Hey,
My last dog, Cash, died. It broke my heart that I was in Deadwood drinking Jack Daniels, when it happened. I wanted to be with him one more time before he departed. Death seems to be everywhere with the Covid, although half a million meet the Reaper from cancer and heart attacks annually and we are facing a rapid decline within the baby boom population, which is my group.
We will see the impact of drugs on much of the aging population. And I touched on Kip’s documentaries this week with “What the Health.” Our current diet is killing folks and spreading disease more now than ever. Hell, it’s way worse than the opioid epidemic.
This problem comes from a meat and dairy based diet, not sugar. So hang on, the meat industry is 86 times more detrimental to our society and planet than all the fossil fuel use put together. But even Al Gore didn’t want his control freaks to go down that road.
It’s so interesting, and that’s why we need the first amendment or free speech. We need to discuss real solutions, real problems, and be comfortable and open with dialog about the topics. Death and hate are not the correct path. Rest and be kind, we will sort it out.
Let’s hit the news:
THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON QUARTERLY REPORT–
Harley-Davidson posts quarterly loss of $96 million; reveals turnaround plan—Shares in Harley Davidson tumbled Tuesday after the company posted a fourth-quarter loss and said it was setting “realistic expectations” after years of underperformance.
Harley also revealed a five-year turnaround plan that includes $190 million to $250 million a year in capital investments and a focus on touring, cruiser and trike markets to achieve higher growth in motorcycle revenue.
The company said its bike shipments to dealers for 2020 fell 32% to about 145,000 units, one of the lowest levels since the 1990s. In the recent quarter, bike shipments were down 48% to about 40,500 units.
Part of the company’s strategy has been to tighten inventories to address an over-supplied market, along with eliminating discounted pricing.
“We will not chase volume for volume’s sake,” Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO said in a conference call with analysts.
Harley posted a fourth-quarter loss of $96 million, or 63 cents per share, compared with a profit of $13 million, or 9 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenue fell to $725 million, down 32% from a year earlier.
The company said its North American motorcycle sales were down 15% in the quarter and 18% for the full year. Worldwide, it exited 39 markets in 2020, and its bike sales were down 17% for the year.
Going forward, Harley has set goals of low double-digit earnings per share growth through 2025 as it comes off years of disappointing results.
“In the past, we have over committed and under delivered,” Zeitz said.
Highlights of the five-year turnaround plan, named The Hardwire, include launching a used bike program called Harley-Davidson Certified, creating a separate division for electric motorcycle development, and extending employee ownership to all 4,500 employees through an equity grant.
“We launch The Hardwire with capabilities, assets and a legacy unmatched by any competitor,” Zeitz said.
Still, it’s going to be a hard road back for the world’s largest manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles as its baby-boomer customer base ages out of riding and not enough young people have embraced the big cruiser and touring bikes.
Following the earnings announcement and conference call with analysts, Harley shares tumbled nearly 19% as investors showed skepticism. The stock closed at $33.28, down 17% for the day.
“Obviously the earnings were a big disappointment. Until they can prove Wall Street wrong, I think the stock is going to continue to be volatile,” said analyst Brian Yarbrough with Edward Jones Co.
“They are doing the right thing by trying to correct the supply and demand problem. There has been way too much supply in the market and not enough demand,” Yarbrough said. “But I just don’t know that shrinking your way to profitability works.”
“The biggest cloud that hangs over Harley is the cloud of aging demographics and younger customers not being interested in their bikes. Whether that is the truth or not, it’s the cloud that hangs over them from an investor standpoint,” he added.
A year ago, then-CEO Matt Levatich said 2020 would be a pivotal year as the company focused on attracting new customers through smaller, more versatile bikes and electric motorcycles.
Shortly after, Levatich left the company after 26 years. Under Zeitz’s leadership, Harley-Davidson has focused on big bikes that are more popular with older, wealthier, experienced riders.
The company has taken strong measures over the last 12 months such as exiting international markets where sales were flat or nonexistent to focus on key markets in North America, Europe and portions of the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are now committed to setting realistic expectations, and we know that execution is everything,” Zeitz said.
Until the company shows consistent growth, Yarbrough said, investors are going to have doubts about the turnaround plan.
“I think there are a lot of questions around that. … I’m just not sure they can recreate the kind of demand they had back in the heyday of bike sales. That’s the million-dollar question.”
–Rick Barrett
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
They have been talking aging population since before 2000. Hell, my son got into riding and now his son and one of his daughters builds and rides motorcycles. –Bandit
THE SUGAR BEAR BUILD–
Finally healed up enough to get started. Maybe a slow process, but reckon I have a couple of months to get parts and install them. That little Sportster is now longer than a whore’s dream. Will follow up with pictures as progress continues.
–Andy Assel
King of the Wild Frontier
MISS LUBE RACK 1959–
I know, you have no idea! She could be a Movie star? Recording artist? Politician?
Her name is Nancy D’Alesandro.
Still stumped?
Nancy D’Alesandro is today known as Nancy Pelosi, the former Miss Lube Rack 1959!
Her father was Tommy D’Alesandro …who ran the Baltimore mafia and controlled the port.
They brought in tons of drugs and Tommy D made millions of dollars. He wrecked Baltimore and relocated to San Francisco.
–from Joe Smith
SWAP MEET DATES FOR WALNECK’S 2021 1/7/2021–Feb 14 Due to COVID, , , this event has been cancelled. Princeton, Illinois. Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet. Bureau County Fairgrounds, Off I-80 at exit # 45. All indoors, 3-connected – heated buildings. Great food in building. 10’ x 10’ vendor spaces $ 50. ( tables included .)
TWO-wheel access through multiple doors. General admission adults $ 7.00 under 14-free, free parking. Vendor set up 6-8AM. Hours 8AM – 2PM. 630 / 985- 2097 www.walneckswap.com Very nice family diner and new motels at the exit.
Thanks Buzz & Pixie
BRAND NEW New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Life and Times 2020
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Life_and_Times_2020.aspx
I am 72 myself . Have followed you since the Easyriders days, as well as Bikernet. Had the opportunity to have met you in Hollister 50th rally, but you were busy in conversation with others and I am not one to butt in.
Been a few years since I have been to Sturgis. I love Deadwood and Keystone. Also have been to Mount Moriah cemetery. If I ever go back to Sturgis, with your permission, I would like to have the opportunity to meet you sir.
–John JC Cruz
jcruz49@austints.rr.com
Austin, TX
Absolutely, stay in touch and let me know when you will be in town. My son works as All Saints Tattoo in Austin. Stop in and say hello.
–Bandit
LATEST FROM RMJ–
To keep it fair, all of the Ragnaroks will be sold first come first serve on the website. Please do not call us to attempt to reserve one. Also, we do not take pre-orders, or special request orders.
?
If you miss one on our website, the bulk of them have shipped to our dealers, they’ll be hitting their sites later this week.
The Ragnarok 12″ is a full tang tomahawk made from .270″ 80CRV2 carbon steel with a Black Cerakote finish. The handles are made from Black G10 and feature a grippy 3D contour without being overly aggressive. The handle end features a one of a kind pry-bar feature, and the holes provided in the handle allow for the addition of paracord to help lock it in to your hand for aggressive use.
The Ragnarok is like a high-end skeleton key that allows the user to access countless functions whether by prying, chopping, cutting or use as a defensive tool.
There are 2 versions available, Blackout and a hand textured version.
Specifications
Overall Length: 12″
Cutting Edge Length: 3.5
Thickness: .270 in
Weight: 1 pound, 3 ounces (without sheath)
Blade Steel: 80CRV2 Carbon Steel (HRC 56-57)
Handle Material: G10 Scale
Sheath: Molded kydex Bottom-Eject sheath and Low-Ride M.O.C. Straps
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— A teacher asks each of the kids in her class what they need at home.
Joey said, “A computer.”
The teacher replied, “Yes, Joey, that would be very useful.”
Jenny said, “A new lawn mower.”
The teacher again replied, “Yes, Jenny, that also would be very useful.”
Little Johnny popped up and said, “At my house we don’t need anything!”
Shocked because Little Johnny’s family was quite poor, the teacher asked, “Johnny, your family must need something. Everyone needs something.”
Little Johnny replied, “Nope, I’m sure we don’t. When Biden was elected, I clearly remember my dad saying, ‘Well, that’s the last fucking thing we needed!’”
–Rik Savenko
CHOPPERS MAG SUBS NOW AVAILABLE— US Domestic Subscriptions available again.
Available for a limited time. Subscriptions will be offered this month only.
Domestic Annual Subscription
$40.00
Get the next four issues of Choppers Magazine… Issues 5, 6, 7, and 8 guaranteed delivered to your doorstep before everyone else. You’ll also get exclusive access to new merch only available to subscribers.
He moved to Arizona and for awhile he had a good time until the Covid struck. He will be missed. His cartoon strip “Nick the Dick” is still on Bikernet.
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/nick_the_dick.aspx
–Bandit
WOW NOBODY CAN FOOL A WELL-INFORMED CITIZEN…The Keystone pipeline upon completion would carry more than 800,000 barrels or 33.6 million gallons of oil through the pipeline per day. With no harmful emissions. A Barrel of Oil is 42 gallons, not to be confused with a Drum which is 55 gallons. Because a gallon of oil weighs between 7.5 and 7,8 lbs per gallon, most trucks can’t carry but up to 130 barrels of oil at a time without violating our department of transportation laws of 80,000 lbs. on our roadways.
That’s truck and cargo weight, It would take 6,154 more trucks going just from Canada to the Gulf Coast for that same oil and that’s every single day.
Now a rail car holds approx. 30,000 gallons or 700 barrels. It would take trains every day pulling 1,143 more rail cars per day. just pulling the oil from that pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Trains and Trucks emitting more emissions and burning more fuel that would be eliminated by the pipeline.
So, when they tell you this is about the environment, it is not, that would be a lie. Just thought you should know.
I don’t take credit for this post, but I think it’s eye-opening.
–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com
THE MASTER AT DIME BAG LEATHERS ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR FLYING PISTON BREAKFAST–Yo, been in talks with Marilyn Stamp about DimeBag Leather one of a kind POW/MIA King Queen chopper seat with tons of special features including a built-in custom taillight.
We spoke with the good folks a Naamz during Sturgis 2020 at JP Cycles. They have superior led lighting fixtures I can use for handmade taillights.
Also, gonna feature a handmade knife mounted to seat made by another well-known builder. A couple more features and donated accessories we will reveal along the way.
The entire set will be donated to the Flying Piston Benefit builders breakfast in Sturgis to help raise money and awareness.
We need to find or make a cool King Queen seat pan. If anyone would like to donate a cool King Queen chopper seat pan like this, please email dimebag.leather@yahoo.com.
I would make one, but I am still saving for a Miller welder. We will definitely give name/business props for a similar handmade seat pan that’s off the hook!!
–Adam Croft
Dimebag Leather
PO Box 391
Danvers IL 61732
309-336-0714
NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–Artist David Uhl
I hope this finds everyone well as we move into 2021. All is well here at Uhl Studios. Our production crew has been feverishly working to get all of the pieces on order out to you. We’ve encountered some delays in receiving framing materials, so we appreciate your patience.
You, our customers and friends, have been our lifeblood for so many years now — and we recognize and appreciate that and are thankful for your support of David’s program!
As a thank you, we are announcing a time-sensitive offer for a never-before-produced, limited edition of one of David’s pieces from several years ago. Most people have never seen this one – it’s based on an archival black and white photo circa 1915. This famous racing group was photographed after a 300 mile race in Venice, California.
We will now take orders and close the edition on Friday at 5:00 pm Mountain Time. At that time, we will count up the orders and close the edition. David will sign and number each piece, which will also come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
“The Wrecking Crew”
David Uhl
Each of these 10 x 10 (appx) paper prints are offered unframed for $95 including shipping within the Lower 48 United States. If you are outside that area, please contact me for shipping details.
Thanks for your time, and thanks for your support!
–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
THE BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–
1 – Eleven teens die each day because of texting while driving. Maybe it’s time to raise the age of Smart Phone ownership to 21
2 – If gun control laws actually worked, Chicago would be Mayberry, USA.
3 – The Second Amendment makes more women equal than the entire feminist movement.
4 – Legal gun owners have 300 million guns and probably a trillion rounds of ammo. Seriously, folks, if we were the problem, you’d know it.
5 – When JFK was killed, nobody blamed the rifle.
6 – The NRA murders 0 people and receives $0 in government funds. Planned Parenthood kills 350,000 babies every year and receives $500,000,000 in tax dollars annually.
7 – I have no problem with vigorous background checks when it comes to firearms. While we’re at it, let’s do the same when it comes to immigration, Voter I.D., and candidates running for office.
8 – Folks keep talking about another Civil War. One side knows how to shoot and probably has a trillion rounds. The other side has crying closets and is confused about which bathroom to use. Now tell me, how do you think that would end?
Don’t be afraid to share this. There’s more logic and common sense expressed here than probably anything you have seen on the news today.
–from Micah McCloskey
5-Ball Racing Pilot
Inductee
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame
Bike Builder extraordinaire
NEW MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE
FEBRUARY–FULL THROTTLE 2021
BIKE WEEK 2021
FULL THROTTLE BIKE SHOW SCHEDULE?
Sat March 6th – Destination Daytona – Pavilion
Sun March 7th – FT Bike Show at the Rats Hole (Indian Daytona)
Tues March 9th – Jam On Swap meet FT Bike show
Wed March 10th – REVVED Up Bike Show – Beaver Bar
Thurs March 11th – Cabbage Patch (Day) Grandview Live (Night)
Fri March 12th – Boardwalk Bike Show – Daytona Beach Boardwalk
TEXAS WEATHER REPORTER USES BANDIT’S BEDROLLS–Needed both the Day & the Bedroll just to go see the grandson today, couple games up front & my first bike jacket and denim in the bedroll.
Factory jacket from the ‘70s has that back panel doesn’t really fold, sort of like a kidney belt. Sure, he’s not two yet, but they’ll be waiting. That’s the no-fun part of leaving the redheads, but life continues forward.
I got him that balance bike for Christmas, I was surprised at the quality for the cost. Needs a Bikernet sticker.
There’s an App For That I’m sure & probably from my dad’s box. A decimal to fraction pocket ruler, it changes with the light angle. The other is my grandfather’s Blackhawk ¾-inch drive ratchet you just slide the head through, no switch. I remember messing with it when I was young, always thought it was cool.
Eventually I need to rebuild that front master cylinder, that was really the only causality from us being in the mud, stop light staying on. Have the part, but my Blue Tape/Bungee Cord repair is working. You won’t get that kind of repair service anywhere else.
–RFR
Certified Meteorologist
Bikernet.com
DO US A FAVOR—Sign up for weekly updates. I know, every web site on the planet wants you to sign up, but they are all trying to sell you shit or make you a deal. We just want you to know what’s happening in the industry and on Bikernet.
We are about to re-do the survey, so ignore it, if you like. It’s a pain in the ass.
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/survey.aspx
–Bandit
[page break]
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS–
Famed Oceano Dunes Recreation Area
Faces Phaseout of OHV Access
California officials are looking to reduce OHV use, end machine-rental concessions, and study the possibility of phasing out all riding and driving at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.
The MIC’s Government Relations Office is calling on everyone wanting to keep public riding lands open to weigh in with public comments prior to the March 2 deadline.
“The GRO team has testified multiple times in opposition to limiting motorcycle, ATV, and OHV access at Oceano Dunes, and California Parks and the California Coastal Commission need to hear from businesses and consumers that stand to lose if these changes are made,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the MIC’s Washington office. “The team also held meetings with California officials and has submitted written comments. More will be coming from us before the deadline. We are also hearing that the California Coastal Commission may separately attempt to authorize a five-year phaseout study as part of a March 18 meeting.”
Released on December 31 by California State Parks, the draft public works plan:
Proposes an immediate 42 percent reduction of OHV day-use limits, from the current 1,720 vehicles/day, down to 1,000/day (p. 78 of the PWP).
Proposes ending OHV/ATV rental concessions when their current contracts expire in 2022. Phasing out of OHV rental concessions would require visitors to bring in their own OHVs (p. 79 of the PWP).
Proposes an Environmental Impact Review alternative to consider phaseout of OHV recreation over five years (see Volume 3, Chapter 2, Alternatives).
Proposes possible purchase of the Phillips 66 refinery property and construction of new camping, OHV staging, and day-use facilities near the south entrance, which is close to a residential area whose residents have voiced strong objections to any OHV use (p. 53 of the PWP).
Proposes to conduct an “independently peer-reviewed carrying capacity study” to determine appropriate limits for beach camping and day-use by OHVs and street-legal vehicles, and update use limits accordingly, which could further limit OHV access/use in the SVRA (p. 76 of the PWP).
–MIC
OWNER OF FAMOUS WHEELS THROUGH TIME MUSEUM PASSES—Dale Walksler has been fighting cancer for awhile and now he’s gone. The guy was one of the brightest, mechanical masterminds I ever met. He helped me and the 5-Ball racing team with several projects for Bonneville.
I hope his son, Matt, will follow in his footsteps and keep the magnificent museum going.
–Bandit
THE SHERIFF GOES TO THE CANARY ISLANDS–
Instead of the US of A. THINGS Will never be back to normal, as We used to know it??!!
Let’s enjoy the moment. Soon 66 live life full throttle.
–Sheriff
Media Group
Sweden
NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–Nominees Wanted for the 2021 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame (MRFHOF) was introduced at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver, Colorado. This institution was created to recognize individuals that have worked through the MRF to positively impact motorcycling. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is proud to announce that the nomination process for the next class of inductees into the MRFHOF is now open.
The nomination form and a timeline are posted on the MRF website at:
https://mrf.org/mrf-hall-of-fame/
Nomination applications are due to the Hall of Fame Committee by March 1st, 2021 – please send completed forms to communications@mrf.org
Past Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame inductees are: Keith “Bandit” Ball, Karen Bolin, Mark Buckner, Vince Consiglio, Wayne Curtin, Michael “Balls” Farabaugh, “Still” Ray Fitzgerald, Richard Gray, Fredric Harrell, Teresa Hepker, Bob Illingworth, Nathan “Buck” Kittredge, Simon Milward, Ed Netterberg, JoAnne Packard, Sherman Packard, Lee Richardson, Rodney Roberts, Jerry “JT” Thomas, Todd Vandermyde, Paul Vestal, Penny Walker, Ed Youngblood, Wanda Hummel-Shultz, “Biker” Jim Rhoades, Lee Ryan, Marc Falsetti, Gary Klinker, Charlie Williams, Dave Dwyer, “Radio” Bob Letourneau, “Farmer” John Eggers and Michael “Boz” Kerr.
About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The “Pandemic” Con
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Pandemic_Con.aspx
Tell it to the 400,000 plus dead and people in the hospitals trying to catch their next breath.
–Rhys
FL
NEWS FROM S&S–
VIOLA, Wis. – Paul Langley will depart S&S Cycle in late March, according to a company press release. Langley joined S&S Cycle in 2015 and brought with him decades of experience in the high-performance parts space as well as multiple racing disciplines.
“During Paul’s tenure, the company has seen strong growth, including the addition of an exhaust manufacturing facility, an industry-first focus on emissions-compliant performance parts and a product diversification that now includes parts for Indian and Royal Enfield machines,” said S&S Chairman of the Board Mark Platt.
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2016 Harley-Davidson® FLRT – Freewheeler FOR $22,995.00
See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=5517045
This bike is a pure hot rod bagger, from the clean front end to the dual slash-cut pipes.
ONLY 1396.00 Miles !!!!!
2016 Velocity Red Sunglo Harley-Davidson FREEWHEELER TRIKE
Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike
* 103c.i. Motor
* 6 Speed trans
* Reverse
* Park brake
* Mustang seat
* Corbin passenger backrest
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 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!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
**Open 7 days a week**
Just $22,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
LET’S SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT!!! —
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.
IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET ……. !!!
A JOB, A DRIVERS LICENSE,
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, WELFARE,
FOOD STAMPS, CREDIT CARDS,
SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
FREE EDUCATION, FREE HEALTH CARE,
A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON
BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU
PROTEST THAT YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION !!!
–Joe Smith
And PBS thinks you need to be re-educated—Bandit
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021—
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame seeks out the most influential people in the motorcycle industry to highlight their accomplishments and promote the future of motorcycling. On behalf of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Board of Directors, I am proud to announce our 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees (in alphabetical order by first name):
Fred Kodlin
Jared Mees
Nick Trask
Ray Drea
Rick Ball
Wayne & Donna Pingel
Freedom Fighter – Deb Butitta
Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient – Mike Corbin
Congratulations to each of these individuals! Stay tuned for Hall of Fame Highlights where we share info about each inductee leading up to the ceremony.
The induction breakfast ceremony will be held on August 11, 2021 at The Lodge @ Deadwood. Tickets go on sale March 1, 2021. For corporate tables, please call Emma at 605-347-2001.
The Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation (CSAR) is officially withdrawing from a lawsuit between California and federal authorities over the coastal state’s ability to establish its own emissions standards.
California leadership had vowed to ignore the Trump administration’s proposed rollback and began making binding side deals with automakers (specifically BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Honda) committed to adhering to the aggressive limits established under President Obama. Unfortunately, this ran the risk of undermining the revised national standards penned shortly after the United States became energy independent. It also set up the CSAR to embrace any entity that had views conflicting with California Air Resources Board.
Federal concerns were that the Golden State setting its own targets would butt heads with the relaxed national benchmarks and ultimately divide the U.S. market and may even influence the types of vehicles that were manufactured for all of North America. But the issue became moot once President Biden broke the record for executive orders by signing 22 in his first week. Predictably, the brunt of these were designed to instantly undo any actions taken throughout the duration of the Trump administration and included one directing the Department of Transportation and EPA to reconsider the 2019 decision to remove California’s authority to limit tailpipe emissions by April and revise the fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles by summer.
Perhaps seeing the writing on the wall, General Motors dropped out of the lawsuit after backing the Trump administration shortly after the U.S. election. “We believe the ambitious electrification goals of the President-elect [Biden], California, and General Motors are aligned, to address climate change by drastically reducing automobile emissions,” GM CEO Mary Barra said in a November letter addressed to various environmental groups.
It wasn’t long before Toyota, which had also joined the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation — along with Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and the National Automobile Dealers Association — said it was similarly “reconsidering” its position.
Meanwhile, companies backing California (especially Ford) suggested opponents should change their minds. Before long, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) — which represents many of the world’s largest automotive conglomerates and tech firms — issued similar messaging that members should support the Biden-Harris energy plan. It even vowed to work with the administration on establishing a revised nationwide program that utilizes California in addition to reaching net-zero carbon production from automobiles and transitioning the whole nation toward electric vehicles.
They appear to have taken its advice to heart, too. On Tuesday, the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation announced that it had realigned itself with the new administration much in the same way GM had in November.
From CSAR:
The Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation (CSAR) chose to intervene in a lawsuit between California and the federal government to support a unified fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) program. We are aligned with the Biden Administration’s goals to achieve year-over-year improvements in fuel economy standards that provide meaningful climate and national energy security benefits, reduce GHG emissions and promote advanced technologies. In a gesture of good faith and to find a constructive path forward, the CSAR has decided to withdraw from this lawsuit in order to unify the auto industry behind a single national program, with ambitious, achievable standards.
We don’t anticipate hearing much more from the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation and presume any future announcements to closely resemble messaging from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.
–Truth about Cars.com
–NMA
NEW FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES—
ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The “Pandemic” Con
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Pandemic_Con.aspx
That was fuckin’ beautiful, man!
I rode my wife’s bike today. it was COLD out there!!!
–Cap’n Bill
Cornpone, TN
NEW SOFTAIL IN THE WHITE FAMILY–Added LEDs from and rear. Ordered a pair from H-D that required splicing and of course they offer a plug’n’ play type a week later but at least I had the opportunity to tear into the new Bike.
Easy, easy, easy to remove fender and work on it. Bike looks mean as hell and I am surprised there aren’t more customs or chips built with this…. could be fine as hell.
–Johnny Humble
Texas
Please Contact Your U.S. Senators and Ask Them to Oppose H.R. 8, H.R. 1112, and S. 42!
Anti-gun Democrats made good on their promises this week, advancing two extreme gun control bills through the U.S. House of Representatives. While there remains a slim pro-gun majority in the upper chamber, your U.S. Senators need to hear from you NOW to ensure the Second Amendment firewall stays intact and stops this legislation in its tracks.
Contact your U.S. Senators Today!
And check out H.R. 127 in the House.
–NRA
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY LESSON FOR TODAY–1974
Patty Hearst kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army
On February 4, 1974, Patty Hearst, the 19-year-old granddaughter of newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, is kidnapped from her apartment in Berkeley, California, by three armed strangers. Her fiancee, Stephen Weed, was beaten and tied up along with a neighbor who tried to help.
Witnesses reported seeing a struggling Hearst being carried away blindfolded, and she was put in the trunk of a car. Neighbors who came out into the street were forced to take cover after the kidnappers fired their guns to cover their escape.
Three days later, the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), a small U.S. leftist group, announced in a letter to a Berkeley radio station that it was holding Hearst as a “prisoner of war.” Four days later, the SLA demanded that the Hearst family give $70 in foodstuffs to every needy person from Santa Rosa to Los Angeles. This done, said the SLA, negotiation would begin for the return of Patricia Hearst. Randolph Hearst hesitantly gave away some $2 million worth of food. The SLA then called this inadequate and asked for $6 million more. The Hearst Corporation said it would donate the additional sum if Patty was released unharmed.
In April, however, the situation changed dramatically when a surveillance camera took a photo of Hearst participating in an armed robbery of a San Francisco bank, and she was also spotted during a robbery of a Los Angeles store. She later declared, in a tape sent to the authorities, that she had joined the SLA of her own free will.
On May 17, Los Angeles police raided the SLA’s secret headquarters, killing six of the group’s nine known members. Among the dead was the SLA’s leader, Donald DeFreeze, an African American ex-convict who called himself General Field Marshal Cinque. Patty Hearst and two other SLA members wanted for the April bank robbery were not on the premises.
Finally, on September 18, 1975, after crisscrossing the country with her captors—or conspirators—for more than a year, Hearst, or “Tania” as she called herself, was captured in a San Francisco apartment and arrested for armed robbery. Despite her claim that she had been brainwashed by the SLA, she was convicted on March 20, 1976, and sentenced to seven years in prison. She served 21 months before her sentence was commuted by President Carter. After leaving prison, she returned to a more routine existence and later married her bodyguard. She was pardoned by President Clinton in January 2001.
NEW FROM TWISTED ROAD–Yosemite Motorcycle Ride Guide
Yosemite National Park, as one of North America’s Seven Wonders has become adventurers’ dream destination. With over 700,000 acres to explore, I knew I wanted to do it cageless—take in the whole experience of the road through Yosemite on two wheels. Here are some of the details of my Yosemite motorcycle ride, and how I prepared for the trip.
Ashley Murillo rode from San Diego, through Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Fresno to reach Yosemite Valley. Then she came south through Fish Camp and Fresno again to Visalia and turned inland to the Sequoia National Park.
–Bandit
Read the whole story on the Twisted Road. https://www.twistedroad.com/blog/posts/yosemite-motorcycle-ride-guide
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KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN—Mask Free. His name was Bubba, he was from Mississippi … And he needed a loan. So … he walked into a bank in New York City and asked for the loan Officer. He told the loan officer that he was going to Paris for an International Redneck Festival for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000; and that he was not a depositor of the bank.
The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan, so the Redneck handed over the keys to a new Ferrari. The car was parked on the street in front of the bank. The Redneck produced the title and everything checked out. The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest.
Later, the bank’s president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Redneck from the South for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank’s private underground garage and parked it.
Two weeks later, the Redneck returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of $23.07. The loan officer said, “Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out on Dunn & Bradstreet and found that you are a Distinguished Alumni from Ole Miss University, a highly sophisticated investor and Multi-Millionaire with real estate and financial interests all over the world. Your investments include a large number of wind turbines around Sweetwater, Texas.
What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?”
The good ‘ole boy replied, “Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return?”
His name was BUBBA….
Keep an eye on those southern boys! Just because we talk funny does not mean we are stupid.
–from Ed Hardison
I GOTTA TELL YA—Life is nuts. I needed some rugs shampooed. My dog, Cash, head of Bikernet Security was dying. He pissed on the carpet, so I set about cleaning the carpets. I called some companies who never called back. I emailed companies, who didn’t get back to me. I finally reached out to San Pedro Carpet Company and received a call back.
I went over the project with the caller and he gave me a price: $70 per room and $80 for the room with the stains (pee). Okay, we set a schedule. The guy alerted me to the time of his on-time arrival. When he arrived, he didn’t bring in his equipment, but wanted to tour the project.
I gave him the tour and pointed out how he didn’t need to shampoo complete rooms, but just specific areas. When he was finished he shook his head and said this needs deep cleaning and started to play with the calculator on his phone. He came up with the price of $430.
The redhead vacuumed and we moved all the appropriate furniture for the project. We were committed and he knew it. He was a short, obese plug of a man, who was not professionally dressed and neither was his van. I immediately thanked him for his time and said that I would need to get back to him. I showed him the gate that Cash had guarded for 15 years.
I called James, the Tile man, Dyna rider, who maintains entire apartment complexes. He coached me on Bissel products. With his inspiration, I headed to Home Depot. I looked at shampooing products, tools and ultimately rented a shampooing machine and bought a gallon of shampoo. Ultimate time about 2.5 hours and $45 and I was done. Bada Bing.
Life is full of scams, watch out.
I’m working with Haul Bikes to pick up the Bonne Belle sans flathead 45 engine for shipment to Richmond, VA. Hang on for more reports. Haul Bikes said they can move the Salt Torpedo to South Dakota. More reports coming.
J.J. gave me a report on something to do with Japan. I told him I have a terrific assortment of photos, to which he said. “You can’t find a bad shot of a Japanese babe.” Hang on!
In the meantime, ride free forever!
–Bandit
