Military/First Responder discount to purchase $20 General Admission tickets for both events via the GovX link found on the event ticket pages.
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/ventura-short-track-121465 to purchase your tickets for the Ventura Short Track.
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
ROAD TO ZERO GRANTS–
The Road to Zero Coalition recently announced it will accept grant applications for its traffic safety program. The deadline to apply is January 17th, 2025.
The funds, totaling $750,000, are geared toward finding solutions to lower the number of deaths on our nation’s roadways. While the Road to Zero Coalition and the National Safety Council run the grant program, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the money. That means these are federal dollars offered through the grant program.
Non-profit organizations may apply for the funds, which will be dispersed over one year, beginning in Spring 2025. To aid in understanding the program and the grant process, the Road to Zero Coalition has two scheduled webinars on December 3rd and 6th. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) strongly encourages every state motorcyclist rights organization (SMRO) to learn more about this program.
MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard put it bluntly, “Every SMRO should apply for these funds. Let’s make NHTSA and their partners prove they care about motorcyclist safety by putting their money where their mouth is.” He added, “These are taxpayer dollars. Perhaps we, as taxpaying bikers, will finally get a share of the pie.”
To learn more about the program and start the grant application
click the Road to Zero button below
–MRF
www.mrf.org
THIS JUST IN FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING–
Fuel Tank J&JD Harley-Davidson 1918-1924
Also: Fuel Tanks for J&JD Harley-Davidson 1925-1929
Harley Davidson JD Tanks These are the stock style tanks with the wide body 1925-1929 J & JD model Fuel Tanks
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM BOB AND CHRISTINE LE PERA–
Le Pera – Tailwhip ‘Up Front’ for Softails
Seen here in Double Diamond stitch, Le Pera’s popular Tailwhip ‘Up Front’ features a “whipped-up” tail for improved passenger comfort.
The ‘Up Front’ design moves the driver 2 inches closer to the front of the bike for easier handlebar reach, with the “whipped-up” tail delivering 6-3/4 inches (17.145 cm) of back support.
Features include a durable black BikerTec cover, molded ‘Marathon’ foam and 16-gauge powder-coated seat baseplate with carpeted seat bottom.
Fitments include 2022-2024 Softail Low Rider ST FXLRST; 2022 Softail Low Rider El Diablo FXRST; 2020-2024 Softail Low Rider S FXLRS; 2018-2021 Softail Sport Glide FLSB and 2018-2020 Softail Low Rider FXLR.
DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com
www.lepera.com
GET READY TO RIDE– into Savings
Pre-Black Friday
20% Sale!!
WINDSHIELDS, SAVINGS, THRILLS, ADVENTURES
At WindVest Motorcycle Windshields, we are dedicated to enhancing your riding experience, and we’re excited to announce our upcoming pre-Black Friday sale! From November 23 to November 30, 2024, enjoy a fantastic 20% discount on all in-stock items. This is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your ride with our high-quality windshields, expertly crafted to provide you with unparalleled comfort and performance on the road.
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer to elevate your motorcycle experience. Explore our website tailored to various motorcycle models and take advantage of the savings while they last!
NEWS FROM THE EMPIRE OF THE CHIP–
How do you get something done? Find the busiest person in the room and give them the task!
With that in mind, The Sturgis Buffalo Chip has elevated the role of executive team member Toni Woodruff to Vice President of Communications & Compliance. Woodruff steps into this role following decades of experience helping run the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling.
ROAD TO ZERO IS BAD AND ANTI-FREEDOM–
In recent publications, our Science and Research Associate, Dr. Byron Soepyan, provides the facts on the cost, negative consequences and the utter futility of attempting to modify global temperatures using this strategy. Below, we summarize facts that were gleaned from studies by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL):
1. Reduction in Power Output – Carbon capture is energy intensive and will reduce the amount of electricity available from the plants by 24%.
2. Cost of Capture – Retrofitting an existing coal plant would cost $988 million. Adapting all 148 existing coal-fired power plants would require an outlay of $146 billion (give or take a few million).
3. Minuscule Warming Averted – Based on the Model for the Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Induced Climate Change, if the United States ceased all CO2 emissions in 2010, the amount of warming averted would be only about 0.07 °F by 2050 and 0.19 °F by 2100.
Finally, besides being expensive and futile, keep in mind that all trees and plants need CO2, along with sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to produce oxygen and food, both of which are essential for all living beings.
Given the critical role CO2 plays in driving plant and crop growth, is spending over $100 billion to remove it from the air sensible? We think not. In fact, it is dangerous.
Read more from the CO2 Coalition on this matter:
The Cost of EPA’s Senseless CO2 Capture
The Cost of Wyoming’s Senseless CO2 Capture
Wyoming and Climate Change: CO2 Should Be Celebrated, Not Captured
–CO2 Coalition
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK—
2005 Harley-Davidson FLSTN/FLSTNI Softail Deluxe for Sale
Vivid Black • Used Motorcycles
Gold and black are the only colors you need when riding this Softail all over the golden state of California!
Stock# 14401C
2005 Harley Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe with only 18,541 miles!
This next motorcycle has more beautiful features than a supermodel, and we can literally fill out a book full of the upgrades and custom parts put on it! Lifestyle Cycles is pleased to bring you this 2005 FLSTN Deluxe Cruiser and you better believe that this motorcycle is a step up from any other you will find!
* $10,000.00 Custom Gold Paintjob from Buck Wild!
* Black Flush Mount Gas Gauge and Cap
* 6 Speed Transmission by Baker Drivetrain
* Ride Wright Medium Spoke Custom Wheels
* Roland Sands Air Cleaner
* These Rocker Box Covers were made to look like a Knucklehead!
* John Shoups Lowering Kit and Custom Exhaust
* Front and Rear Air Ride!
* Performance Machine Housings, Breaks, floorboards, etc.
* Cruise Control
* Integrated Tail Lights
* Only 18 Thousand Miles on an ’05!
* 18-Inch Chrome Ape hanger Handlebars with Stainless Steel Braided Cables
* Brand New Battery!
* White Wall Tires
* Chrome Engine Guard
* There are so many upgrades to this bike you will not be disappointed when riding this bike!
This bike is only $24,995.00
Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.
This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!
Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING
Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.
NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.
NEW ON GREASE AND GEARS TV–
We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest video, Donnie Smith 2024 Report! We can’t wait for you to see it. You can watch the video now on our website Grease & Gears TV – please feel free to share it. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Thank you for your continued support!
RV SALES BANNED–Across Six States As California Climate Rules Take Effect
Diesel motorhome sales are set to be halted in several states at the start of next year due to a new climate rule from California being enacted, according to RVtravel.
Motorhome sales are being prevented in California, Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey if the vehicles do not meet certain emission requirements based on regulations from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), according to RVtravel. CARB amended its Advanced Clean Truck regulations on Oct. 24, which require all vehicles over 8,500 pounds to produce zero emissions.
Motorhome owners in the six states will not be allowed to register a recreational vehicle (RV) that is not in compliance with the climate regulation, according to RVtravel.
“The rule works by requiring that manufacturers increase over time the percentage of zero-emission vehicles that they sell in California through model year 2035,” CARB told the DCNF. “Manufacturers that do not meet benchmarks are able to buy credits from those that do. There are enough credits in the program — well ahead of required dates — that give manufacturers the flexibility needed to sell as many internal combustion engines as is needed to meet market demands.”
Read the whole tamale at the Daily Caller
NAMZ Custom Cycle Products—
We receive a number of Wire Plus inquiries. Unfortunately Wire Plus is gone, but NAMZ is filling the gap with products line this. –Bandit
More Late-Model Complete Wiring Harness Kits
Oreland, Pennsylvania based motorcycle electrics specialist NAMZ Custom Cycle Products continues to “make it easy” for its dealers to “do it right,” with this new pair of complete wiring harness choices.
First up is a new wiring harness with starter relay, three circuits, self-canceling turn signal module with run, brake and turn feature for rear signals (turn only for front signals) with separate run light wires for white/amber LEDs.
Complete replacement handlebar switch & Throttle–by-Wire harness kit
Also available is a complete replacement handlebar switch and Throttle-by-Wire harness kit for 2020-up Pan America, 2023 CVO Street and Road Glide and all 2024 Street and Road Glide models. This 100% plug-n-play kit is 18″ longer than stock for a 50″ total length.
The new kits are in addition to the Pro handlebar and gauge wiring kits and OEM or aftermarket Tour Pack harnesses for a range of applications and fitments (including the 2016- 2022 Road/Street, Street Glide and 2023 non-CVO Road/Street Glide options) seen in AMD three months ago.
Complete bike harness with starter relay
Never one to stand still, Jeff Zielinski (the “ideas guy”) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his NCCP business this year and did so with the launch of a new, fourth branded product program – NOS (NAMZ Original Stuff) to add to the NAMZ, Badlands and Letric Lighting brands he has already developed.
–NAMZ CUSTOM CYCLE PRODUCTS
www.namzccp.com
HELLS ANGELS CASE COMING APART AT THE SEAMS–
Witnesses in Hells Angels case say BCA threatened them with charges
Three witnesses testified on Friday they were threatened with criminal charges if they did not cooperate with orders of state agents investigating the Iron Range chapter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club.
The witnesses took the stand at a hearing called in response to allegations that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension eavesdropped on private communications between jailed defendants and their lawyers.
“They kept trying to get me to tell them someone was raped,” said Jonathan Cooper, who was interrogated when his girlfriend’s home was raided by law enforcement. “And no one was raped.”
Four members of the club face serious charges after an incident nearly a year ago in which authorities say a woman was sexually assaulted and a man was taken against his will to the group’s Eveleth clubhouse and beaten.
Defense attorneys are now seeking dismissal of the charges, alleging violations of their rights to counsel and due process, witness tampering and “outrageous government conduct.” The hearing was held in the cases of two defendants, Paul Anthony Debelak and Eric Anthony Newman.
Two BCA agents denied that they threatened the witnesses, and prosecutors have said the record is “devoid of any evidence of government interference with witnesses.”
–Local Briefing
REAGAN STARRING DENNIS QUAID
TOPS AMAZON’S BEST SELLERS IN MOVIES & TV AND BLU-RAY CHARTS–
REAGAN starring Dennis Quaid topped Amazon’s Best Sellers in Movies & TV and Best Sellers in Blu-ray charts over the weekend, leapfrogging past Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Despicable Me 4 and The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy set. REAGAN is available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Lionsgate.
Moviegoers gave the film an “A” CinemaScore and a 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes in sharp contrast to the critics score of 18 percent, giving it the greatest gap between critics and fans in the history of Hollywood theatrical films. REAGAN also faced obstacles with censorship from Meta, Facebook’s parent company, which later admitted to the error. Despite these challenges, REAGAN reached $30 million in box office receipts, surpassing presidential biopics LBJ, Nixon and Oliver Stone’s W.
As the 40th U.S. President, Quaid delivers a tour-de-force performance in this cinematic journey that encapsulates the spirit of the American dream. From his small-town roots to the glitter of Hollywood where he meets actress Jane Wyman (Mena Suvari) and Warner Brothers’ studio president Jack Warner (Kevin Dillon), Reagan’s incredible story culminates in obtaining the presidency with the support of his loving wife Nancy (Penelope Ann Miller). Told through the voice of a former KGB agent (Jon Voight), REAGAN offers a perspective as unique as it is captivating.
Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/njLPMG8qZ5M
Official Website: www.Reagan.Movie
EVEN DURING THE HOLIDAYS–
I’m scrambling. There are issues with the city of Sturgis with the budget. I’m trying to get a handle on what went wrong financially and how we can fix it moving forward. There’s tremendous potential with the 85th coming up.
January 6th the city is voting on a proposal to take a chunk of the 1/2-mile banked track and give it to a school. This is the most historic race track in Sturgis from the very beginning of the rally. I would think we should refurbish it and make it vibrant once again, especially with more racing coming to Sturgis. I’m going to build a case for keeping it alive. First I’ll meet with members of the JackPine Gypsies.
Next, I’ve taken over fund-raising for the museum. It will include cooperate sponsors, raffles, friends of the museum, grants or the Legacy of Riders Society. We will work on everything from major sponsors and donors to collection jars in local businesses. I’m building the committee and basic description of each effort and then we’ll start having meetings about proceeding.
I’m going to also head the Expansion committee, where we will outline the various opportunities available to us and how to proceed and how we can fund them. No rush, just checking our options for the future.
I was featured in a local newspaper about Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium and my real estate neighbor called about a TV series where she will feature some of her customers and the Emporium is on the top of the list.
Here’s a shot of the Redhead and I back in the day. Look at those fucking glasses, nuts. Hang on. This will be a wild year coming up and it better be good. We’ve got shit to do, stuff to fix.
We are trying to work out shipping the Easyriders streamliner to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. I’ve been in touch with Dave Campos who was the pilot. He’s helping out.
So, you can see we’ve got shit to do. So keep the faith, stay free and active. Happy Thanksgiving!
–Bandit
FROM PRESS RELEASE: KTM Crises
By Wayfarer |
and the fortunes of PIERER Mobility AG
PIERER Mobility AG: Far-reaching restructuring and additional liquidity requirement at KTM AG
12-Nov-2024 / 20:42 CET/CEST
Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News – a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to article 17 Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (MAR)
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to article 53 LR
In the course of liquidity planning for the 2025 financial year, PIERER Mobility AG has to cover additional liquidity requirements at the level of KTM AG. As of June 30, 2024, the KTM AG Group was responsible for more than 95% of PIERER Mobility AG’s revenue.
Ongoing discussions with core shareholder Pierer Bajaj AG and major financial creditors of KTM AG on financial restructuring. The Executive Board is currently working on securing the financing of KTM AG, in particular on a bridge financing in the three-digit million range. To this end, discussions are ongoing both with the core shareholder Pierer Bajaj AG and with existing financial creditors. The aim is to agree a standstill agreement with the financial creditors involved for the duration of these discussions as basis for the financial restructuring. The negotiations and discussions are currently at an early stage. It is therefore not yet possible to make any concrete statements about the outcome of the negotiations, the conditions and the size of an additional financing.
PIERER Mobility AG: KTM AG takes a pit stop for the future and prepares application for a judicial restructuring proceeding with self-administration
26.11.2024 / 14:02 CET/CEST
As reported, KTM AG is in the process of implementing restructuring measures due to high financing needs. The management of KTM AG assumes that it will not be possible to secure the necessary interim financing in a timely manner.
The Executive Board of KTM AG therefore decided to file the application for the initiation of judicial restructuring proceedings with self-administration over the assets of KTM AG and its subsidiaries KTM Components GmbH and KTM F&E GmbH on November 29, 2024.
The proceedings give the opportunity to continue to manage the assets under supervision and to reorganize the KTM Group independently. All other subsidiaries of KTM AG, in particular all sales companies, are not affected.
The aim of the proceedings is to agree a reorganization plan with the creditors within 90 days. A redimensioning is intended to sustainably secure the existence of the KTM Group and to create the basis for emerging strengthened from the process.
Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG: “Over the past three decades, we have grown to become Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. We inspire millions of motorcycle riders around the world with our products. Now we are taking a pit stop for the future. The KTM brand is my life’s work, and I will fight for it.”
For the success of the restructuring proceedings, a restructuring plan must be agreed upon with the creditors. Stefan Pierer: “The core shareholders stand by KTM and PIERER Mobility and its stock market listing. The goal is clear: KTM should emerge stronger from this difficult time.”
With reference from https://www.pierermobility.com/
and https://www.pierermobility.com/en/newsroom/eqsfeed/2891375
–Wayfarer
Associate Editor, Bikernet.com™
wayfarer@Bikernet.com