Hey,
I’ve been looking for a catch phrase to define folks, who blame anything on Climate Change caused by your mom’s SUV. So far folks came up with pseudo-science and alarmist. I thought about history and the story of the boy who cried “Wolf.” But how about doomsday proponents, when we should be having the time of our lives.
I watched a documentary about vitamins recently. This Australian scientist tried to give us broad knowledge about the vitamin industry, the pros and cons. During this program he explained that about 2/3s of all vitamins are made from Fossil Fuels. The Doomsday screamers think we can quit the evil oil industry when 90 percent of everything is built with fossil fuels including my computer, many medical devices, tools, kitchen appliances, you name it.
To me the bottom line is freedom and dancing in the streets where we should be. Let’s hit the news:
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–So I tell the wife I am going to hop up the bike to make it faster…. she said lose some weight.
5-BALL RACING ALWAYS HAS A DEAL FOR YOU—Order anything from the Crew’s shop and they will make K. Randall Ball sign one of his books.
They will also throw in one of our latest Bikernet Bandanas. Check out our line of leathers and we will include a batch of bling.
–Bandit
200 BIKERS RALLY AGAINST TEXAS PROPOSED HELMET LAW–The riders of the noisiest vehicles on the highway are trying to make their voices just as loud in the halls of the Texas Capitol.
On Monday, around 200 motorcycle enthusiasts from around the state descended on Austin for Texas Biker Legislative Day, pushing a number of priorities for the ongoing session of the Texas Legislature. The crowd of vest-wearing activists listened to a number of speakers on the Capitol steps before heading inside to lobby against a bill that would require motorcyclists to wear helmets and to call for legislation to prevent police profiling of motorcyclists.
“I ride, and I care deeply about you independence and your ability to ride,” Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, told the crowd. “So, here’s my pledge to you: You may not live in SD 14 … but I’m your senator.”
Watson was followed by Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez, who is a member of the Calaveras motorcycle club, and a number of politically inclined motorcycle riders.
“When we have somebody who shares our passions in the Senate and the House, it makes it a lot easier for us to be heard,” said Lora Dame, chairwoman of the Austin Region 1 chapter of the Confederation of Clubs and Independents. “We’re mixtures of Republicans, Democrats, we’re a mixture of everything.”
One of the main targets of the rally was House Bill 748 by Rep. Victoria Neave, D-Dallas. The bill would amend the Texas Transportation Code to make it a misdemeanor offense to ride a motorcycle without a helmet.
Neave said she sees the arguments against a law requiring helmets as similar to the arguments against seatbelt laws.
“At one point there was a lot of resistance to wearing a seatbelt,” Neave said. “We’re open to working with whoever … but our utmost priority is saving lives.”
Related: House calls for $9B funding increase in education funding
Sen. Watson said he did not support Neave’s bill and he considers helmet-wearing an “adult decision” that motorcyclists have the right to make.
The fallout from the Twin Peaks shooting in Waco, when nine motorcycle club members were killed during a shootout between rival clubs in 2015, was also considered by the attendees. Following the shooting, nearly 200 motorcycle club members were arrested in connection with the shooting, despite a smaller number actually being involved in the violence. Since the incident, motorcycle club members have been lobbying to prevent profiling of cyclists by police in Texas.
“I’m not a bad person just because I ride,” Dame said. “I’m a regular person, just like everyone else, but I just choose to wear a patch.”
Inside the Capitol, motorcyclists hoped to show legislators that they are a constituency that can’t be ignored.
“(The legislators) listen, and at least they know that there are people involved,” said Tony Mistretta, a member of the Sons of Liberty Riders and an engineer from Houston. “I think that’s the whole point. We let them know that there are people involved and that there is people that want things a certain way. We all vote, and our votes all count.”
–Houston Chronicle
–from Rogue
The priority should be freedom over saving lives. Think about it. Should you make an entire population uncomfortable to save one life? What about the accidents helmets cause? What about saving them?–Bandit
FAT BOB HEADING TO MAMA TRIED—He’s jazzed about this show. He recently had a stroke, but he’s still making the trip from Chicago to Milwaukee for the show of shows. It should be a blast and there are may compliments for the shows organization.
AUTHENTICITY MEETS UNCOMPLICATED WITH THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON GARAGE COLLECTION–The Harley-Davidson Garage Collection is designed to let personal expression shine, this stripped-down collection features easy-going yet functional pieces with retro-inspired graphics and rugged workwear styling.
The new men’s #1 Retro Slim Fit Tee (P/N 99215-19VM, $25*) and women’s Retro #1 Tee (P/N 99238-19VW, $25*) both embody just the right amount of authentic H-D style while keeping an effortless look.
Made with 100% cotton jersey and a slim fitted design, these soft tees are comfortable yet stylish with printed H-D® graphics on the front. The men’s tee features the classic #1 H-D® graphic with red and blue on a basic black tee while the women’s tee has the same #1 H-D® graphic printed on a bright white tee.
Take it back to the ‘70s with the new men’s Retro Eagle Logo Slim Fit Tee (P/N 99212-19VM, $35*) and the women’s Retro Eagle Tank (P/N 99227-19VW, $30*). These pieces were created for the Garage Collection to celebrate the history of H-D® with Paul Smith’s original artwork from the ‘70s. Designed with a slim fit and effortless detail, the bright white tee and tank were both designed with red neckline, sleeve and armhole trim along with red printed graphics to add a perfect contrast.
The new Garage Collection is available in most Harley-Davidson dealerships and also available online at H-D.COM/GARAGE.
BANDIT’S CANTINA MOVING FORWARD—We are working on some changes. I hope they work. The Wayfarer, our Supreme Editor in India said it would take six month before it begins to pay off. Then he disappeared into the desert, never to be heard from again.
I still took his words and suggestions to heart. We just received a new Foreigner in Sturgis, gallery from Jack, who runs a trucking company, between hitting as many events as possible. He would rather just shoot action and girls for the Cantina but needs to feed his family.
Keep the memberships coming.
–Bandit
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BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Johnny Gil’s, La Ruca Grande
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Johnny_Gils_La_Ruca_Grande.aspx
I absolutely loved this article. Thank you so much for allowing me to have the chance see these pictures from your point of view. My dad’s bike came out beautiful.
I personally liked the low pro drag street style from before. My dad “Pops” was so proud of Johnny and of his bike La Ruca… which my mom hated that name for the bike. Lol!
Thank you again for all your kind words. God Bless! Sincerely, Little Sister Gil
–Maribel Gil
maribelgil82@yahoo.com
San Antonio, TX
BIKERNET TRIKES WILL NEVER DIE–Jim Schombs, a retired Navy Seal from Cape Coral, has received a customized trike (motorcycle with one front wheel and two rear wheels) which enables him to do what he loves most: Riding a motorcycle!
Since a stroke 18 years ago, the former Navy Seal lost control over most of his left side of the body, including his left leg and hand. Those circumstances made it impossible for him to shift gears on a motorcycle or trike.
“After my stroke I was unfortunately not able to get back on a bike. It was pretty hard for me because riding my bike was a true passion of mine,” says the 55 year old Veteran.
When Haus of Trikes & Bikes in Fort Myers had its Grand Opening of their new store back in March 2018, Jim walked in, browsing around the inventory. Mike Tinneny, sales consultant at Haus of Trikes & Bikes, noticed Jim Schombs and got into a conversation with him. He heard Jim’s story and how he missed riding his bike.
The experienced motorcycle sales man knew that the Veteran’s disabilities were a huge obstacle, even to ride a trike. Nevertheless he told Jim that he would brainstorm with the technicians to see if they would be able to come up with a solution.
Fast forward to January 21st, 2019, Jim Schombs is the proud honor of a customized 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Trike. Mike Tinneny explains in details what had to be done to make this customized bike: “What makes Jim’s bike so special is that on a regular motorcycle, the clutch and shifter are on the left side of the bike, which Jim obviously can’t use.
We had to use centrifugal clutch, so he didn’t have to use his hand for shifting gears. Furthermore we added a drag racing shifter which just uses finger buttons to shift up or down without using your left foot.
The hardest thing to overcome was finding a clean looking way to get into the neutral gear, since the shifter is made to race and not fall into neutral. To make it work, we changed the barrel in the transmission which a normal tranny is set to 1st gear, neutral, second, third etc. We customized it so it starts at neutral then 1st 2nd 3rd etc.
To accommodate the wheel chair in the back, the trike is made by Motor Trike which has an air ride suspension to make up for the additional weight. We have done plenty of vets bikes in the past, but Jim’s was one of a kind since his needs were very specific,” said Manfred Glanzner, owner of Haus of Trikes & Bikes. “I am very proud of our team. We were able to think out of the box and provide a trike which I believe will make Jim very happy. Giving back to a Veteran who served our country for over 20 years, is the least we can do.”
“It means the world to me to be able to ride again and I thank the people at Haus of Trikes & Bikes who made it possible.” said Jim Schombs.
— Dimitrios Settos
dsettos@b3-marketing.com
BRAND NEW FROM S&S Cycle – 124-inch Big Bore Kits for 2018-19 Big Twins!
We love power, raw unadulterated thumping, makes your heart skip a beat kind of power and that’s the very stuff S&S Cycle does best. This obsession with HP and Torque is further proven out by their latest efforts for the Milwaukee Eight powered Harley-Davidson models.
Their bolt in 124 Cubic-Inch (that’s over 2000cc for you metric folks) Big Bore Kit is just this side of being a monster. Taking the stock 107CI engine from a respectable 92Hp to a tire melting 125+Hp (and that’s with stock heads and throttle body!), we can’t wait to roll the throttle on one of these things!
Maybe you’re a touring guy running two up and realize torque is what really matters? How about 135 ft lbs of pure twisting force (a 22% increase over stock!) that will transform your next, throttle onto the highway move into an authoritative launch.
The S&S Big Bore kit is also available for the 114CI models, pushes them to a solid 128CI and both versions come in at 11.1 Compression. For more info and detailed specs, check out https://www.sscycle.com/m8-big-bore/
Horsepower (and torque!) are our jam and we never let off the gas. Our latest big bore kits for the M8 powered HD models are now rolling out of the building en masse ready to transform your bike into the monster it was meant to be! ~DZ
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A police officer was patrolling late at night off the main highway. At nearly midnight, he saw a couple in a car in Lovers’ Lane, with the
interior light brightly glowing. He carefully
approached the car to get a closer look. Then he saw a young man behind the wheel, reading a
computer magazine. He immediately noticed a young woman in the rear seat, filing her fingernails.
Puzzled by this surprising situation, the officer walked to the car and gently rapped on the driver’s window. The young man lowered his
window. “Uh, yes, officer?”
The cop asked, “What are you doing?”
The young man said, “Well, officer, I’m reading a magazine.”
Pointing towards the young woman in the back seat the officer asked, “And, her, what is she doing?”
The young man shrugged, “Sir, I believe she’s
filing her fingernails.”
Now, the cop was totally confused. A young
couple, alone, in a car, at night in Lover’s Lane and nothing obscene was happening!
He asked, “What’s your age, young man?”
The young man said, “I’m 22,
sir.”
The cop asked, “And her, what’s her age?”
The young man looked at his watch and replied, “She’ll be 18 in 11 minutes.”
ABOUT DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL–For the last 22 years, Dana Point’s Doheny Blues Festival has created a festival environment like none other! Located in the picturesque location of Sea Terrace Park, the festival features three alternating stages of blues, rock and soul music, tasty craft brews, an eclectic vendor village and 15,000 music fans throughout the weekend!
The nationally-recognized festival has welcomed a mix of blues legends and rockin’ headliners… and the 2019 lineup will surely continue this musical tradition.
Line-up to be released on Monday, February 4th! Last chance for Early Bird Weeked Passes!
DAV NEWS– CONNECTING VETERANS AND VOLUNTEERS NATIONWIDE–
Register today to identify opportunities in your community. Whether you are interested in volunteering or submitting a task for yourself or a loved one, you’ve reached the right place.
Tasks range from running errands and helping with chores and home maintenance to performing basic tasks or group projects.
START YOUR YEAR ON A CLASSIC ROYAL ENFIELD 500 SINGLE– Ride into 2019 in style with a Royal Enfield Classic 500. An old-school, post-war design built around an engine that you can count on. The machine evokes simple pleasures of motorcycling while being dependable enough to ride through any terrain. In it, the tradition of an iconic past exists in harmony with modern technology. The Classic 500 features a fuel-injected 500 cc engine with a modern classic styling that’s sure to turn heads.
The 2018 Classic 500s are better than ever. Available in Royal Enfield dealers across North America, all now come standard with ABS and rear disc brakes. With new color schemes and affordable financing options, it’s easier than ever to return to pure motorcycling.
Royal Enfield North America, 226 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
FROM THE WHITE HOUSE--Crisis at Our Southern Border Is Real and Growing Worse Without the Wall
“The federal government has reopened, but the talking points pushed by the Democrats about the southern border remain the same. They falsely say ‘there is no crisis.’ They claim that a barrier or wall would do nothing to curb illegal immigration or drug smuggling, which is demonstrably untrue,” Buck Sexton writes in The Hill.
For example, “human smugglers for the cartels use the surrender of family units as a diversionary tactic. Once Border Patrol is engaged in one area, the smugglers will use that opportunity to run drugs onto American soil.”
“As a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) special agent on the southern border who fought sex trafficking for over a decade, I can say with certainty that the issue of the border wall should be not about power and partisan politics. It should be about the children – the tens of thousands of them who have been and are being trafficked into the U.S. and forced into the commercial sex trade,” Timothy Ballard writes for Fox News.
In 2006, Matthew Hemsley arrived in America on a working visa to help establish a church in Charlotte, he recounts in The Washington Post. “By now, my three daughters had grown up in the United States. This was their home. I wanted to secure my wife and my children’s futures here,” Hemsley writes. “Twelve years later, on Jan. 19, I had one of the most surreal moments of my life: I was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in the Oval Office by President Trump.”
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Tuesday that it arrested 118 illegal immigrants in New York in a five-day raid this month, more than 107 of whom were convicted criminals or had pending charges against them — and the agency slammed local politicians for protecting them and endangering the public,” Adam Shaw reports in Fox News. “Now that many sanctuary cities, including New York City, do not honor ICE detainers, these individuals, who often have significant criminal histories, are released onto the street, presenting a potential public safety threat,” ICE said in a statement Tuesday.
“Private payrolls grew in January at a much faster pace than expected,” Fred Imbert reports for CNBC. “Companies added 213,000 jobs this month.” Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi said the “job market weathered the government shutdown well” as American businesses continued to hire strongly.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING’S 2019 CONTINGENCY PROGRAM OFFERS $18,500 PER RACE & $25,000 CHAMPIONSHIP BONUS
Indian Maintains Aggressive Contingency after 2018 Single-Season
Privateer Payout Record of Nearly $150,000
Indian Motorcycle Racing, the back-to-back reigning American Flat Track Manufacturer’s Champion, today announced its 2019 contingency program. Following a record-setting season in which Indian Motorcycle Racing paid nearly $150,000 in privateer contingency, Indian’s 2019 program will continue to offer an aggressive $18,500 per race and include a $25,000 championship bonus. In addition, Indian Motorcycle Racing will increase its first-place payout from $5,000 to $10,000 in 2019.
Since its American Flat Track debut in 2017, the championship-winning Indian Motorcycle FTR750 has been the hottest race bike in the sport. After the Indian Wrecking Crew swept the 2017 season standings, many privateers turned to the FTR750 in 2018. Of those privateers, seven placed within the top 10 of the final standings, including Henry Wiles (second), Briar Bauman (third), Jeffrey Carver Jr. (fourth), Chad Cose (sixth), Kenny Coolbeth Jr. (seventh), Jake Johnson (eighth) and Davis Fisher (ninth).
“In 2018, we paid out more in privateer contingency than any other company in the history of professional flat track racing,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Many of our privateers had career years aboard the FTR750 and garnered consistent results throughout the season. That said, we’re excited to maintain an aggressive privateer contingency program and reward those who choose to ride the FTR750.”
Indian Motorcycle Racing’s 2019 contingency structure breaks down by the following:
1st – $10,000
2nd – $3,500
3rd – $1,500
4th – $1,250
5th – $1,000
6th – $500
7th – $300
8th – $200
9th – $150
10th – $100
To be eligible for contingency payouts, riders must run an Indian FTR750 at all races the team participates in for the 2019 American Flat Track Twins season. The bike must maintain the original red, white and black paint scheme and include the full “Indian Scout” logo across both sides of the tank panel. Additional logos on the bike are acceptable, but must be pre-approved by Indian Motorcycle Racing. Furthermore, riders must wear three Indian Motorcycle patches, including one on the upper chest on either the left or right side, as well as one on both shoulders.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing and the Indian Wrecking Crew, visit IndianMotorcycle.com.
THE DOOMSDAY GUYS ARE BACK–
The supposed millennial penchant for “killing” industries gets thrown around a lot, but it could really be happening to one American icon: the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Data suggest a considerable generational divide in attitudes toward heavyweight motorcycles, the sort of bikes sold by brands such as Harley and Polaris’ Indian brand, said UBS analyst Robin Farley in a note published Friday.
It turns out that younger people do consider buying motorcycles, but for entirely different reasons than older customers, and that has potentially profound implications for companies such as Harley-Davidson, which has been struggling with declining sales and an aging demographic.
Shares of the motorcycle maker have fallen 32 percent in the last 12 months.
The survey’s most significant finding is that 21- to 34-year-olds consider buying a bike for “ease of transportation,” whereas older buyers purchase bikes “as a hobby” or because “motorcycles are cool.”
This distinction is important, since the average Harley-Davidson customer is a married man in his early 50s, with a household income at or above $90,000. These are the customers buying motorcycles out of a passion for the product or lifestyle.
Younger buyers appear to be more motivated to consider motorcycles for practical reasons, which means it is likely they will be more interested in less expensive bikes that bring in lower margins for manufacturers.
“We believe this significant divergence in incentives to buy a new bike could be what is partly behind Harley’s and broader heavyweight motorcycle industry’s challenge to tap into a new segment of younger riders to drive growth,” Farley said. “So unless there is a generational shift among younger riders to see motorcycling as a hobby vs. means of transportation, the outlook for the heavyweight industry could continue to be more dependent on an aging demographic.”
It might not be all bad, though.
“Perhaps one hopeful sign for the industry is that younger potential buyers cited the second most common reason to buy a motorcycle is that it ‘goes with their self-image,’” Farley said.
Harley-Davidson has initiated an ambitious plan to lure 2 million more riders to the brand in 10 years. Among other things, the company is setting up riding schools around the country, and it is releasing an electric motorcycle called the “Livewire.” The company also previewed two electric concept bikes earlier in January.
Officials at Polaris weren’t immediately available to comment. Harley-Davidson told CNBC the company has been aware of the demographic trend and it has been informing the company’s strategy.
“There’s nothing new here,” Harley-Davidson told CNBC in a statement. “Our advanced analytic capabilities allow us to deeply understand rider migration trends. In fact, our knowledge of riders informed our strategy to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders globally, which we launched in early 2017.”
The survey polled 2,100 adults in the U.S. over the age of 21 from Sept. 1, 2018, to Sept. 21, 2018.
–Robert Ferris
CNBC News
–from Rogue
SALT TORPEDO REPORT—We’ve made tremendous progress. We had to go to a local machine shop to have an axle clamp made. It’s the first thing we didn’t handle in the shop and it cost me $400. You’ll see it next week in the report. I spoke to Jeff Cochran from Speed King about the dual caliper rear brake system and Yelvington shocks is working on a set of mock-up shocks to give us something to build around.
The front portion of the frame is nearly completed and we looked for a package of Dzus fittings for the body. I hope to order them tomorrow.
I need to finish Frankie’s Custom Cycle Engineering 39 mm front end build tech and Mike Pullin sent me his final Shovelhead restoration article. Hang on. The action never slows down around here.
–Bandit
NMA ALERT, Are Cyclists Vision Zero Zealots?–
Eric Berg is an NMA director and life member since the Citizens Coalition for Rational Traffic Law days. Eric is an avid sport bicyclist as well as staunch defender of motorists’ rights. He is well positioned to provide observations from both vantage points.
One of the challenges for NMA advocacy is distinguishing allies from foes. We tend to paint others with a broad brush.
Bicyclists generally fall into two camps: Those who ride for sport and those who are leisure/commuter cyclists. The former often belong to USA Cycling, the premier organization in the United States for serious cyclists. The only social issues it addresses have to do with bullying, student-athlete protection, and sexual misconduct. The organization is silent when it comes to urban bicycle route planning and street usage. These cyclists pedal drop-handlebar speed machines. They are the fast riders you see on country roads. One barometer I use to assess the political climate of a group is the bumper stickers seen on cars at an event. A look around the parking lot at 100 mile (century) rides and criterium races usually shows only bumper stickers admonishing drivers to share the road and yield three feet of space when passing.
That’s a reasonable expectation, and a far cry from the Vision Zero manifesto of achieving zero road fatalities by restricting-if not virtually eliminating-vehicular traffic. This movement is championed among bicyclists by “sustainable transportation advocates” pushing for changes that penalize drivers. They form into political action nonprofits that favor names such as “Walk Bike Xxxx” (insert your city name). Some of the individuals happen to ride bicycles. When they sponsor organized rides, the urban routes are selected so they are as dangerous as possible in order to emphasize a point. They ride comfort and hybrid bikes and festoon their bikes with political stickers. The NMA highlighted one such faction, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, in E-Newsletter #516, Problem Solved: Ban Cars.
Another is the Washington Area Bicyclist Association which recently called for, “. . . congestion-tolling and other steps to limit the number of vehicles that enter the city, raising residential parking fees, banning right turns on red and requiring residents to take a driver’s test again when renewing licenses.”
The spectrum of bicyclists is nearly as broad as the spectrum between Ferrari (or Porsche) drivers and Subaru or Smart Car drivers. It’s important for NMA to recognize the difference between sport cyclists and urban commuting cyclists so that we don’t alienate potential allies and polarize them into becoming foes.
Editor’s Note: Eric added an interesting postscript that further illustrates that most issues (and most supporters or opponents of various issues) are not nearly as black and white as we sometimes make them out to be. Writes Eric,”There are a lot of issues that I favor that might sound like they don’t align with NMA thought, but I don’t see a conflict. For example, I’m a huge fan of rails-to-trails conversions. Rail-trails get bike traffic off of motorways without the use of “road diets,” which is a win-win for everybody.”
— From guest writer Eric Berg.
Join the NMA Today!
NEW GALLERY IN BANDIT’S CANTINA
2018 STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP–Foreigner stole the show. You think you only know a few of their hits??? Thing again.
Foreigner, the new band along with the original band, joined together and played all night long. Every song was well known. Red Sun Rising opened the show.
Enjoy the images.
–JACK MCINTYRE
Gallery editor of Bandit’s Cantina
BIKERNET.COM
jackmcintyrephoto.com
MORE FROM THE DOOMSDAY CROWD–
Harley-Davidson’s core customers think they’re too old to ride bikes.
Harley-Davidson shares just hit a six-year low
Harley-Davidson CEO sent out employee memo to fight ‘misinformation’ Harley-Davidson’s plan to revamp itself: electric motorcycles
Being an “Easy Rider” isn’t so easy for Harley-Davidson’s core customer anymore.
Indeed, when asked why they would not buy such a vehicle, 13 percent of the 55-plus crowd said “people my age do not ride motorcycles.”
UBS analyst Robin Farley, in a research report released Friday, predicted this sense of being too old will increase “as Harley’s average buyer age moves further into their 50s.”
This means fewer and fewer Harley customers — manufacturer of half the heavyweight bikes sold in the US — will continue to buy a hog.
For those over 55, biking as “a hobby” and biking because “motorcycles are cool” were identified as the primary drivers of bike purchases.
But for the 21-to-24 set, the top reason was “ease of transportation.”
These younger consumers are much more likely to be attracted to “a lower-priced, lighter weight and lower margin bike,” Farley said.
This “divergence of intentions,” as she called it, does not bode well for motorcycle’s heavyweight segment.
This moved Farley to ask: “Has motorcycling had its cultural moment?”
For Harley, the answer seems to be yes.
“We believe [Harley] finished 2018 with US retail sales down double-digits,” the analyst concluded.
–By Richard Morgan
SPEAKING OF DOOMSDAY, NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Scientists, studies & data agree: ‘Global warming’ not fueling acceleration in sea level rise – ‘Miami Is Sinking, But That Doesn’t Mean Sea Levels Are Rising’
Analysis Debunks Absurd Sea Level Rise Claims About South Florida
– Sea level rise in the Miami area is not accelerating and it is rising at a rate of about 1 foot per century.
Climatologist’s sea-level rise study disputes climate-disaster predictions – In many cases, ‘half of the sea-level rise is really from land sinking’
– “
Miami Is Sinking, But That Doesn’t Mean Sea Levels Are Rising”
Sea level expert Geologist Dr. Nils-Axel Mörner ridiculed the claim in Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth that Florida would be half covered by rising seas. “These are models. They are doing it wrongly, and this is lobbying. Geologic facts are on one side, lobbying and models are on the other side.” Morner added, “The rapid rise in sea levels predicted by computer models simply cannot happen.” …
Geologist Dr. Don Easterbrook: “If you look at the total global sea level from about 1850 until the present time it’s been rising at a fairly constant rate, rather slow—about 7 inches a century…. It’s about 1 to 2 mm a year so if you’re 50 years old you experienced a sea level rise about 3 ½ inches and you probably didn’t even notice it,”
Former NASA Climatologist Dr. Roy Spencer: “Sea level rise, which was occurring long before humans could be blamed, has not accelerated and still amounts to only 1 inch every 10 years.” … Spencer on Miami flooding: “That flooding is mostly a combination of (1) natural sea level rise (I show there has been no acceleration of sea level rise beyond what was already happening since the 1800s), and (2) satellite-measured sinking of the reclaimed swamps that have been built upon for over 100 years in Miami Beach.”
U. Penn Geologist Dr. Robert Giegengack explains, “At the present rate of sea-level rise it’s going to take 3,500 years to get up there [to Gore’s predicted rise of 20 feet]. So if for some reason this warming process that melts ice is cutting loose and accelerating, sea level doesn’t know it. And sea level, we think, is the best indicator of global warming.”
The man-made climate-induced sea level rise scare is back in the news today as a Miami beach developer has correctly dismissed sea level rise scares as “paranoia.”
See: Billionaire Miami Beach Developer Dismisses Rising Sea Levels as ‘Paranoia’ – (Bloomberg) — A South Florida developer is questioning the well-established facts of climate change, and is putting his money where his mouth is, investing millions to build residential projects in highly exposed Miami Beach. Brazilian billionaire Jose Isaac Peres….is a real estate magnate and chief executive officer of shopping-center developer Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA said he isn’t factoring in the financial risk of rising sea levels… “It’s funny, that’s the last concern that I have here in Miami, that global-warming issue,” he said. “You’re leaning toward paranoia, you know?” he said, suggesting that Americans are more fixated on the study of climate change than Brazilians are. “You see a ghost, and you run after it as if it were real.”
Climate Depot Reality Check: The feared sea level rise in Miami and Florida has failed to materialize. The latest studies and data have scientists speaking out about the unscientific claims of man-made climate change induced sea level rise.
“Gore has previously said there has been a three-inch sea level rise since 1992 when Hurricane Andrew struck Florida. But tidal gauges and satellite altimeters show only a sea level rise of 1.2 mm per year. That would be about 28 mm since 1992, or 1.1 inches. He was off nearly 300 percent.
Gore also brought up the unique phenomenon in Miami that allow “fish from the ocean to swim on the streets of Miami-Dade and Delray, Ft. Lauderdale.” But that assertion has no basis in fact, wrote the Miami Herald when President Obama made the same claim.”
All of the sea level rise since 1700 is insignificant relative to the natural variability of Holocene sea levels.
ALL I DID WAS DRIVE A TRUCK IN VIETNAM– This video and short commentary sheds light on some inspirational Transportation Corps soldiers in combat in Vietnam that many of us may never have heard about. About 50 minutes long but I found it worth it.
https://www.sho.com/pr/smithsonian/sp/title/gun-trucks-of-vietnam?c=7l1c2p4u2a6u3l2i7v4o7r18290d5i2u
–from Mr. Wonderful
BIKERNET BOOK CLUB BOOK REVIEW-–Storm Rider: The emergence of Gunnar
by Chris Dutcher
A dichotomy of viewpoints, the law, the gangster, the MC, a biker, but a story told from the view of a lone wolf biker. The lone wolf parts becomes even more evident as the story progresses.
This story held me in its grip from the start. Gunnar with an “A”, trying to find his way in a world as foreign from his reality as possible but the closest in line with his desires. Gunnar is the epitome of a true lone wolf biker. He is searching for the meaning and purpose of his life, while trying to live free. To him control, constraint, and normalcy are four letter words
As Gunnar slides into a roadside bar and out of a downpour, the local MC takes interest in him. With a town loaded with gangsters and the feds, trouble soon erupts and Gunnar is in the middle of it. Through in a hot little FBI agent and passions rise.
The story gets even more interesting when some Nazi’s get in the mix trying to reap the benefits of their creation. But all along Gunnar is just looking for the meaning of life and a nice piece of ass.
To get the rest of the story pick up the book. Me, I’m waiting for thy he next chapter to see where Gunnar goes from here. Spoiler alert, he survived book one.
–David Campbell
Earl’s Garage – Motorcycle, Hotrod, and Event Photography
www.earlsgarage.co
MORE FROM THE WEST WING–Here is where American voters stand on immigration
Last week, President Donald J. Trump made an appeal for bipartisanship to solve America’s immigration crisis. The reason is simple: Ordinary Americans across the political spectrum want to see illegal immigration addressed. The people fighting hardest to preserve the horrible status quo are entrenched interests in Washington.
This time must be different. President Trump has given Congress 3 weeks to reach a deal that secures our border while protecting the most vulnerable communities. Public opinion polls back the President up:
A recent ABC/Washington Post poll shows that most Americans believe the Government is doing “too little” to stop illegal immigration—including 4 in 5 Republicans, more than a third of Democrats, and a majority of independents.
Echoing that theme, a Gallup poll last month revealed that Americans view immigration as the second-biggest problem facing the country today.
A 2018 POLITICO/Morning Consult poll confirms a majority of voters disagree with Democrats’ proposal to eliminate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entirely. Not even a majority of Democratic voters agree.
Gallup polls from 2018 show that a majority of Americans personally worry about illegal immigration a “great deal” or a “fair amount.” More Americans oppose than support “sanctuary cities” that skirt Federal immigration laws, as well.
If Americans of all stripes call for safe and secure borders as part of common-sense immigration reform, why not give law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively? That shouldn’t be controversial. Congress needs to put the concerns of American voters before those of special and political interests.
There is some good news, however: A growing number of Democrats understand that obstructing immigration reform would put them at odds with ordinary Americans. In recent weeks, they’ve broken rank with Democratic leaders such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and have backed border security.
“Certainly you need barriers, and we support barriers,” Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) explains. Ditto Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA): “Where folks say we need additional barrier protections, I’m all for it.”
Democrats who put sensible solutions above obstructionist politics should be applauded. Those who don’t need to listen to voters—not their donors or party bosses.
Something to share: Border security will put human traffickers out of business.
Former DHS special agent: “We Need to Build the Wall for the Children”
President Trump calls Venezuela’s interim President
President Trump last week officially recognized Juan Guaido, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, as the country’s Interim President.
More than 3 million people have fled Venezuela since 2015. The United Nations estimates that number may swell to more than 5.3 million by the end of 2019. The United States is standing with Venezuelans as they demand democracy, human rights, and prosperity—all things denied to them by the corrupt Maduro regime and its authoritarian predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
President Trump spoke with Interim President Guaido today, congratulating him on his historic assumption of the presidency and reaffirming American support for Venezuela’s fight to regain its democracy.
“The fight for freedom has begun!,” President Trump tweets.
Vice President Pence: “Venezuela, America Stands With You”
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–buzzwig
[buhz-wig]
noun
1.
a person of consequence.
2.
a large, bushy wig.
A buzzwig “bigwig, big shot” is someone who wears a large, bushy wig. The first syllable, buzz, may be a shortening of busby, the very large fur hat worn by hussars on parade. Buzzwig entered English in the 19th century.
VEGAS AUCTION NEWS– Some Quick Highlights from the auction. Lots of action and bucks flying around at the Vegas auctions.
The Bg Tank Crocker a massive $704K for a bike with needs.
The Small Tank Crocker $423K again for a bike that wasnt 100%.
1912 Henderson that was stunning $302K
1923 Ace$126K
1914 H-D Twin $132K
Knuckleheads that weren’t covered in Repop parts did very well.
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Ready to Make Round 5 Count Before Western Regional Break–Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo and Garrett Marchbanks have one more round to showcase their speed this weekend at Petco Park before the series starts to head east.
Cianciarulo rolls into San Diego with two wins and the momentum to potentially take over the lead in the championship as he sits just three points back of the leader. Marchbanks returned to the top 10 and is hoping to make Round 5 his best race yet.
The weather isn’t looking promising for San Diego on Saturday, but that won’t stop Cianciarulo from entering with confidence following his second win last week in Oakland. Getting out front and having clear vision will be one of the keys for the race.
“It’s unfortunate to see that rain will likely force us to have our second mud race, but we got through the first one and we’ll not only be going after a good result but the win,” said Cianciarulo. “It’s strange to think this is our last race until the beginning of March when we come back for the showdown. It would be nice to stay in the title hunt going into the break.”
The rookie Marchbanks completed his best finish of the season at the opening round mud race and isn’t shying away from the bad weather. He’s set to make Round 5 a race to remember before he gets his first weekend off in the new year.
“The first several rounds flew by and I can’t believe we’re already in San Diego,” said Marchbanks. “It’s been amazing so far to learn and tackle all kinds of scenarios from the rain at the opening round to the triple crown format. I’m ready to put in another good effort.”
The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders will be signing autographs on Friday, February 1 from 6 – 7 p.m. at Del Amo Southbay in Chula Vista, California.
Saturday’s race from Petco Park will be broadcast live on NBC Sports starting on Saturday, February 2 at 10 p.m. ET.
To find out more about Pro Circuit products, visit www.procircuit.com. Don’t forget to follow the Pro Circuit race team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @pcraceteam.
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–JIMS Milwaukee-Eight Cam Bearing Remover and Installer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDWwjFitlH0
The new Milwaukee Eight engine returns to the single cam design, which requires a new tool (Part No. 5806) for accurate replacement of the camshafts inner needle bearing. JIMS has created a remover that uses the “JIMS Style” collet as well as a fine threaded installation driver for correct and accurate replacement.
JIMS has incorporated a new removal hole that works as a window and allows you to see what you’re doing while using the tool. The suggested MSRP is $275, and can be purchased through any authorized JIMS® dealer. For more information please call us at (805) 482-6913, email us at sales@jimsusa.com, or visit www.jimsusa.com.
Part No. 5806 – For use on the new Milwaukee-Eight® Engine
THE BIKERNET COUNTRY WESTERN REPORT– Really glad to pass this one on. . . .all I can say I will do my best to try and follow his lead.
It starts with Toby Keith playing golf with Clint Eastwood. That sets the stage.
At one point, Eastwood said to Keith, “I turn 88 on Monday.”
“What are you going to do?” Keith asked.
“I’m going to shoot a movie,” Eastwood replied, with filming scheduled to begin the following week.
“What keeps you going?” Keith asked him.
“I get up every day and don’t let the old man in,” Eastwood said.
“I’m writing this down right now,” Keith replied.
Keith didn’t ask him if he could contribute a song, Keith just went home and wrote it, sent it to Clint and hoped that he would consider it. And, he did.
Here it is:
https://youtu.be/yc5AWImplfE
–Bob Stark
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK– Only $13,995.00
2017 HERITAGE SOFTAIL CLASSIC FLSTC
If you are looking for a back-to-basics touring bike with classic styling, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic stands at the ready. The High Output Twin Cam 103B is fully capable of taking the rider and passenger from coast-to-coast in high style and comfort. Seat height: 27 inches, Curb weight: 755 pounds. You have to come in and see this bike, it is just plain pretty and makes you want to go ride. The classic look, paint, and accents will turn heads.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:
Mysterious Red Sunglo/Velocity Red Sunglo two tone paint is flawless. Red pin-striping and raised chrome tank emblems with a red background attract the eye. 12″ apes with black switch housings and chrome mirrors. Detachable windshield on chrome shroud and polished fork. Steel laced 40 spoke chrome rims. Anti-Lock brakes. Studded leather bags and solo seat that has a pillion and passenger backrest. Chrome rockers, push-rod tubes, tappet blocks, horn, and 2:2 exhaust pipes. Chrome cam with Twin-Cam H-D cover and chrome primary with a 103 cover. Black swing arm with chrome upper chain guard. The tires are ready for miles…Don’t miss out on this one!
HERE’S THE DEAL—Life is nuts. I spoke to a well-known bike builder today about a braking system on our Salt torpedo. He said he’s busy as hell, building bikes and parts. That’s music to my ears. Also, the news about the auction was inspiring. Goofy shit at the Bonham’s auction pulled big prices, like a scooter for $27,000.
I don’t believe Harley is going anywhere but up, and so is Indian. About the time the control freaks think they can control everything the rebels will return to ride Free Forever.
–Bandit
