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THE CASE FOR FOSSIL FUELS NOT ACTUALLY BEING FOSSIL FUELS




How did fossils become fuels? This is a question that will never be answered. Because fossils never became fuels. So therefore, there is no reason to assume that the amount of oil in existence is limited to the body-count of the dinosaur population. It could be that there is just oil. And apparently a lot of it.

Now, even if you say that, that there is no such thing as a fossil fuel, no one believes it. Even if you prove it, no one will believe it. For modern man, coming to grips with the reality and fact that fossils never become fuels is more than the sanity of modern man can withstand.

The next hardest thing for modern man to believe would be that there is actually no other “intelligent” life in the universe. (I will define intelligence in this context as “a cooperative effort between at least two ‘people’ towards technological advancement via machines.”)



Based on the evidence – for which there is none – this is still a sane assumption. Unlike the fossil fuel thing. Which is an INsane assertion. Not an assumption at all. Of course, one can always speculate. Speculation often leads to a search for evidence. So, speculation is good. It’s healthy. It’s constructive. So, there is no actual reason to conclude that there is any other intelligent material, verifiable, life in the entire universe other than earthly humans. But it is possible. Unlike the existence of fossil fuels. Which is impossible. No amount of speculation can justify the conclusion that oil comes from fossils. And yet it’s fossil fuel. Even though fossil fuel of ANY kind is impossible.

This is all going somewhere and where it’s going is to show you that morons are guiding your life.

Stating that there is no such thing as fossil fuel gets even more emotional resistance than stating there is only earth-based intelligent life in the universe. Even though even EYE can present the case that there actually is no such thing as fossil fuel. And I’m on on Bikernet. Hey, I hear ya: that means I have NO credentials. True. But I do have a fucking brain. I know what you’re saying, “That’s impossible, you’re on Bikernet.”

Are you done? Have your fun and let’s move on. Jesus.



So, how can this be, that the statement that there is no other intelligent life in the universe utterance is speculative; and the statement that there’s no such thing as a fossil fuel – which is idiotic – both garner the same amount of emotional resistance; when one is speculative; and the other is out and out stupid. They both meet equal resistance. How can this be.

Well, one possibility is that the intelligent species on earth have a lot of really stupid, airheaded members in it.

And this is the one I’m going with.

You’ll notice no one ever explains the process by which a dead giant lizard or pre-bird or whatever dinosaurs were….become oil, coal, or methane. Even if asked. Which no one ever does. But I’ll ask it now! How does that happen? Well, If I was asking this of myself and if I was stupid I would say “Well, they sunk down at death.” Why this would happen in an allegedly lush swampy environment filled with predators and bugs and environmental decay is hard to explain.

Most things that die on this planet get eaten. They don’t sink. Not to mention that dead dinosaurs were turned into dung. Via something else eating away at their carcasses. Thus, making oil into shit-fuel. Not fossil fuel. Well, we do have shit fuel, that’s a fact, but it becomes fire. If you set fire to it. It doesn’t become petroleum or coal or methane. A dead dinosaur can methane the environment, but via a fart. But farts do not sink. Maybe farts did back in the past. Like, ya know, the sinking dinosaurs did. But that would be..….what would be the word. Oh, yeah: stupid. Dinosaur farts take to the air. They don’t burrow into the ground. Unlike, apparently, dinosaur bodies.

And apparently the dead dinosaurs fell in groups. Not individually. Which is why you don’t find quart-sized amounts of oil in an oilwell containing just one dinosaur. Which means the dinosaurs descended into the earth in herds. So that the oil could collect into billion-gallon vacant spaces beneath the earth. All over the earth.

And under the sea: where the dinosaur fish sank after death. Endless dying and sinking in great piles of dead bodies all falling onto terrain and then burrowing out of the sheer weight of the bodies down into the caverns below and dripping their petroleum essence into the caverns and filling them up, the sinking going down thousands of feet perhaps to the center of the earth where the most vast amounts of dead dinosaurs now lie, in an oil-cored planet earth.




Then there’s the coal issue. Coal does not come from dinosaurs, no, coal comes from prehistoric forests and swamps and steamy globe-circling hot sweaty science-fiction-level lost worlds of ichor, snakes and flying reptilian bats the size of Piper Cubs.

These forests also sank but not in a solitary gradual descent like the bodies of diseased dinosaurs, but rather flattened and then reflattened by the next – I guess – layer of murk and swamp and sweat and insects, which then died and then the new replacement covering grew on top of that and this went on and on with all the layers flattening on top of each other and then turning to coal. Not marshmallows. Not porridge. Coal.

Primordial forests apparently didn’t just exist with isolated variations in age wherein this tree dies, next year that tree dies, those trees get knocked down by a dinosaur fight with King Kong and they die, with the overall forest and swamp just staying put. No, everything dies: lays down; new stuff grows; that all dies; new stuff grows, that dies, and all this layering happens pushing eons and eons of layered dead swamps farther and tighter together and they become coal.

If you were to ever take an actual fossil, drain your gas tank and put the fossil into it, say a stegosaurus thigh bone, close up the tank and turn the starter motor, that engine would never kick over. Because an actual fossil in your gas tank…..would have to be in a fossil tank, not a gas tank, to have any hope of having the car start. But there are no fossil tanks. Because oil does not come from fossils. It comes from itself. Like gold does. Like granite does. Like water does. Like mercury does. Like sulphur does. Oil’s like that. It’s just fucking there. So, you put your gas, which comes from oil, not fossils, into a gas tank. Not a fossil tank. So that you can start your engine. And it works!



Now you might ask, “Then why is it called fossil fuel?” I don’t know. Who cares. Here’s the point: if bureaucrats and journalists don’t know what oil actually IS and think it comes from sinking fucking lizards……how do they know its use IS AFFECTING THE FUCKING WEATHER? SO THAT YOU NEED TO STOP DRIVING??? TO SAVE THE PLANET??

The answer is they don’t. They’re just fucking with you. Because it’s easy and fun. And in a sense, who could blame ‘em? After all, you think there’s fossil fuel. So, you might believe anything. Even Gavin Newsom. Or Klaus Schwab. Or Greta Thunberg. Or John Kerry. Or Nancy Pelosi. Or Kamala Harris. Or Chuck Schumer. Or the CDC. Or, god help us, A. O. fucking C.

–J.J. Solari



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HOLIDAY BLUES BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 8, 2022

Hey,

Everyone gets the blues during the holidays. They can’t buy all the wonderful gifts they would like. They can’t visit all the folks they want to see. They wish they could attend all the festive events available, maybe even in faraway places.

On the other hand, every day is a celebration of life, joy, giving, chrome, metalflake, boobs, whiskey and open roads. Sure, you want to buy more shit for your pals, but fuck-it. You need bike parts and something engraved.

We did a piece on the last Evo Sportster to roll off the factory assembly line, Sportster history and what’s coming from Harley and Indian. The next major piece will cover the state of Chopper magazines in the USA. I want your impression of these rags and I will reach out to the leaders to see what their thoughts are on their titles. We will cover Cycle Source, the Hot Bike effort, Choppers Magazine, Easyriders, a magazine called Vahna that was forced to change their name, but kept rolling out of Denver.

We heard a rumor that paper pricing will double next year and we want to find out how that might impact the market. Hang on and send me your thoughts.

Let’s hit the news:

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION: CHOPPERFEST HELD OVER DUE TO IMPENDING STORM–
 
As many of you have noticed and have been calling us about, a storm is hitting So Cal this weekend, especially in Ventura, CA, where multiple weather apps forecast an inch or more rain between Sat-Sun.

With this news, we have made the tough decision to reschedule the event, as we did back in 2018. The rescheduled date will be Sunday, February 12th, 2023. All GA tickets, bike show registrations, and vendor spaces will transfer to the new date.

The artists, bike builders, vendors, and sponsors work too hard all year to create great stuff for the show. We can’t put on the show in the rain and risk poor attendance for them. We wanted to give you as much notice as possible to adjust your plans. Please help us spread the word so as not to inconvenience anyone. Thank you for understanding, and we hope to see you in February.

–Tory

MIC GOVERNMENT REPORT— Supply Chain Does Not Go Off the Rails

Following a letter from some 400 organizations including the MIC, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. House and Senate took swift action to pass legislation preventing a rail strike that would have further disrupted an already hobbled supply chain.

Biden signed the legislation last week preventing a strike and ensuring that manufacturing and distribution around the country can continue uninterrupted.

The EPA Proposes More PFAS Reporting

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to eliminate an exemption that allows some industries and federal facilities to avoid reporting PFAS chemical use in small concentrations.

“PFAS continue to pose an urgent threat to our country and communities deserve to know if they may be exposed because of the way these chemicals are being managed, recycled, or released,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By removing this reporting loophole, we’re advancing the work set out in the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and ensuring that companies report information for even small concentrations of PFAS.”

According to the EPA, the “proposal reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to address the impacts of these forever chemicals, and advances EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to confront the human health and environmental risks of PFAS.”

Notifications of the proposal were sent to the MIC OE Technical Committee and the MIC PFAS Working Group. The MIC Government Relations Office is calling on affected powersports companies to submit their comments as soon as possible to MICGR@mic.org for inclusion in a collection of industry comments.

In powersports, PFAS chemicals can be found in or used to produce products such as riding gear, vehicle components resistant to heat, fuel, and chemicals, as well as semiconductors and chrome plating. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of synthetic chemicals used for decades in a wide range of consumer products.

–MIC

“This is another topic that needs scientific transparency. How many people have died or got cancer behind these products? Questions need to be studied and answered before we put more businesses in jeopardy including the magazine industry.

They need to be studied for two reasons. We need to stop them if they prove seriously harmful and we need to stop restrictions if they are not.”

–Bandit

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM MERRY MERRY–The Harley-Davidson Museum campus is lit for the holidays!

Get set for 12 Days of Holiday Fun, Mele Kalikimaka at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant and the H-D Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit this December!

MILWAUKEE, USA (Dec. 6, 2022) – Your presence is our present at the Harley-Davidson Museum this holiday season! Beginning this week, the H-D Museum campus has been made over into a winter wonderland. From unique photo ops among dazzling lights and sparkling bikes to visits from Saint Nick (be sure to make your reservation for Breakfast with Santa at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, which has been made over to celebrate Executive Chef Sione Moonia’s Hawaiian heritage).

There are loads of gift ideas at the Harley-Davidson Shop and the Harley-Davidson Factory Shop, you’d be forgiven if you step onto the crossroads of 6th and Canal and think you’re at the North Pole. It’s all a part of the H-D Museum’s 12 Days of Holiday Fun (Dec. 7 – 18).

Plus, on Dec. 17, the H-D Museum, in partnership with author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña, will unveil its first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto.” The beloved children’s book jumps off the page and into the Bridge Gallery to share stories of family bonds that grow stronger on the back of a bike.

Please take note of holiday and seasonal hours:
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed

Please also note that aside from private events hosted by 1903 Events, the H-D Museum campus will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February of 2023.

No matter which day you visit, it’s going to be lit!

NEW FEULING BA AIR CLEANER— With years of experience designing improved cylinder heads, combustion chambers and intake manifolds, FEULING brings light to a new bolt-on air cleaner design for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

VELOCITY STACK
The Feuling BA air cleaner lengthens the intake runners and increases air velocity, delivering added volume for balanced dynamic flow.

Impressive Horsepower and Torque gains on any engine and exceptional gains seen on engines running modified and/or ported cylinder heads along with intakes and larger throttle bodies. Developed and designed on the flow bench, dyno tested and track proven.

 

ANDREWS PRODUCTS ROCKS—As an industry leader for your motorsports needs since 1972– Celebrates 50 years

Chicago IL – December 1, 2022- For the last 50 years Andrews Products is known to bring innovative leadership to motorsports with their in-house engineering & manufacturing of parts for racecars and motorcycles worldwide.

In the early ‘70s what started out as a study in his kitchen John Andrews realized the need for transmission gears and went to work at it.

In 1972 John introduced his transmission gears to the motorcycle & racing industry and Andrews Products was born.

It all started with the 2.44 ratio 1st gear for the venerable Harley-Davidson 4-speed transmission. From there the team jumped into developing the close ratio 3-gear set, to make the aging 4-speed transmission a true close ratio smooth shifting box!

While looking at getting more performance out of his 96-cubic-inch Shovelhead John concluded that the current cam offerings were sorely lacking. So as a second act John dug into cam design and manufacturing.

Not only did he decide to make his own cam shafts, but he also developed and wrote his own cam design software. Making Andrews Products the first computerized cams in the market!

We then bought our first cam shaft grinders, which propelled the company to where we are today.
 

Andrews was the first company in the motorcycle industry to incorporate CNC Cam Grinder technology into our manufacturing process.

We continue the trend with additional leading-edge equipment every year. We continue to push the envelope with our leading-edge design, testing and manufacturing expertise.

We have a great long-term team here at Andrews, many of our team members have been with us for 20, 30 and some over 40 years.

We have complemented that with implementing the latest technology in robotics, so our team members can continue to bring the best quality, most innovative go-fast parts!

Over the last 20 plus years we used our technology and expertise to service the automotive side with our innovative gear technology with NASCAR track proven transmissions and Quick-Change gears.

Many of the Sprint Cars and Circle Track cars you see may have Andrews cams and gears in them. Today Andrew Products is recognized worldwide and throughout the motorsports community as the industry leader. Because of a young man’s quest for performance, his passion grew into an industry.

Andrew Products commemorates 50 years by celebrating with YOU.

A prize package will be given away and the winner will be announced on the air Dec 26* on Open Road Radio, see Andrews Products Facebook page for more info Open Road Radio celebrates 50 years of Andrew Products with a six-week documentary style interviews, facts and trivia on the weekly Open Road Radio Show airing LIVE every Monday night at 8 pm ct on these radio & streaming platforms:

 

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–LIGHT & EASY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 1, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/LIGHT__EASY_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_December_1_2022.aspx

Did we not in the past call ‘climate change’ the 4 seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall?

A.J.
Deland, FL

I’ll let J.J. Solari answer:

HUMAN-CAUSED GLOBAL WARMING.…..A Kabbalah-indoctrination process designed to convince idiots that they are gods.

It has nothing to do with meteorology or atmospheric science or trees or CO2 or cars or boats or batteries or light bulbs or the Amazon or anything else being tossed your way other than Kabbalists who have no actual jobs who are for some reason called “The Government” decreeing that we are mighty beings filled with powerful spiritual potential and weather-controlling superpowers who need to reclaim our rightful claim to godhood. Via obedience to perverse idiots on the public payroll.

–J.J. Solari
Professor Emeritus
Bikernet University
Pillar Peak, South Dakota

TANYA TUCKER STARS IN PARAMOUNT NETWORK’S “A NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS”

AIRING DEC. 12 AT 8 P.M. ET/PT WITH SIMULCAST ON CMT–

Tanya Tucker Stars in Her First Original Movie as the Two-time GRAMMY Winner Makes Her Acting Debut in a Lead Role on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Entertainment icon Tanya Tucker stars in her first original movie, “A Nashville Country Christmas,” this holiday season as the two-time GRAMMY® winner makes her acting debut in a lead role on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network, as well as an additional encore presentation on Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. ET/PT on CMT.

The day after the premiere, “A Nashville Country Christmas” will be available on ParamountNetwork.com, the Paramount Network App, Paramount Network VOD and additional platforms, including Amazon, Vudu, etc.

Overwhelmed by her high-powered agent, a bombastic Hollywood director, and a totally tricked-out, off-base holiday spectacular, Tanya portrays a country music superstar (Josie Carson) as she bolts from her outrageous lifestyle, seeking a haven at her grandma’s Tennessee farm outside of Nashville. Rather than refuge, she finds romance when she reconnects with her handsome ex (Academy Award® winner Keith Carradine), returns to her musical roots, and an unexpected family when she discovers three clever kids who’ve outsmarted the foster care system are living at the family homestead at Christmas.

“It’s amazing that after 50 years in this business, I get to see my dreams become reality! And being part of ‘A Nashville Country Christmas’ is definitely one of them. I’ve always wanted to do more acting, and it was a gift from the good Lord when this role came along. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the movie this season,” Tanya shared.

Cast:
Tanya Tucker, Keith Carradine, Ana Ortiz, Olivia Sanabia

Production Companies:
MTV Entertainment Studios, Principle Productions, Off Camera Entertainment, Synthetic Cinema International

 

WHEN DID AMF BUY HARLEY-DAVIDSON?
 

In 1969, the AMF corporation (American Machine and Foundry) originally took over production of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Prior to the acquisition of Harley-Davidson, AMF was a manufacturing company of bowling equipment, tennis rackets, and other recreational items. AMF basically tossed the then-financially shaky Harley-Davidson a financial life preserver and maintained ownership of the motorcycle company for a dozen years.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON AMF YEARS?

During the ’70s, with the American economy in a recession, Japanese bikes like Yamaha and Honda were proving to be very popular with consumers. This created significant tension within the company, which led to the company coming back to its original owners in the 1980s.

In February 1981, a group of Harley-Davidson senior executives purchased Harley-Davidson from AMF. Driven by passion and a true belief in the brand, the executives were able to rescue the company from debt.

While AMF’s arrival did save Harley-Davidson from impending bankruptcy, the AMF years were arguably the most not-so-fond period in Harley-Davidson’s history. While there were, and still are plenty of fans of the AMF-era Harleys, there were also lots of Harley purists who weren’t too thrilled with the whole idea of a sporting goods manufacturer producing the classic American motorcycle.

–the Lowbrow Crew

“There’s a very cool book about this era called, “Well Made in America.” It’s a terrific book about business in general and Harley-Davidson history.”

Well Made in America by Peter C Reid
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0070518017/

–Bandit

NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION–CBD Products (Cannabidiol) have now become popular for many people, but their use could cause some problems if you drive.

According to the Mayo Clinic, CBD can cause side effects, including drowsiness and fatigue, which could affect your driving. These products might also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners.

Also, possessing a CBD product while driving may not be legal in some states.

To help you understand the laws on CBD products, we first need to discuss what makes CBD legal and illegal. CBD comes from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). At the same time, THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, is an unlawful compound derived from the same Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant and is illegal in many states. THC is the substance that primarily affects a person’s mental state.

The 2018 Farm Bill removed CBD from the Federal Controlled Substance Act as long as its use in any product does not exceed the 0.3% THC content level. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) no longer has any responsibility for enforcing the use and possession of CBD. That responsibility has now shifted to individual states, and those laws vary.

The Food and Drug Administration does not currently certify the levels of THC in CBC products, so there is no real oversight to ensure labels are accurate. The labeling of CBD products may even be misleading because the product might contain higher levels of THC than labeled. A University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy study released in March 2022 concluded that just 15 percent of CBD-infused oil, beverages, and other products were labeled correctly.

Before you buy any CBD product, check the label to see if it meets your state and/or the federal 0.3% THC limit. Here is a guide from Forbes Health highlighting the law in your state. Always be cautious about the company you buy your CBD product from since it appears it’s still the Wild West regarding how these products are regulated and labeled.

Thirty-seven states, the District of Columbia, and four of the five US territories allow the use of medical marijuana. Twenty-one states, the District of Columbia and Guam, have legalized marijuana for recreational use. But CBD products are a different category and, as mentioned above, not yet regulated. The amount of THC allowed in products in states that allow legal marijuana may be higher than the federal 0.3% THC limit.

This discrepancy creates the most confusion that people and states try to understand. Many motorists may think the CBD product they bought in their home state will be legal in every state. That is not likely the case.

It’s best not to carry any CBD product out of your home jurisdiction to another state. But bad things could happen even where you live since many police officers and departments may not understand current laws, or many motorists might not either.

What Could Happen during a Traffic Stop

I watched a reality cop show recently, and the police here in Texas stopped a 17-year-old girl for a traffic offense. While looking in her car’s open console (plain view doctrine), the officer saw a bottle of CBD oil. He looked at the label and found it contained over the legal limit of THC.

The officer arrested the teenager for possession of a controlled substance. The girl said her mother had purchased it for her. The officer told her it was illegal as it contained over 0.3% of THC allowed in Texas and at the federal level.

Unfortunately, the show did not highlight the outcome of the girl’s arrest.

Do not let this happen to you.

Final Thoughts

It is a crime to have any prescription medication (not just controlled substances) on your person, in your pocket, purse, or vehicle that is not in a properly labeled prescription bottle. Suppose you need to take prescription medications during the day when out and about or at work; use the original or an older prescription bottle to carry them. Police are not pharmacists, so you might get arrested and taken to the police station, where they can try to identify those loose pills in your pocket or purse.

Before using any CBD product, discuss with your doctor and pharmacist if there are potential drug interactions.

Also, if you use marijuana legally in your home state, remember it’s not legal in all states, even with a state-issued use card.

–By NMA Texas Member Ted Levitt

NEWS FROM THE TWO BRITISH-INDO MOTORCYCLE BRANDSEnfield and BSA

Is Royal Enfield going Electric?

When you think of the name “Royal Enfield,” the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t electric bikes. Yet, since it’s nearly 2023, of course Enfield has a plan for electrification that it’s currently in the midst of undertaking.

For those already familiar with Royal Enfield’s design choices in the 2020s, though, the idea of “neo vintage/classic” styling may be the least surprising combination of words that you would probably expect to see.

They know what their fans like, they know who they are, and they’re not afraid to integrate those styling cues and choices into future designs—no matter how they’re powered.

Editor’s Note: Yes, Virginia, there used to be even a Diesel engine production model motorcycle by Royal Enfield; still seen on some roads in India.

https://blog.bikernet.com/is-royal-enfield-going-electric/

BSA Scrambler At 2022 Motorcycle Live Show

While the team didn’t offer a whole lot in the way of details, since it is only a concept, it’s meant to “offer a snapshot of what the future could look like,” as well as “showcase the customization capability of BSA’s Gold Star platform.”

This revived BSA brand’s new concept motorcycle reveal took place at the Motorcycle Live show, which is the U.K.’s biggest annual motorcycle event.

Last year at the same event they had unveiled the 2022 BSA Gold Star.

What a perfect place to present it !!! Once upon a time famously advertised as “World’s Largest Motor Cycle Manufacturer”

https://blog.bikernet.com/bsa-scrambler-at-2022-motorcycle-live-show/

Editor’s Note: Why the colonial supremacy reigns supreme in the hearts and minds of India’s motorcyclists is a study in anthropology, psychology, history, marketing, and maybe the circle of life….

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CELEBRATE–Senate Unanimously Passes Collins, King Resolution Recognizing December 17, 2022, as “Wreaths Across America Day”

The movement to remember fallen U.S. troops originated in the State of Maine

Washington, D.C. – December 8 – The Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King designating Saturday, December 17, 2022, as “Wreaths Across America Day.” A convoy of volunteers will travel from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the headstones of fallen American soldiers.

Over the past 31 years, Wreaths Across America has sent more than 14.4 million wreaths to various locations, including national cemeteries and veterans’ memorials in all 50 states and overseas.

“From Arlington National Cemetery that overlooks our nation’s capital, to Normandy American Cemetery above the beaches that Allied troops stormed on D-Day, the wreath laying ceremonies on December 17th are a powerful demonstration of respect and appreciation for our veterans,” said Senators Collins and King. “For more than thirty years, the fields of Maine-made wreaths have served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of America’s veterans.

The longevity of this event is a testament to the spirit of Maine people, our overwhelming gratitude to our nation’s servicemembers, and the extraordinary dedication of all those who have made the tribute possible. This resolution remembers and honors America’s veterans this holiday season, while also teaching younger generations of the sacrifices that have been made to secure our freedoms and to defend our liberty.”

The general public can register to participate in Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery.

Thousands of volunteers are expected to lay the wreaths at the graves of each American veteran. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers will place wreaths at 3,100 locations nationwide.



NEWS FROM WIND AND SOLAR

The Manhattan Contrarian Energy Storage Paper Has Arrived!

Today my long-awaited energy storage paper was officially published on the website of the Global Warming Policy Foundation. The paper is 22 pages long in the form in which they have published it plus another few pages for an Executive Summary and table of contents. They have given it the title “The Energy Storage Conundrum.”

Most of the points made in the paper have been made previously in one form or another. However, there is a good amount of additional detail in the paper that has never appeared here. I’ll provide one example of that today, and more of same in coming days.

The main point of the paper is that an electrical grid powered mostly by intermittent generators like wind and sun requires full backup from some source; and if that source is to be stored energy, the amounts of storage required are truly staggering. When you do the simple arithmetic to calculate the storage requirements and the likely costs, it becomes obvious that the entire project is completely impractical and unaffordable. The activists and politicians pushing us toward this new energy system of wind/solar/storage are either being intentionally deceptive or totally incompetent.

–Francis Menton

Read the whole tamale at: https://wattsupwiththat.com/2022/12/03/the-manhattan-contrarian-energy-storage-paper-has-arrived/

NEWS FROM THE HOMELAND–The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the enforcement deadline for REAL ID Act of 2005. Again.

On Monday, the DHS announced it would not begin enforcing REAL ID requirements until May 2025. After fifteen years of delays due to opposition in the states, the rules requiring a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board airlines and access federal facilities were supposed to go into effect in May 2023.

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a press release. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”

Practically speaking, it means that people with non-compliant driver’s licenses or ID cards will still be able to use them at airport TSA checkpoints for another two years. At least.

DHS said that the extension was necessary “to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card.”

We’ve heard this song before – many times.
The DHS has delayed the full implementation of REAL ID multiple times since Congress passed the act in 2005 with an original implementation date of 2008.
The federal government has used the threat of turning states into virtual no-fly zones to compel the adoption of REAL ID. But even with badgering and threats, the feds have found it difficult to coerce states into compliance.

The act signed into law by President George W. Bush essentially mandates a national ID system and puts the onus of implementation on each state.

Things didn’t go smoothly after the passage of REAL ID. States rebelled for several reasons, including privacy concerns, along with the fact that Congress didn’t provide any funding for the mandates it expects states to implement. Many states simply chose not to act. New Hampshire, Missouri, Maine and others took things a step further, passing laws expressly prohibiting compliance with the national ID standards.

By any conceivable measure, the implementation of REAL ID has been an abject failure because of this widespread state resistance.

AVON TYRE ALERT—Avon is shutting down their UK operation, which is now owned by Cooper or Goodyear Tires. In the future, they will be manufactured in France, but there are some transitional issues and tires may not be shipped until the after March of 2023. Better order quick, if you will need Avon Tyres.

[page break]

SUPPORT GOOD TIMES DEADLINE APPROACHES–THERE’S ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT….

….before the last day to purchase your SGT gifts in time for the holidays. SUPPORTGOODTIMES.COM

WORLDWIDE SHOPPING DEADLINE IS DEC 12.

BANDIT’S VL, XA, S&S FL PROJECT BIKE NEWS
That’s really cool. Norton Commandos had a 19-inch front and rear and they handled awesome!

We don’t show ANY 21 suited for rear use. Dunlop and others actually offer a 130/60/21 tire for CVO models, but it is listed for front. I suppose you could use it on the rear.

Avon offers 19-inch specifically for rear use. I’ve seen people use front tires on rear before. Not sure if that means to reverse the direction or not.

Here’s a snapshot of the 130/60-21, I would think it needs a 3-inch wide rim.

James Simonelli
Brand Manager
jsimonelli@twinpower-usa.com
817.258.9283
twinpower-usa.com

LATEST JOHN STEIN BOOK NOW AVAILABLE—John Stein and Denis Manning collaborated on an amazing book about Denis’s history within the land speed record arena.

Dennis owned the World Land Speed Record for motorcycles, and I believe took is away from the Easyriders team in 1996 at a speed over 340 mph.

This is a book of dreams produced by the man who created the magnificent book about the history of motorcycle drag racing.

For more info reach out to Denis at: bub7even@gmail.com

–Bandit

Stein also produced this history film about motorcycle drag racing history.

THE BIKERNET CLIMATE DOOM FILE REVEALED
 
Dr. Richard Lindzen’s new paper: An Assessment of the Conventional Global Warming Narrative – Published by the Global Warming Policy Foundation – September 22, 2022:

Climate change is “a quasi-religious movement predicated on an absurd ‘scientific’ narrative. The policies invoked on behalf of this movement have led to the US hobbling its energy system.” – “The Earth’s climate has, indeed, undergone major variations, but these offer no evidence of a causal role for CO2.”

“Unless we wake up to the absurdity of the motivating narrative, this is likely only to be the beginning of the disasters that will follow from the current irrational demonization of CO2.”

–Climate Depot
 

BIKER FEATURE OF THE WEEK—This is a classic Arlen Ness Sportster.

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
The State of The Hurricane Address

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_State_of_The_Hurricane_Address.aspx

Just read this for the 2nd time…wow!! Welcome to Florida!!
 

Jeff, proof once again that GOD is good!!

Hey Bandit!! Are you taking care of my red Knuck??

–Dave “Easy” Tootell
Coos Bay, OR

“Of Course, it’s safe and sound and so is Jeff, fortunately.”

–Bandit

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS—Inconvenient Fact by Gregory Wrightstone

It’s a small book but the content spans a subject that only some expert / scientific guy can write well about.

Any general review can only be about ease of reading and simple way of explaining complex topic.

Have you read the much criticized Fiction novel by Harvard medical graduate and bestselling author Michael Crichton (sold his first book while in college).

The book is aptly Titled “STATE OF FEAR”

…..in which eco-terrorists plot mass murder to publicize the danger of global warming.

Despite being a work of fiction, the book contains many graphs and footnotes, two appendices, and a 20-page bibliography in support of Crichton’s beliefs about global warming.

Many climate scientists, science journalists, environmental groups, and science advocacy organizations dispute the presented views as being error-filled and distorted.

The novel had an initial print run of 1.5 million copies and reached the #1 bestseller position at Amazon and #2 on The New York Times Best Seller list for one week in January 2005.

AAPG 2006 Journalism Award : The novel received the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) 2006 Journalism Award.

AAPG Communications director Larry Nation told the New York Times, “It is fiction, but it has the absolute ring of truth.”

Wayfarer
Executive Director
Bikernet Book of the Week Club

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY AND WEATHER CENTER
 
The Indians on the Aamjiwnaang First Nation reservation in Grand Bend (Ont.) asked their new chief if the coming winter was going to be cold or mild.

Since he was a chief in a modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets. When he looked at the sky, he couldn’t tell what the winter was going to be like.

Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, he told his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and that the members of the village should collect firewood to be prepared.

But, being a practical leader, after several days, he got an idea. He went to the phone booth, called the Environment Canada Weather Service and asked, ‘Is the coming winter going to be cold?’

‘It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold,’ the meteorologist at the weather service responded.

So the chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more firewood in order to be prepared.

A week later, he called the Environment Canada Weather Service again. ‘Does it still look like it is going to be a very cold winter?’

‘Yes,’ the man at Weather Service again replied, ‘it’s going to be a very cold winter.’

The chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of firewood they could find.

Two weeks later, the chief called the Environment Canada Weather Service again. ‘Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?’

‘Absolutely,’ the man replied. ‘It’s looking more and more like it is going to be one of the coldest winters we’ve ever seen.’

‘How can you be so sure?’ the chief asked.

The weatherman replied, ‘The Indians are collecting a shitload of firewood !’

–John Reed

MALCO AUTOMOTIVE Launches EPIC Hydrosheet Ceramic Wash & Wax with Graphene Advanced Formula Washes Away Contaminants, Speeds the Drying Process, and Adds Short-Term Protection

Barberton, OH—Today, Malco Products, Inc. announced the introduction of EPIC Hydrosheet Ceramic Wash & Wax with Graphene to the Malco Automotive line of professional detailing products.

This high-performance car wash removes dirt, grime, and soil, while advanced drying agents reduce the vehicle’s surface tension and promote water sheeting during the rinse process, leaving a spot-free finish.

The addition of Silicone wax and SiO2 sealants enhanced with graphene improve finish durability and provide ceramic-like properties by creating a hydrophobic barrier on the vehicle’s surface.

“As part of our EPIC Paint Correction and Protection product portfolio, EPIC Hydrosheet Ceramic Wash & Wax with Graphene provides customers with the perfect wash product to maintain a ceramic-coated vehicle. Ceramic coating is the most advanced protective coating offered for the automotive aftermarket and produces the “wet” look many luxury car owners desire,” said Mike Goldstein, Malco Product Manager. “But to maintain that “wet” look, car owners need a wash product that enhances the hydrophobic properties of the coating. EPIC Hydrosheet is the answer.”

EPIC Hydrosheet plus Ceramic Wash & Wax with Graphene is part of the EPIC Ceramic Coating System which includes surface preparation products, EPIC Pro Ceramic Coating, and EPIC CR2 Hydro Protect spray. When used together, EPIC Hydrosheet plus EPIC CR2 will boost the life of the ceramic coating and ensure the car owner gets the longest possible life out of the ceramic coating.

EPIC Hydrosheet plus delivers up to 60 days of added SiO2 and graphene-enhanced hydrophobic protection on coated vehicles and up to 30 days of hydrophobic protection on uncoated vehicles. EPIC Hydrosheet plus Ceramic Wash & Wax with Graphene is available in 32 oz. and 1-gallon sizes.

To learn more, visit www.MalcoPro.com.

YAMAHA Dedicates Funds to Restore Trails Damaged by Wildfires
Outdoor Access Initiative’s Q3 Grants Support Trail Building, Rehabilitation, Maintenance, and More

MARIETTA, Ga. – December 6, 2022 – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, today announces the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed more than $116,000 in grant awards for the third quarter of 2022. This latest funding cycle showcases Yamaha OAI’s mission to protect, improve, and expand access to public land for motorized and outdoor recreation through projects that build, protect, and restore access to more than 40,000 acres and 600 miles of trail for motorized recreation.

“Two of the groups funded this quarter, TreadLightly! and the Wenatchee Valley TREAD, will use OAI grants to rehabilitate OHV trails and riding areas that have been shut down following destructive wildfires. It is gratifying to deliver essential resources that restore access to public lands for OHV riders to once again enjoy,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports marketing manager. “We encourage those who manage or ride trail systems and riding areas affected by closures and damage due to storms, fires, or otherwise, to reach out to us for similar support – Yamaha’s OAI funding can make an immediate impact and even serve to match funds for larger state and federal grants.”

Projects funded in the third quarter 2022 grant cycle include:
  • BlueRibbon Coalition (Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges, UT)
  • Grand Lake Trail Grooming, Inc. (Grand Lake, CO)
  • The Great Outdoors Fund (Beasley Knob OHV Area, GA)
  • LANDS Foundation (Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area, CA)
  • Range Riders ATV Club (Len Hardy Memorial Trail, Itasca County, MN)
  • Tread Lightly! (Cinder Hills OHV Area, AZ)
  • Wenatchee Valley TREAD (Mad River Trail, Entiat, WA)

The application deadline for consideration in the final funding cycle for 2022 is December 15, 2022. Riding clubs, land stewardship associations, and public land managers are encouraged to work together with Yamaha dealers to identify projects and apply for support. Visit YamahaOAI.com for submission guidelines, the Yamaha OAI grant application form, answers to most popular questions about the program, and recaps of some typical projects for inspiration.

Updated guidelines, application form, information, and news about the Outdoor Access Initiative are available at YamahaOAI.com. For specific questions about the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, call the dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email OHVAccess@Yamaha-Motor.com, or write to:

SONG PICK OF THE WEEK
 

Hanson is an American pop band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, formed by brothers Isaac Hanson (guitar, vocals, bass, piano), Taylor Hanson (keyboards, vocals, percussion), and Zac Hanson (drums, vocals, piano). Supporting members include Dimitrius Collins (guitar) and Andrew Perusi (bass), who have toured and performed live with the band since 2007.

Song: MMMBop
Pop band: Hanson
Album: Middle of Nowhere (1997)

Oh oh oh
Yeah

You have so many relationships in this life
Only one or two will last
You go through all the pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they’re gone so fast
Oh yeah
And they’re gone so fast, yeah
Oh, so hold on the ones who really care
In the end they’ll be the only ones there
And when you get old and start losing your hair
Can you tell me who will still care?
Can you tell me who will still care?
Oh care

Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du, oh yeah
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Ba du, yeah

Said oh yeah
In an mmmbop they’re gone
Yeah yeah
Yeah yeah

Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
You can plant any one of those
Keep planting to find out which one grows
It’s a secret no one knows
It’s a secret no one knows
Oh, no one knows

Can you tell me? Oh
No, you can’t ’cause you don’t know
Can you tell me?
You say you can but you don’t know
Can you tell me? Oh (which flower’s going to grow?)
No, you can’t ’cause you don’t know
Can you tell me? (If it’s going to be a daisy or a rose?)
You say you can but you don’t know
Can you tell me? Oh (which flower’s going to grow?)
No, you can’t ’cause you don’t know
Can you tell me?
You say you can but you don’t know
Oh oh
You say you can but you don’t know
You don’t know, you don’t know, oh

–Wayfarer
Editor in Chief
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

UNDER THE NASH MOTORCYCLE XMAS TREE-– Ho, ho, ho Hammer Sale (and tools) for Christmas!!!

Sale as big as jolly ol’ Santa’s sack of goodies! All Nash Motorcycle tools 40% off and free shipping! Order by Dec 12th to receive by Christmas!

SHOP NOW
USE CODE : XMAS40
DON’T DELAY ORDER TODAY TO GET GIFTS BY CHRISTMAS!!!

THIS JUST IN FROM CHOPPERS MAGAZINE— Empress Rising – Jason’s Timebomb Kustoms CB750

There is a lot I could say about this bike build and a lot of amazing people were involved in bringing her to life. It was an odyssey that spanned over three years. When all this started, I knew I wanted a long, raked CB750. I picked up a frame and new rear wheel from Rawhide Cycles. The springer is an old S&W I snagged from a guy on Instagram.

Read the whole story at Choppers Mag.

WOMEN RIDERS ALERT–Will Bridget McCutchen become the Youngest Person to Ride Around the Globe on a Motorcycle?

Bridget comes from a riding family, and when she was considering her first bike, her brother made it really easy. “Get a Kawasaki Ninja. They’re not expensive and you can basically drop it off the side of a building and not do much damage to it.” So at 19 she listened to him and purchased a 2004 dark blue Ninja 250 for $1,400 […]

Check out the full story on the Twisted Road website.

TUCKER Inks Deal— to Become Exclusive US Distributor for Dainese Riding Gear

Fort Worth TX – December 7, 2022 – Tucker Powersports today announced a new, exclusive agreement to distribute the legendary Dainese motorcycle product line to its network of powersports dealers in the United States. The multi-year agreement includes leather and textile riding gear, boots, shoes and Dainese’s line of protective armor and airbag D-Air jackets and vests. Dainese products will be available through Tucker later this year.

Founded by Lino Dainese in Molvena, Italy in 1972, the Dainese company is a leader in the development of protective apparel for active sports. The current motorcycle product line includes D-Air airbag jackets and vests, a product made famous by MotoGP riders Valentino Rossi and Joan Mir, and includes numerous styles of leather and textile suits, jackets, pants and gloves, boots and shoes. The agreement also includes the distribution of Dainese’s TCX-branded road, off-road and urban footwear.

“We’re thrilled to add Dainese to our roster of great partner companies,” said Tucker President and CEO Marc McAllister. “Our dealer network will make Dainese products easily available to riders looking for high-quality riding and protective gear.”

Dainese Group CEO Cristiano Silei commented, “I’m excited about signing this agreement with Tucker Powersports, a new milestone in our journey of expansion and consolidation in North America. The US market has always played a crucial role for our Group and I’m sure that choosing a distributor with such a widespread, structured sales network will allow us to achieve increasingly ambitious goals.”

“The range of products that this partnership brings to Tucker is outstanding,” said Tucker’s Director of Business Development Jamie Kempinski. “Dainese’s reputation for quality and their eye for style has all of us excited about adding their full motorcycle product line to our portfolio.”

SPORTSTER OF THE WEEK— Sharp looking blue-ribbon chopper.

–Sam Burns
Sporty Editor
Bikernet.com™

 

Hit us up for Xmas gifts quick. Books, leathers and Bedrolls.” –Bandit

AHDRA Increasing Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel Purse— AHDRA motorcycle drag racing series

The AHDRA All-American motorcycle drag racing series is proud to announce an increase in the guaranteed winner’s purse from $1600.00 to $2000.00 per event for the Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel class for the 2023 race season.

“Big thanks to Johnny Vickers, Hawaya Racing Products, and Pro Fuel champion Sam White for seeing that the racers in their class get the winnings they deserve,” said AHDRA’s Bill Rowe. “More will be announced in the near future.”

“The Pro Fuel class (originally called “B FUEL”) has been around since the beginning of Nitro Harley racing and is still well and alive today,” said Vickers. “I have run or participated in the Pro Fuel class, as well as the AHDRA (formally HDRA and even before that) for 40 years this 2023 racing season. In my opinion, Pro Fuel gives you the most bang for the buck from a riders standpoint. From a spectator standpoint it is noise, smoke, wheels-up and very competitive side-by-side drag racing—a true win/win situation.

“Hawaya Racing Products has been heavily involved in the Pro Fuel class and others for many years in the way of products, sponsorship, support, as well as the Nitro Bike School. We continue to help evolve the class to make it better, faster and safer, and I will continue to do that as long as I possibly can.”

Champion White says that, at 67 years old, he will definitely race as long as he possibly can and he wants to see that the competition alongside him continues to prosper at a time when Pro Fuel is seeing great growth.

“The racing series need to pay more money, and the sponsors need to step up to see that that happens,” said White. “I told Bill I want to help sponsor his program, but through Hawaya Racing. Johnny does so much to help me and everybody out here, and we both want to see this class continue to grow. That’s why we’re all combining resources to see that Pro Fuel racers get a raise in 2023.”

“We here at Hawaya Racing are looking forward to the 2023 season,” concluded Vickers.

The 2023 AHDRA season starts March 17-19 at fabulous North Florida Motorplex in Fountain, Florida.

The AHDRA website is at http://raceahdra.com/

For more information, email AHDRA’s Bill Rowe at bcrowe92891@gmail.com

AHDRA thanks Cox Double Eagle Harley-Davidson, Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson, Gainesville Harley-Davidson , MTC Engineering , Hawaya Racing, Pingel Enterprise, GMS Racing Engines, Zippers Performance, Horsepower Inc., Vanson Leathers , Universal Fleet & Tire, IHDRA, V-Twin Powersports, Daryl Coffin Motorsports, All-Harley World Shootout, Axtell Cylinders and Racers For Christ.

This report was prepared by Tim Hailey. Enjoy everything there is to read, see and watch about motorcycle drag racing and more at https://www.eatmyink.com ;

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB
 
The only difference between me writing about the government and this guy writing about the government is this guy actually knows these people. He probably owned them hahahahaha. I don’t have to work with them: I just have to listen to them behind a microphone for 5 minutes, and I can tell you what to expect from them.

I have not read it, but I have read his stuff. I am itching to read it. Stay tuned.

–J.J. Solari

THE BIGGEST BIKE COMPANY IN THE WORLD
 

According to Insider Monkey, Honda is the biggest with a market capitalization of $50 Billion. This year they sold 19.3 million motorcycles globally.

“There you have it.” –Bandit

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2021 Harley-Davidson RA1250S FOR $23.995.00
 

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=13104652

2021 Blue Harley-Davidson PAN AMERICA SPECIAL RA1250S with only 8219.00 miles!

This bike is a FULL custom bike with tons of one-off parts and some of the features/Add-ons on this bike are

* 1250cc Motor with 6-Speed trans.
* One off custom Stainless exhaust
* Custom Rotors with Brembo calipers
* Custom windshield,pegs,and adjustable levers
* Custom tour pack mount
* 1 Inch risers
* Heated corbin seat and stock seat and backrest
* Navigation
* New rear tire
* Center stand
* Hard bags

This bike is only $23,995.00

Plus, license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.

This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!
 

We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock!

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY

A guy calls his wife “Hon I’ll be late. I crushed two fingers in the winch at work.”

Wife says “The whole fingers??”

Husband says, “No, the index finger and the pinky.”

–J.J. Solari
Official Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

TRIKE OF THE WEEK

–Sam Burns
Trike Editor
Bikernet.com™

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT

Took our first trip through the apartments, taillight lens fell off but I only had one screw in it. Discovered this though, may have to fast track the 3.5 tanks!

It’s a wonder I didn’t get blown up, as this was just one loose fuel issue!

And I finally understand the image size issue, on a computer they do open large. I have them as small as I know how to make them, without a computer. These are not resized, I’m just happy we went for a ride!

–RFR

DON’T BE DEPRESSED
 
Work on your motorcycle or go for a ride. You might take an Xmas decoration and hang it on your bike. I don’t do Christmas trees anymore, when I can hang balls all over the motorcycle in the living room.

Wolf Plumbing coming tomorrow to finish the shop sink.

The Redhead needs all the help she can get on the snowy Sturgis roads.

Just another shop porthole. We needed some ventilation in the head.

I ordered some Black Bike Wheels for the project bike. That’s how I found out about Avon Tyres and spent my Xmas budget on myself.

It’s whiskey time and Christmas parties this weekend and next.

Give as much cheer as possible and then ride…

–Bandit

Read More

Holiday Blues Bikernet Weekly News for December 8, 2022

Merry Merry, Goddammit!

CLICK To Go Read the Weekly Thursday News

Hey,

Everyone gets the blues during the holidays. They can’t buy all the wonderful gifts they would like. They can’t visit all the folks they want to see. They wish they could attend all the festive events available, maybe even in faraway places.

On the other hand, every day is a celebration of life, joy, giving, chrome, metalflake, boobs, whiskey and open roads. Sure, you want to buy more shit for your pals, but fuck-it. You need bike parts and something engraved.

It’s whiskey time and Christmas parties this weekend and next. Give as much cheer as possible and then ride…

— Bandit

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Click Here to view the choicest stylish sweet swag to stuff in stockings. Celebrate Riding Free with Bikernet 5-Ball Racing Shop!!!

Read More

Dennis Sanfilippo has passed away

by Rogue

Mr Lucky is Gone

It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of Dennis Sanfelipo. He affected so many people’s lives, mine included. So many stories, but too many write here. More as time goes on.

Celebration Of Life For Dennis Sanfilippo
Saturday December 17th 2-6 PM
Old Corner Saloon
574 Main St. Copperopolis CA 95228

Click here to know more. Our condolences to all his friends and family.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

May you ride free forever

Riding Free since 1996

Read More

Last Traditional Sportster from H-D: Why?

by Bandit, Reg Kittrell, Lance Onan and Willie G. Davidson

What Happened to the Sportster?
H-D Factory Built the Last Traditional Sportster in November 2022

Last week the final production Sportster rolled off the Harley-Davidson assembly line with grand fanfare including signatures by each member of the crew. I’m sure they were very proud.

So, what killed the iconic Sportster? Was it diminishing sales, technology, the EPA, a marketing push, Indian competition, what gives?

And will it ultimately die or be kept lively and vibrant with the current technology afforded the aftermarket?

Click Here to Read this Report only on Bikernet.com

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DON’T MISS This Week’s Thursday News, only on Bikernet.com – click to view News Department.

Read More

Chopperfest December 2022 Re-Scheduled

As many of you have noticed and have been calling us about, a storm is hitting So Cal this weekend, especially in Ventura, CA, where multiple weather apps forecast an inch or more rain between Sat-Sun. With this news, we have made the tough decision to reschedule the event, as we did back in 2018.

The rescheduled date will be Sunday, February 12th, 2023. All GA tickets, bike show registrations, and vendor spaces will transfer to the new date. The artists, bike builders, vendors, and sponsors work too hard all year to create great stuff for the show. We can’t put on the show in the rain and risk poor attendance for them.

We wanted to give you as much notice as possible to adjust your plans. Please help us spread the word so as not to inconvenience anyone. Thank you for understanding, and we hope to see you in February.

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STAY ON TOP OF ALL THE ACTION WITH CRITICAL MOTORCYCLE NEWS, CLICK LIKE ON BIKERNET.COM OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE. VISIT https://www.facebook.com/bikernetbiker

* * * * * * * *

Read More

Dennis Sanfilippo Passed

It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of Dennis Sanfelipo.

He affected so many people’s lives, mine included.

 

 I meet him in 2004 when Berry Wardlaw and I flew out to California for the Love Ride and to meet with Charlie Brechtel.

 

Berry and I did an interview with Charlie about himself, his music, band and other things he wanted to do in the future. Some of the others taking part in that were Dennis, Kim Peterson, Bobby Reynoso, Wild Bill, Sam Burch and Beeb.

 Charlie and Dennis were friends through the music business and over the years they had become closer.

 We stayed at one of Dennis’ houses on a lake and then at a different one where he had the third Dodge Viper ever built.

I later learned he was a big blues fan and had a music production company and recording studio in Sunnyvale, California named Mother Lode Productions. Some of his friends were Deacon Jones, Gregg Allman, Lydia Pense, Lester Chambers and many others. Dennis grew up in Sunnyvale and attended high school there.

 He also had a 280-acre, Damn Ranch in Angels Camp CA. It burned down some years ago. Dennis continued to live in Calaveras County CA for the rest of his life.

 It is reported that he owned over 100 properties in Calaveras County

 

 

   Dennis had won the California Lottery on March 7, 1992 for $32 Million. The story that goes with this is that Dennis was a huge fan of the numbers 7 and 11 and he bought the ticket in Milpitas CA at a 7-11. It was one of 11 quick pick tickets bought at exactly 11 PM. At the time it was the largest lottery prize ever won in CA.

 Shortly after Dennis won the lottery his very good friend Johnny Lee Hooker honored him with the nickname Mr. Lucky.

 At the time he was living in Murphys California where he was running a roofing company left to him when his father had died.

 

 He immediately started doing wonderful things for the community, like helping the hungry and homeless.

 Dennis was a hard worker before and even after he won the lottery. He was a builder and spent a lot of time working on his properties that were mostly rentals.

 He like to travel and Belize was a favorite and after a time he bought an island there. He also liked Mark Twain and knew a lot about the Mexican desperado outlaw, Joaquin Murrieta, and his history in Calaveras County around the mid 1800’s

 Dennis was the only child of an American Italian father and American Spanish (Spain) mother. He has three sons Josh, Dennis and Albert.

 

Celebration Of Life For Dennis Sanfilippo

Saturday December 17TH 2-6PM

Old Corner Saloon

574 Main St. Copperopolis CA 95228

 

A lot happened after that meeting in 2004. Charlie continued to make music any place he could. The biker world would get to know him. Dennis always there to help.

 So many stories, but to many write here. More as time goes on.

 
 

Then there were two movies made with Bikers and Musicians.

Hopefully you will take the time to view them.

Rebel On The Highway – https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.46b76936-b193-08bb-4d45-0b57c38ec649?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

Rough Boys

https://roughboysthemovie.live/?fbclid=IwAR2l-_fQZqyFSU-WK01bVWT0HZDjOb-DsC4MxixPClPFMAhsyf1pJ09JJSI

Some Comments

Berry Wardlaw

  Another big loss this week. Honestly, it’s just too much to write about, to share, at the moment. Another time perhaps. Gone are Sam, Bobby, Mickey, Deacon, Guitar Shorty, Goodtime Charlie and now Dennis Sanfilippo. I can think of no others that brought more diverse people together, from all over the world, than the dynamic duo of Charlie and Dennis. Charlie had the outlandish ideas and Dennis had the money to get things done. They were the best of friends and the perfect symbiotic relationship. I once called them the Heckle and Jeckle of “hell yeah”. It still rings true today. Since 2004, I have had more experiences with these two. These experiences were mostly afforded to us by the unselfishness and giving nature of Dennis. There isn’t enough ink is this old computer to even write about it all. I’ll put pen-to-paper one day. Not today, though. Thank you for all you did for us Dennis. I’m so glad that I told you this many times. I’ll just share of few pictures with y’all at this time. May Godspeed, Dennis Sanfilippo. Much Love my Brother. In the words of our late Brother, Sam Burch, “Until such Time.”

Sean Mcintire

  I’m heartbroken to hear about Dennis also known ?as Mr.lucky. I have so many great memories with him and Charlie. I think of the stuff that happened along the way and make me laugh and smile. I got to see and meet a lot of amazing people and places. Thanks for the great adventures. RIP Dennis

Felicia Morgan

  I can’t keep up, anymore. People I love are leaving this earth faster than I can process the grief. Yesterday’s heart-wrenching memorial for Shifty was appropriately shrouded in a soft misting of rain, then last night the heavens opened

up as an ode to the loss of another precious soul. Godspeed, dear Dennis. You were a brightly shining star during your time here on earth, now we’ll keep an eye on the night skies to see you there among your brethern.

Sabrina Mounkes

  There’s a moment in life where u look back and just really take a look at how u got to this point in life. My family will forever be greatful for what Dennis Sanfilippo did for us. Not alot of people know what he did for us and it really doesnt matter if you do. What matters is he gave my family a chance and we took it by the horns and ran. My kids had an opportunity they would have never had if he had not cared, We all had the opportunity. I watched him do this for many people he just cared all he wanted was for u to be successful and was always proud of our accomplishments. This is another tough hit for us and will take awhile to heal but we will all miss you greatly and will forever be appreciative of the kindness you showed us. RIP my friend

Rest In Peace My Friend. You And Charlie Are Teamed Up Again In Heaven Doing Good Things And Making Music.

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Trike File Meets Mike the Trike

by DaCat

Tuning the Ride with Saddlemen, Legends and Khrome Werks

Since buying this 2017 M8 trike, I’ve been working on refining the ride as possible. This entailed changing the shocks to coil over Legend Revo A’s, adding a lift kit and adjusting everything as optimally as possible.

Also, the front springs were removed and replaced with Legend Axio canister front suspension. The combination of the modified front and rear suspension really made the ride much, much better.

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The Trike File Meets Mike the Trike

 

Since buying this 2017 M8 trike, I’ve been working on refining the ride as possible. This entailed changing the shocks to coil over Legend Revo A’s, adding a lift kit and adjusting everything as optimally as possible.

Also, the front springs were removed and replaced with Legend Axio canister front suspension. The combination of the modified front and rear suspension really made the ride much, much better.

At this point I really needed to change the rider ergonomics as these trikes from Harley are really a one size fits all seat and leg room combination. Shorter riders may feel comfortable with the leg room but for anyone with long legs 6 feet or over, the seat is way too short and the handlebars are too far forward.

 

So, starting with handlebars I selected Khrome Werks 2+2 12-inch-tall bars (part number 300517). They make a wide version and a narrow version of these bars, and I selected the wide version because the hand position is a little more natural for me.

These bars will work with the OEM wires, clutch and brake lines. This is a job that if you’re not comfortable pulling the fairing off you may want to have your local mechanic do it for you.

It is a little pricey so if you can do it yourself, you’re only out the price of the bars, otherwise you’re looking at five to $800 in labor. These bars bring your hands back 2 inches and up 2 inches, which I find much more comfortable and allows me to sit back up against my back rest. Huge benefit is also that the steering is considerably lighter because it changes the leverage on the bars.

These trikes can be a bit of a truck to steer, so by adding the lift kit and the handlebars it really becomes like having power steering. You may decide that you prefer the meat hook style of bars or regular style ape hangers, and they also add benefit to the steering but leave you forward. You may prefer this, but I was after a comfortable position to ride long distance and this was my preference.

I still had the same problem with the seat being too short, and I felt like I was sitting on the tank, and my legs were cramped unless I used the highway pegs. This started the hunt for a new seat.

I did look at the offerings from Harley-Davidson but I did not feel that the quality or the ride was much different than the stock seat. One of the problems I believe with Harley-Davidson seats is the pan is made out of a flexible plastic. The foam is not very dense and with the flexible seat pan you do feel a lot of the road bumps.

 

Also, the shape of the seat in the front is a little too wide and thick which can play havoc with the family jewels. I settled on a road sofa from Saddleman, and it was just what the doctor ordered.

I’ve had a few seats from Saddleman and they’re always beautiful and of great quality. Their customer service is excellent and they always follow up after you’ve purchased a seat with updates on how the seat is progressing.

When the seat is in final inspection, they send you a text and within one day it is sent out. Since these seats are custom made to order you do have a choice of the stitching and the particular material. Mine took about three weeks from the time it was ordered.

I have to say this seat is beautiful and it really added a lot to the look of my trike. I also ordered the tour pack backrest, so that I would have a matching seat and backrest for the passenger with the diamond stitching with black thread.

As you can see in the pictures it really flows with the lines of the trike. The feel of the seat is very different from many other seat manufacturers, it’s firm and supportive not squishy and soft like the Harley seat. By the way, I also got the rider’s backrest at the same time and it has proven to be more than I expected.

The stock Harley backrest is very firm and feels like you have a knee in your back. The Saddleman backrest is easy to adjust to find just the right height and it floats from front to back so you barely notice it, but it is still very supportive. With the handlebars brought back 2 inches from stock, this lets you sit up against the backrest and is just great for cruising long distances.

Aside from the suspension modifications, which really help the ride and handling, this seat takes out, the sharp small bumps much better than the stock seat. Most riders don’t consider how much the seat helps the overall ride. I have my touring foot rests on the crash bar. so with the modifications of the handlebars and this wonderful seat from Saddleman the ergonomics are perfect.

Unfortunately, the stock Harley-Davison trike needs a lot of modifications to dial in the ride and the positioning of the rider to be truly comfortable. These changes made all the difference for me. I can now really enjoy riding this trike long distances. Radio up and my wife on the back, 500 miles at a crack is nothing anymore.
 

Sources:

 

Khrome Werks
https://www.khromewerks.com/page-handle-bars/

Legends Suspension

 

Saddlemen Seats

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Thailand Kustom Kulture Ride

All Ye Custom Motorcycles, Cars and Camping + Music Lovers

Mark the Calendar for this Weekend on Saturday December 10, 2022.

Enjoy the Countryside and Tell ‘Em Bikernet.com Says RIDE FREE FOREVER (click it) !!!

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