Hey,
Life is nuts and then you die. I find it crazy how some folks want to turn a recommendation into a law. They seem to want control. They want to find reasons for control, or maybe they want others to handle the issue for them. I wonder if a University ever took on the study of control?
I suppose if you grow up surrounded by regulation, you might get accustomed to them. Maybe you use the regs to control others. Okay, so this virus is causing the regulators to surface again. It’s not enough to recommend that we stay 6-feet apart, some folks want that put into some kind of law, then enforced, fined and ultimately jailed.
On the other-hand I prefer suggestions, knowledge and choice. I experienced a 6-foot test over the last couple of days. Day one, social distancing was acutely administered and followed. Day Two, a friend had his art gallery broken into, a gate and four doors were damaged. I hauled ass over there to help with some welding issues and then called Kyle to fix the electrical. Zack showed up and Emilio’s brother, Mario helped with the wooden pieces. We worked almost 10 hours straight to secure the building. We were way too close throughout the day, but we had no choice. We had to finish the job in close quarters. As far as I know, we’re all still alive.
Day three, I stayed in the Bikernet Headquarters except to peel to the Post Office. I mailed a 5-Ball leather jacket, and then stopped to pick up the Salt Torpedo painted body from Mr. Vasquez. Okay, the post office was locked down in plastic barriers, and Mr. Vasquez and his wife never heard of Corona except the beer. Then I got home, Zack popped over and helped unload the Body, and later I met with an sharp investment guru who only rides a dresser, is an Iraq veteran, a 12-year Marine, and he immediately wanted to shake my hand. It’s all over the place. I’m not about to call a cop every time someone wants to get too close. Fuck it, let’s party.
After the news, I’ll tell you more about investments and opportunities in a down market.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CLICK.DELIVER.RIDE PROGRAM–New Online Ordering & Home-Delivery Service Aims to Support Dealer Network & Riders Looking to Buy
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced its Click.Deliver.Ride program, providing riders with of the option of purchasing a motorcycle from the comfort of their own home. Riders have long had the ability to search for their desired model and customize it to their preference, but they can now work with their local dealer, either online or via phone, to complete their purchase and have their dream bike delivered right to their doorstep.
In the same way that Click.Deliver.Ride is providing Indian Motorcycle’s customers with convenience, it is adding value to its network of dealers as well. Dealers play a crucial role in their local communities and economies, which is why Indian Motorcycle has dedicated itself to help them navigate through this unprecedented business situation, with Click.Deliver.Ride at the forefront.
“Over the last month, we’ve all had to adjust to a new way of life and have had to alter the ways in which we conduct our business,” said Mike Dougherty, Indian Motorcycle President. “Our hope is that Click.Deliver.Ride. will help bring peace of mind to both our loyal customers and our network of dealers.”
Click.Deliver.Ride. is available for a limited time only at participating dealers based on applicable laws and is subject to change. To learn more visit: https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/click-deliver-ride/ and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER FINDINGS–Side affects of the virus threat. Some good some not so much but all great for a smile,
Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.
· I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I’m cracking a safe.
· I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.
· Still haven’t decided where to go for Easter —– The Living Room or The Bedroom
· PSA: every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.
· Home-schooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job.
· I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks we’d go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone
· This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog….. and,we laughed our heads off.
· So, after this quarantine…..will the producers of My 600 Pound Life just find me or do I find them?
· Quarantine Day 5: Went to this restaurant called THE KITCHEN. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business.
· My body has absorbed so much soap and disinfectant lately that when I pee it cleans the toilet.
· Day 5 of Homeschooling: One of these little monsters called in a bomb threat.
· I’m so excited — it’s time to take out the garbage. What should I wear?
· I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to ‘’Puerto Backyarda’’. I’m getting tired of ‘’Los Livingroom’’.
· Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.
· Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said “I hope I don’t have the same teacher next year”…. I’m offended.
–from Bob Clark
WILD FROM WATHER BB GUN–PPS M2 CO2 BLOWBACK AIRSOFT PISTOL KIT
SKU: WA20A-A222
Practice at home! The Walther PPS M2 blowback airsoft pistol allows you a cost-effective way to maintain and sharpen your skills! This kit includes the Walther PPS Blowback Airsoft Pistol, 1 extra magazine, 2700 6mm BB’s, and 12 cartridges of Umarex CO2, enough for 2700 shots. Ships directly to your door! No FFL required! Legal in all 50 states! Note: Item Shipped Separately through FedEx!
$109.99
AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Idaho
The state Senate is considering a bill that would ban vehicle operators from using handheld devices while driving.
The bipartisan bill, sponsored by five senators, is backed by the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety, police chiefs and United Heritage Insurance.
–AMA
NEW FROM THE BUCKLEGUY—Check Buckleguy.com with their new Collar Fastener!
We are excited to introduce our new Collar Fastener – AKA – quick release latch. This collar fastener can be used as a bag flap closure, for belts, saddles, etc. It was originally used for the saddlery trade by connecting both sides of the horse collar.
As always, we create our hardware with low lead brass. Check out our line-up of the current finishes and sizes you will find on our site:
B9571 Collar Fastener:
Antique Brass: 1 1/4″ inch
Natural Brass: 1 1/4″ inch
Nickel Matte: 1 1/4″ inch
Nickel Plate: 1 1/4″ inch
Thank you everyone, and stay safe out there!
The Buckleguy Team
WWW.Buckleguy.com
FROM THE BIKERNET EDITORIAL BOARD–Puma and Kehring? Yup that gives him the same cred and biker vision that the Willie G crew had when he took over-not!
My brothers, they are on the train to hell and soon being owned by Honda or BMW or some suits in NY.
Glad we have the memories.
Stay safe
Btw Did you see the latest models aimed at women and hipsters? Horrid man, horrid.
Bring back Lou kimsey and bandit.
–Geno
https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/04/07/why-harley-davidson-skidded-38-in-march.aspx
SMOKE SHIELDS FROM BILTWELL— Smoke Shields are in Stock Now
Easy Upgrade!
Replacement shields for Lane Splitter and Gringo S helmets are injection molded with highly scratch-and impact-resistant polycarbonate thermoplastic.
Our latest Gen-2 shields fit all Gringo S or Lane Splitter models because they ship with an all-new baseplate kit. These baseplates have an improved mechanism that results in firmer detents for three open positions. Anti-fog treatment included for maximum optical clarity.
AMERICAN TOMAHAWK STEEL–
80CRV2 Carbon Steel – Preferred steel by our customers for tomahawks and axes
Mini Jenny Family
Jenny Wren Family
S13 and Shrike
L13 and Loggerhead
Ragnarok
Snuggles
Kestrel
Kestrel Feather
Combat Africa (Knife)
Snowflake Throwing Star
Although mistaken to be the new kid on the block, 80CrV2 has actually been around for ages under the common nickname “Swedish saw steel.”A high carbon chrome-vanadium, 80CrV2 is a tough as nails workhorse steel. It provides the essential qualities of a 1080-series steel, with all the perks of a high chrome steel like 5160. 80CRV2 is a high-carbon spring steel, in basic terms it’s essentially a CS80 type steel with extra chromium, nickel and vanadium. This gives the material a higher hardness once heat treated. 80CRV2 is excellent for grinding and forging application.
52100 Tool Steel
Nomad (Knife)
Weezerker
Outpost
Knighthawk
Bushcrafter
This is high-carbon tool steel. It typically has .98-1.10% carbon. This steel is harder than many others, and consequently it holds an edge well. This is one of the best steels to use if you are worried about it holding an edge. This material is used often for hunting knives. Ed Fowler is owed some credit in popularizing 52100 as a knife steel in modern times. He has produced many knives in 52100 and wrote extensively about its virtues in Knife Talk columns in blade magazine.
Ed was introduced to 52100 in the form of ball bearings sent to him by Wayne Goddard [5], another influential knife-maker who regularly wrote for Blade magazine. Because bearings were a relatively common form of high-carbon scrap steel, its use in knives extends back much further, of course. Knives produced as far back as the 1940’s in 52100 have been reported, including knives by William Scagel.
CPM-3V Tool Steel
Raider Dagger
Drake
Wyvern
Raven
Tusk Prybar
Quill Awl
CPM-3V made by the Crucible®Particle Metallurgy process, is designed to provide maximum resistance to breakage and chipping in a highly wear-resistant tool steel. CPM-3V offers impact toughness greater than A2, D2, Cru-Wear® or CPM® M4, approaching the levels of S7 and other shock resistant grades, yet it provides excellent wear resistance, high hardness and thermal stability for coatings. Intended to be used at HRC 58-60, CPM-3V can replace high-alloy tool steels in wear applications where chronic tool breakage and chipping problems are encountered. The CPM process produces very homogeneous, high-quality steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, “grindability”, and toughness compared to steels produced by conventional processes.
1075 Tool Steel – Used for these models when we couldn’t get 80CRV2
Kestrel Feather
Kestrel Trail Light
Ragnarok
Kukri
Snuggles
1075 is frequently used for larger blades and swords, but used just as regularly in everything from Bowies to kitchen knives. 1075 is tough, durable, and hypo-eutectic, which means it is very forgiving during heat treatment across a wide range of quenching fluids employed by the knife community—a very convenient option when one does not have access to some heat treat equipment and materials that benefit hyper-eutectoid steels like 1095 or W2.
Nitro-V Stainless Steel – Used for the majority of our knives
Sparrow
Coho
UCAP
Unmei
Dragonfly
Jungle Combat
Korbin
Nitro-V is a stainless steel sold by New Jersey Steel Baron which was first released in 2017. The steel was designed and produced in collaboration with Buderus Steel as a version of Uddeholm AEB-L modified with nitrogen and vanadium. Another obvious comparison is with 14C28N which was designed as a version of 13C26 modified for improved corrosion resistance. 13C26 is nearly identical to AEB-L but produced by Sandvik. You can read more about the history of AEB-L, 13C26, and 14C28N.
–Agent Zebra
www.AmericanTomahawk.com
AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Maryland
State Delegate Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County, Hartford County) has reintroduced a bill that would allow lane splitting in Maryland, as well as require state agencies to create guidelines for safe lane splitting and ways to incorporate the practice into rider education.
This is just the second time a lane splitting bill has been introduced in Maryland. This bill would require that the state agencies, including the Motor Vehicle Administration and State Highway Administration, develop guidelines for safe and appropriate lane splitting for motorcyclists and other road users.
Also, in Maryland, S.B. 237 would make motorcycle helmets optional for riders and passengers if the motorcycle operator is 21 or older, has at least two years of riding experience and has completed an approved safety course.
Similar bills were introduced in each session of the General Assembly since 2016, but failed to advance out of committee.
.jpg)
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN– A tender attorney story…
A tender-hearted attorney story
One afternoon a lawyer was riding in his limousine when he saw two men along the roadside eating grass. Disturbed, he ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate.
He asked one man, “Why are you eating grass?” “We don’t have any money for food,” the poor man replied.”We have to eat grass.”
“Well, then, you can come with me to my house and I’ll feed you,” the lawyer said.
“But sir, I have a wife and two children with me. They are over there eating grass under that tree.”
“Bring them along,” the lawyer replied.
Turning to the second poor man he stated, “You may come with us, also.”
The other man, in a pitiful voice, then said, “But sir, I also have a wife and six children with me!”
“Bring them all as well,” the lawyer answered.
They all entered the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limousine.
Once underway, one of the poor fellows turned to the lawyer and said,
“Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you.”
The lawyer replied, “Glad to do it. You’ll really love my place.
The grass is almost a foot high.”
Come on . . did you really think there was such a thing as a heartwarming lawyer story?
Look at Congress — over 300 Lawyers!!!
–EL Waggs
Prominent Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Library
5-BALL RACING SALT TORPEDO UPDATE–Yesterday, the new axle arrived. I removed the exhaust system and took it to my guy at San Pedro Muffler. Tim called the next day. It’s finished.
I picked up the body yesterday. I need to find a place to fix the wheels and pick up the exhaust system tomorrow. These are essential items for our Bonneville effort.
Waiting on steering arms and rods from Eddie.
–Bandit
SADDLEMAN SEAT OF THE WEEK—
Selecting the proper Saddlemen seat should begin with the question, “How long in the saddle and riding style or preference?” Knowing the comfort a rider will need will aim them at the best type of seats for their intended use, and then they can further hone their choice by looking at seats that would that complement their motorcycle and styling preference.
Saddlemen seats are a result of Integrated Design Philosophy (IDP™), which focuses on putting as much comfort into the seat as possible. IDP™ then takes styling cues from each motorcycle and incorporates them into the contours and patterns of each new seat. The result is a seat that is as comfortable as possible but also looks and fits perfectly on the motorcycle. Saddlemen’s craftsmanship and quality assure you of an enjoyable ride – regardless of the distance.
By combining the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel and advanced Progressive Density Foam, we create exceptional foundations that provide superior comfort and vehicle control. While thick seat foams are usually more comfortable, Saddlemen’s Gel-Core technology is used in every seat to produce excellent comfort regardless of its thickness. That’s why a slammed-down Saddlemen seat, such as the Profiler, rides so much more comfortably than other seats of a similar thickness. So if a thin Saddlemen seat is comfortable, imagine how plush a thick seat like a Road Sofa or an Explorer will be.
When creating a new seat, additional attention is always devoted to overcoming deficiencies that exist in the stock seat or other aftermarket seats. Our designers use advanced engineering plus practical riding experience to forge seats that ride comfortably, look great, and fit perfectly. For example, rigid plastic or resin-based seat pans with plated brackets provide superior fitment for easy, hassle-free installation. Riders will need to carefully study the attributes of each Saddlemen seat so they can learn how it can improve their riding experience. These seat types are:
Seats for Long Distance or “Touring”
These seats are aimed at users who will lay down 500+ miles open road in a day. Large, plush double bucket seats designed to keep rider and passenger in supreme comfort during long-distance riding.
Day Cruising Two-up Seats
These seats are great for cruising and day trips (200-mile tours). Still a significant improvement in the comfort of the original saddle, these seats aim for a balance between style and comfort, making for an enjoyable journey.
Low Profile Two-up Seats
Low slung trim, stylish seats that include seating for a passenger. The lean and minimalistic approach significantly complements the motorcycle’s lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for (urban) boulevard cruising.
Renegade Solo & Pillions
These Rider-only seats are also great for cruising and day trips as they provide a superb level of comfort while looking great as only a solo saddle can. Matching pillion seats are available.
Slammed Solo’s (S3) Seats
Low slung trim, stylish seats for lone riders. The lean and minimalistic style complements the motorcycle’s lines. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but they are the most comfortable slammed-down seats you can get. Great for casual riding (no backrest options – see Universal Detachable Pillions Pad for passenger seating).
Pro Series Seats
Saddlemen’s seat artisans occasionally partner with leading bike builders to create special edition seats. Not as well suited for long-distance use as an Explorer seat, but very comfortable for urban cruising with a unique appearance.
Café Seats
Specialty rider-only seats that feature the ubiquitous hump at the back of the seat. While aimed at style, the seat is very comfortable for urban cruising.
Above is the:
1996-2003 FXD Dyna Hog Killers Pro Series
Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXD Dyna (excludes FXDWG)
Year Fitment: 1996-2003
[page break]
VA to retired federal health care clinicians– Help us fight COVID-19. After OPM action, VA invites retired medical personnel back to work
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved a request from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on March 19 to waive a section of federal law that governs retired VA workers.
The waiver makes it easier for the department to rehire retired VA health care workers and will help VA health care facilities bolster their medical staffs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
VA is implementing the authority and could begin hiring actions as soon as this week.
As a result, VA is inviting interested retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists and other medical professionals to register online.
VA is especially looking for health care providers with interest and expertise in:
Direct patient care/support (at a VA medical center and/or outpatient clinic)
As a re-employed annuitant, you receive your Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) annuities, as well as a paycheck as a federal employee. The waiver is in effect until March 31, 2021, according to OPM.
Choose VA
APPLY to work at VA as a reemployed annuitant.
For the latest VA updates on coronavirus and commonsense tips on preventing its spread, visit https://www.va.gov/coronavirus.
For more information about coronavirus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
FROM REVIVAL CYCLES–HOMEGROWN: BARRY WEATHERALL’S 1982 HONDA CB 900F, ELEANOR–When Barry Weatherall got his hands on a 1982 Honda CB 900F, two boxes of extra parts and a clean title for $500, he decided it was time to pay homage to the Eleanor Mustang, one of the most iconic American cars ever.
He grew up riding in the back of his Dad’s 1970 Mach 1, which eventually became his. He wanted to relive the experience he had as a kid in details, the seat leather, wood color of the steering wheel, and he referenced in the metalwork the Eleanor fastback lines.
He chased the mice out of the pipes and bugs out of the dark recesses by firing it up. Thankfully it did run, “…though it smoked like a backwoods barbecue shack.”
His initial budget was $3000, the final cost ran just under $3400, bike included. He spent the money where it mattered: engine, carbs and electrical were Barry’s priorities. “My main concern was making the bike run well, look right to me and fit my size well.”
He laid claim to a job-lot of sheet/bar/tube metal from a company that was just about to throw it in the dumpster. He fabricated the tail, headlight, side covers and cowling.
“At home, they joke about me: they say I build stuff in a cave with a box of scraps like Tony Stark.”
Barry modified the frame and existing swingarm for a mono-shock conversion. This was his first single shock build so he went to several sites to check math and angles. He eventually decided on a Hagon from a Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans.
He did a top-end rebuild. It’s a lower mileage bike but the valves and pistons were badly fouled. After clean-ups, he checked parts for spec. He fitted OEM Honda Rings, new seals and gaskets. He installed a new stator/rotor, a DynaTech ignition and coils, and replaced the clutch springs.
The new Mikuni RS34 carbs were fitted with Mikuni velocity stacks and were re-jetted, and these provided one of the high points of the build “Firing up the engine and hearing a smooth idle and snappy throttle response was great, I got the jetting correct.”
Barry came shopping at the Revival webstore and purchased the Revival Universal Starter Solenoid With Main Fuse, Revival Deluxe m-Unit Wiring Kit, a Motogadget m- Unit Blue, a Motogadget m-Button, Antigravity battery and reg rec, and Posh Factory Waffle Cafe Racer Grips.
Other key components were PX airfilters, NGK Spark Plug Wires, Dyna 2000 Ignition/Coil Kit, Tommaselli Clip-ons, a 7″ Hi-Low LED Daymaker Headlight for a Harley, Bridgestone Battlax BT45 110/80-18 58V Front, and a 150/70-18 rear, plus a bunch of inexpensive, made and recycled parts.
Barry asked his wife to sew the seat but everything else but tire mounting was done in the garage. “I really wanted to send it out for powder coating but the budget dictated I paint it myself.”
The low point of the build was having to rework the wiring, his first pass of fitting components in the electrical bay needed adjustments. He was dogged with grounding issues which he discovered 20 miles into a test ride with “…. the accompanying terror of a bike dying on a dark country highway with 18-wheelers barreling down on you.”
Overall Barry is satisfied with how it runs and feels. He’s 6′ 3″, so the bike is designed to sit up a little taller and works well for long rides, and he can tuck in nicely when going fast and cornering.
“As I was making parts most people didn’t “see” what I was going for, but as the bike came together it was great to have someone look and get the references to the Mustang.”
Eleanor is a keeper. As Barry explains: “I’ve never kept a permanent bike before: I usually build a bike, ride it for a year or two before selling it, but I think Eleanor is my first keeper. This one stays with me.”
BIKERNET BANDANA MASKS—Brother’s and sisters are using Bikernet Bandanas as masks. Sin Wu is actually making official masks using Bikernet Bandanas and elastic bands.
Let me know if you would like me to offer them for sale. They’ll be about 22 bucks which will include shipping. They will be hand made by Sin Wu.
–Bandit
FACTORY NEWS–Harley Accepts Investor Board Appointee Plan.
Harley-Davidson has resolved the dispute it found itself in with activist investor Bob Bishop’s Impala Asset Management (owner of more than 1% of H-D stock) and accepted a compromise, allowing Impala to propose one appointee of its choice to the board of Harley-Davidson.
Impala is said to have the backing of several other H-D private equity and institutional stockholders who share Bob Bishop’s/Impala’s disquiet at the recent management of the company and the direction it has been taking. Bishop had initially been lobbying for it to be able to appoint two new directors to the H-D Board.
Meanwhile, H-D has changed its company bye-laws to allow the annual meeting and its board of director meetings to happen remotely/virtually by video conference – which may well please German acting CEO Jochen Zeitz who, apparently, is scrabbling for a Green Card after stepping in to fill the breach left by the departure of Matt Levatich.
His position at the helm of Harley-Davidson, be it temporary or otherwise, is clearly not a career move he had envisaged and what appears to have been a side hustle unexpectedly moved center stage in his life.
Zeitz, a H-D board member since 2007, has agreed to stay on as Chairman of Harley-Davidson once an executive search has found them a new, permanent CEO.
Meanwhile, radio silence from Milwaukee about any planning being done for Harley to restart production and, at this stage, when they anticipate that might be – unless you count announcements about a line of Performance Bagger custom parts and Stage 4 SE 128/131 kits for 2017 and up touring models as valid and valuable contributions to the times in which we live!
Stop Press
Apparently Harley-Davidson staff were told that they would be informed “on or around April 19” about the next stage in lifting the production shut-down, or not.
Prior to shut-down, around 50 percent of the required MY2021 Touring launch production vehicle builds had been completed, but it is unknown about whether the launch of Softails, Sportsters, Streets or LiveWires are done yet, nor if any production Bronx or Pan America models have been built. It is reported that the Bronx and Pan America launches had already slipped to November 2020 at the earliest anyway, for non-coronavirus reasons.
The increasingly widespread assumption is that Harley (and Indian probably) will have to push back their usual late August new model year release announcement. The planned August 23-26 Dealer Convention slated for the Music City Center, Nashville, Tennessee, must also be in doubt – indeed while the online venue calendar is still showing planned events there from June onward, it is not listing Harley’s convention – though that may just be because it is not a public admittance event.
–from DealerWorld
DEAL OF THE WEEK–Paid $5.00 for the 2012 at the dealership, Service Manager was getting rid of extras. 2007 used off EBay was not $5.00, but better than the dealership price. Think I paid $75.00 for the ‘97 Softail manual I used with the Little Red Rigid.
–RFR
Tech Correspondent
Bikernet.com™
DIRECT FROM THE WHITEHOUSE–Telehealth Plays Big Role in Coronavirus Cure
“As our country responds to the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, we are working rapidly to change the way we practice medicine to keep people safe,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams and CMS Administrator Seema Verma write in the Orlando Sentinel.
“One critical innovation is the use of telehealth, which allows patients to use smartphones, laptops, and other widely available technologies to connect with your healthcare team . . . For the duration of the pandemic, Medicare beneficiaries may now stay at home and use a commonly available interactive form of technology like FaceTime or Skype to have a telehealth office visit.”
BIKERNET COVID TASK FORCE FINDINGS–This is the first time in history we can save the human race by lying in front of the TV and doing nothing. Let’s not mess this up!!!
Wow… bars, clubs and gyms all closed. My life is about to be exactly the same!
Hey creative community! Just a reminder that Shakespeare was quarantined for the plague when he wrote King Lear. No pressure!!!
Also, highly contagious is kindness, patience, love, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Don’t wait to catch it from others…be the carrier!
Remember when we thought we were going to have a bad week because of the time change, full moon, and Friday the 13th? We didn’t have a clue!
Definition of irony: gas under three dollars a gallon and no place to go…
Home schooling going well – two students suspended for fighting, one teacher fired for drinking on the job!
Maybe now society will realize we can make it without celebrities and professional sports… but we can’t make it without farmers and ranchers!
Your grandparents were called to war. You’re being called to sit on your couch. You can do this!!
Stay inside, isolate or practice social distancing, keep yourself clean . . . I’ve become a house cat.
September morning 2050: John opened the last package of toilet paper bought by his parents in 2020.
If you need 144 rolls of toilet paper for a 14-day quarantine, you probably should have been seeing a doctor long before COVID-19.
Due to panic buying, Wal-Mart has opened register 3.
Pro tip: if you get pulled over, just start coughing.
All these kids who have been learning Common Core math are about to learn how to “Carry the One” from their new home school teachers.
That moment when you’re worried about the elderly and realize that you are the elderly…
Our cleaning lady just called and told us she will be working from home and will send us instructions about what to do.
I say we close down the media for 30 days and watch 80% of the world’s problems go away!
–from Sam Burns
Because of corona: LIQUI MOLY increases extra payment for all employees--Not really a bonus, but a “hardship allowance”
April 2020 – LIQUI MOLY is hiking its help for all employees. Ernst Prost, Managing Director of the German oil and additive specialist, describes this as a “hardship allowance”. Each employee will now receive an extra 500 euro, including temporary workers.
Because the daily work is currently taking place under such difficult conditions, “I am all the more pleased to be able to relieve you of at least some financial worries”. A few weeks ago, the company had already paid a corona consolation of 1000 euro to each employee.
In this letter to his colleagues, Ernst Prost explains that loyalty is not a one-way road. If a company wants their employees to be loyal, it needs to loyal to the employees, too.
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ON-LINE STUDENTS ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY– Jabberwocky
[ jab-er-wok-ee ]
noun,
An example of writing or speech consisting of or containing meaningless words.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF JABBERWOCKY?
Jabberwocky, “speech consisting of or containing meaningless words,” is a derivative of the name Jabberwock, a monster generally depicted as a dragon in a nonsense poem in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass (1871).
Concerning the etymology of Jabberwocky, Carroll himself wrote in a letter to students at Girls’ Latin School in Boston, Massachusetts (now Boston Latin Academy), “The Anglo-Saxon word wocer or wocor signifies ‘offspring or fruit.’ Taking jabber in its ordinary acceptation of ‘excited and voluble discussion,’ this would give the meaning of ‘the result of much excited and voluble discussion.’”
HOW IS JABBERWOCKY USED?
his face melts into a mask of sadness and despair, then sparkles with wit as he tells in a stream of jabberwocky the loopy story of a fop named Pongo Twistleton …
REX REED, “JOHN LITHGOW’S ‘STORIES BY HEART’ BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THE ONE-MAN SHOW,” OBSERVER, JANUARY 16, 2018
AMA NEWS–South Dakota
The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club is opposing the annexation of its land by the city of Sturgis, saying the estimated $2,500-a-year increase in property taxes would spell the demise of the 82-year-old organization. The council approved the annexation by a 6-1 vote, with one abstention.
[page break]
MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK--The Cycle Zombies were rock stars as fans came up to have pictures taken with them at the Annual Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod and Custom Show. Japan. Sunday, December 7, 2014.
Photograph ©2014 Michael Lichter.
If you are looking for an event print, a photo of a particular builder or bike, don’t hesitate to cruise over to www.Lichterphoto.com. He has just what you need.–Bandit
USING TURN SIGNALS on a Roundabout; Reader Comments Part 1
Editor’s Note: One thing we do know about roundabouts (traffic circles or rotaries), every driver has an opinion. There is something fundamental about stopping, yielding, and signaling that seems to create as much conflict on the road and strong opinions as almost anything we tackle.
Roundabouts, just like speed limits, are something that many drivers encounter every time they travel in their vehicles. Most understand the importance of making asset forfeiture laws fairer, but because it is more of an abstract idea for most people, they aren’t as opinionated or emotionally involved.
Last week we asked for your comments and received more comments on Newsletter #585, than any other. Over the next couple of weeks, the newsletter will be devoted to those comments.
Readers’ Comments Part 1
Turn signals should not be required in roundabouts. Why? Fundamentally, roundabouts have their own unique set of rules that make signaling superfluous. Follow the rules, and drivers are inherently safe.
But there’s another important issue to consider. Roundabouts require a great deal of concentration and focus on monitoring what other drivers are doing while negotiating where to exit and from which lane.
–Jim Garry, New York
In Switzerland and Germany, roundabouts are everywhere. But as I tell my friends about America, “If Americans don’t invent it, it’s not good.” Europeans signal in roundabouts just as DefensiveDriving.com describes. And they always do.
–James Crue, Minnesota
DefensiveDriving.com’s signaling guidelines for roundabouts (which is what the British call them – many Americans call them traffic circles and those in New England, call them rotaries) are, for the most part, sensible. Except for the third section, “When turning left (last exit/three-quarters around), signal left upon entering, switch to the right as you come to the exit” is illogical and sure to confuse other motorists. It is akin to signaling left then right at a typical intersection when you intend to turn right and then turn left down the road at the next corner.
–Michael Lawler, California
–James, Texas
–Pat, Arizona
In 1972, while driving in Mexico City on my way to Acapulco, I was trying to enter a large roundabout (that were all over the city) without success because it was so crowded, and nobody would let us in.
–Jeff Talbot, Oregon
I can find no viable reason for signaling before entering a roundabout since all vehicles need to reduce their speeds beforehand. Cars should uniformly enter each roundabout; that includes yielding to traffic from the left, enforced with the posting of a Yield sign at each point of entry.
I can find no other purpose for signaling at a roundabout, except to indicate an intent to exit a roundabout at a particular road, and that’s always to the right.
–Donald, Wisconsin
–Mike Siedlecki, Oregon
–Jim Ely, Virginia
This was an excellent article about how ticket-issuing police forces can exploit unclear laws. I think about this gap in the law every time I use the roundabout near my home.
I don’t know what “DefensiveDriving.com” is, but their advice is dubious. There is no reason to signal upon entering a roundabout, as traffic in the circle has the right of way, and there is only one place for an entering car to go. Signaling a left turn makes no sense.
I have begun signaling a right turn before leaving a roundabout, if I need to change lanes, and as a courtesy to drivers who may be waiting to enter downstream.
–Aarne Frobom, Michigan, NMA Foundation Director
Join the NMA Today!
Support the NMA and the NMA Foundation
Our mailing address is:
402 W. 2nd Street
Waunakee, WI 53597
nma@motorists.org
www.motorists.org
608/849-6000
Comoto Holding Donates Thousands
of Goggles to Fight COVID-19– While waiting for supplies of medical personal protection equipment, dirt bike riding nurses from Central California reached out to Rodger O’Keefe, Cycle Gear’s vice president of retail store operations, and told him that doctors and nurses could actually use motorcycle goggles in the interim, to help protect them from the novel coronavirus.
That set things in motion at Comoto Holdings, parent company of Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and RevZilla. Ken Murphy, the company’s president and CEO, decided Comoto would donate $50,000 worth of inventory to hospitals and emergency management offices to help in the COVID-19 fight.
Not long after, Daniel Gómez with UCLA Health called the Cycle Gear store in Lomita, California, and asked about buying goggles in bulk – 2,000 of them. Store manager Anthony Thacker, who had heard about the donation plan, sent the request up the chain. A team quickly kicked into high gear to get the inventory picked, packed, and shipped, free of charge.
“Within 24 hours, I had spoken to Daniel and told him that we would send the 2,000 goggles he had asked about,” said Martina Mansell, Comoto’s communications & community relations specialist, who managed the donations. Anyone interested in getting involved with further assistance can contact Mansell at martina@revzilla.com.
GUN NUT REPORT, TOO MUCH OR NOT ENOUGH?–
You may have heard on the news about a Southern California man who was put under 72-hour psychiatric observation when it was found he owned 100 guns and allegedly had 100,000 rounds of ammunition stored in his home.
The house also featured a secret escape tunnel.
By Southern California standards, someone owning 100,000 rounds is considered “mentally unstable.”
BUT…
In Michigan, he’d be called “the last white guy still living in Detroit.”
In Arizona, he’d be called “an avid gun collector.”
In Arkansas, he’d be called “a novice gun collector.”
In Utah, he’d be called “moderately well prepared,” but they’d probably reserve judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food.”
In Kansas, he’d be “A guy down the road you would want to have for a friend.”
In Montana, he’d be called “The neighborhood ‘Go-To’ guy.”
In Idaho, he’d be called “a likely gubernatorial candidate.”
In Georgia, he’d be called “an eligible bachelor.”
In North Carolina, Virginia, WV, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina and Minnesota he would be called “a deer hunting buddy.”
AND OF COURSE
In Texas he’d just be “Bubba; who’s a little short on Ammo.”
–by Sam Atchley
–from Sam Burns
AMA LEGISLATIVE NEWS–Connecticut
The Town of South Windsor was unprepared for the overwhelming opposition it faced in February when Mayor Andrew Paterna proposed a ban on ATVs.
Paterna said a small number of ATV riders had trespassed on and damaged some farms, and at least one resident complained about excessive sound from ATVs.
But, when word got out that the ban would be considered, motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts packed the meeting chamber. A report from TV station WFSB stated that, “Every town resident who spoke at the Monday night meeting spoke out against the proposal.”
Paterna confirmed to the AMA that the proposal will not be reintroduced.
–AMA
ARCH MOTORCYCLE OF THE MONTH–
The ARCH KRGT-1 sets a new benchmark for the performance cruiser category. Powered by an ARCH / S&S 124ci V-Twin and with a distinctive aggressive profile the KRGT-1 is equally at home cruising highways or carving canyon roads.
The ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1 features bespoke Ohlins / ARCH suspension front and rear, coupled with BST carbon wheels which reduce unspring mass. These elements work as part of a chassis architecture developed to deliver incredible feedback and control. An all new ARCH / Bosch ABS system is fitted as standard, working with ISR radial calipers for optimum response and safety.
The 124ci S&S V-Twin engine is tuned to deliver high torque on demand with enhanced performance through a unique ARCH downdraft breathing system incorporated between the stunning billet aluminum tank halves.
www.archmotorcycles.com
IT NEVER ENDS—We will overcome and party again soon. Imagine the party in Sturgis this year!
Okay, I’ve had folks call me in a panic about the stock market. They see the market slipping and they want to sell. The Code of the West in the stock market is buy low and sell high. If you see the market sliding, buy more stock. It will come back and this is how wealthy folks get stupid wealthy. When everything goes to shit, they buy a ton of solid stocks and make out like Bandits.
I’ve been coaching kids around me to open stock accounts. One option is Charles Schwab. Charles doesn’t charge commissions. We’ve lived through strange times, when many young folks don’t know shit about building equity in their lives. Their folks, if they had any, were too busy drinking and getting divorced, and then struggling.
I tell kids (including my grandkids and local young riders), they can build equity in many ways, from artistic endeavors, like David Ulh, the master, building motorcycles, buying stocks, start a business, investing in real estate, you name it. Or getting involved in all of the above. It’s best to diversify because where one market slips another-one grows. The stock market is an easy one. You don’t need to sweat over trying to start a business, you just invest in someone else’s business and sit back and watch.
This Covid stumbling block is an interesting test and lesson in being prepared for hard times, retirement, illness or financial setbacks. We’ve been so lucky to live through exceptional times, but life has it’s obstacles and we need to be prepared as best we can.
So, we can ride fast and free, forever!
–Bandit
