Hey,
Here’s a concept to ponder. For years, I mean decades the motorcycle business community hasn’t worked with motorcycle rights groups, except the MIC. The MIC struggled with their own role and are funded by the top four motorcycle manufacturers excluding Harley-Davidson. Maybe they knew something.
Years ago I suggested that they change their membership rules and allow dealers and shops a voice. They turned me down. Only the manufacturers had a voice. Recently they have allowed dealers to join. Here’s the new list of eligible members:
Motorcycle Manufacturers And Distributors
Aftermarket Product Distributors
Aftermarket Product Manufacturers and Importers
Professional Services and Allied Trades
Publications
Industry Start-Up Companies
Motorcycle/ATV Dealerships
This is good news in some respects. But there is a void between Bikers and motorcycle professionals and the MIC doesn’t cover it. So the industry really should join two organizations. From a business side it’s not bad to support the MIC, although the MIC is based in California, but they didn’t fight the California Air Resources Board’s establishment of costly exhaust executive orders or the recent new exhaust sound restrictions. And they wouldn’t stand up against onslaught of bogus climate change doomsday restrictions.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
CHOPPERTOWN PRESENTS:
Rebel on the Highway
“When you race with the Devil, make sure you’re not low on gas.”
An alternate present-day version of the Crossroads, this lighthearted motorcycle tale of good vs. evil propels small-time musician Goodtime Charlie into a twisted universe of voodoo, music and morals. Backed by a professional soundtrack featuring musicians Greg Allman, Charlie Musslewhite, Deacon Jones, Eddy Money, Guitar Mac, Charlie Brechtel and more.
ALL NEW CROSS COUNTRY CHASE–Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Key West, FL
September 6th – 15th, 2019
On Friday, September 6, 2019, a group of approximately 100-adventerous souls on antique motorcycles will take America’s two-lanes by storm and the world is invited to cheer on the excitement.
The Cross Country Chase, America’s newest antique motorcycle touring challenge, is brought to you by the tried-n-true crew at the Motorcycle Cannonball in partnership with Legends Motorcycle Museum. This down-n-dirty endurance run will prove out the “who’s who” of antique motorcycling. Not only will the winner be crowned a “Legend” and have life-long bragging rights after successfully completing the arduous run, but as a bonus, a cash prize will also be awarded. The cross-country challenge is for riders over 18, motorcycles manufactured between 1930-1948, and will be an extreme test of endurance, speed, navigation, and knowledge.
Endurance: Riders and machines will have to travel an average of 250-350 miles per day over a 10-day period while enduring mental and physical exhaustion, extreme cold and heat, various elevation changes, and the unpredictable elements of Mother Nature. Riders will tackle The Cross Country Chase on their own; no support crews of any kind will be allowed during the event. Participants will have to anticipate what is vital for the entire duration: all tools, parts, and luggage must be packed on their motorcycles. It’s just you, your motorcycle, and some of the best 2 lane roads of North America.
Speed: Riders and machines will be challenged to complete stages in a timely fashion, which will require maintaining required speeds, making strategically planned stops while managing time throughout the day in order to check in to the final daily checkpoint at the required time.
Navigation: Riders are required to successfully navigate the 10-day, 2,500+ mile route without going off course or getting lost. The Chase will provide riders with a navigation map daily that provides turn-by-turn instructions based on mileage.
Knowledge: Riders will take a 100-question test covering aspects of American motorcycling history, which will count towards the rider’s final score.
Qualifications:
Motorcycles:
1.Manufactured between 1930-1948
2.Motorcycle will be handicapped on the following:
a.Age: The older the motorcycle, the higher the handicap
b.Engine Displacement: Motorcycles with smaller displacement engines will be handicapped higher than motorcycles with higher displacement
c.Average Speed: Part of the handicap will be based on your average cruising speed.
3.Must have ORIGINAL engine cases
4.Must have ORIGINAL transmission cases (No late model transmissions)
5.Period correct carburetors (No late model Mikunis, S&S, etc.)
6.Paint (must be period correct)
7.No modern choppers or bobbers (unless they look period correct)
Riders:
Age: 18 and older
Current motorcycle license, registration and insurance are required. If you think you and your machine are cut out for this intense adventure, submit your application at www.themotorcyclechase.com
DO SELF-DRIVING CARS ‘SEE’ MOTORCYCLES?–Lane-splitting is an accepted maneuver by motorcyclists all over the world, but in America it is only practiced by riders in the Golden State. California-based Tesla, whose cars are well represented on California highways, seems to be aware of motorcyclists’ unique filtering capabilities there and has been working to ensure their Autopilot systems detect the presence of a lane-sharing rider in traffic.
However, YouTuber Scott Kubo recently posted a video to test the functionality of motorcycle detection while lane-splitting, and apparently detecting an approaching motorcycle seems to be hit and miss in Version 9 of Tesla’s neural net Autopilot software. It’s clear from the clip that the system confuses motorcycles with cars at times, and can even miss a motorcycle entirely if the motorcycle is moving at a good clip. It’s tough to determine how useful this detection would be in its current state in real-world application.
In the YouTube clip Kubo explains that the current 360° camera system (2.0 and 2.5) can process 200 frames per second (or 200fps) spread across the eight cameras positioned around his Tesla car. So, each camera has an equivalent frame rate of 25fps — a decent digital SLR camera can have over 100fps and an iPhone can shoot at up to 240fps. It might be that the current system just doesn’t have a high enough frame speed to capture fast moving motorcycles.
Self-driving cars are still a burgeoning field of technology with some bugs to work out, and Tesla warns that Autopilot should not be used without some sort of human interaction, but would you want to be rolling up behind a robotic car knowing that an inattentive driver may not be quick enough to take over the manual controls if they “didn’t see the motorcycle”?
See the whole legislative report from Bill Bish on Bikernet.com™ now.—Bandit
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/NCOM_BIKER_NEWSBYTES_for_January_2019.aspx
NEW FROM S&S – SuperStreet Two into One Exhaust System
Making real power and looking great are often mutually exclusive in the exhaust market. Short tract, shield free systems, kill bottom end and melt your boots while others in the space have a history of questionable bracketry and construction.
This is where the folks at S&S Cycle have figured it out with their latest SuperStreet two into one system. S&S doesn’t build anything unless it makes power and the SuperStreet does exactly that with 86hp (+15%) and 110 lb./ft. Torque (+10%) out of the new generation of M8 Softail® models.
Add to that, the perfect length and angle, clearing bags, passenger pegs and forwards, plus an adjustable exhaust note via their dB reducer insert and you have the trifecta of power, looks and sound.
Available with S&S designed high flow cat (49 state legal) or as a race-only version in ceramic black or chrome and made in the USA. Click Here For More Information https://www.sscycle.com/m8-superstreet
We’re pretty stoked on this one. Big power in a 2:1 pipe for the Softail. Clears bags, rear pegs and forwards. Bonus? EPA compliant as well as race versions ready to ship.
–David Zemla
S&S Cycle
HERE’S WHAT BIKERNET DOES FOR ITS CUSTOMERS–
1. We can produce and publish articles on your products as quickly as you can supply us with parts or product information.
2. For as long as you are a sponsor, all your articles are available to the entire world of motorcycling.
3. We can correct or modify any article, at any time. It doesn’t matter if the article was posted yesterday or ten years ago.
4. No matter how many articles are posted or how many banners accompany each article, your fee is always the same.
5. We will never contact you with additional charges. You pay one low monthly fee for as long as your contract exists.
6. There is never a space limitation, cutting or restricting the effectiveness of an article.
7. We publish several areas capable of spreading the word about your products: Your department, a tech area, project bike builds, bike features, and the Bikernet weekly.
8. You will never find a competitor sharing space with one of your articles.
9. Our bottom line is to drive customers to your website and educate riders about your products or services as often as possible.
10. We don’t wear suits. We ride and build bikes every year.
–Bandit
Phone (310) 830-0630 Fax (310) 830-0530
FROM THE GEARHEAD DIARIES–If I told you guys and gals that I have a friend who this happened to, it would be a lie. I got shafted over by a cartel kidnapping scam.
The area code came out of Long Beach or Gardena, so here goes. All you hard working folks be careful of a non-local area code calls with a woman, child or who you think to be a loved one screaming on the other end of the phone. I thought it was my wife. They threatened to cut her throat unless I gave them ransom sent to Mexico.
I was out my first payment of ransom before I got the real call from the wife, who was very okay. I disassembled the cell phone and turned the report into the Police. Please be careful and keep the shotgun close by these days. In the old club days, we had resources at the club’s availability to take care of such lowlifes.
–Gearhead
NEWS FROM SPECTRO OILS–
Spectro Performance Oils is excited to announce that for the 2019 Monster Energy Supercross schedule, we have partnered with The Legends and Heroes of Motocross Tour.
“The Legends & Heroes of Motocross Tour is a professional historical display and time-line of Americas greatest motorsport.” The tour will be at each and every round of the Monster Energy Supercross series.
Visit the Legends and Heroes mobile museum to check out the legendary line up of Spectro Performance Oils products, which have been used by and trusted by many of the legends displayed.
While you are at Spectro’s display, pick up some literature, some stickers or snap a pic using #SpectroLegends for a chance to win some Spectro Swag.
If you have any questions about a Spectro product, please visit www.spectro-oils.com/products or call 800-243-8645.
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–
freegan
[free-guhn]
noun
1.
a person who buys as little as possible and makes use of recycled or discarded goods and materials, in an effort to reduce waste and limit environmental impact.
NMA News Letter–The Next Ten Years – Readers’ Edition
In NMA E-Newsletter #520, The Next Ten Years, Jim Walker, Gary Biller, and Steve Carrellas provided their thoughts — limited by the NMA to less than 300 words — on the significant challenges that motorists and the NMA will face over the next decade. We asked readers to chime in with their thoughts and published Part 1, Issue #522 last week. Here are some additional observations:
As a motorcycle rider you would think that we’re immune from the technology march, but we’re not, just to start the engine requires a 5 second wait for all of the 17 computers to get on line. Such things as ABS go rather unnoticed for a street rider, but when you add dirt riders, they find ABS an impediment to safe riding off road and on some bikes they can’t turn the darn ABS off. Newer bikes now include stability control, traction control, electronic suspension, and anti roll back brakes. WOW.
— Tom, Washington member
I think we are going to experience a renaissance in personal transportation in the next ten years, especially in cities. This will be driven primarily by Europe and Asia since the US is controlled by politics and that will keep the car and the internal combustion engine front-and-center over here. Here are my predictions:
· Hybrid and electric vehicles will become extremely popular in Europe where roads, high fuel taxes and culture come down hard on modes of transportation that pollute.
· Cities will become much less friendly towards cars and trucks not only in Europe but also in the US. Europe will be driven by the need to control pollution and the US will be driven by the need to control congestion. You will begin to see zones in and near cities that ban certain types of vehicles and taxes that make them prohibitive to drive into the city except for special situations. There will also be time restrictions when such vehicles cannot be driven into a city.
· Today’s electric scooter and the bicycle will give way to new modes of personal transportation that have yet to be invented or developed. The emphasis for these new modes of transportation will be personal safety, mobility, clean air and convenience.
· Self-driving vehicle development will shift from cars to personal transportation. When you need one, you will summon the personal transportation vehicle electronically and the vehicle will drive itself to you. You tell it where you want to go and it will take you there quickly and safely. When it is no longer needed, it will go find the nearest plug-in parking spot and recharge itself while waiting for the next user to summon it.
· You will not own your own vehicles. Instead, you will sign up for a “transportation service” and pay monthly according to your usage plan. This will be similar to a car payment but you will have access to a wide range of vehicles and you can select one that meets your needs at that moment.
· Increasing taxes on internal combustion engines and increasing areas where they are prohibited will slowly drive down the popularity of those vehicles. Europe will lead the way, followed by Asia and the US will lag.
· A new industry will spring up that will replace engines in older “classic” cars with electric and hybrid engines. Without the conversion, those cars will become too expensive to drive in addition to being prohibited from many public roads and highways.
· The repair and maintenance cost of electric vehicles will be far less than the cost for internal combustion engines. That will contribute greatly to pushing people away from internal combustion engines.
· The auto repair business will be totally transformed due to the new modes of transportation. There will be three main types of repair shops – mechanical, body repair, and electrical.
· The value of the vehicles we think are so ‘cool’ in 2019 will plummet. No one will want the vintage pickup trucks, mustangs, SUVs, etc. because they will be too expensive to drive and too restricted on where they can go.
· Roads in the middle of the city will be torn up and reconfigured to accommodate the new forms of transportation. There will be an emphasis on walking and using personal transportation devices (electric and much smaller than cars). There may even be underground roadways in some cities for these personal vehicles.
· Life in cities will be much more pleasant and quiet with fewer cars and trucks on the road. The air will be cleaner and people will be healthier with all of the walking they need to do.
— Jim Burton, New Hampshire member
I read your latest newsletter with great interest, and was immediately on board with the first missive on ‘the 85th percentile’, but what REALLY grabbed me was the second, which held the statement “Punishing citizens into submission sounds more like an authoritarian society than a free one”.
This harkened me back to the not-so-halcyon days of the National Maximium Speed Limit of 55 mph. I was yet a mere pup in my early 30s and drove, naturally but unwittingly, the 85th percentile. My reward for driving the 85th, and, god-forbid, enjoying it, were enough tickets to where that poor young sap with a wife and three kids to support SIMPLY COULD NOT AFFORD ANOTHER ticket.
— Carl Hockett, Nevada member
I see one of the biggest challenges being technology, since it will drive other changes.
Already, cars are becoming increasingly high tech. Displays and gadgets are a lot more advanced, and can be confusing to many of us who are more in tune with the analog dashboards of our past. Aside from the confusion as one goes down the learning curve, there is also the increasing complacency that comes with having devices that do some of the things an attentive driver should be doing-checking mirrors, watching following distance, etc. All this stuff can be helpful, and has its advantages, but the fact remains that the best safety device is a careful driver.
The big new thing now is driverless cars, though they’ve had their teething problems. There are not now enough of them in play to have a significant impact on traffic, but as they become more prevalent-and they will, though, I think, not as fast as their proponents would like, or the rest of us fear-they will eventually become an obstacle for the rest of us who are still driving our own cars. I can picture this situation: three lanes of traffic on an expressway somewhere, automatic cars in all three lanes at the same speed, blocking everybody behind them from passing. The corollary to all this automation, because they will all be part of the internet of things, is that unless there is sufficient security built into the cars and supporting infrastructure, they will be subject to hacking, which can cause all kinds of mayhem, from the cars grinding to a halt, with ensuing traffic disruption, to active hacking causing the cars to behave in unpredictable and dangerous ways.
Tech will also increasingly drive law enforcement. The travails with red light and speed cameras are well known, and I won’t rehash them here. I would expect more use of ALPR’s for a variety of law enforcement activities, some of them surreptitious, especially when the activity they support might be illegal (think tracking drivers’ movements) in combination with agencies being opaque about their use and purpose. Already, Oklahoma has started using them to scan plates and match against a state insurance database, sending uninsured registrants tickets in the mail. (Side note-if you live in Oklahoma, back into your parking spot, since you have no front plate)
— T.A. Beckett, Arkansas member
[page break]
NEW HEAT SHRINK PRODUCTS RESOURCE–As an online resource, we understand that our reputation depends on our ability to service our customers. We make every effort to accommodate our customers’ needs, and we appreciate any opportunity to take the extra step to ensure complete customer satisfaction with our products and services.
Customer Service hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). If you need to contact us outside of these hours, please use the contact form located below. Please be sure to include any relevant contact information in the body of your message. A Customer Care Consultant will get back to you as soon as possible.
–WIRE Care
www.wirecare.com
PHONE & FAX
Tel: 973-300-9782
Tel: 800-4-WIRE-CR
800-494-7327 (US Only)
Fax: 973-300-9048
A DREAM MACHINE FROM BILLY LANE–I’ve had the engine almost 20 years. It was in a quarter-midget race car, and it came with a spare parts engine and some other Crocker goodies. The frame is 1936 Harley-Davidson VL that was given to me by Arlin Fatland from 2Wheelers in Denver.
Girder fork is 1930s Norton, gearbox is 1937 Knucklehead 4-speed. I came across the rare, cast aluminum Crocker big tanks on a fluke, and had to have them. They were missing the tank badges, but Chopper Dave offered to cast me the set that is now on the bike.
Adam Croft did the seat for me, and Paul Cox gave me the Indian Larry clutch cover that was on one of Larry’s personal bikes. Joe Cooper hammered out the rear fender especially for this project.
I had a set of original Crocker rubber foot boards for it, but traded them to Jeff Decker for a cast aluminum set that he made. Jeff’s very original Crocker was lacking the boards, and I figured my boards belonged to his bike more than they did to my custom.
I love that many have contributed to my dream bike, that is part of what makes it so special.
–Billy Lane
Choppers Inc.
MECUM AUCTION CUTTING A DAY—Rumor has it that the Mecum Motorcycle Auction cut a day off their schedule this weekend, causing much consternation with attendees and bike owners.
Location
South Point Hotel & Casino
9777 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89183
Auction Schedule
Seller’s Check-in
Sunday and Monday, January 20-21 from 8 AM until 6 PM
Auction
Doors open daily at 8 AM
Gates close one hour after the final motorcycle of the day crosses the block.
MOTORCYCLES:
Tuesday, January 22 at 1 PM
Wednesday through Saturday, January 23-26 at 10 AM
As the number of motorcycles crossing the auction block varies each day, we are unable to publish a specific end time for any day of the auction.
ROAD ART:
Will begin daily prior to the motorcycles.
NEWS FROM THE FLY OVER STATES–The Power of Coercion
In Communism, one of the core freedoms that was destroyed, was freedom of speech. With the removal of that one key right, goes all others. Anything you said could land you in prison. Or a work camp. Or make you dead.
Today in America, there are those who would destroy this fundamental right, namely, the right to unpopular speech. I stress “unpopular”, because popular speech needs no protection anywhere ever; even in Communist dictatorships.
This suppression comes in the form of censorship via selective reporting. It comes in the form of shaming. It comes in the form of fear of losing a job or even a career for speaking one’s mind. This menace, the menace of the destruction of freedom of speech, must be destroyed everywhere, immediately and with all due ferocity.
The way to destroy it is to speak up. FOS, is but one way to make a statement, to speak your mind, to take a stand for liberty. Speak up, or fall silent forever. Wear your FOS gear, let ‘em know you’re proud and you’re talking. We are the FOS.
About FOS
FOS, or ‘flyover states’, is a veteran-owned, veteran-run, American-made freedom company headquartered in Austin, Texas. We make apparel, but our apparel is incidental. We sell a voice, an opportunity for the good people in the FOS to have their say. Our goals are to employ combat veterans, make our products in America, unify and present the irrefutable facts that make the ‘flyover states’, and America, great. https://flyover-states.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyover_states_/
–Jim Houck
FOS Agent in Texas
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
SALT TORPEDO CHAPTER 14–The ever fluctuating Mission
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SALT_TORPEDO_CHAPTER_14The_ever_fluctuating_Mission.aspx
Hey, check these guys out for nice machining vices: https://www.glacern.com/vises
They are imported but I’ve got two along with many of their tool holders. Nice stuff.
–Paul Aiken
aiken@aeromach.net
Charlotte, NC
Thanks Paul, we are making headway fast and the suspension is coming together with the help of Yelvington shocks. Watch for the next report next weekend. –Bandit
HELMET-FREE SCOOTERS
Assembly Bill 2989, the e-scooter bill sponsored by California Assemblyman Heath Flora (R-Ripon), removes the requirement for riders of motorized (electric) standup scooters in the Golden State to wear a bicycle helmet, provided they are 18 or older. The new traffic law also prohibits riding a motorized e-scooter on highways with a speed limit greater than 25 mph, or roads with a speed limit greater than 35 mph, unless it is within a marked bikeway.
Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 3077, sponsored by then-Assemblywoman Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) provides law enforcement the ability to issue a “fix-it ticket” to anyone under 18 who doesn’t wear a helmet while on a bicycle, skateboard or skates. The newly enacted violation is correctable if the minor completes a bicycle safety course and gets a helmet that meets safety standards within 120 days of the ticket being issued.
–Bill Bish
NCOM
Ride-On Magazine
~ Max Nordau (1849 – 1923) Hungarian physician, author and social critic
NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF THE CHIP–
Holy Hotties! 22 Biker Babes You’d Love to Take for a Ride– Whether they’re on the back of your bike or the front of their own, sharing a ride with a female companion can double your pleasure and double your fun.
So if you’re in search of a pavement playmate, allow us to help you with an introduction. Here are 22 biker babes from the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and 22 reasons you’d love taking them for a ride!
ACTION AT ACE ORLANDO–JOIN US THIS FRIDAY,
JANUARY 25th
8pm – 12am
CELEBRITY PRO BOWL PARTY
by the World Sports Alumni (WSA)
Join us on Friday, January 25th
from 8pm to 12am to mix, mingle and network with some of the hottest professional athletes in sports, past and present!
Use Code: acecafe
and receive 10% off General Admission Pro Bowl Party Tickets!
Use Code: ACEVIP and receive 20% off ALL VIP level tickets!
THE RODDER REPORT–GNRS Live Video Coverage with Thom Taylor
The Grand National Roadster Show is getting underway, and we’ve teamed up with Meguiar’s to bring you live video coverage of all the action…starting now!
http://www.roddersjournal.com
Click here to watch today’s Facebook Live video feeds as judges begin evaluating America’s Most Beautiful Roadster entries. And tune in Friday through Sunday to check out the show, see hot rod and custom video features, and hear veteran hot rod designer and journalist Thom Taylor as he talks with owners, builders and attendees at the “Grand Daddy of Them All.”
Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal
P.S. Don’t forget to visit our booth at the show in Building Four. Stop by to say hello and check out all our brand new 25th Anniversary merchandise!
–Steve
Supreme Leader
Roddersjournal
http://www.roddersjournal.com.
NEWS FROM THE MIC–RESEARCH & STATISTICS
Motorcycle Households at Record 8%
Number of Bikes Owned Reaches New High
If you’ve noticed more motorcycles tucked inside garages across the country, or parked out front, you’re not imagining things. Eight percent of U.S. households had at least one bike in 2018, the most ever recorded in decades of polling by the Motorcycle Industry Council.
Motorcycle households rose from 6.94 percent in 2014 (the last full survey) to a record 8.02 percent in 2018, an increase of more than 1.5 million homes. The United States Census Bureau’s most recent estimate put the number of U.S. households at 126,224,000. The MIC Owner Survey found that 10,124,400 of those homes had a motorcycle.
“The household penetration numbers have always been among the most important figures to us,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “We’re certainly happy to see more homes that have a motorcycle. Riders who talk about motorcycling to friends and neighbors help to inspire people who don’t yet ride.”
–MIC
J&P INDIAN AND HARLEY MOTORCYCLE GIVEAWAY–In 2018 we teamed up with The Buffalo Chip and Geico Motorcycles to giveaway an Indian Scout during the Sturgis Rally. The response was so great that we decided to do it again this year, but giveaway not just one but TWO customized motorcycles and this year we are doing it with a twist.
You the customer get to choose which one you would most like to have in your garage. We took two classic American brands and decided to take the builds in different directions. Now it’s your turn to decide which the best is and the one you’d most like to rip a canyon road with.
Buffalo Chip Moto Stampede Giveaway – Harley-Davidson Street Rod The first bike we decided on was a Harley Davidson Street Rod. The bike is a step outside the norm from what we are used to from Milwaukee. It has a performance feel and dare we say “sport” look to it. It performs on the street like you think is should at first look (you can see what we thought in our Road Tested Review here ) so we didn’t want to try to turn the bike into something it didn’t want to be. It’s clearly a performance oriented canyon carver, so we enhanced those qualities by putting it on a bit of a diet.
We started by removing unnecessary plastic pieces, and slimming down the oversized and underperforming lights with sleeker LED lighting from Kuryakyn. Then we carved the tail section into something a bit sexier and relocated the license plate. The ergonomics were improved with dirt track inspired Tracker bars from our buds at Biltwell and slipped on some of their Torker grips for white knuckling though corners. The Mickey Mouse mirrors were replaced with Joker Machine to complete the cockpit redesign.
The performance experts from S&S Cycle sent us over a Grand National muffler and mini Teardrop intake to add some punch to our street ripper. The body lines and wheels on the Street Rod are great, but needed some extra pop, so we went with a classic HD racing paint scheme. To really make it scream, we powered coated the wheels bright white to complete the “try me I dare you” attitude. When the smoke cleared all that was left was this lean and mean, very striking, American made street brawler.
Buffalo Chip Moto Stampede Giveaway – Indian Scout For the second bike we went with an American made machine and decided to take a different stylistic approach. We chose an Indian Scout, whose performance capabilities we thought were a bit muted by its “grandpa” like styling.
We saw a classic American muscle bike hiding underneath all oversized fenders and luggage. We stripped the Scout down to nothing and started with adjusting the stance. Arlen Ness basically invented swagger, so of course we looked to the folks at Ness to add attitude to our Scout.
We started by ditching the 16” wheels for a set of 18” billet 7 Valve wheels from Arlen Ness. We opted for a wider 5.5” rear wheel and covered it in some aggressive 180/55/18 Pirelli rubber. To shape the rear fender into something more deserving of a muscle bike and less like a river barge, we pulled out the grinder and shaped it more aggressively.
Klockwerks had us covered for the front fender with an Outrider fender that wrapped the front 18” wheel perfectly. The Klockwerks crew also had the perfect solution for handle bars with a short set of Kliphangers that kept the stance aggressive.
We slammed a set of Progressive shocks on to drop the ride height a ½ inch and keep the handling on point. The extra power comes from Vance and Hines Grenade exhaust paired with a Arlen Ness Torque Box intake. The beast was then tuned with a Power Commander V with the installed Auto Tune.
Kuryakyn rear lighting and foot controls matched up nicely with the Arlen Ness 10 Gauge billet line that really cleaned up the areas previously adorned with bulky factory covers. A classic muscle bike needs a classic paint job so we covered it in heavy red metal flake and slammed the vintage Indian logo on the side with gold leaf and pin striping via our boys over at Copperhead graphics.
To see the Parts used in both these bikes’ builds, Click Here
You can win one of these bad ass machines by signing up below, but you’re going to have to choose which of these moto-weapons best fits your personality.
If you want a better look, the bikes will be on tour with Geico Motorycles all winter and spring during the International Motorcycle Show series. Make sure to then catch it at the J&P Cycles Sturgis store right before being given away live on the Buffalo Chip stage during the 79th annual Sturgis rally. Sign up to win today and Good Luck!
DUTCH POLICE CALL ON PARLIAMENT TO QUICKLY BAN OUTLAW BIKER GANGS
Dutch authorities want Parliament to speed up a legislative proposal that will allow the Justice Minister to immediately ban “outlaw motorcycle gangs” emerging in the Netherlands, said police chief Pim Miltenburg, in charge of the motorcycle gang file at the police.
Currently, banning an outlaw motorcycle club is a lengthy job in the Netherlands. A court must decide whether the ‘gang’ is acting in conflict with public order. “The disadvantage of this type of procedure is that we can not arrange it in a short period of time, but it takes months or years before it is completed”, Miltenburg told NLTimes.nl.
The police say they would prefer if the Minister of Justice and Security can ban a motorcycle gang immediately, with a judge testing the ban afterwards.
So far Dutch courts banned two well-known motorcycle clubs, Satudarah and Bandidos. The Public Prosecutor also stated plans to get the Hells Angels and No Surrender banned sometime this year, adding that some two thousand people in the Netherlands now belong to an outlaw motorcycle gang.
–Bill Bish
NCOM
Ride-on Magazine
LONG ROAD BEDROLL– OK… I have great straps. I ordered 50 (25 sets) to be shipped to you. They are fantastic quality. Comparable straps are $30 a set.
I think we need a name. I would like… “Long Road Bedroll” because I could see selling some other “Long Road” gear in the future. Or… it’s kind of for Rallies… it could be the “Rally Bedroll” but I like Long Road better.
The Long Road Bedroll retails at $ 110. I paid to have some made and they will be on their way to you shortly.
Watch for the Commander’s Long Road Roll in the 5-Ball Shop. Click to check out our leathers and books.–Bandit
[page break]
CALL TO ACTION – Proposed Helmet Regulation
Representative Randal Friese introduced legislation (HB2246) to amend SECTIONS 28-964, 28-6501 AND 41-3203, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES; RELATING TO VEHICLES. Amending this statute would require all motorcycle riders in Arizona to wear a helmet or be subjected to a fine of Five Hundred dollars which three hundred would be going towards Spinal and Head Injuries Trust Fund. We have seen Rep. Friese try this game year after year and Arizona motorcyclists have succeeded in stopping this infringement on our right to choose to wear a helmet or not.
This proposed legislation will be heard in the Transportation Committee, but no date is set yet.
There are two things you can do:
1. Call and/or email your representative and express displeasure over this proposed legislation and ask them to speak to the representatives on the Transportation committee.
2. Call and/or email the committee members themselves.
Transportation and Committee
Noel Campbell, chair; NCAMPBELL@azleg.gov; 602/926-3124
Leo Biasiucci, vice chair; LBIASIUCCI@azleg.gov; 602/926-3018
Richard Andrade; RANDRADE@azleg.gov; 602/926-3130
Rosanna Gabaldon; RGABALDON@AZLEG.GOV; 602/926-3424
Kevin Payne; KPAYNE@azleg.gov; 602/926-4854
Arlando Teller; ATELLER@azleg.gov; 602/926-3069
Bob Thorpe; BTHORPE@azleg.gov; 602/926-5219
If you email a representative, make sure to include your full name, address, phone number and reference the bill number (HB2246) in the subject line and email body.
Here are a few suggested bullet points to bring up when speaking to or writing the representatives.
– According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA); in 81% of fatal crashes involving helmeted motorcyclists, the fatal injury was to a part of the body other than the head. In the same report, NHTSA also stated that the same was true in 64% of fatal accidents involving helmetless motorcyclists.
– According to the National Center for Health Statistics; un-helmeted motorcyclists injuries account for less than 0.001% of all American health care costs.
– Accidents involving motorcyclists tend to be caused by distracted and/or impaired automobile drivers.
– We believe that motorcyclists are being singled out as a group and this is just a “tax” on our transportation choice.
– We believe the choice to wear or not wear a helmet should be left up to the adult riding the motorcycle.
-DOT approved helmets are not designed to withstand an impact from more than 6 feet.
Remember to be courteous and professional. We want the representatives on our side.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at mike@abateofaz.org
Freedom is a team sport!
–Mike Infanzon
ABATE of Arizona, Legislative Director
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
JUST RELEASED, THE 2018 DARWIN AWARDS
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/JUST_RELEASED_THE_2018_DARWIN_AWARDS.aspx
That’s no photo of a future dishwasher, that’s a photo of the birth of a “blow” dryer.
–Steve B
Mission Viejo, CA – California
NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Geologist Dr. Ian Plimer: 97% Of Scientists Agree On Nothing – Debunking the 97% ‘zombie statistic’
It is often claimed that 97 per cent of scientists conclude that humans are causing global warming. Is that really true? No. It is a zombie statistic.
In the scientific circles I mix in, there is an overwhelming scepticism about human-induced climate change. Many of my colleagues claim that the mantra of human-induced global warming is the biggest scientific fraud of all time and future generations will pay dearly.
If 97 percent of scientists agree that there is human-induced climate change, you’d think they would be busting a gut to vanquish climate sceptics in public debates. Instead, many scientists and activists are expressing confected outrage at the possibility of public debates because the science is settled. After all, 97 percent of scientists agree that human emissions drive global warming and there is no need for further discussion.
In my 50-year scientific career, I have never seen a hypothesis where 97 per cent of scientists agree. At any scientific conference there are collections of argumentative sods who don’t agree about anything, argue about data, how data was collected and the conclusions derived from data.
Scepticism underpins all science, science is underpinned by repeatable validated evidence and scientific conclusions are not based on a show of hands, consensus, politics or feelings. Scientists, just like lawyers, bankers, unionists, politicians and those in all other fields, can make no claim to being honest or honourable, and various warring cliques of scientists have their leaders, followers, outsiders and enemies.
Scientists differ from many in the community because they are allegedly trained to be independent. Unless, of course, whacking big research grants for climate “science” are waved in front of them.
The 97 per cent figure derives from a survey sent to 10,257 people with a self-interest in human-induced global warming who published “science” supported by taxpayer-funded research grants. Replies from 3146 respondents were whittled down to 77 self-appointed climate “scientists” of whom 75 were judged to agree that human-induced warming was taking place.
The 97 per cent figure derives from a tribe with only 75 members. What were the criteria for rejecting 3069 respondents? There was no mention that 75 out of 3146 is 2.38 per cent. We did not hear that 2.38 per cent of climate scientists with a self-interest agreed that humans have played a significant role in changing climate and that they are recipients of some of the billions spent annually on climate research.
Another recent paper on the scientific consensus of human-induced climate change was a howler. Such papers can be published only in the sociology or environmental literature.
The paper claimed that published scientific papers showed there was a 97.1 per cent consensus that man had caused at least half of the 0.7C global warming since 1950. How was this 97.1 per cent figure determined? By “inspection” of 11,944 published papers.
Inspection is not rigorous scholarship. There was no critical reading and understanding derived from reading 11,944 papers. This was not possible as the study started in March 2012 and was published in mid-2013, hence only a cursory inspection was possible. What was inspected? By whom?
The methodology section of the publication gives the game away. “This letter was conceived as a ‘citizen science’ project by volunteers contributing to the Skeptical Science website (www.skepticalscience.com).
In March 2012, we searched the Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science for papers published from 1991-2011 using topic searches for ‘global warming’ or ‘global climate change’.”
This translates as: This study was a biased compilation of opinions from non-scientific, politically motivated volunteer activists who used a search engine for key words in 11,944 scientific papers, were unable to understand the scientific context of the use of “global warming” and “global climate change”, who rebadged themselves as “citizen scientists” to hide their activism and ignorance, who did not read the complete papers and were unable to evaluate critically the diversity of science published therein.
The conclusions were predictable because the methodology was not dispassionate and involved decisions by those who were not independent.
As part of a scathing critical analysis of this paper by real scientists, the original 11,944 papers were read and the readers came to a diametrically opposite conclusion. Of the 11,944 papers, only 41 explicitly stated that humans caused most of the warming since 1950 (0.3 per cent). Of the 11,944 climate “science” papers, 99.7 per cent did not say that carbon dioxide caused most of the global warming since 1950. It was less than 1 per cent and not one paper endorsed a man-made global warming catastrophe.
Political policy and environmental activism rely on this fraudulent 97 per cent consensus paid for by the taxpayer to rob the taxpayer further with subsidies for bird-and-bat-chomping wind turbines, polluting solar panels and handouts to those with sticky fingers in the international climate industry. It’s this alleged 97 per cent consensus that has changed our electricity from cheap and reliable to expensive and unreliable.
Activists with no skin in the game are setting the scene for economic suicide. Time for yellow shirts to shirt-front politicians about their uncritical acceptance of a fraud that has already cost the community hundreds of billions of dollars.
Emeritus professor Ian Plimer’s latest book, The Climate Change Delusion and the Great Electricity Ripoff, is published by Connor Court. He is a member of the GWPF’s Academic Advisory Council
The Australian, 17 January 2019
–by Benny Peiser
CLIMATE DEPOT
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2016 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide FLHTCU
Still under factory warranty (as of 9/5/2017) This nearly new, all original Billet Silver Ultra Classic is every mans dream!
Starting with the reduced width primary housing, new Batwing fairing that reduces wind resistance and rider fatigue to the factory installed Daymaker headlight this bike is a touring dream! Using the latest technology to create a sophisticated touring machine with the Harley Davidson attitude.
Factory supplied features on this bike include Premium BOOM! infotainment system and GPS navigation, ABS anti-lock braking system, low profile rear suspension. The newly redesigned fairing delivers increased aerodynamics and handling while retaining the legendary Batwing design. The Blue Tooth equipped Boom! audio system delivers 50watts of audio pleasure! The powerful 1690cc Twin Cam 103″ engine, electronic fuel injection and 6-speed transmission will get you cruising down the highways with lots of power to spare!
The paint, powder-coat and chrome are in excellent condition. The bike looks and runs great!
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
CHOW HALL OF THE WEEK– Haymarket Pub and Brewery in Chicago on Randolph has it ALL!
The Owner Pete and all of his Staff have created a MUST stop Food and Beer destination!! Get The BIG MIC!!, Their Riff on the BIG MAC!
Also don’t miss out on their Seasonal Sausages, Pizza and THE FRIES! Get there!! Subscribe to my You Tube channel to see more awesome food destinations!
–BikerDude
BIKERNET STAFFER CUTTING AN ALBUM–Markus Cuff back on stage.
Textones new album is out, but newer members live in Texas and London, so local gigs are a problem— Carla wanted to get the original members back together for a few local shows.
Did our 2nd show the other night up near Pasadena. Fun. Have no idea where it’ll go from here. I’m on one track on the new cd. Pic included at studio.
–Markus Cuff
Officially Certified
Bikernet Feature Photographer
American Iron
Cycle Source
Plus, here’s his latest feature in American Iron.
–Bandit
VINTAGE RIDES WORKING ON NEPAL RUN–What does Nepal bring to mind for you? Mighty snow-capped mountains? Traditional villages where the modern world holds no sway? Or the heat of the jungle at the feet of the Himalayas?
For us at Vintage Rides, Nepal is all of these things. But it is also, above all, an incredible destination for motorcyclists looking to push their limits.
Have a look at our video of the new, challenging, tour of Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang, Adventure in the Forbidden Kingdom (New Tour)
14 days, of which 11 are on the bike
Level: Very demanding
The mineral landscapes of Upper Mustang promise a motorcycling adventure far from the normal tourist routes.
Leave at home any idea of smooth tarmac: what awaits you here are rocky roads, river crossings, sand and canyons. Incredible scenery with the Annapurna range looming above you.
Small groups, which bond well.
13th to 26th April 2019
28th April to 11th May 2019
21st October to 3rd November 2019
Only a few places left
Mustang, The Legendary Expedition
14 days, of which 12 are on the bike
Level: Demanding
The countryside unfolds seamlessly, and we discover Nepalese culture in all its diversity. From the heat of the jungle of the Terai, through the magnificent temples of the Newari region and through hillsides terraced with rice paddies. Then it starts to feel like Tibet, with Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges unfolding their pure snow-capped peaks. Then we are on the harsh roads of the Mustang Valley and in Buddhist land. The Royal Enfield is a bike manoeuvrable enough to take you all the way to the summit.
A trip to push your limits on a motorbike.
April and May, 2019
October and November, 2019
Only a few places left
Nepal Forever
11 days, of which 7 are on the bike
Level: Intermediate
Get on your Royal Enfield for a circuit of 800km crossing the Kathmandu Valley, the Himalayan foothills, the wild jungles of the Terai and Chitwan National Park. Feast your eyes on the eternal beauty of the Annapurna range. Take some time to explore Nepalese culture, both Hindu and Buddhist. You’ll meet many Nepali people, all of whom are smiling and welcoming. Not forgetting the mythical city of Kathmandu, swarming with life, fascinating and a unique blend of ancient tradition and modernity.
A motorcycle ride to the rhythm of Nepal.
From 1st to 11th October
Photo credits: Leo Fvy / Sophie Squillace
Vintage Rides
(by appointment only)
Grand Tour Coworking
30 rue des Trois Bornes
75011 PARIS
New TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!–
RICK ALEXANDER’S ENGRAVING SYSTEM
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/RICK_ALEXANDERS_ENGRAVING_SYSTEM.aspx
So now the handle is black it can be engraved when all done.
Oh yeah on the dremel. The dremel tool is good for relief of areas and stippling like between engraving grooves.
Also you can use a foredom tool to do the same thing.
Jeweler’s use them both. The foredom is used for setting stones in a ring.
The foredom can be setup for a hammer function to set stones etc. in rings.
–Paul Davis
bluestrk@hotmail.com
Glendale Heights, IL
More updates coming.–Bandit
UTAH BECOMES FIRST IN NATION TO LOWER DUI LIMIT TO .05 PERCENT–
The Beehive State made history on December 30th by becoming the first state to lower its blood alcohol concentration limit (BAC) for drunken driving to .05 percent, just in time for New Year’s Eve.
Utah lowered the drunken driving BAC from .08, the national limit imposed by former President Bill Clinton in 2000, to .05, making it the nation’s strictest DUI law. Utah’s new law also says anyone who “operates a motor vehicle in a negligent manner causing the death of another” will have committed criminal homicide, which is a felony.
In 1983, Utah was the first state to lower its blood alcohol limit from 0.10 to 0.08 for impaired driving. It would take nearly two decades for every state to follow suit, but as they did, the nation’s rate of alcohol-related traffic deaths dropped 10%. Now, Utah is pioneering the move to lower it once again.
Utah State Representative Norm Thurston (R-Provo) sponsored the bill at the request of the National Transportation Safety Board, which has been urging states to lower DUI limits to 0.05 since 2013.
The American Beverage Institute says the new lower limit targets social drinkers and calls the law an “attack on the restaurant and hospitality industries,” claiming nearly 70% of alcohol-related fatalities in the U.S. are caused by drivers with a much higher BAC of 0.15 and above.
–Bill Bish
NCOM
Ride-On Magazine
IS LIFE NUTS OR WHAT—We just get stuff sorta dialed in and should be dancing in the streets, when the control freaks tell us we’re killing the planet and we’re all going to die.
Here’s the funny, not so Ha-Ha part of the equation. They have a limited opportunity, sorta. Twelve years have passed since Al Gore predicted doom and gloom. We are selling more cars than ever and none of his predictions came true. Think about it. If another ten years passes and nothing changes, what will they say then? Opps.
Nuts. I look around and most folks just party and don’t pay much attention to the maniacs. Maybe I should do the same. It’s tough.
I’m going to Ride Free Forever, whether they like it or not.
–Bandit
