Hey,
I wish I knew where I was going with this. Barry sent me a bunch of shots of bling laden girls. I will mention two things, maybe three or four. First I get a kick out of trends. We go from the hard and fast, Choppers are dead, to over-the-top wild Choppers. We’ve done it several times. Bling is back.
Hell, we’ve been beat to death by anti-human environmentalists, only to find out fossil fuel use is saving the planet. Hang on. Science is never settled.
If you are not a reader watch the lecture. It’s only about 30 minutes and will blow your mind.
I’m working on a new Sam’s Picks story. He’s a cool dude, who is facing some health issues. I hope he can get a tune-up and be good as gold shortly.
I’m also working on a story about a Masonic based bike club that’s all over the country. It’s called the Widow’s Sons. And I’m packing all the rusting bling in the shop for shipment to South Dakota. I’ll take a picture of the shop. It’s getting crazy. Let’s hit the news.
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, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
THE LARGEST BIKER BAR IN THE WORLD–Set To Open Soon In Colorado
Colorado is known for lots of things, including our incredible landscapes and majestic mountains, meh sports teams (minus the Nuggets, of course), and our legal cannabis, and pretty soon, we will be adding one more thing to our repertoire. Can you guess what it is? If you read the title of this and answered the world’s largest biker bar, you are correct!
Slated to replace Bob and Tony’s Pizza in downtown Estes Park is an all-new biker bar, which promises to be the largest in the world!
According to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, Michael Ballard, the owner of the world-famous Full Throttle Saloon in Vale, South Dakota, announced via Facebook Live in front of the pizzeria, sharing that he purchased the building and planned to bring another Full Throttle Saloon to the Centennial State.
While the former pizzeria will be the new bar’s main location, Ballard shared that he also purchased another building near the downtown area, though the exact location has yet to be announced.
Established in 1999, the original Full Throttle Saloon was located on 30 acres of land in Sturgis, South Dakota, but relocated to nearby Vale in 2015, after a fire devastated both the building and land.
In addition to its local fame, the Full Throttle Saloon was also once the setting of a reality show of the same name, which aired on TruTV for 5 seasons.
Hang on for more reports.
–from Onlyinyourstate.com
FLYING PISTONS IN DAYTONA–Daytona Builders Breakfast at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson.
Two Ways to Bid on EVERYTHING in the Auction:
INCLUDING THE
• Custom IRON-e Electric Bikes by STACYC
•Gnarly Magazine Skate Deck Art
1 Go To: https://qtego.net/qlink/flyingpiston
2. Come to Breakfast
Bidding closes at 11:15 a.m. Eastern time, March 7, 2021
NEW FROM S&S– SuperStreet Two into One Exhaust System – Stainless Steel
The latest out of the S&S house of horsepower is an all Stainless Steel version of their popular SuperStreet exhaust for the Softail® platform.
Combining their stainless header with stainless shields and muffler make for a great look without the punishment of melting boots most of the other stainless exhaust are hampered by. “We love the look of raw stainless, but hate the torque dip of the super short systems and really hate melting stuff on exposed headers” says S&S Exhaust Manager, Todd Canavan. S&S doesn’t build anything unless it makes power and the SuperStreet does exactly that with a +15% gain in Hp and +10% bump in torque out of the M8 Softail® models.
Combine that with the perfect length and angle, clearing bags, passenger pegs and forwards. Added bonus of the SuperStreet Stainless is it’s 50 state legal, so it’s warranty and California friendly. Click Here For More Information https://www.sscycle.com/superstreet-2-1
This is a fun one, we took out popular SuperStreet 2:1 system and built it out of stainless steel. for a whole new look!
–David Zemla
VP – Marketing
S&S® Cycle, Inc.
BIKE WEEK DEALS FROM WindVest Motorcycle Products–We may not be at the Daytona Bike Week 2021, but we are always here for your motorcycle windshield needs.
During the rally we are offering our Show Specials
Mention this email and take 20% off of all retail purchases March 5th – March 14th, 2021.
Shipping not included
Please visit our website at www.windvest.com or email us at sales@windvest.com
We will miss seeing you at the rally, but we’re open and ready to take care of our customers.
Ride Safe!!
Tami Dober – CFO
WindVest Motorcycle Products
www.windvest.com
sales@windvest.com
408-762-7180
STURGIS HAMSTERS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT–The 2021 Hamsters Adopt a Highway clean-up will be held on Saturday May 15th. Please note that we have changed the date to accommodate the Donnie Smith Show. Plan to meet at the Holiday Inn parking lot 1pm.
And stay tuned for possible dinner plans to be announced. The Black Hills Hamsters cordially invite any of our Brothers that would like to join us. In the past we have had Brothers from many States join us. It’s always a good time.
NEW MUSEUM COMING–June Opening Anticipated For OCC Road House & Museum? In Pinellas
The new Orange County Choppers Road House & Museum? in Pinellas Park is racing full throttle toward a June grand opening.
PINELLAS PARK, FL — The new Orange County Choppers Road House & Museum in Pinellas Park is racing full throttle toward a June grand opening, said Paul Teutul Sr. of the hit Discovery Network series, “American Chopper.”
Under construction at a 9.5 acre-complex at 10575 49th St. N. that is also home to Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson, the OCC Road House & Museum will be decked out with a fleet of Teutul’s custom choppers featured in the television series along with hundreds of rare items from his collection of biker memorabilia.
Teutul has joined forces with Pinellas County hospitality executive Keith Overton to bring the OCC-themed restaurant and museum to Florida.
With more than 11,000 square feet of indoor space, the family-friendly OCC Road House will be one of the area’s largest full-service restaurants, with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 325 diners and featuring classic American fare.
The restaurant will also feature a 25,000-square-foot pavilion for concerts, outdoor dining, a billiards hall, floor games and other entertainment, and a retail store selling merchandise and collectibles for bikers and OCC fans.
The OCC Road House & Museum will be an extension of the OCC brand, showcasing Teutul’s one-of-a-kind creations in an upscale, industrial environment that will make guests and fans “feel like they’re hanging out with Paul in his workshop,” Overton said.
The restaurant and museum will be packed with motorcycle memorabilia Teutul has personally collected over the past three decades, including an enormous “patch wall” with tens of thousands of patches he has received from members of the military and first responders over the years.
Overton and Teutul welcome military personnel and first responders, past and present, to help continue to fill the patch wall, leaving their mark for others to see.
Building the OCC Road House & Museum adjacent to Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson dealership was a natural choice, Overton said. One of the top-performing Harley-Davidson dealerships in the country, Bert’s Barracuda has a loyal following and attracts a steady stream of bikers and brand enthusiasts.
At a cost of more than $6.5 million to build, Overton expects the OCC Road House & Museum to provide a significant economic benefit to the city of Pinellas Park and beyond by creating more than 50 construction jobs and roughly 90 full-time and 20 part-time restaurant positions…
D’Ann Lawrence White, Patch Staff
THE WAR ON PARKING ESCALATES–Even before the pandemic, the war on parking was ramping up in America. The curb was escalating as the place of most conflict, and that battle has only increased. The mission to eliminate curb parking by repurposing the space for bike and bus lanes is supported more by wishful Vision Zero thinking than any serious analysis of the potential effect on traffic and commerce.
For example, the anti-car and Big Bike media continue to push the idea that if there’s more parking—there are more cars. So, let’s limit the parking to reduce the number of automobiles and trucks on the streets.
Dive down a bit deeper into the linked story, and you will find a reference to a 2018 study by the Mortgage Bankers Association’s nonprofit Research Institute for Housing America. The primary conclusion of Quantified Parking: Comprehensive Parking Inventories for Five US Cities is that the investment in parking is out of balance with current demand and what it claims will be declining future demand. The five cities studied were Des Moines, Philadelphia, New York City, Seattle, and Jackson, Wyoming.
Most households in America have at least one car. Adequate public parking is essential; the nation’s economy depends on it. But that is not a concern for the anti-car people. Getting cars off the road is.
The Quantified Parking study noted above was issued by mortgage bankers who have a vested interest in future zoning and real estate development. Decreasing existing parking for new residential and business spaces creates more profit for both developers and financiers. But the real battle is still being waged over street space.
Streetsblog USA posted a February Op-Ed that states, “We’ve taken street parking for granted for a long time. It’s a luxury that comes at the cost of the poor.” The op-ed goes on to say that, for over a century, cities have been automobile-centric. Streetsblog notes that in many American cities, 98 percent of adult residents own a car. Let that sink in for a moment.
The writer, Jordan Justus, is the CEO and founder of Automotus, a company that is developing curb management technology. More on that in a bit.
The fight to get us out of our vehicles has kicked up a notch, and it looks like the spot next to the curb is one of the biggest battlegrounds.
–NMA
AD OF THE WEEK – incredibly funny advertisement – can’t possibly be a real ad from Toyota but it is going around the internet.
Timely since even world super power USA too faced an alleged insurrection this year.
Check it out.
–Wayfarer
THE FUTURE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON—The Freedom Machine must live on into the Future.
We are reaching out to readers for their suggestions for the future success of
Harley-Davidson. Just make notes and suggestions from friends until we feel we will build a solid list of suggestions. Then we can post them and share them with the factory.
Let’s try to stay positive, no complaints about the factory or their newest models.
Here are my starters:
The one thing that always energizes the Harley-Davidson brand is a new cool movie or TV series. Of course, I have some suggestions. –Bandit
Keep the Sportster, but carefully make design changes to make it easy to modify and work on. Develop a large line of custom products to allow guys to learn and be able to easily modify Sportsters. Foster competitions.–Bandit
Open the factory to the aftermarket. Allow and foster lines of products such as for the Sportster. Study how other manufacturers have developed relationships with the aftermarket and how you can support one another.–Bandit
Work with Racers from flat track guys to Bonneville. Learn and support teams. Relish in the publicity and excitement. The factory needs an open relationship with customers and the industry. –Bandit
And along with the Sportster effort could be a program to support the builder. Bring back the reman program. Start to manufacture a line of products, which allows guys to repair and rebuild. They might even bring back a vintage Harley, like ford did. Build a Panhead again.—Bandit
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK–Milwaukee-Eight® Crankcase Splitting Tool
The Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight crankcase is a robust and sealed engine case when assembled correctly. In order to perform any type of lower end service or performance work, it is necessary to split the crankcase into halves. Prying the cases apart with a screwdriver cannot only damage the crankcase, it can also cause injury if performed incorrectly.
JIMS is proud to release our new Milwaukee-Eight Crankcase Splitting Tool (Part No.991). This tool is manufactured from 1/2” thick A36 hot rolled steel, and incorporates design provisions for both touring and Softail models. Simply install the tool on the primary side of the case, and easily split the cases by hand with a ratchet.
With an MSRP of $338, this tool is a must for any mechanic doing complete engine teardowns & performance builds.
For more information please contact us at (805) 482-6913, email us at sales@jimsusa.com, or visit www.jimsusa.com.
IS LANE SPLITTING LEGAL IN MISSOURI?–
Motorcycle riding and its culture are on the rise in Missouri, as more people are turning to the vehicles for recreation and every day transportation. As there are more riders participating in dense traffic, we are asked a common question these days: is lane splitting legal in Missouri?
This question is pertinent because another driver or an insurance company may try to automatically find you at fault for lane splitting in the event of an accident. There are stringent lane splitting laws in the United States, but Missouri is one of the few states that does not expressly prohibit it.
Thus, it is worth brushing up on lane splitting laws, practices, and the legal and safety ramifications of lane splitting in Missouri.
What is Splitting Lanes?
Line splitting is riding a motorcycle between multiple lanes or rows of traffic going the same direction. It can also be called stripe riding or whitening, and its practical use is to save time in traffic.
While most people focus on lane splitting as a technique for speed, it also can be used for safety as well. Splitting lanes is a great way to get out of another driver’s blind spot, or to avoid rear end collisions in circumstances where a bike may not be seen as easily. Because motorcycles are smaller and lighter than normal cars, they are prone to being bumped if other drivers are not paying attention – lane splitting helps mitigate this.
IN WHAT STATES IS LANE SPLITTING LEGAL?
Missouri falls under the category of ‘not mentioned and not specifically prohibited’ in legislature. It joins 11 other states in this category, while California, Hawaii, and Utah have either full legality or modified versions. In total, that makes 15 states where the act is not illegal, and many states are considering legislation to fully legalize in the near future.
While there is no statewide ban against lane splitting in Missouri, you should check your city and county ordinances to see your specific laws; Kansas City is an example of a city with its own ordinance banning lane splitting.
The key to lane splitting not being expressly prohibited in Missouri motorcycle riding laws is that you cannot be targeted for it by police or insurance companies if you are doing it safely. This is tricky when there is not state legislature for it, but we recommend following the speed limit and all other normal MO motorcycle traffic laws while lane splitting so as not to create any grey area should a problem occur.
Ultimately, it seems likely that there will be legalization and a specific set of state laws for motorcycle riders in Missouri, but until then you will have to rely on common sense and normal traffic laws.
LANE SPLITTING SAFETY TIPS
Lane splitting should be done cautiously and by experienced riders. Before adding lane-splitting to your motorcycle riding skills, we recommend following the following safety tips:
Always consider your full surroundings before beginning a lane split – these include lane width, traffic speed, weather, and visibility for you and vehicles around you.
Lane splitting is typically safer between the far left lanes of traffic than others because there is only one changing lane for parties to focus on.
Do not assume other drivers are paying attention or can always see you. Avoid riding in blind spots or lingering in between vehicles.
Wear brightly colored and/or reflective gear at all times of the day.
Use your high beams during daylight no matter what.
In all scenarios, keep in mind that because you can be easily targeted for lane splitting should an incident occur, it is not just your physical safety at stake. If you follow the road laws and are careful, you should be able to lane split effectively.
LANE SPLITTING RISKS
Even with a strong knowledge of the Missouri road laws and tips for lane splitting, it can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to certain things:
Moderate your speed while filtering (another term for lane splitting) – physics is undefeated.
Avoid lane splitting next to oversized vehicles such as big rigs or farm equipment.
Do not ride on the shoulder- this is not lane splitting, and is illegal except in Hawaii.
While lane splitting reduces the rate of motorcyclists getting rear-ended, it increases how often bikers will rear-end another car. In other words, watch your front!
Traffic might be too erratic to lane split. This is especially important to watch for during traffic jams or slow zones; while this is the most opportune way to save time, there might not be a reliable gap in each lane to safely split them.
Most of these risks and countermeasures are addressed in proper motorcycle education and skill-building. However, we always recommend riding as though other cars are not up to speed on the laws, policies and safety measures to keep you safe. Finally, knowing your rights and having access to proper representation will let you lane split confidently.
Is lane splitting legal in Missouri?
Speak with a Missouri Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Law Tigers, we serve the Missouri motorcycle community proudly because we’re riders just like you. Our passion for keeping riders on the road has allowed us to become the foremost legal experts on accident and injury representation. We have decades of experience helping riders stay stress-free, healthy, and on the road.
If you are looking for representation in a case or want to learn more about lane-splitting laws in Missouri, reach out today – it’s better to ride with Law Tigers by your side.
INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS IN BONNEVILLE—Could be a go according to rumors from the salt front.
–Bandit
NEW FROM RMJ— The UCAP is a mid-sized fixed blade knife that is well suited for everyday carry and a wide array of other uses. The UCAP was created with a defensive purpose in mind, but is also well equipped for various cutting chores, from first responder type situations, outdoor activities, or just about anything else you can throw at it. It’s a beauty as well, look at those classic styling lines and that belly!
The UCAP has a bowie-style clip point blade made from Nitro-V stainless steel with a Rockwell hardness rating of 59-60. The knife features a 4″ blade that includes a Tungsten Cerakote finish for corrosion resistance and durability.
Weighing in at only 5.2 oz, the UCAP is deceptively light, yet well suited for everyday use as well as being a reliable tactical style knife. Offering a full tang and tubed rivet handle construction, this is one tough and durable little knife.
The beveled and contoured G10 grips feature a diagonal texturing that offers a very secure grip without being overly aggressive or uncomfortable, performing well in wet or dry conditions.
Specifications
Overall Length: 8.25 in
Blade Length: 3.9 in
Handle Length: 3 7/8 in
Blade Thickness: .135 in
Weight: 5.2 ounces (without sheath)
Handle Material: G10 with 4 color choices Black, Dirty Olive, Blaze Olive and Hyena Brown
Blade Steel: Nitro-V (59-60 HRC)
Sheath: Kydex
QUICK GUN NUT REPORT, TAKE ACTION–Two gun control bills were introduced this past Monday, March 1st and we are hearing that the House could be voting on them as early as next week. The first bill (H.R. 8), so-called “universal” background check legislation, would criminalize the private transfer of firearms. The second bill (H.R. 1446), sometimes inaccurately described as legislation to close the “Charleston loophole,” would undermine the Second Amendment right by permitting the federal government to delay a firearm transfer indefinitely without proof that the transferee is prohibited from possessing firearms. These bills are expected to move quickly, so we need you to contact your Representative today to urge them to oppose H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446.
Contact Congress Now
While most of us already know the dangers of these so-called “Universal” Background Checks, the Coronavirus pandemic exposed the dangers of private firearm restrictions. For a more in depth report on both H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446, you can click here.
After you contact your Representative, please also encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Yours in Freedom,
Ken Lan
NRA-ILA Grassroots Programs & Campaign Field Operations
http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/
J.J. PANDEMIC REPORT—The NY times has started a new fake pandemic. You heard it here first. They’re on their 2020 horse again in 2021 with the Brazil Variant. It all always comes from the NY Times. I don’t know why Americans think DC runs the country. the Times runs DC.
Fucking biden. I said I wonder how long before the gov of Texas loses his temporary balls? I gave him a week? Biden is already railing against him. He’s calling the guy a neanderthal. Why? Because he made a decision to let his citizenry slaves go free. Can you imagine Biden – who has an IQ of 2 calling someone a neanderthal-level in intelligence? Neanderthals were Einsteins compared to that child-molesting piece of ass sewage.
–J.J. Solari
BIKERNET OPENS THE ENVIRONMENTAL FILE–Mining in America is necessary for EVs but controversial with environmentalists
‘You can’t have green energy without mining’
Last September, in the arid hills of northern Nevada, a cluster of flowers found nowhere else on earth died mysteriously overnight.
Conservationists were quick to suspect Ioneer, an Australian firm that wants to mine the lithium that lies beneath the flowers for use in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
One conservation group alleged in a lawsuit that the flowers, known as Tiehm’s buckwheat, were “dug up and destroyed.” The rare plant posed a problem for Ioneer because U.S. officials may soon add it to the Endangered Species List, which could scuttle the mining project.
Ioneer denies harming the flowers. Their cause of death remains hotly debated — as does the fate of the lithium mine.
The clash of environmental priorities underpinning the battle over Tiehm’s buckwheat — conservation vs. green energy — is a microcosm of a much larger political quandary for the new administration of President Joe Biden, who has made big promises to environmentalists as well as labor groups and others who stand to benefit by boosting mining.
To please conservationists, Biden has vowed to set aside at least 30% of U.S. federal land and coastal areas for conservation, triple current levels.
But that aim could conflict with his promises to hasten the electrification of vehicles and to reduce the country’s dependence on China for rare earths, lithium and other minerals needed for EV batteries. The administration has called the reliance on China a national security threat.
The administration will be forced into hard choices that anger one constituency or another.
The White House declined to comment for this article.
–Posted on AutoBlog.com
TWIN POWER–CV Carb Recalibration Kit
Twin Power Brand Manager James Simonelli says that the CV carb recalibration kit “cures flat spots, backfiring and the poor throttle response that is the common fault of CV carbs – especially after they have done some miles.
“It increases power in the mid-range and top end while maintaining satisfactory fuel economy.” The main jet assortment for precision tuning includes 150, 160, 170, 180 and 190; the kit includes instructions and tuning, and gaskets and seals where necessary for FLH/T, FXST, FLST, FXD, FXR and XL 1990 – 2006.
TUCKER V-TWIN
www.tucker.com/v-twin
www.twinpower-usa.com
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
“There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz SL500.”
–Frank Sinatra
“It isn’t premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married.”
–George Burns
“My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch.”
–Jack Nicholson
“Clinton lied !” “A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is.”
Barbara Bush
(Former US First Lady)
“Ah, yes, divorce, from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man’s genitals through his wallet.”
–Robin Williams
“According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, where, of course, men are just grateful.”
–Robert De Niro
“There’s a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So, what’s the problem?”
–Dustin Hoffman
“There’s very little advice in men’s magazines, because men think, ‘I know what I’m doing. Just show me somebody naked!”
–Jerry Seinfeld
“See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis and only enough blood to run one at a time.”
–Robin Williams
Sex is one of the most wholesome, beautiful and natural experiences money can buy.
–Steve Martin
You don’t appreciate a lot of stuff in school until you get older.
Little things like being spanked every day by a middle-aged woman.
Stuff you pay good money for later in life.
–Bob Hope
“Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same.”
–Oscar Wilde
–from Joe Smith
Certified Librarian
[page break]
IF YOU BOUGHT IT, YOU OWN IT, RIGHT?—Right to Repair
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the NMA magazine Driving Freedoms Winter 2021 edition. If you would like to receive the NMA quarterly magazine, join the NMA today!
Massachusetts’ voters, by nearly 75 percent, demanded their right-to-repair on November 3, 2020. Voters were under the impression that casting their ballots for Question 1, would allow independent repair shops and do-it-yourselfers to access critical information about their cars to fix them. After all, this was just an update to the 2012 law that allowed mechanics and DIYs to access data through the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics port. That legislation even became the national standard. The 2020 update would enable wireless access to the data portals that many new cars now have.
Why is right-to-repair so important?
If your regular mechanic cannot make the repair without access to the diagnostics port, you will have no choice but to take it to the dealership, which will likely cost more.
Ultimately, what this means is that you do not own your entire vehicle. You also lose the choice of who repairs it. Farmers have the same issue with current model tractors. Manufacturers control your choices, and there is also a question about auto security.
SecuRepairs, a company that advocated for Question 1, states on its website that the auto industry’s ability to keep wireless data secure is in doubt.
“Rather than trying to frighten consumers, carmakers should make owner access to data easy, while also being transparent about what data they are collecting from smart vehicles and how they use it. Facts and transparency, not fear, are the antidote for the public’s anxiety about data privacy and security.”
Both sides spent a total of nearly $63 million on the Question 1 ballot initiative. According to Ballotpedia, the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition, which also sponsored the 2012 initiative, raised $24.9 million in contributions. Top donors included the Coalition for Automotive Repair Equality, the Auto Car Association, and some big-box auto parts retailers. The Coalition for Safe and Secure Data, part of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, raised $26.6 million in contributions. The Coalition is funded by all the world’s automakers such as Ford, General Motorists, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Another troubling aspect during the November 3rd election cycle: the Coalition for Safe and Secure Data used advertising scare tactics that implied that you were a criminal if you or your mechanic accessed data.
Ballot initiatives are meant for citizens to put forward important issues to voters. With all the special interest money involved in Question 1, the quaint concept of letting the citizens decide has been thrown out the window.
Automakers are now turning to the courts to make sure right-to-repair never happens. In late November, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, stating that the “right-to-repair” law violated federal law and raises safety and privacy concerns for vehicle owners.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced in mid-December that her office would not enforce the revised law until the federal courts decide on the automakers’ claim. This was after the Alliance asked for a temporary order that would bar implementation. When (or if) the amended right-to-repair law, passed overwhelmingly by voters, will go into effect is an open question.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation also stated recently that the Alliance would likely reach out to the 2021 state legislature and ask that the law be delayed since the next model year, 2022, is only nine months away. Manufacturers claim they cannot make the required technical changes that quickly.
The idea to postpone implementation of wireless access to vehicle data ports has origins in the 2012 right-to-repair law, which the legislature later amended to commence with 2015 models. Later, an additional compromise pushed back the implementation to 2018 models. Automakers claimed that they could better equip vehicles with a standardized interface to make diagnostic information available in all 50 states by that model year.
Whatever happens with the new wireless access requirements, owners will become increasingly frustrated that they cannot repair their own vehicles or entrust the work to a mechanic of their choice. The question remains: Will the automakers ever let you own your car, really own your car, after you buy it?
By Shelia Dunn , NMA Communications Director
–NMA
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Cantina Episode 92: The Wild Road to Recovery
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Cantina_Episode_92_The_Wild_Road_to_Recovery.aspx
Can hardly wait for the next episode, Bandid! Enjoyed seeding Hal’s work too.
–Ann Robinson
Long Beach, CA
You inspired me to move forward. I have a couple of endings boiling in my feeble brain. Hopefully make progress next week.—Bandit
THE NEW ZEALAND REPORT— I have at last slowed down a bit and have a weekend at home. The first one for four weeks and only the second one this year.
The Burt Munro rally had fine dry calm weather for the Street races this year. Considering all the wet that we had got the previous few days, it was quite the miracle. The rain did not finish until about 0800 on Friday morning. The bluff hill climb on Thursday was cancelled because of the wet and wind. The beach racing went well.
Last weekend I did the endurance ride of the TT 2000. Things went a lot better for me than last year being just in the lower half of the South Island. It Started in Oamaru which is some five hours north of Winton.
I fitted an adventure tyre to the front of the Goldwing to help me deal a bit better with the gravel sections on the run as that was where the highest scoring points were located. I even did the run up to Duffers Saddle on the Nevis road starting at the Bannockburn end. It took me 15 minutes to get up this gravel track and 20 minutes to get down. It is 9 km up hill.
This road runs through the Nevis Valley and is noted for its 25 water crossings in 24 km.
I rode for 37 hours straight before my run took me to Winton for a few hours sleep on Saturday night. I had to stop in Balclutha on the way home at a mates place for a couple of hours sleep. It took me some four days to get over this ride .
–Graeme Lowen
NZ Editor
Bikernet.com
VINTAGE ACTION—from Lonnie Isam
More progress on the Waverley, Handlebars finished, Seat Mounts done , Rear fender and brackets ready. Motor mounts cleaned up and new case bolts made. Cases are almost ready for the Crank.
THE AMA REPORT--National and Regional News
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation announces new America’s Byways Designations. The announcement includes 15 All-American Roads and 34 National Scenic Byways in 28 states. This increases the number of America’s Byways to 184 in 48 states.
Created in 1991 with support from the AMA, the program is a collaborative effort to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The USDOT recognizes certain roads based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.
The “Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act of 2019,” supported by the AMA and enacted in 2019, required the U.S. Transportation Secretary to solicit nominations for designation of All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways, resulting in 63 nominations. Each application was reviewed by subject-matter experts on historic preservation, design, cultural resources, and visual impacts, tourism and economic development, highway safety, federal lands, and Native American history and culture. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce also provided input.
The USDOT urges all Americans to follow CDC guidance on safe travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency and is announcing these designations now to allow local tourism boards and small businesses to prepare for when it is safe to travel freely again. The public is encouraged to explore these newly designated distinct and diverse roads once it is safe to do so.
Additional information about the America’s Byways collection can be found at fhwa.dot.gov/byways/.
State News
ANNAPOLIS, MD. – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed 2022 fiscal year work plan for Potomac Garrett, Green Ridge, Savage River, Chesapeake and Pocomoke State Forests. Annual work plans help identify priorities within the scope of the forest’s long-range management plan. They address establishment, growth, composition, health and quality management operations, along with maintenance and construction projects, and other actions.
The comment period is the final step in the three-step process. The first was an internal review by a team of natural resource professionals and the second step was a review by an appointed advisory committee. Following the conclusion of the comment period on March 5 each forest manager will review, revise and finalize their plan. Visit dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/workplans.aspx for more details, or submit comments directly to stateforests.dnr@maryland.gov.
BABES RIDE OUT East Coast June 4-6th, Narrowsburg, NY
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! We’ve missed you east coast! We are carefully watching over the re-opening of outdoor activities in NY and will be taking all local & county recommended precautions on site in order to safely camp & ride. Want to hear more and grab your tickets? Click below!
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2011 Harley-Davidson® FXDF – Dyna® Fat Bob for $9,995.00
SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=9984905
This bike is a super clean Fat Bob with bags
ONLY 28932.00 Miles !!!!!
2011 Sedona Orange Harley-Davidson DYNA FAT BOB FXDF
Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike
* 96c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed
* Passenger backrest with luggage rack
* Saddle bags
* Drag bars
* Vance & Hince exhaust
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether you’re 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 $9,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
GOOD TIMES, NOT LAP TIMES–
The Biltwell 100 is designed to be fun, challenging and safe.
The 25-mile course we’ve laid out is very Baja like– fast, lightly whooped out and not very rocky or technical. Logistically it’s a breeze with only one pit area at the Start-Finish that is easily accessible with motorhomes and non 4×4 vehicles. Spectating can be done anywhere along the race course as long as you stay 150 feet from it.
You are encouraged to bring a dirt bike, quad, SXS or buggy and come out and enjoy the trails before, during and after the race. Camping is “dispersed” and free of charge. This area is BLM land, so all the usual rules apply and we expect you to leave it cleaner than you found it when you leave. There will be award festivities at start/finish area on Saturday night.
Due to the event being on federal land, and the President’s January 21st order of all federal lands to require facemasks, we will be strictly enforcing this facemask requirement. (No, you don’t have to wear one while racing!) This is what we’ve got to do to make sure that racing can remain open, and that our use of federal lands will not be taken away from us.
Also realize this is a kinetic situation and things may be different in April. We will adjust accordingly and comply with all state and federal mandates, etc.
There are more details in the “Rules” section of this website but here’s the highlights:
• Race entries are limited to 150 riders this year.
• You will pick your class during the check-out process on Eventbrite.
• All bikes must have CA green or red OHV sticker or current street legal registration.
• Racers must be 18 years and older only.
• No “team” riding, one rider per bike, per entry.
• Men and Women’s classes start on same line but scored separately.
• Racing starts at 9:00AM sharp, Saturday, April 10, 2021
• Rubber band Grand Prix start by class, starting with fastest classes first.
• Course closes at 3:00 PM, all riders off the trail by 5:00 PM
• Scoring by helmet transponder and traditional “fender card”.
• Sign up closes one week prior– April 2nd.
We’ve divided the classes up based on era of bike and on modern bikes the classes are determined by age group. Men and Women have the same exact class breakdown but are scored separately. All classes get a trophy for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This event will sell out, so once we open registration you should go for it.
MBE OFFERS A DYNAMIC EVENT–
Presenting a special edition at Veronafiere. May 28th – 30th 2021.
The most important event in the world dedicated to motorcycle personalization is being moved down the calendar. The new dates for the rescheduled MBE 2021 are Friday 28th May to Sunday 30th May, bringing with them a revised format for the event.
A brand new approach is being developed by the Motor Bike Expo organizers, setting the stage for a fully immersive experience at MBE: rumbling engines, moving motorcycles, and even more outdoor activities such as demo rides and competitions.
MBE, in its special edition, will offer test rides of the newest models from top motorcycle, accessory, and apparel manufacturers. Aside from the products, MBE has always been aware of its role as a meeting point between motorcyclists and the services designed specifically for them, such as tour operators, moto clubs, racetrack initiatives, off-road trips, and everything motorcyclists need.
The foremost obligation to safeguard everyone’s health alongside the current situation means that holding the event on Easter weekend would be impossible, after originally moving the original January dates. A decision, even if not the easiest, made in order to guarantee the high standards that exhibitors and visitors alike have come to expect.
“The concern tied to the continuation of cases demonstrated by officials pushes us to delay the return to large public events. Our focus is concentrated on the possibility of start again with a trade fair that works for all parties involved. We want to create this ‘new MBE21’ with the contributions from all the important figures in the two-wheel sector, who after MBE 2020 haven’t had the possibility to meet in a professional international setting; this will be the moment to start again, to return and grow together.
Right now, we are obligated to continuously monitor the situation – we must make the best decisions to defend our companies and our employees. We work together with one of our partners, such as Veronafiere, which has invested in tools and technologies that enhance the safety standards for the health of our exhibitors and visitors.”
Francesco Agnoletto, MBE Founder and CEO.
“We decided to create a special formula for the event that permits us to set the dates for the end of May for a completely dynamic edition, with even more energy and desire to meet together safely. Many organizations have done their best to hold virtual events on digital platforms, but the motorcycling world is one made of passion and emotions that only a live experience can deliver; our role will be to be launching pad from which to re-start and re-ignite those emotions.”
Paola Somma, MBE Founder and Marketing & Sales Manager.
One of the key features of this special edition of MBE will be the Demo Rides and the increase in all outdoor activities which will take place around the fairgrounds. Enthusiasts will finally be able to reach the event more comfortably by motorcycle; once they have arrived at the fairgrounds, they will find a parking lot dedicated exclusively to motorcycles – complete with a “cloakroom” for helmets – along with a shipping point which will allow visitors to mail back home any products bought from the stands at the event.
MBE 2021, May 28 – 30 at Veronafiere
Mid-USA Carries Baker–
All gears are finish ground on diamond coated tooling after heat treating to produce a super fine surface for holding exact tolerances and eliminating gear mesh noise.
All gear dogs have lead-in ramps for positive gear engagements.
Redundant shift drum detents (roller type & plunger type for positive neutral finding).
Anti-Overshift inner transmission shift linkage with improved shape return spring for dependability
Polished case with chrome plated top cover and side cover.
Lightened steel pulley with 32 teeth.
2.94:1 close ratio first gear adds approximately 5 miles per hour of usable first gear.
The 6 speed has a .86:1 ratio top gear and will reduce RPM by approximately 475.
This transmission includes a single wire type neutral switch designed for 1984/1997 Softail models and can be used with an electronic speedometer sensor.
6 speed version is best suited for large displacement engines.
A Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin is included
Baker Drivetrain
Chrome Plated & Polished 6 Speed Transmission
Fits Softail models 1990/1999
By: BAKER DRIVETRAIN
Vance & Hines Begins 2021 Riding Season with Significant Presence at Daytona Bike Week
Daytona Bike Week 2021 starts today and Vance & Hines is ready to greet riders who are after a breath of fresh, Florida air.
Vance & Hines will have two retail and installation locations at Bike Week, at Daytona Speedway and Daytona Harley-Davidson in Ormond Beach. Both locations are based out of the company’s newly updated big-rigs and feature the top V&H items from their Air, Fuel and Exhaust product selections.
Customers at events typically prefer products that offer a change in both their bike’s style and performance. Top sellers in Daytona are likely to be the Vance & Hines Torquer 450, a slip-on muffler designed for Harley-Davidson Milwaukee 8-equipped bikes and VO2 air intake products such as the Rogue, X or Cage Fighter models. The combination allows for greater air flow and performance and makes a noticeable styling change to a rider’s motorcycle.
Product experts will help customers determine what works best for their riding needs and can either install the products on-site or provide customers with detailed information about what their local dealer can order and install back at home.
2021 American Flat Track Season Kicks Off Next Week
The 2021 American Flat Track (AFT) season begins at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida with back-to-back half-mile races on March 12 and 13, 2021.
The 2021 AFT series is a huge event for Vance & Hines. The company recently announced a comprehensive contingency sponsorship program offering thousands of dollars to riders in AFT Singles, AFT Production Twins and AFT SuperTwins.
In addition, the company has become the presenting sponsor of the Production Twins class, now known as AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines. The new sponsorship program will offer over $130,000 in prize money to riders in the class.
The availability of significant prize money has most of the top riders using Vance & Hines products, including 2020 Production Twins Champion James Rispoli, Chad Cose(top ten finisher in both Production Twins and Singles), Dalton Gauthier (former AFT Singles champion), Ben Lowe (third place in 2020 Production Twins). Vance & Hines Racing Development Center is providing support to additional riders as the series gets closer to its initial events in Florida.
In addition, Vance & Hines produces the Harley-Davidson XG750R race motorcycle for Harley-Davidson and also provides support for riders at every AFT race from the Vance & Hines support rig.
Brandon Kitchen, one of the hottest young riders in AFT Singles, will be flying the Husqvarna flag in 2021, with Vance & Hines as his team’s exclusive engine builder.
Kitchen and team owner Brent Donley inked a deal to ride the Husqvarna 450 Single for their 2021 effort. Kitchen finished eighth in points during the shortened 2020 season and scored a win at the Indy Mile aboard a Vance & Hines-built and owned CRF 450 Honda. Brandon’s HC450 utilizes Vance & Hines engine package, exhaust and custom tune. This package is available to all racers in the paddock.
Other Vance & Hines powered racers in AFT Singles include Morgan Mischlet and Billy “The Kid” Ross, with several more rolling out during the first few races.
The 2021 AFT Season begins with back-to-back half-mile races in Barberville FL in mid-March.
New Pro Stock Motorcycle Debuts at NHRA Gator Nationals in Gainesville FL
Vance & Hines’ new four-valve Suzuki engine will debut with four bikes and three-teams at the first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) race of the 2021 season, March 11 to 14 in Gainesville FL. The new engine uses a four-valve head designed by six-time NHRA PSM Champion Andrew Hines at the company’s Racing Development Center in Brownsburg IN.
Angelle Sampey will pilot the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki which features the new engine and a custom-designed chassis based on years of competition and development by the V&H crew. Angelle is the winningest female in NHRA history with 43 wins and three championships to her credit.
Also aboard the new Vance & Hines Suzuki engine and chassis are Reid Motorsports riders Cory Reid and Joey Gladstone. NHRA PSM’s 2016 Champion Jerry Savoie of War Racings will be running the new Vance & Hines Suzuki engine.
NHRA races are broadcast on Fox and Fox sports channels.
SBS BRAKE PADS FOR AMERICAN V-TWINS–
OE replacement and upgrade compound for bikes with sintered pads.
Designed for modern high performance, sport and big touring bikes
Sintered compound formulated for low wear, high thermal stability and excellent brake feel
Class-leading, high performance, developed in racing and fine-tuned for street use
Excellent for stainless steel or cast iron brake discs/rotors
Front (H.HS) and rear (H.LS) compounds for ideal brake balance, to avoid rear wheel lock-up
NEW FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–Master Custom Motorcycle Builder Don Hotop of Fort Madison, Iowa–passed away on February 22, 2021.
He was just 69 years old. We have lost a great fabricator, designer, builder and customizer. He owned Don’s Speed & Custom and Hotop MC Designs for more than 40 years. A member of ABATE and Hamsters USA Motorcycle Club, he was also inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
There’s a connection to the National Motorcycle Museum, and a Museum benefactor, as one of Hotop’s best builds is on display. The bike was built new in response to the custom bike desires of Jaey Sedlacek, and Pumkun was the stunning yet refined result.
After owning it from new, Sedlacek and his wife Brenda donated the bike to the Museum. It’s one of more than 20 great V-Twin-based customs on display at the National Motorcycle Museum, and one of several customs Jaey Sedlacek donated to the National Motorcycle Museum in 2014.
We contacted Jaey Sedlacek this week and he offers, “Don was very emblematic of that era. Pumkun was a classic Hotop softtail springer with lots of machined detail not visable to an untrained eye. Micro lines, polished engines/cases, ultra clean assembly and stunning paint with unique graphics were signatures/brush strokes on his rolling art. Don’s motorcycles just looked right and functional. At 75, I still remember those motorcycles, personalties, and times with lots of affection. Yeah, I can’t get over it.”
It’s September, 1994 and a Don Hotop bike was featured on the cover of the new Easyriders magazine. Avid custom bike aficionado Jaey Sedlacek is taken by the minimalist springer chopper. He begins a quest to add a very well designed and executed Hotop built bike to his stable of customs. Since Hotop and Sedlacek live in Iowa, Jaey headed over to Hotop’s shop to discuss a build similar to the Easyriders cover bike.
Don Hotop was truly among the world’s best motorcycle builders. Never one to invite notoriety, Hotop rather worked hard to build a few very refined designs each year, and other than riding with fellow Hamsters at Sturgis stayed under the radar for the most part.
In spite of his self-imposed underground status Hotop fielded a surprising number of requests for his flavor of custom motorcycle. In a 1994 Easyriders interview Hotop offered, “The guy who comes here for a bike has done some work just to find me, and that seems to weed out the folks who aren’t too serious.” Hotop did everything in his shop, from engine to frame to paint. And his work was so good that many years ago companies like Drag Specialties invited him to create custom parts for their catalog. Hotop built bikes specially for the Drag Specialities “Fat Book,” the bikes showcasing the possibilities the catalog of parts laid before any inspired builder.
As you look over Pumkum, note wiring, cable work, engine details, fasteners and the various parts Hotop carefully designed, fabricated and integrated. His bikes are clean, refined and seem surprisingly simple, until you look closely and note the master builder’s work. Don Hotop and his creativity will be missed. Stop by the Museum and view Pumkum, one of his finest bike builds.
Engine: S&S Cycle, 80 Cubic Inch
Carburetor: S&S Cycle
Exhaust: Python, Modified
Transmission: Harley-Davidson 5-Speed
Frame: Paughco
Rear Suspension: Harley Soft Tail, Modified
Fork – Paughco Springer
Front Wheel: 3.25 x 19 Ness, 90/19 Avon Tire
Rear Wheel: 5.00 x 16 Ness, 150/16 Avon Tire
Brakes: GMA and Arlen Ness Enterprises
Handlebars: Arlen Ness Enterprises
Controls, Hand: GMA
Fuel Tank: Hotop
Oil Tank: Pro One, Modified
Fender: Wernimont, Modified
Lighting: Headwinds and Arlen Ness Enterprises
Seat: Danny Grey
Paint & Graphics: Jay Leyden
Maintenance: Randy Claude, Wild Heart Customs
VIKING BAGS REACHES OUT TO BIKERNET–Also, if you can add our mix and support us, it will be grateful for us.
Here are our store links and logos. you can place them on your website.
Store Links:
Viking Bags: https://www.vikingbags.com/motorcycle-saddlebags.htm
Viking Cycle: https://www.vikingcycle.com/collections/mens-motorcycle-jackets
WHAT’S NEXT—I need to order more boxes almost specifically for paintings and art. I just did with Uline. They will deliver directly to my door today—amazing.
The environmental guy and the appraiser came through today and that’s the final checks to be made.
Buster Gates stopped by with his daughter Melody. The kid has been locked down in their home for a year, so I showed her everything including the roof and the basement. She’s about 12 I would guess, and her smile made my day.
Then the inspectors arrived and made their rounds, like their lives were on fire. Even Tony, my Hamster buddy, real estate agent flew through here like his ex-wife lived next door. Maybe it was my breath, but no, covid requirements meant we couldn’t… You know the drill.
I’m scrambling, and we’re making progress. I wish I had a motorcycle project to report on, but maybe that’s why I’ve been stressing. I need a ride.
I called Ron at Bartels’ to see if he still had the 2019 FXDRS, which some guys called a Dyna. It’s built in a modified Softail frame. They only made them for two years. They weren’t popular, but I was impressed with what Donnie Smith did with his. I’ve also been intrigued with the M-8 engine and would like to try one out.
I spoke to Rich Worley of American Biker in Charlotte, NC and he’s looking around for one. It has the best lean angle of any Softail and Donnie’s puts out 140 horses. Hang On.
Ride Fast and Free Forever,
–Bandit
