.jpg)
Hey,
Everyday is a mystery unfolding on small frontsand large fronts. It’s no wonder us merehumans have a tough time sorting the reality from thefalsehoods.
There is no real filter, no concrete source ofinformation, although seemingly the info is more at hand now than everbefore.
A reader wrote recently about politics andBikernet. He wanted to separate the two. I’m working on it daily.I’m fortunate to have lots of intelligent friends to help me stayfocused on the Code of the West, whiskey, redheads and building coolshit.
Believe me, I’d rather ride, write andweld than to think about Global misbehaving and any new laws flying at us fromthe control-freak barracks in Washington. Let’s party.
CycleSource Magazine, Born toRide.com, LasVegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, Choppertown, Motorcycle RidersFoundation, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Strider Bikes, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of children’sno-pedal balance bikes, has stepped up to support the Sturgis MotorcycleMuseum. Based in nearby Rapid City, Strider will be the presenting sponsor forthe annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies held in conjunction with theSturgis Rally in August, as well as working with the Museum on local charityevents and fundraising efforts throughout the year.
“It is the museum’s goal to not only honor the history of motorcycling,but to continue to build a lasting legacy,” says Executive Director MyrickRobbins. “Ryan McFarland and the team at Strider make a perfect partner tobuild the future with. Starting with toddlers still in diapers, Strider opensup a lifetime of two-wheeled adventures to future generations of motorcyclehistory makers… one stride at a time.”
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum documents history, but with an emphasis on thepeople who have shaped and changed the motorcycle lifestyle… shaping theindustry and getting people on two wheels is in line with Strider’s goals aswell. “We love inspiring kids to ride,” adds the visionary balancebike maker, McFarland. “Strider’s mission is to simplify a bike to itsessence, eliminate any fear of riding and instill confidence in therider.” Boil it down to the essentials, and isn’t riding fearlessly andconfidently into the future the lifetime goal of any biker?
“Strider is changing the paradigm of how kids learn to ride and settingthe new standard for how young children explore the world on two wheels andultimately make their own history,” says McFarland. “To that end, werecently formed a non-profit, the Strider Education Foundation, whose missionis to inspire new riders of all abilities to a life of two-wheeled adventuresfor years to come. Someday, these kids may be future inductees into the SturgisMuseum’s Hall of Fame.”
The 77th Sturgis Rally is set for August 4-13, 2017 and the Sturgis MotorcycleMuseum Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Strider will be held August9th at the Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota. Breakfast tickets areavailable for a $40 donation, tables of eight for $400. Tickets are availableby calling the Museum at 605.347.2001 or they can be purchased online http://www.sturgismuseum.com/shop/hall-fame-breakfast
American Flat Track’s DAYTONA TT to be held inside Daytona InternationalSpeedway on March 16, 2017– DAYTONA BEACH, FL – An exciting change ishappening to one of Daytona International Speedway’s (DIS) most popular BikeWeek events.
Daytona International Speedway is proud to announce that American Flat Trackwill debut its 2017 season inside the “World Center of Racing” on aone-of-a-kind .6-mile TT course. The DAYTONA TT, scheduled on the evening ofThursday, March 16, will feature powerful, twin-cylinder motorcycles in the AFTTwins class, while spirited single-cylinder machines will battle it out in AFTSingles. With a racing schedule that includes the DAYTONA Supercross By Honda,Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross, the all-new DAYTONA TT and the famedDAYTONA 200, DIS will play host to the ultimate festival of motorcycle racingin 2017.
American Flat Track has been re-envisioned and the DAYTONA TT marks the dawningof a new era for America’s most historic form of motorcycle racing. Thechampionship features the broadest spectrum of brands competing in any form ofmotorcycle sport, and will serve as a battleground for the great American warbetween Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles in 2017. The big factories willbe competing head-to-head on the race track for the first time since the 1950s,and the battle of the brands will begin at Daytona.
“Daytona is the spiritual home of motorcycle racing and we are delighted to bebringing the intensity of Flat Track racing and the spectacle of a TT tocomplete the show,” said Michael Lock, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “2017 marks thestart of a new golden era for our sport and we are excited for our legions offans.”
Many flat track races are held on dirt ovals, but the TT moniker indicatesturns in both directions and a jump have been incorporated into track designfor the DAYTONA TT. To showcase the high speed and intensity of the sport, thetrack design will feature a fast, sweeping left hand turn alongside thefrontstretch of the famed circuit. The track’s unique characteristics areperfectly suited for the fast and furious nature of America’s longest runningmotorcycle racing championship.
“Staging the DAYTONA TT inside the motorsports stadium will expose a new groupof guests to the many amenities available following the recently completed $400million frontstretch renovation project,” DIS Track President Chip Wile said.“It’s also going to be a great opportunity for racers in American Flat Track tocompete inside the Speedway battling for a coveted Daytona trophy as part ofBike Week.”
Tickets to the DAYTONA TT can be purchased at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling1-800-PITSHOP. Reserved seating in the newly-renovated grandstands will startat $35 and general admission tickets will be available for $25. Kids 12 and underare free in general admission areas and just $10 in reserved seats.
Additional information about American Flat Track can be found at http://www.amaproracing.com/flat-track.
–Jesse Williams
EXCELSIOR-HENDERSON IS BACK, Maybe?– Excelsior-Henderson MotorcyclesAnnounces Engagement of Aaron, Bell International
(Motor Sports Newswire) – Aaron, BellInternational is retained as the exclusive agent for Excelsior-HendersonMotorcycles to seek a strategic relationship for the reintroduction of thebrand to the marketplace.
“We look forward to working withExcelsior-Henderson during this exciting time in America, with the resurgenceof manufacturing pride and interest in motorsports,” states RalphBellizzi, founder and president of Aaron, Bell International.
The convergence of several market factors hascreated a unique opportunity to reignite the heritage-rich Excelsior-Hendersonbrand. Recent motorsports industry reconfiguration, with Polaris Industriesending production of Victory Motorcycles to focus on its historic IndianMotorcycles, and Arctic Cat’s sale to Textron, combined with the strengthof American motorcycle manufacturing and sales worldwide, make the market ripefor the reemergence of the venerable “E-H” marque.
Excelsior-Henderson’s deep, richheritage is what elevates this opportunity well beyond the ordinary. As one ofthe original “Big 3” OEM motorcycle manufacturers alongwith Harley-Davidson and Indian during the early decades of motorcycling,Excelsior-Henderson’s heritage includes owners Henry Ford and CharlesLindbergh, and a long list of ‘firsts,’ being the firstmotorcycle to circumnavigate the world and officially‘clocked’ at over 100 mph, to engineering and designinnovations until ceasing production by owner Ignatz Schwinn of Chicago duringthe Great Depression.
In the 1990s, that engineering and design legacywas painstakingly carried forward with the rebirth of the brand and thedevelopment of a proprietary, new Super X motorcycle by the Excelsior-HendersonMotorcycle Manufacturing Company. The company produced nearly 2000 motorcyclesfeaturing dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, closed-loop fuelinjection, integrated cassette transmissions, anti-dive suspensions, and more.Owners of the motorcycles today are just as fervent about the brand as the daythey rode them off dealers’ lots.
Despite discontinuing production in late 1999,the business opportunity remains relatively turn-key due to its intellectualproperty and intensely-loyal, active customer base.
Bellizzi said it’s impossible tooverstate the unique opportunity this presents. “An offering likethis is extremely rare. An entrepreneur or investor can essentially pick upwhere the previous company left off, bypass the most difficult barriers toentry, and build upon the established success of this heritage-rich brand in ahighly lucrative industry. It’s literally a once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity.”
by Motor Sports Newswire
Source: Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKELIBRARY– A woman goes into Cabela’s to buy arod and reel for her grandson’s birthday. She doesn’t know whichone to get, so she just grabs one and goes over to the counter.
The clerk was standing behind the counterwearing dark glasses. She says to him, “Excuse me, sir. Can you tellme anything about this rod and reel?”
He says, “Ma’am,I’m completely blind; but if you’ll drop it on the counter,I can tell you everything from the sound it makes.”
She doesn’t believe him but drops iton the counter anyway. He says, “That’s a 6-footShakespeare graphite rod with a Zebco 404 reel and 10-pound test line.It’s a good all-around combination, and it’s on sale thisweek for only $20.”
She says, “It’s amazing thatyou can tell all that just by the sound of it dropping on the counter.I’ll take it!”
As she opens her purse, her credit card drops onthe floor. “Oh, that sounds like a MasterCard,” hesays.
She bends down to pick it up and accidentallyfarts. At first she is really embarrassed, but then realizes there is no waythe blind clerk could tell it was her who tooted. Being blind, hewouldn’t know that she was the only person around?
The man rings up the sale and says,“That’ll be $34.50 please.”
The woman is totally confused by this and asks,“Didn’t you tell me the rod and reel were on sale for $20?How did you get $34.50?”
He replies, “Yes, ma’am. Therod and reel is $20, but the Duck Call is $11, and the Catfish Bait is$3.50.”
She paid it and left without saying aword.
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
BAD COP FILES– Deputyresigns after investigation
VERO BEACH – Officials say a central Floridadeputy has resigned and two others were disciplined following an excessiveforce investigation.
Treasure Coast Newspapers reports this week thatRoger Jones resigned last month after investigators with the Indian RiverCounty Sheriff’s Office determined that the complaint could have ledto him being fired. Jones’ supervisor was suspended for eight hours,and the watch commander during the Dec. 3 incident was suspended for four hoursbecause reports in the case were not completed.
Officials say Jones and another deputy respondedto a domestic violence call, and Jones punched the suspect three times in theface when the man resisted being handcuffed. Investigators determined that theresistance was not violent and didn’t require Jones to punchhim.
— Orlando Sentinel, AssociatedPress
Suspended for fourhours?–Bandit
THE CLIMATE ISSUESUMMARIZED–
I have been faced with this issue for almost adecade. I’ll try to be brief. I find this issue to be dividing thecountry and why? Do we really need to make everyone who drives a car feelbad?
Have you watched “ClimateHustle?” What if this turns into another McCarthy Era scam? What ifwe find that man-made climate change is minuscule compared to all the otherissues impacting the climate for millions of years. What if this was justanother fear mongering ploy to control most aspects of society? Have youwatched “Cowspiracy?” What if cows are way worse than allthe transportation issues combined?
What if Al Gore doctored all these issuesbecause he wasn’t elected and his ego got the best of him? What if itwas just a money making, control-freak scheme to scare the public into submission.
Did you know about the Climate Cooling threat inthe ‘70s? We are supposed to be a free country, not the mostregulated country on the planet. Obviously, I could go on and on. I’mnot opposed to being careful and growing more trees. That’s cool, butI want to be friends with my neighbor who loves his hot rod, not at war withhim or her.
–K.R. Ball
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THEWEEK–
2010 Harley-Davidson Softail FatBoy
Our Price
$10,995
Exterior: Red
VIN: 1HD1BX512AB012535
Mileage: 34,105miles
THE CANTINA SERIES BOOKQUESTION– I was wondering if you will ever be putting”The Cantina” Story into a book?
I am a Cantina member and that’s themain reason I have been wanting to rejoin because the story was AMAZING!!Still, remember GhostRider who received the Sporty from the father of thegentlemen he helped avenge for his son.
Just curious if its possible to own the completestory (or what’s up to date) one day in hard copy. Thank You for yourtime.
— J.Rodriguez
That’s a consideration sinceI’m up to chapter 74 and there’s no end insight.—K. Randall Ball
SUPER-RARE PEASHOOTERTO— To be in Peterson Museum exhibit, Harleyvs. Indian.
As is turns out we hooked up our officialBikernet curator with the Petersen’s effort to display Harley vs.Indian historic bikes at the Petersen Museum and Don Whalen is delivering fourof the best bikes to be displayed as this historic event.
We may bring you a highly secretive report onthese rare-as-hens teeth racers, including: this hillclimbing Peashooter, the’27 Indian / Ace ser. #-001, the ’25 Indian Altoona hill climber, andthe last secret steel.
–Markus Cuff
Officially Certified Bikernet FeaturePhotographer
Also shooting for American Iron
Cycle Source
The HORSE
Tattoo Magazine
LATEST FROM TWIN POWER AND BIKER’SCHOICE– Crankshaft Position Sensor Now AvailableExclusively from Twin Power
Never get stuck on the side of the road againwith the new Crankshaft Position Sensor, exclusively from Twin Power. Thesensor is an exact O.E.M. fit and offers the same function, a great addition tothe ever-growing Twin Power product line.
“The Crankshaft Position Sensor is oneof the most important parts of your motorcycle,” says JamesSimonelli, Brand Manager for Twin Power. “When it goes bad, your bikeisn’t going anywhere. This new product will keep you on the road andsolve a known problem without draining your wallet.”
This product has been endurance tested to 60,000miles to ensure sensor longevity as well as 100% U.S. tested to O.E.M.specifications. It features an O.E.M.-style connector that provides an exactfit. It has a unique coverage for Harley-Davidson applications.
The new sensors P/N 484897 and P/N 484898replace H-D #s 32707-01C and 32798-00B respectively. They are availableexclusively from Twin Power and retail for $52.95. They can be ordered throughyour local Tucker Rocky | Biker’s Choice dealer.
— by Beth Rauch
WORD FROM HER MOUNTAIN— “Ido whatever I need to do to keep my inner world peaceful. My inner peace isessential for my health and well-being. ”
—LOUISE HAY
BIKERNET SPONSORS TATTOOWILLY– This is Willie from tropical tattoo inc. Homeof CHOPPER TIME BIKE SHOW. Feel free to give me a call regarding sponsorship386-672-1888 or cell 386-290-0557.
And don’t miss the show.
–WILLIE
Vintage Style PAUGHCO Boards for Early and LateBig Twins– No matter if you’re looking forstock style replacement boards for your vintage mount or a touch of Old Schoolfor a late model Big Twin Paugho has you covered.
These beautiful steel boards and non-skid rubberand chrome inserts are accurate reproductions of those found on 1936-1964Harleys. There are a number of different model numbers for each application soyou’ll want to check their web site or call beforeordering.
Paughco Floorboards are available in black andchrome and with or without riveted inserts. If you choose a bare model, rubber insertsare sold separately for $97.95 including rivets and the chrome covers go for42.95.
Boards complete with installed inserts retailfor $198.95 and bare models go for $135.95 including mountinghardware.
For more detailed information or to order callPaughco direct at 775-246-5738 or view their complete catalog on lineat www.paughco.com
[page break]
RIDING FREE FROMDC– Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside theBeltway
Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team inWashington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest informationand updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American streetmotorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of mattersthat are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associatedlifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.
NEWS FROM THE HILL– MAC, Secret Science & MoreInfrastructure Talk
LAWMAKERS RESPOND TO MOTORCYCLISTS’CONCERNS: This week, official congressional letters ofinquiry were sent to the newly confirmed Secretary of Transportation ElaineChao asking her to ensure that a balanced makeup of the newly reestablishedMotorcyclist Advisory Council be guaranteed.
The Motorcyclist Advisory Council or‘MAC’ was created to coordinate with and counsel theAdministrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on infrastructureissues that affect motorcyclists.
So, it came as shock when the FHWA announced inJanuary they would only dedicate one seat out of a possible ten for amotorcyclist on the Council.
After an influx of communication from themotorcycle community, Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) leda bipartisan letter in the Senate while Representatives’ Tim Walberg(R-MI), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Mike Burgess (R-TX) Donald Norcross (D-NJ) led theHouse version. The letter asked that the Secretary of Transportation delay MACactivity until a fair and balanced composition of MAC members could be reached.In total, almost 40 elected officials lent their name to the cause either by signingonto the letters, or contacting the FHWA directly. For a copy of the letters,please contact Megan Ekstrom.
EPA SCIENCE GOES UNDERMICROSCOPE: Members of the House Science Committeegathered this week for a deep-dive discussion on the EPA and concerns over thelatest data and scientific studies coming from the Agency.
Expect discussion and testimony ensued aroundtwo pieces of legislation: the Secret Science Reform Act, which would requireEPA to rely on publicly available data when crafting regulations, and the EPAScience Advisory Board Reform Act, which would overhaul how members are pickedfor the agency’s independent science advisory board to allow moreindustry-associated scientists to come aboard.
“With the transition to a newadministration, there is now an opportunity to right the ship at the EPA andsteer the agency in the right direction,” the Chairman of the CommitteeLamar Smith (R-TX) said in his opening remarks. “The EPA should be openand accountable to the American people and use legitimatescience.
Though ignored by the previous administration,the EPA does have internal processes to ensure this accountability. Theinternal review process at the EPA should be restored and strengthened.”This type of commentary and public attention will serve useful as themotorcycle community continues to raise questions about the integrity of someof the data coming from the Agency regarding the Clean Air Act, ethanol andother areas of interest.
SENATE COMMITTEE EXAMINES INFRASTRUCTUREPOLICY: For the second time in as many weeks, a keycongressional committee held a hearing to consider funding options forimproving the nation’s infrastructure. Throughout the hearing, senatorsemphasized the need to find direct funding opportunities such as raising themotor fuel excise tax and imposing toll roads to pay for infrastructureimprovements—a top priority for the Trump Administration.
Last week, the House Transportation andInfrastructure Committee held a hearing that also examined infrastructurefunding options. Taken together, the House and Senate hearings represent whatis expected to be year-long effort examining the nation’s infrastructure needsand methods to fund them.
Your MRF was present at both hearings andthrough their representation on the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates, signedon to a letter to congressional staff stating our serious reservations aboutthe potential for imposing toll roads as a way to fund infrastructuredevelopments. Though similar hearings will take place over the coming weeks andmonths, Congress is unlikely to consider infrastructure policy in earnest for severalmonths, as Republican leaders have prioritized healthcare reform andcomprehensive tax reform over infrastructure policy.
EXECUTIVE & REGULATORY UPDATES– Drowsy Driving Prevention Campaign& Cautious Optimism Over Scott Pruitt for Head of EPA
DROWSY DRIVING: Thisweek the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched aneffort to crack down on drowsy driving, an issue that accounts for asignificant percentage of U.S. traffic deaths.
The first step in this endeavor; the 2017 DrowsyDriving Prevention Campaign. Orchestrated by NHTSA, the campaign includes tonsof data, infographics, talking points, images, web videos and other items allavailable for public use.
The hope is, that by spreading the word aboutthe dangers of driving drowsy, many will take note, and the estimated 1.2million collisions attributed to drowsy driving will be reduced. If you or yourMRO would like to use any of the NHTSA material in your own efforts to addressdrowsy driving in your state, the materials can be accessed here:
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drowsy-driving/drive-awake
A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN? Lastweek, I reported that Republicans in the Senate Environment and Public WorksCommittee suspended committee rules in order to advance Scott Pruitt’snomination as head of the Environmental Protection Agency amid a Democratboycott. The committee’s approval now pushes Pruitt’s nomination tothe full Senate floor for a vote. This is likely to occur sometime the week ofFebruary 12.
However, it won’t be withoutcontroversy. Many, many groups, include almost 500 current employees of the EPAhave come out in opposition to Pruitt, citing the “disturbinglengths” Pruitt went to in order to help business in Oklahoma (wherehe served as Attorney General) rather than the environment.
The former employees drew particular attentionto Pruitt’s denial of climate change as well. Still, others arehopeful that Pruitt will keep his pledge to firmly support the United StatesConstitution and respect the role, responsibility and proper authority of theEPA.
Many from the motorcycle community supportedthis notion, contacting their Senators this week to encourage a vote of‘aye’ when Mr. Pruitt’s nomination hits theSenate floor.
As many already can attest, your MRF has alwaysbeen fierce critics of the EPA and have never hesitated in raising ouropposition to the Agency which has historically overstepped its authority andjurisdiction. However, given Pruitt’s positive history in workingwith the motorcycle community in Oklahoma and his dedication to ensuring thatthe EPA doesn’t overstep its jurisdiction, there is cautious optimismthat under Pruitt’s leadership, the interests and concerns of themotorcycle community could be heard.
SMRO SNAPSHOT ?!?!?
Despite my plea last week, no MRO has comeforward to be the spotlight for this week’s bulletin! DISAPPOINTING!Do you want your State or Regional SMRO featured?Contact Megan@MRF.org tobe highlighted in the next Biker Bulletin. By showcasing what your organizationis working on, we can help to connect the motorcycle community across thecountry and find commonalities and opportunities to work together.
MRF NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
One quick, but VERY important announcement forthis week’s bulletin, and it will be a reoccurring theme for the nextseveral weeks…
The time has come to sign up for BIKERS INSIDETHE BELTWAY!!!!!!!
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 is the 9th Annual Michael‘Boz’ Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway event in Washington,D.C.! This is an amazing, once-a-year opportunity to have a lasting impact onWashington’s policymakers. And believe me when I say—thisevent makes a difference!
Last year the MRF network visited delegationsfrom 25 states and held over 300 meetings to discuss our agenda, 100 of whichwere sit-down discussions that resulted in 79% of those legislators eithersupporting or co-sponsoring legislation we care about. With a new Congress inplace and a myriad of issues facing the motorcycle community like autonomousvehicles, motorcycle profiling, the MAC, ethanol (just to name a few!), we needyour voice in D.C.
You can register at the link below or alwaysreach out to Tiffany or myself for information on hotel rooms, schedule, etc.We are asking 2 things this year so listen up:
Please sign up as soon as possible! Registrationfor this event will close on May 1st after which space will not be guaranteed.This is to ensure we have enough materials and space for everyone coming. Weexpect this year to be our biggest BITB yet!
This year we will also be asking for State Leadsto help coordinate meetings and serve as the main point of contact for the MRFstaff. If you are interested in attending BITB and serving as a lead, pleaselet us know.
SIGN UP LINK:
http://mrf.org/events/
As always, if you have any questions orcomments, never hesitate to reach out.
RIDE FREE-
–Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs &Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
DOLLY PARTON ISBACK– NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 13, 2017) –50 years ago today, Dolly Parton released her first full-length album, Hello,I’m Dolly. The album, which debuted on Monument Records, contained Parton’shits “Dumb Blonde” (written by Curly Putman) and “SomethingFishy” (written by Parton). Both singles reached the top twenty on thecountry singles charts, and the album itself reached #11 on the country albumschart.
Produced by Fred Foster, Hello, I’mDolly caught the attention of Porter Wagoner, who ultimately invited Parton tobecome a member of his band and appear on his popular weekly television show.These appearances led to Parton’s rise to superstardom and she becamea bonafide household name.
“I can’t believe it’s been 50 yearssince I did my first album,” Parton recalls. “What awonderful 50 years it has been. Thanks to my Uncle Bill Owens and Fred Fosterfor believing in me early on. And thanks to all the fans out there…I hope tohave at least another 50 years!”
The album contained Parton’s versions of threesongs she wrote that had already been hits for other artists: “Put it OffUntil Tomorrow” (Bill Phillips), “Fuel to the Flame” (SkeeterDavis), and “I’m In No Condition” which charted by Hank WilliamsJr.
To learn more about this American icon,visit www.DollyParton.com.
WORDS FROM THEMOUNTAIN– The Law of Mind is Always at Work
What the Mind can Conceive and Believe It willAchieve. It is great to Know that the one thing I can control in My Life is MyMind. I always have the choice of how I can react to outerappearances.
Knowing that I am always above any challenge orobstacle, confident that I always have the solution.
I focus my Mind on Love, Joy, Health, Abundance,Peace, Solutions and so that is what I attract in My Life.
I am not bound by outer appearances or pastexperiences. I renew My thoughts and beliefs each morning, with thanks, Knowingthat I have the choice.
I have limitless imagination for Greatness in MyLife! This is Good and Very Good!
–Yale
NEW MECHANICAL TV SERIES BYFULLER– This Saturday, be one of the first to see thenew Caffeine & Octane TV Series during a special private viewing atFuller Moto. The show airs for the first time February 19th at 9am onDiscovery’s Velocity channel.
Jewelry maker, Steve West of Silver Piston willbe celebrating his 3-year anniversary as well as his new location right insideFuller Moto.
QUICK, KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDEOPEN– Men have two motivations: hunger andhanky-panky, and they can’t tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes,make him a sandwich.
Women are Angels…And when someone breaks ourwings…We simply
continue to fly…on a broomstick…We areflexible like that…
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
HONDA ENTHUSIASTS HAVE A NEWHOME– Martin Moto.
We are proud and excited to announce theaddition of HONDA motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and UTVs to our alreadysignificant line-up of excellent products!
We warmly welcome current (and future) Hondaenthusiasts to our family. The awesome performance and exceptional quality ofHONDA products will fit right in with our team’s enthusiasm andphilosophies.
Our showroom is filling with new Hondas of allshapes and sizes including the amazing Pioneer UTVs. There are even someleft-overs with pretty terrific pricing!
Join us for the Kickstart Party powered by HONDAat The Modern Classics on March 3rd! In any event, stop in to see our newremodeled showroom and Honda display.
ALLAN GORMAN FINE ARTEXHIBITS–
In 2018 through 2020, some of my motorcyclepaintings
will be traveling the US in an upcoming multi-museumtour
A NICE DAY FOR ARIDE– Allan Gorman Oil on Canvas 40 x 40inches
LUSTER
Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary
Automobile and Motorcycle Painting
Produced by David J. Wagner LLC, this uniqueexhibition features amazing
works from 15 of the world’s finest realismartists and will travel to a
select group of museums starting in the the Fallof 2018 and lasting through early 2020.
LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST Sponsors 4th Annual Scoot andShoot Poker Run–
LAS VEGAS, NV: Las Vegas BikeFest will be asponsor of the 4th Annual Scoot and Shoot Poker Run with proceeds to benefit”Friends of Metro Honor Guard”.
The poker run will take place on Saturday, March11 beginning at Red Rock Harley-Davidson and will end with a big party at TheOrlean’s Hotel & Casino.
“The annual Scoot and Shoot Poker Run isthe main source of fundraising for the Honor Guard. Our hope is to raise enoughat the event to fund us for the year.
The Scoot and Shoot is not your typical run.Riders will travel to four different gun ranges and show off their skills. Eachrange will have a different weapon from the others.
One of the ranges uses a bow and arrow. And forthe first time this year, participants will be able to fire a fully automaticrifle for an extra fee”, states Captain Richard Fletcher of the Las VegasMetropolitan Police Department.
The Honor Guard exists to serve those who haveserved. We render honors to those who fall in the line of duty and to those welose who have served honorably. The audio and visual recordings provide apositive historical reference for the families and especially the youngchildren of the fallen officer.
In addition to providing a coping mechanism forthe families, co-workers also benefit from these events by being provided anopportunity to pay their final respects. The rendering of honors to a fallencomrade also illustrates the price that we, in law enforcement, are willing topay to protect the citizens of this community. All members of the Honor Guardwork full time for the department and volunteer their time to the HonorGuard.
Since 2005, the LVMPD Honor Guard hasparticipated in over 700 events. The detail is self-funded and does not use taxpayer money to travel to other funerals or ceremonies. The Honor Guard travelsto Carson City every year for the State Law Enforcement ceremony and then toWashington D. C. for the national ceremony.
This is going to be a very exciting event andfor such a good cause. Las Vegas BikeFest is happy to be working with the LasVegas Metro Honor Guard and all of those officers who dedicate their time tohonor those that have fallen.
We work closely with the Las Vegas MetropolitanPolice Department for our rally and we are extremely honored to be able to showour support to them and the community”, states Marketing Manager, CandiceCooley.
To find out more or for pre-registration, go toLasVegasMetroHonorGuard.com
Las Vegas BikeFest 2017 will be held October 5 -8, 2017 in the heart of downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street East. This yearattendees will enjoy music all day and night throughout therally.
More information can be foundat www.LasVegasBikeFest.com,or by calling 1-866-BIKEFEST.
SONS OF SPEEDNEWS– Twenty Daring Motorcyclists to Put Everything onthe Line at Sons Of Speed Inaugural Race
SOS Debut Race Set For Daytona Bike Week2017—Tickets Now on Sale, Selling Fast!
Tickets are on sale for the Sons of Speedinaugural race, set for March of this year during world-famous Daytona BikeWeek. The SOS debut race features twenty daredevil motorcycle racers and willrun Saturday, March 18, 2017, at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Florida.The Grand Prize is a brand new shovelhead motor donated by S&SCycle.
“There has been so much enthusiasmfrom fans and potential participants since we first announced theconcept,” said Billy Lane, renowned bike builder and founder of Sonsof Speed. “Now the date’s set, tickets are selling fast, wehave a full slate of riders and we can’t wait for March.”
Inspired by early twentieth-century board-trackracers, the Sons of Speed race hearkens back to a stripped down, wide-openapproach to motorcycle riding. Held at New Smyrna Speedway’shalf-mile, banked racetrack, the inaugural race will feature twenty riders inseveral different heats, and winners of the heats will advance to achampionship round.
Each racer will sit astride identical hand-builtracing chassis holding pre-1925 1,000cc American V-Twin engines, and mostracers will customize their machines by fabricating handlebars, exhaust,fenders, foot pegs and fuel/oil tanks.
People all over the world are calling it THEvintage race event for this year’s Daytona Bike Week. Patrons havethree pre-sale ticket options:
(1) Special Early Bird–rate presalepricing for single-day tickets: $15 for adults, $5 for
kids until March 18—these tickets getyou in the gate JUST on the 15th (single-day
tickets at the gate, if any are left, will be$20 per-person)
(2) $50 presale gets you VIP access and choiceseating, allowing you to watch the practice session on the 17th and attend therace on the 18th (also includes a signed lanyard)
(3) $250 presale gets you all the VIP perks (VIPaccess, choice seating for practice session
and race, signed lanyard), plus a 1-hour grouptour of Billy’s shop
Check out the Sons of Speed Facebook Event Pagefor updates and breaking news.
–Michael Sayles
Ellijay, GA
LONG LIVE THEKING– Nick Beaulieu Named King of Custom MotorcycleBuilders
J&P Cycles, the world’slargest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories retailer, celebrates thenaming of a new King of Custom Motorcycle Builders, Nick Beaulieu of Windham,Maine. Beaulieu earned the title during the J&P Cycles Ultimate BuilderCustom Bike Show, which announced the winners at the Progressive InternationalMotorcycle Show in Chicago on Sunday.
“Winning such a prestigiouscompetition is something I’ve dreamed about since I was ateenager,” said 30-year-old Beaulieu. “Thanks toJ&P Cycles for making this a reality. I’m bringing this cupback to Maine!”
Beaulieu’s masterpiece earned him thetitle King of Custom Motorcycle Builders through its originality and uniquestyling. In Beaulieu’s words, “custom girder front end,S&S Motor, pentagram wheels and some bad ass aluminum work by my buddy,Ray” made the bike a winner. To those uninitiated to custommotorcycles, the bike is a sleek, monochromatic, beauty that looks like it isbarely more than two wheels, a motor and a fuel tank.
“Since J&P Cycles’founding, we’ve supported people who love motorcycles. Whether theyenjoy building custom bikes, traveling cross country, or carving throughtwisties, we deliver what makes their rides special,” said ZachParham, vice president and general manager of J&P Cycles. “It’sclear that Nick has a passion for cool motorcycles. We’re proud toname him King.”
Along with thousands of other people who love toride, the King shops at JPCycles.com.
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QUICK, New BikernetReader Comment!–
Finally Wheel Alignment ForHarleys
Found this a few months back – wondering now if there’s anyone who has pickedup the mantle from Tiger Manufacturing and is making /selling this product (ora near match).
Asking this because I reached out to Tiger backin late December by both e-mail and phone. No response to either, and now theirphone goes straight to a numbered voicemail that is full.
All the signs of a company that hasfolded…
The tool looks great, just wish I’d found thisarticle back in the mid-2K’s.
— Ed V
bofh00@gmail.com
Evergreen, CO
We reached out to Mil Blair, the owner,designer, mastermind. –Bandit
GMA Direct Replacement Master Cylinders forKelsey Hayes and Wagner–
In real world use rear master cylinders found ona wide variety of H-D models from the late ‘50s through the early‘80s have performed well, but now require regular rebuilding orreplacement.
GMA a subsidiary of Belt Drives Limitedmanufactures complete direct bolt on replacement units for both Kelsey Hayesand Wagner style rear master cylinders. Designed and manufactured using themost current technology and materials, the cylinders are direct bolt onreplacements for OEM parts, provide superior performance, reliability andlongevity and depending on model and finish retail from just $132.50 to$151.50.
Available in black, polished and raw finishesthey feature 5/8” bore, with a 1/8” NPT port that willaccept various inverted flare adaptor fittings.
Rebuild kit is Part # GMA-MCRB-1 and sells for$22.50.
GMA master cylinders are available from BDL/GMAdealers worldwide or on the company’s siteat www.beltdrives.com
AACA AND CCCA ANNOUNCE HISTORIC‘TRIPLE CROWN’ MEET IN THE CLASSIC CAR CAPITAL OFAMERICA-– In what can only be described as an historic event,two of the world’s oldest and grandest car clubs, The AntiqueAutomobile Club of America, and the Classic Car Club of America, will jointogether this Spring to host a combined national meet. Scheduled May 11-13 inthe Classic Car Capital of America, Auburn, Indiana, the ‘TripleCrown’ Meet will coincide with Auctions America’s AuburnSpring weekend at the Auburn Auction Park.
The event represents the first time in thehistory of both clubs that the two organizations have worked in tandem to hosta joint Meet. At the May event, AACA members and CCCA members who own fullclassic automobiles will be able to have their cars judged the same day and viefor their club’s special awards. This massive cooperative effortcould not have happened without the outstanding enlightened cooperation of eachclub.
“We hope to have as many as 100classic cars for our members and guests to drool over during theweekend,” states William “Tom” Cox, 2017 AACANational President. “To be able to join together with our brothersand sisters in CCCA will be special for all of us. This is going to be a greatweekend for the collector car hobby.”
As part of the weekend’s program,members will have opportunity to visit four local automobile museums in theAuburn area, as well have the chance to buy one more piece ofmemorabilia—or even another car if so inclined—at AuctionsAmerica’s Auburn Spring event. On Friday, May 12, there will bejudging schools and seminars, followed by a free evening concert for clubmembers and VIP guests. Saturday (May 13) will see the car show and judging,culminating with a Midwest barbeque awards presentation.
Further information is availableat www.auctionsamerica.com.
Further information on the ‘TripleCrown’ meet can be found at www.aaca.org or www.classiccarclub.org,or by calling 717-534-1910
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILLOPEN– I have been in many places, but I’ve never beenin Kahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Kahoots withsomeone.
A petrol station owner in Ireland was trying toincrease his sales, so he put up a sign that read, ‘Free Sex withFill-Up.’
Paddy pulled in, filled his tank and asked forhis free sex. The owner told him to pick a number from 1 to 10. If he guessedcorrectly, he would get his free sex. ?? Paddy guessed 8, and the proprietorsaid, ‘You were close. The number was 7. Sorry. No sex thistime.’
A week later, Paddy, along with his friend Mick,pulled in for another fill-up. Again he asked for his free sex.
The proprietor again gave him the same story,and asked him to guess the correct number. Paddy guessed 2.
The proprietor said, ‘Sorry, it was 3. You wereclose, but no free sex this time.’ As they were driving away, Mick said toPaddy, ‘I think that game is rigged and he doesn’t really give away free sex atall.’
Paddy replied, ‘No it’s genuine enough Mick. Mywife won twice last week.
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
DEATH VALLEY RALLYUPDATE,THIS COMING WEEKEND–
The 2017 Death Valley Rally – a.k.a.the Cat House Crawl, is a three-day Dual Sport or Adventure Bike Tour, offeredby Countdown.
The basic route uses only city, countyand state roads, using a much dirt as possible. The optional “HardWays” use classic Dual Sport trails
On Saturday, participants will ride throughPanamint Valley, up Gohler past Manson’s Cabin, over Mengel Pass to ButteValley to three more cabins, then past Tecopa Hot Springs and on a side trip toChina Ranch Date Far for dessert. Then it’s on to Pahrump, Nevada, after aquick stop at the Chicken Ranch Brothel’s gift shop.
On Sunday, it’s back to Shoshone for gas andthen a ride through Death Valley to Death Valley junction and on to LathropJunction to get gas at the Cherry Patch Brothel and the Bordello Museum. Thenit’s on to Beatty and Angel’s Ladys.
On Monday, the riders will take the fast wayback to Ridgecrest through Titus or Chloride City, then over Emigrant Pass,down Wildrose Canyon, through Ballarat and Trona and finally back toRidgecrest.
There is no rider limit. Walk-up entries will beaccepted.
Each rider who participates will receive anevent T-shirt.
Motorcycles must be quiet, street-legal, andhave green stickers.
A download of Garmin GPS tracks is available atsign-in.
There will be standard dual-sport-type rollcharts.
Overnight bags will be transported to eachovernight stop.
For the basic route, Saturday’s trip will be 195miles, Sunday’s trip will be 175 miles and Monday’s trip will be 160miles
For those taking the Hard Ways, Saturday’s tripwill be 235, Sunday’s will be 165 and Monday’s 155 miles
Max on gas is 110 miles for the basic route, 115miles for the Hard Way.
“Rain or Snow. It’s a Go!”
Fridays sign-in will be from 9 – 10 pm at Motel6. Saturday’s sign-in will be from 7 – 7:30am, also at Motel 6
There are many ways to get from Ridgecrest toPahrump, from Pahrump to Beatty and from Beatty back to Ridgecrest. Althoughthe basic route uses lots of county dirt roads suitable for big Adventurebikes, under the free-speech provisions of the first amendment, you will betold of other Hard Way options that are open and legal for you to use if youdesire.
For more information, call 775 884 0399 ore-mail jerry.counts@sbcglobal.net,or go to www.dualsportwest.com to findregistration information and entry form.
This sounds like a really funride.
BIKERNET BAGGERSREADER’S COMMENT–
Does this engine guard require the steeringbracket for a 2016 H-D Freewheeler? If so cost ? Is it included? Like the looksbut H-D said I need a bracket for their’s. Thanks Stu
–Stu Lovejoy
Bonner Springs, Kansas
–Hey Stu
The Freewheeler come stock with a steeringdamper.
To install our products on the Freewheeler youneed to order an additional bracket part # 1702-5 retail $29.95 with thatbracket you can install any of our products.
The Twinbar 449.95
The Magnumbar $399.95
The Linbar $369.95
The Multibar $289.95
The Unibar $199.95
–Per Lindby
714-528-0085 phone
714-528-0087 fax
714-293-0249 mobil
www.lindbycustom.comper@lindbycustom.comPAUGHCO RAKED BILLETTREES–
Paughco’s billet aluminum triple treesare designed to minimize handling, and front-end flop problems associated withaltered front-end geometry.
Specifically the 6-DEGREE TREES were developedto accommodate a number of their most popular chopper frames with 45°neck rake.
Used in conjunction with these “raked”frames and appropriate length extended front ends, the 6-degree offset providesnear stock “trail” dimensions which in turn virtuallyeliminates radical front end flop.
Paughco Trees are CNC machined from 6061-T6billet aluminum, polished and show chrome plated. Other model Paughco billettrees are available in stock, 3, 5 and 6-degree rake configurations for bothwide and narrow front ends with 39mm and 41mm legs.
For complete details call 800-423-2621 or checkthe web at www.paughco.com
Harley-Davidson Seeks NewCrop of Riders as U.S. Sales Stall– Harley-Davidson(HOG) on Tuesday said demand for motorcycles in the U.S. continued todecelerate in 2016, so the famed motorcycle maker is embarking on an effort tobring new riders into the sport.
The company said it is focused onpromoting motorcycle riding in the U.S., looking to expand its reach beyond thetraditional motorcycle buyer. CEO Matt Levatich said the plan reflectschallenges in the U.S., as Harley-Davidson braces for a “newnormal” in the domestic market.
“Now more than ever, we’renot only in the business of building great motorcycles. We’re in thebusiness of building riders,” Levatich told analysts on a conferencecall Tuesday.
Bike brands like Harley-Davidson have faced ashrinking U.S. motorcycle market as their core customers get older andconsumers choose to spend money on new vehicles instead.
Based on the latest data provided byHarley-Davidson, U.S. motorcycle registrations totaled 263,479 through thefirst three quarters of 2016, a 5.6% decline.
The Milwaukee-based company also has contendedwith cheaper bikes from Polaris Industries’ (PII) Indian Motorcycleand Japanese rivals like Honda (HMC). Despite heavy discounts offered bycompeting makes, Harley-Davidson has avoided getting into a price war.
In 2016, Harley-Davidson achieved sales gains inEurope and other international markets. But retail sales in its home marketfell 3.9%, and shipments followed suit as Harley-Davidson sought to reducedealer inventories. This year, Harley-Davidson expects worldwide motorcycleshipments to be flat to down modestly.
Harley-Davidson dealers trained a total of65,000 people through the company’s Rider Academy program last year.The company is also pitching its bikes to more young adults, women,African-Americans and Hispanics, Levatich said. Sales of new Harley motorcyclesto those demographics accounted for 40% of U.S. retail sales in 2016, up from34% in 2010.
“We’ll continue ourdemand-driving focus, but we need to do more—particularly in theU.S.—to drive industry growth and assure the vitality of the sportlong-term,” Levatich said. “Our long-term, 10-year strategyhas the headlining goal to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson ridersworldwide.”
Despite weaker demand across the industry,Harley-Davidson picked up market share in the U.S. and Europe.
The company reported fourth-quarter earnings of$47.2 million, or 27 cents a share, compared to $42.2 million, or 22 cents ashare, in the same period a year earlier. Revenue declined 6% to $1.11billion.
Shares of Harley-Davidson retreated 3.5% to$55.90 on Tuesday. The stock, which enjoyed a strong 2016, is down 4.3% sincethe start of 2017.
By Matthew Rocco Published January 31, AutoFOXBusiness
–from Rogue
UNCLE MONKEY ON THEWEATHER– Ah the first few nice days of the year.Winter is a hard time for us motorcycle enthusiasts. Long dark nights, bittercold days but as time marches on we start to pick up on the first indicationsthat summer is not that far off.
We’ve been blessed with an unusual warm spellthat kicks the riding instinct into high gear. Suddenly we have that kick inthe pants to get our winter projects done so that they will be ready whenspring finally arrives.
The sun stays a little longer in the sky, thestreetlights are beginning to turn off on our way to work in the morning. Soonwe are dream of lazy rides down past the lake, blasts a long open highwaysstretching as far as the eye can see in both direction.
We can almost taste those cold beers; feel theold lady wrap her arms around us. Your mind echoes back to the rumble of ironhorses in the Black Hills.
We check the date on the calendar calculatingwhether spring is here or just a mirage. Well we’ve ridden on this date whichis here and that is only a couple more weeks. We expel thought of the yearswhen riding didn’t come until May; expel thoughts that winter won’t let go justyet.
Time moves forward and hopes of a long ridingseason consume us. More weekends of riding, more late nights pushing the reartire up against the curb of the local dive.
We dream of pounding the pavement past therefinery, riding to work, riding to freedom.
But for now we slop through the slush to thegarage and pull the tarp back on the old horse. Soon.
-bad Uncle Monkey
Does he have the itch orwhat?–Bandit
BIKERNET TRIKER MOST MAGNIFICENTEDITOR— Seeks advice from the temple.
On my way through ancient mountains of Igatpuritowards Shirdi temple. More reports forthcoming. May I element all my sufferingand find pure Nirvana.
–Ujjwal
Supreme Monk and Editor from the Temple ofBikernet Trikes
FROM THE NOWELLARCHIVES– Here is the boat we kicked a little buttwith for 6 years and had a ton of fun too: Tom Patterson’s‘ Sparkler ‘ built in 65’ by his brotherBob.
–Don Nowell
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Feature__Badass_Bikes_Hot_Rods_and_Unique_Fine_Art_.aspx
We recently published this historic racingarticle on Bikernet. Don is having serious health issues and could use somehelp. Please reach out if you can.–Bandit
RIGHT BEYOND THE HORIZON–Ithought you would be interested in this new, travel adventure Right Beyond theHorizon: A Motorcycle Odyssey by Christopher Many.
When people say, “life’s ajourney” some people take this more literally than others.
In 2012 Christopher Many left on his third triparound the world, this time on his trusty motorcycle Puck. Right beyond theHorizon: A Motorcycle Odyssey tells the gripping tale of Christopher’sadventures from the Silk Road to Bali. From motorcycling through deep snow inEurope’s highest city- to wearing gas masks in the middle ofprotests, Christopher takes you along for his right through every surprise andhardship.
We’d love to share this inspiring andheartwarming travel adventure with you audience! Digital copies available.
http://ow.ly/rUJJ3096u3p
–Kree Petry
T: (212) 727-2155
OKAY— Imentioned Climate Change, sorry about that. I’m trying to get awayfrom it. There are so many different opinions. Of course Al Gore just paid foranother movie to push his side. I’ve watched numerous documentaries,and I watched a brilliant series about life and the universe by ProfessorTyson. He follows Gore’s logic.
Dr. Neil Degrasso Tyson says the sun neverchanges, and then he says it’s constantly changing. I’mreading a new book by Henrik Svensmark and Nigel Calder called The ChillingStars—A New Theory of Climate Change. It was published about 2007. Ittalks about the changing heat of the sun. I find it all sort of strange andagainst the Code of the West.
I think we can help the Climate and recognizethe Code, so we can ride Free into the future. Hope the government can findthat balance with Freedom. In the meantime we will have a blast until the laststraw falls. We are about to promote Marilyn’s article about ridingacross Cuba. I’m working on a feature about an 80-inch vintage IndianChief driveline stuffed into an Indian Scout frame from the ‘40s. Itwas built right here in Long Beach.
Rogue is working on a Screamin’ Eagleupgrade tech on a touring model for Bikernet Baggers.
My grandson just trailered over the mini-chopperI built for him, when he was 12, the FXR I built for his dad, and his wreckedDyna. Lots of techs are coming up. Hang on.
In the meantime, Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
