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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H-D Legacy of Competition Inspires Custom Paint for Nine Touring Models

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson today revealed the new Apex factory custom paint option for select Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring models.

The dynamic new paint scheme debuts at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Apex custom paint is inspired by the long and successful competition history of Harley-Davidson, the world’s most iconic motorcycle brand. A racing legacy established more than a century ago in hill climbs, enduros, and fairground flat tracks continues today as the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory team defends its 2021 MotoAmerica King of the Baggers championship.

“Apex factory custom paint gives riders the opportunity to express the thrill of speed and competition on the bodywork of their bagger,” said Brad Richards, VP of Design and Creative Director – Motorcycles. “This paint scheme communicates velocity and forward momentum with lines and colors inspired by Harley-Davidson competition motorcycles.”

The Apex paint scheme features a graphic outline on the fuel tank which mimics the shape of the tank on the legendary Harley-Davidson® XR750 flat track racing motorcycle. On models with a fairing the graphic sweeps back to align with the tank graphic and leads with an angle that suggests speed. The lines on the front fender connect visually to those on the side covers and saddlebags, creating a flowing effect. When viewed in profile, the motorcycle appears to be in motion.

The color scheme starts with a base of Vivid Black paint. A graphic element adds Gauntlet Gray panels surrounded by an accent stripe of Jet Fire Orange – the original color applied to the XR750 competition models. Each panel is designed with inner drop shadows and a subtle Bar & Shield pattern that fades in and out throughout the scheme. This fade effect was inspired by the checkered fade seen on Harley-Davidson Factory Team race bikes. Clear coat paint is applied as a final layer. The Apex custom paint is applied in-house at Harley-Davidson York Vehicle Assembly and Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations.

The Apex custom paint will be offered globally for the remainder of the 2022 model ordering period as a factory-installed option for nine Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring models:

• Road King® Special model
• Street Glide® Special model (Chrome and Black trim versions)
• Ultra Limited model (Chrome and Black trim versions)
• Road Glide® Limited model (Chrome and Black trim versions)
• Road Glide® Special model (Chrome and Black trim versions)

Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories will offer Tour-Pak® luggage carriers and custom front fenders painted to match the Apex paint scheme. This will allow riders to further customize a motorcycle ordered with Apex factory custom paint.

See a local authorized Harley-Davidson® dealer (click here) for details on ordering a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and accessories with Apex factory custom paint.

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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.

Motorcycle Mondays Presents “LIVE in Sturgis”
Open Road Radio –America’s Standard in Motorcycle Talk RADIO Show -celebrating 25 years & streamed live weekly!

• Featuring….our host Gina Woods, Penny FXR & Steve Piehl with other special guests.
• Tonight we discuss happenings here in The Black Hills.
• New segment with Dave Ratner in “Meet on the Street” Dave has an exclusive interview with Danny Brown of Eagle Rider – Chicago
• Gina Woods & Penny FXR bringing the latest Sturgis happenings and Steve Piehl discussing Kirsh Helmets.
• We’ll put a wrap on it by discussing motorcycle events coming up locally & nationally!

Hold on tight it’s going to be a thrilling ride!

LIVE Mon Nite 9:00 pm-10:00 pm est: Coast to coast & worldwide!
1400 AM 107.1 FM KSHP- Las Vegas

https://facebook.com/Roadhost
https://facebook.com/gina.woods.961

Our show is fueled by Andrews Products, Sea Foam Products, Kirsh Helmets, J&P Cycles, Biker Belle’s Women’s Day @ Buffalo Chip Kass & Moses, Harley-Davidson, Full Throttle Law, Bike Show Mafia, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Chixs On 66, & MegWear Apparel

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Do catch Bikernet.com Crew & Bandit himself at Sturgis Rally!!!
Catch Bikernet’s comprehensive Motorcycle News, every Thursday – only at www.Bikernet.com

event: AHDRA Southern Michigan Bike Fest
when: July 29-31, 2022
where: Milan Dragway, Michigan, USA

AHDRA All-American motorcycle drag racing provided the mid summer thunder with the Southern Michigan Bike Fest at reborn Milan Dragway on July 29-31, and Bad Apple Racing’s Tracy Kile thundered the longest.

Top Fuel winner Kile wasn’t the fastest dog all weekend but kept the candles lit across the line each and every pass—most importantly in the final.

“Our motor was hurt all weekend,” said Kile. “I was the only guy that went down the track all six passes, and it probably was because I was a little underpowered. 6.60 And .70 was really as quick as that bike was going to run all weekend.”

Kile’s performance problem was a lack of good sealing rings that has plagued the class and it’s enormous pistons. “You know, we’re all struggling with this ring issue. It just ain’t sealing up good. When you come back from a pass, it’s got a bunch of nitro in the oil. You put two quarts in to race, you come back and you take four quarts out. You know that’s just slowing you down.”

Still, Kile’s consistency qualified him number one with a 6.69 at 206 mph.

Defending Top Fuel Champion Ryan Peery found good power and bite on raceday, though, and put down a couple .40s to establish himself as the performance leader.

But when Peery and Kile met in the final, Ryan’s performance lasted only about 330 feet. “The bike dropped a hole first,” reported Peery. “Then idling down the track, the motor stopped completely. The motor cases bearing keeper backed out and locked the motor up. A burnt hole in a valve either caused the initial problem or was a result of the motor suddenly stopping. Good thing it’s only money…”

“I went down the track but I got lucky in the final that Ryan hurt whatever he hurt,” said Kile. “But it takes a little luck to win these things too, you know. Consistency, reliability, and a little luck. So, great weekend.

“I want to thank the track and Harold and Perry, the owners that we worked with. They rolled out the red carpet for us to make this an annual thing. They were just great and went above and beyond what a lot of these tracks you get any more when you get there. The facility was awesome with some great tree coverage.

“I want to thank my competitors. You can’t race if you ain’t got competitors out there to race against, you know, so you always want to give them a shout out.

“And of course, Mary (Tracy’s girlfriend Mary Dangrow, also a racer). I couldn’t even go race without Mary right now, you know. She’s a workhorse, she’s awesome. We had John Wayne (Stephens) pegging me, but other than that, it was me and her starting the bike and sending it up the track six times. That ain’t easy, man, it’s hard. I’m blessed to have her, and she’s an awesome rider.”

2020 champ Rich Vreeland’s bike died after the burnout for round one, handing Peery the bye that round. Billy “Jack” Jackson smoked his tire against Dr. Jimmy “Mac” McMillan in E1, and Dr. Jimmy lost round two to Peery.

Jason Pridemore made a rare appearance with his awesome blown bike, making incredible smoky burnouts before continuing the smoke show in the first 60 feet. And Curtis Heisler was on hand making licensing passes.

Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike champion Michael Balch had an easy one this weekend, being the only combination for that class in the house. Still, the dedicated Pennsylvania racer put in a lotta work and a lotta laps.

“Like always, (AHDRA owner) Bill Rowe put on a great event with smooth running classes,” said Balch. “Milan Dragway put out a great surface for us to compete on and overall it was a great event.

“My team went there with an attitude of winning. We wished there would have been more Funnybikes to compete with, but with diesel prices we can understand—it’s a huge cost.

“We made a first hit at 7.50 with the Gainesville tune-up. Second hit cleaned it up to a 7.20, third hit 6.95, and final run of 6.92. I was out of it early because there were no 1000 foot cones. I lifted about 100-200 feet short. It was my fault, not the bike or the track.

“I could not be happier with the performance of my team. John Red Rhea was on the phone with Gregg Dahl and Damon discussing changes together. All the changes they made put me on a great running machine.

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“With the support of my team—Red, Gregg, Damon, and Matt—I feel unbeatable. My sponsors are my backbone, they keep me able to fund it, and the Lord blesses me with the ability to do it.”

Balch will soon be blessed with extra Funnybike competition in the form of Vicksburg, Michigan’s Phil Lower on a Mike Romine-built piece. But on this particular weekend, Lower took the Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel win against veteran racer Rocky Jackson. Lower took the tree .077 to .119 and stayed out front for the 7.78 to 7.96 win.

“We tore up a lot of stuff yesterday, but we were up all night getting it back together, and it paid off,” said Lower, who rides Tyler Wilson’s old bike—freshly unwrapped and clear-coated.

“I couldn’t have done it without my crew,” continued the General Motors retiree. “Mike Romine helps me with the bike and helps me maintain it, Ricky ‘Grizz’ Lee, and my girlfriend Jen Worley. We had a lot of family here because it is a close race, and everybody kind of pitched in and we got it done. And other racers helped a lot because they had the parts.

“I also wanna thank Buddy Foss and Janette Thornley, they helped me out a lot. And Jack Romine also.”

Charging Charley Douglass has a bike to be reckoned with, taking a decisive GMS Racing Engines Xtreme Outlaw win in an all-turbo final. Douglass calmly gave up .058 at the tree to opponent Dwayne “Smokey” Gee before throwing down near-apocalyptic numbers on his way to a winning 7.87 at 177.39 mph. Depending on who you talk to, that pass ranks among the top three or four no-bar Harley passes of all-time—and on a still-new combination.

“I believe I’m third behind Gregg Dahl’s 7.62 or 3 and Andy Simon Sr.’s 7.70 at 182, said Douglass. Then comes Stacey Bortz at 7.90, Mike Motto at 7.92, and Stephane Crete’s 7.98.

Dahl stakes a claim as consistency king with “Ten passes in the .60s in two weeks on local non-pro prep.”

“My Outlaw Xtreme turbo bike has been a very trying experiment,” admitted Douglass, who’s made 15 quarter mile passes on it to date. “I still have plenty more power to attempt to hook up.

“I started the weekend with T-n-T on Friday with no good passes. I struggled trying to keep the rear tire from smoking about ten feet from the starting line. I smoked one clutch pack Saturday trying to take as much clutch out as I could.

“Sunday morning I tried another combination and burnt the second clutch pack of the weekend. Going into first round of eliminations Sunday, I put a fresh Energy One Clutches clutch in and a new tune-up in the MaxxECU from Jesse Brown. We ran an 8.10 with a 1.306 60 foot, winning first round against Victor Gotay. Victor has helped me with tuning and clutch set-up since the end of last year.

“So, I had Jesse tweak the tune-up some and we ran 7.873 at 177 mph in the final against Dwayne. That was my first 7 second pass!

“This was an emotional weekend for the Douglass Racing team. A very good friend of ours, Steve Allstaedt, was laid to rest on Saturday, so this win was in honor of him.

“I want to thank God for keeping me safe and sane. My wife Angel Douglass for being so supportive, I love you. My dad for being my teammate and best friend. My nephew Jacob for helping us at the track. Special thanks to the Ken Browne family for showing everyone a Harley could run with a turbo.

“My youngest daughter, son in-law, and two of my granddaughters spent Saturday with me at the track and that was great also. My “Brother ” Ralph also spent the weekend with us.”

Douglass continued to thank Energy One Clutches, Axtell Sales, Dan Daffner, CP-Carrillo, JB Tech Jesse Brown, Victor Gotay, Andy Simon Sr., SA Racing Steve Allstaedt, Advanced Sleeve, H-D of Lynchburg, Vreelands H-D, R&D Motorsports, Joe’s Parts, Xlxbhorsepower, Chad Hart, and Justin Collier.

Jason Broski might have the best name in racing, but he most definitely has a quick, well sorted out, all-motor Bagger that stays firmly flat and planted from launch to finishline. Broski won Horsepower Inc. Pro Outlaw Bagger against Street Kingz racer Reggie “Hamma” Elliott. Hamma nailed Broski .017 to .062 at the tree, but Broski’s Kibblewhites were opening and closing at wicked pace to carry him to a winning 9.07 against Hamma’s 9.90.

“It was a rollercoaster ride,” said Broski, who unloaded Friday with four 8 second passes in a row. That includes a side-by-side 8 second Bagger pass for only the second time and the first since 2020, according to Broski. “It was me and Victor Gotay, with him riding Dwayne Gee’s bike.”

Broski reported that during Saturday qualifying, making no changes, his bike was losing ET every lap and 4 mph. “After sleeping on it, I made changes for Sunday’s eliminations. MPH instantly came back and ET started dropping.”

In the hottest part of the day with density altitude in the 2800s, Broski made one more lap—an 8.94 that he says is a record-setting ET for an all-motor M8.

“I’m always grateful for the support from Ward Performance, Kibblewhite Precision Machining, and Gardner Racing Concepts.”

Broski also runner-upped to Street Kingz racer and number one qualifier Gee in MTC Pro Comp Outlaw.

The Cronenberger name was omnipresent in AHDRA winners circles of the 2000s, and Brad Cronenberger brought it back at Milan with 11:50 and Universal Fleet & Tire 10.90 wins.

The 10.90 win came against Chris Phipps in the final. Cronenberger took the tree by .032 against Phipps and ran closer to the number to boot. Against Cody Rozeski in the 11:50 final, Cronenberger took the tree by a whopping .092 and was able to coast in well over the index for the win.

“I took a few years off (and) was racing off-road dirtbikes, because that was something I could get my son involved with, too,” said Brad. “I decided to come back out when I saw they were bringing the Junior Dragbikes back. I should have my son in there for Rockingham.

“I really only signed up for the 10.90 class to try and get some seat time on my bike after not racing for so many years. I was fortunate to catch a few breaks along the way and managed to make my way through the ladder.

“The 11.50 class, I ran a few 11.49s on qualifying day, so I knew I was close. I managed to have good reaction times all day and get another win.

“I wanna thank my wife. She’s the one who convinced me to get back out there.”

Louisiana racer Scott Tomsu qualified number one and won Super Stock and V-Twin Powersports Hot Rod Bagger, beating J. Clarks in the HRB final.

John Price took the Zippers Performance Pro Modified win against George Futch, Kimberly DeShields beat Gary Douglass in the Pingel Modified final, number one qualifier John Terry took the Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas 9.90 win over Clayton Danford, and C. Hayworth beat Heather Van Fleet in the Super Pro 10.30 final.

L. Stevens won Sunday’s Eliminator final against N. Messina, while Stephen Lacy won on Saturday. Saturday’s Trophy class winner was C. Tipping.

The coolest thing that happened all weekend? That would be the return of Junior Dragbikes and the many laps made by the Hines brothers. More of this please!

Bill Rowe and the AHDRA’s next stop—Sturgis on August 7-9.

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

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Sturgis Here We Come!

Holy hell do Cycle Source have a lot going on for the 82nd running of the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally… and even better, y’all are invited and it’s all Free!

­Dennis Kirk Garage Build Show
Saturday, August 6th – Iron Horse Saloon
­The ONLY show specifically for the home garage builder! Registration starts at 11am, awards in over a dozen classes are at 4pm. Come hang out with Chris, Heather, Dumptruck and Professional Monkey!

16th Annual Cycle Source Custom Ride In Bike Show
Sunday, August 7th – Iron Horse Saloon
For 16 years in a row Cycle Source has been celebrating the custom motorcycle scene in Sturgis with one killer show, and this year is no different! With awards in 33 classes there is a class for every seat. Best of Show wins a full feature in the Magazine and takes home a bitcoin rolling chassis from Paughco! No charge to show!

5th Annual Vintage Day
Monday, August 8th – Iron Horse Saloon
If you love Old Iron, then this is your jam for sure. Special parking for antique and vintage motorcycles PLUS free lunch and commemorative poster for the first 100 AMCA card holders! AND…it’s all FREE, FREE, FREE

The Original Performance Bike Show With Lil Evil Inkorpor8ted
Tuesday August 9th – Steel Pony Campground
Join Kurt & crew the Steel Pony Campground for the 6th Annual Original Performance Bike Show. Awards in 11 Classes plus Best of Show gets a full feature in Cycle Source Magazine. No Charge to Show!

Baker BurnOut Drags
Tuesday, August 9th – Iron Horse Saloon
Heads Up Bracket Racing Until There Is A Sturgis Champion! Bert “F#@king” Baker himself will be engineering this crazy train! Trophies & Cash Prizes. Sign-Ups Start at 7:00, Racing Starts at 8:00ish

16th Annual Run To The Line
Wednesday, August 1oth – Starts At The Iron Horse Saloon
Ride with Cycle Source and Friends Through the Black Hills. Nostalgic Bag Lunch provided at our pit stop. Photography by World Famous Motorcycle Photographer Michael Lichter. As always, this is a FREE event.

Black Hills Boogie Chopper Show And Disco Party
Thursday August 11th – Steel Pony Campground
Be a playa at our 70’s Black Hills Boogie Chopper Show & Disco Party. Cash prizes and trophies raddest bikes of the night and the best ’70s get-up. Party is poolside… Pimps Up Hoes Down baby! As always, there’s no cost to party with us.

Biker Olympics & Mini Bike Drags
Friday, August 12th – Iron Horse Saloon
Win a $200 cash prize in each of 5 games, with a championship leather belt for the overall winner! Slow Race, Keg Roll, Spoon Race, The Waitress, and Weenie Bite. PLUS – mini bike drag races between games.

Visit Cycle Source website at: cyclesource.com

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Tell ’em Bikernet.com sent ya !!! Riding Free for 25 years….

“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” – Kris Kristofferson

Those words, sung by Janis Joplin over fifty years ago, were a generation’s anthem. Yet, there is a lot more to losing freedom than the catchy lyrics of a song. In fact, losing freedom is easier than defending and keeping it.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation takes seriously the quest to protect the freedoms that motorcyclists sometimes take for granted. A lobbying team with a never-ending presence on Capitol Hill. A definitive commitment to grassroots activism with the MRF’s annual Bikers Inside the Beltway. And the annual Meeting of the Minds – nearly forty years of bringing bikers’ rights advocates together to enhance their organizational and legislative skills.

To the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, freedom is not just another word for nothing left to lose. Promoting freedom is the core of the MRF’s existence. The annual Meeting of the Minds is where freedom is mainlined.

The 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds, scheduled for September 22-25 in Des Moines Iowa, will be a 3-day exercise in freedom enhancement. The event will take freedom way beyond “…nothing left to lose.”

The Meeting of the Minds – renewing old friendships and making new ones. The Meeting of the Minds – three days of nuts-and-bolts workshops to augment the tools needed to promote and protect the rights of all motorcyclists. The Meeting of the Minds – more than a dozen presentations and workshops to build and strengthen individual’s and state motorcyclists’ rights organization’s commitment to protecting the freedoms motorcycling represents.

Workshops and presentations include but are not limited to:

• Up-to-the-minute Legislative Updates
• Working with motorcycle clubs for the common goal of defending freedom
• Aging demographics – what it means to motorcycling
• Paying the price of freedom

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation lives and understands that freedom is not just another word for nothing left to lose, understands Eternal Vigilance… and understands The Blessings of Freedom… and understands the commitments needed to protect rights, liberty, freedom, and our motorcycles from the pending siege from over-regulating and callous bureaucracies. The MRF is committed to promote and defend the freedoms that all motorcyclists’ rights advocates understand.

The Meeting of the Minds – September 22-25, Marriott Downtown Des Moines, 700 Grand Avenue. Book your group rate for Motorcycle Riders Foundation Annual Meeting 2022. Or call (888) 236-2427 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) when you make reservations.

Use this link to register for the conference Meeting of the Minds 2022 Last Day to Book: Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and we look forward to seeing you in Des Moines for the 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds.

Know more about Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF); visit: http://mrf.org

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Follow the best motorcycling news coverage anywhere…. every Thursday only at www.Bikernet.com

Vance & Hines Expands New PCX Lineup with Return of the Pro Pipe and Debut of Bagger Race Replica System

Santa Fe Springs CA – Vance & Hines, which earlier this week announced its innovative new PCX (Power Chamber Exhaust) technology, is now adding two new 2-into-1 exhaust systems to their product line. The introduction includes the return of the ultra-popular Pro Pipe 2-into-1 exhaust system and a system inspired by the one used on the company’s King of the Baggers racers, a series that has inspired a new level of custom and performance in Harley-Davidson touring bikes. PCX technology ensures that these Vance & Hines systems meet all EPA emissions criteria.

Pro Pipe is a classic design that has twenty years of evolution and improvement built into its return to market. It has all the ingredients for making power: stepped headers, an oversized collector and long megaphone muffler. The new generation Pro Pipe now features the innovative PCX™ technology, which integrates a chambered high-flow catalyst in the megaphone for a bigger boost in torque and a more robust rumble of a big V-Twin motor. The placement of the catalyst deeper into the muffler moves heat away from the rider and improves rider comfort.

The Pro Pipe system fits Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Touring (2017-2022) and Softail (2018-2022) models, as well as late model Twin Cam Touring models (2010-2016).

The Vance & Hines Hi-Output RR exhaust system comes directly out of the development work done for the riders in the King of the Baggers class of the MotoAmerica Road Racing Championships. Constructed of high grade, 304 stainless steel, the hand TIG welded headers of the Hi-Output RR step from 1.75″ to 1.875″ to 2.0″ and feed into the same oversized collector used on the race exhaust system. The collector is even rotated to add extra ground clearance to enable steeper lean angles through the turns. Finishing off the system is the Vance & Hines mid-length 4″ Hi-Output megaphone muffler featuring the same laser-cut riveted badge as the race system. The consumer version of the system includes PCX technology using a chambered, high flow catalyst which increases torque, especially at mid-range RPMs.

The Hi-Output RR system fits Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Touring models (2017-2022). An optional accessory heat shield kit will also be available.

“The Pro Pipe is a rider favorite and we’re so glad to bring it back with PCX technology,” said Vance & Hines President and CEO Mike Kennedy. “With our company’s roots in racing and our excitement about this year’s King of the Baggers program, the race-replica high-output system was a no brainer. I can’t wait to see a bagger ride by with the same pipes that James Rispoli has on his Vance & Hines race bike.”

Both systems are available this week at Vance & Hines’ two locations at the Sturgis Rally. Vance & Hines staff at both Black Hills Harley-Davidson and at J&P Cycles in Sturgis are showing all the company’s top products to attendees at the rally.

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Catch the Bikernet.com crew and Bandit himself at Sturgis Rally….. click here to get all event & product updates weekly for free, unsubscribe anytime.

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1. Pro Pipe System Details

• PCX™ (Power Chamber Exhaust) Technology
• Chambered High-Flow Catalyst Cartridge Designed to Increase Torque
• Stepped Headers and Oversized Collector
• Available in Chrome or Matte Black
• Meets EPA Emissions Criteria
• Retail price $1,199.99 (Chrome), $1,249.99 (Black)

2. Hi-Output RR System Details

• PCX™ (Power Chamber Exhaust) Technology
• Chambered High-Flow Catalyst Cartridge Designed to Increase Torque
• Lightweight High Grade 304 Stainless Steel Construction
• Hand TIG Welded
• Available in Brushed Works Finish or Matte Black
• Fits with Standard (Non-Stretched) Saddlebags
• Meets EPA Emissions Criteria
• Retail price $1,399.99 (Brushed), $1,549.99 (Black)