1971 Husqvarna is one of the King of Cool’s most loved bikes and could fetch £150k at auction

by Rob Hull from https://www.thisismoney.co.uk

• The 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross is one of around 200 bikes owned by the actor who often entered races
• It is said to be in ‘last ridden by McQueen’ condition and ‘not started’ since his ownership
• It is a later version of the bike the King of Cool rode in On Any Sunday – that one sold in 2018 for $230k
• Bonhams says it is ‘the best known of all McQueen’s Huskys by virtue of a known provenance and documents’
• Auction house will offer it to the highest bidder at its sale in California on Friday – estimate is $130k-$180k

A motorcycle belonging to the King of Cool, Steve McQueen, will go under the hammer on Friday and could sell for £150,000. The 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross is said to be one of the actor’s favourite bikes in an extensive collection, and it hasn’t been modified since he last rode it. The off-road motorbike will be offered to the highest bidder on Friday at the Bonhams Quail Lodge auction held during Monterey Car Week in California. One of the most iconic scenes from a McQueen film was the Great Escape motorcycle jump, where his character Captain Virgil Hilts leaps over a barbed wire fence in his dramatic escape from the Nazi prisoner of war camp in the legendary WW2 film. The six-foot jump over the fencing wasn’t performed by the King of Cool himself in the 1963 hit – it was stunt man and frequent McQueen body double, Bud Ekins – as the actor later revealed his inexperienced riding skills meant he would not have been able to complete the stunt at the time of shooting. However, McQueen’s close friendship with Bud and his brother Dave Ekins, and his passion for motorcycles, saw the silver screen star become an accomplished off-road racer. In interviews years after The Great Escape, he stated he would have then been competent to complete the famous jump scene. His love of two wheels also partly inspired the 1971 motorcycle racing documentary film On Any Sunday, in which the Indiana-born actor features riding a similar Husqvarna off-roader – that one sold in October 2018, also at a Bonhams auction, for $230,500. At one point in his life, McQueen reportedly owned up to 200 motorcycles. Among them was the 1971 model up for grabs this week. It was produced by the Swedish brand that was dominating the motocross world during the generation (pictured, McQueen riding a similar bike in 1970) It’s one of many the King of Cool had, but this is claimed to be his favourite. And, if the seller is to be believed, it has not been ridden since it was in the hands of the silver screen icon.

The 400 Cross combined fearsome power and superb handling thanks to its lightweight frame and single-cylinder 400cc engine, but was also renowned for being difficult to ride. It was produced in a period before plastics were used in motorcycle manufacturing, meaning it has a sculpted aluminium fuel tank with a polished section to help reduce marring where the rider meets the bike. While McQueen had various examples that were used as ‘parts bikes’ for spares, this wasn’t the case with frame number MI3845 being sold this week. Bonhams says it is ‘perhaps the best known of all McQueen’s Huskys by virtue of a known provenance and documentation from the time it was acquired by the star and remaining in his possession as one of his go-to bikes for the rest of his life’. It was sold as lot 664 at the Steve McQueen Estate Auction at Imperial Palace in November 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has since passed through three subsequent owners before being acquired by the vendor 11 years ago. The certificate of authenticity, plus the bill of sale issued to the buyer at the 1984 Estate Auction, and the original registration document in the name Solar Productions accompany the lot. To complete the paperwork file, the original 1984 auction lot tag also accompanies the machine when it goes to the block on Friday. The bike is described by the seller as being in ‘last ridden by McQueen’ condition, and ‘not started’, with all the dents and scratches from the King of Cool’s hard riding. It even retains all of the McQueen-implemented modifications, which includes a leather gear shift protector and a spare spark plug he duct-taped to the frame in case it was needed while out riding. The bike is expected to attract a winning bid in the region of $130,000 (£107,500) to $180,000 (£149,000) when the hammer drops at the end of the week, according to Bonhams’ estimation. ‘The preservation of MI3845 is a credit to the discerning owners post McQueen who have preserved MI3845 in its original McQueen owned state,’ the auction house said. ‘While other McQueen motorcycles have come to light in recent times, there can be no doubt as to the history and originality of this machine. ‘It is a ‘blue chip’ piece of McQueen memorabilia, if you like, suitable for shows, demos – after some sympathetic recommissioning – or museum display use, using the legend ‘as last ridden by the late and utterly charismatic Steve McQueen’ as a fitting epitaph.’

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This story is about a kid named Jack. Jack graduated from high school the summer following the Tet Offensive and he knew boys who made the ultimate sacrifice. The war weighed heavily on his mind, but it was also the government, shit in schools and the lack of freedom of choice that added to Jack’s hot-headed thinking.

Jack got a summer job working construction for a couple of old Seabees. It was the hardest work he ever encountered. The brothers were fair but tough.

Even with the idea of getting a better job following a couple of years of Industrial Arts training, he remained pissed off about not having any real say in his immediate future. He was a hot-headed kid with an ax to grind.

His friends, who he attended Junior College with, suddenly turned-on Jack. Even though they worked at the same job every day, Jack was excluded from their circle.

There was a small house across the alley from where Jack grew up. One day while working in his garage he heard a Harley fire up. It sounded powerful and surreal, like a locomotive on fire. The guys who lived across the alley were building a chopper in their one-car garage. Jack was hooked. It became all he could think about. It was the dream that kept him going. If only.

Jack decided to go to school where he and his past friends had planned for the last two years. They treated him like shit and all his anger at things didn’t help. Their instructor embarrassed Jack in front of his old friends on the very first day. As it turned out, shit would get much worse.

The school was in an oil field town, bordered by a huge refinery on the east side. On the first day, he got up and opened his dorm room door and the stench was overwhelming. No more early morning deep breathing exercises for him. His old friends took great joy in making him feel unwelcome and uncomfortable.

The old two-story dorm was like a ‘50s old strip motel, where the unit doors all opened to the outside. Each room shared a bathroom with the other. The thermostat was in the other room where his old pals kept the place like a meat locker. Jack grew up in an old house with three bedrooms, one bath, and an old swamp cooler that only really dropped the temp down after dark.

He was miserable and his old buddies played their radio loud day and night. Jack could have eaten nails. The dorm manager was an asshole and gave Jack plenty of gaff. Jack’s instructor was worse and gave him a rash of shit every chance he got.

Jack was too hard-headed to give in and each day turned into a struggle. He went outside after his suite mates were asleep and ran. He ran all the way to the lake and back night after night. The jocks all lived on the second story of the old building, and he became friends with a track star who lived just above him. It was the only respite Jack had and he was grateful for his newfound friend.

The school was a small old county junior college and though physical ed was required, it was held across town at the YMCA. Jack had no car. He was at the mercy of one of his past friends for whom he had to pay gas money for a lift. Jack took to running across town to P.E. class. With the hard work from the summer and his running, Jack got into shape rapidly, for the first time in his life.

Jack’s folks had an apartment they rented to a Marine who transferred to the Navy/Marine Reserve Center in Jack’s hometown. The staff sergeant came to visit Jack one day at the school. They drove around town and checked the place out and found a ‘53 Panhead for sale at a car lot. Jack was stoked and couldn’t wait to get back to that motorcycle.

Jack discovered Big Daddy Roth’s Chopper Magazine and would read them over and over. The guys back home, across the alley used slugs to extend their glide front forks and Jack dreamt of machining one-piece extended fork tubes, but of course, he had neither the means nor the knowledge to do so.

What Jack could do was run a couple of miles to see that Pan, and he did. Then bike was gone. Jack inquired inside the dumpy little office and the guy said that he owned the bike and had moved it back to his storehouse. He claimed the engine had a fresh rebuild and then was rarely ever ridden. He told Jack to come back the next day. He would bring the bike back.

The next day couldn’t arrive quickly enough but he gladly ran back over to the car lot. True to his salesman’s word, the red Harley was there. It was stock and had a tank shift. The man told Jack to ride over to an empty lot and practice. He assured him it would come natural to him quickly.

This would be his first Harley. The bike ran like a top. Its paint was faded, and the chrome had lost its gleam, but to Jack, it was a thing of true beauty. He rode around a while and then rode back to his dorm.

Jack didn’t want to leave the bike out in the parking lot, so he parked just outside his room. His friend upstairs had his small Honda parked there and he figured it would be cool. The dorm manager had a fucking fit. The athlete upstairs came down to his defense. The dorm manager made it clear to get that damn thing out of there. Jack got a taste of biker prejudice. The shit just kept adding up and he would encounter more problems with the prick.

Things kind of went downhill from there. He had suffered through two semesters and frankly was a terrible student. He rode and chased girls most of the time and trained every chance he got. He and his instructor had words, and one day it finally came to a head. Kicked out of school, he could not attend again anywhere for at least a year. He took to the Marines and a tour in the shit, but he returned to the states and his beloved Panhead.

He rode it stock but was constantly planning what to do in his head. Riding and planning invigorated him. Stock parts were unceremoniously stripped off and thrown in a pile out back. Though he never got around to making fork tubes, he did buy a set of six- overs and gaiters for the wide glide. Of course, a Bates headlight had to be mounted. A 21-inch was laced onto the stock star hub with Buchannan spokes, and he kept the front brake as well.

He didn’t turn down the lower legs and after riding in too many rain storms, he set up a polished English-style aluminum front fender. Rather than bob the rear fender or use the stock front fender reversed, he opted for a flat fender and sissy bar.

His friend Crow made the rail for him and Bob painted the tanks, fender, and frame gloss black. A Bates solo seat and p-pad were mounted. He used the stock risers and bolted on a set of buckhorn bars with a stock internal throttle.

Everyone ran upsweeps or drag pipes but Jack decided to go with shotgun pipes and custom mufflers. The tranny on the bike was shot so he rebuilt it with Andrews gears. The engine was good, but he installed a Sifton cam and upgraded the entire valve train. Barnett plates were installed and a new primary and drive chain as well. While doing this he geared it up for a little better highway cruising.

Jack rode alone for the most part in the beginning, but after a while, he would meet local bikers and outriders from other towns while on runs. His bike was no show bike, but it was solid and reliable and in Jack’s eyes it was great. It was a real trip when Easyriders Magazine came out. More and more custom parts became available and after long trips for parts, he was lucky to encounter a new reliable custom shop come to town.

Puppy’s Off the Leash Tour by Rogue and Friends

We decided that since we were in California we might as well visit some places before going home. Started by riding CA 1, or Pacific Coast Highway.

We got lucky, the motorcycle event Born Free was that weekend too. It would be a shame after riding all this way if we did not get by to attend such a famous event.

CLICK Here to read the conclusion of this road-trip adventure

* Read part one on Bikernet.com by clicking here

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In Fossil Future I refute literally hundreds of myths about fossil fuels. Here are 20 myths that 11,000,000 people heard on Joe Rogan’s podcast this year from Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist/activist who misrepresented himself as an energy expert.

Tonight Andrew Dessler will be debating physicist Steve Koonin, author of Unsettled, whom Dessler unconscionably smeared on Joe Rogan as akin to a tobacco lobbyist. The debate will be live in NYC and streamed.

Order your tickets: Click Here

Myth 1: We can rapidly reduce fossil fuels at very low cost.

Truth: Fossil fuels are a uniquely cost-effective form of energy, which is why they are 80% of global energy and still growing. Rapidly reducing fossil fuels, in a world that needs far more energy, is catastrophic.¹

Myth 2: Solar and wind are cheap.

Truth: Solar and wind are unreliable, parasitical sources of energy that add costs to the grid.

Claims of “cheapness” are based on ignoring the full costs of solar + wind—above all the cost of a reliable grid that gives them 24/7 life support.²

Myth 3: Solar/wind is cheaper than fossil fuels because Lazard’s “Levelized Cost of Electricity” (LCOE) is lower for solar/wind.

Truth: LCOE, by Lazard’s own admission, doesn’t include many costs of solar/wind—above all the cost of a reliable grid needed for 24/7 life support.³

Myth 4: Solar and wind are “winning in the marketplace,” outcompeting fossil fuels and nuclear with superior economics.

Truth: Unreliable, parasitical solar and wind are only “winning” when given massive preferences—mandates, subsidies, and no penalty for unreliability.⁴

Myth 5: Renewable energy is projected to exceed fossil fuel energy by 2026.

Truth: This projection is of electricity (20% of energy) not all energy—and just refers to when sunlight and wind are at their peak, not most of the time. And it depends on massive political favoritism.⁵

Myth 6: We can have a grid with 75% solar and wind, with just 25% of hydro, geothermal, or nuclear.

Truth: No one has come close to even 50% unreliable solar/wind without huge dependence on reliable neighbors. And without the flexibility and scale that only natural gas provides.⁶

Myth 7: Anti-fossil fuel activists just want the most energy for the least CO2.

Truth: Anti-fossil-fuel activists are hostile to hydro and nuclear. E.g., Andrew Dessler said this year “I agree that hydro is not something to expand” and has attacked nuclear for years.⁷

Myth 8: Nuclear is too expensive, so we should use solar/wind instead.

Truth: Solar/wind can’t provide reliable energy; nuclear can. And nuclear is only expensive because it has, with the help of many “green” activists, been falsely labeled unsafe and effectively criminalized.⁸

Myth 9: Academics know how to cheaply power the world with mostly solar + wind.

Truth: All their untested schemes involve many ruinous, unaccounted-for costs—e.g., a crash program of unprecedented mineral/infrastructure development in an anti-development political environment.⁹

The academics who have supported fossil fuel restrictions based on the false promise that their untested schemes full of false assumptions could replace fossil fuels in a world that needs far more energy, are irresponsible cranks who have brought about a global energy crisis.¹⁰
Myth 10: The TX winter blackouts were a failure of fossil fuels, especially natural gas.

Truth: Fossil fuels perform beautifully in far worse winter weather than Texas had in February 2021. TX blackouts were caused by defunding reliable/resilient power in favor of unreliable solar/wind.¹¹

Myth 11: Hugely varying estimates of “the social cost of carbon” mean that economists warning about the costs of reducing CO2 can’t be trusted.

Truth: These variations show that little definite is known about any net harm from CO2. But the huge harms of reducing CO2 are certain.¹²

Myth 12: Replacing fossil fuels with solar/wind will make us more secure because we’ll depend less on hostile countries.

Truth: Not only are solar/wind incapable of replacing fossil fuels, but the control of their supply by China dwarfs any nation’s influence over fossil fuels.¹³

Myth 13: Climate changes from rising CO2 levels will require ruinously costly adaptation.

Truth: Speculated climate changes would be slow and thus affordable to adapt to—while rapidly eliminating fossil fuels would make billions far poorer, including more endangered by climate.¹⁴

Myth 14: Continued CO2 emissions will cause “irreversible” climate change.

Truth: At some point future technologies will enable us to reverse the rise in CO2 levels if we want. But nothing can reverse mass-death caused by trying to rapidly eliminate CO2 emissions.¹⁵

Myth 15: Because we could reduce CFCs without disaster, we can do the same for CO2 emissions.

Truth: While it’s sometimes non-disastrous to rapidly reduce something, it often isn’t. E.g., “green” attempts to reduce DDT and nuclear radiation killed countless millions.¹⁶
Myth 16: Rising CO2 levels will be bad for agriculture.

Truth: Rising CO2 levels will continue to come with the huge agricultural benefits of oil to power equipment and natural gas for fertilizer. And with GMO technology, higher CO2 can be leveraged to make crops grow even more.

Myth 17: We should be terrified of a 5°C temp rise, because that’s ½ the distance from an ice age.

Truth: Global temp rises are not the same kind of threat as global temp decreases, because human life, like most life, does better when it’s warm.

And 5° is extreme speculation.¹⁷

Myth 18: Melting permafrost could be a terrible “tipping point” that will lead to rapid, dangerous warming.

Truth: Significant methane release from permafrost is a very speculative and slow-paced potential impact that a more advanced world will be able to deal with if needed.¹⁸

Myth 19: Fossil fuels “kill” millions of people a year via air pollution.

Truth: This claim

1. Ignores how fossil fuels extend every life on Earth

2. Uses pseudoscientific speculation about pollution deaths.

3. Ignores the fact that fossil fuels can be burned very cleanly.¹⁹

Myth 20: The anti-fossil-fuel movement is leading to better sources of energy.

Truth: Anti-fossil-fuel activists like Andrew Dessler are responsible for artificially restricting the supply of fossil fuels and thereby causing a deadly, worsening global energy crisis.²⁰

Not only were 20 myths about fossil fuels dangerously spread on Joe Rogan to 11 million people by Andrew Dessler, Dessler has not corrected even one of them. This despite the fact that I have publicly refuted most of them in debates with him. (See the footnotes.)
Tonight Andrew Dessler will be debating physicist Steve Koonin, author of Unsettled, whom Dessler unconscionably smeared on Joe Rogan as akin to a tobacco lobbyist. The debate will be live in NYC and streamed. Order your tickets here from The Soho Forum.

While you’re waiting for the Dessler/Koonin debate to happen, watch my two debates with Dessler and see why neither he nor any other leading anti-fossil-fuel activist will agree to a long-form debate with me in a major forum.

Today’s energy crisis, which is threatening Europeans with freezing and industrial collapse this winter, and threatening 10s of millions with starvation, is the fault of the global anti-fossil-fuel movement. I will continue to debate/defeat these people until they are stopped.
If you want to learn the full truth about the future of energy, read my new book Fossil Future. It’s been out for 2.5 months and despite its phenomenal success not one advocate of fossil fuel elimination has even attempted to refute it. (They’ve just smeared or straw-manned me.)

“Energy Talking Points by Alex Epstein” is my free Substack newsletter designed to give as many people as possible access to concise, powerful, well-referenced talking points on the latest energy, environmental, and climate issues from a pro-human, pro-energy perspective.

FIM Land Speed World Records ~ AMA Land Speed Grand Championship cancelled due to adverse conditions on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Cancellation of BMST 2022
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials 2022, FIM Land Speed World Records and AMA Land Speed Grand Championship is Cancelled. Our assessment team has reviewed current Bonneville Salt Flat conditions by air and on the ground. Unfortunately, all BMST track locations and alternatives are still flooded from the initial storm and multiple subsequent storm systems. There is no possibility that the water will recede and salt will dry out sufficiently in the week remaining to support track preparations and operations.

“We are all disappointed that we are forced to cancel,” said Event Director/Owner Delvene Reber. “Like you we have spent a year plus preparing for this event and investing in improvements. This year we were implementing racer driven improvements that include new flagging, course line improvements, and other racer driven updates.”

“As a racer,” said Sodium Distortion Racing’s Bill Woods, “it’s hard to accept that mother nature called our event but at the end of the day all that hard work will just make next year that much better. I’m especially looking forward to a 2023 with all of the racer-driven improvements”

How Bad Is It?
They say a picture tells a thousand words, but nothing beats seeing it for yourself. Last night, on Aug. 12, we were able to perform an aerial assessment and determine that the entire length of our tracks and beyond are flooded. Today, Aug. 13, we put boots on the ground and waded into the flood waters at BMST Intermediate start locations for our International and Mountain tracks. It is flooded 10 in. (254mm) to 4 in. (102mm) deep across the length of our tracks. We know many folks were hopeful looking at the University of Utah webcam (1mi / 1.6km) from our tracks) that there was drying. After reviewing arial photos there is still 23mi2 / 57km2 equating to 11.5million ft3 / 327,000m3 of flooding directly over our racing surface and no viable alternative locations. What all those numbers mean is that there has been less than a .75 in.(19mm) decrease in water depth since the initial storms.

What Happens Next?
We appreciate your patience while we implement our cancellation procedures. We will be in touch directly with participants this week with further information and will provide information on our website to answer any questions that you have. This will provide further details on options to support the continuation of the event with donation opportunities, rollovers to 2023, and refund options.

We appreciate and understand all of the hours that you have dedicated to reach your goals throughout this year, and for our international friends, the additional logistics that you encounter to reach us.

We are working alongside you as we extend ourselves to help you achieve you racing goals and support a premier Land Speed Racing event. We thank the volunteers for their contributions, the AMA and FIM organizations and support staff and our sponsors for their continued support of our sport.

Delvene Reber
Event Manager/Owner
Deliciate Promotions LLC
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

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by Bandit

Mick grew up on the South side of Chicago on the edge of a coal mining district. His folks were poor, and dad died when Mick was at a young age. He didn’t have much choice except to join the service directly out of High School & send half of his paychecks home.

His dad didn’t leave him much, except a dirty Softail springer classic. He rode it everywhere as if it was his tool box to his future. Mick rode to boot camp. He rode to his first duty station, but he rode it home for safe keeping when he was shipped to war.

When he returned, he stashed his uniform into his seabag, tucked it away, donned his desert boots, Wranglers, a flannel and a leather vest and rode the Softail to a local bar.

Read this second chapter to understand & appreciate Chopper culture (click here)

Share it with people who like motorcycles or wish to learn about customization industry, its contribution to economy & American legacy of building, repairing and riding your bike everyday. Tell ’em Bikernet.com sent ya !!!

Click Here to read the First Chapter: Chopper Charlie

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Want to read how 5-Ball Racing built and raced the World’s Fastest Panhead at Bonneville Salt Flats ??? Have a look at the full-color high quality print book at the 5-Ball Racing Shop – click here

 

 

Mick grew up on the South side of Chicago on the edge of a coal mining district. His folks were poor, and dad died of cancer at a young age. He didn’t have much choice except to join the service directly out of High School and send half of his paychecks home.

His dad didn’t leave him much, except a dirty Softail springer classic. He rode it everywhere as if it was his tool box to his future. He changed the oil, adjusted the clutch cable and rode. It helped him send more coin home for his mom and younger sister, who did nothing and complained about everything.

Mick rode to boot camp. He rode to his first duty station, but he rode it home for safe keeping when he was shipped to Iraq. IUDs killed some of his buddies, but he survived and returned with his sand coated camo uniforms, and even a large gathering of sand in his desert boots.

When he returned, he stashed his uniform into his seabag, tucked it away, donned his desert boots, Wranglers a flannel and a leather vest and rode the Softail to a local bar.

He sat in the grungy industrial area saloon, named Iron Bar and ordered Jack on the rocks. He stared across the slick, but nicked and dented bar top to the array of whiskey, tequila and Rum bottles reflecting the dim light in the smokey bar to the dusty mirror beyond and his own reflection.

He still sported the military haircut, but his deep green eyes held a sullen, clouded nature. He ordered another Jack and pondered his future. His mom still lived in the same crummy block apartment building surrounded by rusting steel railings, and in three years his sister hadn’t progressed one iota. But she complained even more as if her bitching level reached a new stage of despair.

“What the hell are you going to do now?” the same bartender who served his dad, said.

Mick looked up from the glistening amber in the glass. He thought about Jack Daniels and what it represented to so many local guys. It was the perfect escape elixir from whatever tortured them.

“One thing is for sure,” he said and his green, emerald pools glinted just a tad as a skinny meth-head broad slid up onto the seat next to him and lite a cigarette. “You won’t see me ordering a drink here again,” Mick said and the teeth grinding street girl stopped her forced smile and moved away.

The bartender stood up slightly and looked around at the handful of regular patrons playing pool or hunched over the escape drink of their choice. An old biker turned from the pool table and nudged his shoulder.

“Time will tell, and shit will smell,” he said and puffed on his cigarette for the final time and tossed the butt to the grimy hardwood floor and stomped it.

Mick looked at the worn-out biker, three sheets to the wind, with long salt and pepper hair and a scraggly goatee but recognized the sadness in his eyes. He nodded, stood to his agile 6-foot height and dropped a sizeable, final tip on the counter for the bartender and strolled out of the neon framed front door.

The next morning, he rolled onto a freeway heading Southwest. He liked that word freeway. He thought about the west and aimed the Softail onto Interstate 80 all the way to Denver, where he headed south on 2-lane highways into Monument Valley, a red-sand desert region on the Arizona-Utah border, known for the towering sandstone buttes in the Navajo Tribal Park. He continued south into Flagstaff. Riding into the summer heat surrounding Phoenix, brought back memories of Iraq but with an upscale western twist. Everything seemed clean, trimmed and comfortable. And the sun seemed unincumbered most of the day. He researched the community college trade curriculum. He could attend classes supported by the GI Bill.

He found a small room to rent and a place for his bike, but during the college indoctrination he was confronted by an angry woman who had a tough time with genders. Mick listened and looked to his left and came eyeball to eyeball with a blond knockout with curves that made his eyes water. He turned back to the dictator/instructor and his eyebrows scrunched into a questioning frown.

He got the girl’s number and ran across a quirky speed shop where he bought a chromed naked hood ornament and had just enough tools to mount it on the big, stock, metallic blue, front fender. He stroked her silky-smooth body every morning before he threw his leg over the Softail. “Women are alright with me,” he said.

He quickly noticed a divide at the school between the liberal students and the shop guys trying to learn a trade. He also noticed the growing homeless population in downtown. In a glitzy downtown bar, he listened in on conversations, which turned acronymous between a guy and his angry girl who blamed homelessness on hardworking folks who owned homes. She called her notion undoing harm. Her bow called it disrespect, drug addiction and mental illness.

Mick started a welding class while taking required courses. He also stumbled across a bike shop, called Lane Splitters. His bike needed some attitude and the owner, Miguel, let him sit on a sharp scooter with high-bars.

Suddenly, Mick’s notion of himself was transformed and his hair grew. They immediately negotiated the installation of sharp chromed bar to the stars. His Softail seemed suddenly a silver sword against the homeless population in Phoenix, but folks somehow wanted them to take over and shoot up on the streets and shit in hardworking folks’ yards.

That didn’t seem to fit with the biker population.
He noticed other bikes screaming through the streets making their voices heard through their fiery exhausts. Nobody fucked with them and the homeless stayed out of their way.

Mick continued his welding studies and attending classes, but if one college notion wasn’t strange the next one was off the charts. He was told that everything bad that happened was due to man driving cars. There were groups on campus who were paid to protest basically against man.

If he asked, he was called a denier. He tried to keep his head down and focus on welding. He enjoyed the solitude of the arch-welding sparks and the tight nature of TIG welding patterns. At night he cruised into Scottsdale to the Billet Bar and witnessed choppers of all breeds, like freedom machines screaming in the night with deep metalflake flamed paint jobs, chrome, loud pipes and radical shit to the moon. He was blown away.

The campus appeared to be a completely different world of strange ideologies and supreme negativity, as if everything was bad and needed to be broken. Mick reacted and tore all the sheet metal off his bike and through Paul Yaffe at Bagger Nations, bobbed and narrowed his tanks and fenders and then got his bike painted flames in radical colors.

He started to cruise the college campus with a couple of other welding students. He also bought a rigid frame and started to modify it. He added to the rake and studied front end geometry. He noticed that the protestors didn’t work or study for a career. They just disrupted anything positive.

Mick worked on a program with a couple of other chopper riders in the Phoenix area. If radicals started a problem, riders and hotrodders would show up on their most radical shit and raise hell.

Mick got a parttime job welding at Lane Splitters, but he learned more from the team than he contributed. He spent time with Paul Yaffe and was blown away by Paul’s Suzy Q chopper.

Mick just wanted to live and create. He learned the creative side of the equation from Miguel, Paul and all the Phoenix chopper riders. He absorbed the chopper scene, as if he was dropped into the golden empire of metalflake madness. He learned everything from machining to performance, fabrication, truing wheels, you name it, it was available in the desert shops and garages. And the girls were amazing, active, fit, creative and hardworking, except at the college. Then they were morose and radical.

It was a night and day experience, and Mick was one of only a few riders who experienced the college dark side. Generally, the brothers who worked hard and played in the streets at night didn’t confront the lack of free speech on campus, but he knew that would change and it did.

While on campus Mick witnessed a radical group posting fliers. He strolled over to the notice board in the administration office to check it out. The flier announced the city council meeting and a ban on loud pipes and another ban on cars and vehicles in the Scottsdale downtown area. Like so many of their proposals they crossed paths with themselves. The third proposal demanded defunding the police and allowing the homeless to rob and steal without consequences.

Mick just wanted to learn, work his ass off and make a life for himself. He didn’t need this angry bullshit. He took a photo of the flier and shared it with the shops and brothers he knew in town. Mick tried to take a break, breathe and go about his business without undue stress, but it dug at him. His deep brown hair grew, and he pulled at the soul patch sprouting under his lower lip.

Morose, he attended a couple of classes and thought about the blonde knockout he planned to hook-up with, but his plans changed. He had to show up at the city council meeting and do something even if it was wrong. He shared the flier on the internet.

His phone started to ping with messages. He shared info about where the meeting was. Interest grew, but he was anxious about public speaking. And fuck it, he didn’t have the slightest idea what to say.

The city hall was a massive foreboding concrete building, and when Mick arrived, he was blown away. Hundreds of choppers and hot rods lined the streets. Brothers and sisters from all over the region filled the halls. A line of guys and girls filled out comment cards in opposition to the proposals.

Even a handful of college kids protested the movement. Mick nervously approached the podium when called upon. “Before you enact any war on internal combustion vehicles you must prove your Climate doom in open court. In the meantime, we want to ride free.” The crowd when nuts and the issues were dropped, for the moment.

The party at the Billed Bar in Scottsdale was wild and Mick’s blonde bombshell met him and added to the fiery emerald glint in his eyes. There were choppers and folks who supported freedom everywhere! He sensed the hope in the night air.

It Couldn’t Be Better

Hey,
Guys are flying along every highway. Marilyn Stemp held a show maybe two every day. We entered our two Panheads in the Chopper Magazine show at Outlaw square. The action is hot and heavy. The bands at the chip are over the top.

If you want something done to your bike, it’s here. I feel so fortunate to be living in motorcycle nirvana.

I don’t know where to start. I’m thinking about a Sturgis story. But I better hit the news before it’s never completed.
–Bandit

Click Here to Read the Weekly News only on Bikernet.com

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

Riding Free for 25 years. Join the Cantina, get free swag and experience the Bikernet motorcycling legacy online since 1996…. Click Here to view Details about Cantina Membership.

Hey,

Thursday will be nuts. Not sure if the news will be finished on Thursday or Friday. Hang on. It’s been a wild week in the nerve center of motorcycling, Sturgis, SD.

Guys are flying along every highway. Marilyn Stemp held a show maybe two every day. We entered our two Panheads in the Chopper Magazine show at Outlaw square. The action is hot and heavy. The bands at the chip are over the top.

If you want something done to your bike, it’s here. I don’t know where to start. I’m thinking about a Sturgis story. But I better hit the news before it’s never completed.

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.

SEMA ALERT–

As automotive technology continues to evolve, automotive enthusiasts and the marketplace we support must have access to the tools and information necessary to allow for consumer choice to safely modify, service, and preserve motor vehicles. SEMA is committed to protecting your right to these basic freedoms, but we need your help NOW!

The REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair), H.R. 6570, is a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would ensure enthusiasts, specialty businesses, and repair shops have access to the information and tools that are needed to produce and install parts that are used to maintain and upgrade the cars, trucks, and SUVs we love. Without Congressional protection, vehicle data from automobiles and their components may become off-limits.

Don’t wait—tell your member of Congress they need to protect the right to modify and repair vehicles before it’s too late.

Signing the letter only takes a moment. Every letter counts!

Rigor mortis had set in and it was flat on its back with its legs in the air.

When his Dad came home Billy said, “Dad our roosters dead and his legs are sticking in the air. Why are his legs sticking in the air?”

His father thinking quickly said, “Son, that’s so God can reach down from the clouds and lift the rooster straight up to heaven.”

“Gee Dad that’s great,” said little Billy.

A few days later, when Dad came home from work, Billy rushed out to meet him yelling, “Dad, Dad we almost lost Mom today!”

“What do you mean?” said Dad.

“Well Dad, I got home from school early today and went up to your bedroom and there was Mom flat on her back with her legs in the air screaming, “Jesus I’m coming, I’m coming” If it hadn’t been for Uncle George holding her down we’d have lost her for sure!”

You probably know you can get reproduction English girders form India. They are selling them on eBay. I think that is what is on Billy Lane’s demo open pushrod thing.

I had a M20 BSA in Vegas years ago. Like all the other cool shit I sold it to pay the bills. I was searching for Indian scout girders when I found them. I still have my Triumph. I may hard-tail it this winter and put one of those girders on it. Got the hearse on the market now. I cleaned up the interior.

–Bill May

THE OUTLAW CODE–All I got to say is, if you wanna live the life of a gangster, you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

My lawyer told me, when you’re running down the street with your hair on fire, i.e. living the life of a gangster in public sight saying fuck you to the authorities, don’t be surprised when you’re under investigation and due for an early morning wake Up call by the feds.

–Archy
Devil’s Bones MC

This one is huge, like literally huge. The S&S R&D team has been working on this project for the better part of 18 months and done an intensive level of durability testing to develop the perfect combination of materials and piston shape. Can not wait to see the dyno charts that come out of this kit. ~DZ

S&S Cycle – 129” and 132” Big Bore Kits for 2017-2022 HD M8 engines

We love raw unadulterated thumping, makes your heart skip a beat kind of power and that’s the very stuff S&S Cycle specializes in. This obsession with power is further proven out by their latest efforts for the Milwaukee Eight® powered Harley-Davidson® models. Their bolt-in 129/132 Cubic Inch (that’s well over 2000cc for you metric folks) Big Bore Kits are just this side of monstrous.

Taking the stock engine from a mild mannered 107 CI to a fire breathing 129 CI or the 114 CI models to 132 cubic inches of tire melting power. Their latest is a 4.32” bore and is slated for 11:1 compression ratio so it’s happy with pump gas, but will still complement a high lift cam.

S&S® Cycle, Inc.
14025 County Highway G, Viola, WI 54664
Office 608.627.0358
Email dzemla@sscycle.com

Summer sounds like soothing beach waves and the crackle of a campfire are great and all, but we think the roar of a motorcycle engine is the best sound of summer. Sunnier days means more opportunities to ride.

Here’s just one example from Nick’s Picks for the Summer:

Robert M.’s 2002 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 S Sportster 1200 Sport
Honolulu, HI

See all ten of his picks at Twisted Road.

THE PEBBLE BEACH AUCTION REPORT—

The Last Crocker Motorcycle Built According to the Crocker Registry

• One of Approximately 70 Examples Ever Built
• Once Owned by Crocker Historian Ernie Skelton
• This Crocker, of the Rare and Legendary Marque Dubbed “The Duesenberg of American Motorcycles”, is One of the Finest Vintage Motorcycles to Ever Come to Auction

Joan and I leave in a week for the West Coast. Our 1942 Crocker, #310, the Last Crocker was selected by David Gooding, Gooding & Company for display at The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year. It will be on display the week of August 15-20th and will go across the auction block Friday evening, August 19th at the VIP Party.

The vintage motorcycle hobby has been a passion of Joan and I over the past 35 years. Without Joanies love of antiques and encouragement in the beginning, I would have not gotten involved.

The hobby has been good to us all these years and we have met the best people because of it at swap meets, auctions, and a multitude of vintage events nationwide. You have likely been a part of this journey with us. So we felt you may wish to follow online to see if The Last Crocker sets a new worlds record for motorcycles? If not we load it up and take it home to ride and enjoy even more.

August 19, Friday Evening
Google GoodingCo.com
Click on the link to watch the live auction feed.

If a camera walks by we will be sure to wave to all y’all!

We wish to thank each and every one of you for your time, knowledge and experiences that you have each shared with us the last 35 years in this wonderful Sport of Vintage Motorcycling. And we sincerely hope to continue in future years.

See You On The Road;

Steve and Joan Klein
SierraMadreMotorcycleCompany.com
Sierra Madre Motorcycle Company -Facebook
1137 Western Trail

361.652.8300 Steve Cell
SierraMadreMC@Gmail.com
Steve@SteveKlein.com

Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out, since it is such a beautiful day. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her book.

“Reading a book,” she replies, (thinking, “Isn’t that obvious”?)

“You’re in a Restricted Fishing Area,” he informs her.

“I’m sorry, officer, but I’m not fishing, I’m reading.”

“Yes, but you have all the equipment. I’ll have to write you up a ticket.”

“For reading a book”? she replies.

“You’re in a Restricted Fishing Area,” he informs her again.

“But officer, I’m not fishing, I’m reading.”

“Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I’ll have to write you up a ticket and you’ll have to pay a fine.”

“If you do that, I’ll have to charge you with sexual assault,” says the woman.

“But I haven’t even touched you,” says the Game Warden.

“That’s true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.”

“Have a nice day ma’am,” and he immediately departed.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads.

Sure, God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece!!

–Sam Burns

Come hang out at Legend Suspensions for a meet and greet with @road_warrior_aka_r_dub Friday August 12th, 2022 from
10AM – 12PM.

WORDS FROM ROB CARLO:

UPDATE: California Advances Resolution Celebrating Automobile Cruising’s History and Culture to Senate

Encourage support from your lawmaker on this pro-hobby proposal:

California has introduced a SAN-supported resolution (A.C.R. 176) celebrating the history and culture associated with automobile cruising. This resolution encourages local officials and law enforcement to work with local car clubs to conduct safe cruising events.

Highlighting the automotive community’s positive spirit and cultural contributions, the proposal recognizes the vital roles of legendary cruising strips and car club activities spanning the state.

The resolution passed the House and now awaits consideration before the full Senate. Remind lawmakers of the automotive hobby’s importance to California—as well as American society—by respectfully voicing support for this effort and requesting further action.

Your Lawmaker Must Hear from You Right Away!

Request support for this proposal by using the following SAN website link for an overview and lawmaker contact.

–SEMA

Good luck with that. Maybe after November.–Bandit

–Sam Burn
Feature Bike Editor Supreme
Bikernet.com™

Kuryakyn Expands Lineup of Industry Leading Tracer LED Lighting for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Kuryakyn recently expanded its lineup of the top-of-the-line Tracer LED lighting accessories for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The new products include LED accessories that run from front to back on a customer’s Harley, or from Fairing Lower Accents to an innovative new rear fender light that doesn’t require a factory fender tip. There’s even a taillight that illuminates with the American flag. The new products are available immediately and are being shown at the Kuryakyn displays at the Sturgis Rally this week.

The Tracer line from Kuryakyn stands out as the most stylish lights on the market. The smooth, consistent and intense light emitted by the units are from the “fully diffused” technology in the product. Fully diffused means that the products show no light dots, no glare, no shadow and provide an even and intense glow. Tracer products have a lower profile than most aftermarket LEDs, which provides a clean look without sacrificing brightness. Most of the products are available with red or smoke polycarbonate lenses and all are fully DOT/1 compliant.

“LED lighting isn’t new to the market, but the technology we use in our Tracer line definitely provides the smoothest and most intense light available,” said Kuryakyn Brand Manager Tyler Anderson. “Kuryakyn’s been creating customizing products since we started, these lights are a great combination of both style and function.”

The newest additions to the Tracer lineup are Tracer LED Fairing Lower Grills, LED Taillights, front and rear Turn Signal Conversions, LED Inserts for Saddlebag Supports, Saddlebag Lights, Tour Pak Side Lights, Windshield Trim Lights, Rear Fender Tip Light, Filler Panel for the space between the saddlebag and rear fender and the Freedom Flag Taillight. (A list of products is included below with MSRP pricing.)

New Tracer Products with Pricing

1. Tracer LED Fairing Lower Grills MSRP:$262.99
2. Tracer LED Taillights MSRP:$159.99
3. Tracer LED Rear Turn Signal Conversions MSRP:$129.99
4. Tracer LED Front Turn Signal Conversions MSRP:$129.99
5. Tracer LED Inserts for Saddlebag Supports MSRP:$249.99
6. Tracer Saddlebag Lights MSRP:$183.99
7. Tracer Tour Pak Side Lights MSRP:$299.99
8. Tracer Windshield Trim Lights MSRP:$249.99
9. Tracer Rear Fender Tip Light MSRP:$149.99
10. Tracer Filler Panel MSRP:$249.99
11. Freedom Flag Taillight MSRP: $149.99

Stock # 13484 is a White 2020 Harley-Davidson DYNA LOW RIDER FXDL with only 5041.00 miles!

This bike is a super low mileage Dyna some of the features/Add-ons on this bike are

* 107c.i. Motor with a six speed trans.
* S&S exhaust system
* Chrome extended risers
* Handlebar pouch
* Detachable windshield
* Mag wheels
* Saddleman seat
* Detachable passenger back rest
* Dash speed-o and tach combo

This bike is only $16,995.00

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

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available!

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

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

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

We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory,

The Little Red Story, Part 1

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Little_Red_Story_Part_1.aspx

I enjoyed the article. Kent Weeks is one talented man!

–Lonnie Bissell
Omaha, NE

Super small, amazingly bright with smoked lenses

Engineered in Germany with SMD-LED technology

The housing is CNC machined from billet aluminum and available in black or chrome finish

Some applications may require the use of a load equalizer

Sold in pairs

Direct fit for M8 Softails 2018-up (may fit other cable operated clutch models by adding spacer) and universal fitment available

NEW AND IMPROVED, IN STOCK AND READY TO UPGRADE YOUR RIDE

Elypse LED 2-1 Turn Signals
For M8 Softails and Universal fitments

K68501 Price: $179.99

K68500 Price: $179.99
K68511 Price: $179.99
K68510 Price: $179.99

HAL ROBINSON ART COMES TO BIKERNET

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

Love seeing Hal’s work up for all to see who read the news. Loved the way you covered him and some of the detailed writing about Hal and wife, Ann (me). Keep up the good work! It makes me happy!

— Ann Robinson
Long Beach, California

[page break]

The BIG GREEN LIE Almost Everyone Claims to Believe

Epoch Times Sticking it where it hurts, to all the politicians who have given lip service over the years to the climate crisis lie.

The Big Green Lie Almost Everyone Claims to Believe

Almost every member of Congress, Democrat or Republican, pays homage to the Big Green Lie. So do all the past and remaining Conservative candidates vying to be prime minister of the UK and every candidate currently vying for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. So does virtually all of the mainstream press. The Big Green Lie—that carbon dioxide is a pollutant—is so pervasive that even those considered skeptics—including right-wing NGOs and pundits—generally adhere to the orthodoxy, differing not in their stated belief that CO2 is a pollutant but only in how calamitous a pollutant it is.

The claim that the “science was settled” on climate change never withstood scrutiny. Scientists around the world signed a series of petitions to dispute that claim. The 2008 Oregon Petition, spearheaded by a former president of the National Academy of Science and championed by Freeman Dyson, Albert Einstein’s successor at Princeton and one of the world’s most preeminent scientists, was signed by more than 31,000 scientists and experts who agreed that “the proposed limits on greenhouse gases would harm the environment, hinder the advance of science and technology, and damage the health and welfare of mankind.

Moreover, there is substantial scientific evidence that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide produce many beneficial effects upon the natural plant and animal environments of the Earth.”

What is settled is the abject failure of the three-decade-long attempt by the bureaucracies of the 195 countries of the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to convince anyone other than themselves, a credulous media, and a relatively few gullible people that climate change represents an existential threat. Poll after poll over the decades show the public gives climate change short shrift when asked to rank its importance.

Read more: https://www.theepochtimes.com/the-big-green-lie-almost-everyone-claims-to-believe_4639112.html

What bothers me most about the climate crisis is the opportunity cost, the needless economic pain people endure.

In the USA gasoline prices have skyrocketed, because Brandon’s rabid green administration refuses to allow domestic energy providers to drill for more oil, and refuses to build new pipelines like Keystone.

How many ordinary American families have missed out on visiting the grandparents, because they can’t afford the road trip? How many people will die this winter, because they can’t afford to warm their homes?

Britain, which has embraced this fable more than most, is expected to experience 70% household power bill increases this year, which no end of sight – even though the British people are literally sitting on vast reserves of shale gas, which could cut their energy bills almost overnight.

As for Australia, our nation is a mountain of coal and Uranium, but our government is trying to shut down coal and has forbidden the construction of nuclear power plants.

Sooner or later voters will tire of waiting for the promised low-cost energy renewables are supposed to deliver, but when they finally awaken, it will still take many years more, to undo the damage this madness has caused.

–Essay by Eric Worrall
Epoch Times

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!—

THE STURGIS RALLY 2022 BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for August 4th, 2022

2022 marks my thirty ninth trip to the black hills, admitting not always on one of my scooters at the rally. Just love South Dakota, and its people!

Rally week has always been the best. I’d go back to camping in the park. I plan on coming every year no matter what. I’m old now planning on getting a lot older, so as a precaution to aging, I built a sidecar. Nothing is going to stop me.

YES, ride forevermore!

— Stevie B
Just South of chi-town, IL

Our team of valuation experts recommend increasing the values on these vehicles.

Vehicle
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FL
Recent value
$35,000

New value
$47,500

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLATHEAD UL 80
Recent Value
$20,000

New Value
$24,000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHB ELECTRA GLIDE
Recent Value
$12,000

New Value
$13,000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PANDEMIC
Recent Value
$20,000

New Value
$24,000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON S
Recent Value
$35,000

New value
$42,000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON WLD
Recent Value
$17,000

New Value
$20,000

HARLEY-DAVIDSON WLDR
Recent Value
$35,000

New Value
$42,000

TRIUMPH TR6 TROPHY
Recent Value
$13,000

New Value
$13,500

SAVE THE DATE: Sand Sports Super Show: September 16-18 in Costa Mesa

WHAT:
The Sand Sports Super Show is the biggest and most exciting dune and sand sports expo in the world with over 300 industry-leading exhibitors. The Sand Sports Super Show provides attendees the opportunity to get up close to the latest Sand Rails, UTVs, ATVs, Side x Sides and Toy Haulers, as well checking out accessories, apparel and much more. The sand sports and off-road community come together at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., September 16-18 for this year’s edition of the Sand Sports Super Show.

Event Features include:
Performance Marketplace, with many vendors offering “Try, Before you Buy” opportunities and special “Show-only Pricing.”

Side X Side and ATV/UTV Demos, with industry-leading brands at the Proving Grounds
Manufacturers launching new products and showing off their latest innovations to an engaged crowd of enthusiast attendees.

Dozens of prizes will be given out to lucky attendees, including the American Sand Association (ASA) raffling off a Polaris RZR and a Genesis Overnighter Trailer
Entertainment and music at the mainstage all weekend

WHEN:
Friday, September 16, 2022 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 17, 2022 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 18, 2022 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:
OC Fair & Event Center | 88 Fair Dr. | Costa Mesa, CA 92626
ocfair.com | (714) – 708-1500

TICKETS:
Purchase discount tickets online at
SandSportsSuperShow.com

Online Discount Ticket:
Adult/$16 | Child/$6 (ages 6-12)

Gate Price:
Adults/$20 | Child/$7 (ages 6-12)
Kids ages 5-and-under are free

INFO:
Visit, SandSportsSuperShow.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram
@SandSportsSuperShow

TRIKE OF THE WEEK—

–Sam Burns
Trike Editor in Charge
Bikernet.com™

14th International Motorcycle Conference – Hybrid event for PTW safety: SAFETY IN MOTION

Whether on site at INTERMOT Cologne or on screen from all over the world, when the 14th International Motorcycle Conference opens its doors on 3 and 4 October 2022, everyone will be able to follow and discuss the latest findings in the field of motorcycle safety. Because then the time will come again, and the Institute for Motorcycle Safety (IFZ) will invite experts and other interested parties from numerous nations to this almost unique world congress in Cologne.

The event will soon be started, the contents of the lectures are ready, and the registrations have begun. Due to its excellent partners, such as the American Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF, USA), the European (ACEM) and German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM), the German Road Safety Council (DVR) and, last but not least, Koelnmesse, this year’s ifz International Motorcycle Conference will once again set standards in the context of the International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair INTERMOT Cologne.

The aim is to publish the latest research results on powered two-wheelers and to promote the international exchange of road safety experts in order to further reduce the number of accidents involving powered two-wheelers worldwide. Hence, the motto “Safety in Motion” marks the focus of the event.

Once again, the two days will offer the committed participants from research and practice an excellent opportunity to exchange information on the latest safety-relevant aspects of motorcycling. A highlight of the conference will be the high-level round table discussion “Vision 2030+: the motorcycle industry’s future within the EU mobility transformation”, organized under the leadership of ACEM, the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers. Industry leaders and policy makers will discuss key topics such as the potential of powered two- wheelers mobility for the urban transport of the future and ongoing efforts to further improve the safety of powered two-wheelers.

More information on the conference is available at www.ifz.de .

ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!–CHOPPER CHARLIE

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

Fun read. Reminds me of a much simpler times. Life was straightforward and focused. The beginning of a lifelong passion!

Bandit, hope things in Deadwood are running smooth.

Cheers Brother

— Capt Ed Hardison
ethmarsol@gmail.com
Corolla, NC

All is well in outlaw territory. I feel so fortunate to be living in motorcycle nirvana. –Bandit

THE ENERGY FREEDOM PLATFORM—
The root of our global energy crisis is Green Energy Fascism. The solution is Energy Freedom.

The root of our global energy crisis is Green Energy Fascism—the idea that government should have total control over the energy industry (fascism) used for the “green” goal of rapidly eliminating fossil fuels and nuclear.

The solution is Energy Freedom—the idea that individuals should be free to produce and consume energy how they judge best, provided they follow laws protecting everyone from truly harmful emissions and dangerous practices.

There is no inevitability whatsoever to today’s energy crisis.

In fact, if we replace Green Energy Fascism with Energy Freedom policies, America can lead the world in producing low-cost, reliable, plentiful, and cleaner energy—enriching ourselves and billions around the world.

The Opportunity
Human beings’ knowledge of how to produce energy in a way that is low-cost, reliable, and plentiful has never been greater. And we can do it in ever-cleaner ways.

As the world’s leading economy and energy producer, America can lead a global energy renaissance.

The Problem
Even though the world could be in an energy renaissance, it is instead in an energy crisis—with skyrocketing costs and declining reliability around the world.

Europe fears industrial collapse and citizens freezing this winter. Poorer regions fear literal starvation.¹

The Cause
The direct cause of our unnecessary energy crisis is simple: governments around the world have restricted the supply of energy through anti-fossil-fuel, anti-nuclear policies. When demand outstrips supply, energy prices rise—which causes all other prices to rise.

The Root Cause
The reason that governments have been able to get away with anti-fossil-fuel, anti-nuclear policies is that they have used the pretext of climate apocalypse to justify Green Energy Fascism—total government control over the energy industry to achieve “green” goals.

Today’s energy policy is fascist.

Economically, “fascism” means: unlimited control of govt over private industry.

Our leaders exercise such control by using mandates, subsidies, prohibitions, and ESG rules to dictate the behavior of energy producers and energy consumers.

Using energy fascism to achieve “green” goals makes a terrible policy far worse.

“Green” = “minimal impact.” Since all energy impacts nature, all energy can be opposed as not “green.”

In practice, “green” energy means, disastrously: oppose everything but unreliable solar and wind.

The pretext of Green Energy Fascism is “climate emergency.” But:

Trying to lower CO2 emissions by favoring unreliable solar/wind and punishing nuclear is wildly ineffective.

–Alex Epstein

The MIC wants more members for its new working group built to examine PFAS legislation and proposals, and develop a comprehensive approach to federal and state regulations that could forever change manufacturing across the industry.

“We’re calling on MIC members with expertise and vested interests to contact us about joining our new PFAS working group,” said Eric Barnes, MIC technical programs vice president. “PFAS presents a major powersports industry challenge, and whether you’re an OE, aftermarket, or riding gear manufacturer, you must learn about government PFAS proposals and start looking for ways to replace PFAS in products you sell.”

In powersports, PFAS chemicals can be found in or used to produce a wide range of products such as riding gear, vehicle components resistant to heat, fuel, and chemicals, as well as semiconductors and chrome plating. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of synthetic chemicals used for decades in many consumer products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these are “long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time” and “are found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment.”

Both federal and state governments have examined the health impacts of PFAS in recent years and many bills have been introduced to ban its use. Some states are setting up registries to list any vehicles, components, parts, and clothing that contain PFAS. And news reports are now regularly covering the PFAS story.

–MIC

Motorcycle Riders Foundation inducted into the Sturgis Museum & Hall of Fame—

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame at the breakfast in Deadwood on Wednesday August 10th.

The MRF President and Chairman of the Board Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard had this to say, “On behalf of the original Steering committee, the Board of Directors, all Sustaining Motorcycle Rights Organizations, MRF State Representatives, and general members, we appreciate the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of fame recognizing the MRF for their tireless dedication to protecting the members rights and freedoms for nearly four decades.”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is a national organization dedicated to lobbying for those who ride, to protecting and defending their rights as motorcyclists, and to addressing the concerns of street riders and the motorcycle industry they support.

In 1985 the MRF held its first annual Meeting of the Minds conference. For many activists from around the country this marked the first time they’d met to discuss how to best preserve and protect motorcycling. The main issues of the day, mandatory helmet laws, unfair insurance laws, and the right to modify motorcycles, are still faced today, along with many others. In 2022, the MRF will hold its 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds, representing an unbroken chain of unparalleled training and networking opportunities that has molded the American biker’s rights movement into the highly effective force it is today.

MRF also holds its annual ‘Bikers Inside the Beltway’ grassroots lobbying event where riders from all over the country go to Washington, D.C. to help fight for their rights.

Time is running out! Only 10 days until the Easyriders Rodeo in Fowlerville, MI., August 19-21.

It wouldn’t be a true biker rally without the very best motorcycle-lifestyle related vendors in the country, but hurry time is running out and space is limited.

You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to show your amazing products at the original Easyriders Motorcycle Rodeo! Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will converge for a weekend of camping, dirt track motorcycle rodeo competitions on two-wheeled steel ponies, a great lineup of concerts, and more!!

Sign up at check-in for our poker crawl. We supply everything. Get all the attendees to stop at your booth.

Do you have used Motorcycle parts laying around? Call us for special pricing in the “Used Parts Corral” – let those used parts earn you some cash instead of gathering dust in your shop!

More information can be found at EasyridersEvents.com
or call us at 800-962-9857

When we first met Tony Bang (@bangtime) about 13 years ago he was just a young lad rippin’ around on a little XS650 chopper. After a few years of hangin’ and bangin’ on the XS, he was ready to make the jump to some good ol’ American Iron.

Tony always lived near Downtown Los Angeles and would hang out with all the LA chopper boys at “the Chun” (If you don’t know what the Chun is, make sure to pick up issue 4). Hanging on the wall there was (Shr)Eddie Cleveland’s old busted up 1972 XLH Ironhead. Shreddie had gotten into a pretty bad accident on it at one time, and moved onto Big Twins, so the crashed up Ironhead found its place hanging on the walls of the Chun.

NEWS FROM THE DAMON ELECTRIC NERVE CENTER—FAST is 200 mph.

FAST is 0-60 mph in less than 2.7 seconds.

FAST is the seriously fierce torque HyperDrive™ delivers to all our electric motorcycles.

And FAST is how quickly our reservations are filling up. 2023 is already sold out, and our 2024 reservations aren’t far behind.

So move FAST. Reserve your Damon today.

I need to apply the new stickers and perhaps go to Spearfish to get the new ones for the class. Carl Pussar suggested a S&S carb support strap and I need to reach out to Lori about parts for the Thunder-Jet enhanced S&S B we are going to take along.

Tom’s K-model from 5-Ball racing is on the road and Buck Lovell shot it for a Cycle source feature.

I’m also going to ask Sarison’s for a bid on paving the road to the shop. I’m sure the amount will kick my ass.

Looks like I’m going to write a separate story about the rally experience this year. I’m about to publish another Why Choppers Story. Let me know what you think.

Our shirts are very close to completion for Bonneville.

I hope everyone rides safely home. We almost sorted out the funky Panhead. Damn, I wanted to ride it to a party. Next year…

In the meantime, ride fast and free, forever.

–Bandit

 

  We decided that since we were in California we might as well visit some places before going home. Started by riding CA 1, or Pacific Coast Highway.

We got lucky, the motorcycle event Born Free was that weekend too. It would be a shame after riding all this way if we did not get by to attend such a famous event. 

I was very impressed.

The following day we rode south to Dana Point on a bunch of what I think they call freeways. A little crazy but we made our way to the coast.

A couple missed turns and, “Where the fug are, we?” All the normal stuff. While they were figuring out how to get to San Diego, I took the opportunity to rest my eyes.

Some more riding and a motel for the night.

 Then on to San Diego. Lunch on the beach and then a visit to the Naval Museum.

Couldn’t get out of CA without parking on the highway

Next stop was Tombstone, Arizona. Berry is a Big Western Fan and even brought a western shirt, bolo neckwear and a buckskin jacket to wear, as we visited and even got a stagecoach ride.

We ended up at the 4 Deuces Saloon for some adult beverages.

Land speed record holder Jay Allen and Ariel rode over from Lowell Arizona to meet us.

Before the bar closed, we had agreed to meet in Bisbee, Arizona for Breakfast.

Vivian got us lodging at a cool place in town. It even had a hitching rail and Berry tied his iron horse to it.

We did make it to Bisbee for breakfast with Jay and then rode to his place in Lowell.

WOW

Coming back into the United States the three motorcycles in front of me got in with just showing their driver’s license. When it was my turn things changed. The border officer told me to pull to the side and asked if I had any weapons on me. Just a pocket knife, I answered. Okay, please ride through that machine over there. It was a big Xray type thing.

About this time a swarm of officers came out of the building.

The young border patrol agent said Sir I am sorry but we need to search your motorcycle.

You do not need to call me sir, I am not a officer. And continued with no problem, let me unlock and open all the compartments. After I did that, I handed him my VA card which stated I was a disabled veteran.

Next thing I know an officer with oak leaf clusters on his shoulder comes to talk to me and asks does this happen often, to which I answered No. We do not have borders in Florida.

He proceeded to ask me if I had any idea why this was going on. I answered, not really, but I suspect something came up that I am known to be armed and dangerous. The expression on his face was priceless.

I went on to say, “That Is True, but what it did not mention was when that was put in my file I also had a Federal Concealed Firearm License. I was one of the people providing personal protection to then President Jimmy Carter’s sister Gloria.

Next, he asked about the press plate on the back of my motorcycle and I told him I was the Senior Editor at Bikernet.com a large motorcycle publication.

I answered Yes, just not sure if that is before or after I make a phone call. He quickly answered you are free to leave anytime you want and sorry about the inconvenience. I told him I did not mind and was happy they were doing a good job protecting our border.

I did not know until later that Jay Allen had stopped to see what was happening with me and when told to keep going, he refused to do so without me. That is a stand-up man.

Berry was behind me and could see me having a fun time with the agents.

Once we were back in the states, we did get some photos of all of us at the border wall. Photos were not allowed in the search area LOL.

Just a Note: Numerous times during the trip I had mentioned to Berry that I did not want to go to Mexico and or that I thought it might not be a good idea. I knew there was a 50/50 chance I might get stopped. I was more concerned about not being allowed to go into Mexico than getting back into the country just that it might be an inconvenience to those with me. We ended up staying the evening at Jay’s.

In the morning we took route 80 to interstate 20. Nice scenic road and stopped at a little restaurant for Breakfast before getting back on the interstate. They had a cool thing with kid’s hand prints and Molly added hers before we left.

 Even though I had put a new charging system on my motorcycle before the trip I had issues with the volt meter on the motorcycle bouncing all over the place. We checked the charging a couple of times with a meter and read that it was charging. Whatever in New Mexico the low battery light came on. Contacted Southwest Wheels at 1800 W Picacho Ave, Las Cruces. They took a regulator off one of their own motorcycles and had us back on the road in no time. Very Cool people and a good shop so if you are ever in the area stop by and see them.

 The next day we were in Texas and stopped at the same hotel in Abilene, and of course Dana and I made it back to the steak house.

Leaving at 6:00 in the morning we made it to Louisiana or Mississippi and stopped for the night.

Early up and on the road to beat the heat headed for Selma Alabama for a milkshake then on to Dothan.

Oh, yea from hot and dry to a downpour and issues seeing where I was going…

Made it to Berry’s house and stayed the night.

On 4^th of July, I kissed everyone goodby and headed home to Florida.

I was a 5524-mile coast to coast ride twice with a lot of good stories and memories.