Hey,
Has this week been insane or what. The French leader resigned, the Canadian dictator quit, and our Californian Leaders let Los Angeles burn. Our current President is sending more funds to the Ukraine while California burns.
You do understand the reasoning behind the mismanagement of California water reserves and the first responder cut-backs in Los Angeles. Our leaders in California are anti-human. Hang on as countries and governments all over the world wake up to a few facts. It’s completely amazing. The Freedom bell still rings.
Let’s hit the news.
Bikernet is going through a transformation to a WordPress platform. If you want to get a glimpse of the new design, check out https://Blog.Bikernet.com
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.
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.
2025 HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOMECOMING FESTIVAL TO FEATURE HEADLINING ACTS
CHRIS STAPLETON AND HANK WILLIAMS JR.–Advanced Ticket Sales Begin January 17, 2025
The annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival will be headlined by musical acts Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr., each performing at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront July 11 and 12, 2025.
Ticket sales for this yearly celebration of music, moto-culture, and the H-D hometown of Milwaukee will kick off January 17, 2025 with a presale at 9am CT, followed by a general on-sale at 10am CT.
Ticket holders can experience the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival at Veterans Park with 2-Day and 1-Day General Admission (GA), GA+, or VIP ticket options to enjoy all the music, entertainment, local food, beverages, and more. Ticket sales for the July 10-13 celebration of music, moto-culture, and the H-D hometown of Milwaukee start on January 17 at HDHomecoming.com.
Sign up for SMS alerts to gain presale early access to purchase tickets at the lowest possible price. Presale begins at 9am CT and a general on sale will follow if tickets remain.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Chris Stapleton will headline the festival. The 10-time Grammy, 19-time CMA and 19-time ACM Award-winner is one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians. These accomplishments celebrate Stapleton’s new album, Higher, which was released this past fall to overwhelming critical acclaim. Known for his electric live performances, Stapleton recently returned to NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” as musical guest for the third time. In addition to teaming up with Dua Lipa, Stapleton has new collaborations with Slash (“Oh Well”) and George Strait (“Honky Tonk Hall of Fame”) and recorded a version of “I Should Have Known It” for a Tom Petty tribute album.
Hank Williams Jr. will headline H-D Homecoming on Friday, July 11, at Veterans Park. The legendary American singer, songwriter, and musician is widely known for his blend of country, rock, and Southern rock music. Son of the iconic Hank Williams Sr. and one of country music’s most influential figures, Hank Jr.’s career spans over 60 years and has made him one of the most enduring and distinctive voices in country music.
Hank Williams Jr.’s extremely impressive resume has spawned 70 million albums sold worldwide and earned him accolades which includes ACM Entertainer of the Year, CMA Entertainer of the Year and BMI Icon, in addition to a GRAMMY win and coveted inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame.
Music, Moto, and Much More
Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival events will be held at both free and ticketed venues across the Milwaukee area, including Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, H-D Headquarters on Juneau Ave., Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls, and at local Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Admission to Veterans Park for live music performances and other activities requires a ticket. In addition to headliners Chris Stapleton (July 12), and Hank Williams Jr. (July 11) several additional top acts will perform. The complete slate of artists and full performance schedule will be announced at a later date.
Check HDHomecoming.com, where visitors can sign up for H-D Homecoming updates. Follow the new @hdhomecoming festival social media handle and @harleydavidson for updates.
BANDIT’S EMPORIUM PRODUCT OF THE WEEK—
A brother of Bandit surface recently after 20 year and asked Bandit if he would help him clear out a Sturgis Storage locker packed full of Firemen memorabilia including several trumpets and a broken clarinet.
Bandit made a lamp out of the clarinet which sold immediately. Now a Trumpet must go. Check it out. The base is part of a steel fire extinguisher. We can ship it anywhere.
–Bandit
DIRECT FROM THE MOTORCYCLE TRANS AM HOME–
This week, our team got together to dream big and set the vision for what we want 2025 to look like—and let me tell you, we’re excited! At the heart of it all are the things that matter most: our incredible riders, our hardworking crew, and amazing supporters like you.
A few quick updates to share:
Our webstore has some great items available now, with even more exciting things coming later this month—stay tuned!
We’ve booked our starting line banquet for September 3rd at Jennette’s Pier in the Outer Banks. It’s the same spot as our starting line the next day, and it’s absolutely stunning. I can’t wait for you all to experience it.
We still have some spots left, so if you’ve been on the fence about joining us, now’s the time! It’s going to be tough, no doubt about that, but it’ll also be an unforgettable adventure.
Looking forward to seeing you all out there—it’s going to be one for the books!
-Kelsey Jackson
WRAPPING UP 2024–
I hope you and your family had a joyous Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. This time of year offers a special opportunity to share precious moments with loved ones and reflect on a year that is soon coming to a close. Plenty has happened in Washington in 2024, and I’d like to share a few thoughts and highlights with you before we kick off 2025.
New Year, New Responsibilities
This month, I was honored to be chosen by my colleagues to hold two leadership positions for the 119th Congress beginning in 2025.
First, I was selected to serve as Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT)—a coalition of House Republicans committed to championing and promoting commonsense, America First energy policies. These include initiatives to unleash affordable, reliable American energy, strengthen national security, and lower costs for consumers.
HEAT is the leading voice for Republican energy policy on Capitol Hill, and I look forward to working with President Trump to restore American energy dominance.
I am also proud to share with you that I have been named Vice Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. This subcommittee is primarily responsible for overseeing agencies, departments, and programs within the jurisdiction of the full committee, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), just to name a couple.
Over the past four years, the weaponization of government and the politicization of public policy have caused the bureaucracy in Washington to alienate and antagonize American families and businesses. As Vice Chairman, I will work with my colleagues to hold the federal government accountable and ensure it truly serves the interests of the American people.
Championing Rural Health
Making health care more affordable and accessible for Ohioans is a top priority—especially for those in underserved rural areas. As a new member the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, I’ve advocated for common sense policies that expand innovative health care options for Ohioans, regardless of their zip code or proximity to urban centers.
With advancements in telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and artificial intelligence, the future of health care is digital. That’s why I began the year by launching the brand-new Congressional Digital Health Caucus. The group’s purpose is to inform policymakers about digital health innovations, highlight their impact on patients and the health care system, and foster collaboration among the government and private sector.
There is momentum building in Congress to find long-term policy solutions on AI and telehealth, and I expect the Digital Health Caucus to have an important role in these ongoing discussions.
Strengthening American Energy Security
One of our nation’s greatest assets is our abundant energy supply. When policies in Washington are done right, no one can match the United States’ energy strength and leadership. But when Washington gets it wrong, good-paying jobs, energy reliability, and national security are all put at risk.
To find the right solutions, we need to listen to the men and women on the ground who work every day to keep the lights on.
This summer, I held an energy roundtable at the Guernsey Power Station to hear directly from Ohio energy leaders about their biggest challenges. One of the top concerns was the Biden Administration’s Clean Power Plan 2.0, finalized in April, which aims to shut down critical power plants that utilize American coal and natural gas. This spring, I led the effort in Congress to reverse this disastrous plan.
Solar and wind energy, while valuable, are weather-dependent and cannot be dispatched on demand to meet daily and hourly energy needs. As energy demand continues to grow at a historic pace, Ohio and the nation will require dispatchable, baseload power—currently provided by coal, natural gas, and nuclear—to prevent rolling blackouts and power shortages.
To streamline the approval process for new, reliable power generation projects, I introduced the GRID Power Act this fall. This legislation eliminates unnecessary delays for critical energy projects, earning support from grid operators and power producers in Ohio.
If we want to power Ohio’s future, we need to take action today. I look forward to re-introducing this legislation in 2025 and building support on Capitol Hill for meaningful improvements to our nation’s power grid.
“Thank You!”
Representing Ohio’s 12th District in Congress is the honor of a lifetime, but there is no way I could do this job without the help and input from so many others.
Let’s Stay Connected
As always, let me know if I can ever be of assistance to you or your loved ones by calling my office at (614) 523-2555 or sending me an email.
–Congressman Troy Balderson
Ohio
Be sure to update your contact preferences, so I can keep you informed about the latest from Washington, D.C. and across the region.
–MRF
KTM BANKRUPTS NEWLY PURCHASED FOUNDRY–
Austrian metal foundry called Vöcklabrucker Metallgießerei GmbH been around for a long time—since 1955. It was due to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025.
KTM Components took over Vöcklabrucker very recently, on September 1, 2024, according to numerous local Austrian news outlets. About 50 percent of the foundry’s orders came from KTM Components, while the remainder came from outside customers.
On December 13, 2024, the Austrian foundry officially filed for insolvency with local Austrian courts. Vöcklabrucker Metallgießerei GmbH was a wholly-owned subsidiary of KTM Components, which in turn is one of the three KTM subsidiaries that declared insolvency a short time before the foundry did, according to KSV1870 (an Austrian credit protection association).
Two major issues contributed to Vöcklabrucker’s insolvency declaration:
1. KTM Components and KTM AG’s planned production stop, which was intended to start on December 15, 2024 and run through March 3, 2025, and the associated massive sales reduction
2. Vöcklabrucker’s liquidity was already tapped out, and verbal promises it says it received from KTM AG to provide advance payments were no longer possible due to KTM AG’s own insolvency proceedings
Vöcklabrucker has recorded debts of around 3.5 million Euros, along with an unclear tally of assets that KSV1870 representative Alexander Meinschad believes will be utilized “in the best way possible” after the company is officially closed in bankruptcy court. A full examination and creditor’s meeting for Vöcklabrucker is planned to take place in Austria, at the Regional Court of Wels, on March 13, 2025.
Over 100 employees were left without jobs just two days before they expected to get their next paycheck.
–Wayfarer
International Investigator
Bikernet.com
BANNING THE BANS IN OHIO–
As you recall the State of Ohio led the way to protecting ICE by banning the bans on ICE vehicles and leaving it up to consumer choice, brilliant idea. FOUR states have done that now.
–Kirk Willard
Presiden
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM NEWS–
MOVING THE ER STREAMLINER TO THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM
In a surprise action-packed weekend we encountered quick progress. After months of calls, requests and conversations, nothing seemed to move. We were trying to have the famous Easyriders Streamliner moved with its trailer inside a 50-foot rig. The trailer 30-foot long and 7.5 feet wide presented issues. Many of the shippers would not call us back.
According to Dave Campos the original World Land Speed Record holding pilot at 321 mph, the trailer had seen better days and needed to be serviced with new wheel bearings on the three axle trailer and perhaps tires.
At one point out only option seemed to be Bandit to the rescue with his high-top van and a couple of volunteers, on Hamster from the coast and Micah McCloskey a member of the Uglies and the pilot of the Salt Torperdo at Bonneville this year. We couldn’t take action until the Spring.
In a conversation with Heidi the museum Executive Director she mentioned a Hamster brother Scott Peterson and I gave him a call. “We run from Arizona through Albuquerque all the time,” said Scott.
We made arrangements for Scott’s guy, who was on his way, to hook up with Dave Campos and inspect the trailer. Apparently all went well and I received notice—the Streamliner was on the move.
It’s now in a protected location in the Key City region waiting sir Fozz, the chairman of the curation committee inspection and detailing as we build a display stand and prepare for insertion into the Museum.
–Bandit
BIKERNET CELEBRATES WOMEN RIDERS–
In 1929, Vivian Bales rode her 1929 Harley-Davidson for 78 days and 5,000 miles across the country. She told the papers her motorcycle was a, “key to the whole United States.”
Vivian Bales was the first motorcycle cover girl and was known for several long-distance motorcycle rides around the US, (before most of the roads were paved) in the 1920s and 1930s.
–Fred Cuba
Historic Contributor
Bikernet.com™
BAGGER RACING EUROPEAN CUP–
An imitation or competitor to BRL of USA?
The races dedicated to BAGGER motorcycles (Harley Davidson, Indian, etc) have always been viewed with curiosity by the European motorcycling world.
Curiosity that will be satisfied from 2025, when the Bagger Racing European Cup will be at the starting line, born from the will of one of the icons of motorcycling of the 2000s: Ruben Xaus.
Ruben has inflamed the crowds of the unpredictable and volcanic SBK World Championship on the track as he is today off it. In 2024 he returned to the saddle in the States in this category, winning the Bagger Racing League title at the first attempt. His entrepreneurial instinct led him to sign an agreement to obtain the rights for Europe, which he will organize supported by the Andorran Federation, in the person of President Natalia Gallego, under the aegis of FIM Europe.
The Cup will be open to all brands that offer motorcycles that can be equipped with bags on the market, thus allowing manufacturers and customizers to compete on a terrain that has never before been the subject of competition in Europe.
Here is the list of bikes admitted to the Cup:
- Harley Davidson Street Glide
- Harley Davidson Road Glide
- Harley Davidson Road King
- Harley Davidson Ultra
- BMW R18
- Honda Goldwing
- Kawasaki VN Voyager
- Suzuki Intruder
- Yamaha Star Cruiser
- Moto Guzzi MGX 21
- Moto Guzzi California
- Triumph Rocket
- Ducati Diavel V2
- WYCHE Motorcycle
Great satisfaction for Ruben Xaus who has dedicated much of the last year to this project: “I found fertile ground for this project in FIM Europe, which immediately embraced it with enthusiasm. I am convinced that this championship can be an added value for the events in which it will be hosted, raising the level of entertainment and interest of the same. We are in the process of defining the calendar, which will be made official within a few days, but will include the main European countries. The regulation will also be simple and open to all. We want the riders registered for the championship to have fun and have fun”.
Alessandro Sambuco, FIM Europe Secretary General
“I am always very satisfied when we manage to add a new title to our sporting offering. Adding a new title is an indicator of health for our world and also indicates that there is confidence in what FIM Europe can offer. And what we offer is what differentiates us from the rest of the sporting world, the one that lives outside the international sporting system: we offer sporting rules, safety in sporting practice, insurance coverage and organizations that are up to every situation. The Baggers will offer a wide range of riders, from young to older, the opportunity to compete in a safe and dynamic environment that, thanks to the new Promoter, will also offer attractive entertainment to accompany the race”.
The cup includes two races for each round, divided between Saturday and Sunday, preceded by free practice and official sessions that will define the starting grid.
The coordination on the track, the organizational secretariat and marketing will be handled by the Italian company Sh Service which will support Gestions A L Instant sl in the organization. Registrations will open in conjunction with the MBE in Verona, an event that links the world of custom and track motorcycling.
—from the Wayfarer
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster® Forty-Eight® for Sale
Ember Red Sunglo • Used Motorcycles
Street ready, track ready, there’s nothing this Sportster can’t do!
Stock# 14217
2013 Harley Davidson XL1200X Sportster Forty Eight with only 11,302 miles!
This isn’t just some ordinary Sportster, this Sportster was built by Junior himself here at Lifestyle Cycles and we want to see you ride it home today!
* Black Bassani Road Rage 2 into 1 Exhaust
* Mid Controls
* Black Fork Boots
* Shinko Knobby Tires
* 1250 Hooligan Ki
* 19-Inch Front and Rear Red Wheels
* Relocated Speedometer Gauge
* Mustang Solo Seat
* Raw Finish on the tank and the rear fender!
* Roland Sands Gas Cap
* Racing Bros Rear Suspension with Reservoir Tanks
* Biltwell Black Grips
* Black Moto Style Handlebars
This bike is only $10,995.00
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.
My Journey with ADHD: Transforming Challenges into Gifts
“Within every adversity lies the seed of equal or greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill
For much of my life, I grappled with a persistent challenge: focusing on things that didn’t ignite my interest. As a child, this struggle was misunderstood and mismanaged, leaving lasting marks on my personal and professional journey.
When I was in elementary school, teachers labeled me as a problem student. My inability to sit still and listen to lessons led them to believe I was, in their words, “retarded”—a term they used back then. After undergoing tests, they discovered that I had a high IQ, but instead of moving me to a school better suited to my needs, they opted to medicate me. Starting in third grade, I was given Valium—first 5 milligrams, then 10 when the lower dose didn’t seem to “work.”
The medication didn’t resolve the frustration I felt. I vividly remember experiencing painful cramps in my legs, a physical manifestation of the emotional and mental strain of being confined in an environment where I didn’t belong. The irony was that when I discovered something I was passionate about, such as mechanics and motorcycles, I could devote my full attention to it without any effort.
Most adults with ADHD face a similar paradox: they struggle to connect the threads of their thoughts, which often seem disjointed, while yearning to express their untapped potential. This mismatch creates challenges but also hints at immense possibilities.
By the time I reached ninth grade, I made a life-altering decision. I left school to work, earn money, and pursue my passions—motorcycles and cars. I thrived when working on things that inspired me but found it nearly impossible to engage with anything that didn’t. This pattern continued into my adult life, where I often jumped from one project to another, especially in business ventures. My inability to sustain focus on uninspiring tasks left me feeling restless and, at times, unfulfilled.
Four years ago, my spiritual mentor, Pat Campbell, posed a pivotal question: “Have you ever been tested for ADHD?” My response was honest: “No, but I’m certain I have it.” She encouraged me to take some online assessments. For the first time, I had confirmation: I passed all three tests with flying colors. This realization marked the beginning of my deep dive into understanding ADHD.
My research led me to Dr. Ned Hallowell, a leading expert on ADHD. He reframes ADHD as VAST—Variable Attention Stimulus Trait—and describes it not as a disorder but as a gift. According to Dr. Hallowell, “A person with ADHD has the power of a Ferrari engine but with bicycle-strength brakes. It’s the mismatch of engine power to braking capability that causes the problems. Strengthening one’s brakes is the name of the game.”
This perspective shifted my understanding. Dr. Hallowell emphasizes that individuals with VAST excel when they focus on what inspires them, often achieving remarkable success. He even claims that over 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs have VAST and have learned to channel it effectively.
I tried implementing Dr. Hallowell’s strategies to manage my VAST, but I still found myself struggling. Pat eventually suggested medication, framing it as an experiment: “If it doesn’t work, you can stop.” Reluctantly, I gave it a try.
The results were transformative. For the first time, I wasn’t tormented by my inability to focus. Tasks that once felt impossible became manageable, and I began to harness my gift in ways I never thought possible. Reflecting on my life, I realized that I had always used this gift when it came to my passions—my motorcycles, my friends, my Faith in My Higher Power, and my family. Those areas of my life never felt like an effort; they were a natural extension of who I am. The medication simply bridged the gap for everything else.
Today, I no longer view ADHD as a disorder. It is a gift, one that requires understanding and the right tools to unlock its full potential. If you’re struggling with ADHD or VAST, I urge you to seek help. Explore strategies, try what resonates, and don’t hesitate to use resources like medication if needed. You may discover gifts you never knew you had, waiting to manifest in extraordinary ways.
I now embrace this part of myself, confident that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. If my story resonates with you, please feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to share more about my journey.
And So It Is
Namaste’
–Yale
“Having ADD makes life paradoxical. You can superfocus sometimes, but also space out when you least mean to. You can radiate confidence and also feel as insecure as a cat in a kennel. You can perform at the highest level, feeling incompetent as you do so. You can be loved by many, but feel as if no one really likes you. You can absolutely, totally, intend to do something, then forget to do it. You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but feel as if you can’t accomplish a thing.” –Ned Hallowell
HUGH KING RAFFLE BIKE BUILDERS—
Here are the builders from the 10th anniversary Biker Build-Off show. We may have a big surprise coming with this bike and art by Danial James. It’s currently in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
- Hank young,
- Eddie Trotta
- Kendall Johnson
- Russell Mitchell
- Mitch Bergeron
- Cory Ness
- Arlen Ness
- Matt Hotch
- Joe Martin
- Chica
–Bandit
JASMINE CAIN “HITS BACK”–
with release of new Slap Shot inspired video, VICTORY!!!
In 1977 the well-known US comical Hockey movie ‘Slap Shot’ was released capturing the hearts of fans the world over with the infamous Hanson brothers. Nashville based hard rocker Jasmine Cain has taken inspiration from this movie to create her recent video ‘Victory’ ahead of the US sports season! The track has come from her new album ‘Attitude is Everything’ aka AI, released mid 2024. AI was Jasmines eighth independent release since her 2004 debut ‘The Inside’.
The lead out single “Victory” has become a sports arena anthem with teams like the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Steelers, and all Ohio State University sports picking it up immediately for their “fight song” for home games. It has all the elements of a fight song with foot stomping, hand clapping and fist pumping all the way through.
“I have always said when we walk out onstage that it’s time to make rock n roll history, and that’s what this song is all about”, Cain exclaims. “We wanted to recreate parts of “Slap Shot” for several reasons”, says Cain. “We were all big fans of the movie and we all love hockey, but more importantly, the people of Johnstown, PA have always treated us like royalty (jokingly calling me the Mayor of Johnstown), and we wanted to give everyone a chance to be part of this video as well and celebrate in the history of the making of “Slap Shot”.
The music video features the original car from the movie driven by Paul Newman, was filmed in the original location and features the local hockey team, Johnstown Tomahawks.
The track is a perfectly tuned road to victory for not just sports fans, but for anyone looking for a bit of motivation and some good old fashioned kick-ass rock!
About Jasmine Cain:
Jasmine Cain, a multi-award-winning artist hailing from Sturgis, SD, made her mark in Nashville in 2003, pioneering female-fronted rock in the motorcycle events industry. Her versatility spans across Classic and Modern Rock to Pop and Metal, captivating audiences with her electrifying performances.
BUFFALO MOTORAMA COMING–MARCH 28-30, 2025
The Largest Indoor Custom Car and Motorcycle Show this side of New York
March 28-30, 2025 – Buffalo Convention Center
New Bikernet Reader Comment!
’60s SATAN SLAVES
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/60s_SATAN_SLAVES.aspx
My late uncle was apart of the original slaves and was wondering if anybody has any photos or information, his name was chuck hamlin but I?m not sure if he had any nicknames or anything, and would like to know more about his younger days. He would always have stories but I was too young. Thank you
–Mitchell hamlin
Hemet, CA
MORE WILD NEWS–
Facebook and Instagram to get rid of fact checkers….Mark Zuckerberg announces
Thursday is the big news day. Did you see Zuckerburger video saying he is ending censorship on Facebook? No more bots. Only user reported content will be checked and these too will only have fact check comments instead of removal. They will now follow X (twitter) rules on censorship. “As we prepare for a new Trump era…” he says. LOLz. He also talked about other governments in Europe, Latin America and China censoring online social media—how it affects free speech that he dearly loves—-and how he will work with American Constitution over there—LOLz yup—why not annexe China and bring it under American Constitution.
See this video on YouTube…
His values change as per his convenience and discomfort…
–Wayfarer
Ramblin’ Rabble Rouser
FROM BBC NEWS: Meta is abandoning the use of independent fact checkers on Facebook and Instagram, replacing them with X-style “community notes” where commenting on the accuracy of posts is left to users. Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said third-party moderators were “too politically biased” and it was “time to get back to our roots around free expression”. Zuckerberg and other tech executives are seeking to improve relations with US President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office later this month.
SEE THE FULL STATEMENT BY ZUCKERBERG WHILE IT IS STILL AVAILABLE
Wyoming Senate Bill Advances CO2 Coalition Message
The Wyoming State Senate has introduced a bill to prevent carbon dioxide (CO2) from being treated as a pollutant and to stop “measures that support the reduction or elimination” of the gas.
Calling the bill “Make Carbon Dioxide Great Again,” legislative sponsor Sen. Cheri Steinmetz drew on the CO2 Coalition’s scientific support, incorporating much of the organization’s information about the benefits of carbon dioxide.
Among the points that the senate bill makes are:
CO2 “is a foundational nutrient necessary for all life on Earth. … The more carbon dioxide available for this, the better life can flourish.”
Agriculture is “breaking production records primarily due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide.”
NASA “has confirmed that global vegetation is increasing from the near-polar regions to the equator. The largest contributor to this greening of the Earth is increasing carbon dioxide.”
Standing at 420 parts per million (ppm), the current concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide is at a historically low level and only one-sixth the average level of 2,600 ppm over geologic time. Most plant life requires a level of at least 150 ppm.
The bill’s prohibition of attempts to lower CO2 levels runs counter to Gov. Mark Gordon’s efforts to “decarbonize the West” through so-called carbon sequestration. To become law, the bill needs passage by the Wyoming Senate and House and the governor’s approval or a legislative override of a gubernatorial veto.
Sen. Steinmetz said, “The bill is about applying science, thoroughly reevaluating the ‘climate change’ scientific assumptions and advocating for policies grounded in practicality, reality, and achievability – common sense.”
To our knowledge this is the second time in a matter of months that political leaders have advanced the science of the CO2 Coalition in formal resolutions. A previous one came in a declaration of Alberta, Canada’s Unified Conservative Party, which presented the salutary effects of CO2 to support rejection of the national government’s net zero policy.
We are winning.
If you have not read our report Wyoming and Climate Change: CO2 Should Be Celebrated Not Captured, you make do so here.
This is amazing. Maybe, finally, someone will have the balls to put Climate Doom to the test. I will share this with my readers.
Congratulations!
FLYING FLEA
First things first, we want to wish you a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2025!
Flying Flea offers the essence of Royal Enfield to those who want to live lightly and feel free. Flying Flea allows riders to break free to and from the city with a truly moving and visceral riding experience.
Taking inspiration from the original 1940s Royal Enfield Flying Flea, a true landmark in automotive engineering and design. The FF.C6 delivers a city+ offering, for those who think forever forward, who desire something truly connected, heightened experiences and altogether fun to ride.
As a showcase of these experiences, we are attending CES, the world’s biggest technology convention in Las Vegas. At CES, we will be showcasing the cutting-edge technology that we’ve built for FF.C6 and the amazing partnerships we’ve forged with Qualcomm and NXP to ensure that features are delivered seamlessly to provide the best ride experience.
Live Lightly, Feel Free.
BIKERNET STEPS UP–
We’ve invested a ton on the Bikernet infrastructure and growth in 2024. Check out the new site on Blog.bikernet.com. Soon it will be migrated to Bikernet.com with ads getting a ton more saturation on the new website.
Ads will be shown in more creative ways and in more locations. We’re also mixing up the delivery so everyone gets more time at the top of the homepage.
CELEBRATE WOMEN RIDERS–
Meet Anne-France Dautheville, a trailblazing French journalist and writer who rides. Don’t miss Lone Rider. Best book by Elsbeth Beard, who rode a BMW around the world in the ’80s.
–Fred Cuba
THE MIC REPORT–
Battling BLM Overreach: Staff from the MIC Government Relations Office were in several meetings with public lands managers and amplified concerns regarding overreach within the new Bureau of Land Management Public Lands Rule. The GRO argued that the BLM should follow the lead of the Federal Highway Administration and find ways to utilize recreation infrastructure to meet conservation goals instead of redefining conservation as a ‘use,’ and that the Federal Land Policy and Management Act provides clear direction that the BLM should manage its lands for multiple uses.
– Fighting for Forest Service Land Access: Duane Taylor, MIC Director of Safe and Responsible Use Programs, testified in May before the Subcommittee on Federal Lands – part of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee – calling for continued and improved OHV access for recreation on Forest Service lands. Speaking on behalf of our powersports associations, Taylor said that the Forest Service could use recreation infrastructure and volunteers to help manage the effects of climate change and respond to wildfires.
– Expanding Government Relations: As the new Western States Representative, OHV icon Don Amador connects with land managers, clubs, and officials in a newly created position with the MIC, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. Amador will continue to develop and enhance working relationships with key decision-makers and program leads across a variety of agencies in the West, including: the USDA Forest Service – Region 5, the Bureau of Land Management, federally recognized tribes, state OHV commissions, state highway patrols, and the California Air Resources Board.
– EXPLORE Act Gets Green Lights: Both chambers of Congress passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, which will increase public land access, address barriers for veterans and people with disabilities, streamline small-business permitting, and more. The bill, H.R. 6492, was introduced late last year by Representative Bruce Westerman, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. The MIC supported the EXPLORE Act and wrote to the committee last year, stating: “Passage of the EXPLORE Act will help ensure that our nearly $50 billion powersports industry, and the recreation economy generally, continues to grow and serve our ever-expanding constituencies.” President Biden signed the act into law last week.
– Public Lands Access Reports: The MIC Government Relations Office began providing periodic updates to MIC members regarding its ongoing work to protect and grow public lands access. “We hope these reports inform member companies about how the GRO is protecting that access and provides an opportunity for members to provide input on those efforts,” said Duane Taylor, MIC Director of Safe and Responsible Use Programs. “Access to public lands is vital to our industry.”
Off-Highway Competition Bikes Stay Legal: Competition-model off-highway motorcycles will have a new way to be legally operated on California public lands beginning in 2026. Senate Bill 708, introduced by State Senator Brian W. Jones, a longtime motorcycle advocate and rider himself, became a new law. It directs the State Department of Parks and Recreation to issue permits to California residents to operate off-road motorcycles at sanctioned events. The MIC had called on all powersports companies to add their names, on their letterhead, to letters in support of legislation to allow continued use of competition-model motorcycles on public lands in California.
– Keeping Motorcycles Out of Lemon Laws: The MIC Government Relations Office successfully excluded motorcycles from Colorado’s lemon law, following a virtual meeting with the state’s attorney general office where the MIC argued that such legislation should remain focused on the automotive industry.
– A Grilling for the Safety Commission: The CPSC faced a question-packed Congressional hearing in July. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis led the hearing, titled “The Fiscal Year 2025 Consumer Product Safety Commission Budget.” Six members of the subcommittee expressed support for the powersports industry and voiced concerns about CPSC overreach. The CPSC continues to consider implementing its own standards for side-by-sides. In advance of the hearing, the MIC Government Relations Office team worked with Congressional staff to ensure Representatives were fully apprised and educated on the issues, which helped them ask informed and pointed questions.
– Congressional Recognition for Safety Awareness Month: U.S. Senators and Motorcycle Caucus Chairs Joni Ernst of Iowa and Gary Peters of Michigan – key and longtime connections for the MIC Government Relations Office – introduced a bipartisan resolution, passed by unanimous consent, designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. At local, state, and federal levels, officials have introduced resolutions and proclamations to help motorists and policymakers be more aware of motorcycle safety. U.S. Senate Resolution 695 and House Resolution 1179 were among several acknowledgments the MIC Government Relations team secured last year.
–MIC
Maynard Lee Rude was born May 9, 1936 in Marvin SD to Helmer and Edith Rude.
Youngest of 9 brothers and sisters. He lived in Marvin till spring of 1946 when his parents sold the farm and moved to Rapid City SD.
From then on Maynard was on his own working for various ranchers breaking horses and doing anything else to stay alive. It was during this time that he found his love of motorcycles and his first motorcycle was a 125cc James. In February of 1957 he joined the U.S. Army and as he always said that he joined because he was tired of starving and living in cars.
After 3 years he was discharged from the army and returned back to Rapid City. in 1961 he married Sarah Gustafson and from that union was James Lee and Sandra Ellen. Maynard and Sarah were married until April Jan of 1966. During these years, Maynard had owned a service station on north Rapid and worked as a crane operator for Brazina construction.
On October 1 1966 Maynard married Alyce Ann Veitl. From this union came Clarence Lee. From 1966 to 1974 Maynard worked as a logger either hauling logs, cutting or skidding and also worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator.
In 1974 Maynard decided to do what he always wanted and that was to open his own mechanic business and emphasizing on his love for the motorcycles. He started on Edmunds Street in Sturgis, SD working in the yard and building motorcycles in the basement. Then in 1975 the opportunity to have a shop and house came knocking when Ray Murray sold him the place on Blanche St. in Sturgis and so started Lee’s Tune Up. From than it was full bore he worked on everything and anything to make a living but, always put the motorcycles first. Maynard did all the mechanic work and fabrication on motorcycles and Alyce did the paint and upholstery. Through the years Lee’s Tune Up had sponsored little league, bowling league, Cub Scouts and many other organizations.
In approximately 1982 Maynard wanted to have some horses again, he grew up with horse and always loved them, so he first bought 20 acres north of Sturgis and then bought a bigger place in Nisland. From there he started raising cattle and eventually moved to buffalo and loved driving horses, through years and clear up until just a couple of months before his death he was still driving his horses.
Maynard always said that Lee’s Tune Up and the motorcycles paid for everything that he had and wanted. If i wanted something all i had to do was sell a collection of motorcycles and through the years he had several auctions selling his collections as the years went by. He kept buying and selling right up to his death and upon his death he still has two shops full of motorcycles and parts. Lee’s Tune Up is still alive and active through his son Lee and granddaughter Miranda.
His ability and knowledge of everything he did in life will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his son Jim (Maraday), son Lee, daughter Sandy and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was proceeded in death by his wife Alyce, his parents and all his siblings.
Condolences for the family may be sent to www.kinkadefunerals.com.
Indian Motorcycle Recalls All Model Year 2025 Scout and Scout Sixty Motorcycles
Wayfarer Notes: Indian Motorcycles has announced a safety recall for all 2025 Scout line motorcycles, including the Scout Sixty, due to an issue with the gear position indicator on the instrument panel. However, official website uses the word “some” instead of admitting all of them were recalled. This defect exists in 100% of Scout and Scout Sixty motorcycles produced before December 23, 2024. It is estimated that approximately 4,926 units in the United States is likely impacted by this issue. Indian Motorcycle has documented receipt of four complaints related to this malfunction, one of which resulted in injury.
Display May Show False Gear Selection/FMVSS 123. The motorcycle may move unexpectedly when the transmission is actually in gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V970000
Manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle Company
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4,926
| MAKE | MODEL | MODEL YEAR(S) |
| INDIAN | SCOUT | 2025 |
| INDIAN | SCOUT SIXTY | 2025 |
Summary: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2025 Scout and Scout Sixty motorcycles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of affected trims. The gear position display may falsely show that the motorcycle is in neutral. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”
Remedy: Dealers will update the Engine Control Module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 30, 2025. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-24-11.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
BELOW PRESS RELEASE FROM https://www.polaris.com/
Indian Motorcycle has determined that the rider display on some Model Year 2025 Scout and Scout Sixty motorcycles may falsely indicate an incorrect gear. Incorrect indication of NEUTRAL can cause unintended movement, increasing the risk of a crash or serious injury.
Indian Motorcycle is developing new Engine Control Module (ECM) software to address this issue. Once the updated software is available at dealers, Indian Motorcycle will contact affected registered owners. In the meantime, do not attempt any repairs yourself. Repairs must be done only by an authorized Indian Motorcycle dealer.
Indian Motorcycle has reported this matter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (Recall No. 24V-970).
To search on-road recalls by model or vehicle identification number (VIN) and see if your vehicle is affected by any recalls visit the On-Road Safety Recalls page or call Polaris at 877-204-3697.
—-Wayfarer
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com
SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES ON THE RUN–
Come see us at Gibtown Bike Fest and get FREE INSTALLATION on our Rear Shocks and Front Fork Cartridges at the show. Stop by and see the team or call to schedule a time to drop your bike off, go enjoy the festivities, come back and get ready to enjoy the best ride your Harley has ever given you!!
Call 727-233-3610 to schedule your Free Install Appointment.
INTERMOT celebrates successful first winter edition
INTERMOT 2024, hosted in Cologne from 5 to 8 December, marked the start of a new direction for the trade fair, which will now take place annually. With the 125cc special event on the Boulevard, the CREATOR LOUNGE as a central gathering for the young motorcycle scene, and numerous German premieres by manufacturers, this year’s edition of the trade fair marked a new era in the motorcycle experience. It was the first time that the motorcycle and scooter event opened its doors in December. Visitors made extensive use of the opportunity to experience the latest models and trends for the coming season first-hand in Cologne. Spanning around 50,000 square metres, INTERMOT transformed the trade fair grounds in Cologne into the biggest showcase for the motorcycle industry in Germany.
With BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Sym, Triumph, Yamaha, Zero Motorcycles and other manufacturers appearing at the event, INTERMOT covered more than 70 per cent of the German market at its debut winter edition. Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, was delighted with the results: “The immense response from visitors this year shows the enormous potential that INTERMOT has. With the Cologne trade fair grounds, we have one of the largest trade fair venues on an international scale and a unique catchment area, which extends beyond Germany. The industry has chosen INTERMOT as the platform to unveil its new launches to the German audience for the first time. For us, this is a clear signal that underscores the trade fair’s importance against the benchmark of other events.”
“As the most important motorcycle market in Europe, Germany needs a strong leading sector event like INTERMOT. With this new concept, we’ve proved that we’ve set the right course for the future,” says Reiner Brendicke, General Executive Manager of the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM), which acts as INTERMOT’s conceptual sponsor.
CREATOR LOUNGE serves as the scene’s hotspot
The young generation of motorcycle fans was crucial in giving INTERMOT new dynamism this year. By expanding their creator and influencer marketing, the organisers succeeded in appealing to a digital-savvy young community. Throughout the four days of the event, 85 creators with an impressive number of followers totalling 20 million on Instagram alone reported on the action on their channels. They were greeted with tremendous enthusiasm in Cologne. In addition, fans were able to meet their favourite creators in person at the CREATOR LOUNGE powered by bigFM in Hall 8, where they could take selfies and chat about their shared passion with social media stars. One of the special highlights was the Creator Day on the third day of the trade fair. It attracted many famous names from the young motorcycle scene, including @kuhlewu, @davidbostunt, @ollistuntbuddy, @sophiacalate and @seaky.
KICK STARTER: showcasing the world of 125cc
The special KICK STARTER 125cc event powered by fritz-kola also drew a lively crowd. Located in a central position on the boulevard between the exhibition halls, it proved particularly popular with novice bikers. From e-scooters and naked bikes to 125cc enduro models, around 50 of the latest 125cc models from various manufacturers were on display, firing up enthusiasm among newcomers looking to enter the world of motorcycling. As well as having the chance to sit on their dream bike, visitors were also able to get expert advice about licences.
A fresh take on the passion for motorbikes
In addition to activities for the younger generation of bikers, such as the CREATOR LOUNGE and KICK STARTER 125cc, INTERMOT also had a special focus on motorsport thanks to strong support from the manufacturers. Meet-and-greets with mechanics and racing stars turned part of the trade fair into the only paddock show outside of the racing season. On top of all this, the INTERMOT LIVE powered by Bering stage was the ideal venue for live discussions covering everything from horsepower and petrol to fashion and adventure. Looking to the future, INTERMOT will continue to pursue its goal of giving all motorbike fans the opportunity to experience the fascination of motorcycling in person. “This year’s edition has laid a foundation on which we will build. Of course, there’s still potential for further development – whether through the addition of more themed areas or with a stronger presence in the accessories segment. We must make it our goal to expand into at least one more exhibition hall by 2025. We want to work with our partners to realise this objective and make the show even more successful for all market participants,” stated Frese.
Key figures for INTERMOT 2024 — Some 300 brands took part in INTERMOT 2024. A total of around 90,000 visitors came to Cologne.
HISTORY LESSON FROM LOWBROW–
“The Flying Cloud” was the world’s fastest clipper ship built in 1851, traveling by sea from New York to San Francisco in just 89 days and 8 hours
That record stood for over 130 years, until 1989 when it was broken.
80 years after the “The Flying Cloud” clipper ship was built, a brand new motorcycle launched from The Harley-Davidson Motor Company and deemed as the holy grail to most motorcycle enthusiasts, the Knucklehead…
Read the whole story at www.lowbrowcustoms.com
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE!–
JPMorgan becomes last of the Big-6 U.S. banks to quit Net-Zero Banking Alliance
–Marc Morano
Climate Depot
Last of the Big-6 U.S. banks to leave the group
JPMorgan (JPM.N), said on Tuesday it was leaving the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, the latest U.S. lender to quit the sector’s biggest climate coalition amid rising U.S. political pressure.
The move means the six biggest banks in the world’s largest economy – Goldman Sachs (GS.N), Wells Fargo (WFC.N), Citi (C.N), Bank of America (BAC.N), Morgan Stanley (MS.N), and now JPMorgan – have all left the group in the space of a month.
JPMorgan gave no clear reason for leaving the initiative, yet it comes after months of pressure from some Republican politicians who said membership of such coalitions could breach anti-trust rules.
“We will continue to work independently to advance the interests of our firm, our shareholders and our clients and remain focused on pragmatic solutions to help further low-carbon technologies while advancing energy security,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “We will also continue to support the banking and investment needs of our clients who are engaged in energy transition and in decarbonizing different sectors of the economy.
–By Simon Jessop
THIS DAY WAS NUTS–
I made coffee, shoveled snow, spoke to Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Board Members, I spoke to Matt Walksler about the Wheels Through Time Museum. That’s just the start, I had a discussion regarding racing in Sturgis. Then there was the legal aspects of the running our upcoming raffle, moving the Easyriders Streamliner, paying commissions for fund raising efforts. I spoke to our bookkeeper, scrambled with above news, pondered working on the VLXAFL Knucklehead this weekend and more.
I’m digging in the Mecum Auction in Vegas for a 1913 Harley twin engine for my board track racer. I’m also talking to Retro Rob about rebuilding mine. At the same time he asked me about missing parts, so I’m scrambling to find any missing elements. I need a mainshaft and a pinion shaft..
I finally received the Sturgis edition of Easyriders Magazine. I noticed Berry Wardlaw on the masthead. I also notice a lack of advertising. I wondered what was happening.
I caught a break last night with the AMCA bros at the Sturgis Pizza Ranch. Seniors’ night and just ten clams for all the chicken, buffet and pizza you can eat. Incredible. Charlie brought his own topping for the soft ice cream swirl. I held my mud and didn’t have any. Shucks.
Tomorrow at 1:00 we have our Museum Fund Raising Meeting. Never a dull moment. A brother said he wished more of the bros from the industry cared as much as I do. I said some are beat down, but I see potential for the future. You know the drill. Even a grubby biker can make a difference or die trying…
–Bandit
