Hey,
I share info from the NRA, the Gun industry, SEMA and the Hot Rod and car industry, because like us, they exist on Freedom. I don’t always agree with them, but I always celebrate their efforts for Freedom.
SEMA is constantly fighting for the right to repair and modify (see report below in the news). That’s right up our ally, so I cover it. Just as I cover and support all motorcycle rights groups and hope for the best.
Here’s the perfect Christmas Quote from a longtime friend from Australia: If we can be kind and thoughtful around Christmas time, why can’t we continue this throughout the year? Let me suggest we all make a New Year’s Resolution and that is to continue this goodwill in 2023.
–Ray Russell
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. 
MY FAVORITE GLOVES ARE NOW LINED— On Sale: Winter Lined Gauntlet: Made to Order
This is our traditional Gauntlet glove but lined with a winter poly blend for extra warmth. These are great for cooler weather rides. The top is distressed brown bison, with a deerskin palm. These are made to order in the USA, and take about a week to ship.
$ 75
A LOOK AT THE ROAD CONDITIONS IN INDIA—
Hopefully with all the EV blasts on two-wheelers and elections coming and terrorism threat, there will be slower pace to push self-driving vehicles in India.
Already Tesla went away because their cars would be at the price of a Ferrari or Aston Martin due to import duty (similar to why Harley-Davidson is a luxury vehicle in India. ) Haven’t heard of electric car explosions. Contracts have been awarded for electric buses. Bus and Trains are the lifeline of the working masses here. A blast for any reason would jolt the economy.
Seat belts are mandatory here and government forced new ICE and EV cars to have mandatory 6 air bags for cars.
Also, since 2019, all new cars have factory fitted warning — continuous beep if car goes above 80 KMPH and beep cannot be stopped even by unauthorized mechanics if the car surpasses speed of 120 KMPH. Such a high speed of 120 would mandate action and report to government agencies about the driver and the vehicle. Only the authorized service center would be able to shut out the beep caused by 120 KM per hour speed.
These are not jokes or fiction nor is it proposed laws. These are actual laws here.
Comparatively, the wild ones on two-wheels here definitely deserve a helmet to slow down their insane riding. Any bloke can get a two-wheeler license here but not so easy with a car driving license.
My 200cc bike has a very fast pickup and goes from 40 to 100 kmph in seconds — unlike Enfield motorcycles. Actually, I felt safer on the slow and heavy Enfield, since even if I get carried away by thrill-mood, I could not possibly go too fast on that white elephant called Enfield “Bullet” model motorcycle.
Source: Airbags rule
https://www.businesstoday.in/auto/story/breaking-centre-to-make-6-airbag-safety-norm-mandatory-from-october-2023-says-nitin-gadkari-348530-2022-09-29
Source: Speed Warning rule
https://www.autocarindia.com/car-news/speed-warning-system-irritating-but-effective-ministry-of-road-transport-and-highways-409842
–Ming Ball
International News Desk correspondent
Bikernet.com™
NATIONAL MOTORIST ASSOCIATION REPORT–Red-Light Cameras Turned Off in Greenville, NC—At Least for Now!
A little background.
In March 2022 the North Carolina State Court of Appeals ruled that Greenville’s red-light camera program was unconstitutional but not because of the cameras themselves. Under the state’s RLC citation scheme, expenses from fines cannot exceed 10 percent of the income, and the rest of the fine money funnels to the school district where the cameras reside.
The problem with Greenville cameras, the expenses topped out at 28 percent. The court ruled that Greenville’s funding framework violated the state’s constitutional directive that the ‘clear proceeds’ of all collected fines must be used exclusively to maintain free public schools.
Two motorists who received $100 RLC tickets sued the city and the Pitt County Board of Education and have won this round at the appeals court level.
Due to the ruling from seven months ago, the Greenville City Council finally decided not to renew the American Traffic Solutions (ATS) camera contract in early November, and the cams went dark on November 15th. The cams had been up since 2017.
In a scathing rebuke over the cameras, local columnist Bobby Burns said that when he wrote a column in May 2016, before the RLC installation, he suggested that the Pitt County Board of Education mind its own business. He claimed his reasoning was simple—the school board had no business involved in Greenville’s policing efforts.
Even though the cams are off, the city has already appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court, which has yet to indicate if it will hear the case.
But, as we already know, the lure can be too great regarding RLC camera revenue.
Immediately following the city council vote to cancel the RLC contract, the Pitt County Board of Education adopted a resolution that supported the city’s efforts to go to the state legislature. The city and the Board want the cameras back on, and they are okay with the costs of the cameras to be paid from the proceeds of fines assessed against violators.
The city of Fayetteville already did so—a legislative bill allowed the city and the school system to manage a joint contract, which helped get around the constitutional quandary somehow.
Columnist Bobby Burns asked a straightforward question about this kind of legislative action—why should laws be made to subvert the meaning of the state Constitution? He stated that this kind of behavior doesn’t seem appropriate and it’s not fair to the other 20 NC cities and towns that also are allowed to operate RLCs.
The issue now is whether voters should decide on making a change to the state’s Constitution.
What do you think?
–NMA
THE 101 RUN FROM DICE MAGAZINE–The 101 RUN is back once again in Margate, England next July.
If you love motorcycles and having a laugh this is definitely the show for you!
–DICE Magazine
“We will publish a report on the state of the Chopper Magazine World next week. Dice Magazine is part of the chromed mix.”
–Bandit
CHRISTMAS AT HARDTAIL CHOPPERS–Happy Holidays Bandit
See you guys got plenty of snow . Get a bigger shovel. I attached a few pics of a New, Finned Cast Stainless Steel kicker pedal I just started making . January price is $225 and $10 shipping in USA, $200 until the first of new year . These are not imports! I make them and use Fab Kevin’s pivot shafts with stainless shoulder bolts .
They are not on my website yet. I can be reached at john@hardtailchoppers.com or shop phone 360-750- 6780 or hardtailchoppers on instagram
I’ve only got 15, just sold 20 in 3-4 days .
–John
Hardtail Choppers
TOYOTA BOSS SPEAKS OUT–Toyota’s president is questioning whether the push for the auto industry to phase out gas-powered vehicles and go exclusively electric is the right decision.
Akio Toyoda made the comments to reporters in Thailand after the auto manufacturer said around this time last year that it would produce 3.5 million electric vehicles annually by 2030, according to The Wall Street Journal.
“People involved in the auto industry are largely a silent majority,” Toyoda said. “That silent majority is wondering whether EVs are really OK to have as a single option. But they think it’s the trend so they can’t speak out loudly.”
Toyoda reportedly has been trying to express that point to governments and industry stakeholders.
“Because the right answer is still unclear, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to just one option,” he added.
Toyota’s rivals, including General Motors and Honda Motor Company, have set dates for when their lineups will be all-electric. However, Toyota has invested in a collection of models that includes hydrogen-powered cars and gas/electric hybrids, The Wall Street Journal reports.
General Motors is set to rapidly ramp up its electric car production in North America from about 50,000 this year to one million in 2025, but it is not parking its internal combustion engine cars and trucks just yet.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WINDVEST–May your days be filled with peace, hope, and joy this holiday season.
As always, thank you for your business, loyalty, and support.
All of us at WindVest
Motorcycle Windshields
PRODUCT ALERT FROM SAWICKI SPEED—
Carbon fiber heat shields are now available for your Sawicki Speed exhaust system!!!!
For the right combo of straight & curved components for you go to the pipe that fits your bike on our site. The info is right in there.
Get ‘em while you can and keep your eyes open for more coming soon!
SCIENCE QUOTE OF THE WEEK–We have no problem with additional man-made CO2 being added to the atmosphere. After all, it is the Miracle Molecule!
–CO2 COALITION
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–MARVELOUS MOLLY
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/MARVELOUS_MOLLY.aspx
Molly was a true reflection of her family and friends. And Rouge very well said.
–Harold Armstrong
Lake Wales, FL
Purchase your 2023 Buffalo Motorama pre-sale tickets online and get a FREE Limited Edition Buffalo Motorama event poster with each ticket purchase. (Actual poster art to be released at later date)
Purchase Buffalo Motorama Tickets Today
HANG ON FOR THIS–Ken Paxton was on TV this am. He said, “The Mexican cartels are making $300,000,000 a week on illegals. Mexican politicians are all getting a cut. I wonder if any of our politicians who are allowing this for 24 months are getting paid, too.”
• We don’t let athletes bet on games they have the ability to influence. Why do we allow Congress to invest in companies they regulate?
• Why is it that when archeologists find human remains, they always determine that they are either male or female and none of the other hundreds of genders?
• Why is it that so many are more outraged that Brittney Griner is stuck in Russia than they were about Americans being stranded in Afghanistan?
• How is it that the government can’t control gasoline prices…but the weather is something they can fix?
• We’re churning out a generation of poorly educated people with no skill, no ambition, no guidance, and no realistic expectations of what it means to go to work.—Mike Rowe
• If kids knew what they wanted to be at age eight, the world would be filled with cowboys and princesses. I wanted to be a pirate. Thank goodness nobody took me seriously and scheduled me for eye removal and peg leg surgery—Bill Mahe
• Why were we told to lower our AC usage on hot days to prevent overwhelming the electric grid while simultaneously being told to trade in our gas cars for electric vehicles?
• Why is canceling student debt a good idea? Does it make sense to reward people who do not honor their financial commitment by taxing the people who do?
• Does it make sense to cut off oil from an ally and buy it from an enemy who calls for your death?
• Are we living in a time where intelligent people are silenced so that stupid people won’t be offended?
• Is this a great description of America: Andy has left town and Barney is in charge?
• Why is talking sexually in the workplace considered sexual harassment to adults…but talking about sexuality to children K-3 at school considered education?
• Who else had a ‘ministry of truth”…Hitler…Goebbels…Stalin
• Eliminating the production of 500,000 American barrels of oil a day to buy 500,000 barrels a day from Russia is simply…well…stupid
• I saw a movie where only the police and military had guns; it was called Schindler’s List.
• If your electric car runs out of power on the interstate, do you walk to a charging station to get a bucket of electricity?
• Why are we running out of money for Social Security and Medicare and not for welfare, illegals and free college?
• I just got a full tank of gas for $22. Granted, it was for my lawn mower, but I’m trying to stay positive.
• There is a coin shortage. America is officially out of common sense.
• If an 18 year old isn’t mature enough to own a firearm, then maybe five year olds aren’t mature enough to change their gender
• Sign in Texas: DON’T VOTE FOR WHAT YOU FLED
• Nobody called it “Toxic Masculinity when we were saving the world.
• Mice die in mouse traps because they do not understand why the cheese is free. Just like socialism
• The most powerful governments on earth can’t stop a virus from spreading…but they say they can change the earth’s temperature if you pay more taxes.
• Want to stop drunk drivers from killing sober drivers? Ban sober drivers from driving. That’s how gun control and COVID lockdowns work
• If you don’t want to stand for the national anthem, perhaps you should give your legs to a veteran who lost his. That way a real man can stand in your place.
• If socialism is so good and capitalism is so bad…then why aren’t the caravans heading to Venezuela?
History is not there for us to like or dislike. It is there for us to learn from it. And if it offends you, even better…because then you are less likely to repeat it. It is not anyone’s to erase…it belongs to all of us.
–Sam Burns
Official Correspondent
Bikernet.com™
YAMAHA CELEBRATES 2022 Champions —
Yamaha honors champions at the 2022 Wall of Champions induction ceremony
MARIETTA, Ga. – December 16, 2022 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, honored its 2022 Yamaha bLU cRU champions last week at the annual Yamaha Wall of Champions induction ceremony. Held this year at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, nine racers were recognized for their crowning achievements in their respective professional championships.
Eli Tomac was recognized for his landmark season aboard the YZ450F, winning premier class titles in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championships, as well as being a Motocross of Nations Champion with Team USA. Also honored for his achievements in supercross was 2022 250SX West Champion Christian Craig, who carried on the YZ250F’s title-winning tradition.
In road racing, Jake Gagne was inducted for his second-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike Championship aboard the YZF-R1. The young Blake Davis earned his first Wall of Champions plaque for winning the MotoAmerica Twins Cup Championship with the YZF-R7.
Yamaha racers also reaped success off-road on both two- and four-wheels. Rachael Archer earned her first title in the Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), winning the 2022 GNCC WXC Motorcycle Championship aboard the YZ250FX. Taking top honors on the YFZ450R was Brycen Neal in the GNCC XC1 Pro ATV Championship and Joel Hetrick in the AMA Pro ATV Motocross Championship. Yamaha racers also swept the Championship Off-Road Tour Side-by-Side (SxS) classes in the pure sport YXZ1000R, with Brock Heger winning the Pro Stock SxS title and Hamish Kelsey winning the Pro Turbo SxS title.
The inductees received copies of their honorary plaques that will be added to the Wall of Champions at Yamaha Motorsports headquarters in Marietta, Georgia. Established to honor Yamaha bLU cRU champions with a lasting memory of their accomplishments, the first induction ceremony for the Wall of Champions was held on November 16, 2012. Since then, over 100 racers have been inducted for their achievements.
SONG OF THE WEEK–This Tom Petty song reminded me of Bandit’s efforts for fair trade and right to choose between EV and ICE engines.
SONG FOR BANDIT’s CANTINA JUKEBOX
Song: “I Won’t Back Down”
Artist: Tom Petty
Album: Full Moon Fever (1989)
Lyrics: Tom Petty & Jeff Lynne
Well, I won’t back down
No I won’t back down
You could stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won’t back down
No I’ll stand my ground
Won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Hey baby
There ain’t no easy way out (I won’t back down)
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Well, I know what’s right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around
But I’ll stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Hey baby
There ain’t no easy way out (I won’t back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won’t back down)
And I won’t back down
Hey baby
There ain’t no easy way out (I won’t back down)
Hey I won’t back down
Hey baby
There ain’t no easy way out (I won’t back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won’t back down)
And I won’t back down (I won’t back down)
No I won’t back down
–Wayfarer
Certified DJ
Bikernet.com™
BIKERNET BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—
ONE WAY MACHINE by Julian von Oheimb
Lollarer Str. 48
D-35460 Staufenberg
Phone: +49 (0)177-3264316
Fax: +49 (0)6406-9232776
E-Mail: we@onewaymachine.com
Three-time world champion.
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–Governor Ron DeSantis Suggests That Florida’s Legislators Will Approve Constitutional Carry of Guns in 2023: “I’m Ready”
On December 15, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis gave the clearest indication yet, that he intends to approve constitutional carry of handguns during the state’s forthcoming legislative season. While speaking at a press event to announce relief on toll charges, DeSantis was pressed on the topic of constitutional carry and whether he’d finally be ready to approve it.
–Toby Hazlewood
THE GOOD DOCTOR CONFIRMS SCIENCE—We read about a carbon capture effort and asked the Dr. Ed Berry, Montana to confirm something. Why would anyone want to capture CO2 and bury it underground? Don’t we need more CO2?
We all like to eat and plants are the source of all our food. Plants need CO2 to grow. In fact, plants capture CO2.
To artificially capture CO2 and bury it underground removes plant food, which removes human food. Pretty stupid.
–Ed Berry
“So much of this issue is education and understanding. CO2 is not a pollutant, but so many folks don’t know the basics.” –Bandit
[page break]
BRING A TRAILER AUCTION OF THE WEEK– No Reserve: 1968 Bonanza BC-1300
This 1968 Bonanza BC-1300 was acquired by the seller as a non-running project in 2013, and it subsequently underwent an approximately six-year refurbishment that was completed in 2020.
Work included repainting the bike in metallic blue, polishing the wheels, chrome-plating the fork lowers and fenders, replacing the black vinyl seat, fuel tank, and tires, and overhauling the replacement 156cc Tecumseh four-stroke single with a .010?-oversized piston and a replacement camshaft, connecting rod, exhaust system, and pull-starter.
Equipment includes a centrifugal clutch, a jackshaft, a rear drum brake, chrome shocks, a side stand, folding foot pegs. This Bonanza BC-1300 is offered at no reserve in Oregon with refurbishment receipts and a bill of sale.
Current Bid: $2,900
BIKERNET CHRISTMAS TEMPLE REPORT–
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~ Arthur Ashe
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” ~ Lou Holtz
“Never regret anything that made you smile.” ~ Mark Twain
“Leaders can let you fail and yet not let you be a failure.” ~ Stanley McChrystal
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” ~ Thomas Edison
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” ~ Michael Jordan
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
SEMA ALERT–California State Parks Says No New Dust Mitigation Measures Needed at Oceano Dunes
California State Parks issued a draft report that finds no new dust reduction measures are needed at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). State Parks is required under a court order to reduce dust emissions at Oceano Dunes at a rate of 50% compared to 2013 levels.
However, the scientific advisory group (SAG) that guides the dust mitigation work released a report in February that 50% is too high given that the current configuration of sensors tracking dust is flawed in favor of a higher number. The SAG recommended 40.7% instead.
The collected data for the 2022 annual report measured a 40.8% dust emissions reduction and State Parks is recommending that the current mitigation plan has worked, and no additional measures are needed.
–SEMA
LIFESTYLE CYCLES HOLIDAY DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2012 Harley-Davidson FXDWG – Dyna Wide Glide for $12,995.00
SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=13139403
2012 Orange Harley-Davidson WIDE GLIDE FXDWG with only 40933.00 miles!
This bike is a Super clean custom Orange paint and some of the features/Add-ons on this bike are
* 103c.i. Motor with a 6-Speed trans.
* Chrome wheels 18 inch rear and 21 front
* Chrome lower legs and axle caps
* Chrome pull back T-bars with braided cables
* Chrome Vance & Hines exhaust
* Chrome K&N air cleaner system
* H.D. skull tear drop mirrors
* Chrome swing arm
* Solo seat
This bike is only $12,995.00 plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.
This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!
Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING
Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806. Open 7 days a week.
NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.
We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory CLICK BELOW.
December 22, 2022: SEMA and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) must share that despite strong Congressional backing and extraordinary support from the racing community, the 2021-2022 Congressional session is ending without passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act.
Key negotiators in Congress could not reach an agreement on bill language that balanced the need for federal law to protect racers and motorsports parts businesses from EPA enforcement with reasonable measures to ensure that race parts are not used on vehicles driven on roads and public highways.
The RPM Act made incredible progress in the 2021-2022 session of Congress. In addition to more than 1.5 million letters advocating for the RPM Act from the grassroots motorsports community to Congress, SEMA and PRI worked with Richard Petty to meet personally with key lawmakers in Washington, DC, and with NHRA Top Fuel driver Antron Brown to testify before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
SEMA and PRI thank the RPM Act’s lead sponsors, the Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee, and the House Energy & Commerce Committee for their efforts to advance the RPM Act over the course of this year. Their leadership was integral throughout this process, despite the outcome.
“We wouldn’t have made it this far without this incredible effort by so many of our members,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “The RPM Act was one of the most bipartisan bills in the 117th Congress with over 165 lawmakers cosponsoring the legislation. SEMA and PRI will leverage the momentum we built during this congressional session, assess the current challenges the industry faces, and chart a new path forward for the industry’s advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels.
SEMA/PRI will continue its advocacy work to bring needed certainty to the racing community to protect a great American pastime and hundreds of thousands of jobs in communities throughout the country. For updates and information, visit www.saveourracecars.com.
“You know SEMA got taken in this deal. It was never going to happen as long as we are doomed. But there’s hope. The Greens in Puerto Rico sued the oil companies behind the RICO act. This could be the lawsuit we’ve been waiting for and they initiated it. The truth behind climate doom needs to surface so we can once again celebrate the blessings of CO2 and quit trying to capture it.
Hang on, there’s hope for the truth and scientific transparency.” –Bandit
FROM THE ROYAL ENFIELD CLOSET–
It looks very much like the Royal Enfield Interceptor which was launched with the twin engine, two exhaust pipes, 650cc
They stopped producing Enfield Bullet 500cc so as to boost sales of 650cc twin engines.
https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/motorcycles/interceptor/
For the launch they advertised this new Enfield Interceptor as “California Cool”. I mean half of America already did not consider California as anything to be branded cool.
The above URL link even shows a surf-board attached to the Interceptor to resemble the famous Deus Ex Machina custom design.
Chief Enfield Investigator
Bikernet.com™
THIS JUST IN FROM CHOPPERS MAGAZINE–
Josh builds bikes out of his home garage in Minden, Nevada. This particular Panhead was built over the last two years and put together for the Born Free Show.
“I really tried to put my all into this one,” Josh tells us. “There are so many cool details on it.”
We’d have to agree.
–Choppers Magazine Staff
HYDRAULIC SPRINGER FRONT BRAKE—Here’s a wild one from Lowbrow.
You can have even more stopping power than with the Duplex brake with this hydraulic version of the factory Springer fork brake.
Behind the stock looking backing plate hides a master cylinder which activates the brake shoes and significantly improves the brake’s performance to a level unknown to date.
This hydraulic drum brake kit by Cannonball fits Harley Davidson Big Twins 1936-1948, WLC, Servi-car 1941-1958, or any motorcycle with a Cannonball I-Beam Inline Springer Front Fork installed. Made in Europe.
Features:
12 mm master cylinders
Banjo bolt thread: M10 x 1.00
Black powder-coated finish
Chrome-plated small parts
Includes a complete, pre-installed backing plate, new brake drum, and brake shoes
NOTE: Handlebar brake controls, brake line and fittings are not included and must be ordered separately.
REPLICA OF PETER FONDA BIKE AT MECUM—
Replica of Peter Fonda’s Dragon Bike from ‘Wild Angels’ Offered at Las Vegas 2023.
1956 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLE PANHEAD
74 CI, Dragon Bike Replica
–Mecum auctions
BUELL Motorcycles Aligns with FreedomRoad Financial—
Names Director of Consumer and Service Center Relations
Buell Motorcycles, a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles, has forged a new alliance with FreedomRoad Financial, a division of Evergreen Bank Group, Member FDIC. By announcing this relationship, Buell is pleased to answer fans’ calls for consumer financing options.
“We couldn’t be more excited to offer enthusiasts this resource. Bottom line, it means we can put more Buell bikes under more riders,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycles. “We’re already known for offering a unique motorcycling experience – helping customers get their dream bike. Now they can also get a great financing option.”
FreedomRoad Financial is one of the largest U.S. powersports lending companies, taking great pride in maintaining the highest customer service and dealer satisfaction. But above all, they understand the rider lifestyle and work hard to help customers optimize it.
These are qualities Buell takes very seriously, and that is why Buell is equally pleased to introduce and welcome Chris Pobanz, the company’s first Director of Consumer and Service Center Relations. With decades of experience in powersports, Pobanz is perfect for this new consumer relations position. He walks clients step-by-step through ordering their new, custom-made Buell, helping them navigate the numerous design decision along the way. These include appearance preferences, accessories, and more.
In the production phase, Pobanz works closely with buyers to monitor the manufacturing schedule, keeping them informed of their place in the queue and tracking their bike’s delivery via specialized carriers when it’s ready to ship.
As important as building the perfect motorcycle for every client, Pobanz specializes in two areas. One is setting up each buyer’s Buell service center – as the purchase of every made-to-order Buell comes with its own client-located Approved Service Center. The other is acting as the point person for clients who wish to finance through FreedomRoad Financial.
Buell is back and delivering performance and excitement at every turn.
Website: www.BuellMotorcycle.com Email for Information: Info@BuellMotorcycle.com
Come visit us January 28-29 at the Colorado Motorcycle Expo while you’re checking out its enormous swap meet, bike show, and all the fun live entertainment that goes along with it.
Get your tickets now!
–Buffalo Chip
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA HOLIDAY BAD JOKE FILES—
Four old-timers were playing their weekly game of golf, and one remarked how nice it would be to wake up on Christmas morning, roll out of bed and without an argument, go directly to the golf course, meet your buddies, and play a round.
His buddies all chimed in and said, “Let’s do it! We’ll make it a priority, figure out a way, and meet here early Christmas morning.
A week later, Christmas morning arrived, and they were all on the golf course. The first guy says, “Boy, this game cost me a fortune! I bought my wife such a big diamond ring that she can’t take her eyes off it.”
Number 2 guy says, “My wife is at home planning the cruise I gave her. She was up to her eyeballs in brochures.
Number 3 guy says, “Well, my wife is at home admiring her new car, reading the manual.”
They all turned to the last guy in the group who was staring at them like they all had lost their minds.
“I can’t believe you all went to such an expense for this golf game. I woke up, slapped my wife on the butt and said, “Babe, Merry Christmas! It’s a great morning for either sex or golf, and she said, ‘”Take a sweater.'”
–From Nancy C., Gary Stibal and Micah McCloskey
DIRECT FOR THE ENFIELD LIBRARY—
Got hold of three Enfield books from Royal Enfield online store season sales.
Enfield motorcycles were the basis for largest OHV Twin Engines sold in America under the Indian Motorcycle Co brand name back in 1956.
Yes, your current (Polaris) Indian was once upon a time, previously, based on Enfield motorcycles. Not just one model, but a whole range of Indian Motorcycle models were issued using Enfield technology and instrumentation. This technology included not just the engine, yet the badge clearly mentioned “Indian.”
You can see the full color advertisement for the 1956 Indian Trailblazer here which was a “powerhouse” indeed in that era. The other models using Enfield base were Indian Woodsman, Indian Tomahawk, Indian Fire Arrow.
I guess such names can’t be revived as they would be “politically incorrect” and “discriminatory”. Little do these “correct” people know what’s right because the image seen on the logo is of a real Indian Chieftain who gave permission to use his likeness for the first motorcycle production company in USA. The Chieftain considered it an honor and not an insult.
Honor is what it is to name a vehicle that traverses the ancient American land with the sights, smell and sounds coming alive, an experience only a motorcycle can give to a modern human.
Remembering them and their legacy by continuing to use the brand name and various associated model names is also therefore honoring their many concepts. It even invokes curiosity to learn about their culture and their ancient civilization spread across diverse tribes and traditions.
So apart from this Enfield book titled
“Royal Enfield: By Miles the Best by Gordon G May”
https://store.royalenfield.com/royal-enfield-by-miles-the-best-multi-color
….. if you are interested about ancient American tribes, I would suggest two books:
1. “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask” by Anton Treuer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0873518616
2. Atlas of Indian Nations by Anton Treuer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1426211600/
–Ujjwal Dey
Indian but from India (LOL)
Research Specialist
Bikernet.com™
HOLIDAYS FROM DAMON MOTORCYCLE KINGDOM—
While the team has been hard at work putting the prototypes to the test, we’ve also managed to fit in some fun times on one wheel.
Because many of you have requested to see the HyperSport wheelie, enjoy a little gift from Santa Kurt, Director of Vehicle Integration & Testing!
It was an honor to showcase HyperFighter with hlins at EICMA last month.
Widely regarded as the best motorcycle suspension producer on the market, their commitment to excellence made this Swedish company the obvious choice as partners for our premium motorcycles.
A special thanks to all of our European fans – and even a few from North America – who travelled to Milan just to see us.
For those who weren’t able to make it, we’d like to introduce you to Noemi, HyperFighter’s designer.
Want to learn more about Noemi and meet the rest of the team at EICMA? Head to the Damon Lab!
ONGOING INVESTIGATION–This photo was sent to me with a message that Harley is trying to ‘Buy All These Motorcycles’.
I am trying to confirm if it is true or not.
Appears someone and / or group thinks the Confederate Flag is Racial.
–Rogue
Senior Editor Bikernet
Bikernet.com
PO Box 184
Built by Takashi Matsuura out of Quartermile Wheelshop it is a fluffy pink dream of an alternator Shovel and it will be coming to the pages of DicE very soon.
–Dice magazine editor
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BIKERNET CLAN—
I want to wish everyone the best of Holidays. I know times are tough and challenging, but I have serious hopes for 2023. Just a few years ago we were living in the best of times. That notion will return next year, I swear and I’ll take you along for the ride of a lifetime.
–Bandit
LAWMAKERS LOVE FORMULA DRIFT COMPETITIONS—
When the average person thinks of racing, they usually picture an oval speedway, road course circuit or a dragstrip. While it’s true that these types of racetracks dominate the hobby, motorsports today encompasses so much more.
From off-road racing to land speed racing, rock crawling, drifting, and even donk racing (big wheel vehicles), it’s clear that motorsports today is a big tent with something for everyone.
SEMA and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) are committed to shining a light on all the exciting things taking place on four wheels, recently hosting two key members of Congress, U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ), the Chairman of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee (E&C), and Darren Soto (D-FL), an E&C Committee member and RPM Act cosponsor, at Formula Drift events in New Jersey and Florida.
–SEMA
EPOCH QUOTE OF THE DAY—
“I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”
— Frederick Douglass
NEWS FROM WORLD RIDING TRAVELERS—
Spring 2020. Borders are closed. The whole team is stuck at home, all over the world. François and Sophie in Cape Town, Ravi in his village in Bihar, Josh between Egypt and the United States, Johann in Delhi, Reshad in Lyon, Thomas in Marseille…
Like everyone else, we are faced with uncertainty. We tell ourselves that it will not last and we imagine that long trips will resume in the summer of 2020. As it turns out, we will all have our patience tested and there is a long wait until the spring of 2022 for a complete restart of our activity.
During this period, we are on the lookout. As soon as a break in the restrictions opens, we seize our chance. Despite the covid tests, despite the uncertainties, the call of the road is stronger. Many of you have joined us in Rwanda, Sardinia, then in Morocco & Peru.
This forced interlude gave us the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our job.
Why organize motorcycle trips? What drives us when we get on our bikes? Why do we prefer to take the trails less travelled, drink chai by the side of the road, tackle high altitude river crossings?
We think of Marius, a cardiologist from Orléans, who leaves everything behind after riding with us in Mongolia to head off around the world on a motorcycle. We think of David who is blind, he experienced our trip to Sri Lanka from Johann’s pillion seat. An intriguing dialogue takes place between one who describes what he sees, and one who describes what he feels.
It is your stories and your adventures that give meaning every day to our profession and keeps us going.
We are driven by adventure.
It pushes us past our comfort zone, to reach out to others and to question our prejudices. At Vintage Rides, we believe that every adventure makes us a little better. So, we’ve made it our mission: to make everyone an adventurer.
Our friend James Hagger, producer from the TroubleMakers agency, fell in love with the Vintage Rides concept.
You, the Vintage Riders, inspired him to make this film….. Let’s Ride.
Thank you, James, and thank you all.
–Vintage Rides
53 Rue président Kruger
69008 LYON
teamvr@vintagerides.com
04 87 91 31 96
WOW—Never a dull moment, even at Xmas. Life is moving fast and folks are taking advantage of it.
We needed License plate frames for the Redhead’s Suburu. What a strange story, but here’s what we came up with.
Since it’s 21 Below and warnings flash on phones, “Don’t travel,” I’m working in the shop and hanging more art.
I need to take a shot of the shop sink. With the help of Wolf’s Plumbing it’s cool and operational. Maybe next week.
Saw Charlie last week and scored another front springer brake. Black Bike has shipped my wheels. They will be here next week. Can’t wait.
I found this HA leather shirt I had custom painted with out 5-Ball Racing Logo. It was stashed in a box with artwork.
Cabana Dan came over to test some vintage brake parts I had. He’s still looking for a ’13 race engine for his speedway project. Let us know if you have a single or twin laying around.
Have a merry Xmas and let’s have a better New Year. I’ll be back next week for a final year-end report.
In the meantime, keep riding free!
–Bandit
