Open Road Radio –America’s Standard in Motorcycle Talk RADIO Show

• Featuring highlights & low lights (jk), of Sturgis 2022.
• Woody & Marilyn join us and have a full 14 days’ worth of happenings! Sturgis 22 is on!!
• Keith Ball swoops in to give us his take on what Sturgis is going to look like and gives us a little preview of Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials coming up!
• We’ll put a wrap on it by discussing motorcycle events coming up and NEXT week a surprise guest from Sturgis!

* * * * * * * *

Chapter 25 of latest Bonneville Effort by 5-Ball Racing
by Bandit

Getting Ready for the Salt
We’re beginning to prep the Salt Torpedo for the BMST event from August 27 until September 2 in Bonneville, Utah on 65-square miles of salt.

This event will take place just a couple of weeks after the historic Bonneville Speed Trials for everything on wheels. The BMST was developed by Dennis Manning solely for us grubby bikers.

I had to dig up and test various chain hoists and trolly apparatus to work with our new gantry in Sturgis, South Dakota.
–Bandit

CLICK HERE To Read this Photo Feature. Latest Action from 5-Ball Racing.

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

Check Out 5-Ball Racing success & build your own Land Speed record (click here)

How to Build a Bonneville Salt Flats Motorcycle documents the construction of “The Worlds Fastest Panhead”

Salt Torpedo Getting Ready for the Salt

We’re beginning to prep the Salt Torpedo for the BMST event from August 27 until September 2 in Bonneville, Utah on 65-square miles of salt.

This event will take place just a couple of weeks after the historic Bonneville Speed Trials for everything on wheels. The BMST was developed by Dennis Manning solely for us grubby bikers. Okay, so let’s back up about two years when I decided to sell the 5-Ball International Headquarters located across the street from the Port of Los Angeles in homeless torn and tattered Wilmington, California. Originally a whorehouse and hotel built 100 years ago it did the job for the 5-Ball Racing crew for 17 years, but it was time to get the hell out of the city.

A major endeavor involving crates, moving companies, fork lifts, skidsteers, and Haul Bikes ensued. We were ultimately fortunate in all Zen respects to afford this endeavor and survive without major injury to staff or the shit. It involved a handful of players including Haul Bikes, who picked up and delivered unharmed about 10 bikes and the Salt Torpedo.

We finally landed permanently in the Black Hills around May of last year, but we had no shop and a brother brought us the Covid from the coast, so Bonneville was out. With the help of building designer Patrick and young contractor Jason Anderson the shop was completed in July of 2022, like yesterday…

I also worked with Tim Crandall to create a gantry to be able to lift and move the Salt Torpedo. So just two weeks ago we threw our first Team meeting. What team?

For a minute that was a good question. I would have responded, “Me and Micah McCloskey.” Unfortunately, Micah also moved away from war-torn Los Angeles to Auburn California, but that didn’t help the team business. He was still 1259 miles away.

But suddenly, out of the blue team volunteers stepped up including a sharp builder with multiple building talents from bikes to home construction and machine shop talents, Cabana Dan, a Sturgis Hamster, who is currently building trophies for Marilyn Stemp for a rally bike show. Then a local construction worker, Luke stepped up, so a meeting was scheduled in the new shop.

I started a to-do list, and we went to work. Here goes:

I had to dig up and test various chain hoists and trolly apparatus to work with our new gantry.

With Tim’s magnificent gantry in place, we could lift the rear of the trike, remove the rear tire and take it to Deadwood Custom Cycles, another Hamster establishment. Jason would remove, replace the tire with another properly speed-rated tire and balance it. That’s currently in the works.

 

I took the battery to Jason’s shop but that didn’t help. We bought a new battery and battery strap which also cracked in the harsh weather.

I finally, after somewhat of a struggle was able to register the Salt Torpedo, the pilot, Micah McCloskey, and the two team members with the BMST crew. But Micah received a note that our number 50 was no longer available, but 5 was, even better. But I needed to order a new set of large vinyl race numbers. I made the call to Spearfish, SD. They are on the case.

It just dawned on me to have our class designation made out of vinyl, although classes can change. Sometimes it’s better to use duct tape and a felt pen. I put in a call to Drew Gatewood and left a message. He just called me back. Get this. Our FIM class sticker must read: CAP.I GRP.B3 DIV.C TYPE V CLASS 2500 CYL.2. I need to know what the required configuration is and the font size of the letters. Another question for Drew.

Dan noticed the certifications on the 5-point seat harness. The date had passed, and we needed to remove the seat, and I sent the belts back to the company for their re-certification process. In less than a week the belts were returned, restored and ready.

Lee Clemens, an ardent supporter, highly recommended this Super B carb for high speed. We had a terrible time finding the right intake manifold. Finding and sourcing the rest of the parts to make it fly was also on the list, including the flanges, gaskets, phenolic block, etc. This puppy has a 2.25-inch venturi. I am currently working with Lori at S&S.

We also needed to find another velocity stack for the S&S G carb on the Torpedo currently. The original was damaged during testing. Micah bought a new one, but it’s too long, so some machining is required.

One of my responsibilities was hotel reservations in Wendover. We decided to dodge the Casinos for several reasons and camp out at the Best Western. I’ve had good luck with this line of Hotels and breakfast is on the house.

Also on the list was a trailer. Talk about discussions and options. Of course, budget plays into the equation and our grubby biker budget doesn’t call for anything too lavish, so we are working with another Hamster who once owned Carl’s Trailers in Belle Fourche. We wanted to go with the open aluminum job for rust prevention, weight, salt damage, you name it, but the bastard costs $2000 more than the steel job.

Natch, the above subject caused me to consider Sponsors, which is another project altogether and guys who build race bikes would much rather focus on the build than to reach out for sponsors, but it’s the nature of the racing beast. Here’s the link, if you would consider becoming a 5-Ball Racing sponsor for our first run on the salt with the magnificent Salt Torpedo.

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/5BALL_RACING_BONNEVILLE_SPONSOR_PROGRAM_FOR_2019.aspx

Another costly item on the list is our batch of Salt Torpedo T-shirts. Fortunately, we know a guy who is excellent with T-shirt art, colors and placement on apparel, Andy. He’s on the case. Oops, his shirt guy required that I purchase 144 shirts at twice the price from a month ago—another crisis, inflation.

Of course, we need to clean, prep and test all aspects of the Torpedo and during the Sturgis Rally, Micah will spend some time in the shop making sure all is well and ready.

During our first meeting we discussed salt tent stuff we need to take including tools, coolers, chairs, jacks, tent weights (to hold the tent and tarps down) and running products such as oil.

Just yesterday, while on a Bikernet Weekly News deadline, I worked with a Sturgis fire extinguisher company to certify our two fire extinguishers. I also bought fire extinguishers for the shop and the basement, while learning about the family business in the Black Hills since 2008. Interesting.

This weekend we need to clean and shape the fire wall more, install the rear wheel and battery and then prep for firing this puppy up and testing all the controls. We also need to study, research and discuss body fasteners. Hang on for the next report.

Support Our Sponsors:

Hey,
The truth is everything. I scrambled out of bed a 6:24 this morning. My mission, to complete the Bikernet Weekly News always with hope for the future of America and motorcycling Freedom.

A friend pointed out the obvious. There are radicals on both sides, but most of America is in the center, just trying to build a life, a family or a chopper and be free.

They changed our Torpedo number to 5 or 5-Ball, perfect. New vinyls ordered.

Let’s continue to ride free or die trying.
–Bandit

Click Here to Read this Week’s News only on Bikernet.com

* * * *

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 suMotorcycle Museum.

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

Know more about our past success & efforts at Bonneville – Click Here.

Hey,

The truth is everything. I scrambled out of bed a 6:24 this morning. My mission, to complete the Bikernet Weekly News always with hope for the future of America and Freedom. So, what hit me immediately as I opened the email world?

The Real Story of January 6, an Epoch Times documentary, reveals the truth that has been hidden from the American people. The mainstream media’s narrative has ignored key events and witnesses, until now:

On July 22, The Epoch Times will finally release the long-awaited documentary, The Real Story of January 6.

This is the first full-detail, unbiased look at what really happened on Jan. 6.

New information, including testimonies from people who were there on the ground, sheds a disturbing light on what really happened on Jan. 6, 2021.

“We’re labeled as terrorists … If they can lie about me, I know for a fact that they can lie about everybody else that was there that day,” said one eyewitness.

–The Epoch Times Staff

Hang on. I look forward to this documentary and the twists and turns of our government. I spoke to a progressive friend recently, who studies the issues and admits that the parties are struggling for power not the people. They need to find the right path for the people of America not a path for more power.

Another friend pointed out the obvious. There are radicals on both sides, but most of America is in the center, just trying to build a life, a family or a chopper and be free.

Let’s hit the news:

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

AN IMPORTANT INVITATION—
MIC Asks Members to Join a New Team to Address Emerging PFAS Challenges
MIC Technical Programs and the Government Relations Office are establishing a new working group 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 look for ways to replace PFAS in products you sell.”

In powersports, PFAS chemicals can be found in or used to produce products such as riding gear, vehicle components resistant to heat, fuel, and chemicals, as well as semiconductors and chrome plating.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of synthetic chemicals used for decades in a wide range of consumer products. 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 also setting up registries to list any vehicles, components, parts, and clothing that contain PFAS.

–MIC

VETERANS CRISES LINE AVAILABLE— New, Easier-to-Remember Veterans Crisis Line Number

No Veteran should go through a crisis alone. Save the new Veterans Crisis Line number—Dial 988 then Press 1—in your phone in case you or a Veteran loved one needs support.

–DAV

MELT METAL COMES TO BIKERNET—Spencer and his mom rode from Wyoming to Deadwood to check the new Bikernet shop progress.

Spencer is a fabricator who worked for Bassini exhaust for several years. He is opening his own fab shop, Melt Metal, in the San Luis Obispo area in California. We hope to share his efforts on Bikernet in the near future.

STURGIS RALLY ACTION–Tucker Powersports, Kuryakyn and TwinPower to have
Huge Presence at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Tucker Powersports, the nation’s premier powersports product distributor, and its Kuryakyn and TwinPower brands will roll into South Dakota next month for the Sturgis motorcycle rally for the largest rally program the company has ever executed. Rally attendees will see the three brands at multiple locations in the Sturgis area with a crew of employees ready to serve customers at the event.

At the Buffalo Chip campground, the company has signed a multi-year deal with the Chip’s Fozzy’s Cycle Shop, an on-site motorcycle repair facility. Fozzy’s is a Tucker dealer and will be able to offer the distributor’s full range of parts, accessories and apparel. The relationship with the Buffalo Chip extends the brands’ visibility to two additional display locations at the campground and numerous other branding opportunities.

In the city of Sturgis, Kuryakyn and TwinPower will have nearly 4,000 square feet of display space outside the J&P Cycles Store on Lazelle Street, the main route through the city. J&P will provide retail support and technicians will be available for customers who want to purchase products and have them installed immediately.

Tucker will send a full crew of employees to staff the event for the duration of the rally, which is the biggest manpower commitment that the company has ever made to a consumer event.

The company’s Sturgis Rally events will run at all locations from Friday, August 5 through Saturday, August 13.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Illusion Custom Motorcycles

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

I have a ‘96 Illusion motorsport bike… It’s a bit of a franken-harley, half Softail, half Dyna but it sounds like King Kong when you fire it up.

It was my uncle’s bike. He was a master mechanic who managed a fleet for a long haul logistics company out in Riverside. He was obsessed with everything around internal combustion engines.

He raced off road in the Baja 500, built a few custom cars, drove a C4 corvette most of his life and had a custom motorcycle. He passed away a few years back….

His bike got passed around like a hot potato until I took it on. I got it running again, but I wouldn’t call it road worthy just yet. Still needs some work on carbs, desperately needs lighter wheels.

Like everything worth doing, just needs more money and time invested. I am short on both, but it’s worth the effort. I’ll see it through.

— Brian Werner
40ohms@gmail.com
Long Beach , CA

We’re glad. Did you know the original Illusion Motorcycles were the first production choppers ever built. You may have a piece of Chopper World history on your hands. Rusty would know, he’s the current owner of Illusions Cycles.
–Bandit

Yet another crash involving a Tesla this week. Road and Track reports 38 of NHTSA’s 47 ADAS Crash Investigations Involve Teslas. In Germany, Tesla was ordered to reimburse a customer over its Autopilot. A whistleblower who still works at Cruise has declared that the company launched too early because the robotaxis are still too buggy.

–NMA

It affects motor vehicle renewals that are currently scheduled to take place between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, so for an entire year Tennesseans have a moratorium on motorcycle and personal motor vehicle registration fees to the state (not any others).

It’s part of Senate Bill 2491, which Governor Bill Lee officially signed into law on June 3,2022, and the whole thing is a larger budget appropriations bill, but it includes what could be a helpful provision for a lot of road users tucked inside it, by putting some money back into the pockets of most vehicle owners.

The waived fees will be for Class-A vehicles, which include motorcycles, and Class-B vehicles, which include passenger motor vehicles and motor homes, but not for commercial vehicles or electrics.

–Bill Bish
NCOM Newsbytes

–Bandit

Interesting Veterans Statistics off the Vietnam Memorial Wall

There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including those added in 2010.

The names are arranged in the order in which they were taken from us by date and within each date the names are alphabetized. It is hard to believe it is 36 years since the last casualties.

The first known casualty was Richard B. Fitzgibbon, of North Weymouth, Mass Listed by the U.S. Department of Defense as having been killed on June 8, 1956. His name is listed on the Wall with that of his son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Richard B. Fitzgibbon III, who was killed on Sept. 7, 1965.

There are three sets of fathers and sons on the Wall.

39,996 on the Wall were just 22 or younger.

8,283 were just 19 years old.

The largest age group, 33,103 were 18 years old.

12 soldiers on the Wall were 17 years old.

5 soldiers on the Wall were 16 years old.

One soldier, PFC Dan Bullock was 15 years old.

997 soldiers were killed on their first day in Vietnam .

1,448 soldiers were killed on their last day in Vietnam .

31 sets of brothers are on the Wall.

Thirty-one sets of parents lost two of their sons.

54 soldiers attended Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia . I wonder why so many from one school.

8 Women are on the Wall. Nursing the wounded.

244 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War; 153 of them are on the Wall.

Beallsville, Ohio with a population of 475 lost 6 of her sons.

West Virginia had the highest casualty rate per capita in the nation. There are 711 West Virginians on the Wall.

The Marines of Morenci – They led some of the scrappiest high school football and basketball teams that the little Arizona copper town of Morenci (pop. 5,058) had ever known and cheered. They enjoyed roaring beer busts. In quieter moments, they rode horses along the Coronado Trail, stalked deer in the Apache National Forest.

In the patriotic camaraderie typical of Morenci’s mining families, the nine graduates of Morenci High enlisted as a group in the Marine Corps. Their service began on Independence Day, 1966. Only 3 returned home.

The Buddies of Midvale – LeRoy Tafoya, Jimmy Martinez, Tom Gonzales were all boyhood friends and lived on three consecutive streets in Midvale, Utah on Fifth, Sixth and Seventh avenues. They lived only a few yards apart. They played ball at the adjacent sandlot ball field.

They all went to Vietnam. In a span of 16 dark days in late 1967, all three would be killed. LeRoy was killed on Wednesday, Nov. 22, the fourth anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Jimmy died less than 24 hours later on Thanksgiving Day. Tom was shot dead assaulting the enemy on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The most casualty deaths for a single day was on January 31, 1968 ~ 245 deaths.

The most casualty deaths for a single month was May 1968 – 2,415 casualties were incurred.

For most Americans who read this they will only see the numbers that the Vietnam War created. To those of us who survived the war, and to the families of those who did not, we see the faces, we feel the pain that these numbers created.

We are, until we too pass away, haunted with these numbers, because they were our friends, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters. There are no noble wars, just noble warriors.

–from Vietnam Vet Robert Tronolone

BIKERNET FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK—Another classic from 1980.

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

Royal Enfield BTR and Moto Anatomy X bring Flat Track action to Port Royal Half-Mile in Pennsylvania

The 2022 season of Royal Enfield’s groundbreaking Build. Train. Race. Flat Track program reached its halfway point at the Port Royal Half-Mile, where the full grid of 15 women returned to the track. Jaycee Jones took another victory with newcomer Zaria Martens hot on her tail and Jillian Deschenes rounding out the BTR Flat Track podium.

Port Royal Speedway in Pennsylvania was also the site of Cameron Smith’s second and final fill-in ride with the Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield team. Smith was looking to repeat his Production Twins podium performance from the Weedsport round, but would ultimately settle for a top-ten finish.

BUILD. TRAIN. RACE.
The previous BTR Flat Track round (Laconia Short Track, June 12) was short a few riders, namely round-one winner Jillian Deschenes and Nean Kiskela. Both racers unfortunately tested positive for Covid and were forced to stay home. For the Port Royal Half-Mile, however, all racers were healthy and ready to race. Deschenes, in particular, was ready to fight for another win against title rival Jaycee Jones and rookie star Zaria Martens.

The battle royal was somewhat spoiled after an incident in the Semi in which Deschenes and Jones both got sideways at the start. The contact resulted in Deschenes going down. Stephanie Pietz was able to slide through the wreckage, but Kiskela wasn’t as fortunate, getting tangled with Deschenes and sheering off a footpeg in the process.

All the ladies were able to grid up for the Main, with Deschenes relegated to the third row after a DNF in the Semi. It was an uphill battle for the BTR veteran, especially against Jones, who won at Port Royal in 2021, and was scorching fast all day. Jones’ quickest lap time in the Main was a 27.9, putting her just outside qualifying times for the Production Twins class.

In the main, Jones led from flag to flag, with 18-year-old Martens relentless in her pursuit. Martens would collect another podium finish ahead of Deschenes, who worked her way up from the third row to third place overall.

“I came into this weekend with a lot of nerves after having missed the last round due to Covid,” explained Jillian Deschenes. “After the incident off the start in the Semi I felt hungrier than ever for the podium. Starting from the third row in the Main, I didn’t feel the same pressure I usually do when starting on the front row, but I was motivated to work as close to the front as possible and was thrilled to come away with a third-place finish. That was one of the most fun BTR races I’ve had to date.”

The BTR women will reconvene at the Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota on August 6th for the fourth full-grid round of the season.

1. Jaycee Jones (#33)
2. Zaria Martens (#08)
3. Jillian Deschenes (#31)
4. Makenna Hiatt (#81)
5. Stephanie Pietz (#57)
6. Alex Bumpus McDonald (#2)
7. Erin Ferris (#909)
8. Malary Lee (#6)
9. Lanakila MacNaughton (#88)
10. Anna Serena (#800)
11. Kaiela Hobart (#46)
12. Nean Kiskela (#27)
13. Gabrielle Hughes (#327)
14. Nia Reese (#15)
15. Moriah Hummer (#7)

PRODUCTION TWINS
Cameron Smith had a breakthrough ride, and a near win at Weedsport Speedway in New York two weeks prior, and was looking to back up his performance at the New York Short Track with a win at the Port Royal Half-Mile. Although he ran into hard luck at his home race in Pennsylvania, Smith, who was filling in for the injured Johnny Lewis, kept plugging away and ultimately carded a ninth-place finish on the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle.

Smith suffered a broken chain earlier in the day and qualified 12th on the grid for the Production Twins Main. The Moto Anatomy X team, which was under the direction of Lewis, who made the transition from rider to Team Manager for the Port Royal round, made some geometry changes to the Twins FT for the Main, and while it took Smith a few laps to acclimate, he quickly began working his way through the pack. He was mid-pack and building momentum when a mechanical issue struck. Fortunately he was still able to take the checkered flag in ninth for the night.

After sitting out two rounds due to suffering a knee injury at the Laconia Short Track, Johnny Lewis is on the mend, and plans to make his return to racing the American Flat Track series at the Peoria TT, July 30.

Visit https://www.americanflattrack.com/results/default for detailed results.

THE HEAT WAVE FACTS—from Climate Discussion Nexus.

Climate alarmists often claim that current temperature, and other aspects of the weather, are “unprecedented.” But in our latest “Backgrounder” John Robson examines the past history of the planet and finds that, just since the end of the last glaciation 12,000 years ago, a series of natural cyclical peaks have frequently been warmer than today, and without any runaway “greenhouse effect,” terrible weather, mass extinctions or any of the other dire consequences we’re told will accompany a further half-degree rebound from the depths of the Little Ice Age.

Indeed, the current warming cycle seems to be weaker than any of its predecessors during the Holocene.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2016 Harley-Davidson FXSB – Softail Breakout FOR $18,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=12428516

There’s nothing like a fistful of American street muscle.

Feast your eyes on the Breakout motorcycle’s glittering new High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine, waiting to send mountains of torque to that meaty 240mm rear tire. The profile is low, stretched out and undeniably aggressive. We top it with drag bars. This one lives to defy gravity and everything else.

Features may include:

Authentic Styling
Get an eyeful of a Softail motorcycle and you see more than some weepy-eyed exercise in nostalgia. You’re looking at the kind of style that has the power to defy time. Honest. Uncluttered. Unaffected by the fad of the moment. There’s a good reason for this. We’ve used our long decades on the road, riding, wrenching, talking to other custom bike fanatics, to discover what works. Then we stick with it, and use it to push the boundaries of motorcycle design ever further.

Take a look at the horseshoe oil tank adorning our Softail models. It’s the same one you’d see on a restored dresser from the ‘50s, or a radical Panhead chopper from the ‘70s. And you’ll find it right now on future Harley-Davidson models that still on the drawing board.

Other companies may be content to imitate bits and pieces from our long history. On a Softail motorcycle every part down to the axle nut cover comes from an authentic tradition. With a genuine reason for looking the way it looks.

Iconic Engine
The air-cooled 45° V-Twin engine at the heart of every Softail model is a prime example of what makes a Harley-Davidson motorcycle more satisfying than anything else. Its clean, uncluttered shape fits perfectly in the downtubes of the frame. Twist the throttle and the surge of torque hits you exactly where it counts.

The knowledge of what makes an engine truly move a rider runs deep at The Motor Company, and it’s been put to particular good use to power the Softail family. We counterbalance the engine, which means we can bolt it directly to the frame. It keeps the styling tight at the center of the bike. It lets the rider feel the pulse of the V-Twin. Yet there aren’t any vibrations rattling the fillings out of your teeth.

What’s good gets even better for 2016. The Softail family gets a power upgrade to the new High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine. More power is always a Harley-Davidson tradition.

Technology
The beauty of the technology on a Softail motorcycle is that it never looks technological. That didn’t happen by accident and it doesn’t come easy, particularly when you consider that the inspiration for the family is the clean, wide-open lines of a vintage hardtail. Clutter it up with too many high tech doo-dads and you have a different machine entirely.

Take a look at the anti-lock brakes now standard on many Softail models and available across the line. ABS gives you the control you want on a modern motorcycle. But our teams of industrial designers and engineers weren’t finished until the whole system had a streamlined design. The same goes for the clean look to the handlebars, thanks to a new electronic throttle system on every Softail model. With each passing year, adding a little technology to the ride looks better and better.

Handling
If you’ve never experienced a Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle, it’s time to find out what you’ve been missing. The venerable Softail frame has logged untold millions of miles, and we’ve put every one of them to good use. The result: one of the most fun rides in all of motorcycling.

SALT TORPEDO BONNEVILLE 2022 UPDATE—Working with David at S&S to find the proper part numbers for our monster S&S Carb for the 135-inch JIM’S Twin Cam.

I’m sure you are slammed with the rally, but I’m sorta getting closer on the parts I need for this S&S Super part number 20965 carb. I did find a part number for the phenolic block 16-0157. But I still need twin cam flanges for the manifold which is a S&S 360-SB with the O.D. port of 2.31. The venturi on the carb and intake manifold is 2.25 inches. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. The general flange kit part number is 160-0168.

There you have it. See what you can do.

–Bandit

We are currently working with Lori in sales and here are links to catalogs. The web site can be a challenge:

S&S catalogs

https://www.sscycle.com/dealer-center/catalog

https://view.publitas.com/ss-cycle/20220405-2022-510-0585-late-model-dealer-cat/page/221

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT—
Yesterday, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee passed two egregious gun control bills, H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 and H.R. 2814, the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act. It is highly likely that one or both of these bills could come up for a vote on the U.S. House floor in the coming days.

H.R. 1808 is a sweeping ban on semi-automatic long guns (what it calls “assault weapons”) – targeting what are in fact the most popular rifles in America today. The legislation would also ban standard-capacity magazines larger than 15 rounds (a marginal change from H.R. 1808’s original text to ban on magazines larger than 10 rounds).

H.R. 2814, would completely repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (“PLCAA”) and would make firearm trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (“ATF”) available to the public. The PLCAA prohibits lawsuits against the gun industry for the criminal misuse of their products by a third party.

Again, there is a strong chance one or both of these bills will receive votes in the U.S. House in the coming days. Please take action today and respectfully ask your U.S. Representative to oppose this gun control legislation.

Yours in Freedom,

Ken Lan
NRA-ILA Grassroots
http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

[page break]

Nepal continues import ban on 10 goods items as foreign exchange reserves dwindle

The latest restriction has been imposed on importing mobile sets that are priced over $300 and motorcycles with capacity over 150cc.

SOURCE:
https://kathmandupost.com/money/2022/07/17/nepal-continues-import-ban-on-10-goods-items-as-foreign-exchange-reserves-dwindle

Since end of Royalty in 2007, elected officials decide the nation’s fate in Nepal.

Undercover Associate
Bikernet News Desk

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation announces the 2022 Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame Inductees.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to release the names of the 2022 class of Inductees to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame (MRF HOF). These will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Minds conference September 22-25, in Des Moines, Iowa.

This year’s MRF HOF Class of 2022 – Freedom Fighter Inductees are:

• Jay Jackson
• Gary Sellers
• Kirk “Hardtail” Willard

ROUGH BOYS FILM AVAILABLE—We mentioned this last week, but thought we should share it again.

Thought you might like to know Charlie Bechtel’s movie is finally out. Bikers and Musicians many you know.

https://roughboysthemovie.live

Rogue
Senior Editor Bikernet
Bikernet.com™
Melbourne, Fla

rickety, pieced together contraptions could manifest so much joy and happiness in those who piloted them. I came to realize that these machines are a true extension of the self, each oil spot dripping with intention, artistic expression, and personality.

–Liam Kennedy
Michael Lichter Exhibit
Buffalo Chip

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT— Decided there was no safe way to clean the rocker box gaskets off and thought I can see how the cylinders are looking at 3600 hundred miles. This would be my 10th Shovelhead top end and numerous diesel truck KW, Pete’s Freightliners so I’m fairly competent in what I do.

You can just barely feel it, but the consensus is to hone it and put it back together. Kent recommends having the piston skirts Teflon coated, a practice he learned from Jet at Full Throttle. Nobody has seen anything like it, just forward of the wrist pin. Just can’t figure out what it could have been, like Greg at MC Creations said if motors could talk.

Need to pull the exhaust valve and make sure it’s okay. Wish I had the cash to have someone just make it bigger, but at 62 I just want it to last until the final ride.

I was actually planning on having it back together today when I started this morning.

Tell the Austin crew they are missing out, Houston wins because of the humidity.

I put a stereo on the Shovelhead! Back to thinking about making it a little different for a while, keeping the original sheet metal off to the side. Maybe 3.5-gallon tanks, different fender and front end or black on the front, the kicker is staying either way.

Whatever caused it, not wrist pin related, yeah cylinder is off. Need to check the valves still, I don’t think anything came from the carb? Is it sad I made the dry rotted tire shiny. New tire, but Burt Monroe on the sides from sitting.

–RFR

There you have it. You put a stereo on a Shovelhead. That’s against the code and the cylinder spoke to you. –Bandit

Our Letric Lighting Co. line of LED’s is continuing to grow!

Our brand new Deluxe Tombstone Saddlebag Support LED’s are sold exclusively through our website, dealer and retail! These filler lights are available with black powder-coated or show-chrome aluminum frames and are packed with (4) Royal Flush V2 LED’s (left & right, in black, polished, blue, gold or red frames, as seen below) for super high-visibility RED running light, brake light and turn signal functions.

We can also wire these lights for international (AMBER) turn signal functions as well. Includes plug-n-play wiring harness and fits: 2014-Up Road Glide, Road King, Ultra, Electra Glide & CVO Models with exposed (oval opening) saddlebag brackets.

New to the “Color Series” line of LED’s are our brand new, 360-degree halo 4.5″ passing lamps in blue or red. They are a perfect match to our 7″ 360-degree halo blue or red headlamps for Harley and Indian models.

• LLC-LPL-NH: 4.5″ Blue Full-Halo LED Auxiliary Fog/Passing Lights. (pair) (includes pigtail for Plug-n-Play universal fitment, 1997-Up)
• LLC-LPL-RH: 4.5″ Red Full-Halo LED Auxiliary Fog/Passing Lights. (pair) (includes pigtail for Plug-n-Play universal fitment, 1997-Up)
• LLC-ILPL-NH: 4.5″ Blue Full-Halo LED Auxiliary Fog/Passing Lights. (pair) (includes pigtail for Plug-n-Play universal fitment) Fits all 2014-Up except Scout, FTR, Challenger, 2020 Roadmaster Dark Horse and Springfield Dark Horse Models.
• LLC-ILPL-RH: 4.5″ Red Full-Halo LED Auxiliary Fog/Passing Lights. (pair) (includes pigtail for Plug-n-Play universal fitment) Fits all 2014-Up except Scout, FTR, Challenger, 2020 Roadmaster Dark Horse and Springfield Dark Horse Models.

“We make it easy for you to do it right!”®

MOTORYCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION — MEETING OF THE MINDS 2022

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” – Thomas Paine

• Membership promotion & retention
• Organization continuity
• Legislative strategies
• Why PACs are necessary
• Riding skill enhancement

Enduring twelve workshops, twelve topical presentations, and gathering the tools to promote and protect the rights of motorcyclists’ may be fatiguing. However, fatigue is a cheap price to pay for freedom. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference will provide freedom loving motorcyclists the essential tools to help protect motorcycling and the freedoms we love.

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.

F?CKERS CHOPPERFEST X

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

Excellent description of the event! Best weekend in a long long time, kind of reminded me of the parties in the 70s.

— Ronny R?nning
Malm?, Sk?ne, Sweden

‘Emma come first.
Den I come.
Den two asses come together.
I come once-a-more!
Two asses, they come together again.
I come again and pee twice.
Then I come one lasta time.’

The lady can’t take this any more, ‘You foul-mouthed sex obsessed pig!’ she retorted indignantly. ‘In this country, we don’t speak aloud in public places about our sex lives!’

‘Hey, coola down lady,’ said the man. ‘Who talkin’ abouta sex? I’m a justa tellin’ my frienda how to spell ‘ Mississippi .’

$50 says you’re gonna read this again

–El Waggs

Lithium and battery producers warned the European Union that a proposal to classify the metal as a reproductive toxin could severely hurt Europe’s burgeoning electric-vehicle industry.

–Sam Burns
Supreme Trike Editor Extreme
Bikernet.com™

NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT—Artist David Uhl

You may recall that David painted Jessi Combs last year, in a piece titled “Shooting Star”. He donated the original oil to The Jessi Combs Foundation, hoping to raise as much money as possible for the scholarship efforts in getting women into the trades.

The Foundation is now moving forward with their raffle of this beautiful oil painting.

We encourage everyone to support this wonderful cause – and who knows, you may just end up with this original Uhl painting!

For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit website:

Shooting Star sweepstakes

Thanks and have a great week!

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios
303-913-4840

Canada’s ‘expert’ panel recommends the mentally ill be candidates for euthanasia
Canada’s medical assistance in dying (MAiD) law is already the most permissive euthanasia and assisted-suicide legislation in the world.

Understandably controversial in itself, there are many horror stories surrounding its implementation. For example, as lifesitenews.com recently reported,

A 71-year-old widower was admitted to a Southwestern Ontario hospital after a fall. His family says during his admission he contracted an infectious diarrheal illness. He was humiliated by staff for the smell of his room, his family said. He developed a new shortness of breath that was not comprehensively assessed.

In this context, a hospital team member suggested he would qualify for MAiD. The team said he had end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and it was terminal.

The patient was surprised by the diagnosis but trusted the team. Within 48 hours of his first assessment, he received a medically assisted death. Post-mortem testing showed he did not have end-stage COPD. His family doctor, when notified of his death, also stated he did not have end-stage COPD, but the team had failed to contact her when they were assessing his history.

Oops. Sorry.

First, do no harm? Respect for life? Canadian nice?

Nonetheless, the Great White North’s federal “expert” panel on MAiD has recommended mental illness be added to the list of maladies making one eligible for MAiD……apparently without any legislative changes. How nice, euthanasia by administrative fiat. What could go wrong?

To some degree, mental illness is in the eye of the beholder

But, someday soon, in Canada at least, the nice people in the white smocks may be able to help you.

In fact, you may not have a choice.

–Epoch Times

As the top amateur motocross riders from around the country prep for their chance at the championship, Tucker Powersports’ ProTaper and Answer Racing brands are preparing for their trip to “Loretta’s” as well. This year, the two brands will team up to show the depth of Tucker’s product lines for MX and off-road recreation. ProTaper, a staple at major MX events, will have its rider support team and gear ready to help the riders and fans at the event. Answer Racing’s presence further demonstrates the Tucker organization’s support for MX at all levels of the sport.

Answer Racing, Tucker’s iconic motocross apparel brand, recently rolled out its 2023 lineup of MX and off-road riding gear. The line features gear for every level of rider, from pro motocrossers to weekend enthusiasts. It includes the latest tech fabrics along with dramatic design and graphics. The Answer Racing display at Loretta Lynn’s will be the first showing of the 2023 line to public.

Earlier this year, ProTaper introduced its industry leading ACF Handlebar, a revolutionary carbon fiber-reinforced, aluminum handlebar designed specifically to meet the needs of motocross riders. The ProTaper ACF Handlebar uses a revolutionary Carbon Core system to maintain strength while creating the lightest 1 1/8-inch handlebar in the industry.

“At ProTaper, we design, engineer, and build for everyone who lives for motocross. It’s especially rewarding for us to be at the Amateur National Championship, this is the heartbeat of MX racing today and for the future,” said Steven Reed, Tucker Powersports’ ProTaper Brand Manager.

“Answer Racing has been delivering breakthrough apparel for decades,” said Brent Ash, Tucker Powersports’ Answer Racing Brand Manager. “It’s an honor to debut our 2023 lineup to the riders and to the race attendees at Loretta Lynn’s.”

The ProTaper and Answer Racing display areas will be available throughout the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship weekend, from August 1 to August 6.

–Steve Piehl

HANG ON FOR THE COWBOY LUAU –Tickets on sale THIS FRIDAY!

Pre-sale registration starts today!

It’s time to “Get Your Good Times On” and “Party in the Poconos!”

The sound of music will once again fill the air of the Poconos Mountain region with the first major event to be held at POCONOS PARKTM.

Brantley Gilbert and Brett Young will headline COWBOY LUAUTM, a two-day country music festival, on Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, 2022. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 22 at 10 A.M. Eastern. Presale registration starts today through Thursday at www.CowboyLuau.com.

The full line-up of entertainment will run from 1 P.M. to 11 P.M. daily on three stages: the Main Stage–the Amphitheater at Poconos Park; an outdoor festival stage; and a Party Bar Dance Tent. Additional acts include Pennsylvania’s own Warren Zeiders, as well as Ryan Griffin, Dylan Schneider, Austin Meade, Kassi Ashton, Rick Monroe & the Hitmen, Aydamn, and Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band, with more talent to be announced in the coming weeks.

COWBOY LUAU will also feature hula and line dancing, dance instruction every hour on the hour, a corn hole tournament (with the daily winner receiving a backstage photo with Brantley Gilbert or Brett Young), DJ dance parties, and even an opportunity to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. COWBOY LUAU will also include locally sourced artisan food options, chef-driven cocktails, and, of course, cold beer curated by Event Hospitality Solutions. Additionally, the festival will feature delicious food and beverage options from local restaurants and chefs, including local establishments The Morning Brew, Juby’s Smoothies, and more.

Early Bird Tickets for the two-day festival start at only $69.99 (plus fees) for general admission. Elevated experience packages such as front row, standing pit, dinner on the lake, private cabanas, and hotel packages are available for an additional cost. All COWBOY LUAU tickets and packages are available for purchase starting this Friday via Fever. Download the Fever app available on Google Play and Apple Store or on the Fever website, www.FeverUp.com or www.CowboyLuau.com.

“We are honored to announce the first major event at POCONOS PARK bringing country music stars Brantley Gilbert and Brett Young to the Poconos,” exclaimed John M. Oakes, CEO/Founder of From The RootsTM/POCONOS PARKTM. “We look forward to seeing the East Coast country music fans to show up and ‘Get Your Good Times On’ in their flannel and flip-flops, luau skirts or Daisy Dukes or cowboy boots and Hawaiian shirts and ‘Party in the Poconos!’”

In early 2022, Oakes ’From the Roots, a real estate development and venue management company, acquired 200+ acres of land including the nearly 40-million-dollar development formerly known as Mt. Laurel Performing Arts Center and the Tom Ridge Pavilion. Just a short drive from New York City, Philadelphia, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Newark, Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, From the Roots recognized the venue’s immediate potential, took action, renovated, upgraded, and reopened it as POCONOS PARK. Stay tuned for future event announcements in the coming weeks.

SUPPORTGOODTIMES.COM

If you have all the money in the world, but have 2 or 3 lifestyle illnesses – you can’t enjoy the branded clothing or driving expensive vehicles or even great food they can afford to invite friends / clients to. Forget about Glenfiddich Scotch or any expensive wine.

But if suppose, you lose everything you have — all your money, home, income, wife & kids run away — if you still have your physical & mental health, you can regain and start from zero.

— I love the base concept of “Count of Monte Cristo”.

Health and Gold are always priceless investments. Unfortunately, gold is not safe, at home nor in bank lockers. Biggest of banks sink like a paper boats.

(bank lockers ‘safety deposit boxes’ are additional features of many banks)

–Wayfarer
Financial Wizard
Bikernet International News Bureau

Two out of Three ain’t bad for NHDRO at Edgewater

NHDRO’s July Nationals presented by APE

NHDRO’s three races in one weekend format has the added advantage of completing races despite weather curveballs. While the Midwest’s largest motorcycle drag racing series provided the Edge at Edgewater Sports Park on Friday and Saturday, Sunday rains brought in plenty of Water. And although not a wheel turned at NHDRO’s July Nationals presented by APE Raceparts on Sunday, racers left the Ohio track with points, NHDRO Big Checks, and no dangling questions about how classes will complete their eliminations.

“NHDRO was a blast as normal,” said Jeremy Teasley. “(NHDRO owners) Niki and Brian Welch did an awesome job.”

The veteran Columbus area drag racing veteran won Schnitz Racing Top Gas on Saturday and split the Top Gas Shootout purse when persistent sprinkles shut down Friday’s action just short of completion.

In both instances, Edgewater regular Jeremy England was Teasley’s all-Jeremy final round opponent. “Friday they did the Shootout for Top Gas and I made it to the finals with Jeremy England. Due to rain we split. Then comes Saturday and we meet in the finals again.”

There was talk that the two Jeremys would burn out each other’s similarly prepped, nitrous-huffing, no-bar Suzuki Hayabusas, then mount their own bikes to stage. That would have been fun and cool, but it didn’t happen.

Teasley took the tree .015 to .082, giving him a gap wide enough to back off to an 8.26 and still take the holeshot win against England’s otherwise sharp 8.20. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” said Teasley. “I got lucky and got the tree, and it was enough to hold him off.”

Donnie Emerson qualified number one in the 8.20 index class with an 8.2012.

England wasn’t finished splitting Shootout pots, as he and Greg Mallett—also on a no-bar ‘Busa—split the Delay Box Shootout pot rather than wait it out overnight.

Joe Klemme and Rylan “Birthday Boy” Rowe likewise split the No-Box Shootout, and Klemme backed that up with the Advanced Sleeve Dirty 30 win on Saturday.

Klemme put .032 on Jim “Just a Swangin’” Swanger in the Dirty 30 final, pushing Jim to Swang right on past the index by .020.

“As always, my win was a total KPM Racing team effort,” said Joe. “I would like to give special thanks to my friend and pitman Tim Genung for enduring the heat as we tried to wade our way through three classes, successfully getting it done in one. Also a big thanks to my brother Tom Klemme at KPM, who builds and maintains our stable of dragbikes and our good friend John Mealy who pits for Tom this year and is also the owner of several of the team’s bikes. I would also like to give thanks to my brother in-law Ed Grothus at GDB, who did some fabrication and welding on a part on the winning dragbike that was instrumental in it’s success this weekend.

“Last but not least, thank you to Tim Hailey at eatmyink.com and Brandi Neithamer at dragbike.com for the continued media coverage.”

B.J. Evans qualified number one in the 9.30 index class with a 9.301

Alongside Joe Klemme in the winners circle you’ll often find his brother Tom, and that was the case at Edgewater. In fact, Tom won MPS Pro ET despite having to race Joe in the first round.

“NHDRO has a hard system to beat, and I had to race my brother in the first round,” reported Tom. “You have to draw cards for pairings for the first few rounds until they get under sixteen bikes. Joe and I drew threes in the 1st round.”

His fellow Klemme wasn’t Tom’s only tough round of the day. “Roger Wilhelm gave me a tough race in the fourth round and Dave Beshara treed me (.018 to .032) in the final, but I got lucky and ran closer to my dial (8.952 on an 8.95 vs. Beshara’s 8.91 on an 8.89).

“It is a total team effort. I couldn’t win without great help from Joe, John Mealy and Tim Genung.”

In addition to England’s Shootout splits and Top Gas runner-up, the “Little Island” also runner-upped in Kevin Dennis Insurance Street ET. Jeremy’s -.042 redlight gave Kevin Adams the easy win.

“It’s only my second time out this year,” noted Adams. “It’s been a busy baseball season with my two boys, so I was excited to get out and go racing! Went up against some tough racers in Street ET and came up with the win.

“I would like to thank Greg and Maria Kubach, Tyler Kubach, Joe Marasco, and my wife and kids for all their support.”

We’re not finished with finalists named Jeremy, as Ohio second generation racer Jeremy Hines Jr. won MTC Engineering Super Comp when runner-up Tom Guzan went -.073 red.

“I couldn’t do any of this without my family and team behind me,” said Himes. “Thanks to my dad for supporting me and helping me with whatever I need, Jeremy Teasley with the tunes and constantly helping with the bike, and Brian Welch for putting on such a awesome event!

“This bike is basically all new this year and it’s proven itself every race. Hopefully we can keep this win streak going!”

Box Shootout splitter Mallett qualified number one in the 8.90 index class with an 8.905 and lost to Joe Klemme in E2.

Jaden Hall was able to beat defending M2.Shocks Quick Street champion Marty White in that final. Big Joe Holt qualified number one in the 8.70 index class.

NHDRO Road Course Shootouts were run Friday and Saturday nights under the lights, with the road course requirement run as the sun was low in the sky for the instant green, no-time class.

Chad Fleener won an all-Port Tech Road Course Shootout final against Port Tech’s own Bill Deshong—who redlit.

“I would really like to thank my best friend Bill (Deshong) for building the bike and Nathan (Hollingsworth) for tuning,” said Fleener.

Saturday’s Road Course Shootout final went to Justin Hodge over Louisville’s Brandon Holland. “Thanks to Brian from NHDRO for having the events, and thanks to Joe Marasco from MSP for all his help tuning my bike. And thanks to Tyler Hodge for his help lining me up.”

The NHDRO family includes lots of winning lady racers, but Friday at Edgewater saw an All-Female Shootout. Ceslie Shellhaas took the win against Allison Neeld just days before her birthday.

“It was a fun weekend!” said Shellhaas, one of a family of racers. “This was my third time out to race this season, first NHDRO event of the year, and first win on my green bike.

“I actually hadn’t won an NHDRO Big Check since July 2012 in Muncie—a 10 year drought (Ceslie was 22 in 2012)! Had plenty of good weekends, going rounds, but hadn’t sealed the deal since 2012 on my old black and blue Kaw.”

In addition to the pot, Kenneth Smith put up $150 for the All-Female Shootout winner and $50 for the runner-up. High Risk Motorsports offered up a free sweatshirt to Ceslie for the win and there was free beer and pizza for all female entries (pizza and cupcakes provided by Vansboy Racing).

The most interesting VooDoo Grudge race of the weekend must have been the pairing between Odell Williams Sr. and Jr., with the younger Odell taking the win over his old man.

The best news of all is that NHDRO is running round robin at Edgewater, returning to the shady, park-like, family-friendly track just outside of Cincinnati on August 5-7. Join the NHDRO family and show us what you got!

NHDRO thanks M2.Shocks , Kevin Dennis Insurance , MPS Racing , Liguori Drag Racing , Schnitz Racing , Voodoo Custom Motorcycle Components , Vanson Leathers , BB Racing , MTC Engineering , Advanced Sleeve , Rock Auto, High Risk Motorsports and APE .

ANTIQUE OF THE WEEK—Army bicycle from WWI.

–Fred Cuba
Nebraska Collector

Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.
— Wayne Dyer

Today I take the time out to give thanks. There are so many things that I am grateful for.
I am grateful for the right of choice. Spirit has given me the choice to change my Life if I truly believe that I can. I am grateful for this new day which is a brand new canvas for me to create new.

I am grateful that I have the choice to take back my Power and Live the Life of my dreams.

I am grateful for new opportunities for I am now ready to accept them. I think about how many times over the years have I had opportunities presented to me that I was not ready to accept. Today I open up to the flow of the good life.

I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – They are right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.
–Brene Brown

Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle

PROGRESS REPORT—This week has been a firestorm of activity. I’m not sure I have time to report on everything.

Salt Torpedo report coming, hopefully tomorrow with our checklist of Bonneville prep notions. I need to reach out to Jason Mook today regarding the new rear tire. Just found out that it is ready, and I will pick up tomorrow.

I’m working on a bannister for the Deadwood digs. I don’t want brothers or sister slipping down the stairs. This puppy will blow your mind.

A brother came over this week, 45 John, who has two 45-trikes and a 1942 Willies Jeep. He helped me clear the parts boxes and fill the old lockers again. Whatta mess, but we made serious progress.

The Redhead is trying to launch the 100-episode Bandit’s Cantina series on Vella /Kindle/Amazon whatever. Who knows if it will help, but what the hell. We’ll give it a shot.

Here’s our other Deadwood billboard for the rally. Hang on.

They changed our Torpedo number to 5 or 5-Ball, perfect. New vinyls ordered.

They are tearing the Darryl Desmond bridge down in Long Beach and replaced it with a monster. I asked Jeremiah if he could score a piece of the old bridge. He did… Now what?

The welding benches are back together. Chris from Baldwin electric installed 50 amp 220-Volt outlets, but all my equipment is 30-amp. He saved the day by making a pigtail.

Saving the velocity stack for the Torpedo. Need to trim this puppy for the current S&S G.

My son came to visit. He rode my Indian around for a couple of days and complained about shifting. We straightened the rod some and he was good to go, but that rod always bothered me. I bought a new one a year ago and thought with all the moving I would lose it. The day Frank returned the bike I put it into gear and broke the shifter linkage rod. Fortunately, I still had the new, slightly different one.

Cabana Dan is making trophies for Marilyn’s bike show. She reached out to me for a pinstriper and I sent her to Deadwood Custom Cycles.

There’s more, but it’s almost whiskey-time. Let’s get the truth about climate doom and continue to ride free or die trying.

–Bandit

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

• NCOM Convention Rocks Nashville
• New Motorcycle Organizations join NCOM
• Fuel Transperancy
• Tennessee waives Registration Fees for One Year
• Iowa ATV Riders now have greater access to State Roads
• New York gets tough on Non-Legal Road Bikes
• No more Licenses required for Three-Wheelers in Utah

CLICK Here to Read this July Newsbytes on Bikernet.com

The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services
Visit: www.ON-A-BIKE.com or contact 800-ON-A-BIKE.

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

Gear up to ride to your favorite Motorcycling Events – Click Here to checkout the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

Hundreds of bikers’ rights activists from across America rumbled into ‘Music City USA’ to rock the country capital with the sounds of motorcycles and two-wheel politics, as the National Coalition of Motorcyclists hosted their 37th annual NCOM Convention, June 17-19 in Nashville, Tennessee!

Rising to the call for action on numerous topics of concern to all riders, concerned advocates from the ranks of Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MROs), clubs (Confederations of Clubs) and independent riders gathered to learn and share for the betterment of biking.

Agenda items dealt with legal and legislative issues, with special emphasis on telematics and the electrification of the vehicle fleet, protecting your digital data, and your personal Privacy.

Special Meetings were conducted for Women in Motorcycling, a Clean & Sober Roundtable, an AIM Attorney Conference, as well as the Christian Unity Conference and Confederation of Clubs Patch Holders Meeting.

NCOM board member Ed Schetter, a veteran of the auto industry and Executive Director of ABATE of Ohio, presented a “We Just Want Our Place on the Road and Safe Fuel” seminar detailing the impending advance of driverless cars and imminent demise (?) of internal combustion engines (ICE), relating the impact on the motorcycling community and our lifestyle.

Medical trainer EMT Dick “Slider” Gilmore expanded his First Responder and Golden Hour repertoire to include a new “Save A Biker’s Life” presentation focusing not only on the health implications of diabetes in general, but also on special considerations specifically for riders, and was well attended and informative as always.

Slider’s blood- and Sons of Silence M/C club-brother “Chopper” Gilmore was later honored during the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet with the Christian Unity award for his ministerial work. Other Silver Spoke Award recipients were: singer/songwriter David Allen Coe for Entertainment; Tommy Simpson of the Outlaws M/C and CMT/ABATE of Tennessee receiving the Freedom Fighter award; and NCOM’s highest honor, the Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Florida AIM Attorney Jerry “T” Theophilopoulos largely for his legal work with the clubs, COCs and ABATE of Florida.

WELCOME TO NCOM – United we Ride, Divided we Drive!
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) proudly welcomes the following motorcycle organizations approved by the NCOM Board of Directors 07/17/22 at the NCOM Convention in Nashville as our newest NCOM Member Groups, joining in unity with over 2,000 other motorcycle rights organizations, rider groups, clubs and associations from nearly every state and Canadian Province:

~ Bikers Rights Organization (CA)
~ ABATE of Florida Safety & Education Inc.
~ Wyoming Confederation of Clubs

NCOM serves as a nationwide umbrella organization that provides legislative assistance, information network and legal resources; and also reaches out to various segments of the motorcycle community such as Christian Motorcycling, women riders, sportbikers, independent motorcycle shops, touring associations, clean & sober groups, and veterans – helping to form coalitions and foster cooperation between all segments of motorcycle riders.

Also, the NCOM Board of Directors wishes to welcome Robert Petty of the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of California and BRO, as co-director of NCOM Region I: (AK, CA, HI, ID, OR & WA).

NCOM also mourns the recent passing of former board member Ollie “Laddie” Elkins, past ABATE of Louisiana State President.

FUEL TRANSPARENCY
Responding to a Biden Administration announcement that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) would temporarily lift summer restrictions on the sale of E15 gasoline to the public, fuel containing 15% ethanol, U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (R-GA) and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) introduced the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2022 (H.R. 7731).

Many consumers, specifically owners of motorcycles, ATVs and other small engine machines, are not aware that higher blends of ethanol can damage their engines and even void manufacturer’s warranties, so H.R. 7731 would require more detailed labeling of gas pumps to warn about the harmful impacts of misfueling.

TENNESSEE WAIVES REGISTRATION FEES FOR ONE YEAR
If you own a motorcycle in Tennessee, or personal automobile, you should be aware of a new moratorium on state vehicle registration fees that the governor has signed into law. It affects motor vehicle renewals that are currently scheduled to take place between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, so for an entire year Tennesseans have a moratorium on motorcycle and personal motor vehicle registration fees to the state (not any others).

It’s part of Senate Bill 2491, which Governor Bill Lee officially signed into law on June 3,2022, and the whole thing is a larger budget appropriations bill, but it includes what could be a helpful provision for a lot of road users tucked inside it, by putting some money back into the pockets of most vehicle owners.

IOWA ATV RIDERS NOW HAVE GREATER ACCESS TO STATE ROADS
Iowa recently changed their state’s laws that previously restricted the use of some powersports vehicles on state roads, and as of July 1, 2022, ATV and UTV riders in Iowa now enjoy greater use and access for their rides throughout the Hawkeye State.

The new law was the result of a 2020 survey completed by ATV and UTV owners, asking them which Iowa laws restricting off-road riding that they wanted to see changed. Riders wanted to be able to ride on more county and state roadways in order to connect trailheads, and they wanted the opportunity to ride in all 99 Iowa counties.

These changes don’t give off-roaders unfettered use of the roadways, however, as vehicles are limited to 35 mph, must behave like other traffic, have operational headlights, taillights and brake lights, a horn, and rearview mirrors, and operators must be 18 or older and possess a valid license and insurance

NEW YORK GETS TOUGH ON NON-LEGAL ROAD BIKES
New York City officials bulldozed nearly a thousand non road-legal motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs confiscated by the NYPD, as the city and police force sought to remind citizens of the importance of abiding by the law.

Over 900 bikes and ATVs were crushed and flattened during a public bulldozing demonstration, making the statement that the seizure of unlawfully operated bikes on the street is “part of a public safety push by new NYC Mayor Eric Adams… ”noting that [illegal motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs] are not only a nuisance and an annoyance to us, but they are extremely dangerous…”

The push to take action follows undeniable statistics; apparently over 2000 vehicles have been seized in 2022, making up a nearly 80% increase in seizures compared to the number of bikes taken by the law in 2021.

NO MORE LICENSES REQUIRED FOR THREE-WHEELERS IN UTAH
The transportation and technology communities have been talking about autocycles for a few years now, with several states attempting to classify the strange new three-wheel vehicles that are not quite car but not a motorcycle, creating difficulties for riders and confusion at license bureaus.

Following much lobbying by autocycle manufacturers such as Polaris, many states no longer require operators to acquire a motorcycle endorsement on their license, such as in Utah, but like others their state defined an autocycle as having “a steering wheel.”

That’s about to change with House Bill 391, which Governor Spencer Cox signed into law, tweaking the definition of an autocycle just enough that Utahns won’t need a motorcycle license at all to drive an “autocycle,” steering wheel or not.

Rep. (Kay) Christofferson (R-Lehi), co-sponsor of HB391, explained that all the bill does is adjust the state’s definition of an autocycle from having “a steering wheel” to a “steering mechanism” and tacks on a provision regarding seat belts. So, the state’s new definition says an autocycle is a vehicle “designed to travel with three or fewer wheels in contact with the ground; and is equipped with a steering mechanism, seat belts and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the motor.”

INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOWS (IMS) CIRCUIT CANCELLED
The COVID-19 health crisis has taken a toll on motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships, as well as riders themselves, but with all of the social distancing, masking, and vaccine mandates that events like the International Motorcycle Shows (IMS) has had to continually adapt to over the past two years, the 2022 IMS Outdoors powersports show tour has been canceled.

The original 2022 schedule was set to kick off in Colorado in June, with stops in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Southern California, and elsewhere, but IMS officials cited in a press release the way “brands promote their products amidst the continued manufacturing and sourcing delays associated with the pandemic” as the main driver of the cancellation.

“The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.”

~ U.S. Senator William H. Borah (1865-1940) affectionately known as the “Lion of Idaho”

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING CRUSHES THE COMPETITION AT THE PORT ROYAL HALF-MILE
WITH BAUMAN, VANDERKOOI AND MEES SWEEPING THE PODIUM FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE WEEKEND

Win Marks Briar Bauman’s Third of the Season and Closes Championship Chase to 8-points

Jarod Vanderkooi Continues to Impress with Back-to-Back Second-Place Finishes

Minneapolis, MN. (July 18, 2022) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, had another outstanding night of racing at the Port Royal Half-Mile in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, with Briar Bauman riding unchallenged throughout the 26-lap Mission SuperTwins Main Event to claim his second consecutive victory. In another FTR750 podium sweep, Bauman was joined by privateer Jarod Vanderkooi in second and current points leader, Jared Mees, taking third.

In the main event, Bauman was swift off the starting line, getting the hole shot and an immediate lead over Mees, running close behind in second. Despite early attempts by Mees to overtake him, Bauman remained unphased, opening up a gap on Mees and the rest of the field. Bauman led wire-to-wire, ultimately taking the checkered flag for his third win of the season. Meanwhile, Mees was entangled in a heated battle with Vanderkooi for second. With less than a minute and two-laps remaining, Vanderkooi made a bold move, taking the higher outside line to pass Mees and secure his second-place spot on the podium.

“Tonight was another incredible night of racing and a testament to the talent and grit of our riders. Considering the restrictions that have recently been imposed on the FTR750, it’s all the more gratifying to sweep the podium for the second consecutive weekend,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Briar’s [Bauman] incredible will has been on display at these past two events, and as a result, he’s back in the hunt as the battle for the championship tightens. It’s looking to be an absolute dogfight over the remainder of the season.”

Mees continues to lead the championship with 173 points, while Bauman now sits solidly in second place trailing by a mere eight points.

In addition to the incredible racing action, the night was filled with emotion for Bauman and the entire paddock, following the tragic loss of a fellow racer, Ryan Varnes, at the recent New York Short Track. Bauman paid tribute to Varnes throughout his winning night, memorializing Varnes’ by donning his number 68 and including Varnes’ girlfriend, Jennifer Hoshauer, with him on his victory lap.

The 2022 AFT season will continue on Saturday, July 30 at the Peoria TT in Peoria, IL.

Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Mission Foods, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE® : Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com

* * * * * * * *

Did you know Bikernet.com Facebook Page has over 10,000 Followers. Check us out by Clicking HERE. Your Feed in Your Control – on our Bikernet.com Official Facebook Page. Stay updated on our Bonneville Racing Project as well !!!

Open Road Radio –America’s Standard in Motorcycle Talk RADIO Show – celebrating 25 years & streamed live weekly!

Join our host Gina Woods, Scrapper Dan, Penny FXR 😊 is OUT tonight, but we have the be-Dazzlin in the house with Justin in the Full Throttle Law studios from Viva Las Vegas!

New to the show Dave Ratner makes a special appearance and Peter Cage our new effin awesome engineer is in the house!

We discuss Hot Weather Riding & ways to eliminate letting the elements get to you in these extreme temps!

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

Featuring The Ornery One & his Ornery Squaw: Motorcycle travels on a budget to inspire individuals! 100 proof of Onery w/ a double shot of LOVE. They are currently on a cross country trip riding border to border & coast to coast while making their way to The Best Party Anywhere: Sturgis Buffalo Chip! They’ll be riding roughly 11,000 miles from Maryland to California via HWY 50 the “Loneliest Road in America” and Texas to New York via HWY 62 the only US Highway that runs border to border & to boot they have a treasure hunt going on, which we’ll be sure to get the scoop on tonight….

We’ll put a wrap on it by discussing motorcycle events coming up and NEXT week a Sturgis 2022 preview!

WATCH & Share The Promo Video: https://animoto.com/play/igcRrrmo6PkkxdPTf9exiw

Our show is fueled by Andrews Products, Sea Foam Products, Harley-Davidson, Full Throttle Law, Bike Show Mafia, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Chixs On 66, MegWear, & Biker Belle’s Women’s Day Buffalo Chip

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

Follow & Know more about Open Road Radio at:
https://facebook.com/Roadhost
https://facebook.com/gina.woods.961
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgY9e0X2D_z7pywy7d1QuLg

* Tell’em Bikernet.com Sent Ya !!!

Text and Photos by Jeff Najar.

I sent some tins to Atomic Bob in Ohio to do some of his magic.

You might be familiar with Mr. Atomic. He’s become part of the 5-Ball Racing Team by Bandit. His company is Atomic Dice.

With Atomic Bob, you never know what you will get back, but you do know it will be cool and you do know it will be out of the box. Mr. Atomic always pulls it off.

Each letter is unique but they also flow together. And their size fills the space on the sides of the tank.

CLICK Here to Read this Photo Feature on Bikernet.com

Read about significant medical benefits and natural remedies in this unique motorcycling feature article.

* * * *

The Salt Torpedo is to be raced at Bonneville Salt Flats. Illustrations on by Atomic Bob.