Hey,
What a wild week. I am going to step back onto the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Board of directors, if they’ll have me. I spoke to the Mayor of Sturgis, then she resigned and the city collapsed. I watched the next 100-year-old motorcycle rally for 2025 take shape, the American Trans Am from North Carolina to Oregon in September. I spoke to a JD Vance lead staffer about unveiling the policies impacting all Americans and I finally found time in my shop to begin the completion of my Knucklehead wiring.
One more thing, my computer and email system went haywire and I struggled with repairing, updating and dialing in my system with the help of my old friend Chuck, Robintek staff and MAC wizards from 3-Lanterns in Columbus, Ohio.
I guess it’s okay to hit the news…
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.
RIDER OF THE WEEK–Harrie van EwijkIs is from Nijmegen, Netherlands, and now lives in Groesbeek. Unfortunately, I found myself distracted.
Nils Bialuch lives in Welver, Germany.
–Sam Burns
International Motorcycle Research Specialist
Bikernet.com ™
STRIDER ADDS NEW COLORS– All-New Bike Builder
Choose from exclusive new bike colors, fun favorites, and performance parts to personalize a Strider 12 Balance Bike.
Because one of the best parts of owning a Strider Bike is customizing it for your kiddo!
Build Your 12 Sport
Build Your 12 Pro
Child paints colors on a black and white illustration of a Strider Bike. On mouse hover, image changes to a custom matte black Strider 12 Pro with blue High-Traction Wheels, red Aluminum Riser handlebar, and yellow grips.
Pick Your Perfect Ride
Print our coloring sheet and let your little rider design their very own dream bike! Mix, match, and make it fit their unique style.Go to the Strider website.
THE BUFFALO CHIP IS NEVER OUT OF GEAR–To those of you begging for a band announcement, we hear you loud and clear.
Bands Are Coming Soon!
If you want to see the bands
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See the Bands at the Buffalo Chip Website
A SERMON FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE–I Fear Not
Move, but don’t move the way fear makes you move.
–Rumi
What is in the past remains there, and I move forward with confidence. I know that I have nothing to fear, for within me lies the strength to overcome every obstacle and limitation. Each lesson is an opportunity for growth, and I choose not to repeat the patterns of the past.
When old feelings of fear or doubt arise, I turn inward, release them, and find peace. I remind myself that I am never alone on this journey of life. Faith and trust in the Power of Spirit are always with me, no matter the circumstances.
It’s easy to be swayed by negativity and the prophets of doom, but I choose a different path. I choose to live a life filled with love, joy, peace, health, prosperity, and so much more. As I go through today, I raise my invisible shield against negativity and focus on the good.
Affirmation for Today:
Today is a truly great day. I release all fear, doubt, and negativity. I move through this day with complete confidence, knowing that everything is unfolding in perfect order. Nothing can shake my faith. I am grateful for the abundant gifts in my life, and as I live in this truth, I inspire others to do the same. Today is beyond fantastic—it is Super Fantastic!
And so it is.
Namaste
He who is not every day conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
THE BATTLE FOR THE–Right to Repair
The right to repair is the concept that consumers should have the ability to repair and modify their own devices, vehicles, and equipment. This includes access to the necessary tools, parts, and information needed to perform repairs.
Generally speaking, there are four key concepts around right to repair.
1. Original Design
– Products should be built or designed so that repairs or modifications are possible. This includes providing the manuals or schematics so end users have the knowledge to work on their products.
2. Parts and Tools
– Items you need to work on the product you own should be available at a fair price. The availability of parts, tools or diagnostic devices should not be restricted.
3. Technology
– “Unlocking” products or the software used should not be prohibited.
4. Repairability
– End users should know whether their products or the parts in those products can be replaced, repaired or modified.
As products become more complex the barriers to working on them also become more complex. In the last 15 years the debate on this topic has heated up.
In 2012 voters in Massachusetts passed a referendum that required car manufacturers provide the needed diagnostic equipment to consumers that at the time was restricted to car dealers. This was one of the first shots in the ongoing battle on the issue.
The debate around the Massachusetts law helped facilitate a “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) between two associations representing the independent aftermarket, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality; and the vehicle manufacturers represented by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Global Automakers.
The agreement meant that manufacturers would abide by the new Massachusetts state law. Importantly motorcycles were NOT included in the MOU. That’s because the association for the manufactures side only included car makers, not motorcycle manufacturers.
However, motorcycle manufacturers did not escape the eye of federal regulators. In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HD) was imposing illegal warranty terms that voided customers’ warranties if they used anyone other than the companies and their authorized dealers to get parts or repairs for their products. The FTC also alleged that H-D failed to fully disclose all the terms of its warranty in a single document, requiring consumers to contact an authorized dealership for full details.
It should be noted that a class action lawsuit was filed against H-D on this topic. In the summer of 2024, a federal court ruled that the company did not impose unlawful restrictions on customers that boosted the cost of repairs.
Many believe that the MOU, court cases and actions by the FTC are not enough to protect consumers right to repair or modify their products. As such several states are attempting to codify right to repair principles into law. At the federal level the REPAIR ACT (H.R. 906) seeks to address this issue. The tug of war between consumers and manufacturers is ending soon. Knowing the basics of the issue is important first step to understanding the stakes of this heated debate.
Follow this and other strident motorcycle issues on the Motorcycle Riders Foundation web site.
–MRF
www.mrf.org
THE TRAVELING SHERIFF–Made it down to Greece a third time this autumn
Everything is great except the country of Turkey are shipping Syrian refugees to Europe constantly.
Fun that your grandson is on the cover of Choppers Magazine and I have five pages some mag. Our World is small as I use to say
Will arrive Miami 26 th Feb meet up with Warren Lane. Then continue to New Smyrna Beach gearing up for my 70th the 4th of March in Daytona from 1985 I was there 26 years in a row saw all the changes….
Three weeks with the lady could be the last US visit, however I will try to visit you in SD somehow sometime.
Ride fast
—Chris
SHERIFFMEDIAGROUP SWEDEN
You better make it one more time!
–Bandit
Montana’s top POLITICIANS censor climate truth—
Our greatest enemy is not each other. The battle between Rs and Ds is a distraction.
Our greatest enemy is the World Economic Forum and its associated deep state, and rich dudes like Bill Gates who is buying up US farmland to reduce our future food supply.
WEF wants to own the world. They are rich. They are smart. They are organized.
If we were smart, we would fight this common enemy.
WEF must keep voters delusional about climate. People who believe their carbon emissions threaten the planet will approve government laws and taxes that will enslave them. Covid fraud is connected to climate fraud but that is another story.
WEF says they will control America by 2030, making us just one Senate term from being WEF slaves who will “own nothing, go nowhere, eat insects, and be happy.”
WEF needs to elect its people to Congress, so they can help WEF achieve its 2030 goals.
How to identify WEF candidates.
WEF are those who Support AG Knudsen’s purposeful loss of Held v Montana.
Censor climate truth.
Refused to be a party to my Amicis Brief on HvM.
These Montana WEFs are Senator Daines, Senate candidate Sheehy, Rep Zinke, Rep candidate Downing, Gov Gianforte, and AG Knudsen.
Good people are open to hearing climate truth even if they don’t believe it. Good people don’t censor climate truth.
If Montana had defeated HvM, it would have stopped WEF’s plan for America.
So, WEF made sure Knudsen purposely lost Held v Montana.
The media will not report what happened inside Knudsen’s office but his blatant non-defense of HvM cannot be hidden.
Montana is an easy WEF target. With a few WEF influencers, WEF can use money or threats to control elected officials.
WEF is after you, but I am in its way.
Since I am the only person in Montana who teaches and defends climate truth, what Trump says about himself also applies to me.
That’s why Montana censored me, blacklisted me, and tried (but failed) to destroy my climate business. By contrast, California contracted with me to do its largest wind energy survey and its key long-range drought prediction, and never harassed me.
There are many ways I could have helped Montana save a lot of money, but Rep Zinke, Gov Gianforte, and AG Knudsen chose to follow the eco-freaks on climate and censor me. They don’t understand professions. Would they choose an eco-freak to cure a heart attack?
–Dr. Ed Berry
Montana
WHERE FREEDOM STILL LIVES– Born Free 3 Texas
So my friend Henry & I made our way to BF3, considering trying it last year but had only had the RP a week so we were still getting to know each other. She did excellent on her first intentional extended run, with the only issue being a slight fuel hiccup.
As I passed the first station I heard my girls tell me I should go back, heading a bit farther and rounding a curve to find a good spot to go back, I hit reserve. Signaling to Henry & his 6-gallon tank to turn around, I began making my way back and the RP starts cutting out and then dies! And not in the best place along the this stretch of highway 59!
Wondering what the heck, as there should be a gallon of fuel, popping the cap to see what I could see? We had discussed the fuel range differences in my S&S carburetor powered Evo to his injected M8. The Bassani Road Rage 2 & S&S E do not like each other, but that’s a different story.
Anyway, hitting the starter she fired up & I took off back to the gas station. Thank You Girls! The rest of the 356 mile round trip journey was issue free. Except for that one stretch there are plenty of gas stops.
Arriving at Yellow Rose Canyon and having not remembered to register online we were directed to the check-in area, online also save you $5.
Walking back to the bikes the RP was already attracting attention! Then making our way to the back parking, she was getting complements. I no sooner put the kickstand down when a guy in a cart with a camera suggested I move down to event and park with the FXRs from the tour and those who rode with them. Assuming he meant the ride in show and finally figuring out just where that was, I parked.
However when I started looking at all the bikes there in front of the stage, there was only one other FXR & it was a chopper. you can see my RP behind a nice Shovelhead in the Chopper area!
Realizing my mistake, I pulled to the location where the FXR Tour bikes were, it was as if they were waiting for me as there was one spot left on the end, so she got a lot of attention!
A turbo powered M8 took the top FXR Tour honors and I’m sure it’s fast! But Henry who’s building an RP, as well and myself are purist snobs. If you want your Evo powered FXR to go faster put a bigger engine in it. However our opinions also falls under the, “I didn’t build it to meet your expectations, I built it to meet mine!” category.
Tried to get attendance figures, but haven’t heard back. While we really didn’t see anyone coming out of Houston headed that direction Saturday morning. Possibly due to the fact the majority of attendees got there on Thursday when the party began! We had to cut out after the awards, I really thought I was going to take The Best Rattle-Can Painted RP fairing class.
–RFR
Passion has one face: INTERMOT 2024
INTERMOT 2024 is preparing for its appearance under the motto #Together We Ride. From 5 to 8 December 2024, the trade fair will once again be the central meeting point for the entire bike scene – from established motorcyclists to up-and-coming riders and urban bikers. The diversity of the scene and the special atmosphere of INTERMOT will take center stage.
The emotional trailer, which will be launched at the end of October, is intended in particular to emphasize the community aspect of INTERMOT. The film focuses on very different people in very different life situations, but who have one thing in common: a passion for motorcycling!
Prominent faces as protagonists
In order to emphasise the diversity that INTERMOT offers, the Koelnmesse team has found two suitable characters for the film in @sophiacalate, one of the largest German influencers on TikTok with over 1.5 million followers, and Claudio Heinzmann, musician and manager of his sister Stefanie Heinzmann, as representatives of the young, urban community. And Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, was also keen to join the two other protagonists on his BMW to represent the diversity and attitude to life that makes the biker world so special – freedom, community and a passion for riding.
In addition to the protagonists of the film, many other influencers will of course be on site in Cologne, from Instagram and YouTube star @seaky to the singing biker from Bavaria, @paulmustano.
A complete list of creators can be found at
https://www.intermot-cologne.com/events/eventcluster-erleben/creator
Link to the INTERMOT trailer:
The German bike scene will kick off the 2025 season at INTERMOT from 5 to 8 December 2024. INTERMOT is the only complete showcase for the start of the season in Germany; almost all of the new bikes from the exhibiting companies can be experienced live in Cologne and some can be test ridden. INTERMOT is organised by Koelnmesse and the Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland e.V. (IVM) as the conceptual sponsor.
Further information: https://www.intermot-cologne.com/trade-fair/intermot-2024/industry-trade-fairs/
The next events:
INTERMOT Cologne – International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair, Cologne 05.12. – 08.12.2024
polisMOBILITY – Moving Cities, Cologne 11.06. – 12.06.2025
INTERMOT Cologne – International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair, Cologne 04.12. – 07.12.2025
New Bikernet Reader Comment!
THE PREPARATIONS BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 11, 2024
Sorry to hear that about Gene Winfield. I shook his hand at the Starbird show in Tulsa in 23. Didn?t see him there in 24. He was riding around the huge show in a golf cart. Very nice humble man. I happen they keep that gal in jail for a while, a caregiver abusing their patients is horrible.
–Bill May
Nashville , TN
We are working with Bill on a Life and Times story. It should be published tomorrow.
–Bandit
CO2 CAPTURE SCHEMES–In an attempt to achieve economically crippling “Net Zero” emissions for America, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new regulations that would necessarily require all coal-fired power plants to employ technology that would capture 90% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from the power plant.
Unfortunately, GOP governors in several western coal producing states have embraced this harmful and misguided attempt to solve a non-existent climate crisis.
Wyoming GOP Governor Mark Gordon is the Chair of the Western Governors’ Association and is promoting a plan to “Decarbonize the West” by using carbon capture. Joining him in promoting this scheme are GOP governors from North Dakota and South Dakota, Doug Burgum and Kristi Noem, respectively.
In recent publications, our Science and Research Associate, Dr. Byron Soepyan, provides the facts on the cost, negative consequences and the utter futility of attempting to modify global temperatures using this strategy. Below, we summarize facts that were gleaned from studies by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL):
Reduction in Power Output – Carbon capture is energy intensive and will reduce the amount of electricity available from the plants by 24%.
Cost of Capture – Retrofitting an existing coal plant would cost $988 million. Adapting all 148 existing coal-fired power plants would require an outlay of $146 billion (give or take a few million).
Minuscule Warming Averted – Based on the Model for the Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Induced Climate Change, if the United States ceased all CO2 emissions in 2010, the amount of warming averted would be only about 0.07 °F by 2050 and 0.19 °F by 2100.
Finally, besides being expensive and futile, keep in mind that all trees and plants need CO2, along with sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to produce oxygen and food, both of which are essential for all living beings.
Given the critical role CO2 plays in driving plant and crop growth, is spending over $100 billion to remove it from the air sensible? We think not. In fact, it is dangerous.
Read more from the CO2 Coalition on this matter:
The Cost of EPA’s Senseless CO2 Capture
The Cost of Wyoming’s Senseless CO2 Capture
Wyoming and Climate Change: CO2 Should Be Celebrated, Not Captured
M-8 OILING SYSTEMS– M-Eight HP+ & RACE SERIES Oiling Systems
FEULING oiling system kits combine all the needed components to finish your Milwaukee Eight engines oiling system under 1 Part #, available in HP+ or RACE SERIES kits. Our oiling system kits increase oil pressure, oil volume, engine oil flow and return oil scavenging.
Quieter and smoother engine operation
27% more pressure & scavenge gear volume
42% more scavenge volume via port sizing,
Matched engine case passages & holes
46% more oil volume to the crankshaft & rod bearing
15-25 degree cooler engine temperatures
15-30 degree cooler oil temperatures
10-30 more PSI of oil pressure
Reduces wet sumping and blow by
Helps Prevent oily air cleaners
Test results show 2 HP gain & 2 ft/lbs of TQ gain to the rear wheel
\NHTSA PIRELLI TIRE– Recall ID Number: 24T011
Synopsis : Pirelli Tire, LLC. (Pirelli) is recalling certain Scorpion Trail II, Metzeler Tourance Next, and Next II tires sold as replacements and for the Metzeler Tourance Next 150/70R18 M/C 70V tire, also installed as original equipment on certain Triumph motorcycles.
Please refer to the recall report for specific sizes. Irregular tire wear may break the belt reinforcement, causing pieces of the tread to separate. Tread separation can cause vehicle instability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2024. Owners may contact Pirelli Customer Service at 1-800-747-3554.
–cdcs
THE BABE OF THE WEEK—Mary Cato
–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com
WILD WOODEN VOODOO HALLOWEEN GRIPS–So I bought these, just installed them. They are real wood. Love the look and very comfortable.
Later
–Barry G
BANDIT’S 5-BALL EMPORIUM REPORT—Each and every day something happens in Sturgis. It’s a quirky place with motorcycles and motorcycle people slipping in and out of town constantly.
Danial James is thinking about a line of Bandit’s Post art pieces. We’re still kicking it around. We will also create a special line of 85th annual art images.
The Redhead compiles a daunting list of projects for the Bandit, whenever he shows up, hence the drill press. I drove the ’58 down to with a container load of Bandit Bike posters, poster tubes, all with historic shots of Bandit’s bikes. Hell, there’s one with Cat Von Dee.
Edge from the SmokeOut developed this Bedroll, but only sold them to bros who faced similar road consequences. Seems every time he went on a run it was with three or for slippery bastards and in each case he had to sleep on the deck. Then upon arriving home late, Renee his lovely wife made him sleep in the garage.
It’s not that bad in Sturgis. Most of the bros and babes sleep out under the stars, so I played a slick hand of five-card draw with the SmokeOut founder and won the rights to make real bedrolls for bikernet readers and anyone who might stumble into Bandit’s (that’s me) 5-Ball Emporium in Sturgis or online here.
These puppies are real Bedrolls and my guy made them even bigger at 76 by 44 inches. He also gave them thicker padding and Edge approved the canvas backing. They go for about $150 plus postage. Check the shop for deals.
The Redhead smiled and taped me on the shoulder, when she discovered the value of the old Easyriders Tech Tips and Tricks bookS. She thought I might take her to dinner if she sold one. Fat chance. They are signed and ready to go for about $45.
–Bandit
Harley-Davidson slashes forecast as sales slammed by DEI boycott, inflation
Shares of Harley-Davidson dropped after the iconic motorcycle maker slashed its full-year revenue forecast as its customers chafed at price inflation and high borrowing costs — as well as a social-media angst against it.
Spending on big-ticket purchases has slipped, with consumers wary of depleting savings and rising credit card debt, dashing hopes of a recovery in demand for manufacturers of leisure products.
Harley’s retail sales in North America, its biggest market, fell 10%.
Refer full story at Reuters News by clicking here
–Wayfarer
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com
BANDIT’S CANTINA LIBRARY BOOK OF THE WEEK–
Elspeth Beard – One of the Early Globetrotters wrote Lone Rider
I have been described as one of a select band of bold women to ride a motorcycle around the world. I left in October 1982, in the days before sat-nav, internet, email and mobile phones. The bike I chose for the trip was a second-hand 1974 BMW R 60/6 flat twin, for which I paid £900 in 1979 (the equivalent then of about $1800). This was a substantial sum at the time, especially for a machine that already had 30,000 miles on the clock.
UK Publication – 2017
Paperback or eBook available on Amazon or go to ‘Shop’ at the top of this page to order your signed copy.
North America & Canada publication – 2018
Paperback and eBook available at Amazon.com or direct from www.octanepress.com
Audio book available from Audible.com
I don’t know how I came across this book, but I was inspired to buy and start reading it. Not only is it well written, but it captures the era of the ‘80s and world travels.
Another thing happened. Other than football games and old movies, a bunch of television programing went WOKE and is disgusting to watch. I started to read and I’m enjoying it. It’s way more educational and inspiring, unless you just read porn.
–Bandit
HERE’S THE RUB—Life is wild and we need to vote. We need to step up for freedom, honesty and integrity and show the rest of the world how it’s done.
I would like to write another book, finish my Knucklehead, start on the 1913 board track racer and dream about the next project. I’m tired straining my feeble brain on ways to save the country. It’s hard on an old biker, but what the fuck. We can’t sit idly by and let our country go to shit.
I like what the NFL is doing. They are reaching out against hate and asking folks to vote. I’m struggling to be inspired to finish the 105th episode of Bandit’s Cantina, but I’ll get there and get everything prepped for the winter.
The museum is working on a Xmas party fund raiser. It’s non-stop around here, even if it’s snowing.
Ride fast and free forever,
–Bandit
Another great day to read your news. Nice pics, too! I also enjoyed the Lone Rider, an amazing journey and an amazing lady. My vote is in and we can only hope for a red wave.