Hey,
A couple of items are rolling around in my mind. First is our current adventure, which is sorta eating me alive. As bikers we are adventurers. Hell, anytime you head out in Los Angeles on a motorcycle, it’s an adventure. The current adventure is moving to Deadwood, South Dakota and out of California. Remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I hope that adage is accurate.
One of the other items on the agenda is the search for truth and keeping your mind open to all the possibilities in life. You’ll find some startling news as you scroll through this week’s news.
And finally, I’m researching a new Harley-Davidson model the FXDR and the FXDRS. I’ve heard some stories and Donnie Smith built one. I was told they were built only in 2018 and 2019. Upon further investigation, they may have been built in 2019 and 2020. Let me know, if you know anything about them and or have any experience with them.
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.
HANG ON FOR THE INDIAN CHALLENGE–Today, Indian Motorcycle announced the return of its “Challenger Challenge,” a season-long demo tour and dealer activation that pits the Indian Challenger vs. the Harley-Davidson Road Glide® Special for the ultimate head-to-head comparison.
New for 2021, riders taking the Challenger Challenge will experience each bike with comparable performance upgrades, including:
Indian Challenger: Indian Motorcycle Stage 1 Oval Slip-On Mufflers, PowerPlus Stage 1 Air Intake & PowerPlus Stage 2 Performance Cams
Road Glide® Special: Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Street Cannon Performance Slip-On Mufflers, Screamin’ Eagle® Heavy Breather Extreme Air Cleaner, Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight Stage II – Power Kit & Screamin’ Eagle® Pro Street Tuner
Taking center stage of the 2021 Challenger Challenge is Indian Motorcycle’s PowerPlus Stage 2 Performance Cams – the same cams that helped power the S&S Indian Challenger to victory at the inaugural King of the Baggers race last October. Featuring best-in-class stock performance, the Indian Challenger gains 10% more horsepower with the Stage 2 upgrade kit – providing a new level of unmatched passing power and American bagger performance.
As you’ll see in this year’s Challenger Challenge promo video, Carey Hart and Big B took to Irwindale Drag Strip. This year, though, Big B supervised as Carey enlisted the support from King of the Baggers third-place finisher Frankie Garcia and the inaugural King of the Baggers Champion Tyler O’Hara. After three runs with each bike, the riders compared their personal best on the Challenger with their personal best on the Road Glide. No surprise, as King of the Bagger Champion, Tyler O’Hara, recorded the fastest times with both the Challenger and Road Glide® – registering 7.52 seconds aboard the Challenger and 7.96 on the Road Glide®.
The 2021 Challenger Challenge will kick off at Daytona Bike Week starting Friday, March 12. Throughout the rally, Indian Motorcycle will strictly enforce CDC guidelines, including face coverings, social distancing, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of all bikes and common touch points. Riders in Daytona interested in taking the Challenger Challenge can visit the Speedway, every day during the rally from 9am-5pm.
Following Daytona, riders can take the Challenger Challenge at an Indian Motorcycle demo event or at a local dealership. For more information, or a list of demo stops, please visit https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/challenger-challenge/ or call a local Indian Motorcycle dealer.
Nash “Lights Out” Hammer NEW FINISH – Bronze with hand distressed finish– Weighing in at 2 Lbs. this blunt walloper packs a heavy punch!
These are 100% made in the USA, casted in a dense bronze, and features a backwoods genuine Tennessee hickory wood grip!
A TIP FROM THE LOWBROW TEAM–Mounting the rear fender:
“Once that the rear wheel was centered correctly, I moved on to mounting the rear fender…
I wanted to make sure I had the clearance needed for the rear tire.
I used the tried-and-true method of taping a rubber hose to the top of the tire to set the clearance equally all the way around the wheel…”
Once that the rear wheel was centered correctly, I moved on to mounting the rear fender. The rear fender has three mounting points: the lower mount off the battery box tray, the upper mount just under the seat and the rear mounts which attach to the sissy bar. Each mount had to be fabricated to match the curves of the fender and since I am using a ribbed fender there were a lot of curves…
With a flat fender you would usually use two lengths of hose on either side of the tire, but my ribbed fender sat nicely on one single hose taped down the middle of the tire. I also used some magnets to hold the sissy bar in place just to get an idea of where it would mount to the motorcycle fender.
Read the whole story and If you haven’t followed along from the start, be sure to check out Part 1 at the LOWBROW web site.
NEWS FLASH FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Data Show Agriculture Is Booming Amidst Climate Change, Not Declining
A search of Google News for the term “climate change” today turns up a Green Biz article claiming climate change is threatening global agriculture, especially in developing countries in Africa and the Middle East. This is false. Data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other agencies clearly and objectively show crop production has improved as the earth modestly warms.
The author of the Green Biz article, titled “Global agriculture will be drastically altered by climate change,” claims, “In much of the world, climate change is altering regional growing conditions and making them more unpredictable. Farmers are finding it harder to consistently grow enough food to meet increasing demand.”
In particular, the article claims climate change is causing a shift in rainfall patterns that is making it harder to farm in Kenya and Iran. The data on rainfall and crop production in those countries show otherwise.
Utilizing data from the World Bank, the chart below, produced by Trading Economics, shows no significant increase or decrease in rainfall in Kenya over the past 100 years.
Detailed data covering the past 25 years of Kenya’s rainfall, displayed in the next chart, also displays no significant trend either upwards or downwards.
Although rainfall trends have not changed, World Data Atlas figures, reflected in the next chart, show Kenyan crop production has repeatedly and regularly set records year-over-year since 1961, even during periods of substantial political strife. Kenya’s crop production increased by more than 400 percent since 1961 and has more than doubled percent since 1988.
Also, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) reports, “Kenya’s livestock sector is primed to grow exponentially over the next three decades and anchor the country’s food sufficiency….”
“The [FAO] estimated that by 2050 the cattle population in Kenya will have increased by 90 percent while milk and beef production will rise to 17,000 tonnes and 2,000 tonnes, respectively,” according to the ILRI.
The story is similar in Iran. Despite repeated wars and internal conflicts, Iran’s crop production has grown substantially during the period of modest warming.
Data from the FAO show since 1989, cereal crop production in Iran increased 187 percent, despite increasing the acreage harvested by just 2.6 percent.
FAO data show similar increases in crop production in other African and Middle Eastern countries. For example:
Cereal crop yields in Malawi are 50 percent higher than was the case 20 years ago, with the eight years with the highest yields on record having all occurred since 2007.
Zambian crop yields have also increased by more than 50 percent over the past 20 years, with eight of the last nine years setting records for yield.
Cereal crop production in Iraq increased 91 percent, even as the acreage being harvested fell 5 percent.
Cereal Crop production in Jordan increased 15 percent, even as the acreage harvested declined 30 percent.
Cereal Crop production in Lebanon increased 115 percent, while acreage harvested increased 30 percent.
Cereal Crop production in Syria increased 22 percent, even as acreage dedicated to crop production declined 66 percent.
Cereal Crop production in Turkey increased 46 percent, even as acreage dedicated to crop production declined 19 percent.
What’s true of Africa and the Middle East is true for the world as a whole. As explored in Climate at a Glance: Drought and Climate at a Glance: Floods, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports no evidence that rainfall patterns are changing significantly. By contrast, global crop production has set records seven of the past 10 years.
When it comes to covering climate change’s impacts on agriculture, Green Biz’s readers would be better served if Green Biz stuck to reporting the facts, rather than hyping climate alarm based on its writers’ biases or anecdotal evidence.
The post Data Show Agriculture Is Booming Amidst Climate Change, Not Declining appeared first on Climate Realism.
–Climate Realism / by James Taylor
–Climate Depot
MONTANA MAKES LANE SPLITTING LEGAL—Califa, Hawaii and Utah have legalized some form of lane filtering. Starting on October 1, 2021, motorcyclists in Montana can legally split lanes.
There are conditions, but this is major good news. I hope they put together a public info campaign to let all vehicle owners know of the new law and the benefits to motorists. –Bandit
NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–
We have a very rare opportunity for a few lucky collectors. As you may know, David has been doing a special piece for Daytona each year since 2005. Many of these are sold out and most, if not all are priced at well over $2,000 on our website.
For the 80th anniversary this year, David has agreed to offer ONLY one of each of these Daytona pieces, hand-embellished, for the special price of $2,000 framed, per piece. This will be the smaller of the two sizes of any Daytona piece, including the 2 he did for this year’s rally. Shipping is additional.
What makes this “Collectors Edition” so special?
** David paints directly on the color print. The thickness of the paint catches the lighting and really makes these glow (we send lighting instructions with the piece). If you’ve seen a hand-embellished piece at one of our shows, you know how special these really are!
** He signs these differently than the prints in the edition. Block letters “UHL” in paint with “P” (for Paint-over) and the year below.
** He writes a letter to the owner in his calligraphy style handwriting (sample below), documenting the piece’s uniqueness.
To reiterate, we are only offering one each in this special edition.
You may choose from any Daytona piece from the past 16 years (including this year’s two pieces).
You can view the entire collection on our website:
Daytona Collection
Sample handwritten letter by David Uhl
We are promoting these to everyone coming into the gallery here in Daytona also, so if interested, please respond ASAP to this email or call me at 303-913-4840 to confirm your order. Thanks for your time and have a great weekend!
–Greg Rhodes
David Uhl Fine Art
15801 W. Colfax Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
cell 303-913-4840
ALERT FROM THE NMA–Virtual Car Shopping Grows Up
The COVID-19 crisis has thrown the car market into chaos (along with pretty much everything else). At the beginning of the pandemic, very few were buying cars, new or used. Auto shows were canceled. Supply chains were destroyed, and auto factories closed due to safety concerns. Then late last year, the car-buying spigot opened up again. In fact, the selling price of a new car currently averages $40,000 due to demand.
With showroom traffic almost nil, car dealers had to figure out new ways to keep customers engaged. Virtual car shopping increased and, just like many pandemic innovations, will likely continue well into the future.
An April 2020 Cox Automotive digital shopping study showed that two-thirds of potential customers were more likely to buy a vehicle online than in person.
Ten months later, however, Deloitte released its 2021 Global Automotive Consumer Study in which researchers found car-buying customers like what’s familiar and may not have changed their habits after all. Other takeaways included:
71 percent of US vehicle buyers still prefer an in-person sales experience.
75 percent of respondents want to see and touch any vehicle before purchase.
64 percent want to conduct a test drive.
Deloitte Vice Chairman Karen Bowman said, “Unlike many other retail sectors that have seen a wholesale shift to online buying, purchasing a vehicle remains a largely personal experience for many consumers.”
Despite the Deloitte study, most car manufacturers and dealers have chosen to expand their online selling platforms. General Motors set up Shop-Click-Drive and Cadillac LIVE and, more recently, Chevy MyWay, for instance. To keep customers engaged during the lockdown, salespeople reached out to customers with online virtual tours.
Denver Cadillac dealer Gavin Pierce said that the Cadillac LIVE platform definitely helped the dealership make sales. In May 2020, Cadillac LIVE had 65,000 visits (2.5 times higher than right before the pandemic) and currently maintains that monthly average.
Toyota and Lexus started their online shopping portals called SmartPath and Monogram, respectively, in September 2019. The companies strive to connect a buyer’s experience across various shopping and local dealership sites. Last month, SmartPath and Monogram began allowing customers to complete the entire purchase process without ever visiting a dealership. Vehicle delivery is made right to the buyer’s door.
A couple of things to keep in mind for customers on the Toyota/Lexus Platforms:
Dealers are not required to use the portals and, if they do, must pay Toyota an undisclosed fee for use. Out of the 1200-plus dealerships in the US, only around 50 currently sync their inventory information on SmartPath, and a much smaller number of Lexus dealers currently use Monogram.
Shoppers can only check out one dealer’s inventory at a time. No price comparisons are allowed between dealers, and consumers cannot view other available vehicles regionally or nationally.
Everything a customer enters online goes into a ‘digital garage,’ which can then be used for a salesperson’s follow-up.
For those who are looking for a used car, many online options are available. The website Investopedia provides a list of the best websites to try. These platforms, which are not controlled by any one automaker, often provide the flexibility to search for new and used vehicles, find cars by geographic area and compare the same make and model between dealers.
Let us know how you looked for and bought your last personal vehicle by emailing the National Office at nma@motorists.org. We might include your reply in a future newsletter.
I wrote to the NMA, since I have purchased two new cars in the last year. One was a Nissan hightop van and the other a Subaru Outback for the redhead. Both were daunting experiences. Nissan lied to me and all their customers about the mileage rating. They got caught.
Consumer reports helped save me 10 grand with the Subaru purchase. There are so many factors involved while buying a vehicle these days it’s nuts. Here’s the game. By the time you learned everything you need to purchase a car, the new model year starts all over again. –Bandit
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE BLING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 4th, 2021
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BLING_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_March_4th_2021.aspx
RE: Future of Harley Davidson – It’s no big secret, Harley can put good people up against a bad design, and the bad design will win every time. Nothing more discouraging that looking at a $45,000 motorcycle, with a compensator design that won’t make it 15,000 miles without crapping out. (Stop laughing over there Rogue – I see you laughing over there Rogue!!!) My last screaming vulture compensator grenade wiped out my entire primary system too – E.S.P. was out about $4,000 – Yes Rogue – my next one compensator will be a Baker.
If we can’t pick on design, then a lifetime HD warranty – or at least drop the bullshit 60,000 mileage limit for E.S.P. extensions. This recent move leads me to believe the Harley Davidson Board of Directors, is busy arguing about the bar tab…..while they’re sitting on the Titanic…..
That being said – Rogue – I’ll be glad to read one of your step-by-step instructions on how to shoehorn in an M8, in place of my Twin Cam when time comes…..asking for a friend.
— Doug
Buchanan, MI
ELECTION NEWS–
THIS IS DISGRACEFUL!!!!!!
In a bit of news that received almost no news coverage last week, Republicans picked up another seat in the US House of Representatives. Let that sink in for just a moment. It took until February 5, 2021—three full months after the November election—for a House race to conclude in the courts. Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) had to appeal the election results up to the New York Supreme Court, which finally ruled that she was the winner over incumbent Democrat Rep. Anthony Brindisi. The outcome of that election was only decided because there was an audit of the votes in Tenney’s district. Just sayin’!
So, Rep. Tenney was sworn in as the newest member of Congress last Thursday. Members of Congress are typically allowed to bring family members to watch when they take their oath of office. But the number of guests inside the Capitol is limited right now, with coronavirus being the excuse. Anyway, Rep. Tenney chose to have her son come and watch her being sworn in.
House Speaker Nancy Piglosi (D-CA) denied that request. She refused to allow Rep. Tenney’s adult son to attend the ceremony, on the grounds that he is a dangerous security threat.
Wait, what?
Who is Rep. Tenney’s son? Is he some QAnon blogger or a member of the Proud Boys? Does he read Breitbart News (or this website)? Does he have an NRA card? Does he own a hat with buffalo horns on it?!
Actually, Congresswoman Tenney’s adult son is an officer in the US Navy. The guy attended the US Naval Academy and received one of the finest military educations still available in America. He’s served his country since roughly 2013. Right before he deployed to Iraq in 2017, President Donald Trump personally called him to wish him well.
Tenney’s son likely has a fairly high-level security clearance at this point in his career. He’s also been vetted by the military to a level of much more scrutiny than the average person will ever go through. Yet Nancy Pelosi has branded this US Navy officer a security threat to the very same Congress that Tenney’s son has a sworn oath to defend.
I try to avoid politics, but I’ve been curious about the election and waiting on solid info. Another state is now investigating the outcome of the election. I will bring you any solid info I can find. The above story was checked and confirmed by our inhouse investigator.—Bandit
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON–grubstake
[ gruhb-steyk ]
noun
money or other assistance furnished at a time of need or of starting an enterprise.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF GRUBSTAKE?
Grubstake “money or other assistance furnished at a time of need or of starting an enterprise,” was originally American mining slang that first appeared in the Far West of the U.S. (Montana) in 1863. It originally referred to provisions or gear furnished to a prospector on condition of participating in the profits of any discoveries. The grub in grubstake is British and American slang for food; stake is “something wagered in a game, or race or a monetary or commercial interest or investment in an enterprise in hope of gain.”
HOW IS GRUBSTAKE USED?
In short order, the team turned the partners’ $10 million grubstake into $100 million.
WILLIAM D. COHAN, “MAN VS. MACHINE ON WALL STREET: HOW COMPUTERS BEAT THE MARKET,” THE ATLANTIC, MARCH 29, 2011
He told Westerberg he planned on staying until April 15, just long enough to put together a grubstake. He needed a pile of new gear, he explained, because he was going to Alaska.
JON KRAKAUER, INTO THE WILD, 1996
GREAT LINES FROM GERMANY–I was checking out the Rider’s Eyes shots of MB Cycles (Germany) new custom R18.
I think a good product might be a sacrificial Delrin or like material to protect the low valve covers. I’ve seen this on Harley primary clutch inspection covers and Dyna crash bar/highway peg arrangements.
–sb
AMAZING THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS WIDE OPEN—Mask free!
One evening, four brothers chatted together after dinner. They discussed the 95th birthday gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.
The first said, “You know, I had a big house built for Mama.”
The second said, “And I had a large theater built in the house.”
The third said, “And I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to her.”
The fourth said, “You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t see very well. I bought her a parrot who could recite the entire Bible. It took 10 preachers over 8 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $50,000 a year for 5 years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama only has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it.”
The other brothers were impressed.
After the birthday celebration, Mama sent out her “Thank You” notes.
She wrote:
“Milton, the house you built is so huge that I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.”
“Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home. I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks anyway.”
“Melvin, you gave me an expensive theatre that can hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing, and I’m nearly blind. I’ll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same.”
“Dearest Michael, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you so much.”
Love, Mama
–James Conway
Associate Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE BLING BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 4th, 2021
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BLING_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_March_4th_2021.aspx
H-DMC need to:
1) Move the decimal point on your CAD for a Sportster or Big Twin engine and make one that is under 650cc. Then do the same to the chassis. And whammo you have a real Harley with the sound and an entry level bike at an affordable price. All the techs will know how to work on it too.
2) Focus on weight reduction. This will solve 2 things. Easier to ride and a faster bike. We really don’t need a swingarm that weighs 75lbs.
3) Focus on bicycles/electric and standard that are affordable so kids start learning the “brand”.
4) Demo fleet and rider training at factories. Make a deal with the HR dept. Lets us come to you and we’ll donate to a charity of your choice etc. If the people that are interested are too afraid/intimidated to come to the store have the store go to them. This solves: a) Even if people aren’t interested in pursuing this hobby, they become more aware and may pay attention to us on the road and b) Gets those that are on the fence a push in the right direction.
–Dan
San Jose, CA
STEEL PONY MEETS THE IRON HORSE SALOON–
All rally concerts are absolutely FREE at the Iron Horse Saloon®. This Sturgis, South Dakota biker paradise is 25,000 sprawling square feet of raucous, indoor and outdoor, air-conditioned entertainment space complete with multiple dining options sure to please any size appetite, three stories of balconies with great views, hot bartenders, shopping, and even a nightclub.
Step outside onto a massive stage and party area filling an entire city block in downtown Sturgis with motorcycles, renowned bike shows, famous builders, biker weddings, and even more mischief from the sexiest bartenders in Sturgis.
Iron Horse Saloon® Offers:
FREE Live Entertainment on Indoor and Outdoor Stages
2nd Story Nightclub & DJs: Fireball Whisky’s Club Caliente
Ray’s Chop House & Many More Dining Options
VIP Areas, Hard Core Drinks, and Hot Bartenders
[page break]
OPERATION GRATITUDE REACHES OUT–
I want to start by saying thank you for your extraordinary support of Operation Gratitude! During an unprecedented time of crisis, volunteers like you stepped up like never before and positively impacted more than 600,000 deployed troops, veterans, first responders, and healthcare heroes in 2020. In 2021, we will grow this impact through continuing to bring communities together in service and gratitude!
We are kicking off the year with our 2nd Annual Vietnam Veteran Paracord Challenge to specifically honor those who served in the Vietnam War.
Beginning March 16th, for 2 weeks, we are challenging our amazing volunteers across the nation to make paracord bracelets in red, green, or yellow, which are the colors of the service ribbons our brave Vietnam heroes received when they returned home. There are approximately 850,000 Vietnam Veterans in the United States and we are on a mission to thank every single one of them.
In a tangible way, Operation Gratitude will honor these brave Veterans who sacrificed so much in service to our nation. In recent years, Americans have united to say “thank you” to this forgotten generation of heroes, but we can do more, and with your help, we WILL do more to express gratitude to them and their families.
Will you join us?
Since 2003 Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 3,000,000 Care Packages, and last year alone, we had more than 1,000,000 volunteers and supporters across the country express their gratitude to our Military, Veterans, and First Responders. Last year we received a record 12,521 bracelets during the challenge and we were able to thank our Vietnam Veterans in all 50 states.
Join us, and together, we can set a new record!
With Gratitude,
–Kelly South
Handmade with Love Program Director
Phone 818-960-7555
Monday – Friday 9 am – 4 pm PST (West Coast)
Please join our Operation Gratitude In Action volunteer group Facebook page!
#ActionsSpeakLouder
#VirtualVolunteerism
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2015 Harley-Davidson FXDB – Dyna Street Bob for $13,995.00
See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10026273
This bike has a cool pinstripe paint job
ONLY 7803.00 Miles !!!!!
2015 Blue Harley-Davidson FXDB
Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike
* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed trans
* Fairing
* Chrome big breather intake
* Tall sissy bar
* Chrome staggered 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 $13,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
PATRICK MOORE’S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT—Patrick recently wrote a new report on his web site Ecosense.me. Here’s the Executive Summary
•This study looks at the positive environmental effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a topic which has been well established in the scientific literature but which is far too often ignored in the current discussions about climate change policy.
•All life is carbon based and the primary source of this carbon is the CO2 in the global atmosphere.
•As recently as 18,000 years ago, at the height of the most recent major glaciation, CO2 dipped to its lowest level in recorded history at 180 ppm, low enough to stunt plant growth. This is only 30 ppm above a level that would result in the death of plants due to CO2 starvation.
•It is calculated that if the decline in CO2 levels were to continue at the same rate as it has over the past 140 million years, life on Earth would begin to die as soon as two million years from now and would slowly perish almost entirely as carbon continued to be lost to the deep ocean sediments.
•The combustion of fossil fuels for energy to power human civilization has reversed the downward trend in CO2 and promises to bring it back to levels that are likely to foster a considerable increase in the growth rate and biomass of plants, including food crops and trees.
•Human emissions of CO2 have restored a balance to the global carbon cycle, thereby ensuring the long-term continuation of life on Earth.
•This extremely positive aspect of human CO2 emissions must be weighed against the unproven hypothesis that human CO2 emissions will cause a catastrophic warming of the climate in coming years.
•The one-sided political treatment of CO2 as a pollutant that should be radically reduced must be corrected in light of the indisputable scientific evidence that it is essential to life on earth.
–Patrick Moore, PHD
Ecosense.me
Read the whole tamale at Ecosense.me: http://ecosense.me/ecosense-wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/CO2-Emissions.pdf
HANG ON FOR A New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Sam’s Picks for the Week of March 11th, 2021
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Sams_Pics_for_the_Week_of_March_11th_2021.aspx
Love these stories I remember a lot of these, especially the deer incident! I did the same the same thing in my little garage going through things, each contains a memory.
I also have a hard time getting rid of things. Like old t-shirts, I say I am going to get rid of them but when I pick them up the memories start to flash back to where I was, what I was doing or who gave the shirt. Oh yeah, as always GREAT looking bikes. Wishing you the best!
–Stealth
Charlotte, NC
NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD–Eight Female Custom Motorcycle Builders to Follow on Instagram Right Now
Yvette Streicher
Women are shattering glass ceilings in all areas, and building custom motorcycles is no exception. In an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on the amazing female builders who are bringing a new level crafts(wo)manship to this industry. Prepare to be wowed by their metal masterpieces.
Jshia
1. J. Shia, owner of Madhouse Motors, built her first bike when she was just 15 years old. She comes from a long line of mechanics (all men). Shia thought she’d help out to pay the bills from art school but her passion and skill for the industry took hold and she has been blazing a trail ever since. Madhouse specializes in restoring antique and vintage motorcycles.
Uncagedcycles
2. Lea Holmes quit her corporate job, and founded Uncaged Cycles before she even knew how to change her own oil. The team at Uncaged bases their business on, and thrives on, their passion for motorcycles and how motorcycles can unite riders from all walks of life.
Deadcentercycles
3. Jessica Ruse of Dead Center Cycles has been working in the motorcycle industry since high school. Dead Center has won multiple awards for their custom builds and well known for quality in the Washington motorcycle community.
That’s just three, but there are more at Twisted Road.
FOR SALE –I’m selling my White Privilege Card. It’s over 70 years old, but is in mint condition. It has never been used, not even one time. Reason for selling is that it hasn’t done a damn thing for me! No free college, no free food, no free housing, no free anything.
I actually had to go to work every day of my life while paying a boatload of taxes to carry those who chose not to work! If you are interested, I prefer cash but would be willing to do an even trade for a Race Card which seems much more widely accepted and comes with countless benefits if you fit the profile!
Interested?
Contact me on my Non-Obama cell phone that I pay for every month.
Serious buyers only!
–El Waggs
CRAZY, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The Short Happy Life of Easyriders Magazine
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Short_Happy_Life_of_Easyriders_Magazine.aspx
J.J. He will surely be missed??
— Jess (TonyJohn’s daughter)
Tyler, TX
Wow, that’s a good one. J.J. is still writing for Bikernet on a weekly basis. Maybe you are hoping he will depart, or you shot at him and missed.–Bandit
CLASSIC OF THE WEEK FROM HAGERTY–This modernized Vincent could be the perfect cafe racer
The act of modifying one’s motorcycle is as old as the motorcycle itself but taking those modifications to the level of a reimagination is a relatively new idea. It requires both craft and taste to blend yesterday’s aesthetics with today’s technology—two qualities which Patrick Godet, judging from this build, possesses in spades. We would say Godet’s work is top-notch, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Have a look yourself.
Godet was first known as an expert restorer of Vincents, but he took things to another level once he got his hands on an Egli-Vincent. His relationship with Fritz Egli blossomed and Godet was granted license to reproduce Egli’s redesigned frame. This new frame sharpened the vague handling of the original and laid the perfect groundwork for a restomod.
Godet left no part of the bike untouched. The 1000cc V-twin Vincent engine was punched out to 1330cc, which makes for a considerable power bump over what was already a highly capable engine. The engine also received an electric starter, eliminating the need for the kick starter. Jay finds that last change a bit disconcerting, but we’d bet that most find that start button to be magic and won’t miss the effort required to kick over a big twin like this one.
Slowing the machine down is a quad-leading shoe front drum brake. This design is self-energizing on all four shoes, which means the effort the rider puts in at the lever is multiplied by how the brake shoes are connected to the backing plate. Scrubbing that speed is probably just as much fun as accelerating, since you get to watch the needle on the massive speedometer swing about with watch-like precision.
The Godet Egli-Vincent wasn’t the first motorcycle reimagination, nor the last—but it could be the best. At least, Jay thinks so.
–Kyle Smith
Hagerty Media
SADDLEMEN DEAL OF THE WEEK–1958-1978 XL Sportster Explorer™ Ultimate Comfort Seat
Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: XL SPORTSTER
Year Fitment: 1958-1978
The 1958-1978 Harley Davidson Sportster Explorer Motorcycle Seat combines show bike quality with two-up touring comfort, making it the perfect choice for your next trip. Carefully developed deep, wide contours provide the perfect attitude and body position for long hours in the saddle, so you can arrive at your destination refreshed and ready. Why?
Almost two decades ago, Saddlemen® was the innovator of SaddleGel™ for motorcycle seats, bringing over a gel technology widely used in medical applications. Now widely copied, but not duplicated, SaddleGel™ provides undisputable comfort.
Adding to the comfort is our unique SaddleHyde™ covering that has the right amount of stretch built in to make better use of the SaddleGel™ underneath.
Saddlemen® has engineered the perfect and only matched motorcycle seating foam that works in conjunction with SaddleGel™ and SaddleHyde™ for maximum riding distance and pleasure. Saddlemen’s® proprietary Black Magic™ foam with its high resilient properties maximizes your motorcycle’s suspension package by collapsing just enough to conform to the rider’s body shape. In turn, it helps to equalize the pressure to allow good blood flow. Combined with our precisely engineered molding cavities, our 3-part system is carefully molded with a skin that resists penetration by rain or perspiration. All completed in house under the careful supervision of train technicians to guarantee a perfectly contoured seat with every pour.
DIABLO Superbike Range to Host Star-Studded Lineup-– Pirelli Tire North America is set to return to the iconic Daytona 200 with a star-studded rider lineup that is determined to make a run at the brand’s title defense.
Following the cancellation of last year’s event, the 79th running of the Daytona 200 is set to take place for the first time in nearly two years on March 13, 2021. Pirelli will bring its complete DIABLO™ Superbike range to the grid as the brand looks to repeat its 2019 race-winning performance.
Kyle Wyman 1
Pirelli looks to repeat its 2019 Daytona 200 race-winning performance. | Photo: Brian J. Nelson
The 2019 Daytona 200 was won using a DIABLO™ Superbike SC1 front and DIABLO™ Superbike “Daytona” compound rear tire. Pirelli will be bringing this combination along with others to the event for 2021 in order to contest in the Daytona 200 and also the Pirelli sponsored ASRA National sprint races.
“Daytona is a special race and one that Pirelli takes great pride in as you saw with the brand’s success there in 2019,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “It’s been almost two years since we last ran here at the iconic speedway and the goal is to continue where we left off, which is to get the DIABLO™ Superbike range back in the winners circle. We’ve got a talented lineup of riders who are very capable, and thanks to Orion Motorsports and Mark Tenn Motorsports, there will be an extra incentive up for grabs if a Pirelli rider is successful in our title defense.”
Daytona 2
Former World Superbike rider Geoff May will join Pirelli in an attempt to cross the stripe first. | Photo: Align Media
Joining Pirelli’s lineup for 2021 are several new faces such as former World Superbike rider Geoff May, as well as numerous other household names that includes current British Superbike Championship racer Brandon Paasch, Tyler O’Hara, Andrew Lee, Jason Farrell, Cory West, Kevin Olmedo, Dustin Richards, Gary Yanconskie, Ryan Jones, female racer Jessica Capizzi and more.
“I’d like to give a big thanks to Pirelli who have played a big part in making the Daytona 200 possible this year,” said Geoff May. “Together with Pirelli, I’ve had lots of success throughout my career. I’m looking forward to returning to the high banks of Daytona with the Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike slicks.”
Daytona 1
The iconic speedway is set to host America’s most popular motorcycle race for the first time in two years. | Photo: Align Media
Top-10 Daytona 200 finishing bonuses will be available to Pirelli racers courtesy of Mark Tenn Motorsports and Orion Motorsports. For complete details and eligibility on the contingency program, contact Mark Tenn Motorsports.
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com
RIDERSHIP EXPANSION EFFORT–
MIC Reaching Out to Dealerships
Across America on Boosting Ridership
Dealerships nationwide are being called on to participate in the MIC’s long-term, industry-wide effort designed to boost ridership and get more riders, riding more.
“As part of the MIC Ridership initiative, we are interviewing dealers and retailers around the country for their insights and feedback,” said Erik Pritchard, MIC president and CEO. “We’re asking dealers for some time to help build on our industry’s momentum. Any dealer interested in being part of it should please email contact information, and some possible dates and times to talk, to info@mic.org.”
NRA-Backed Legislation to Halt Discrimination Against the Firearms Industry Introduced— By Texas Lawmakers and Prioritized by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
Last week, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R-Southlake), and Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), filed House Bill 2558, and Senate Bill 19, NRA-backed bills that discourage banks, payment processors, insurers, and other financial services providers from discriminating against members of the firearm and ammunition industries. The legislation prohibits businesses that engage in this practice from contracting with governmental entities in the Lone Star State. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to benefit the bottom-line of corporations that are actively working to erode the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Texans.
We appreciate Lt. Governor Dan Patrick prioritizing this issue by assigning it a low bill number in the Senate. We thank Sen. Schwertner and Rep. Capriglione for introducing this critical legislation to protect the lawful firearms industry.
Please contact your state representative and urge them to co-author HB 2558.
Please contact your state senator and urge them to co-sponsor SB 19.
You may click the “Take Action” buttons to email your state representative and your state senator directly, or you may find contact information for representatives here and senators here.
ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The OFFICIAL Harley-Davidson Suggestion Box
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_OFFICIAL_HarleyDavidson_Suggestion_Box.aspx
Harley should loan me a new bagger to ride around the country on and write article on how much fun the motorcycle is. I could also do some tech articles on adding some of their products.
–Rogue
rogue@bikernet.com
Palm Bay, FL
NEWS FROM THE VA–Celebrating Women’s History Month and Women Veterans
March is designated as Women’s History Month, commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history and the Armed Forces.
WOMEN VETERANS
From home loans to health care, VA has resources and programs for women who have served.
LEARN MORE
Now available online anytime, information on VA women’s health care services available after separation from the military.
GOOD NEWS ON LAND ACCESS–
Bureau of Land Management Partners
with National Off-Highway Vehicle
Conservation Council
The Bureau of Land Management debuted an interactive website highlighting the Top BLM Motorized Recreational Opportunities. Users can find information on recreation site amenities, trails, camping availability, season operation dates, fees, and more. The BLM partnered with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council to create the online story-map.
“We are excited to help more enthusiasts become aware of the BLM’s best OHV areas, as well as continuing our partnership for many years to come,” said Marc Hildesheim, NOHVCC program director.
Both organizations are continuing to collect data, and enthusiasts who visit the OHV locations are being asked to share photographs by emailing them to trailhead@nohvcc.org. NOHVCC will forward the images to the BLM for potential inclusion on the website. They need the photographer’s name and where each photo was taken. All photos will be credited.
BROTHER GOES TO THE CAPITAL–
Today I testify for the fifth time in a year before the U.S. Congress and the first time before the United States Senate. I consider it a great honor.
My testimony comes at a critical time. Electricity grids across the United States are today threatened by the potential closure of nuclear power plants, increased use of intermittent renewables, and rising complexity from so-called de-regulation.
In a 2017 report, the National Academies of Science warned that our electricity grids were increasingly “complex and vulnerable” due to restructured energy markets and increased use of variable renewable energy sources.
The federal agency in charge of protecting our electricity grid has warned that the increase of weather-dependent energy sources over the last decade has made the grid more sensitive to extreme weather.
Last August, California’s grid operator attributed the lack of energy supply to the state’s closure of nuclear and natural gas plants and its over-estimation of what weather-dependent renewables could contribute.
While all energy sources failed to perform as anticipated during mid-February’s cold snap, some performed better than others. The capacity factors for nuclear, natural gas, coal, and wind in Texas during the four days of load shedding were 79 percent, 55 percent, 58 percent, and 14 percent, respectively.
What makes electric grids reliable, resilient, and affordable is the generation of electricity by a few large, efficient plants with the minimal necessary wires and storage.
The U.S. reduced its greenhouse gas emissions between 2000 and 2020 more than any other nation in history, but emissions, prices, and resiliency risks will rise if the US closes the nuclear reactors in California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania that prevented wider power outages.
Although Texas lost one of four of its nuclear reactors after cold water affected a sensor, automatically shutting down the reactor, it returned to service within 36 hours, helping to end the power cuts. Meanwhile, nuclear reactors in other cold snap states operated normally.
The Senate can play a constructive role by taking action now to prevent the closure of nuclear plants that have proven essential to maintaining a diversity, reliability, and affordability of supply.
As always, if you make a donations of $100, we will send you a signed copy of Apocalypse Never, or a Save Diablo, Atoms for Peace, or Marie Curie t-shirt!
–Michael Shellenberger,
Founder and President
Environmental Progress
2569 Telegraph Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
Read his whole report on Environmental Progress.
https://environmentalprogress.org/
COMMENT FROM A CONTRIBUTOR— Hey Bandit I love the story about moving to the badlands. I have been following the weather up there. It has been an amazingly warm winter there this year. The big cold front down here even missed you.
I love the blue Knuckle. I built one very similar in 1970.
–Bill May
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT— It’s possible that my Fort Hood roommate Zippy the Pinhead and I might possibly have kept 2nd Armored and parts of 1st Cav on a vitamin A daily regiment prior to my departure from the Armed Forces? But I knew my 76 mainshaft just came out once I removed the clip. And that’s what my ‘70-to early ‘78 manual states as well.
However such in not the case for a late 79/80 cow patty 4 speed FLH with a side car. Where second gear is bigger that the bearing housing. I was watching a video and the dude just knocked out the countershaft bushings. Finally the light bulb went off in the gerbil powered brain of mine, plus I got bored watching. Nobody I asked said it just knocks out.
You can see & feel the wear in the mainshaft, seen worse and the shifter clutch was installed properly. Don’t see why it would pop out of 3rd if you pulled too hard. Now I think I’d like to change the gear ratios, can’t be that much heavier than my FXE without the sidecar.
—-RFR
Weather Reporter
Texas Bureau
Bikernet.com
The Unapproachable Legend,” announces the release of “Walter— The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” documentary.
In 1913 an unusual motorcycle negotiates through the mud-rutted streets of old Milwaukee. This is one of the first Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Truck forecars and represents a unique early venture in commercial service delivery motorcycles for the Motor Company.
Fast-forward to the present-day as that very same motorcycle truck negotiates through the world of motorcycle collectible artifacts. This is the last-known Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Truck in existence, a remarkable motorcycle affectionately known as Walter.
This documentary chronicles the life and times of Walter the forecar from its early days of service, through many decades of desolation stored in a horse barn, and then many years of restoration to eventually become the most valuable service motorcycle in the world.
For more information, please check the “Walter” documentary trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHHvOfoRrZc
COMMENT FROM AN EX-EASYRIDERS STAFFER–
I couldn’t help but notice the girl on the Panhead. She’s covered in scratches and bruises. She must’ve been in a wreck before the photo shoot! Also noticed she’s reading a High Times Magazine from 1979!! Ha Ha!!
Keep up the great web site, and I hope you’re doing well out there!
–Weasel Thad
HANG ON—Tomorrow I test my skills with a fork lift. We may well wrap up much of the packing next week. I can’t believe it.
Of course, two of the kids around here came into the shop and asked if I could make them belt buckles. They will be the first two buckles I make in Deadwood or Sturgis. I’m confused. I wish the second house had a Deadwood address. I’m only two miles from Deadwood and 10 miles from Sturgis, but it still has a Sturgis address.
Here’s a shot of the first prison run to Chino Prison back in the early ‘70s. I put it together with the help for a guy who was in prison there, lots of brothers and Lou Kimzey my boss.
Okay, it’s back to packing, shipping, crating, cleaning, sorting, throwing away, you name it. We packed the recycle bins with metal and struggled to push the heavy bastards outside. In less than an hour they were emptied by metal hunters in the neighborhood. We got to fill them all over again.
Hang on! And ride free forever.
–Bandit
