Faulty welds on these Harley-Davidson motorcycles could cause the bars to break. by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com Harley-Davidson Nightster made a triumphant return to the Sportster lineup in 2022. We last saw the blacked-out bobber in 2012 as the Evolution-powered Nightster 1200 (XL1200N). Ten years later, the revived model benefits from the Motor Company’s new 975cc Revolution Max V-twin and an innovative under-the-seat fuel tank. Those technological advancements don’t eliminate all teething problems, unfortunately. On August 4, 2022, Harley-Davidson received a complaint from a 2022 Nightster (RH975) owner that the left portion of their handlebar broke off while riding. After performing warranty analysis and investigating the matter, the brand potentially received one additional claim related to this issue between August 5, 2022, and September 8, 2022. Harley then informed the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the Nightster recall on October 6, 2022. According to the documents, a “weld quality issue” with the Nightster’s handlebar (Part No. 55801154) “could lead to separation between the inner and outer sections.” The consequences of such a failure need little explanation, but the recall lists that “a broken handlebar can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.” The Milwaukee manufacturer narrowed down the recall scope to Nightsters produced between December 6, 2021 and September 9, 2022—accounting for 1,074 units. However, Nightster models produced after September 9, 2022, don’t apply to this recall, as Harley employed “enhanced manufacturing controls” on those units. After informing the NHTSA, the firm notified its dealers of the impending recall on October 11, 2022. One week later, on October 18, 2022, the brand sent notification letters to impacted owners. Once eligible customers transport their Nightster to their local dealership, Harley will replace the faulty handlebars free of charge. While the notification period ends on October 25, 2022, Nightster owners can also contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 (Recall No. 0179). Owners can also reach the NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit the organization’s website for more details. We’re happy to see the Nightster to usher in a new era for the Sportster line, but we’re happier to see the MoCo addressing mission-critical issues.

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Like most people I know, I wanted to change the exhaust on my new motorcycle.

For now, I have decided that would only be the mufflers, but there are so many to choose from.

 

When I was doing my research, I looked at mufflers that had sound with the advertisement.

I ended up choosing the Firebrand Monarch. To hear what it sounds like go to.

https://firebrandmotorcycle.com/collections/mufflers/products/muffler-kit-slip-on-monarch-tip-4-5-black-shell-17-21m8-touring

 

The Asphalt Black finish works well with the rest of the factory exhaust.

Firebrand is claiming an increase in power in their advertisement, and though I did not dyno the motorcycle I do feel some.

 

 One of the things that finalized my decision was the baffles. I have run many different exhaust systems over the years with and without or modified baffles. The size and angle of louvers as well as other factors make a difference. As it turns out the Firebrand Monarch produced what I was looking for.

Oh, and they are made in the Heartland of the United States of what I think is good quality material which I observed before installing them.

 

The install is easy and I feel that people who do work on their motorcycle would not have a problem installing a set.

 

Basic hand tools are needed

5/16” socket (I prefer 1/4” drive or screwdriver to remove heat shields

1/2” drive ratchet

3/8” drive ratchet

 9/16” Deep socket to remove left side muffler clamp

15 MM Deep socket to remove the right-side muffler clamp

 1/2 “socket to remove 2 bolts on muffler

Square or other measuring device for setting muffler depth on pipe

 

3/8” and 1/2” Torque wrench recommended.

 

 

Start of by removing the saddlebags

 

Loosen and or remove the heat shield to get at the muffler clamps.

Loosen muffler clamps, different sockets needed for each side

Remove the two bolts holding the muffler to the rear bracket.

 

Remove the muffler from the exhaust pipe. This may take some wiggling and maybe even some penetrating oil if they have been on the motorcycle for some time. In some cases, it helps to have someone hold the pipe while the muffler is being removed so as not to have pressure on pipe at the exhaust port.

It is always a good idea to clean the exhaust pipe before installing the new mufflers.

You will notice with this system there is a right and left muffler, different size pipe and axle nut dimples.

Install the clamp on the muffler paying attention to the position of the tightening nut in the down position

For this particular installation I recommend installing the RIGHT-SIDE MUFFLER FIRST The reason for this is that this muffler will only go on so far while the other has much more adjustment.

Slide the muffler on to the pipe to the length you want (At least the width of the clamp or more)

Align the muffler so that the two back bolts can be installed. It is recommended these bolts be torqued to 15-18 Foot Pounds.

When front clamp is lined up tighten to 40-45 Foot Pounds.

Reinstall heat shields

Repeat on other side of motorcycle.

When done wipe off any fingerprints and start motorcycle

 

For more information on other mufflers, exhaust systems and products go to

https://firebrandmotorcycle.com/

It’s All Hot and Steamy

“The World is in turmoil and we need a solid code of the West, or Dharma. Let’s see how the news pans out and what might pop today. Hang on! Let’s hit it….”

— Bandit

Weekly News by Bandit, Wayfarer, Sam Burns, J.J. Solari, Bob T., Laura, Barry Green, the Redhead, Joe Smith, Steve Bauman, Steve Phiel and the rest of the gang.

CLICK Here to Read the Thursday Weekly News only on Bikernet.com

Thoughts to ponder for one and all:

“We are always more afraid than we wish to be, but we can always be braver than we expect”
~ Robert Jordan

“The best way out is always through.”
– Robert Frost

“We can only feel sorry for ourselves when our misfortunes are still supportable. Once this limit is crossed, the only way to bear the unbearable is to laugh at it.”
~ Marjane Satrapi

CLICK AND JOIN BANDIT’s CANTINA and Keep Riding For Freedom Forever

A smaller, more affordable Pan America makes a lot of sense if Harley-Davidson wants to expand its share of the ADV market.
by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com

Earlier this year, signs of a Pan America 975 were mistakenly mentioned in an official Harley-Davidson web page for an accessory locking fuel cap. Up until shortly after our article went live, the page listed the fuel cap as being compatible with the RA1250 (Pan America 1250) and RA1250S (Pan America 1250 Special) as well as two unannounced models: the RA975 and RA965S, which we assumed to be Pan America models powered by the 975cc version of the Revolution Max engine, like the one equipped on the Nightster.

Motorcycle.com has now obtained further evidence of the existence of middleweight versions of Harley-Davidson’s adventure-tourer, once again from Harley itself, as well as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The proof comes via official installation instructions for a pair of accessory mirrors designed for Revolution Max models. The ’66 Collection Round Mirrors and Empire Mirrors (available in black anodized or anodized with machine-milled highlights) are designed to fit all RevMax models, including the Pan America 1250, Pan America 1250 Special, Sportster S, and Nightster. For most markets, including the U.S., the installation instructions specify additional steps for “for all models except RA1250S”, which is the model code for the Pan America 1250 Special. These added steps are necessary because the non-Pan America models (i.e. the Sportster S and Nightster) come with bar-end mirrors and require installing handlebar mounts for the accessory mirrors.

The instructions for a few other markets, however, provide the same additional steps “for all models except RA1250S and RA975S”. Both model codes are listed in the instructions for Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovenia, and Ukraine. We’ve gone through the mirror kit instructions for all other markets and languages, and none of them mention the RA975 (or the previously leaked RA965S which now appears to have been a typo.)

It’s probably not a coincidence that the nine markets above do not have their own dedicated sections on www.harley-davidson.com (i.e. they do not appear in the country and language dropdown in the top right corner of every page of the Harley-Davidson consumer website.) What this suggests is that someone on Harley-Davidson’s web team went through every language on their site and scrubbed mentions of the RA975S, but because these nine countries aren’t on the site, they somehow got overlooked.

Further proof comes to us from NHTSA’s Safety Issues and Recalls page. This page lets people look up any recalls, safety investigations, consumer complaints and manufacturer communications in NHTSA’s system. As of this writing, if you click on the Vehicle tab and search for “RA975” or “RA975S,” you will find three service bulletins for a 2022 Harley-Davidson RA975 and RA975S.

Two of the bulletins, M1559 and M1560, are for all Harley-Davidson Revolution Max models, including the 2021-2022 RA1250 and RA1250S, the 2021-2022 RH1250S (Sportster S), the 2022 RH975 (Nightster) and the 2022 RA975 and RA975S. The third service bulletin, M1558, is for all 2021-2022 Pan America models regarding the proper routing of the lower radiator hose, and it affects the 2021-2022 Pan America 1250 and 1250 Special, as well as the two 2022 RA975 models. The wording of service bulletin M1558 suggests the smaller models will also go by the “Pan America” name.

Looking at all this evidence, it seems pretty clear the RA975 and RA975S exist, and are unlikely to be the result of a simple typo, alhough the previous leak listing a RA965S now appears to be an error. There is no logical reason to exclude the RA975S from additional installation steps if it doesn’t exist. Likewise, the NHTSA information suggests it’s highly unlikely someone mistook the RA975 and RA975S for the Sportster S or Nightster.

What’s particularly interesting is that NHTSA lists the RA975 and RA975S as 2022 models. That, plus the fact the smaller Pan America was mentioned in instructions for accessories currently on sale suggests that Harley-Davidson likely planned to include the mid-sized ADVs this year but decided against launching them, perhaps due to supply chain constraints. The installation instructions and all three service bulletins are dated between Aug. 8 and Aug. 16, which gives us an indication on when a decision may have been made.

Still, we expect the RA975 and RA975S will come out at some point, likely for 2023. Harley-Davidson is expected to announce the bulk of its 2023 models in January. An appearance at EICMA might be possible, but at this point, the only Harley presence confirmed for the show is a booth about the brand’s 120th anniversary events.

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CLICK To Subscrbe to Weekly Newsletter.

Hey,

This could be a good one. The World is in turmoil and we need a solid Code of the West, or Dharma, or freedom mantra that most folks can agree on and will save humanity from tearing itself apart. Maybe I’m asking a lot and maybe not enough.

Let’s see how the news pans out and what might pop today. Hang on! Let’s hit it.

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.

Tory also asked me about a piece Mike, from Born Free, came across which looks like a David Mann but was signed by Means ’66. It has a major connection to David’s Tecate Run print, which was signed by Roth at the time, the publisher.

“Here is the Tecote Run David did for Roth in 66’,” Tory wrote. “You can see the similarities between the two pieces. It’s hard to imagine two different artists did these…That is why the piece I sent you signed by MEANS is such a mystery.”

David painted a bunch of posters for Ed Roth back in the ‘60s. Roth signed some of them until Tiny stepped in. Then we saw David Mann’s name start to shine. He pulled away from Roth and ultimately came to work for Easyriders for the rest of his life. His style changed immensely, but I always liked the attitude and action in his older pieces.

The non Mafia-member’s guide
to journalist/bureaucrat
words, expressions and phrases

pre-preface

This is called the non-Mafia member’s guide because on this planet only members of the Mafia would have absolutely no problem with anything that is contained in this book. Everyone else is going to, guaranteed, find something, probably tons of things, that are going to send them flying into snowflake-mode hysteria.

Right Wing, Left Wing….it’s gonna fucking happen. Only Mafia guys are going to say “Yeah, sounds about right” to everything in here. They’re not going to say that in reality, of course. Mafia guys can’t read. Certainly not at my level of prose. They sorta can read a subpoena. But, anyway, that’s not a problem.

They don’t need to fucking read. They don’t have time for one thing. They’re too busy. Unlike you. Also, Mafia guys know most of the stuff in this book, and if they didn’t, and if it was explained to them they’d go, and I believe I already explained this, “Yeah, that sounds about right.” So they don’t need this.

Everyone else does. But only, at best, half of “everyone else” is going to find it 60 to 70 percent enlightening: and 30 to 40 percent aggravating. The other half, however, is going to go total fucking ape-fire. They’re going to find it 100% infuriating. Screw them. They’re the fucking problem.

Journalists and bureaucrats are working together with vigor and enthusiasm to turn you into even more of an idiot than you already are. This interpretive guide to their language – which you think is the same language you are speaking – which it is not – will at least give you the opportunity, or at least hopefully show you that it is possible, for you to get a fucking clue and maybe self-install a fucking brain into your head. I know what you’re saying: “That’s kinda rude.” Actually, it’s more than just “kinda” rude. It’s basically right there over the plate rude. So, yeah. You’re right. I’m sorry.

NEW FROM THE LOWBROW FRONT–Good print is here to stay!

We started stocking it around issue #4.

–the Lowbrow Crew

Executive Director Greg Wrightstone was recently interviewed on Epoch TV’s Crossroads with Joshua Phillip discussing how the true science behind climate change is being manipulated.

Wrightstone told Phillip: “What I found, frankly, shocked me. I was amazed at how much information—misinformation—was out there and how much science and the scientific process was being trampled on.”

Though usually pay walled, Epoch Times has provided a unique link for our newsletter subscribers. Please click the video image to see the complete interview or go here.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/how-climate-change-is-a-lie-hiding-an-agenda-for-social-control-gregory-wrightstone_4791812.html?utm_campaign=cr_vip

FIRSTGEAR Introduces New Rogue XC Pro Jacket and
Pants and ThermoSuit Riding Gear

Fort Worth TX – October 20, 2022 – FIRSTGEAR today introduced the next generation in riding gear, the Rogue XC Pro Jacket and matching Rogue XC Rogue Pants. In addition, the brand launched a one-piece riding suit, the Thermosuit Pro.

The Rogue XC Pro Jacket offers an understated look in its solid black or grey/black exterior colors, yet packs a punch when it comes to features that deliver comfort, safety and convenience.

Nothing makes miles pass by slower than ill-fitting riding gear, so FIRSTGEAR designers paid special attention to rider comfort in the Rogue Jacket and pants with features like an adjustable collar, action back, and premium mesh liner. Cool air is delivered through oversized arm vents, zippered vents for intake and exhaust, and through patented, easy to operate Fidlock magnetic vents as well. Personal fitment for riders comes from hook and loop adjustments on the waist, forearms and biceps, which deliver a secure fit, and an interior drawstring waist to get just the right fit in the mid-section.

Moisture repelling vent storm flaps take comfort and protection to the next level. Using 100% waterproof materials and constructed with sealed seams, this jacket handles all types of weather and keeps rain on the outside where it belongs.

Protection from the elements isn’t the only thing the Rogue XC Pro handles well. The ballistic nylon construction has a reflective weave, offering additional visibility in low light situations. Since not all riders are the same size, pockets for the SAS-TEC CE Level 2 shoulder, elbow and back protection are adjustable to ensure the pads (included with the jacket) are in the exact right position to do their job.

For rider convenience, the jacket features two exterior hand pockets and an interior slash pocket, as well as a pass-through grommet for a heated gear controller. The Rogue XC Pro Jacket and pants are designed to allow riders to use their favorite base layer. Both are a perfect match for FIRSTGEAR’s line of heated shirts, pants and glove liners.

Rogue XC Pro Pants feature similar technology and comfort features as the Rogue Jacket, and also include leather knee panels, and stretch sections in the knee for comfort and movement. The waist is adjustable, there are hip-to-cuff side zippers with magnetic storm flaps, adjustable cuffs and Fidlock magnetic vents on the thighs. The Rogue Pants and Rogue Jacket feature an ergonomic jacket to pants interface.

Both Rogue XC Pro Jacket and Rogue XC Pro pants are available in a full range of sizes. Suggested retail is $599.99 for the jacket and $599.99 for the matching pants. Both are available at FIRSTGEAR dealers this month.

The FIRSTGEAR Thermosuit Pro is the best setup for riders who put on lots of miles or find themselves in dusty or wet conditions. It’s sturdy, one-piece construction offers great protection, superior fit and allows the rider to handle a variety of weather conditions.

The Thermosuit Pro has an adjustable collar with two-piece magnetic closure, leather knee panels and an adjustable waist for the ultimate fit. Weather protection comes from 100% waterproof materials, with a waterproof chest pocket and a waterproof hand pocket. The thigh-length side zippers have a hook-and-loop storm flap and there are integrated boot gaiters in the cuffs.

The design of the suit is great for riders who want to use their favorite base layers and it’s a perfect match for FIRSTGEAR’s heated shirt, pants and glove liners.

The Thermosuit Pro is available in sizes small through 3XL in black with reflective panels on the back. Suggested retail price is $599.99 and it’s available at FIRSTGEAR dealers around the country this month.

“We are always more afraid than we wish to be, but we can always be braver than we expect”
~ Robert Jordan

“The best way out is always through.”
– Robert Frost

“If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it”
~ Paulo Coelho

“Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore (poet, Nobel laureate)

“The search for lost things is hindered by routine habits and that is why it is so difficult to find them”
~ Gabriel Márquez (author, Nobel laureate)

“We can only feel sorry for ourselves when our misfortunes are still supportable. Once this limit is crossed, the only way to bear the unbearable is to laugh at it.”
~ Marjane Satrapi

–Wayfarer,
Editor
https://blog.bikernet.com
https://www.facebook.com/bikernetbiker

Seventh Win of the Season Seals American Flat Track Title at Volusia Double Header

Vance & Hines Racing team rider Jesse Janisch raced a Harley-Davidson XG750R motorcycle to the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines national championship in the final weekend of competition on the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track series. Racing at the Volusia Speedway Park half-mile in Barberville, Fla., Janisch won his seventh race of the season on Friday to take a 21-point advantage into the season finale on Saturday night. His eighth-place finish in that final race secured the championship.

Harley-Davidson also won the Mission Production Twins manufacturer’s championship, as Harley-mounted racers scored 365 points on the season, beating Yamaha riders by 10 points. Janisch led the class with seven wins and added six other podium finishes on the season. Billy Ross (Roof Systems Racing) and Michael Rush (Hellipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson) each won a Mission Production Twins race on their Harley-Davidson XG750R motorcycles.

“I’m so happy to win this title for Vance & Hines and Harley-Davidson,” said Janisch. “Vance & Hines have worked so hard in flat track, and my Harley-Davidson was fast right off the truck for the first race. I don’t think we even started making adjustments to the bike until mid-season. That’s a credit to my mechanic Josh Sutter, crew chief Steve Polk and team manager Craig Koontz.”

Janisch battled Mission Production Twins defending champion Cory Texter for much of the season, and Janisch held a 9-point lead before the final two races at Volusia Speedway. His win on Saturday and a 6th-place finish by Texter aboard his Yamaha meant that Janisch only had to finish 15th or better in the last race to secure the title. Texter won the final race, but Janisch wrapped up the championship with 320 points, 7 points ahead of Texter.

“When you work for Vance & Hines there’s an expectation that you will win races and championships. There are no excuses. I started this season with that mindset,” said Janisch. “There are some tracks on this series that are tough for me, and I always tried to stay in the points. The West Coast swing, with wins at Castle Rock and Sacramento, was the strength of our season.”

Janisch started racing at age 4 at local tracks in central Wisconsin and became an AMA Pro rider in 2003 at age 16. He has raced in just about every discipline in the sport, and in 2018 and 2019 finished top-10 in points in the American Flat Track singles class. Last season, however, the 35-year-old racer from Palm Coast, Fla., was without a ride until he was called by Vance & Hines to replace injured rider Dalton Gauthier for the final six races of the season. Janisch scored five top-four finishes, including a win at Charlotte, results that earned him a full-time seat at Vance & Hines for 2022, and he took that ride all the way to a championship.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–BRILLIANT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for October 13th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/BRILLIANT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_October_13th_2022.aspx

Enjoyed reading about Cate Digley and” Ezy Rider” telling about black motorcyle clubs in NYC. She took some really great black and white photographs too.

It was a short write-up but I thought especially interesting because I have not seen a lot of black bikers (not that it matters that much) out here in sunny California.

I kind of thought that blacks just were not into motorcycles, I guess, or maybe it’s because I’m not really looking anyway and I’ve just been stereotyping.

–Ann Robinson
Long Beach, CA

NEW STUFF FROM THE S&S FACTORY— Monarch 4.5” Slip-ons for HD Touring Models

4.5” seems to be the ideal muffler diameter for sound, power and looks. Firebrand has taken that formula one step further on the modern HD touring machines with a highly tuned louvered stainless steel baffle.

How do you tune a baffle? Isn’t it just a tube with some holes in it? This is where Firebrand’s expertise comes into play. The size and angle of the louvers as well as their location within the muffler are critical to capturing the exhaust gasses as they pass through.

Too big and they slow velocity, too small and you risk a pitchy sounding muffler. Get it right and your bike sounds and performs like a proper v-twin should.
The new Monarch Slip-ons from Firebrand does exactly that and finishes the muffler off with a durable and perfectly matched coating as well as a billet tip.

Available for 1999 through 2022 HD Touring bikes in Asphalt Black or show chrome. All Firebrand exhaust are made in the heartland of the US and available at your local HardDrive dealer or check them out at https://firebrandmotorcycle.com

When is someone going to make a full size slip-on that makes an authoritative sound but doesn’t break the bank? How about now? At just $599 the new Monarch Slip-on checks all the boxes. ~ DZ

–David Zemla
dzemla@firebrandmotorcycle.com

–Choppers Magazine

They bought a little home and started to work on it for their retirement, when Mike got sick. With a history of heart problems Vickie rushed him to the hospital. The VA started exploratory surgery, but his heart could handle the stress and he passed the next day.

I’ve known Mike and Vickie back to my Easyriders days. He’s been a biker all his life and Vickie a tattoo artist until her back wouldn’t allow her to sit still long. Now, she’s strapped with his funeral arrangements plus trying to make their home livable, so she can try to live out their retirement dream in the Black Hills.

Help out if you can. Here’s their GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d9c8f4d9

Keith “Bandit” Ball
Bikernet.com

But no one ever imagined speed governors (now called limiters) would become standard equipment on a car, especially when driving requires situational awareness and the ability to speed, brake, avoid, honk, etc.

Built into the vehicle, the device limits how fast you can drive by using telematics. If you exceed the limit, some sound alert will commence, or the speed governor will stop your acceleration. Stored data on the street’s speed limits will cross-reference with a vehicle’s GPS position to make you stop or at least not accelerate.

Intelligent Speed Assistance or ISA is the name of the auto technology that might soon make driving a living hell. For years, the federal government has wanted to put them on commercial vehicles, but now they want them on all vehicles.

If this happens, drivers will no longer have the flexibility to make safer choices in the situation because they can no longer exceed the speed limit under any circumstances.

If you need to make a long pass of several slower vehicles, forget about it.
If you need to accelerate past a truck to merge onto a highway, forget about it.
If you need to flee to safety (from a road rager or even a tornado), forget about it.

Lane Courtesy would no longer be needed either since passing would no longer be possible. Everyone will be using all lanes simultaneously, driving at the same speed. Traffic congestion will likely be worse than ever if drivers are not allowed flexibility.

Many of us like to drive and enjoy that we control what we do—not be controlled. Several motorists commenting in a recent CNN report stated that a speed limiter is an ‘overreach’ and ‘intrusive.’ We want to drive cars, not appliances.

Deputy Mayor of New York City for Operations Meera Joshi announced recently that the city would be the first in the US to use speed limiter technology to keep city vehicles from exceeding speed limits.

The NYC fleet driver would still have the option to override the cut-off and then manually speed for 15 seconds with a touch of a button under the steering wheel. Joshi said pressing this button could be used for merging lanes or keeping up with traffic flow. She also happily called the accelerator cut-off ‘a dead pedal.’ But what if you need more time to accelerate and get around a situation—will your vehicle dead-pedal you right in the middle of the maneuver? How safe is that?

Landline reported that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will unveil its speed limiter system for commercial vehicles by June 30, 2023. In May 2022, the FMCSA issued an advance notice on speed governance. Under its initial proposal, trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more and equipped with an electronic engine control unit capable of speed governance would be subject to the mandate. Upper-speed possibilities include 60, 65, or 68 mph. In the 2022 notice, nearly 16,000 comments were submitted, most from truck drivers adamantly opposed to the speed-limiter mandate.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has fought against speed limiter mandates for years. President Todd Spencer wrote OOIDA’s formal comments to the FMCSA on July 18, 2022.

“Professional truck drivers strongly object to any speed limiter mandate for several other reasons based on their owner experiences. Speed limiters take control of the truck away from the drivers, denying them the ability to use the truck’s capabilities to avoid accidents and unsafe road and traffic conditions.”

The National Transportation Safety Board released a report to the federal government earlier this month requesting a way to incentivize auto and truck makers to implement speed limiters in all new vehicles. If this comes to pass, customers pay for the privilege of having an ISA on their new car, whether they want it or not.

Can you imagine every vehicle on the highway with a speed limiter?

Achieving a safety objective without fully considering other factors will likely create unintended consequences.

BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—Sportster from One-Way Machine.

–Sam Burns

ECONOMIC NEWS AND OLD JEANS—

Hey, the whole world’s businesses & investors are worried about economic slowdown or even collapse. But not to worry, there is always coffee and you could reuse your grandfather’s clothes if you don’t fit into your own anymore.

This below news is not a joke nor satire nor fake news. Look it up.

–Wayfarer

This Levi’s jeans from the 1880s was auctioned for $76,000

This pair of jeans is one of the oldest known Levi’s from the gold rush era, according to the auction listing, and “the holy grail of vintage denim collecting.”

Kyle Haupert, a 23-year-old vintage clothing dealer from San Diego, bought the pair of jeans at an auction on October 1. “I’m still kind of bewildered, just surprised in myself for even purchasing them,” Haupert told the Wall Street Journal.

He bought the jeans with Zip Stevenson, the owner of vintage clothing company Denim Doctors. Haupert paid for 90 per cent of the winning bid and is hoping that Stevenson, who is more experienced at this, will be able to help find the next buyer for the jeans.

The antique Levi’s pair was in an old mine years ago, reported Long John, a denim magazine that first broke the news about the auction. As per the report, it was used by a miner and feature suspender buttons on the waistbands and a single back pocket.

This pair of jeans marked with candle wax is one of the oldest known Levi’s from the gold rush era, according to the auction listing, and “the holy grail of vintage denim collecting.” It also added that the pair is in “good/wearable” condition.

“You could wear them to a Starbucks,” Stevenson told the Wall Street Journal.

SOURCE:
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/this-levis-jeans-from-the-1880s-was-auctioned-for-76000-9322671.html

[page break]

NEWS FROM THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–USS SOUTH DAKOTA Submarine Veteran and SDSU Student Rides

USS SD Harley-Davidson in Hobo Day Parade

Brookings, SD October 29, 2022 – Brody Hanson, a former USS SOUTH DAKOTA submarine Sailor and current SDSU student will ride the USS SOUTH DAKOTA Harley-Davidson motorcycle in this year’s Hobo Day Parade.

Brody is a Plankowner of USS SOUTH DAKOTA and served in the Fire Control Division aboard the submarine. Originally from Treynor, IA, Brody was in the Navy from 2015 to 2020 and qualified as an Enlisted Submarine Warfare Specialist. Brody is a Sophomore at SDSU studying Aviation Education.

The USS SD Harley-Davidson Motorcycle was established to commemorate South Dakota’s namesake vessel by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, J&L Harley-Davidson of Sioux Falls, and Black Hills Harley-Davidson of Rapid City.

The motorcycle is 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and it was custom painted to honor the history of USS SOUTH DAKOTA by Artist Micky Harris of Menno, SD.

The motorcycle is on display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and kept in ready to ride condition. Any Sailor assigned to USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790) and Plankowners of SSN 790 are welcome to ride the motorcycle anywhere in the State of SD. SSN 790 is the first command in the U.S. military to have their own motorcycle.

About the USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790)
On February 2nd, 2019, the USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790) was commissioned into U.S. Navy active service. Carrying a crew of 14 officers and 117 enlisted servicemen, USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790) is armed with two Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT), each capable of holding six vertical launch Tomahawk missiles that can strike land targets up to 1,240 miles away. The ship is powered by a nuclear reactor, offering an unlimited source of fuel lasting the life span of the ship, which is projected to be over 30 years. The submarine is based in Groton, CT.

For More Information:
LT Tom Muenster, USN(Ret)
USS SD H-D Motorcycle Project
605-360-7491

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE TEMPLE–Do You Need To Pause?

Just pausing for two to three breaths is a perfect way to stay present. This is a good use of our life. Indeed, it is an excellent, joyful use of our life. Instead of getting better and better at avoiding, we can learn to accept the present moment as if we had invited it, and work with it instead of against it, making it our ally rather than our enemy.
–Pema Chodron

Do you ever feel like saying STOP the world I want to get off? Today we seem to live such busy lives. It seems very few of us Pause long enough to just take a moment to breathe. Everytime we turn around we seem to have someone or something demanding our attention. Between finances, family, work, friends, the past, health issues and just living we have a lot of demands in our lives. How often do we Pause and breathe for a few minutes just to slow our world down?

I believe that taking 5 to 20 minutes a day to Pause and meditate can change your whole day. The goal of meditation is to focus and quiet your mind, eventually reaching a higher level of awareness and inner calm. I find by simply closing my eyes and concentrating on my breath I am able to relax. Here I Know that All is OKay. That I release all stress and discord and I am able to chill.

Today’s Affirmation: Today I choose to do what I need to do to find a new level of Peace. I close my eyes and breathe and unify with My Source. I Let Go of all the turmoil in My Life and just be for a few moments. Here I Know that All is Good and unfolding in, right and perfect order. Anytime that I feel I need to chill I just breathe and be still.
I give Thanks for this Pause time and the wonderful results from it.

And So It Is
Namaste’

“Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.” –Saint Francis de Sale

–Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle

TRIKES OF THE WEEK—

–Sam Burns
Trike Editor
Bikernet.com™

(pictures above) The Letric Lighting Co. newest addition of LED headlamps are the DB7-Sunbeam’s™ which not only are what their title says, (bright as the sun) but they are stylish, plug-n-play, the lighting kits include a NAMZ ready to install wiring harness and powder-coated aluminum hardware kit for an easy installation!

Many people have asked about their operation so here goes, the (left) lamp, as if you were sitting on the bike is considered the driving light or low-beam while the right hand light, (yellow light on the top photograph) is the high beam. It’s a slick European rally car style having only (1) light on for low-beam and when you flick the high beam, both lights will get you down any road while being well lit and most importantly, safe!

(top picture) The LLC-DB7-YC headlamp kit features (1) clear low-beam LED and (1) yellow high-beam LED light. Simple to install thanks to our plug-n-play wiring harness and rock-solid hardware kit, these lights are an attractive addition to any 2015 to Current Road Glide® model. Both versions are in stock and ready to install or can be purchased at your local authorized HardDrive Dealer, J&P Cycles, Dennis Kirk or directly from our website! “Where the brightest idea’s come from!”

***Designed and intended for “off road” use ONLY***
***May not fit with some OEM or aftermarket audio amplifiers***

Ultra-Bright LED’s with clear and/or yellow lens
Black aluminum housing

Will fit ’15-Up Road Glide Models

Black powder-coated aluminum mounting bracket with stainless steel mounting hardware

Fully adjustable riding position up/down or side to side for any suspension or fairing modifications
100% plug-n-play wiring harness & easy to install

Technical Data
(clear) Low beam 8000-lumens
(clear) High beam 8000-lumens
6500K Color Temp
IP67 waterproof rating

2 Year LED Warranty!

Not having any idea what to ask her to disqualify her application, the officer asks, “What’s 2+2?”

“Ummm… 4!” the blonde says.

Dang, the officer thinks, so tries a harder one:
“What’s the square root of 100?”

“Ummm… 10!” the blonde says.

“Good!” the officer says, deciding to switch from math to history. “OK, who killed Abraham Lincoln?”

“Ummm… I don’t know,” she admits.

“Well, you can go home and think about it,” he says, “and come back later and tell me what you’ve figured out.”

He figures that’s the last he’ll see of her.

“Not only did I get the job,” the blonde says, “but I’ve already been assigned to a murder case!”

–Sam Burns

Got hired to build handtooled saddlebags for the same bike, starting in 2 weeks and confirmed a 2up seat for jan/feb 2023. Gonna add some Dime Bag Leather style. Looking forward to the Winter Bikernet project you have coming up. I’ve been getting my workstation in order.

ELECT TO TAKE A STAND!
TOMORROW’S OUTCOMES HINGE ON TODAY’S ACTIONS

In contrast to the last century, ‘Roaring’ is not likely to be how the current ‘20s are remembered. The Jazz Age’s nostalgic “carefree” stereotype offers little similarity to the present. Amidst all the uncertainty, one thing is clear: politics are everywhere, like it or not. With all this in mind, big issues are on the table that are ripe with controversy. Decisions on electric vehicles (EVs), automotive fuel supply, and one’s own ‘right to modify’ will make a direct impact on our community and the final results are likely to be consequential.

With so much at stake, enthusiast participation in the political process is crucial—but not difficult. Nearly 7,000 state and federal elected positions are up for grabs in November. Notably, 84% of all state lawmakers will be in the running—marking their first race since redistricting has shifted constituencies. Party control of the U.S. Congress and state legislatures will be determined in the upcoming elections.

Use the voting tool at semaSAN.com/semavotes to register to vote and learn the deadlines for where you live. In advance, find out if your state and federal representatives are affiliated with the hobby-friendly, SEMA-supported caucuses at semaSAN.com/statecaucus and semaSAN.com/federalcaucus. You can locate your elected officials at semaSAN.com under the “Legislators” tab.

Ready to influence our nation’s public policy roadmap going forward? Good news: the ballot box awaits! This year, head to your polling place with renewed purpose. Learn where your candidates are on issues important to you. Then ensure your voice is heard via your vote. No better way to weigh-in and make sure this important opportunity counts. Take care of fulfilling your civic duty just like your prized ride—with pride in ownership!

Spent lots of time there mid ‘60s in rear of shop just to watch Von Dutch do his thing.

Should’ve kept it.

–Harvey T.

I used to own the building at 200 Broad Ave., in Wilmington. You’ve done a great job on that building-was by there a few months ago-it looks great! What I have for sale is acreage near Randsburg around the corner in Johannesburg.

I have three parcels of land there-one parcel has 11 lots (about 1.2 acres)-asking $60,000, another parcel has 8 lots (less than 1 acre) and then a small parcel with about 4 lots that triangle in shape. All of this property is situated so water and electricity is readily available to it as they are in the town of Johanessburg-not outlying where it would cost a fortune to get utilities to it.

I am open of offers. I’ve had this land for many years as we used to live in Johannesburg and drink at the “Joint” in Randsburg. We now live in Costa Rica so have no further plans on developing up in that area. Open to offers on these properties. I am attaching a copy of the assesors maps which looks like its upside down but that how the land lays when you look up at it. and also a couple of photos of the area. thanks-maybe one day we’ll meet the best way for anyone to reach me being that we are in Costa Rica is thru this email rjcnsc@yahoo.com

If you have time, check out my instagram page the_art_of_suzahm

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS INTRODUCES THREE NEW JACK STANDS TO THE PRO GRADE DAYTONA LINE

(October 2022; Calabasas CA) Harbor Freight Tools is introducing three new jack stands to its best-selling pro-grade DAYTONA™ line: the 22 Ton Heavy Duty Jack Stands with Locking Pin, the 12 Ton Heavy Duty Ratcheting Jack Stands, and the 3 Ton Jack Stands with Circular Pads.

All three new jack stands are built to the highest standards on the market and meet or exceed all current standards under The American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Safety Standards for Portable Automotive Service Equipment (ASME/PASE).

DAYTONA™ 22 TON HEAVY DUTY JACK STANDS WITH LOCKING PIN

Ideal for larger vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, and tractors, these 22 Ton Jack Stands can safely support up to 44,000 lbs. The jack stands are constructed from high-grade steel and have a 1 in. to 1-1/16 in. diameter easy-to-use steel locking pin for added security. With a lift height range of 13-7/8 in. to 19-7/8 in., they can be quickly adjusted to three different positions at three-inch intervals. The rigid body and 11 in. wide base provide additional stability and strength, as does the large V-shaped saddle.
The jack stands weigh 75.89 lbs., are 19 in. high and 11 in. long. Available in yellow powder coated steel, they are currently priced at $189.99 for the pair.

DAYTONA™ 12 TON HEAVY DUTY RATCHETING JACK STANDS

These 12 Ton Heavy Duty Ratcheting Jack Stands support up to 24,000 lbs. and are designed with industry-leading features, including a high-quality self-locking steel ratchet bar and a double-locking mobility pin for additional security.
The jack stands feature heavy-duty solid steel body panels, welded-in braces for extra reinforcement, and cross-seam welds to provide strength and durability. The stands are ideal for vehicle repair work and have a lift height range of 19-3/4 in. to 29-3/8 in.
Engineered for the auto enthusiast or mechanic, the DAYTONA™ 12 Ton Heavy Duty Ratcheting Stands are currently priced at $149.99 for the pair.

DAYTONA™ 3 TON JACK STANDS WITH CIRCULAR PADS

The professional grade 3 Ton Jack Stands with Circular Pads protect a vehicle from damage during use and can safely support up to 6,000 lbs.

www.harborfreight.com

THE MYSTERY SLED INVESTIGATION–Sorry to be buggin’ you , but have you found out anything from Kim Peterson?

If it was Frank, I can only hope that the bike is sitting in someone’s living room , on a plinth.

This is a bike I built in 1976/77, before I saw the Mystery Sled.

Long, ill-handling , springer, King and Queen step seat and ape hangers.

So, what I built looks like a drag bike with a license plate. Some 20 years later the Brits would build lots of the same style bikes and call them “Street Fighters.” Big-inch jap motors in a hardtail frame.

The bike now has over 100K miles on it. I still have it, still ride it (but not so much, 70 years old and a bad back, ya know).

Thanks again, for putting up with my ravings!

Keep the faith Brother !

–Todd

“Jake, the photographer built the Mystery Sled. I believe that’s the only bike he ever built. I spoke to Kim and he told me it was photographed by Jake. It took me a couple of days before I thought of the connection.”

–Bandit

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 

2015 Harley-Davidson XL1200X – Sportster Forty-Eight for only $9,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10489302

This bike is a super clean low mileage sporty

ONLY 8838.00 Miles !!!!!

2015 Red metal flake Harley-Davidson XL1200X SPORTSTER 48 FORTY-EIGHT

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 1200c.c. Motor
* 5-Speed trans
* Solo seat
* Chrome staggered exhaust
* Drag bars
* Fat tires

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101-point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether you’re looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $9,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

REPORT FROM THE WHITE FAMILY— What’s up Dude!??

We’ve had our first dusting this week when Chicago O’Hare Airport got light snow Monday. I am still trudging around when I can, bundling up more but having to be strategic about when I ride. Before 8:00 am and after 8:00 pm are pretty miserable at times.

I did stop by Fox River Harley to get a local poker chip when I saw the 2022 Dante Fade Red Flamed Road Glide Limited… my God, what a machine … and just a tad over 50k… Whoa!!!

I splurged and bought a CVO toy at 10.99, which is more my budget.

Mr. Humble
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com

Hope I’m wrong.

Baird builds caution on Harley-Davidson after inauspicious dealer survey
Checks with Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) dealers ahead of the company’s third quarter report left Baird with a less bullish outlook, according to a note released on Wednesday.

Read in Seeking Alpha: https://stocks.apple.com/AR74LG-WqSaGfealzJXlZLw

THE CUSTOM OUTLOOK—

So this is a front fender being used as a rear fender. I like it!

–Mike Stevenson
Hamster

THE BILL GATES NET ZERO MANIFESTO— How we’re doing on the path to zero
by Bill Gates (founder Microsoft)

This week, Breakthrough Energy—the company I founded to invest in revolutionary clean-energy technologies—is starting what we expect to be an annual tradition. We’re hosting a three-day gathering in Seattle where hundreds of scientists, inventors, entrepreneurs, public officials, and corporate leaders from around the world will talk about what it’s going to take to get to net-zero carbon emissions and avoid a climate disaster.

In the run-up to the meeting, I decided to write out my thoughts on the state of the transition to zero: what’s going well, what isn’t, and what the world needs to do now to accelerate progress. We’re sharing it with everyone who’s coming to Seattle, and I’ve also published it on Gates Notes.

Read my memo, “The State of the Energy Transition.”

Bill Gates’ Blog: https://www.gatesnotes.com/

Read Also: My annual memo about the journey to zero emissions.
by Bill Gates

https://www.gatesnotes.com/Energy/2022-State-of-the-Energy-Transition

Bill,

I don’t get it. I’m sure you have access to all the greatest scientists in the world. Don’t you know the sea has been rising at the same rate for the last 400 years since the little ice age? Is this all about making more money?

If you took all your own business interests and turned them zero, how long would it take you? How long would it take you to make computers and cell phones without fossil fuels? You said it yourself, in your recent report. Bullying countries with doomsday to get them to sign on is not going to help anyone reach net zero of anything.

And since when does CO2 change the climate, except to improve it? The earth has been warming since the little ice age ended. Temperatures changed significantly during the past 10,000 years and it wasn’t CO2 or cars. For 6,100 of those years, it was hotter than it is now.

You’re a computer guy, who is about my age. You know the likelihood of reaching zero anything. It’s just about control. The problem with zero, as you know, it’s unattainable, which mandates that the bureaucracy continues to grabble for more control to attain their Zero goal.

And do you really want plant life and humans to die because we could experience dangerously low CO2 levels, which we nearly reached before we started to burn fossil fuels? You do know CO2 is not a pollutant?

Don’t you want America to represent the home of Scientific Transparency? You do know that the truth will shine sooner or later and then what?

And finally, as you if anyone would know, the best way to test any effort is to let it shine on the open market. Hell, you could buy a community or a city and turn it completely green and see how it works.

Since you deny the truth and the media won’t embrace it, the courts are now finally going to become the platform for sharing the truth with the public.

So, acres of solar panels won’t disrupt farms and forests? Test your theories in a chosen community or city before you force the unknown on the public wrongly.”

Hang on.

–Bandit

P.S. Of course, their system cut me short and I was forced to condense this like crazy.

Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Finish 2022 Season 1-2 as Jared Mees Wins Eighth Career Championship

Briar Bauman Makes Impressive Fourth-to-Second Jump in Final Standings Following
Third & Second-Place Finishes at Volusia Half-Mile I & II, Respectively

Minneapolis, MN. (October 17, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, secured its sixth consecutive American Flat Track (AFT) Manufacturer’s Championship, while its Wrecking Crew factory rider, Jared Mees, took home his eighth career Grand National Championship. Mees’ second and third-place finishes at the Volusia Half-Mile I & II finale were more than enough to cement his spot atop the leaderboard and retain the No.1 plate.

Meanwhile, teammate Briar Bauman’s double podium propelled him from fourth to second in the final standings – awarding the Indian Motorcycle factory team the top two SuperTwins spots for the fourth year in a row.

While new 2022 rule changes were implemented to restrict performance of the Indian FTR750, the Indian Motorcycle factory team rose to the occasion and hit every curveball thrown its way.

Mees credits his team for a phenomenal job all year, as they didn’t have a single a mechanical failure. Mees finished with three wins and nine additional podiums.

Bauman, who was on a hunt to retake the No.1 plate from Mees, was competitive all year until a P16 at Cedar Lake Short Track II dropped him back in the leaderboard standings. While a shot at the championship may have been out of reach, Bauman’s fierce competitive nature led him to a third and second-place finish, respectively, and firmly planted him second overall for the second year in a row.

“This year brought new challenges unlike any other. Our Manufacturer’s Championship and Mees’ title are a testament to the team’s resiliency and hard work,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology. “And, of course, a personal congratulations to Jared on his eighth championship. When we returned to the sport in 2017 and Jared joined the Wrecking Crew, he shared his career goal with us, so to be sitting here, six years later, and him just one title shy, is truly amazing.”

Having won four of the last six SuperTwins championships aboard the Indian FTR750, Mees is now just one shy from his personal career goal to reach Scottie Parker’s record of nine championships. Mees has more than 60 career wins and multiple records.

A special thanks to Indian Motorcycle Racing’s sponsors, including Progressive Insurance, S&S, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Mission Foods, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com.

[page break]

New TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!–Halting The Oil Flow

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

I want to buy a cutter tool to my oil pump?
The year of the engine is 1996 Evolution
And I wonder, what’s the price to Sweden

Hermansson Clas
herman6204@hotmail.com
Tidaholm, Vstra Gtalands ln, Sweden

“Hey Clas,
You should check with Custom Chrome in Europe or Zodiac.” –Bandit

HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO REPURPOSE HISTORIC HEADQUARTER— on Milwaukee’s west side

Jochen Zeitz took over as CEO in 2020, the same year Harley-Davidson closed its headquarters during the Covid-19 pandemic. It hasn’t been fully reopened since.

Harley-Davidson Inc. will “repurpose” its historic headquarters on Milwaukee’s west side later this year, according to our partners at the Milwaukee Business Journal.

The company’s top executive Jochen Zeitz made the announcement Monday in an interview with Bloomberg, but didn’t provide specifics for plans on the 500,000-square-foot building. The headquarters is located north of Molson Coors’ Milwaukee office and brewery. According to the BizJournal, Milwaukee could “encounter a de-emphasis of a major landmark and economic force in a city of Milwaukee neighborhood facing economic and social challenges.”

The first section of the building was constructed in 1910 with additions built in 1912, 1913, and 1966. According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, the complex began as a factory and has served as Harley-Davidson’s corporate headquarters since the mid-1900s.

WTMJ-TV
Milwaukee

PROGRESSIVE OIL DEAL WITH SPRINGS—

Spring into action with this week’s “Progressive Deal” and receive a free quart of fork oil when you purchase any of our fork spring kits. Offer valid from 10/18-10/24. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Vance & Hines Team Rider Jesse Janisch Wins 2022 AFT Production Twins Championship —

Barberville FL – October 15, 2022 – AFT Production Twins rider Jesse Janisch made the most of a two-race Volusia Speedway finale weekend by securing his first professional flat track championship aboard a Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R on Saturday. Janisch won seven of the 17 AFT races in the 2022 series, finishing seven points ahead of 2021 champion Cory Texter.

Janisch came into the final weekend with a nine-point lead , knowing how quickly that lead could disappear. His win in the Friday race along with a sixth-place finish by Texter meant that on Saturday, he needed to qualify for the Main event and get at least five points to secure the championship. His eighth-place performance was enough to put him in the series lead, even with the race win going to the veteran Texter.

Janisch joined the Vance & Hines AFT team with six races remaining in the 2021 season. He rewarded his sponsors with five top-four finishes and a win in Charlotte last year. He was named to the 2022 Vance & Hines team in February.

“What an awesome year,” said Vance & Hines Team Manager Craig Koontz. “Jesse is a great rider and a great team member. He trusts us to give him a fast bike and he goes out and does great things with it.”

“I have a reputation for being a great rider on TT tracks, but this year, winning three half miles, two miles and two TT’s, I think I proved that I can compete no matter what track I’m on,” said Janisch.

“I love my team from Vance & Hines,” he continued. “They never pressured me, just gave me great equipment and allowed me to go out and race. Next week I’m driving to Indy and buying pizza for the whole Vance & Hines crew.”

Janisch rode a Vance & Hines-prepared Harley-Davidson XG750R, Harley-Davidson’s purpose-built flat track racing motorcycle.

Vance & Hines is the only organization designated to produce the Harley-Davidson XG750R race-only motorcycle, a turnkey solution for riders wishing to compete in AFT’s Production Twins racing. In 2022, Vance & Hines was a presenting sponsor of AFT’s Production Twins class and offered a contingency sponsorship program that made nearly $100,000 in prize money available to racers.

OUR ASSALT WEAPAN IS IN THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM—

We recently went to the museum and decided to update our chart. Below are some of the elements. Feel free to stop by the museum and check out the action.

ASSALT WEAPAN
By Bikernet.com

The Bikernet 5-Ball Racing Team built this 120-inch Panhead in 2007 and took it to Bonneville for the Bub’s Motorcycle Speed Trials. Valerie Thompson was the pilot for a top speed of 161 mph and a record with a two-pass average speed of 156.74 mph. The 5-Ball Team was awarded the Best-Engineered bike for the 2007 meet. We believe this machine is capable of much higher speeds.

Owner/builder: Keith “Bandit” Ball
Year: 2007
Model: Assalt Weapan

Engine
Make: Accurate Engineering
Model: Panhead
Displacement: 120 cubic inches
Lower-end: Barry Wardlaw
Top-end: STD
Carburetor: S&S and Pegasus Fuel Injection
Pipes: Bandit and D&D
Ignition: Spyke

Transmission
Make: Baker Drive Train
Gears: Baker 6-Speed
Clutch: BDL

Forks
Make: Harley-Davidson
Size: 49 mm
Wheels: Metal Sport
Brakes: PM rear only
Controls: PM

Misc:
Seat: Saddlemen
Fairing: Airstream Studios
Tank: Custom Chrome and Gard Hollinger
Fenders: Custom Chrome

Special Thanks: Barry Wardlaw, Nyla, Jim Murillo R.I.P., Bob Parsons and GoDaddy, Will Phillips R.I.P., Bert and Lisa Baker, Steve Yatzke, Jeremiah Soto,

Pirelli DIABLO Superbike Slicks and Stefano Mesa Reset Track Record at Daytona International Speedway–

Mesa Makes it Seven Track Records for Pirelli in 2022

ATLANTA (October 18, 2022) – Pirelli Tire North America captured its seventh absolute motorcycle track record of the 2022 racing season with Stefano Mesa during the Championship Cup Series at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Mesa, who was riding a Pirelli DIABLO Superbike equipped Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R motorcycle, maintains his hold of the most track records set this season with four.

Stefano Mesa set the new Daytona track record on Pirelli DIABLO Superbike slicks. | Photo: Hot Shots by Lisa

“It’s always special to achieve success here at Daytona,” said Mesa. “I’m stoked to add another track record to the list. I’ve been fortunate to have quite a few of them these past few years and I owe a big thanks to Pirelli. Daytona is such a gnarly track to get things right, but they had me hooking up all weekend and I had so much confidence in my setup that it allowed me to top my own record twice!”

Mesa set a new lap record of 1:45.879 on Saturday, October 15, in the CCS Unlimited Supersport class and then topped it once again and without a draft on Sunday, October 16 with a 1:45.538. He also held the previous lap record of 1:45.911 at the speedway. His ZX-10R relied on the performance of Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike 125/70R17 SC2 front and 200/65R17 Daytona compound rear slicks.

“The Pirelli momentum at Daytona keeps on rolling,” said Oscar Solis, Senior Racing Manager, Pirelli. “The brand has had a lot of success at this speedway the last few years. It’s one of the most challenging circuits in the nation when it comes to nailing the setup and it really shows the importance of both performance and durability. We would like to congratulate Stefano for pushing the limits and topping his own previous track record!”

Mesa has now set track records this season at Daytona, Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Roebling Road Raceway, and Carolina Motorsports Park. JC Camacho sits behind Mesa with two track records earned. Pirelli remains the motorcycle tire of choice for North American riders looking to reach the top step of the podium and log fast laps at events and series that do not have a spec tire rule. Reward prizes are offered to riders who set a new motorcycle track record while using Pirelli race compound tires.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com

“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

SONG PICK FOR THE WEEK—

This song was first recorded in 1942 by Bozie Sturdivan, released in 1943. Johnny Cash recorded one of the most notable covers of “Ain’t No Grave” in 2003, released on a posthumous album in 2010 (album titled American VI: Ain’t No Grave)..

Cash’s version has been used in Tarantino film “Django Unchained” and first episode of TV series “Westworld” (but also used insensitively in trailer of movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”)

Song: “Ain’t No Grave”
cover version by group: Crooked Still
(progressive bluegrass)
Album: Shaken by a Low Sound
Written by: Claude Ely / Aoife Maria O’donovan / Rushad Eggleston / Corey Dimario / Gregory Birjandi Liszt

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
When I hear that trumpet sound I’m gonna get up out of the ground
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

Go down yonder Gabriel, put your foot on the land and sea
Oh Gabriel, don’t you blow your trumpet until you hear from me

I looked way over yonder and what do you think I see?
I see a band of angels and they’re coming after me

Then I looked way down the river saw the people dressed in white
I knew it was God’s people ’cause I saw them doing right

Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
When I hear that trumpet sound I’m gonna get up out of the ground
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

I’m going down to the river jordan and I’m gonna bury my knees in the sand
Holler “ah, hosanna” till I reach the promised land

Then I looked way over yonder and what do you think I see?
I see a band of angels and they’re coming after me
So meet me king Jesus meet me won’t you meet me in the middle of the air
If these wings should carry me, I won’t need another pair

Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
When I hear that trumpet sound I’m gonna get up out of the ground
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down
Ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

— Wayfarer
Resident Media Analyst
Bikernet University

ANOTHER New TECH Bikernet Reader Comment!–MOVING OIL

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

Excellent article, and reader and Tech comments. Very helpful, thanks. I am working on a ‘78 rigid Shovel project, with a near-new ‘94 S$S Super Stock and belt drive primary. Would a Tech be able to email me so I can send two pics (routing at tank, and at the pump)?

— David Willis
david.willis.r@gmail.com
Nanaimo, BC, Canada

LATEST FROM THE PRISM GANG–My Garage, Dread Fiyah

In this episode of My Garage, we highlight fellow Charlotte, NC resident, Dread Fiyah. Dread and his team at The Spoke Easy play an active role in our community by enabling cyclists to navigate the city more safely while ensuring they’re supported by the city’s infrastructure.

When Dread isn’t cycling through Queen City, he can be found on his Big Twin Evo, which he modified using the same approach he takes when building bicycles, placing an emphasis on simplicity.

WISDOM FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE DOWN UNDER—

Time is the most valuable thing on earth: time to think, time to act, time to extend our fraternal relations, time to become a better person.

Time passes quickly, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment. Blink and a minute passes, another blink, and it’s an hour, another, a year. It is an unsolved mystery, a force of unknown nature, and a precious resource.

More important, make time for yourself ! Taking time to relax and de-stress can mean an improvement in your mood, brain function, and memory. Relaxation will allow your mind and body to repair itself. You’ll make better decisions and be a better person.

— Ray Russell
Certified Guru
Australia

MORE FEATURE BIKES JUST CAME IN—

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

ANOTHER, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
BRILLIANT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for October 13th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/BRILLIANT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_October_13th_2022.aspx

Suggestions for you home generator. You can have an electrician install a transfer switch or a breaker interlock panel. Then you plug the generator in to run the whole house. But make sure your generator has 220-VOLT capacity.

I thought I was being smart getting a dual fuel, propane or gas but I overlooked the 220 part. Oh well it’s extension cords for me.

— Bob Warren
robertjr102@sbcglobal.net
Orange, CA

“Thanks Bob,
I’m due to quiz my electrician shortly.”
–Bandit

AHDRA Nitro V-Twins Heating Up North Florida—

event: AHDRA Coca-Cola Southeastern Thunder Nationals
when: October 21-23, 2022
where: North Florida Motorplex, Fountain, FL, USA

AHDRA All-American motorcycle drag racing will break the recent cold snap, bringing their thundering, ground-pounding, flame-throwing, nitro V-twin show to Fountain’s North Florida Motorplex on October 21-23 for the Coca-Cola Southeastern Thunder Nationals.

You’ve seen them on the NHRA highlight reels. Nothing beats the violent thrust of a big Top Fuel Harley, nitro V-Twin engine, and this is the time and place to see these incredible motorcycles and the fearless men who ride them.

“Jimmy Mac” McMillan will try for his third straight Top Fuel win, but his Bad Apple Racing teammate Tracy Kile will be pushing as much nitro as it takes to stop him, “Southside” Don Becker, Juha “Sushi” Hintukainen and the rest of the field.

The first eight confirmed Top Fuel riders for this event will have free class entry. Contact Bill or Chrissy Rowe at bcrowe92891@gmail.com to confirm.

Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybikes get the job done while slightly simpler, smaller, and—sometimes—slower than their big Top Fuel brothers. 6.50s is still hustlin’, though, and recent Cecil County winner Armon Furr will be taking on all-comers.

Florida hero Walter Halonski will be putting his leathers back on to pilot the Bad Apple Racing, carbureted Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel of “Bad Ass Mary” Dangrow against Rocky Jackson, Sam White and more.

Less noisy but every bit as impressive are AHDRA’s gas classes. GMS Racing Engines Xtreme Outlaw, Zippers Performance Pro Modified. Pingel Modified, V-Twin Powersports Hot Rod Bagger, Horsepower Inc. Pro Outlaw Bagger, Super Stock and MTC Pro Comp Outlaw all race out the back door, while 9.30 index, Super Pro 10.30, Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas 9.90, Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90, and 11.50 index all race to a fixed number. Eliminator racers set their own dial-in, and the Trophy class is for those getting their feet wet.

North Florida has something even better for the motorcyclist looking to make their first passes on a dragstrip—the Drag Race Experience from 8:00 to 9:30 pm on Saturday night! This is your chance to see what that old hog of yours will really run.

That new family favorite, Junior Dragbikes, will be back at it as well.

Test and Tune from 6:00-10:00 pm on Friday, gates open at 10:00am. Qualifying begins at 1:30 pm on Saturday, raceday opening ceremonies at 11:00 am Sunday. Admission is $25 for a day, $45 for a 2 day pass, or $55 for all 3 days

Bill and Chrissy Rowe look forward to welcoming the AHDRA family to this brand new stop on the circuit. Do not miss this event!

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

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

AHDRA is owned by Pulse Marketing, the Hellertown, Pennsylvania-based motorsports promotion company run by veteran drag racer Rowe and his family.

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

“It is surely harmful to souls to make it a heresy to believe what is proved.”

FINAL, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–If You Build It They Will Come

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

This is a great read and thanks for all the support to the MRF.

–Gary Goracke
gackoid@gmail.com
Villard, MN

“Always, we need all the help we can get…”
–Bandit

WHAT’S NEXT?—Who the hell knows. I’m working with Chopper Dave on something for Xmas.

Always have a tough time passing up this art.

I gave into solar. I’m going to use a solar panel to light my flagpole light. I’ve got all the pieces, now I just need the pole.

We had hot and cold water run into the shop. I need to build the platform to hold it in place. We are going to use this mop bucket to catch the run-off, but I just thought of an alternative, hmmm. I have a sump pump not far away.

This is our neighbor who comes to visit twice a day. Who needs a dog when you’re neighbor, Tank, is so cool.

This is a portion of the bridge running across our stream behind the shop. I’m going to build light posts along the bridge and again use solar-powered lights. Any recommendations?

We went to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming last weekend and walked the circumference and stopped to talk to the fat-ass Prairie Dogs.

Randy Cramer, of Dakota V-Twin just scored a Czech German Shepard pup. I stopped by his shop to order a JIMS Transmission case for my winter project.

The Redhead had an appointment and spotted this Halloween Xmas Tree. Strange times.

A shot outside of my office; sunrise and fall colors are amazing.

Gotta get back to finishing the second chapter of the Chopper Chronicles, which is based around this bar in Sundance, Wyoming. The second chapter is almost completed. Hang On!

Meanwhile, ride fast and free forever!

–Bandit

Even in Oklahoma City
by Bill May

“As a kid growing up in Oklahoma in the ‘60s I was crazy about hot rods and motorcycles. My father passed away when I was 14. Mom didn’t drive. It was legal for a 14-year-old to ride a motor scooter of five horsepower or less.

Mom bought me a Cushman Eagle to ride to school and run errands on. I got a job at the local root beer stand and rode every day. I read hot rod magazines. Sometimes they’d feature a stripped-down custom motorcycle.”

Click Here to Read this latest episode of ‘Why We Chop’ Series

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Never miss a post, news, products or story…..click to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter.

San Antonio, TX (October 19, 2022) – VP Racing Fuels, Inc., a global leader in performance fuels, lubricants, and additives, announced today that they have entered into a licensing agreement with Speed Society, LLC, and have joined forces to launch their first line of The Racing Class streetwear.

“Speed Society is widely regarded as the largest automotive network in the world and a leader in automotive lifestyle apparel, car club, content creation, and car giveaways,” said Bob Merz, Director of Brand Management and Licensing at VP Racing. “This new licensing collaboration with Speed Society will support and further advance VP’s sales and market-leader position with fashion-conscious race fans everywhere.”

“We are excited to team up with VP Racing to bring two powerful brands together to create something incredible beyond racing. We have tapped into the culture of our fans to bring unique capsule collections of streetwear apparel that represent them as individuals and their passions of fashion, art, and automobiles. VP Racing is such an impactful legacy brand, we couldn’t resist the chance to work together and showcase a game-changing collaboration,” says Bryan Cole, CMO of Speed Society.

“It has been an exciting process to work with Speed Society and see the VP Racing brand translated into streetwear that is both trendy and evergreen, “said Vivian Velasco, President of Pacific Swell Brands, VP Racing’s exclusive licensing agency and broker of the licensing partnership.

Visit https://speedsociety.com

The initial two streetwear capsule collections, “Chasing Checkers” and “Pilot,” are being released exclusively on SpeedSociety.com this week.

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STAY UPDATED With All Motorcycling Events, News, Updates, Products, Reviews and More. Grab the Bikernet Blog FREE Weekly Newsletter. CLICK HERE To Sign-up. Free, No Spam Ever, Never any non-motorcycling stuff. Unsubscribe Anytime.

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About VP Racing Fuels : VP Racing Fuels is best known as the World Leader in Fuel Technology®, fueling champions in virtually every form of motorsport on land, sea, and air since 1975.VP is the Official Racing Fuel of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, MotoAmerica, World Racing Group, and World of Outlaws, AMA Supercross, American Flat Track, SCORE, USAC, NMCA/NMRA, and more than 60 sponsored series and sanctioning bodies.

About Speed Society : Speed Society is the largest automotive lifestyle brand that unifies a diverse group of motorsports, fashion, art & pop culture enthusiasts from around the globe

As a kid growing up in Oklahoma in the ‘60s I was crazy about hot rods and motorcycles. My father passed away when I was 14. Mom didn’t drive. It was legal for a 14-year-old to ride a motor scooter of five horsepower or less. Mom bought me a Cushman Eagle to ride to school and run errands on. I got a job at the local root beer stand and rode every day. I read hot rod magazines. Sometimes they’d feature a stripped-down custom motorcycle.

The summer of 1964 I worked at Freeburgers lawnmower shop on the corner of 23rd and Prospect in Oklahoma City. I was 17. It was my first commission mechanic job. I learned a lot about small engines there. They charged 8 dollars an hour to work on lawnmowers. I got half.

It was right in the middle of the darkest part of town. I got along great with everyone there. Freeburger was an old white guy. He worked behind the counter. The service manager was a black guy with three fingers missing from his right hand. He wore a big rubber band around that hand to help him hold things.

There was another black guy who did everything. He had six fingers on his right hand and six toes on his left foot. They all worked normally. I never noticed till one day he held up his hand and said, “When five ain’t five.” I did a double take and said, “Wow!” Then he showed me his foot.

I would like to say that summer of 64 on the north east side of OKC I never experienced any sort of racism. Our customers were about half white. There were no drug dealers or gangsters around there then. It was the best place in the city to get your lawnmower fixed. We also worked on outboard motors. The main mechanic there was a white guy that was around sixty years old.

He worked all through the ‘50s at John Zink’s race car shop in Tulsa. He had lots of great stories to tell. He had a fifty Pontiac with a straight-8 in it. You could just take your foot off the clutch and it pulled away like it was an automatic, but the clutched slipped that bad. I wonder if he ever put a new clutch in that car.

I turned 16 and got a car but I was still interested in motorcycles. I finished my junior year in high school. I took auto mechanics the whole year and rebuilt the engine in my ‘58 Ford six-cylinder. I traded a nice ‘56 Ford Victoria 2-door hardtop for my friend’s ‘58 because it was red and had a three on the floor with overdrive. It was the cheapest ‘58 Ford they made, but it was cool.

Two black guys down the street would ride by on these outrageous choppers. They were stripped Panheads with high handlebars and sissybars. Chrome was everywhere on those old bikes. It lit a fire in me. I wanted one.

The black guys with Harleys lived down on prospect St. Now and then they would blast up the street on those things and turn on 23rd street and head east out of town. That was right by the Oklahoma capitol building. They were either Pans or Knuckleheads. At least one had a chrome Springer. They were not extended though.

They had chrome pipes and a high sissybars. The pipes on one followed the sissybar to the top. I learned many years later it was BOBo Pope. He had gone into drag bikes in the ‘70s. I met him in 1980 while working at Alan Merrell Chevrolet in Yukon, Oklahoma. We worked on his Corvette. He owned BoBo’s BarBQ back then.

Those bikes really excited me. I knew I had to have one someday. As soon as I graduated from high school, I joined the Navy. It was 1965. Biker movies were starting to come out. I didn’t care about the silly plots; I just liked the bikes. Those movies actually influenced the actual lifestyle of the so-called bike gangs that were forming around that time.

There were a few clubs that went back to the late forties but they weren’t criminals. I never saw the connection between a motorcycle club and organized crime or more likely disorganized… If you watched Sons of Anarchy, you could see most of those guys could have made a great living at an honest job and not dodged bullets and stuff. But that’s show business.

The actual antics of the HAs, Mongols, Banditos and Outlaws have made the lifestyle attractive to some and repulsive to others. I just liked the bikes. Still do.

In ‘68 I was able to buy a ‘51 61-inch Panhead in Reno for 300 dollars. I rode it home and took all the dresser stuff off it. I traded a guy out of a nice chrome 18-inch front wheel and a peanut tank. That was my first chopper. I loved riding it. I rode it everywhere. It wasn’t very fast but it always got me where I was going if I kept gas in it.

I’m kind of small and was never into any kind of sports but I learned that cool cars, choppers and music would help with the girls. I played trumpet in junior high, but when I started high school, I got a guitar. I have been playing ever since then. I should be a lot better than I am but I still get to jam with people here in Nashville and I am writing songs now. Maybe I can get a hit soon and buy a house lol.

When I got out of the Navy and came riding back to Oklahoma City I hooked up with a local club and had loads of fun. Girls were attracted to our parties. We would have a party out by a lake or in a member’s house and all kinds of people would show up.

I think those little high school girls just used us to lose their virginity, because by then we mostly knew our way around a girl and we didn’t talk about it to anyone outside the club. That shit is a two-way street. I never took advantage of any female. It was always their idea. I’m still that way. I never could understand rape. It’s no fun at all if the girl isn’t into it. Anyway, girls are definitely attracted to bad boys.

That ’51 Pan was just the first in a long line of choppers I have built. In the late ‘60s you could buy old dressers for around $500. I found if you stripped them down and extended the front end a little and put a pretty paint job on one you could sell it as much as $2000. When I got out of the Navy in ‘69 that is mainly what I did for extra money.

I usually had a job too, but always wanted something I couldn’t afford so I would turn a bike. I must have owned about 50 Panheads during that period. Over the years I learned a lot and became pretty skilled at welding, building engines and transmissions and painting and bodywork. It must be an addiction because at 75 I am still doing it. Why do I do it? Because I love it.

One more little thing to say, I don’t get these big motorcycle clubs riding huge heavy baggers with 500-watt sound systems on them. I guess we are all brothers of the wheel, but those guys are in a different world than me. But wait, I run a windshield because my shoulders are trash and they hurt when the wind is pushing my chest. I run some kind of bags to haul a few tools and rain gear and such. I did that on the last few choppers I rode, so I guess…

Keep the shiny side up.

–Bill May

event: AHDRA Mid-Atlantic Nitro Showdown presented by Zipper’s Performance Products
when: October 7-9, 2022
where: Cecil County Dragway, Rising Sun, Maryland, USA

In the minds or racers and spectators alike, Maryland’s Cecil County Dragway is establishing itself as THE premier stop on the AHDRA All-American motorcycle drag racing circuit. Its smooth and expertly glued and rotated track holds Top Fuel torque and power. Its rural setting on curvy rolling roads is a perfect ride for motorcyclists from the Northeast urban centers. Add in three days of beautiful weather and you have a perfect event.

Top Fuel
Last year’s Cecil County Top Fuel winner Tracy Kile faced his Bad Apple Racing teammate “Jimmy Mac” McMillan in this year’s final, Number one qualifier Kile was slow off the starting line with a .192 to McMillan’s sharp .028 but was catching up quickly before the bike threw a rod right through a piston at about 1000 feet. His 6.488 at only 176 mph shows how much momentum he lost versus McMillan’s winning 6.485 at 219.

“What an incredible weekend,” said McMillin. “Started at the bottom of the list with everything upside down to taking the win. We got to have an all-Bad Apple final, back-to-back wins, and maintained our points lead. Finally got to meet face to face with all of our Bad Apple friends and family that we spend so much time with on social. It was a perfect storm and we were lucky enough to ride it.”

Interesting that Floridian McMilllan should use the “Perfect Storm” analogy so shortly after Hurricane Ian swept through his state. “After a week of clearing fallen trees and resurrecting fencing from hurricane Ian, we were flat out exhausted and decided to skip Fridays test session—a decision that would bite us during qualifying.

“Saturday during warm-up, we see the rear tire is spinning hard—a sign that there’s too much clutch. No problem, couple of turns should fix it—or so we thought.

“Q1 has me looking over at none other than Jason Pridemore. His one of a kind roots supercharged, homemade masterpiece is as awesome to look at as it is to watch run. He also has a little longer routine during the moments before we stage—normally not a problem, but upon start-up, that clutch issue we had was still there. That means, the moment my bike fires, and I pull the brake to stop that tire, it’s getting hot, which can have a range of different unwanted results—everything from simply being pushed through the light to something serious like torching a head. So staging was going to get things hot, and the slightly longer routine just added to it. On the hit, bike was moving towards the wall, and I clicked it off. We found nothing obvious, just a spacer that was not perfectly flat. The clutch cannon was tight so we figured it was a stack issue.

“Q2 and we’re looking over at Jason again. No problem, we’ve got this clutch thing figured out, right? It was a perfect stack, flat spacer, cannon was holding proper during warm up—yeah, no. Fired up and the tire was running again. Here we go again. At the hit, on the bar, nice and straight—drops a hole about half track.

“When I killed the engine the bike stopped—like the bike stopped itself. The clutch was so hot it ground the bike to a stop. It also turned my belt into a melted mess. Yeah, the clutch cooked the primary belt to the basket. Everything had to come off and the basket had to have the melted belt cleaned out of the teeth. Every. Single. Tooth.

“We get the bike serviced and back together only to find a missing head bolt and another head bolt so stretched it could be turned with a finger. So that stopped our Q3 attempt and we were sitting in the last spot, but we’re in the show. The high we were all riding from our win in Sturgis was suddenly gone as we found ourselves on the completely opposite side of everything. It was perfect weather conditions. There was a slight tail wind all day. It was one of the best prepped track surfaces I’ve ever been on. It was a sleepless night.

“Sunday, raceday. Started over. Went over the entire clutch system nice and slow and found the cannon had a small leak and was out of brake fluid. Simple fix. We put a Hail Mary tune in it and headed to the lanes.

“E1 and we’re looking over at number 2 qualifier Billy Jackson, the guy that ran a 6.36 at 223 out of the trailer in Friday testing. Up to this point, my quickest and fastest has been 6.71 at 211, so we knew we had to lean on it if we were to have a chance. An .098 light got us up front early and stayed there long enough to get the win with a 6.46 at 217—my new personal best and enough to take us to the next round.

“E2 and Jason Pridemore and I get after it. Hit the throttle and make a move towards the wall but got it corrected, resulting in an .033 light and a 6.47 at 217. Was good enough to get the win and send us to the finals against my teammate.

“I’ve been waiting to race Tracy in a final since I made my first lap on a Top Fuel Harley. But he’s won this event the last three years in a row and he was on a roll this weekend too, running a 6.27 and several 6.30’s. I was so pumped I didn’t care who won—that is until I put my helmet on. My .028 light got about a bike and a half out on him, but I could feel his bike coming around me. Then his bike expired and I took the stripe!

“Thanks to my crew chief Michael Hopkins, Tracy Kile, Bad Apple Mary, Erin and Frank Capone, Mark, Billie, Jim Garrahan, Frankie, Chopper, Chrissy, Armon Furr, Roger, Jon Wayne, Kirby, Josh Miller, PJOD, Wade, all our support crew, fans and most of all my wife, Stacey Mac. Gotta give a big shout out to the team over at Performance Data Systems for getting us fixed in record time—thank you Todd! Special thanks to the media guys and gals that cover our sport. Thank you for what you do.”

Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel
Kile had a pretty good excuse for his bad light, and we’ll get to that. His Bad Apple Racing teammate (and girlfriend) “Bad Ass Mary” Dangrow made a fantastic nitro debut, finding herself only getting bested by veteran racer Sam White—who came within a hair’s breadth of claiming last year’s Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel championship.

White qualified number one and ended up winning, but Dangrow was right there. In fact, in her first final at her first nitro race, Mary outran White 7.32 at 169 to Sam’s 7.40 at 165. But that .219 light, though, as White’s .112 was his winning moment.

“I haven’t been concentrating on my reaction times yet,” said Mary. “I was happy to be out of the 0.3’s!

“Tracy said that after he saw that I was beat on a holeshot, he didn’t want me to feel bad so he did it too. Apparently he yelled across to Jimmy just before they started up ‘Man, I’m gonna have to let you beat me on a holeshot so my girl doesn’t feel bad.’ I couldn’t believe he actually said that!” That Tracy Kile is a keeper.

“So is Walter Halonski!” finished Dangrow. “He did all my tuning this weekend with no data, my bike doesn’t have a computer.”

White had all kinds of troubles, starting with his primary bike not being ready to race and a whole litany of issues with his old one that had him thinking that the thing wasn’t even going to make it down the track. Instead, the bike made White’s quickest pass ever—a 7.17 at 172 for number one qualifier—then promptly dumped it’s remaining fuel on the ground. The bike then held together beautifully for the win.

Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike
Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike champion Michael Balch came up on the losing end this time around. Armon Furr started the final round with a .102 to .125 advantage against Balch, and stayed out front for a 7.09 at 173 to 7.11 at 191 win.

“It just goes to show you, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good,” said Furr. “Michael clearly had the better machine this weekend, we just happened to be in the right place at the right time to get the win.”

Furr claims that any lack of performance from his bike is due to his neglect. “I think she’s mad at me from sitting on stands in the race shop since early April.”

“I made some small changes to my tune-up in between last qualifier and the final round, and I went the wrong way,” said Balch. “That’s drag racing.

“The final was an extremely close race with me and Armon. I absolutely hate to lose, but Armon is such a great racer, his family has such a legacy with drag racing, and I have so much respect for him. It’s not as hard taking a loss from Armon as it is from anyone else, but I’ll get him next time.”

GMS Racing Engines Xtreme Outlaw
Milan Dragway GMS Racing Engines Xtreme Outlaw winner Chargin’ Charley Douglass struggled all weekend with his turbo bike. Nitrous badass Mike Motto showed no mercy on Douglass’ plight, laying down a blistering 7.829 at 175 in the final that bumped him up to third on the all-time gasoline V-Twin, street tire ET list.

“It turned out to be a great weekend for Team GMS Racing,” said Motto, although the broken crankshaft of GMS boss Gregg Dahl may differ.

“It’s been a long year with waiting on specialty parts and testing that didn’t always go well. We have been making a lot of changes and doing a lot of off-the grid testing this past year and it is starting to pay off.

“We have had the bike out twice and we took the ‘W’ twice, so that’s a good start. We have been working hard on the getting our 60 foot down and our mile per hour up, and It’s working! We took the win with a monster run of 7.82 at 175!! Track prep is everything for these monsters, so we hope to have a track as good as Cecil County in Rockingham so we can put the power down and improve on these numbers in a couple weeks.

“I’d like to thank all the guys at GMS Racing. We have an unstoppable team lead by Greg Dahl and his relentless quest for power and speed! Thank you for all the weekends and late nights you dedicated to stay at the shop and work with me on this machine. Thank you Damon Kuskie for always picking up the phone to answer my questions and for your in incredible tuning skills and pursuit of speed! Thank you Michael Balch and all the guys at the shop for all the support and help on and off the track. The entire team at GMS is an unstoppable group of people who all have the same need—SPEED!

“Special thanks to Energy One Clutches, Renegade Fuels, FuelTech, R&D Transmissions, Bandit Super Clutch, and NX Nitrous Express Systems. I think we are the only Harle-Davidson based no-bar bike running those numbers on their nitrous system.”

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Get inspired by World’s Fastest Panhead book for building & racing your own Bonneville Salt Flats Land Speed records – click & go !!!

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Zippers Performance Pro Modified
While Charley Douglass’ bike was under-performing in Xtreme Outlaw, it was his dad Gary’s reactions that were underperforming in Zippers Performance Pro Modified. His .182 wasn’t cutting the mustard against John Price’s .028. Price then ran 8.49 at 154 to Douglass’ 8.68 at 139 for the win.

“My glove got caught on the lever and I kinda double clutched when I let the lever go,” said Gary, claiming total responsibility for rider error.

“It has been seven years since Gary and I have run in a final together. He won then, so I owed him one,” said Price, who then echoed the sentiments of many.

“I cannot say enough good things about the Cecil County crew. I don’t think I have ever run on a track this good in air this good. I had a tough time on Saturday trying to figure out a tune-up, but it came around on Sunday when it counted.

“I would like to thank Zippers Performance for sponsoring the race and Pro Mod class. I would also like to thank Harley-Davidson of Frederick Racing and GMS for their help over the years. I dedicate this win to the memory of Steve Allstaedt—a great man, engine builder, and friend.

Pingel Modified
Gary Douglass had his complete act together in Pingel Modified, taking the tree with an .058 to Kimberly DeShields’ .275. Douglass then ran a 9.11 at 146 to her 9.16 at 144.

“It was a great weekend of racing, hats off to Cecil County Dragway for all the hard work put into the track prep,” said Gary. “The crew did a great job.

“I was number one qualifier in Pro Mod and Mod, won Mod and runner-upped in Pro Mod. The highlight of the weekend was my record pass of 8.86 at 148.87. That may have been one of the quickest and fastest passes on a normally aspirated, 88 inch, Sportster-based Harley. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to back it up to become official. The motor was built by me, tuned by me, and ridden by me—one happy guy. In the Pro Mod final, I had a launch issue and lost to my friend John Price.

“None of what I do could be done without the help of my family. My son Charley is my crew chief, my daughter Jody Simpson makes sure I have my leathers and helmet on at the line. This may seem to be automatic to racers, but us racers with a little age sometimes it’s not. My grandson Jacob Bush, a huge help, getting bikes to the line and back to the pits, also refueling, charging batteries and airing up between rounds. My sister Cindy Folks and brother Lee for all their support.

“Thanks to the AHDRA for having the race and Zippers Performance for sponsoring the race and the Pro Mod class. A special thank you goes out to Energy One Clutches, a Douglass Racing long time sponsor. Thanks to H-D of Lynchburg and Vreelands H-D. SA Racing, which will always be a part of Douglass Racing success. And thanks to Tim Hailey for giving us a platform to show the world what Harley drag racing is all about.

Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas
John Terry posted a spectacular .001 light in the Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas 9.90 final, but failed himself at the stripe as he ran a breakout .9.81. Winner John McMillin also broke out, but by a considerably less margin with a 9.87 after a .055 reaction time.

Super Pro 10.30
Nate Carnahan had an .070 that was far behind his Super Pro 10.30 final round opponent Cody Hayworth’s sharp .017. But Hayworth was .23 off the number while Carnahan kept it real with a winning 10.38.

“The race at Cecil was awesome, with fantastic weather conditions for fast runs,” said Carnahan. “The Super Pro bike was having some challenging issues due to a weak battery and breaking an exhaust pipe during qualifying. Thanks to Brad Reiss for welding it all back together Saturday night.

“Sunday the bike did very good even with having to keep my little jump box in my jacket to get it started, and was able to pull off a win. We will be ready for Rockingham with both Super Pro and Modified.”

Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90
It was deja vu all over again for Hayworth in Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90. His .015 took the tree slightly against J.P. Hendrzak’s .019, but J.P.’s 11.05 stayed truer to the number than Cody’s 11.12.

11.50 index
Chris Ussery left Loren Potter uncharacteristically stunned at the tree with a .052 advantage, paving the way for his 11.50 index win in a double breakout final that saw both riders obliterating the index.

“This is Bulldog Racing’s third official race with the AHDRA,” said Ussery. “We are excited and hope to finish strong the last three races of the season and make a push on the points as a rookie.

“I would like to thank the Man upstairs, Twitch’s Stitches, Fast Action Racing Team and Lumbee Racing for their part. Thanks to my very good friend Chris Phipps for his help. As always, thanks to Eatmyink for the photos and publicity.”

Pro Outlaw and MTC Pro Comp Outlaw
Pro Outlaw and MTC Pro Comp Outlaw wins both went to Julius DeManss. Julius had enough bike under him in the Pro Comp Outlaw final  to ease away from the starting line with a .300 to Dave Miller’s .105, winning with a 9.71 at 135 to Miller’s 11.11 at 104.

“I had fun,” said DeManss. “Met some awesome people and got the bike going in the right direction, running with my fastest pass yet—9.59 at 136 mph.

“But that didn’t happen without its problems. First pass attempt Saturday morning, I broke my wheel, sprocket carrier and axle. Pushed it back to the trailer. Luckily, I had a spare wheel carrier and borrowed an axle from Richard Stamey‘s bike.

“After that, my tuner John Gover was remote tuning the bike and getting it dialed in. I had to put a smaller sprocket on the back to try and control the wheelies from the added power of my new 2.5” exhaust system built by Christopher Bull.

“Sunday right before the Pro Comp outlaw final between me and Dave Miller, my fuel pump quit working. I asked Dave if he would wait, and he said he was there to race and waited for me to swap it out. In the final I came away with the win.

“I want to thank Kerry Lee, Karlee, Jason Davis, Branson May, Geronimo Pratt, and John Hendrzak for all their help throughout the weekend. Wouldn’t have been able to get through the weekend without you guys.

“Also what to thank Wess Brown for a bad ass Motor, John Gover For tuning my MaxxECU all weekend, Michael Beland for awesome parts, tuning and advice. Last but not least, Christopher Bull for making me a bad ass exhaust system and fabricating everything else on the bike.”

V-Twin Powersports Hot Rod Bagger and Super Stock
Geronimo Pratt swept both V-Twin Powersports Hot Rod Bagger and Super Stock. “It was nice to be able to get back on the track,” said Pratt. “Not being able to do any real racing, let alone testing. I really enjoyed myself with a great group of guys.

“Struggled to get down the track Saturday, but once I had my pit crew Sunday, I was able to make a few good passes. The track was great, it seemed that everyone was fighting the track as it got better every pass.”

Eliminator
Jeff Jambo loved the Cecil County starting line so much that he didn’t want to leave, starting Sunday’s Eliminator final round with a .220 light. Opponent Chris Hoppe’s .051 practically assured him a victory in the double breakout race, with Jambo breaking out by a substantial .18. Rhode Island’s Donald Herbert won Eliminator on Saturday.

9.30 index
Hoppe had a good day, also runner-upping in 9.30 index. Winner Richard Hillegrass took the tree in that final by a slim .007, but kept his cool while Hoppe broke out by .035. But then again, sawing the motor in half might also have kept Hillegrass from breaking out.

“I ran a 9:306 for number one qualifier on my bike ‘So Long’,” noted Hillegrass. “Saturday evening I ran the Japanese motorcycle that was testing. At that time my fastest run was a 9:26 and his was a 9:20, so I thought it would be a good race. I never saw him after I left the starting line. I left hard on him and he blew the tire away trying to get moving. I ran my personal best—9.08 at 145 mph.

“Sunday I had a bye run first pass. The other guys I ran I left with them. They were running slick and wheelie bars. When I get to the 60 foot mark and I’m running a slick and bar bike, and if I’m with them, I know I cut a good light so I push them out at the big end. They ran under 9.30, giving me the win.

“The last pass it blew the motor. I pulled the clutch when I felt it locking up at about 140 mph. I’ve been racing this motor for five years, it don’t owe me nothing!”

Junior Dragbikes
Junior Dragbikes were split into two categories—Junior and Senior—and the Hines boys won both. Nine year-old Jaden Hines cut a .157 light and ran 10.67 on his 10.40 dial-in to beat Matthew Pier in Junior.

Jaden’s 11 year-old brother Michael Hines Jr. had a close race at the tree with opponent Bradley Cronenberger Jr., with Hines having a .189 to .200 advantage. Michael ran 10.08 on his 9.99 dial for the win.

“Both started out racing at four and a half years old,” said their dad, Michael Hines Sr. “They love it, I can’t kept them off the bikes even in the off-season

“They had a great time at Cecil, with Jaden cutting a few .05 lights Saturday and an .03 on Sunday. Michael had his best-ever ET in the eighth at 10.01 on Saturday. We wanted to break into the 9s but ran a 10.07, 10.0 and a 10.08. We are looking to do better next race.

“Jaden just won Junior Youth class and Junior ET class at the Reading Motorcycle Club Raceway for the 2022 points season, and Michael just won the Senior Youth class. Now both trying are to win the AHDRA points season if they can.”

Shutdown Area
Next stop on the AHDRA tour is a special increased purse race at North Florida Motorplex in Fountain, Florida. The first eight confirmed Top Fuel riders for this event will have free class entry. Contact Bill or Chrissy Rowe at bcrowe92891@gmail.com to confirm.

The Rowes can’t wait to welcome the AHDRA family to this new addition to the tour!

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Get out there and race or enjoy the race at AHDRA, Tell ‘Em Bikernet.com Sent Ya !!!

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

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

AHDRA is owned by Pulse Marketing, the motorsports promotion company run by veteran drag racer Rowe and his family.

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.

 

I could resist no more and bought Tom Cotter’s Best Barn-Find Collector Car Tales (Sep 2018) and his latest mentioned by NMM, Secrets of the Barn Find Hunter (May 2022). Both Hardcovers, sitting pretty, reminding me to get outdoors & cruise like a windsock. Any direction the wind / mood takes you — new corners, strange turns on the highways, wide open spaces…. discovering cool things & places.

I love motorcycles but some things need a car. As in one of Tom’s YouTube episodes, I wish to find a classic design car and put a modern ICE engine & transmission in it. Meet the safety, pollution and VIN requirements while at it.

His YouTube Series: click here to see complete Playlist

I personally believe you can apply his principles to motorcycles if you think hard (and fast when you find a collectible).

An old gem from my Author Signed First Edition Hardcover, the plot of Disclosure (1994) by Michael Crichton, concerns protagonist Tom Sanders and his struggle to prove that he was sexually harassed by his female employer. Politically Incorrect till date!

After release it sold 765,000 copies (big number at that ‘Me? No!’ era). Had a 19 weeks run on the booksellers’ charts. Wonder if it will be banned, if this article gets popular (insert suitable facepalm emoji?).

In pop-culture, I got myself the first novel on Sons Of Anarchy, titled ‘Bratva’, released after the last season ended (2014). It is the first and last book on SOA (allegedly funding disappeared). The novelization of a less popular adventure, Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. A personalized message on Chuck’s legendary Fightclub novel that was made into a super-hit movie.

Riding on!
Ujjwal Dey