The Only Motorcycle Company to be Destroyed by a Natural Disaster

by Bandit with Photos from the Master Markus Cuff In early motorcycle industry, one of the most magnificent startups was unfortunately unable to survive, because of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Rumor has it Carl N. Nelk pushed this motorcycle out in front of his brick building for a photo-shoot when the earthquake hit. The blast destroyed his operation behind him. One bike survived and this is it. More than 3,000 San Franciscans died, and over 80 percent of the city was destroyed. In the early era, ome motorcycle companies grew behind not-so-reliable machines. Others including the Nelk, of Palo Alto, California, with its outside polished flywheel was way ahead of its time from a styling and performance standpoint. Unfortunately, the smooth art-deco styling never made it to the mass-manufacturing stage.

CLICK HERE To Read about the Performance Specs, reliability and other significant features which makes it memorable beyond its looks. ONLY IN Bandit’s Cantina – Exclusive Photos of the only surviving Nelk !!!

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It’s all Good and Inspiring…

Hey,

Life for a biker is a wonderful thing, primarily because of the brotherhood. Whether it’s club brothers, same brand brothers, two-wheeled brothers, it’s a special band of brothers.

I try to relax. You know that business of meditating works, but it takes extreme concentration.

We are working on a tech for Bikernet and maybe Cycle Source Magazine.

I’m real close to another tech about our ’48 UL about getting it started and mods for the future. Its full-on first tech is coming. I’m looking for a name for this puppy and I’m working with Atomic Bob on a concept illustration.

Until then, ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

CLICK HERE to read the Weekly News, only on Bikernet.com

* * * *

Have a look at our Advertising Programs – none match our comprehensive industry news coverage. For details, CLICK HERE.

Hey,

Life for a biker is a wonderful thing, primarily because of the brotherhood. Whether it’s club brothers, same brand brothers, two-wheeled brothers, it’s a special band of brothers.

I had dinner last night with two other brothers and their wives, who have been a part of this industry for over 50 years apiece and still love every day of being a biker.

We discussed the changing industry, but whether a brother rides a stock bike, a touring bike, a chopper, a race bike, performance bagger or whatever, it’s about the adventure of building, innovating, riding, freedom or touring. It’s a blast and we’ve all been trying to make that adventure more exciting every day of our lives.

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.

EASYRIDERS EVENTS ANNOUNCES— The 2022 Easyriders Rodeos are right around the corner! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to show your amazing products at the original Easyriders Motorcycle Rodeo!

GOLD RUSH NOW AVAILABLE
FOWLERVILLE, MI
AUGUST 19-21
Purchase Fowlerville Package
BLOOMVILLE, OH
SEPTEMBER 1-5
Purchase Bloomville Package
Gold Rush Photo
Attention All Vendors

Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts will converge for a weekend of camping, dirt track motorcycle rodeo competition, a great lineup of concerts, and more. Plus, it wouldn’t be a true biker rally without the very best motorcycle-lifestyle related vendors in the country! Vendor space is limited so sign up today!

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.

Sign up at check in to participate in our Poker Crawl. Get everybody to stop at your booth! Quantities limited.

If you have any questions shoot us an email at info@easyridersevents.com.

Complete vendor information can be found by clicking the buttons below.

FOWLERVILLE, MI
AUGUST 19-21
Click Here For
Fowlerville Vendor Information
BLOOMVILLE, OH
SEPTEMBER 1-5
Click Here For
Bloomville Vendor Information

—EasyridersEvents.Com

Tell ‘em you read this on Bikernet.com. Thanks. —Bandit

The Rogue Fender from Lowbrow Customs simply bolts on to Harley Panhead and Shovel frames, 1958-1984.

No cutting or modifying your stock frame!
Super heavy-duty, 12-gauge steel, with chrome-plated steel fender struts and hardware included.

CAPTION: Rogue Fender and Lowbrow Customs WX Gas Tanks on the Manthey’s Custom 1974 Super Glide.

Welcome to the next generation of the Sportster. Lighter, faster, water cooled, and sadly very muted. Luckily, the performance gurus at S&S Cycle are already on the job and have recently launched a slip-on muffler that allows the most technically advanced Sportster ever created to sound more like, well, a Sportster.

Designed to mesh with the factory header and shields, the S&S exhaust features their trademark removable dB Reducer that allows for easy sound and performance tuning.

Wake up your Nightster with the Grand National Slip-on and look for more performance parts for HD’s latest from S&S Cycle. Like everything else S&S does, their exhausts are all made in the USA!

Check out the details on their site or grab one from your favorite dealer or reseller.
https://www.sscycle.com/products/grand-national-nightster-black-45-slip-on-muffler-for-2022-nightster

Exhaust team put in some work on this one. Bikes are just now trickling into the dealerships, but we are ready with slip-on that makes this machine sound amazing!

–David Zemla
VP – Marketing
S&S® Cycle, Inc.
dzemla@sscycle.com

Please contact each of the committees below to protect your Second Amendment rights. In addition, you may click on each of the committees to view their agenda and find information on participating in the hearings.

Senate Appropriations Committee at 10:00AM on June 13th

Assembly Bill 1769 prohibits officers, employees, operators, lessees, or licensees of the 31st District Agricultural Association from entering into any agreement to allow for the sale of any firearm, firearm parts, or ammunition on property or buildings that comprise the Ventura County Fair and Event Center or properties in Ventura County and the City of Ventura that are owned, leased, operated, or occupied by the District.

Assembly Bill 2156 reduces the number of firearms a private citizen can manufacture in a year from 50 to no more than three. In addition, it prohibits private citizens from using 3D printing to make firearms, precursor parts, or magazines.

Please click here to contact the Senate Appropriations Committee and ask them to OPPOSE Assembly Bills 1769 and 2156.

Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30PM on June 14th

Assembly Bill 1594 creates a private right of action against firearm industry members for failure to implement “reasonable” controls. This intentionally vague term can subject the industry to crippling lawsuits regardless of whether there is any actual violation of law.

Assembly Bill 2571 bans advertising or marketing firearms or ammunition in a way that is “attractive to minors,” replacing the language in current law banning specifically “advertis[ing] to minors.”

Please go to the NRA web site to contact the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to OPPOSE Assembly Bills 1594 and 2571.

Assembly Judiciary Committee at 9:00AM on June 14th

Senate Bill 1327 creates a private right of action that allows individuals to file civil suits against anyone who manufactures, distributes, transports, sells, or imports firearms banned in California, as well as precursor firearm parts.

Please go to the NRA web site to contact the Assembly Judiciary Committee and ask them to OPPOSE SB 1327.

Senate Governance and Finance Committee at 9:00AM on June 15th

Assembly Bill 1227 was gutted and amended to contain language from Assembly Bill 1223. It places an excise tax of 10% on the sales price of a handgun, and places an 11% excise tax on the sales price of all long guns, rifles, firearm precursor parts and ammunition. These taxes are to be collected from California retailers and placed in a newly created fund for appropriation by the state legislature.

Please go to the NRA web site to contact the Senate Governance and Finance Committee and ask them to OPPOSE AB 1227.

To read more about these bills and view the NRA-ILA alert site.

Thank you for taking action!

Yours in Freedom,

Ken Lan
Communications Coordinator
NRA-ILA

http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

Check it out – someone is auctioning the Harley-Davidson Model K 1955 motorcycle which Johnny Depp used for filming the cult-classic movie ‘Cry Baby’.

Why this sudden outing of collections? Depp won the Defamation Trial against Amber Heard.

Ebay probably is filled with crap signed by Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp Harley From ‘Cry-Baby’ Movie is Up For Sale

https://blog.bikernet.com/johnny-depp-harley-from-cry-baby-movie-is-up-for-sale/

Johnny Depp celebrated that with around 20 friends at a UK Indian food restaurant — booked the whole restaurant to shut it for all other customers while they arrived and all left. Estimated bill is speculated at 60,000 British Pounds (manager didn’t reveal the actual bill).

Restaurant reported Depp was ‘humble and down to earth’.

Trivia: Depp had reportedly ordered the most expensive drink on the menu ‘The Jewel of Varanasi’ — this drink includes 500 Hennessy Paradis Imperial, Grand Marnier, Quail Egg Whites, seeds from a Vanilla Pod, Lemongrass Syrup, 24ct Gold Leaf and Edible Flowers and is served after 24 hours of notice as the drink is listed as a ‘premium drink’.

Restaurant News Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/johnny-depps-rs-46-lakh-dinner-actor-shuts-down-indian-restaurant-in-uk-celebrates-amber-heard-trial-win-with-friends/articleshow/92056632.cms

–Wayfarer
Celebrity Investigator
Bikernet.com™

BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—By the brothers at Blue Groove.

–Sam Burns
Bike Feature Editor
Bikernet.com™

It’s been one month since the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers Inside the Beltway event and our efforts are paying off.

An updated membership list of the House Motorcycle Caucus was released last week, and it shows substantial growth in the month since riders came to Capitol Hill. Eleven new members joined the organization which previously had 28 members. The nearly 40% increase is a direct result of outreach by MRF members!

The caucus hosts educational seminars and press events that shine a light on the issues facing the motorcycle community. It’s also a great way for riders to know which lawmakers are true allies. The Senate has a similar caucus and we hope to see growth with that group when its roster is updated.

Below is a list of the 11 new members of the House Motorcycle Caucus:

Representative Axne (Iowa)
Representative Brooks (Alabama)
Representative Brownley (California)
Representative Budd (North Carolina)
Representative Rodney Davis (Illinois)
Representative Norman (South Carolina)
Representative Obernolte (California)
Representative Pappas (New Hampshire)
Representative Scott Peters (California)
Representative Stevens (Michigan)
Representative Wild (Pennsylvania)

Additionally, the House profiling resolution (H. Res 366) passed the 100-cosponsor mark last week as 10 new lawmakers signed on since Bikers Inside the Beltway. Passing the 100 mark is a great benchmark that helps show Congressional leadership that the issue of profiling is a concern to lawmakers. A special shout out to the riders from Kansas who added three new members and now have all four Representatives from their state as cosponsors.

Below is a list of the 10 new H. Res 366 cosponsors:

Representative Banks (Indiana)
Representative Davids (Kanas)
Representative Dean (Pennsylvania)
Representative Estes (Kansas)
Representative Hinson (Iowa)
Representative LaTurner (Kansas)
Representative Kustoff (Tennessee)
Representative Obernolte (California)
Representative Ryan (Ohio)
Representative Titus (Nevada)

Thank you to those that help impact these numbers and thank you to all the riders who came to D.C. last month.

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming calls to action on our legislative priorities. Answering calls to action is the easiest way to have your voice be heard in our nation’s capital.

–MRF

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2017 Harley-Davidson FXDL – Low RiderFOR $16,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=12268995

Stock # 13376 is a 2017 Blue Harley-Davidson DYNA LOW RIDER FXDL with only 9361.00 miles!

This bike is a super club style Dyna with low mileage

Some of the features/Add-ons on this bike

* 103c.i.Motor with a 6-Speed trans.
* Vance & Hince exhaust
* T-Bars
* Fairing
* Forward controls
* Hi-Flo air cleaner
* Speed-O and RPM gauges
* Dual front disk brakes
* Extended cables

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. NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155. Open 7 days a week.
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,

Please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/

[ in-am-uh-rah-tuh, in-am- ] noun

a woman who loves or is loved; female sweetheart or lover.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF INAMORATA?
Inamorata “a female sweetheart or lover” comes from Italian innamorata, the feminine past participle of the verb innamorare “to inflame with love,” which is the Italian equivalent of the French-origin verb enamor (from Old French enamourer). Both verbs ultimately come from the Latin noun amor “love,” combined with the prefix in- and a verbal suffix. It is important to note here that the prefix in- here does not make inamorata mean “unloved”; Latin has two in- prefixes, one of which is negative and translates as “not” or “un-,” and the other of which is an intensive, indicating increased emphasis or force. The similarity between the two in- prefixes also explains why flammable and inflammable have the same general meaning—and why non-flammable is often used to clearly mean “not flammable.” Inamorata was first recorded in English circa 1650.

HOW IS INAMORATA USED?
Other poets treated the subject of “love,” allowing the flushed cheeks or alabaster limbs of this or that inamorata to enter the frame of their poems, but it’s [Latin poet] Catullus who built his nugae, or trifles, around a single, near-obsessional passion for a woman whose entire presence, body and mind, fills the lines of his poetry.

–JEFFREY EUGENIDES, “INTRODUCTION,” MY MISTRESS’S SPARROW IS DEAD, 2008

–from Dictionary.com

THIS IS HOW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEFUNDS THE POLICE. If you legally own a handgun, you are more likely to need it.

–from Sam Burns

The 1964 Big Twin “Panhead” was the result of continuous upgrades but few significant changes over previous models since rear suspension came available in 1958.

1964 was the last year for the Duo-Glide as 1965 harkened the introduction of the Electra-Glide, a similar machine now with electric starting built on a new 12-volt system. A new two-tone tank panel encompassed the tank emblem. A primary chain oiler and new oil pressure switch were designed in. Ignition and headstock lock keys became non-matching. The Duo-Glide Jiffy Stand had added contact area. For 1958 the FL and EL big twins had become Duo-Glides, boldly noted on the front fender.

This Duo-Glide is especially stylish in orange and off-white, possibly Competition Orange and Birch White. I could not confirm this color combination as a “stock” offering for 1964, but with…

This Duo-Glide is especially stylish in orange and off-white, possibly Competition Orange and Birch White. I could not confirm this color combination as a “stock” offering for 1964, but with white floorboards, grips, kicker pedal, pegs and fringed seat, whitewalls yet leaner with no saddlebags it’s a winner. Maybe a reader will give us more information. Continuing to give serious touring riders what they wanted, the optional King of the Highway package offered saddlebags, dual exhaust, fender tips, bumpers and either the Deluxe Buddy or Solo seat plus a luggage rack. As before, the “helper springs” flipped forward under the seat to provide extra support for a passenger, folded down for solo riding. In this era, about 3500 FLs and ELs were produced annually.

For reference, the 1958 machine received other updates including a hydraulic rear brake, an improved transmission and clutch, better connections for the exhaust headers at the head plus optional white-wall tires. The chrome struts, already a design feature on the K-Model and Sportster became an element of the big twin as well supporting the rear fender and taillight. The rear fender remained hinged to allow for rear wheel service.

Although still available for sidecar use in 1949, 1948 was the last year the solo FL and EL Harleys used the springer fork. The 1949 model was dubbed the Hydra-Glide and introduced the clean, sleek hydraulic fork with, in just the first year, gloss black-painted lowers. After ten model seasons rear suspension was added, and the big twin became the Duo-Glide but the big sprung seat, a tradition for comfort, was retained.

This sharp 1964 Duo-Glide is one of over 60 Harleys at the National Motorcycle Museum and is part of the Jill and John Parham Collection.

We are now making higher ground with customizing leather like never before with the Angelus Brand. Checkout the selection of colors for exact color matching and color combos.

Get your ideas rolling for your next custom leather with some color.

Been wearing these Dollar Tree glasses. Fits well and keeps the elements out. They are cheap. Remembering a lot of race tracks Springfield Mile, Peoria TT, Duquoin Mile that surround me. I even heard an ABATE commercial this weekend on the local radio.

Lots of motorcycle stuff coming up

–Adam Croft
Founder and President
Dimebag Leather Company

Back in July 2021, when the European Commission — the executive body of the European Union — adopted a slate of proposals to lower the E.U.’s greenhouse gas emissions called the “Fit for 55” package, it called for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and a 100% reduction by 2050.

For vehicle users, perhaps the most standout proposal in the package was a requirement that 100% of all new cars and vans be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

The combustion vehicle sales ban just took the next step toward becoming reality as of June 8, when members of the European Parliament (MEPs) met to discuss matters in Strasbourg, France.

The body voted in support of an E.U. ban on the sales of all new gasoline and diesel cars throughout the 27-nation group, effective as of 2035. The measure passed with 339 votes for, 249 against, and 24 abstentions in total. MEPs also signed off on a requirement of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions from automobiles by 2030, which is where the “Fit for 55” initiative gets its name.

This vote doesn’t make the measure law throughout the European Union just yet. Now, E.U. MEPs must take the proposal up with all 27 of the E.U. member nations for final approval.

–Bill Bish
NCOM Biker Newsbytes

See the whole tamale in the next couple of days on Bikernet.—Bandit

[page break]

George Smith Sr., founder of S&S Cycle on his Knucklehead, “The Tramp”. S&S Cycle has a passion for speed, and a history of proven performance.

The S&S Hooligan Kit for Sportsters. Bolt-on Horsepower.

S&S produces performance parts such as the Hooligan Kit for Sportsters.

More than just a big bore kit, the included bolt-in cams and premium tappets make the most of the added displacement. All while using stock heads, pushrods, and fuel system!

This kit, backed up with dyno data, increases the horsepower of a stock 883 Sportster up to 85% along with a performance air cleaner and exhaust!

This 4-part video series is a great way to learn about Sportster engines in general and how to work on them. We hope you enjoy!

–Lowbrow Crew

I shot over to visit them and Dave said he was selling some of his personal art pieces.
I loved them all but purchased this one, along with a letter of explanation.

Now hitting my 70s, I’m concerned that if and when it’s my time, that one of the snowflake generation may end up with it and have no idea who Dave Mann was and how important his art is and who knows where it would end up.

Framed it is 27.5 35 inches

Maybe, if anyone is interested they could email
terrylovering101@mac.com

–Terry Lovering

“Thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act, we have already seen tremendous impact on our ability to enhance visitor access and land conservation efforts through the Legacy Restoration Fund and Land and Water Conservation Fund projects,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “Repairing and enhancing the infrastructure on the national forests and grasslands and expanding forest conservation ensures that the Forest Service continues to meet the need for outdoor recreation for current and future generations.”

According to the USDA, “the Legacy Restoration Fund focuses on addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance on federally managed public lands and is providing $285 million for 450 projects in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The Land and Water Conservation Fund received permanent funding through the Great American Outdoors Act, and expands Forest Service conservation efforts on national, state and private lands through voluntary land acquisition. This fiscal year, the Forest Service is investing $218 million into these programs, launching 25 new projects to open up new fishing, hunting and recreation opportunities across tens of thousands of acres nationwide.”

–MIC

“A .22 caliber bullet will enter the lung and you can get it out. A 9mm bullet will blow the lung right out of the body. If you can even find it. Find the lung. The body will still be there.

So, if you find the lung then you have to find the 9mm bullet. Then if you find it and take it out then you have to put the lung back into the victim but without the 9mm and by that time he might have left, or been kidnapped and so what do you do?

So, the 9mm is clearly and without a doubt the more dangerous bullet just regarding lungs if nothing else. I mean, c’mon, you need your lungs. And with a .22 you can at least have a chance of having your lungs and getting up on your feet and finding good jobs.

But those 9 millimeters, man o man, your lung is off somewhere in the woods when those things get done with you. And the woods are scary places. You don’t want your lungs in there. I’ve been in woods, and I didn’t even have a 9mm in my lung and I was, I’ll tell ya, it was rough. Not as rough as Nam or Gobblecanal in the Alleutians during the 2nd.

Man! But we hoisted the flag on that, whatchacall it, Sukiaki, Mount Sukiaki, long time ago, I might not have that right but you know the thing. There were a lotta 9 millimeters flying through the air that day, lotta guys lost their lungs, lungs flyin’ everywhere, but we had a job and a mission and that flag went up, and I remember that day.

Tough day. I think I cried that day, I looked all about me and it was a sea of lungs. We were knee deep in the things, sloshing and tramping through lung blown right out of bodies. Man. 9 millimeters. They’re not 22s, let me tell ya. They’re lung-removers. You don’t want that.

Pray that a .22 enters your lung. That’s my advice. They make your lung stay put. The medical person of either sex, women can do this just as well, they can get that .22 out of your lung. Because, C’mon!…..your lung is still in place!! It’s a .22! You’re a dog-faced pony soldier if you think it isn’t! Saying a .22 is anything like a 9 mm is like saying the soft heavenly aroma of a child’s hair is like the stench of vulture piss.

They’re totally different. Man! C’mon!

Thank you.
–J.J. Solari

We ultimately shipped it. I watched my creation get strapped to a pallet and stuck in a truck. His wife died a few days ago.

He just contacted me and informed me of the theft. He was insured thankfully. BUT, I hope all kinds of bad Karma falls on the scumbag motherfucker that stole Joe’s wife’s Memorial bike

–TB

Did you know we offer an entire line of LED License Plate Frames with a variety of fitments and functions?

For Harley:
Curved Perfect Plate Lights
We offer UNI and TSB mounts in both black and chrome.

Flat Perfect Plate Lights
We offer this style in gloss black or chrome.

For Indian:
Illuminated License Plate Frames
We offer this style in chrome, gloss black or matte black.

We also offer a line called Royal Flush, a different take on mounted LED turn signals.

For Harley:
Royal Flush LED Indicators
We offer these in two sizes:
9/16″ – colors: black anodized, polished, blue anodized, gold anodized and red anodized.
1″ – colors: black anodized and polished.

For Indian:
Royal Flush LED Indicators
We offer these in two sizes:
9/16″:
polished aluminum – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).
black anodized – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).
gold anodized – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).
blue anodized – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).
red anodized – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).
1″:
polished aluminum – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).
black anodized – (red), (red/red), (white/amber switchback), (red/amber).

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

I begin the gift of today I Pause. I Pause to Let Go of anyone and anything that does not serve my Highest Good, I Let Go of any ideas of lack or limitation, of stress or turmoil, any doubt or fear.

I Let Go of the past and of any power that I have given to others. As I Let Go, I find a new level of Peace.

I slowly breathe and go within to that place where all is Good. Here, I Know that I have a choice of the kind of day I am going to have. I take back My Power and trust that all is unfolding in right and Perfect Order.

I feel My Higher Powers of Love filling My Soul, lifting me to Higher Level of Consciousness, illuminating my path, dissipating all darkness from my mind.

Today’s Affirmation: Today I am going to Live my Life my way. I expect and accept the Divine Guidance from My Higher Power. My path is made clear. I am embracing obstacles and challenges, for I Know that I always have the Solution within. Today I move forward with a new sense of self-confidence knowing all is Good.

I am Grateful to have another day to express myself and at a new and higher level. I am Grateful for the choices I am going to make. Today my day is filled with Love, Joy, Peace, Health, Wealth and so much more. Today I choose my path!

And So It Is
Namaste’

Thank You
Yale Gelfant
Choppers Cycle

A 6-speed transmission for 4-speed motorcycles?!

Absolutely! Our BAKER 6-into-4 is a true overdrive 6-speed to replace stock 4-speeds, designed to satisfy old-school tendencies while providing the ability to run at reasonable RPMs at modern highway speeds.

The 6-into-4 gearset design is based on our original, award-winning, Overdrive 6-speed and is tough as nails. With our 6-into-4 you’ll get all the benefits of an overdrive top gear, smooth shifting, and the ability to stay in the powerband.

Upgrade any 1936-1986 Big Twin 4-speed to a 6-speed overdrive with the BAKER 6-into-4!

Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Call us at (517) 339-3835

Dear NMA Supporters,

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCVSA) has revived an abandoned effort to mechanically limit the maximum speed of trucks. A federal notice asks for comment on Docket ID No. FMCSA-2022-0004-0001, which proposes to apply speed limiters to all new trucks over 26,000 lbs. with electronic engine-management systems. FMCSA is considering extending the rule to retrofitting of existing trucks, and to trucks as light as 10,001 lbs. GVW, which would include many pickup-and-trailer combinations.

Any road user may comment on the proposed rule. As this is written, the total of comments received is over 14,500, and the comment period has been extended until July 17.

Federal regulators are most interested in first-hand information about the effect of rules in the real world. In your comment, let FMCSA know that you’re one of the country’s 230 million auto drivers. Draw on your experience in mixing with slow-moving truck traffic on freeways in your part of the country.

Some of the issues that you might raise:
Speed-limited trucks will affect all highway traffic, not just truck operators.
Highways are safest where speed variance is smallest, and interactions between vehicles are minimized. Auto speeds on freeways are gradually increasing with improved car design, and a mandated maximum truck speed raises the potential for a 15- to 20-mph speed differential between cars and trucks.

Traffic is smoothest when it operates at the natural speed for each segment of the road. Large numbers of slow-moving trucks will invite unsafe maneuvers by auto drivers.
Slower truck traffic will slow down the country’s supply chains.

At a time when logistics performance is a national issue, we should not return to the days of the 1970s when the federal government tried to slow commerce down with a mandated speed limit. Previous attempts to mandate nationwide standard speeds failed.

Speed limiters will affect only freeways, which are our safest roads. Limiters will have no effect on roads with the highest crash rates. Limiters will slow trucks where they ought to be at their most productive, making miles between cities on roads designed for high speeds.

Lower productivity will worsen inflation by driving up shipping costs.

When the federal government tried to control truck speeds in 2016, we got the feeling that it was a back-door attempt to slow down auto traffic. When one or two freeway lanes are carrying an unbroken line of slow trucks, there won’t be much road space for auto drivers to use at normal speeds. In the 2016 attempt, speeds were suggested to be limited to 68, 65, or even 60 mph. This would turn America’s truck fleet into a rolling roadblock for all highway users.

Comments can be entered at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FMCSA-2022-0004-0001.

The comment period closes on July 17.

Frankie and the bros will be heading to Born Free in a couple of weeks.

Here’s a recent tattoo from the master in his Venice, CA studio surrounded by homeless folks.

–Bandit

A really well written and articulate op/ed on crude oil and the abundance of it that we have in our country and yet the current administration refuses to use our available abundance of resources to make us energy efficient, again, in favor of begging the countries that hate us to please, please sell us their crude.

I have yet to hear an educated, factual and accurate explanation (anyone with half a brain knows it’s not the fault of Putin because facts show the prices went up well before the Ukraine war) as to why that is except to force the American populace into buying electric cars that cost tens of thousands dollars and that most Americans cannot afford.

Never mind the infrastructure needed is decades away from being planned, built and put on line to support the increased demand to charge the batteries.

Think about it; right now we have rolling blackouts every year during the hot summer because the existing power grid can’t handle the load. My other question is where is the energy going to come from to power the tens of thousands if not millions of charging stations that well be required.

To see how completely inept our politicians are you have to look no further than the complete boondoggle of the bullet train project in California and yet they think they can build a national charging grid; give me a fucking break.

–Steve Bauman
Tech Editor
Bikernet.com™

Bagger Racing League: Round 1 Utah

The last time the FEULING Flying Pig saw its tires grace a track, it marked the first podium finish on record for the team in this high velocity class of Bagger GP racing.

With expectations high, the crew journeyed into Utah with a burning motivation to finish on top, and to best the field of bikes and riders alike who would undoubtedly leave it all on the track in hopes of standing atop the podium at the conclusion of the weekend.

The Flying Pig saw some huge performance gains heading into the race weekend with our 592-short travel camchest kit married to our refreshed Milwaukee Eight engine.

This is our, as we like to call it, “big nasty Put your big boy pants on and get serious” camshaft offered for all Milwaukee 8 engines.

Our freshly tuned short stroke motor also armed with our FEULING Race Series lifters, oiling system, BA HighFlow air cleaner, and anti-reversion exhaust system, shined on the track.

With our 592 cam-chest kit installed we saw our peak performance numbers from the dyno translate directly to the race track, all with the exact same components you can install on your build directly out of our parts catalog or your local Drag Specialties dealer.

For a full build list on our official Bagger GP race bike roll over to the Feuling web site!

All life is carbon based and the primary source of this carbon is the CO2 in the global atmosphere. As recently as 18,000 years ago, at the height of the most recent major glaciation, CO2 dipped to its lowest level in recorded history at 180 ppm, low enough to stunt plant growth.

This is only 30 ppm above a level that would result in the death of plants due to CO2 starvation. It is calculated that if the decline in CO2 levels were to continue at the same rate as it has over the past 140 million years, life on Earth would begin to die as soon as two million years from now and would slowly perish almost entirely as carbon continued to be lost to the deep ocean sediments.

The combustion of fossil fuels for energy to power human civilization has reversed the downward trend in CO2 and promises to bring it back to levels that are likely to foster a considerable increase in the growth rate and biomass of plants, including food crops and trees.

Human emissions of CO2 have restored a balance to the global carbon cycle, thereby ensuring the long-term continuation of life on Earth. This extremely positive aspect of human CO2 emissions must be weighed against the unproven hypothesis that human CO2 emissions will cause a catastrophic warming of the climate in coming years.

The one-sided political treatment of CO2 as a pollutant that should be radically reduced must be corrected in light of the indisputable scientific evidence that it is essential to life on Earth.

https://fcpp.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Moore-Positive-Impact-of-Human-CO2-Emissions.pdf

[page break]

Sling Shot Clutch Control
5 & 6 Speed
Jockey Shifter Kit
5 Speed
Convert your 5-speed transmissions to jockey shift using our new Sling Shot Clutch Control and Jockey Shifter Kit.

We still offer the same 4-speed Sling Shot Clutch Control, but our latest version is compatible with 5- & 6-speed transmissions.

The Jockey Shifter Kit is designed for 5-speeds with a 6-speed version coming soon.

Based on customer feedback, we made these available to purchase as two separate products so you can mix and match as needed.

Been working with a chap who has a Tesla.

That would be using the supplied 120 VAC charge.

He says it charges at 5 Miles an hour.

You have to think about that a bit.

One hour of charge takes it 5 miles, or 100 miles of charge takes 20 hours.

Hi Anne,
I hope this email finds you doing well. We’re reviving the Righteous Products brand after almost 40 years (www.RighteousProducts.com) for low key biker lifestyle products sold online – mostly small creative mail away items (pins, decals, buckles) like you would order from the back pages.

Hal did a cartoon logo for Righteous Products in the ‘70s and we would like to reference this artwork. Humbly, we are all huge fans of Hal’s art and would love to foster a positive relationship with you, if and however we might be an asset.

We would love to do our part to keep his legacy alive and share his work with younger audiences as well as old. He most certainly deserves all the acclaim he can get. Please let us know how you’d like to proceed.

Thanks very much,
–Ace ?
Righteous Products
righteousproducts69@gmail.com

That road users other than drivers suffer distractions that can have dangerous consequences is a topic for another time. Let’s focus on the multitude of distractions that drivers face every day behind the wheel. Some are self-inflicted—fiddling with car entertainment or environmental controls, talking on a mobile phone, punching in navigation information, paying too much heed to boisterous passengers—and some are a result of the external built environment that vies for the attention of drivers at every literal turn.

Two professors, Joshua Madsen of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and Jonathan Hall at the University of Toronto, recently released a study that helps quantify the effect of those outside distractions.

Their research concentrated on a Texas highway project designed to warn drivers about pending danger by displaying on an electronic roadside sign the number of traffic deaths that occurred the year before. Madsen and Hall found that accidents increased significantly in the six miles of road immediately after the signage. The pair estimates that the digital displays played a direct factor in creating 2,600 more accidents, 16 deaths, and $377 million in associated costs over the course of a year.

The Texas signs displayed the fatality count one week each month, making the researchers’ task an easy one to isolate accident statistics with and without the signs in operation. They collected several years’ worth of data from before the signs were present and another several years of information when the on-again, off-again displays were in operation.

Madsen noted that when he and Hall shared the study results with several state departments of transportation, some of the responses were polite but dismissive. He claimed one state wrote back, “This is an interesting study, thank you for the feedback, but we think [our program] is going to help in the long term.” Even the Texas DOT, home base for the study’s data collection, issued a statement that, in part, said, “In relation to this particular study, there are too many unknowns to draw any firm conclusions.” The state has since acknowledged, without citing the Madsen/Hall study, that it stopped displaying traffic fatality statistics on roadside signs.

Who would have thought that putting up warning signs along a busy highway that draw driver attention away from the road would have adverse safety effects? It seems the primary purpose of the sign program was to influence driver behavior. That goal was met, but not exactly as intended.

–NMA

TRIKE OF THE WEEK—

–Sam Burns
Trike consultant
Bikernet.com™

–sb
Private Downunder Under-Cover Investigator
Bikernet.com

Los Angeles and some major cities have stopped enforcing some traffic laws, like broken tail lights or expired stickers, all in the name of racial equity, but critics have said letting people get away with breaking the law will only lead to more crime, and the current crime wave may prove them right.

Back in March, Philadelphia became the first city to ban police officers from pulling over drivers for minor traffic violations like expired tags and broken lenses, but now the Philadelphia FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) is suing to invalidate the new city law, saying it illegally preempts existing state laws on traffic violations.

L.A., Minneapolis and the entire state of Virginia have passed similar prohibitions on low level traffic stops, which they claim disproportionately targets Black drivers.

–Bill Bish
NCOM Legislative News

See the whole report on Bikernet in the next couple of days.–Bandit

Please see below a special message from Michael Battaglia, the Fundraising and Community Engagement Manager for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids program. Michael joined us on this year’s ride and his letter below is on behalf of the entire PBTF organization.

His letter was written a few days before an unexpected late arriving donation just the other day for $1,000 which raised this year’s total to $14,000! I have shared this exciting update with Michael and his team — we’re all smiles! 🙂

From Michael:
A Warm Thank You!

I want to personally thank you for your participation and donations in the Why We Ride to the Quail 2022 event. The fact that you helped us reach a fundraising amount of $13,000 on Friday the 13th for the 13 kids diagnosed every day with a brain tumor is proof that you were part of something amazing!

Your donations will help change a child’s life. Marshall is one of those children. You watched his video and heard him tell his story and the importance of how the PBTF and Ride for Kids program played a role in his life (CLICK to watch video). Marshall is now a young adult and in school for media production. Your donations will help other children reach their dreams too, just like Marshall.

If you would like to learn more about the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, please visit our website for more information or to make a donation.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay involved in our mission and to hear stories about our Stars and their families. I ask you to share your experience and Marshall’s story with family and friends and encourage them to get involved and continue our fight together to find a cure and help more children reach their dreams.

Feel free to use my contact information below to reach me with questions, event ideas, or to share an experience.

Lastly, there are still more ways you can Ride for Kids this summer. Join our 13 for 13 Ride Challenge! Ride 1,300 miles in July for the 13 kids diagnosed every day with a brain tumor. Join, Ride, Raise, and make your miles go further! You can also attend our upcoming event in Northern California on September 18th – www.rideforkids.org/norcal

Thank you!
–Michael Battaglia
Fundraising and Community Engagement Manager
Ride for Kids
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
mbattaglia@curethekids.org
(520) 955-4594

Everybody knows she’s looking good! She has to be, ‘cause this scoot is called Strutter. The worked-over 1957 FLH Panhead, is an homage to the bikes that came out of a lil’ shop out of San Leandro, California. In proper chopper aesthetic, the bike sports nothing extraneous. It’s set up for all go.

Owned by Christian Wren, Strutter’s ultra-light single tube frame was designed and built by Reece Zylstra and Christian. Stuffed inside that frame is a full race mill built by Chris McGhee sporting 4.75-inch Truett and Osborne flywheels, milled cylinders, forged 11.5:1 pistons and full Leineweber valve train. The trick heads were heavily worked and flowed by Steg Von Heintz. All 4 plugs are fired by MSF units and a single magneto.

An S&S Super B carb on a 2-inch spacer takes care of fuel atomization. Putting the horsepower to the ground is a 2-inch belt drive and an Andrew’s close ratio gear set linked together with a Barnett centrifugal lock up clutch. Stopping power comes from a single 4 piston sprocket brake out back.

All of the heavy welding and fab work, including the high mid-controls and pipes, was performed by Dave Herr out of Smithville, Indiana. The 6-inches over narrowed pan fork and narrowed Sportster tank help keep this night stalker in the shadows. A crushed velvet seat and jet black paint separate this bike from a common street walker to a high-class escort. This ‘57 is built to roam the streets.

Special thanks: J&F Auto Trim, Bobby Thompson, Mike Reed, Hole in the Sky, Year of the Dog.

—Liam Kennedy
Story and Photos by Liam Kennedy

Bike and story courtesy of Choppers Mag. Subscribe and support the cool pages.—Bandit

This is from Tom Petty’s first Solo Album. I have 2 of his band’s albums with almost all of the songs in it being pretty awesome.

* Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers – The Best of Everything (2019)
* Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers – Hypnotic Eye (2014)

Song Pick for the Week:

Song: Runnin’ Down a Dream
Artist: Tom Petty
Album: Full Moon Fever (1989)
Songwriters: Tom Petty / Jeff Lynne / Mike Campbell

* *

It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was drivin’
The trees went by, me and Del were singin’
Little runaway, I was flyin’

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

Felt so good like anything was possible
I hit cruise control and rubbed my eyes
The last three days the rain was unstoppable
And it was always cold, no sunshine

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

I rolled on, the sky grew dark
I put my pedal down to make some time
And there’s something good waitin’ down this road
And I’m picking up whatever is mine

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

Yeah, runnin’ down a dream
Never would come to me
Workin’ on a mystery
Goin’ wherever it leads
I’m runnin’ down a dream

–Wayfarer
Sounds Supervisor
Bikernet.com™

SHOP OF THE WEEK— Posted on Apr 12, 2022

Since the fire in February, we are temporarily working on motorcycles at 2021 7th Ave ne Austin MN. This is only until our shop is repaired. Feel free to contact us at 507-358-2902 or mdcustoms15@gmail.com

 

They are a dealer of Zodiac parts. As it turns out they’ve struggled to become an active dealer.

But we kept digging:

Hey Bandit,

I think it’s best if you reach out to Lonny at Heartland USA, they buy regularly from us so could have one shipped with their order easily.

— Remon Bosselaar
Zodiac Sales

https://lyonairmuseum.org/

I would love to see this show!

–Paul Aiken

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Between the meditations and lifting weights, here’s what’s happening. This is a Buck Lovell’s shot of Energy One clutch plates. There’s a nuts story there. We are working on dialing in the Pandemic Clutch with new plates and a retaining plate, which was supposed to arrive but never did. The Redhead is on the way to the Sturgis Post Office right now to ask—WTF, over?

We are working on this tech for Bikernet and maybe Cycle Source Magazine.

I’m real close to a tech about our ’48 UL about getting it started and mods for the future.

I spent Tuesday afternoon at the new Shamrock’s location in Sturgis piecing together the VL Knucklehead frame and front end. This wasn’t an easy installation with the custom risers. We shaved the chrome to get the 15/16 bearing to fit on the bottom of the stem. Rich made a shim to make the top of the stem 1-inch. We drilled a cup for the press pin for the fork lock, shaved the legs for the Paughco Crown. The full-on first tech is coming.

I’m looking for a name for this puppy and I’m working with Atomic Bob on a concept illustration.

Hang on, it’s whiskey Thursday. Here’s a shot my son sent to me of the bike we called the factory racer. It’s currently locked in the Basement. I’m going to start to ride it around town, just to fuck with folks.

Until then, ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

The Original Rally is Back!

by Rogue

Usually I ride my motorcycle to the rallies and am there to take photos and do an article on the event.

This year I am here to be part of an event celebrating and honoring people in motorcycling put on by Paul Cote with Check Twice – Bikers Helping Bikers.

https://checktwice-savealife.com

I am honored to be invited to this event.

CLICK HERE to read this Photo Feature Article only on Bikernet.com

* * * *

Get the unique motorcycling leathers and more, exclusively on 5-Ball Racing Online Shop. Designed and Sold by lifetime motorcyclists based on daily riding to Events such as Rallies, Functions and many Motorcycle Shows. Click Here To See the New 5-Ball Racing Website.

FUELING RACING At 2022 Bagger Races

The last time the FEULING Flying Pig saw its tires grace a track, it marked the first podium finish on record for the team in this high velocity class of Bagger GP racing.

With expectations high, the crew journeyed into Utah with a burning motivation to finish on top, and to best the field of bikes and riders alike who would undoubtedly leave it all on the track in hopes of standing atop the podium at the conclusion of the weekend.

The Flying Pig saw some huge performance gains heading into the race weekend with our 592 short travel camchest kit married to our refreshed Milwaukee Eight engine.

This is our, as we like to call it, “big nasty Put your big boy pants on and get serious” camshaft offered for all Milwaukee 8 engines. Our freshly tuned short stroke motor also armed with our FEULING Race Series lifters, oiling system, BA HighFlow air cleaner, and anti-reversion exhaust system, shined on the track.

With our 592 camchest kit installed we saw our peak performance numbers from the dyno translate directly to the race track, all with the exact same components you can install on your build directly out of our parts catalog or your local Drag Specialties dealer.

For a full build list on our official Bagger GP race bike CLICK HERE.

Through a full day’s worth of practice sessions leading up to qualifying, the bike only seemed to get better with pressure. There were a few minor adjustments needed, including a blown fuse that nearly ended the weekend early, but the bike came off the track from qualifying with Ben Bostrom sitting in pole position for the main event later that afternoon.

From the start we had our eyes set on the podium, and with each lap of the final race it became more and more apparent Ben and the Flying Pig were a force to be reckoned with. As the battle came to a close, Team FEULING saw yet another level conquered as we surpassed our previous best and took second overall.

With each appearance of the Flying Pig in the Bagger GP, the crew in the pits get hungrier for the tallest step of the podium to be occupied by the FEULING name, just as it has so many times throughout our history.

A new tradition begins , the passing of the FEULING pig. For now, our beloved mascot resides in the hands of the Trask Racing crew, but as the next round of bagger racing gets closer on the calendar, the unofficial bagger racing trophy will make its way home.

For more information on the FEULING racing program and some insight into what goes into building a Harley Davidson race machine head over to our Race Division on our website, and for a closer look at the FEULING team at the track head to our “Trackside with Feuling” playlist on our youtube!

* * * *

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

It has been a lot of years since I was last at the Laconia Rally, and so far it has been very interesting. Usually I ride my motorcycle to the rallies and am there to take photos and do an article on the event.

 This year I am here to be part of an event celebrating and honoring people in motorcycling put on by Paul Cote with Check Twice – Bikers Helping Bikers.  https://checktwice-savealife.com 

I do not think I have ever flown to a motorcycle rally before, But I am honored to be invited to this and time did not allow to ride and hell, with gas prices it was cheaper to fly.

Okay, so I flew in and met Paul at the airport and a motorcycle was there for me to ride. We made it to Weirs and the motorcycle just quits in the middle of busy Saturday traffic. Motorcycle had gas and acted like a dead battery. I get a push and try to jump start it without any success. Ended up at the Weirs Beach Convenience and Gifts Food Mart.

As we figured out how we are going to handle this Paul checked with the owner about us parking there. It turns out her name is Jennifer and she said not only can we park there, she will help. Next thing I know she had the seat off and one of those hand held jump start tools. It did not start the motorcycle. I am lucky enough to know a lot of women who wrench on motorcycles and Jennifer knows what she is doing, I was in good hands so I stood back and watched.

She and I both believed it was a bad battery. Off Paul and I went to the parts store.  The guy at the part store said he tested it, and it was okay. Well technically it did have voltage but No Cranking Amps. We ended up buying a volt meter and went back to the motorcycle and Jennifer re-installed it. We put the meter on it and 12.5 volts. She hit the start button and meter dropped to 5 volts.

We were scheduled to be at the Chop Shop Laconia Beer Tent for a raffle drawing, so arrangements are made to have motorcycle towed and repaired.

The Chop Shop was crowded with folks partying. Time for some adult games. This one was where the guys held a piece of pvc pipe between their legs and the women with a plunger between theirs and try to insert the handle in the pipe without using their hands. Interesting at best and a lot of fun had by all.

The motorcycle ended up at EVL CYCLES in Belmont, and the owner Tony Tal installed a new battery and checked the charging system and got us back on the road by Sunday.

In the meantime Patrick let me ride his Softail to ride to Weirs

So far it has been interesting and enjoyable and still have a few more days here. Hang on for more reports.

 

 

 

… Striking While Iron’s Hot

by & from https://www.tmz.com/

There’s a rare piece of Johnny Depp movie history hitting the auction block … and the timing couldn’t be better for the motorcycle he used in “Cry-Baby” to pull in 6-figures.

The bike is ‘sick‘ … it’s a 1955 Harley Davidson Model K … and it’s the same one used on-screen in Johnny’s 1990 cult classic film.

The Harley is going up for sale through Kruse GWS Auctions and the opening bid is being set at $250,000 … with potential buyers needing to bid in $25,000 increments if they want to win Johnny’s movie ride.

If that sounds kinda steep, keep in mind the immense popularity wave Johnny’s riding since winning the defamation case over Amber Heard. Fact is, all things Depp-related are commodities nowadays.

The auction house says the Harley was the “picture bike” used throughout filming in principal photography … both on location in Maryland and also in Hollywood.

The bike’s changed hands over the years, and is currently on display in a museum in Branson, Missouri following years of displays in different exhibits across the country.

Also included in the auction is Janis Joplin’s mandolin, which she once gifted to Jimi Hendrix.

The instrument is hand-painted with flowers and phrases … including “Love Thy Neighbor” and Jimi’s name. The auction house says the mandolin’s been in a private collection for 20 years and is on the market for the first time. They estimate that it will go for $250k.

The auction opens June 25.

* * * *

Stay updated on all Motorcycle News, Reports and Events …
– simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

Wait, you might ask. Doesn’t that distinction belong to Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson? Not quite. He has just received more publicity over the years, including a documentary by Ken Burns. Wyman actually beat Jackson by nearly three weeks.

Wyman’s cutting-edge motorized bike—he referred to it as a “motor bicycle”—was powered by a 200cc, 1.25-horsepower, four-stroke engine attached to an ordinary diamond-frame bike, but it required the will and strength of a seasoned cyclist to complete the journey due to breakdowns along the way. According to 365daysofmotoring.com, Wyman’s machine was equipped with 28×1.5-inch tires, wooden rims, a leading-link front suspension fork, a Garford spring saddle, a Duck Brake Company front roller brake, and a 1902-patent Atherton rear coaster brake. A leather belt-drive with a spring-loaded idler pulley connected the engine output shaft directly to the rear wheel.

Considering the distance of the trip, Wyman didn’t bring much gear. When he left Lotta’s Fountain, located at the corner of Market and Kearny streets in San Francisco, on May 16, 1903, Wyman carried warm clothing, money, a water bottle, cans of spare oil and gasoline, a Kodak Vest Pocket camera, a cyclometer (he purchased several more along the way before he gave up trying to keep track of his mileage), bicycle tools and spare parts, and a long-barreled .38 Smith & Wesson revolver, just in case.

From San Francisco, Wyman crossed the Sierra Nevada and rode to Reno, where he woke to snow. In his first-person account published in the inaugural six issues of The Motorcycle Magazine, Wyman described the short weather delay—abbreviated because he ultimately decided not to wait out.

“When mention is made of the places at which I stopped and through which I passed, it must not be imagined that they are all cities, or towns, or villages, or hamlets, or anything in the nature of civilized settlements,” Wyman wrote. “The majority of them are nothing of the sort. They are just places—and it seems a waste of good English to call them that.”

As it turned out, he would need the extra rest (although he hated his time in Chicago and complained that the respite had left him “soft”). After repairing the California and heading east once again, Wyman rolled through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, then crossed into the state of New York. Then the roof seemed to cave in just before he reached Albany.

Wyman pedaled all night on July 5 and reached the New York Motor Cycle Club on July 6. While he recovered from the grueling ride, his motorbike was put on display. Before leaving New York, Wyman took part in the inauguration of America’s first nationwide motorcycle organization, the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM), his hands still wrapped in bandages from the trip.

Reflecting upon his cross-country travels, Wyman wrote: “While the idea of establishing a record was no part of my purpose, it is worthy of remark that none of the three powerful automobiles that have since crossed the continent have come near to equaling my time.

Wyman most certainly enjoyed his train ride back to San Francisco, where his motorbike was placed on display at Golden Gate Park. He spent the rest of his life in California, promoting the Duck Brake Company, serving as a chauffeur, and working as an auto mechanic. He died on November 15, 1959, at the age of 82.

Amazingly enough, Wyman’s cross-country feat was actually the second time he had crossed a continent on a bicycle; in 1900, he traversed Australia on a non-motorized bike. While that ride likely prepared Wyman for the difficulties he would endure on his historic U.S. trip, it didn’t bring him the massive publicity or lasting significance that Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson received. Regardless, nearly 120 years later, we remember Wyman as the OG … on two wheels.

by Geoff Hill from https://www.mirror.co.uk/

Another icon of the American dream

It weighs as much as a small tank, goes like stink and handles very nicely for such a beast, so even though it costs more than an average UK hatchback, for Harley fans it’s a metal and rubber incarnation of their mythical aspirations

I was having a beer one night in Los Angeles in 2013 with the head of Triumph USA when we got to talking about Harleys.

He’d been sent to LA in advance of that year’s launch of the Thunderbird LT, an extremely capable cruiser which Triumph hoped would convince American riders that there was more than one type of bike in the world.

On his first weekend there, his Harley counterpart took him to an open day at Bartels, the city’s biggest Harley dealership, where hundreds of riders and their families were enjoying a free hog roast, burgers, raffles, gifts, music, beer or soft drinks and test rides.

“See? This is what you’re up against. It’s not just about the motorcycles,” said the Harley guy.

I was reminded of it in 2018, when I rode a Harley from Oxford to Prague for a three-day bash to celebrate the company’s 115 th anniversary to find 60,000 Harleys and 100,000 riders and partners, all with leather waistcoats, tattoos and chains, proclaiming their particular allegiances with patches saying Naples Military Chapter, Hanoi Chapter, Jeddah Chapter and so on.

It is, of course, all harmless fun – middle-aged men who during the week are Reg in Accounts, but at the weekends become Rebel Reg, King of the Road, riding west on his iron steed into the setting sun for a burger and beer with his sweetheart in a Route 66 diner.

And while non-Harley fans who have never ridden one wrongly condemn them as basic and agricultural ridden by chaps wearing chaps with tassels, no other motorcycle make in the world earns such astonishing passion and camaraderie.

And it’s not just from patriotic Yanks – there were Harley fans there from 75 countries, all of them walking, talking expressions of an infinite yearning for the innocence of an American dream which the rest of us may think blossomed into its fullest fruition in the Fifties, then died in the Sixties and Seventies after Kennedy and Vietnam, but which was still alive in the heart and soul of everyone walking around Prague on those sunny days.

On a slightly smaller scale, my biking buddy Gareth and I rode down on his Kawasaki Versys 650 and my BMW R 850 R to the recent open day at the local dealers. It’s called Belfast Harley, and it’s in Antrim. You need to be Irish to understand that.

We arrived to find the expected chapter members with their patches, leather and denim and tattoos, and a small woman looking slightly terrified as she tried to reverse her large Road Glide into a parking space.

“Help, I’m going to fall over!” she muttered. We strode manfully over to help, and she finished the job and got gratefully off.

“I’ve only had it two weeks. It’s very heavy, but I love it when it’s moving,” she said.

“Just don’t stop, then,” I said helpfully, and Gareth and I went inside to see Wilmer the boss about the two bikes we were going to take out for a test ride – Gareth the Pan America and me the new Street Glide ST.

ROAD-TEST REVIEW:

The ST is basically a standard Street Glide on steroids, with the 1868cc engine thrown in the bin and replaced by a 1923cc version, increasing the power and torque from 93bhp and 117 ft lb to 103bhp and 124 ft lb.

And, er, the price from a sharp-intake-of-breath £25,795 to a get-me-to-the-defribillator-on-time £27,795. No wonder Harleys are mostly sold on PCP. Still, they hold their value, so you get a good deal when you trade them in for a new one after three years.

The standard Glide is a beefy 375kg wet, and although the ST has shaved off 6kg to 369kg, that’s like a sumo wrestler claiming he’s gone on a diet by only having 10 chickens for lunch instead of 11.

I was just glad I wasn’t a small woman trying to reverse it as I trundled carefully out of the car park and opened the throttle.

Well, heavens to Betsy, that’s impressive. In spite of weighing the same as a small tank, it soared towards the horizon with surprisingly alacrity, helped by a bottomless well of creamy torque and a solid but precise gearbox which was light years away from the agricultural clank factories of Harleys of old.

With that weight on board, handling is never going to be quicksilver, but it’s agile enough for such a big beast, allowing you to dip and sway through A-road bends with happy precision, particularly as the Showa suspension is set firm for good handling, although at the expense of comfort on rough roads, as I found when it bottomed out on one bouncy stretch and left my spine an inch shorter.

The Brembo brakes haul it in so briskly and smoothly that, unlike most big Harleys, I didn’t need to call on the rear brake for assistance when steaming a bit hot into a corner.

As for the details, the mirrors are excellent, the traditional analogue dash is supplemented by a large TFT screen for the entertainment and comms systems, and the speakers in the fairings are pointless, like all speakers on all bikes anywhere.

The batwing fairing and sliver of screen, meanwhile, do a surprisingly good job of keeping the wind at bay, since I still have nightmares of a turbulent 90mph dash through France at night on a Harley with a batwing fairing while wearing an open-face helmet and shades.

So if you’ve got the dosh and like the whole Harley social thing, it’s significantly better than the standard Street Glide.

Oh, and Gareth loved the Pan America, so he got on the Versys and rode home to tell his wife that they’re selling the house, her mother, the dog and the camper van.

I haven’t heard from him since, so he’s probably buried in a shallow grave in the garden, and if anyone’s looking for a tidy used Versys, get your people to talk to my people about his wife’s people.

SPECS (price in British Pounds currency)
Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST
Engine: 1923cc air-cooled V-twin
Power: 103bhp @ 5,450rpm
Torque: 124 ft lb @ 3,500rpm
Colours: Black; grey
Price: £27,795

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All Things Motorcycling ? All About Big V-Twins ? Have a look at www.Bikernet.com

by Chris King from https://euroweeklynews.com/

All-new for 2023, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ FS 450 continues its legacy as a premium supermoto racer. Designed and developed to offer outstanding supermoto performance, the FS 450 is expertly crafted with the latest technology and competition-focused components to create a highly capable circuit racing machine.

Finished with new bodywork and improved ergonomics for 2023, the FS 450 is complete with striking white and grey graphics for a distinctive look. Powered by a new 450cc SOHC 4-stroke engine, the performance characteristics of the FS 450 can be fine-tuned using the updated map select switch mounted on the ProTaper handlebars.

This sophisticated device allows for full customisation of the machine as it controls the activation of launch control, traction control, and the new Quickshifter, which ensures seamless upshifts.

A new hydro-formed frame enhances rider feedback with the new polyamide-reinforced aluminium subframe playing a vital role in aiding handling and ensuring comfort. Together with the latest WP suspension and a repositioned engine that improves mass centralisation, the FS 450 delivers an exceptional on-track experience for all riders.

Assembled skilfully with quality, supermoto-specific hardware including Alpina wheels, a Suter anti-hopping clutch, and high-performance Brembo brakes, the FS 450 is undoubtedly built for competition.

With all these performance-focused technical advancements, the FS 450 unquestionably remains the most powerful, best-handling, and most complete supermoto machine on the market today.

To further customise the FS 450, a concise selection of high-quality technical accessories is available from your local Husqvarna Motorcycles dealership. Each component on offer is designed to enhance on-track performance, reduce weight, or add durability to this exceptional supermoto machine.

For enhanced rider safety and unrestricted performance, a premium collection of supermoto-specific functional apparel combines innovative technical features for improved comfort, protection, and style.

The 2023 FS 450 is now available worldwide from all authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealers. Availability may differ from country to country. For details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles subsidiary or importer.

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