Hey,
Life is incredible, the twists and turns it takes. But the key is how you look at anything that happens. You can be relieved, happy, mad, sad, distraught, elated over anything.
Or just stay mellow and go for a ride.
Let’s hit the news.
WISCONSIN ATTACK ON BIKERNET CONTINUES—This is incredible. Where other states are considering sales taxes to bite at Internet sales, Wisconsin went for an income tax.
So far we have spent about $4000 and we still don’t owe the state anything, and they can’t decide whether they like the way we fill out the forms.
Can you imagine if we had to go through this with every state. We would be out of business, quick.–Bandit
Mecum Auction Monterey– The Daytime Auction will feature 50 investment-grade early Harley-Davidsons, Indians, exotic race bikes and more among a lineup additionally stacked with 600 classic and collector cars.
Consign or register to bid & for complete auction consignment or bidding info visit Mecum.com Tickets $20 Advance through Aug. 22, then $30 at door once auction begins. 12 & under get in free. Location: Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa – Del Monte Golf Course, 1 Old Golf Course Rd., Monterey, CA., visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5715 for more information.
https://www.mecum.com/auctions/monterey-2018/lots/motorcycles/featured/
Check Out the AUGUST Issue!
Click here to view our AUGUST issue on your computer, or download the interactive PDF file with links to your favorite shops and rider-friendly businesses.
Read it now!
Fourth Annual Aidan’s Ride Sturgis Boasts Best Numbers Yet at 78th Anniversary of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2018
The fourth annual Aidan’s Ride Sturgis, a charity motorcycle ride organized to fight ALD, took place Tuesday, August 7, 2018, during the 78th anniversary of the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This year, over 50 riders participated, raising over $7500 for the Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation, an increase in participants for the fourth straight year.
“We are so grateful for everyone’s support,” said Elisa Seeger, Aidan’s mother and founder of the foundation. “Our goal in starting our foundation was to spare families from enduring what ours did, and, with this kind of support, developing a cure for ALD will only be a matter of time.”
Beginning at CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip, then winding through the Black Hills, the fourth annual Aidan’s Ride Sturgis stretched 80-miles long. Riders enjoyed glorious weather as they leaned into mountain turns, and everyone stopped for a catered brunch in Belle Fourche, SD at the Cowboy Back Bar.
The ride culminated at The Buffalo Chip Gardens, where organizers held their charity auction during the Sportster Showdown. Among items auctioned off was a custom mini-bikes built by Paul Yaffe, custom leather riding vest from Hot Leathers and a custom painted Biltwell Gringo helmet donated by Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine.
Held to benefit the Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation, which was established in Aidan’s honor, Aidan’s Ride Sturgis seeks to raise funds for the purpose of helping families with children diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, heightening awareness about ALD and pushing for legislation in every state that mandates screening of newborns for the disease.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an inherited x-linked genetic disease that affects all neurological functions and reduces those afflicted with it to a vegetative state that persists until death. Aidan Jack Seeger was just six years old when he was diagnosed with ALD in 2011. He succumbed to the disease in April of 2012. Had he been diagnosed at birth, he could have undergone treatment that would have arrested the disease and allowed him to live a full life.
New York was the first state in the United States to screen for ALD, thanks to Aidan’s Law, passed by the state legislature in the wake of Aidan’s tragic and untimely death. As of May 2018, 1,000,000 newborns have been screened in New York and 90 babies have tested positive for the disease. Thanks to early detection, these children are undergoing treatment that will allow them to live full lives. Now over 10 states have newborn screening with several others poised to take action and #SaveTheBoys.
The ride is presented by Law Tigers Motorcycle Attorneys and made possible by generous support from Metzeler Tires, Hot Leathers, Lucas Oil, The Buffalo Chip, Rise Above Consulting, Genuine Motorworks and Indian Larry Motorcycles.
–Ken Conte
Ken@RiseAboveConsulting.com
Photo Credit Mad Stork for the first two shots
Meeting of the Minds Early Registration– Deadline is 1 Week Away!
It may not seem like it, but the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s “Meeting of the Minds” is fast approaching. In just a few short weeks, lobbyists, government representatives, policymakers, and riders from all across the country will be converging in Denver, Colorado, from September 20-23, 2018, at the Renaissance Denver Hotel.
The Meeting of the Minds is aimed toward politically active riders who want to expand their knowledge and political influence on behalf of freedom-loving motorcyclists everywhere.
BUT, the early bird rate closes next Friday, August 24th! Avoid paying the higher rate and get registered today.
Here is what you need to do…
Step One:
Register for the conference online at Meeting of the Minds 2018 or call the office directly 202-546-0983. Do so by Friday, August 24th to avoid paying the higher fee!
Step Two:
Book your hotel room: Renaissance Denver Hotel, 3801 Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80207. Mention the MRF to get a discounted rate of $124/night. Book by Phone: 800-468-3571 or book directly online: tinyurl.com/MOTM2018hotel
Step Three:
Start packing – need help on what to wear? Pre-order an official Meeting of the Minds 2018 t-shirt.
Step Four:
Get to Denver! Flying in? Contact Carol Down’s personal cell phone at odd hours of the night to repeatedly ask her about how to get from the airport to the hotel. We are just kidding about this, but you need to take the light rail to Central Park station to catch the hotel shuttle. You can read more the details HERE.
That’s it! Still not sure if its worth the trip? Take a look at the recently released agenda below. It will be a packed weekend with new speakers, valuable information and chances to connect with old friends and make new ones.
We want to thank our generous Meeting of the Minds 2018 sponsors like Bikernet.com.
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
CLIMATE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 16, 2018
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/CLIMATE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_16_2018.aspx
I agree with Rubin. The world I came back to in1967 was not the one I left. I will be 72 tomorrows vote, went to protests, and I did joined patriot guard.
More and more we seem to be a country of cry babies, while elected officials live the good life with our blessings. Great the its paid a big fine, with our tax money. I’m tired, I think I will go ride my Pan, get my head maybe cleared out a little. Have a great day Bandit.
–AJ
aj846@lycos.com
Deland, FL
VOLUNTEER REQUEST–
Blackhawk Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet and Barber Vintage Festival
Can you help at the Museum display setups at: Blackhawk M/C Swap Meet August 30 – Sept 1, 2018
or
Barber Vintage Festival October 5 – 7, 2018
The National Motorcycle Museum could use some volunteer assistance in 3 – 4 hour shifts** at these two events, Friday and Saturday. If you can volunteer for 3 hours or more, we’ll give you a free National Motorcycle Museum t-shirt!
Blackhawk M/C Swap Meet: Friday morning and afternoon, 3 – 4 hour shifts.
Saturday morning, 3 – 4 hour shifts
Barber Vintage Festival: Friday and Saturday throughout both days, 3 – 4 hour shifts
If helping the Museum sounds like a good thing for you, pick a time that works best for you and drop a note to me, Mark Mederski at:
mmederski@nationalmcmuseum.org,
or call me at 614 551 0960.
By the way, the “work” is easy; handing out Museum literature, offering visitors a chance to donate to win our new fundraiser bike, a fantastic metallic red 2018 Indian Chief Classic and maybe setting up/tearing down event equipment. And you’ll get the Museum t-shirt!
Thanks for your consideration.
–Mark Mederski
mmederski@nationalmcmuseum.org
614 551 0960
National Motorcycle Museum
**We are flexible on shift length.
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
CLIMATE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 16, 2018
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/CLIMATE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_16_2018.aspx
Many guys don’t live in Los Angeles County, like Bandit and I. The bans start with guns, hot rod equipment and then move into your freedoms to just go from one side of town to the other.
The Nazi regime expands from city to city, county to county and then state to state. You guys should read K.R.B.’s novel Chopper Orwell. It draws comparisons to the later stages of a government-controlled society.
You don’t want to know what is going on in our states, then move where it is better.
–Gearhead
Torrance, CA
Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School Preview Reception–6pm | Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery
When thinking of Art, one generally thinks of subdued halls, gilded frames, and endless galleries of venerated masterpieces.
This is not that Art.
The Petersen Automotive Museum presents Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School, an examination of the artists who have propelled automobilia into the mainstream art world.
Prior to the introduction of Juxtapoz Magazine, artists working outside of the mainstream tastes of the Fine Art world were often marginalized or ignored.
Founded in conjunction with the exhibit Kustom Kulture: Von Dutch, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Robert Williams & Others (1993), held at the Laguna Art Museum, Juxtapoz was instrumental in introducing art derived from Southern California’s car culture to the rest of the art world.
Launched by Robert Williams, Suzanne Williams, Craig Stecyk and Greg Escalante, Juxtapoz Magazine sought to spotlight “unconventional” art forms: automobiles, comics, surfing, psychedelic posters, and more. Today, Juxtapoz continues to promote all genres of art as the world’s leading art magazine.
Be among the first to experience our newest exhibit, Auto-Didactic: The Juxtapoz School at our Preview Reception.
GOLD RUSH Reservations For Chillicothe, OH–
Online at EasyridersEvents.com
Come Join Us For Our 30 Year Anniversary!!
It’s Rodeo Time – So Grab Your Friends
It’s the original biker campout from Easyriders Magazine!
Come enjoy a weekend of:
camping, live entertainment, awesome vendors, food, beer, ride in bike show, our ever-popular bar stool races, poker crawl, your classic motorcycle rally events, trophy girl contest, wet t-shirt contest, tattoo contest, campground parade, and more! It’s sure to be the highlight of your summer! 18+ only.
Show Dates: Aug. 30-Sept. 3
Where: Ross County Fairgrounds
Gold Rush Check-In: Aug. 28 & 29
To Show Our Appreciation
Come grab some burgers and beer on us!
Tuesday Aug. 28 at 4pm till we run out.
FEATURED BANDS
FUEL
DAVID ALLAN COE
WHEELER WALKER JR.
PANHEAD DEAL OF THE WEEK--John Brogno? to Texas Baggers
Yesterday at 7:25 AM ·
1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead
$21,999
Fort Lauderdale, FL
1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead last year pan first Year.
Electric start just arrived we are doing a little
Freshing up: new tires, fluids,battery ect runs excellent this is a NUMBERS MATCHING bike $21,999.00 or trades hot rods, classics financing available………………………..
–MrMotorhead.com
954-909-5710
we ship worldwide
The clerk said, ‘Why, that’s a thermos….. It keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold.’
‘Wow, said the blonde, ‘that’s amazing…..I’m going to buy it!’ So she bought the thermos and took it to work the next day.
Her boss saw it on her desk. ‘What’s that,’ he asked?
‘Why, that’s a thermos…. It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold,’ she replied.
Her boss inquired, ‘What do you have in it?’
The blond replied… ‘Two popsicles and some coffee.’
[page break]
GUN NUT REVIEW OF THE WEEK–Obscure Object of Desire: The Browning BPS High Capacity 12 Gauge Shotgun
Browning Arms Company, a name synonymous with quality firearms for hunting, was founded in 1878 in Morgan County, Utah by the gun messiah himself, John Moses Browning. And while they haven’t made many firearms targeted outside their core market of hunters and sport shooters, there have been a few exceptions like the BPS High Capacity shotgun.
The Browning Pump Shotgun, commonly known as the BPS is a shotgun with a solid reputation for long-lasting durability and an uncanny ability to keep on working in spite of what Mother Nature does to stop it. This shotgun has rigid dual machined steel action bars, a forged and machined steel receiver, a convenient top-tang safety and bottom ejection for ambidextrous operation.
You read that right. The BPS ejects empties from the bottom for truly ambidextrous operation. Its lineage goes all the way back to John M. Browning himself with a tweak by John Pedersen (a man who even John Browning greatly admired).
“John M. Browning had the highest respect for Pedersen, and once told me that he considered him the greatest living arms designer, and probably the greatest of all time. I protested to Mr. Browning that he was overlooking himself, to which he replied that he was an old man, with all his work behind him, but that Pedersen, who had already accomplished so much, had his future ahead of him.” – Page 67 of the Book of the Garand by Julian S. Hatcher.
So where does the humble beginnings of this quality shotgun start? Back in 1913 in John Browning’s workshop of course. Completed by 1915, Browning patented his design and sold it to Remington Arms. But due to the War to end all Wars going on in Europe, Remington didn’t produce it until 1921. It was sold as the Remington Model 17.
With 73,000 made in 20 gauge, it had a good run and did fairly well. But it was soon to be outclassed by Winchester’s world famous Model 12. Remington, undeterred, asked John Pedersen to rework the design into what ultimately became the Remington Model 31.
Produced from 1931 to 1949, the Model 31 saw 196,000 units produced in 12ga, 16ga, and 20ga. The Model 31 served with the FBI after the Kansas City Massacre. Each field office was issued one. During WWII, the Model 31 was produced as a riot gun and saw limited service across the globe. Despite being well received, sales still lagged far behind the Winchester. Remington went back to the drawing board again and designed the venerable Model 870.
But before that, another company took the Remington Model 17 and tried to modernize it. Following WWI the Ithaca Gun Company was searching for a pump-action shotgun to produce, primarily to compete with the hugely popular Winchester Model 12. They settled on waiting for the Remington Model 17 patents to expire.
After gearing up for production of what they planned would be the Ithaca Model 33, they discovered that John Pedersen had a patent that would not expire until 1937…that patent being part of the Remington Model 31. So along with changing the introduction date (originally 1933), Ithaca changed the model designation from 33 to 37.
With production starting at the height of the Great Depression, things didn’t look good. But then a dark cloud descended across Europe and the world was once again plunged into war. Ithaca, not wanting to be left out, produced the Model 37 for military service.
After the war, the Model 37 served in roles with the NYPD, LAPD, LA County Sheriff, and the US Military in Korea and Vietnam. The Model 37 has the longest production run for a pump-action shotgun in history, surpassing that of the Winchester Model 12 that had originally inspired Ithaca to produce their pump-action shotguns.
Which brings us to Browning. Browning made a number of shotguns, but the majority of them were either semi-autos like the Auto 5 or break-actions like the Citori or Superposed. But they saw the massive popularity of hunting shotguns like the Ithaca Model 37, the Winchester Model 1200/1300, the Remington 870, and the Mossberg 500 (which also traces it’s lineage to the Remington 31).
Browning contracted with Miroku to design the best hunting pump gun, taking the best queues from the Ithaca Model 37 and Remington 31 and matching those with modern production methods.
The result was an instant commercial success. The BPS built off the solid design from the former works of John Browning and John Pedersen and became an instant classic for hunters world wide.
The biggest reason for its popularity was the fact that it is truly ambidextrous. The design is totally balanced, with matching dual steel slide action bars — one on each side — that balance forces for smooth racking. The top tang safety is functional for both righties and lefties. The receiver forms a “roof” over the action…there’s no opening on either side for an ejection port, so a drenching rain won’t get into the action. Bottom ejection means there are no empties flying to the side, across your partner’s line of sight.
Browning is owned by FN Herstal a big supplier to the military and law enforcement markets. And since those Ithaca Model 37s in service with the NYPD, LAPD, and LA County Sheriff’s Department were getting long in the tooth, FN directed Browning to make a tactical model. And in 2007, Browning unveiled the BPS HIgh Capacity at SHOT Show in Orlando.
Based on their ever-popular Stalker model, Browning gave the High Capacity a full-length, seven-round capacity one-piece magazine tube, a no frills non reflective blued finish, and a cylinder bored twenty-inch barrel with a simple bead front sight.
It was only offered in 2007 in order to gauge the market interest. But that was a beginning of a decline in interest in the tactical shotgun as a service weapon for law enforcement and home defense. The Clinton Assault Ban had ended in 2004 and the Global War on Terror was in full swing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The AR-15 was gaining ground across the gun-buying community. The patrol rifle was replacing the shotgun in vehicle racks across the country and the same the went with for home defense shotguns, too. The idea of a 30-round, lightweight carbine just seemed to make more sense. Browning pulled the High Capacity model off the market in 2008 and it was never seen again.
The BPS High Capacity didn’t come with Browning’s Invector Plus chokes. It was offered with a no-frills fixed cylinder bore barrel. The stock and handguard were simple black polymer and the sling mounts with sling mounts, one on the magazine tube cap and another at the bottom rear of the butt stock.
Accessories are non-existent. Only a generic aftermarket butt cuff works. But even though the BPS High Capacity was didn’t sell well, it’s all Browning and one smooth shotgun. The quality that went into mine excellent.
The pump is roller baring smooth, the trigger is crisp, and the tang-mounted safety is right where it should be. Being a bottom-feeder, you can’t do tactical swap outs like you can with a Remington 870. But for a classic home defense loadout with nothing but 00 Buck, you don’t need to. It puts any Mossberg 500 8-shot Security or no-frills Remington 870 Express to shame.
It gladly sits in my arsenal of fighting shotguns. And one of the best things is, it can use Aguila Mini-Shells without any modification. Yup, unlike Mossbergs which need that little adapter and Remingtons which won’t work at all, the Browning eats them up with no problem just like my Kel-Tec KSG and Winchester 1300 Defender Speed Pump.
For those who have a soft spot for the BPS and want a modern tactical version. You can build your own. Browning still makes the BPS Stalker and Nordic Components makes extended magazines tubes. Or you can head on over to Midwest Gun Works and pick up a Browning BPS 20? Tactical Barrel Kit. But if you really want to trick out your BPS, get yourself the kit and send it over to Michiguns Ltd. They will machine an ejection port into the side of your BPS and make it a real tactical workhorse.
Yup…a side feeding and bottom ejecting BPS so you can swap out loads. They also work on the BPS’ cousin, the Ithaca Model 37.
The BPS High Capacity is the odd duck of the tactical shotgun world. It isn’t some cheap Turkish or Chinese Knockoff of a proven design that’s sold for pocket change on the clearance section of Buds’ Gun Shop or at Walmart. It’s an original quality product that was simply introduced into a market at the wrong time.
They’re still out there and available and more importantly, very viable as a quality self defense shotgun.
In the end, they are an interesting piece of Browning lore. One of the few times the company as lent its name to tactical products other than the Browning Pro Series pistol (which evolved to become the FNP and later FNX and FNS series) and the Browning BDM.
If you find one, snag it. You won’t be disappointed.
–BY LUIS VALDES
–Truth about Guns
HOT NEW READER COMMENT–CLIMATE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 16, 2018
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/CLIMATE_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_August_16_2018.aspx
I don’t know if I’m crazy, but I see nothing wrong with Harley-Davidson assembling Bikes outside the country, if they are going to be sold in that country.
Toyota and Honda have assembly factories in the US. I won’t be joining in the boycott.
–Jeff Crag
Longs, SC
REAL NEWS PRESIDENT TRUMP DOESN’T WANT YOU TO MISS
Trump Signs Defense Policy Bill that Rebuilds Military, Boosts Troop Pay
“President Trump signed a $716 billion defense bill Monday that authorizes hundreds of new planes, ships and tanks — and delivers a substantial victory to the administration,” Dave Boyer reports.
President Trump called the new National Defense Authorization Act “the most significant investment in our military, and in our war fighters, in modern history” while speaking to troops at Fort Drum, New York.
Youth Unemployment Hits 52-Year Low
-The Wall Street Journal
Andrew Duehren reports that “the unemployment rate among young Americans fell to its lowest level in more than 50 years this summer,” according to the Department of Labor. “Low unemployment among young people shows that in a tight labor market more opportunities are opening to groups that historically have struggled to find jobs.”
The New York Times Runs a Sloppy, Specious Democratic Hit on Brett Kavanaugh
-National Review
“Brett Kavanaugh may well be one of the most qualified jurists ever nominated for the High Court,” David French writes. “Once again, the Democrats have taken their swing at an outstanding nominee. Once again, they’ve missed.”
Small Business Optimism at 35-Year High
-Fox Business
Leia Klingel writes that “small business owners’ optimism touched a 35-year high in July, with businesses setting records in terms of job creation and hiring,” according to a new survey from the National Federation of Independent Business. “In July 2018, the NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index marked its second highest level in the survey’s 45-year history.”
Report: Regulations Being Cut at Record Pace, Savings Double
-Washington Examiner
“Federal agencies, led by Labor and Health and Human Services, are cutting Obama-era regulations and saving money faster than demanded by President Trump,” Paul Bedard reports, citing a new report from the American Action Forum. “As a result, the administration is expected to easily meet the president’s order to cut at least two old regulations for every new one issued.”
Confidence Is High
-The Wall Street Journal
“Americans are smart enough to know a better economy when they see one,” The Wall Street Journal editorial board writes. “Apparently Americans are believing their own eyes”—not negative political spin.
Vice President Pence: The Evidence is Clear — America is Back
-The Des Moines Register
“After years of slow growth and stagnant wages under the last administration, under this president, the American economy is on track to grow at its fastest pace in nearly 15 years,” Vice President Mike Pence writes.
How Law Enforcement is Taking Action on the Opioid Crisis
-Boston Globe
Attorney General Jeff Sessions writes that in response to President Trump’s plan to halt the opioid crisis, the Justice Department has begun Operation Synthetic Opioids Surge (SOS). “Under Operation SOS, I am ordering our prosecutors in 10 districts with some of the highest overdose death rates to prosecute every synthetic opioid trafficking case, no matter how small.”
Americans Increasingly Want Brett Kavanaugh Confirmed
-Washington Examiner
“Americans increasingly want the Senate to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to a new Quinnipiac poll,” Becket Adams writes. “The growing support from Kavanaugh is coming primarily from independents.”
BLACK STONE CHERRY USA TOUR DATES–See you there!!
THE UNDERGROUND THIEVES
Supporting: BLACK STONE CHERRY
Fri – Aug 24 – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
Sat – Aug 25 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC
Sun – Aug 26 – Underground – Charlotte, NC
Tue – Aug 28 – SideTracks Music Hall – Huntsville, AL
Wed – Aug 29 – Songbirds Music Hall – Chattanooga, TN
Sat – Sep 1 – Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA
Sun – Sep 2 – Route 20 – Racine, WI
Tue – Sep 4 – The Forge – Joliet, IL
Supporting: SLASH
Wed Oct 10 – The Electric Factory – Philadelphia, PA
–TUT
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–SPECIAL MILWAUKEE SAFETY ALERT
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SPECIAL_MILWAUKEE_SAFETY_ALERT.aspx
Those tracks are about to give and give during the Motor Company (H-D) 115th Bash. Sadly like some many things with the Motor Company of late, not a word out of them on this.
Wouldn’t have it be nice before (Street Car Line) got Green Lighted or Built that they would have put their weight behind stopping it?
Even now that the tracks are grabbing Two Wheel folks so far impacted a Motorcyclist and Bicyclist. Both were seriously hurt when their wheels got caught in the track grooves.
Trust me many more are going to get hurt the MKE Mayor stupid idea to comingle his little trains on very busy crowded streets. Let hope his play toy is very short lived before the Grown Up in Milwaukee demand these tracks are ripped out again – just like 50 years ago!!!
–Tim Tomann
tim.tomann@unitedleasinginc.com
Waukesha, WI
LOOKING FOR AN OLD ISSUE–
Message: Good morning, My dad is in the December 1968 issue of Choppers Magazine. The article is L.C.’s Panhead. I would love to get a copy of the original magazine.
Do you have any thoughts on how I could get a copy for him? He will be 80 at the end of October, and is still riding cross country, in fact he still has 6 motorcycles after giving me 2. I would really appreciate any help you may be able to offer. Sincerely, Heather Mann Dolores, Colorado
–Heather Mann
970 739-3951
maidenivy@yahoo.com
NEW CLASSIC COMING TO BIKERNET– Thanks so much for your good work.. Micah McCloskey was a pleasure to work with.
–Peter Linney
Certified Bikernet Feature Photographer
HARLEY REFUTES ‘MISINFORMATION’ ABOUT MOVING PRODUCTION OFFSHORE
Harley-Davidson Inc. Chief Executive Officer Matt Levatich pushed back against what he called “misinformation” surrounding the Motor Company’s announced plans to move some production overseas.
The iconic American motorcycle maker has been the subject of angry tweets from President Donald Trump since announcing in June it would move some production abroad to sidestep tariffs the European Union slapped on its bikes in retaliation to Trump’s tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.
According to Bloomberg business news, “the spat heated up recently when President Trump said he would support a boycott of the company if it moved production overseas.” Trump’s pronouncement that “A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never!,” came a day after he welcomed nearly 200 ‘Bikers For Trump’ supporters to his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, and a New York Times article cited some Harley-Davidson owners criticizing the company at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally saying this was their last Harley.
Levatich said that the uproar surrounding the company’s earlier announcement that it would move some of its production overseas “misinformation”. He reminded employees and dealers that the purpose of this move is to keep their products competitive in their second biggest market. Harley doesn’t sell motorcycles in the U.S. that are built overseas, and that won’t change, Levatich said.
–Bill Bish
More from Bill’s NCOM Rights report tomorrow on Bikernet. Why did Harley wait so long to make this announcement?—Bandit
ANOTHER WEEK FLYING AT US—I’m hoping for word on the Salt Torpedo this week. Rick Krost of US Choppers is planning a run and hoping to hear from Ron at Paughco, soon.
The Salt Torpedo is coming home for final assembly. I can’t wait. I want make a pass at the Bonneville International Speed Trials next year. The trials for this year are about to happen. Salt conditions are the best they’ve been in years.
This week is going to be exciting. We’ve decided to replace Frankie’s girder front end, on his FXR, with a 39 or 49mm narrow glide from Custom Cycle engineering. It needs to be about 40 inches from the bottom of the top triple tree to the axle. We might install his gas tank today.
I’m working on part two of this classic Cantina series episode. We’ve got to save Sin Wu before it’s too late.
Hal Robinson is coming back exclusively in the 5-Ball Racing Garage and Crank and Stroker. Don’t miss a shot at classic prints and t-shirts from the past.
I know there’s more, but I’m trying to stay mellow and laid back. Trying to decide if I’m going to the Meeting of the Minds in Denver.
We need to ride free forever,
–Bandit
