BMW R18 meets Indian Challenger and Harley Heritage Classic

CLICK HERE To Read a comprehensive Road Test & Review of the cruiser models from the 3 motorcycle brands.

Stay updated with Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter

CLICK Here for subscribing to a weekly dose of all things motorcycle.

Alright. Maybe she wasn’t a great business leader—who saw that coming?—but the slightly ridiculous 1800cc, two-cylinder, leather-saddlebag, CHiPs-windshielded cruiser I’m trying to force through six stopped lanes of Los Angeles traffic can’t be taken as anything but an admission on the part of the Bayerische Motoren Werke that Harley-Davidson knows

a) what boys like;
b) what guys want …

… here in America, anyway. The press release says that the BMW R18 is a throwback/retro take on the company’s pre-WWII R5, and if you just look at the photos it almost seems plausible, but five minutes behind the bars of the new one will put the lie to any claims about mining BMW’s own past for inspiration. This massive motorcycle channels Milwaukee the same way the last few steroidal and ridiculous generations of BMW’s M3 resemble a Pontiac Trans Am far more than they do any svelte four-cylinder touring-sedan racer of the Eighties.

Now here’s the problem: Germans love Harley-Davidson, to the point that the “Eaglerider” bike-rental operations in Las Vegas and elsewhere often have bilingual employees whose second tongue is Deutsch, not Spanish. Formula One champion Michael Schumacher spent a dozen summers riding the American West on Harleys, owned a vintage Indian Chief, and even designed his own “bobber” around a Harley-Davidson engine. Every year more than thirty thousand bar-and-shield bikes are sold in Europe, the vast majority of those to Germany. BMW’s last attempt at building a “cruiser”-style bike, the funky R1200C seen beneath Pierce Brosnan and Michelle Yeoh in Tomorrow Never Dies, was a flop both here and and in Europe. So what makes BMW think that American buyers will ride a Bavarian pretzel, when even the German riders clearly prefer the real deal from Wisconsin?

The market for American-style cruisers is so massive nowadays that it supports a second large-scale American manufacturer. After years of trying to make their house-brand bikes resonate with customers, Polaris has finally decided to go all-in on the Indian marque, and the results have been impressive. Not only are the modern Indians very good, they’ve also forced Harley to drastically accelerate the pace of innovation in their own lineup.

“Serious” motorcyclists laughed at the cruiser market for a solid four decades, but in the end Harley and the potato-potato won, just like Elizabeth Holmes predicted. (I think.) If you want to make money in the American motorcycle game, you need something that competes directly with Harley. But it can’t be just a metric-scale copy of a Harley; the Japanese tried that and failed. Your Harley competitor needs to have some kind of independent “hook” on which to hang its raison-d’etre hat.

Owning an R18 will let him do all the cruiser stuff while still feeling superior to his Harley buddies. And here’s the best part: the BMW is actually cheaper than its American equivalent. (Nobody has to know that.) It’s hard to option an R18 up to $20,000. And it’s ten grand cheaper to start than the $28,499 Indian Challenger Dark Horse that we’ve also taken on this Palm Desert motorcycle adventure, another alt-universe cruiser that uses an oddly-shaped fairing and a truly magnificent powertrain to stake out a different kind of difference from the Harleys, so to speak.

Since it would be a bit churlish to ride a couple of Harley substitutes without including the real thing, we’ve brought The Motor Company’s own alt-Harley along. The Heritage Classic splits the price difference between the Beemer and Indian, at just under twenty-three grand plus accessories, and it’s powered by a slightly heretical Harley engine: the 114-ci “Milwaukee-Eight” V-Twin, which drives four valves per cylinder with a single cam and pushrod valvetrain.

BMW R18
“This thing rides like fake patina looks.” Leave it to young Kyle Smith to sum up the R18 in a single cutting simile. He’s not wrong; although our test took place in the mountains above Palm Desert, CA, it was my job to shuttle the big Beemer to and from Los Angeles for said test and I never warmed up to it. Not even a little bit. There was never a moment of the ride when I would not have rather been on the Indian, or possibly on my old 2014 Honda CB1100. Our other Smith, yclept Sam, is similarly unsympathetic: “Reminds me of the McDonald’s in the Frankfurt airport.”

Alright, so the R18 isn’t charming, and there’s a slightly unpleasant air of what pro wrestlers call “kayfabe,” meaning fake, about the whole thing. Even the real-deal mechanical aspects of the motorcycle, such as the violent right-side rock that accompanies every start and every quick rev of the massive Boxer twin, feel contrived somehow. But it’s not a bad bike. Some parts of it are very well thought out. “The gearbox is a brainless delight,” Sam noted, dialing back the snark a little. “Fit and finish put the other bikes on the trailer, especially in plating and plastics/switchgear. Handling and damping easily outclass the others; it’s far more adjustable in the midcorner, and far more confidence-inspiring over lumpy stuff. Also far more fun to ride fast, if you give it the right ingredients. But you have to work at it. It rewards and seems to want a trained rider, where the other two make you feel good no matter what you do.”

As the slowest and least graceful rider of our trio, I was always trailing Kyle and Sam by some distance in the mountains, but the R18 extended that gap significantly. Bereft of both the Indian’s massive power and the Harley’s comfortingly flexible chassis, I always felt that I was about to drag the cylinder heads on the ground in the corners, and when the road straightened out I had no ability to catch back up. The ride back to Los Angeles was miserable, with freezing rain and vicious crosswinds as we passed the famous Cabazon Dinosaurs, and I found myself unable to maintain highway speed in the worst of it. More than four hours’ worth of lane-splitting on the approach to LA pointed out another R18 drawback: that wide engine is a nightmare for getting between Cayennes and Suburbans on the 405. Time and time again I would make a move that felt absolutely death-defying, watching the running boards of a pickup truck pass the cylinder heads with a Bible-page’s worth of gap, only to look up and see Kyle impatiently tailgating me on the far narrower, and much more traffic-adept, Harley.

Let’s be cynical for a moment: if you want to attend cruiser-bike events in your neighborhood but despise the idea of riding an American anything, the R18 is just the ticket. It’s not expensive, it’s built well, and it looks the part. But there’s a sad irony in the way BMW imitates Harley-Davidson here. They started with their existing boxer-twin product, the world’s most comfortable and competent bike for Aerostitch-wearing grownups, then punished the thing until it felt crude and dopey enough to match their idea of what a cruiser was. Harley-Davidson, meanwhile, entered the modern bike market with a swap-meet budget and technology from the Twenties but have busted their humps since then to improve their products in every aspect from peak horsepower to iPhone connectivity.

Indian Challenger Dark Horse
“So well-sorted, it makes the other two look and feel like comic-book answers.” Hard to disagree with Sam Smith here. If the R18 is defined by what it subtracts from the experience, the Challenger is a creature of addition. Take the stereotypical cruiser—and add:

• An astoundingly stout-hearted engine that can summon warp speed at any place on the tach or speedo;
• A goofy space-age fairing that nevertheless works perfectly at isolating the rider from the unpleasantries of the open road while effortlessly allowing the joy of it;
• Good-enough brakes;
• All the technology/nav/phone-integration you could want;
• An ethereal combination of soft springs and road grip, kind of like the best Caterham road cars;
• Good, solid luggage that is just a missing quick-release feature away from perfection.

Indian has a particular control language, for lack of a better phrase; everything you touch is big, sturdy, high-effort, unbreakable-feeling. For short rides, it’s an annoyance. After five hundred tired miles, you appreciate being able to stomp and punch the bike along like a strong-willed but eventually-obedient mule. Like its Roadmaster and Chieftain stablemates, this is a massive and unconscionably heavy motorcycle, and feels far more droppable than either the Beemer or the Harley, but that same unapologetic mass lets it run at triple digits on the cruise control in absolute S-Class-on-the-Autobahn confidence.

This is the most expensive bike in our test, and you never forget that, not for a single moment. Because it’s worth it. The most fascinating part of the new-generation Indians, for your humble author at least, is how fragile and insubstantial a Harley feels in comparison. Like BMW, the nice people at Polaris have leaned-in on an interpretation of “cruiser” that isn’t strictly drawn from reality. The difference is that the Challenger feels designed to exceed the Harley, not dumb down to it.

Harley Heritage Classic
Could this be the worst gearbox in modern motorcycling? If it isn’t, I can’t imagine what could beat it for the title. Sam Smith: “Neutral is nonexistent. Next to impossible to find when hot, and simply not in the gearbox when cold. Every one of us sat there going 2-1-2-1-2-1 over and over again, trying to find it.”

Kyle Smith: “The throw of the shifter is long even into first, and the thwack of the gears gnashing together … cracks. It’s not the sound of cracking off a home run, or even line drive. It’s not an intentional sound. It’s … haphazard.” Our experience with the Harley’s transmission was so bad that I’m going to find another Heritage Classic as soon as I can, just to see if “they all do that.” Regardless, this is one motorcycle that requires a test ride before purchase, just to see if you can live with the powertrain.

The rest of it, happily, requires no such resigned accommodation. The Milwaukee-Eight didn’t impress my young Smiths very much but as a veteran of many long miles on previous-generation Harley engines I found it charming, particularly in its eagerness to rev. There’s no engineered-in drama like you have with the R18 or Challenger, both of which have pixelated “character” added by some multi-million-dollar CAD-aided crankshaft calculations. This is just a classic V-twin doing its best to offer adequate power down low and an extended redline up top. It’s not the Honda S2000 of cruisers; that was probably the old Harley V-Rod. It’s like the Integra GS-R of cruisers. More space at the top of the tach than you’d expect, and cheerful about getting there.

Sam notes that “It somehow manages to feel more calculated than the Indian and less cynical than the BMW. It’s just a company doing one thing, the way it has always done it, and trying to maintain that idea against the winds of progress.” I disagree; to me this is an ambitious effort, from the powertrain to the electronics. But if you’re not in the culture, I can see how it doesn’t look particularly progressive.

Where Sam and I agree, however, is regarding the friendly and (literally) flexible road demeanor of the thing. “The bars are awfully flexible—they visibly bend without a lot of effort. It’s noticeable while pushing the bike around in a lot, or lifting yourself out of the seat at speed for a moment to relieve spine pain. Have to assume this impacts how the steering feels and reacts, and yet the thing tracks arrow-straight under most conditions, and bends into a corner consistently.” I personally felt most comfortable in the mountains on the Harley. It reminded me of a titanium-framed road bicycle; you see a fast bend, you start pressing down on the bars, and the frame conforms to the maximum safe speed. How odd, for a Harley to be the corner-carver of the group!

Some of the traditional Harley aesthetics rubbed all of us the wrong way; in particular, the turn signals and instrumentation seem designed for nothing more serious than a cruise-in at the local Sonic. This is so clearly a modern engineering effort that it seems incongruous to have it behave like a 1995 Softail in this regard. Oh well. If you want something that wears its modernity on its sleeve, try the Indian Challenger.

The conclusion, in which nothing is concluded

Dice Magazine x Harley-Davidson – Mama Tried Show 2021 Recap

Checkout the 2021 Mama Tried Show recap video by Dice Magazine in partnership with Harley-Davidson.

Grand Rapids, MI – Buell Motorcycle is back and unveiling yet another future model at Daytona Bike Week 2022. On Saturday March 5th at high noon, Buell will unveil the new Baja DR (Dune Racer) test prototype in their booth at Destination Daytona. The Buell Baja DR will be the world’s fastest production dirt bike, built right here in America.

“This is a pivotal moment for American motorcycles and really puts Buell on the map. We are on track to build the world’s fastest and solely American-built production off road bike,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. adding, “less than 1% of the world is covered with pavement, the Buell Baja DR is designed to dominate the other 99.7%. It will give riders the freedom to go anywhere in the world, faster and with more power, harnessing our 1190 engine. The Buell Baja DR is a beast, elevating the brand to even greater heights, and will bring passion back for American-built motorcycles.”

Buell’s entry into the off-road segment won’t go unnoticed by the competition. The Buell Baja DR takes its design inspiration from Buell’s success on the American Hillclimb racing circuit with 2X World Champion Logan Cipala on board. Buell has posted videos of the race prototype on their Instagram page. The 1190 flies through the air, while racing in only first gear!

The production Baja DR model specs and features are: 175hp liquid cooled, 72-degree V-twin engine with 101 ft lbs. of torque, trellis frame, adjustable swing arm for a 66” to 70” wheelbase, and industry standard 37” seat height with 26.75 degree rake. The Buell Baja DR will be unmatched at the top of the market for speed and performance, while clearly signaling the New Buell will not be strictly on-road any longer but going off-road too.

Reservations for production slots for the Baja DR model will go live on March 5th at 12pm EST (noon) and cost just $25. Estimated retail for the model will start at $19,995 with production planned for 2023.

Learn more about what the future has to offer from Buell at Daytona Bike Week 2022 with the unveiling of the new Baja DR and SuperTouring model prototypes on Saturday March 5th. Both motorcycles will be available for customers to view March 5th to 13that Destination Daytona in the booths 100 yards north of JP Cycles Superstore.

Buell is back and unveiling the future while delivering excitement at every turn.

For future Buell updates, follow our news page on our website and our social media pages.

Website: www.BuellMotorcycle.com

Email for Information: Info@BuellMotorcycle.com

Upgrades include the latest Bluetooth technology, smaller size, upgraded app and tuning capability for new Harley-Davidson models

Santa Fe Springs CA – February 25, 2022 – Vance & Hines today announced the FP4, the next generation of its industry-leading engine control module (ECM) flash tuning products. The FP4 features an all-new circuit board, case, firmware and mobile app, all of which were designed and manufactured in Santa Fe Springs, California. The FP4 brings greater control and optimum performance tuning to Harley-Davidson Touring and Softail models because it’s the only app-driven tuner in the market.

“We know riders want the best setup for their Harley-Davidson, just like we do for our race bikes,” said Vance & Hines President Mike Kennedy. “Think about it, the bike’s stock ECM is set for a stock exhaust and factory air intake. When you make changes, like adding a different exhaust or air intake, you need the right tune to get the full performance potential out of your engine.”

The heart of the Vance & Hines FP4 is the ability to dial-in the motorcycle’s ECM tune to match the performance upgrades that a rider adds to their motorcycle, such as an aftermarket exhaust system and a high flow air intake. Owners of the FP4 may choose from a vast library of Vance & Hines maps created in the company’s dyno-tuning lab in California. Vance & Hines maps are model-specific and are created using actual parts on real motorcycles, not projections made from previous tests. Owners can further develop those maps with a number of customization options found in the FP4 app.

The Vance & Hines FP4 unit has a slimmer and smaller case and a longer wiring harness than its predecessor, Fuelpak FP3, allowing more options for locating the hardware on the motorcycle. It features simplified LEDs on the unit, which display the communication between the unit and the bike. The FP4 also uses the new red OBD II connector, which is now standard on 2021 and 2022 Harley-Davidson Touring and Softail models.

The Vance & Hines FP4’s smartphone app is one of the significantly upgraded features of the device. It has a new look, is easier to use and is faster than ever before. The user experience is vastly improved with a redesigned navigation bar, giving easy access to the FP4’s core tuning functions. The Live Data capability of the app includes a new gauge layout and delivers more data to the rider than any other ECM tuner on the market.

The new Performance Data feature is a data logger that allows users to go for a ride, then study the data collected from that ride. This feature also uses the built-in GPS from the rider’s phone to map out and store the ride route, allowing riders to analyze and compare the data collected to the actual road and highway situations at the time.

Support for users of the Vance & Hines FP4 takes customer service to a whole new level. Riders can use the app to directly upload their map to the FP4 customer service website to receive hands-on technical support, while speaking to a representative on the phone, email or chat. This support for owners is unheard of in the powersports industry.

“With FP4, it’s as simple as connect, tune, ride. That’s the mantra that guided us in developing the next generation of our industry-leading ECM tuner,” Kennedy continued. “The FP4 is the most intuitive, easy to understand, rider friendly tuner in the market, and we’re really proud of that.”

The Vance & Hines FP4 is compatible with 2021 and 2022 model year Harley-Davidson Touring and Softail motorcycles. Suggested Retail is $459.99.

Join the Vance & Hines Team for a live look a the New FP4 on Facebook Live 9:00 AM PST.
https://www.facebook.com/54025481105/posts/10158273647811106/

Visit Vance & Hines website at: https://vanceandhines.com/

Hey,

It seems odd to say there’s hope, when Russia is bombing the Ukraine and my son called and said, “It’s WWIII pops.”

Truckers are rolling toward Washington D.C. in protest.

Let’s hope for the best on all fronts. Freedom works.

Sometimes the news blows me away. I appreciate all the input from readers and the industry.

In the meantime, ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

CLICK HERE To Read the Weekly News on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for exclusive coverage of Motorcycle industry in USA & rest of the world

CLICK Here to Subscribe to the Cantina

Hey,

It seems odd to say there’s hope, when Russia is bombing the Ukraine and my son called and said, “It’s WWIII pops.” Truckers are rolling toward Washington D.C. in protest. One of their goals could be respect for Fossil Fuels and demand an end to Climate Doom. Science is never settled.

Let’s hope for the best on all fronts. Freedom works. 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.

COMING TO DAYTONA BIKE WEEK–
Croft Leather Works gets a remarkable seat deal with Billy Lane to make hand-tooled leather seats and leather accessories for his new brand to be introduced at Daytona Bike Week this year!

AT LAST CLIMATE DOOM IS IN COURT--ExxonMobil fights back in court–

I’ve written before about the ongoing war being waged against ExxonMobil by far-left greedy tobacco lawyers like Mathew Pawa and environmental zealots like Naomi Oreskes and the leaders of the far-left Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). You can find these posts.

The tobacco lawsuits worked because tobacco does cause cancer, and cancer has a measurable effect on people and governments due to the additional medical costs and premature deaths it causes. To make matters worse, the tobacco companies withheld information they had on the dangers of smoking from the public. These two facts led to Matthew Pawa and the other tobacco lawyers winning their cases.

The idea that Pawa, cities in California, and UCS have used to sue ExxonMobil is based on their claim that ExxonMobil knew about the dangers of climate change and withheld this information from the public and should pay as a result. But as I explain in my last book (pages 158-170), ExxonMobil published all their climate studies and had employees on every side of the issue who engaged in lively debates about climate change, its possible dangers, and its possible human origins. Further, unlike tobacco, no significant negative effects of recent climate changes (man-made or otherwise) have been observed or measured. The whole debate is over who is projecting the future more accurately, the alarmists or the skeptics.

So, are these spurious lawsuits accusing ExxonMobil of damage that does not exist, causing measurable harm to ExxonMobil and the great state of Texas? ExxonMobil is countersuing the cities and the tobacco lawyers, so we will find out! The lawsuit is before the Supreme Court of Texas and the petition is here. It claims that the lawsuits harmed and violated the rights of Texas and Texans, as well as ExxonMobil.

The lawsuit specifically says the tort lawsuits, by Pawa and several California cities, including San Francisco, targeted the free speech rights of ExxonMobil and its executives, as well as ExxonMobil publications like their famous Outlook for Energy annual report.

It is interesting that while cities claimed that the dangers of climate change are certain in their lawsuits, they claimed in their municipal bond offerings that the dangers of climate change were uncertain. ExxonMobil requested discovery and commenced a Rule 202 proceeding to investigate claims and preserve evidence. ExxonMobil is supported in these suits by Governor Abbott of Texas, the Texas Oil and Gas Association, and Texans for Lawsuit Reform.

Can ExxonMobil sue a California city in Texas? Governor Abbott says the following in his letter to the court:

“[T]he energy industry is vital to economic growth in Texas, employing hundreds of thousands of Texans and contributing billions of dollars a year in taxes and royalties. … Petitioner is an oil-and-gas company headquartered in Texas. Respondents are California officials and local governments, plus a Massachusetts lawyer, who are allegedly using tort lawsuits in California courts as a pretext to suppress the speech of eighteen Texas-based energy companies on the subject of climate and energy policies.

By engaging in such ‘lawfare,’ respondents have flouted ‘principles of state sovereignty and comity [dictating] that a State may not impose economic sanctions on violators of its laws with the intent of changing the tortfeasors’ lawful conduct in other States.’* More importantly, for present purposes, they have subjected themselves to the jurisdiction of Texas courts. When out-of-state officials try to project their power across our border, as respondents have done by broadly targeting the speech of an industry crucial to Texas, they cannot use personal jurisdiction to scamper out of our courts and retreat across state lines.”

This is going to be fun to watch.

–By Andy May

ENGRAVING BY BRUNO—

–from Sam Burns

INDUSTRY BROTHERS GONE–
We lost a real treasure today. Frank Kaisler was a mentor of mine, a friend, and one of the most genuine people to walk the earth. Before I was in the editorial game, I read so many of Frank’s features and could only dream to meet him one day. And when I did, I was floored at how real and humble the guy was. A large part of the way I deal with my readers, fans, and followers comes from the way he dealt with me early on in my career.

We had many encounters which ended up just being hours of me asking him countless questions about photography, grammar, and technical writing. He never made me feel out of place or stupid with even the simplest of questions.

He always made me feel that I was an important figure as a writer and he would talk to me at length about the features I wrote, which always made me feel great that he even took the time to read it. I would introduce him to people as my mentor, but he didn’t seem to like that term. So, I switched it up to introducing him as “The biggest influence in my editorial career.” That always made him smile. I’m going to miss you Frank…

–Jeff Holt
V-Twin Visionary

It’s been a tough couple weeks and that’s not even including the loss of Jim Leinweber. On this clear, cool Sunday morning, heading into work, I’m notified of another loss of a person that had a tremendous and positive effect upon Accurate Engineering’s startup success.

In the ‘90s he invited me to the big-inch engine shootout at Bartels Harley-Davidson where we were hugely successful, and I also got to finally meet Andy Hansen (RIP). I brought one of my street 103 Panheads. He wrote articles about Accurate Engineering and his very first video interview for the Speedvision channel was with me and one of my Panhead engines. Response was huge.

One night, sitting alone on a bench at the entrance to a bar in Indianapolis, he sat down beside me. Looking not at me but rather straight ahead he said, “Berry, Dale Earnhardt was killed at Daytona today.” We just sat there beside one another in complete silence. Isn’t it ironic that twenty-one years later, almost to the day, my friend, Frank Kaisler, has also passed away. Godspeed Frank. Until such time.

–Berry Wardlaw
Accurate Engineering

TAKE A BREAK AND CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET TRIKES OF THE WEEK—

Trike brought to you by Sam Burns and Barry Green, Bikernet research specialists.

LATEST FROM SUPPORT GOOD TIMES–Support Logo Bodysuit
$ 50.00

ADD TO CART
Original Support Good Times Logo Bodysuit. Heavyweight shrink-free cotton spandex. (95% cotton and 5% spandex jersey)

NEXT RUN SHIPS MARCH 15 2022

The HANDBUILT MOTORCYCLE SHOW is finally back, so save the date – April 8-10th – as we plan to pull off the best show yet. If you’ve never been to the Handbuilt Show, it takes place alongside MotoGP, giving custom bike enthusiasts the chance to see both the fastest and most unique bikes all in one city over one exciting weekend!

Join us for over 150 one-of-kind handbuilt motorcycles on display, with activations celebrating art & design across 50,000 sqft of show space! We’ll also be featuring live performance art, stunts, food trucks, and more! You won’t want to miss it.

Tickets are available now, so tap the link in our bio to reserve your spot or head over to https://bit.ly/3gOzx6p

–Revival Cycles

The HARLEY ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE IS BACK—
In the line of more and less dramatic changes Harley-Davidson started implementing in 2020 to revive the brand, the latest on the list is the Harley owners’ magazine name swap. Since 2009, HOG Magazine has been the Motor Company’s owner-dedicated publication with a circulation of 500,000 copies annually in the U.S. only. The magazine was born from the merger of former publications HOG Tales and the historical The Enthusiast, created in 1916.

The company announced that it will now drop the HOG name altogether and bring back The Enthusiast, starting with the September 2020 edition.

“We believe today The Enthusiast title is more relevant than ever. In a year when so many people have been stuck inside, we passionately believe in inspiring riders and aspiring riders to get out in the world to rediscover adventure through socially-distanced riding,” wrote Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz in the press release. The decision is “the return to a great tradition” in his opinion.

Considering all of its historical competitors dropped their print editions in recent years, The Enthusiast becomes the longest-continuously-running printed motorcycle publication in the U.S. and the most “broadly circulated motorcycle magazine in the world”, according to Harley.

The way we see it, changing the name back to The Enthusiast looks like an attempt to make the magazine more inclusive so that people who don’t necessarily own Harleys can still be compelled to read it. Of course, that’s only our perception and the intention behind it could be entirely different but doesn’t this make a bit of sense? After all, the decision is also perfectly aligned with the company’s “back to basics” strategy to help rebuild the brand and a strong customer base.

If you’re interested in checking out the magazine’s print edition, it’s now available for purchase on the Harley-Davidson website for $9.95. How do you feel about The Enthusiast?

Planning For The Future:

— By Sabrina Giacomini
Harley-Davidson

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
WHAT DO YOU THINK BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 17th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WHAT_DO_YOU_THINK_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_17th_2022.aspx

Hey, regarding Keanu Reeves – he looks the same now as he did when he was 20 years old. There are fan sites and crazy-people forums with conspiracy theories that he is a Vampire. Hence the ever-youthful looks.

For Sam ‘Chopper’ Orwell – check out the TV series adaptation of the first Jack Reacher novel launched this Feb. In the novels, Reacher of course is an ex-military one-man army the size of a giant.

That actor looks the part as an ass-kicking biker who can kick-start your celluloid adaptation of Chopper Orwell.

–Wayfarer

GUN NUT REPORT–Took the wife to the gun range for the first time. This WAS a anti-gun person.

She loves shooting the AR and the Glock I bought her….funny now she wants me to build her an AR…lol

Oh, and she kept hitting the same hole, dead center! I will never upset her again!

Have a great week
–Barry G

LOWBROW CREW COMING TO MAMA TRIED–Come by the Lowbrow Customs booth on the main floor at Mama Tried, say hey, high five, fist bump (or bonus points for chest bumps), and get yourself a FREE Mama Tried x Lowbrow Customs 2022 prismatic sticker! Made in the USA, super cool, while supplies last!

See you in Milwaukee!!!

QUICK, OPEN THE BAD BLONDE BIKERNET JOKE LIBRARY— An old, blind Marine wanders into an all-girl biker bar by mistake.

He finds his way to a bar stool and orders a shot of Jack Daniels.

After sitting there for a while, he yells to the bartender, ‘Hey, you wanna hear a blonde joke?’

The bar immediately falls absolutely silent.
In a very deep, husky voice, the woman next to him says,’Before you tell that joke I think it is only fair, given that you are blind, that you should know five things:

1. The bartender is a blonde girl with a baseball bat.
2. The bouncer is a blonde girl.
3. I’m a 6-foot tall, 175-pound blonde woman with a black belt in karate.
4. The woman sitting next to me is blonde and a professional weight lifter.
5. The lady to your right is blonde and a professional wrestler.

Now, think about it seriously, do you still wanna tell that blonde joke?’

The blind Marine thinks for a second, shakes his head and mutters, ‘No…not if I’m gonna have to explain it five times.’

–El Waggs

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE UNLEASHES ITS MOST CAPABLE TOURING MACHINE WITH ALL-NEW, LIQUID-COOLED INDIAN PURSUIT–

The Next Generation of American V-Twin Touring Performance is Here –
2022 Indian Pursuit Touts Class-Leading Power, All-Day Comfort & Seamless
Ride-Enhancing Technology

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed the next generation of American V-Twin touring performance with the launch of the Indian Pursuit. Featuring the liquid-cooled PowerPlus engine, seamless ride-enhancing technology, a chassis-mounted fairing, and loads of touring amenities, the 2022 Indian Pursuit stakes its claim as the most capable and refined American touring machine on the road.

Packed with unparalleled comfort and performance, the Indian Pursuit was thoughtfully engineered for discerning riders who value the journey as much as the destination. Available in two models with two trim levels for each, riders can select from four total offerings to fit their personal style and riding preferences. Models include the Pursuit Dark Horse and Pursuit Limited – each available with a premium package that offers advanced ride-enhancing technology and additional comfort features.

At the heart of each model is the Indian Motorcycle PowerPlus engine, a 108 cubic-inch, liquid-cooled V-twin that delivers a class-leading 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs. of torque. Each 2022 Pursuit model features a refined PowerPlus calibration, which improves low-speed drivability and further enhances the rider experience.

Each Indian Pursuit model is designed for optimal comfort for long, epic journeys. The adjustable windscreen and vented lower fairings provide superior protection from the elements, and a heightened level of flexibility to adjust to varying weather and temperature conditions. Heated grips keep riders’ hands warm in cold weather, while the Pursuit’s new Touring Comfort seat delivers unprecedented comfort. In addition, a premium cargo trunk and spacious saddlebags combine for more than 35 gallons of power-locking storage – allowing riders to pack everything they need for longer rides.

Features for each Pursuit model are capped off with an industry-leading seven-inch touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND. With RIDE COMMAND+, the touchscreen display offers Apple CarPlay®, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation and a free year of RIDE COMMAND+ connected features, including live traffic and weather overlays, and an all-new vehicle locator feature. The new vehicle locator feature adds a sense of security, as riders can visit the Indian Motorcycle RIDE COMMAND mobile app or website to track their bike’s last location where it was powered on.

In addition, both premium models offer intuitive Smart Lean Technology, which keeps riders confidently grounded by utilizing a Bosch® IMU to add cornering control to the dynamic traction control and ABS. The two premium offerings also feature integrated driving lights within the lower fairings and a premium styled heated seat for improved comfort during cold weather.

To add power and custom-inspired styling to Indian Pursuit models, Indian Motorcycle offers several performance accessories. The PowerPlus Air Cleaner complements the bike with a deeper intake sound, while the PowerPlus Stage 2 Performance Cams deliver 10% more horsepower and 3% more torque.

Pricing for the Indian Pursuit Dark Horse begins at $30,999 and $33,999 for the Pursuit Dark Horse with Premium Package. Paint options for both trims include, Black Smoke, Spirit Blue, Silver Quartz Smoke, and Ruby Metallic over Black Metallic.

The Indian Pursuit Limited starts at $29,999, while the Pursuit Limited with Premium Package begins at $32,999. Paint options for both trims include, Black Metallic, Deepwater Metallic and Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic.

The 2022 Pursuit lineup will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in early 2022.

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK— We do have the new TailWhip for the LowRider Softail.

If you’re interested give them a call. This seat is not featured on their site just yet.

–Bandit

NEW FULL THROTTLE MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE–March 2022 FULL THROTTLE
MAGAZINE is now available.

–Tony
www.fullthrottle.com

[page break]

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–Climate Miracle: There is no climate crisis Nature controls climate– The journal Science of Climate Change published my peer-reviewed paper on December 14, 2021.

My now-published paper is the scientific support and references for Climate Miracle, making Climate Miracle one of the very few books on climate change that is backed by a peer-reviewed scientific publication. Climate Miracle gives you accurate climate change science in the fewest pages possible to make it easy for you to read.

IPCC’s fundamental claim – that human CO2 has caused all the CO2 increase – is not only incorrect – because it results from an error in basic physics – but it is also a climate fraud of global proportions. All climate treaties, laws, regulations, and taxes are based on this IPCC fraud. To download my paper, “The Impact of human CO2 on atmospheric CO2,” go to https://edberry.com and click on the “My Paper” button.

On February 24, the State of Montana will try to shut down Dr. Ed Berry’s climate business

Dr. Ed Berry moved from California to Montana in 2008.

In 2011, he led the fight that stopped the “Our Children’s Trust” climate petition in Montana’s Supreme Court, thereby saving the State of Montana millions of dollars per year in perpetuity.

His testimonies in the Montana Legislature stopped more Democrat-sponsored climate bills, saving Montana more money.

According to attorney Quentin Rhoades, the 2011 Montana Supreme Court ruling makes it illegal in the State of Montana for any person paid by the Montana government, university, college, school, DOR, etc., to teach or assume that human CO2 causes dangerous climate change.

In January 2017, Dr. Berry began his 5-year research project.

His goal was to prove human carbon emissions do not cause all the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, as the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and all climate alarmists claim.

On December 14, 2021, he successfully completed his 5-year research goal, with the publication his landmark peer-reviewed paper, “The Impact of human CO2 on atmospheric CO2.”

His paper proves IPCC’s core climate theory, and all climate alarmism, are based on the scientific fraud that human carbon emissions cause all the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

This fraud is the basis of all climate treaties, laws, regulations, teaching, and taxes.

Montana, even after its 2011 Supreme Court ruling, still teaches this climate fraud to its students.

Montana attacks Dr. Berry’s climate business.

As a result of his opposition to their climate fraud, climate-change believers would like to disappear Dr. Ed Berry. He expected to have enemies in the private world due to his scientific position that contradicts the dominant climate confusion.

However, he never expected climate alarmists would use taxpayer money and government power to try to shut down his climate business.

On July 20, 2020, Montana’s Department of Revenue (DOR) began its “audit” of Dr. Berry’s single-person climate business.

DOR’s “audit” conscripted his professional time to work on his business during August, September, November, and December of 2020, and January and February of 2021.

In April 2021, DOR wrote it found no errors in his bookkeeping, but “determined” without giving any adequate reasons, that his business was “not for profit” and, therefore, disallowed all his business expenses since January 2017.

DOR spent more money trying to disappear Dr. Berry than it would receive if its claims against Dr. Berry were true. No matter what the outcome, DOR’s attack is a net loss for DOR and Dr. Berry.

Since DOR’s “determination” is factually false, Dr. Berry appealed DOR’s determination. This appeal conscripted his professional time for May and June of 2021.

On December 8, 2021, DOR’s letter, under the letterhead of Governor Greg Gianforte and DOR Director Brendan Beatty, rejected Dr. Berry’s June appeal.

Dr. Berry does not say this because he wants a favor. He says it because this DOR attack is not an audit. It is a lynching!

Since DOR’s December 2021 letter rejects facts and uses fraud, lies, and illogical reasoning, Dr. Berry hired an attorney and appealed this DOR’s December letter.

DOR will mediate his appeal beginning at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

Hang on!

FIRST IMMERSIVE LIVEWIRE EXPERIENCE CENTER OPENS IN MALIBU, CALIFORNIA–LiveWire Announces Future-Forward Financing Purchase Option for LiveWire ONE Motorcycles

The first LiveWire™ Experience Center, designed to offer a fully immersive experience centered on the all-electric LiveWire ONE™ motorcycle, has opened in Malibu, California. Inspired by the soulful connection of riding LiveWire ONE, the Experience Center looks to introduce the electric riding experience to visitors while also creating a community space for LiveWire riders.

The LiveWire Experience Center was created by LiveWire in collaboration with London-based designer Steve Lidbury. The interior expresses cool urban adventure, with polished concrete, engineered wood, perforated steel and detailed textures. The 1,766-square-foot space incorporates a virtual showroom to support live video chats with LiveWire representatives, displays of LiveWire technology and design, a collaborative showcase featuring displays by LiveWire partners, socializing and event space and LiveWire One motorcycles available for demo rides. Customers can place an order for a new LiveWire ONE motorcycle online and take delivery at home or locally, courtesy of an authorized LiveWire dealer*.

Visit the LiveWire Experience Center at 3848 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, Calif, 90265.

With the LiveWire Future-Forward Financing Program it’s easier than ever to start riding down the road on an exciting new LiveWire ONE all-electric motorcycle.

Redefining Electric

LiveWire ONE was created to redefine electric, delivering the best experience for the urban rider, with personality and soul:
BIKE WITH A PULSE: Haptic heartbeat adds a touch of humanity to electricity
DIGITALLY CONNECTED: Stream directions, monitor alerts, and track recharge status
INSTANT ACCELERATION: Smooth power from the electric motor that can produce 100% of its rated torque instantly
FAST CHARGING: Recharge DC Fast Charge 0 to 100% in 60 minutes/0 to 80% in 45 minutes**
FAR RANGING: 146 miles of city range, capable of traveling beyond the urban grid***
CUSTOM MODES: Define how LiveWire ONE performs and personalize your experience
CONTROL: Advanced rider systems and a 6-axis IMU tracks and anticipates change

1Subject to credit approval. 2Excess wear, mileage and other contractual charges may apply. Please visit a LiveWire store or visit LiveWire for complete details.

SCARY SHIT IN HAWAII–
After citing testimony from the MIC, and hearing from other organizations, Hawaii’s Energy & Environmental Protection Committee deferred House Bill 804, a measure that would prohibit dealers from selling new motor vehicles solely powered by fossil fuels and designed for personal use, beginning in 2035.

“Several states are proposing bans on internal combustion engines in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pull consumers into the electric vehicle market,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the MIC’s government relations office. “These bills would have major implications for powersports dealers and manufacturers. Your GRO team continues to inform state legislators and request bills be amended to clarify that motorcycles and off-highway vehicles are not included in the provisions of the bills. We’re pleased to see that the Hawaiian legislature has heard us and deferred the measure for now.”

In addition to the MIC testimony, the Hawaii Auto Dealers Association and the office of Hawaii’s attorney general also opposed the legislation.

–MIC

BIKERNET CHOPPER FEATURES OF THE WEEK–

–Sam Burns
Feature Editor
Bikernet.com™

HISTORIC New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Black Biker History

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

I always wondered when someone would mention these guys. They built these Iconic bikes for a generation, including me. Thanks for printing It in your news.

–Ruben Serrrano
Sinton, TX

DO US A FAVOR AND SIGN-UP FOR BIKERNET’S EMAIL—You will receive even more industry news, plus news about any content on Bikernet.

It won’t cost you a dime, ever. We won’t throw surveys at you or pop-up ads. And absolutely no political ads.

Plus it’s free, goddammit.

–Bandit

THE VETERAN REPORT–Don’t thank God for your freedom, thank a veteran.

On February 23, 1945, six Marines, with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Division, raised our American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The flag on the 546-foot dormant volcanic cone at the southern tip of the island, could be seen for a great distance, and was an inspiration for our Marines and Sailors. Three of the six Marines pictured, Sergeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harlon Block, and Private First Class Franklin Sousley, were killed in action before the battle concluded on 26 March.

There were 6,871 Americans killed and 19,217 wounded on Iwo Jima. The Medal of Honor was awarded to 22 Marines and five Sailors, 14 of them posthumously (13 Marines, one Sailor). Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, commander of Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas, noted of the Americans on Iwo, “uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Joe Rosenthal’s iconic image was of the second flag raised that day, a 96-by-56–inch flag to replace the 54-by-28-inch flag, and that image was the inspiration for the Marine Corps War Memorial outside the Ord-Weitzel Gate to Arlington National Cemetery. Both flags can now be seen in the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Marine Corp Base, Quantico.

The major conflicts against 20th century tyrants cost 616,124 American lives and 1,120,283 wounded, in bloody theaters of warfare — one battle at a time. Too many Americans now have no concept of the price of Liberty bequeathed to them — the price of freedom many arrogantly squander today. Ignorance is bliss — until it is not… In 1940, Winston Churchill observed, “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” Indeed.

NEWS FROM 13 PALMS CALIFORNIA— My ole` Gal is 50 years old.

–Bob T.

COMMENT FROM THE FRONT LINES–Nice to see them getting ahead and that new fairing Softail making strong sales moves against the ugly bagger sales. Motorcycles are coming back and the old man’s utility bagger is going away.

Harley-Davidson Roars Back To Life

Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) began to implement its Hardwire strategy in the nick of time. The company’s efforts to improve operations and brand appeal are paying off in spades and have…

Read in Entrepreneur: https://apple.news/AXZ55v7i6SRai3sJm16xOog

–Geno

QUOTES FROM THE BIKERNET BOOK OF THE DECADE, GREEN MURDER—This one is from the sub chapter: How do we know what we know.

To have consensus, make definitive statements or make predictions without declaring the uncertainties is not science. This is why real scientists often appear so boring.

The nature of science is skepticism. Science encourages argument and dissent. Scientific evidence is derived from repeatable and reproducible observation, measurement and experiment and must be in accord with previous validated evidence.

When it is judged that there is a suitable body of evidence, it needs to be interpreted and explained. Primary or raw data is not adjusted, amended or “homogenized.” This is fraud. Misrepresenting exploration data to investors can land a geologist in jail. If climate data is misrepresented to governments who invest billions on false data, the taxpayer bleeds through the eyes and there are no consequences for the climate “scientist.”

Much of what has been predicted in climate “science” is within the order of accuracy of older measurements and hence is meaningless. Once we tamper with data as happens in the climate “science” industry, then the question “How do we know what we know?” means that a method of reaching the truth has been abandoned.

–Ian Plimery

NEWS FROM THE BUELL LEADERSHIP TEAM–Ready to Rumble at Daytona Bike Week

Grand Rapids, MI – When Buell Motorcycle announced their return in 2021, the industry took notice. Their stated goals were to assemble a top-notch leadership team, start production, and design new models. Buell has achieved those goals and plans to unveil their successes at Daytona Bike Week 2022.

After just a few months, Buell has achieved success with their Buellvana reservation & sales system and started delivering bikes, with VIN #’s 1 & 2 going directly to the Barber Motorsports Museum…proving yet again, that yes…Buell is Back!

“2021 was jam packed with successes for the Buell factory,” said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. “The leadership team is doing amazing, our factory production is in full swing, and sales reservations are exceeding our expectations.”

“Customers have responded very enthusiastically to our return and love the ease of our Buellvana online reservation system,” said Melvin. “Most of our sales are just word of mouth among motorcycle enthusiasts and loyal followers.”

With new Buell Hammerhead 1190 and 1190 SX model motorcycles in production and being delivered to customers nationwide, want to see first-hand what all the buzz is about? Check out the new models up close and personal, and on-display at Destination Daytona during Daytona Bike Week 2022, March 4 – 13.

Opportunities to reserve a limited production slot by placing a $25 dollar reservation are still available by going to www.BuellMotorcycle.com and by visiting the Daytona Bike Week Buell display. You’ll receive a limited-edition Buell hat too!

In addition to viewing the current models on display at Daytona, you can get a glimpse at future product under development and rub elbows with the Buell team members that are ensuring Buell is Back…and here to stay.

“We made sure to add the right people with the experience and passion needed to revive this beloved brand,” said Melvin. “Now our leadership team is focused and firing on all cylinders.”

A few of the leadership team members available during Daytona Bike Week are:

Dean Guard, Chief Product Engineer – with 36+ years at GM focused on world-wide gasoline powertrain development, Dean’s senior leadership and technical experience blend nicely warranting successful integration happens among all things powertrain. Working across all departments to brings new products to life, Dean’s hands-on approach is a guiding light.

Tim Holland, Chief Technical Officer – as the recent Head of Lotus Engineering’s test and development operations, Tim’s led teams focused on powertrain development, racing applications, not to mention new product and prototype development. With over 35 years of experience in the automotive field, if it’s part of the powerplant, Tim’s fingerprints are all over it.

Steve Laham, Chief Products, Development & Strategy – he’s an icon in the powersports industry having led Butch’s retail success, steered Sea-Doo® through challenging times, launched the uniquely designed BRP Spyder® and led the Evinrude® reinvention at BRP. With over 35 years of powersports experience, Steve leads a no stone unturned approach to driving business.

The Buell leadership team is a collection of passionate powersports enthusiasts who just also happen to be seasoned and experienced powersports businesspeople. Go talk with them at Daytona Bike Week 2022.

Website: www.BuellMotorcycle.com

Buell Motorcycle
2700 Patterson Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS FROM THE VALLEY–Shane Owens’ “Music Man” Breaks Top 40 on The Music Row CountryBreakout Radio Chart
Shane Owens to Host 2nd Annual Neighborhood Cleanup Saturday, March 19 at 9 a.m. CT In His Hometown Of Samson, Alabama

“Shane Owens new single ‘Music Man’ is awesome … good clean country and a great storyline … if this isn’t a huge hit I’ll be shocked” – Joe Bonsall, The Oak Ridge Boys

“This new single by Shane Owens makes me want to roll the windows down, turn the radio up and sing along. GREAT SONG and performance, Shane!!” – T.G. Sheppard

“Country music is in good hands with Shane Owens! He’s remained true to his style and proves he is a true ‘Music Man.’” – Johnny Lee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music singer/songwriter Shane Owens’ recently released single, “Music Man,” continues to stand out as it has now broken the top 40 spot on the Music Row CountryBreakout Radio Chart reaching #34. Co-written by Galen Griffin, Monte Holmes, and Wil Jones, and produced by Ace Lutz, “Music Man” gives listeners that classic yet contemporary country feel through Owen’s signature bold vocals and upbeat energy.

The tune describes playing with his band at local honky-tonks to fast-paced life on the road, highlighting exactly what it means to be the true “music man” Owens was born to be. Known for being one of the few country artists who delivers modern-day sounds while honoring traditional country roots, Owens continues to pay homage to his heroes and stays true to his own style.

From playing the world-famous Grand Ole Opry with his debut in 2017 and appearing in many CMA festivals throughout his career, “Music Man” is another reason that proves Owens can’t stray from sharing his talent with the world!

“I’m so excited to be sitting at the number 34 spot on Music Row in Nashville. Thanks to country radio for all the support and playing Music Man!” shares Owens.

Owens is also giving back to the community by hosting his second annual ‘Shane Owens & Friends Neighborhood Cleanup’ in his hometown of Samson, Alabama. To show gratitude to the place where he formed his country roots, Owens, along with family, friends, and volunteers will take to the streets to clean up trash to leave the small town as pristine as possible. The event is set to take place Saturday, March 19 at 9 a.m. CT.

“I’m very pleased with last year’s Samson, Alabama city-wide clean-up. We had such a good turn out and everyone did such a great job that we’re excited to do it again this year on March 19,” shares Owens. “Looking forward to this event and giving back to our community and city!”

Upcoming Tour Dates:
MAR 12 – Barwick Billiards / Barwick, Ga.
MAR 23 – Mid-America Trucking Show @ Ky Expo Center / Louisville, Ky.
APR 08 – Music on Main / Defuniak Springs, Fla.
JUN 11 – RC’s – Rathel’s Classic Cars, Bars, & Guitars / Bainbridge, Ga.
JUN 17 – Slocomb Tomato Festival / Slocomb, Ala.
OCT 29 – Barwick Billiards / Barwick, Ga.
DEC 31 – Barwick Billiards / Barwick, Ga.

QUICK New Bikernet Reader Comment–WHAT DO YOU THINK BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 17th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WHAT_DO_YOU_THINK_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_17th_2022.aspx

Hate to hear of the passing of Mike Pullin. Always enjoyed his contributions. Prayers for his family and friends. RIP Brother.

— Dennis Hylton
Ashland, KY

VETERANS RESOURCE NEWS--Registration open for 2022 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego

Jess Levens is a public affairs specialist with VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events

Registration for the 2022 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC) is open until April 1 and limited to the first 150 Veteran applicants who submit the required paperwork.

Participation is open to Veterans whose current rehabilitation goals would benefit from the value of adaptive summer sports and is open to Veterans eligible for care and actively engaged in VA health care, including physical rehabilitation, mental health, blind rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, etc. Qualifying disabilities include spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments, neurological conditions, PTSD, burns and TBI/poly trauma. All disabilities are subject to review by the NVSSC medical director and NVSSC director. Their decisions are final.national veterans summer sports clinic man on surf board

NVSSC is a rehabilitation sports and recreation program for Veterans with disabilities which will take place in San Diego Aug. 7-12. It is hosted by the VA San Diego Healthcare System, along with presenting sponsor, Wounded Warrior Project, the Veterans Canteen Service and dozens of other partners.

VA remains committed to honoring our nation’s Veterans by ensuring a safe environment to deliver exceptional health care. As such, NVSSC will follow a COVID-19 plan which will be integrated into the operations of the in-person event for 2022.

To register or learn more about NVCCS, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports Programs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @Sports4Vets.

NEW FROM THE RMJ BATTALION–The production crew has been playing catch up after being closed for a week, so this week we will be dropping a few Textured Raider Dagger Blackouts, and also Textured Cuddles Blackouts!

When? This Friday (2/18) at 2:00pm (EST) on our site, the listings for both products have “back in stock” notifications you can sign up for, and as soon as the inventory hits the site you will get a notification.

https://www.rmjtactical.com/collections/everyday-carry-knives/products/raider-dagger-hand-textured-blackout

https://www.rmjtactical.com/collections/hammers/products/cuddles-textured-blackout

KNUCKLEHEADS OF THE WEEK–

–Renegade
Knucklehead Investigator
Bikernet.com™

NEW FROM THE AGENT IN THE FIELD–Here’s a bold prediction set:

The gray eminence will continue to try to crash the dollar and destroy it, to force a move to their CBDC and all the control that represents. This is a simple printing press play that will be combined with their next ‘variant’ move, which will be truly heinous; and manmade and cause some legitimate problems.

The goal of the next ‘variant’ will be to force mail-in voting just in time for the mid-terms, without which, there will be no way to cheat hard enough to prevent a Republican landslide and follow-on investigations in every direction. The cheating attempt will fail as so many eyes will be on every method of cheating, and the election will be chaotic to say the least.

Oil and gas prices will rise until we see $10/gallon fuel in key parts of the US. Meanwhile, the dollar, and faith in it, will continue to plummet.

Crypto, leading with Bitcoin (think CIA), will inflate until Bitcoin reaches somewhere around $80,000/coin. The dollar will be at the lowest value at this point. Cost of goods will simultaneously be painfully high and the middle-class will be nearing revolt status.

The people who actually put Biden “in office” (hint: not Obama and his furious/panicking handlers) will continue to prop the crime boss (who cut a deal) up by any method possible, so he can continue to do the job he was put there to do: destroy the Marxist captured-operation of the CCP-Democrat party once and for all.

Real estate prices will be very inflated by this time. Many in the middle and lower classes will struggle to maintain housing. Rents will soar accordingly. All but the wealthy will be baying for blood by this time. Crime will explode.
There will be no war in the Ukraine, even if Russia steps over the border.

Around fall of 2022 oil and gas prices will suddenly drop (or be dropped by oil and gas giants who support the POTUS ((the real one)) and don’t care much for slavery or the NWO concept). Cryptos will crash, all except for the crypto that is gold and silver backed, and over approximately ten years, many will die off or consolidate to the larger surviving coins.

When oil and gas prices drop, the dollar will vault in value as the British pound simultaneously crashes good and hard as payback for the Russian dossier; which was driven by the gray eminence in the London Square Mile. Meanwhile consumer goods prices will drop and real estate values will drop considerably per the mass die off, and increased dollar value.

Biden and Harris won’t be on the field by this time. The Speaker of the House will become President. Pelosi’s remaining days on this earth will be similar to those of Killary and the rest of the puppets who wanted to play.

Just a hunch.

–Agent Zebra

S & S STORMS ORMAND BEACH FOR BIKE WEEK–This is going to be a nutty one! If you make it out, please come see us at the J&P location in Ormond Beach, would love to say hello! ~ DZ

S&S Cycle – Invades 2022 Daytona Bike Week!

Daytona Bike week is right around the corner and the team at S&S Cycle are prepping gear and a fresh collection of top shelf parts for you. Swing by and check out their newest Touring Slip ons and a handful of other new parts they won’t even tell us about!

For you race fans, S&S will be campaigning the Indian Challenger in King of the Baggers, arguably the biggest, wildest motorcycle race to ever run the banks of Daytona and the S&S flat track crew will be in full force at the Volusia Half Mile for the debut of the Indian Wrecking Crew’s power couple, Briar and Shayna Bauman. The 2022 Daytona Bike Week promises to be the best in its eight decade history!

S&S will have their show hauler stationed in front of J&P Cycles in Ormond Beach Florida, March 4th through 13th, 9:00am to 6:00pm. The American Flat Track race and King of the Baggers events are both double headers and go off March 11th and 12th.

David Zemla
VP – Marketing
S&S® Cycle, Inc.
Office 608.627.0358
Email dzemla@sscycle.com

WAIT THE DOOM IS SHIFTING— EU Declares Natural Gas and Nuclear Green

In an apparent bow to reality, the European Union (EU) has proposed natural gas and nuclear energy be counted as sustainable technologies. This would qualify them for use in meeting the trading bloc’s climate emission reduction goals.

This is a sharp about-face for the EU, as it and several of its member nations had previously demanded cutting natural gas use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and not counting nuclear power as clean energy.

Deutsche Welle (DW) reports the European Commission is putting in place a “taxonomy,” “a classification system, establishing a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities,” which “could be described as the EU’s green investment rulebook, intended to serve the goal of allowing the continent to become climate neutral by 2050.”

European Green Party representatives in the EU Parliament and in EU member countries have labeled the Commission’s move backsliding. The Greens claim the change would undermine the EU’s commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

However, the degree to which this proposal will reverse the energy woes induced by Europe’s climate policy is an open question. The devil is in the details.

DW describes those details as follows:

[T]he EU Commission stated that certain strings remained attached. For example, gas plants could only be considered green if the facility switched to low-carbon or renewable gases, such as biomass or hydrogen produced with renewable energy, by 2035.

Nuclear power plants would be deemed green if the sites can manage to safely dispose of radioactive waste. So far, worldwide, no permanent disposal site has gone into operation though.

Without a relatively rapid transition to biomass or hydrogen and an acceptable way to store spent nuclear fuel, neither natural gas nor nuclear will qualify as sustainable for more than a few years. The current status of those fuel sources not counting toward carbon dioxide reduction targets would resume thereafter.

The EU Commission proposes the new taxonomy as a “delegated power,” meaning unanimity of all member states is not required. Under the delegated power system, the proposal becomes law if 20 EU countries or a simple majority of European Parliament members approve it. It is now up for review by the 27 EU member states and the European Parliament.

SOURCES: Bloomberg; DW

Two engineering students were riding bicycles across a university campus when one said, “Where did you get the great bike?”
The second engineer replied, “Well, I was walking yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes, and said, “Take what you want.”
The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, “Good choice: The clothes probably wouldn’t have fit you anyway.”

Understanding Engineers 2

To the optimist, the glass is half-full. To the pessimist, the glass is half-empty.
To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

Understanding Engineers 3

A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers.

The engineer fumed, “What’s with those guys? We’ve been waiting for fifteen minutes!”

The doctor chimed in, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such inept golf!”

The priest said, “Here comes the green-keeper. Let’s have a word with him.”

He said, “Hello George, What’s wrong with that group ahead of us? They’re rather slow, aren’t they?”

The green-keeper replied, “Oh, yes. That’s a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime!”

The group fell silent for a moment.

The priest said, “That’s so sad. I’ll say a special prayer for them tonight.”

The doctor said, “Good idea. I’ll contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there’s anything she can do for them.”

The engineer said, “Why can’t they play at night?”

Understanding Engineers 4

What is the difference between mechanical engineers and civil engineers?

Mechanical engineers build weapons. Civil engineers build targets.

Understanding Engineers 5

The graduate with a Science degree asks, “Why does it work?”

The graduate with an Engineering degree asks, “How does it work?”

The graduate with a Commerce degree asks, “How much will it cost?”

The graduate with an Arts degree asks, “Do you want fries with that?

Understanding Engineers 6

Normal people believe that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain’t broke, it isn’t sufficiently complex yet.

Understanding Engineers 7

An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.”

He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket.

The frog spoke up again and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week.”

The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it, and returned it to the pocket.

The frog then cried out, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want.”

Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it, and put it back into his pocket.

Finally, the frog asked, “What’s the matter? I’ve told you I’m a beautiful princess and that I’ll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won’t you kiss me?”

The engineer said, “Look, I’m an engineer. I don’t have time for a girlfriend. But a talking frog – now that’s cool.”

And Finally

Two engineers were standing at the base of a flagpole, looking at its top. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing

“We’re supposed to find the height of this flagpole,” said Steve, “but we don’t have a ladder.”

The woman took pliers from her purse, loosened a couple of bolts, and laid the pole down on the ground. Then she took a tape measure from her purse, took a measurement, announced, “21 feet,” and walked away.

One engineer shook his head and laughed, “A lot of good that does us. We ask for the height and she gives us the length!”

Both engineers have since quit their engineering jobs and have been elected to Congress.

–El Waggs

NEW FROM DIME BAG LEATHERS–New product coming.

Slash-Cut Dime Bag Leather Belts will be available soon for purchase online in Black and Brown leather. Stay tuned!

–Adam Croft
President
Dime Bag Leathers

NEWS FROM LAW TIGERS–SIX Differences in Filing a Claim for Motorcycle Wrecks vs. Car Wrecks

There’s much confusion and fear when you’re faced with a motorcycle accident, especially if you don’t already have a trusted lawyer you know you can call. An experienced motorcycle accident and injury lawyer will help you file a proper motorcycle wreck injury claim so you can get proper compensation, medical treatment, as well as bike repair and gear replacement.

It’s important to note what the differences are between filing a claim for motorcycle wrecks vs. car wrecks, and why it’s important you should have a motorcycle injury and accident attorney.

How are Motorcycle Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

In many ways, motorcycle accidents are more complicated than car crashes.

To begin with, there are very different injury and fatality rates between motorcycle wrecks and car wrecks due to the nature of the vehicles. Being thrown from a motorcycle is much more likely, as there are no seat belts or shoulder harnesses. This means that if there’s a motorcycle accident, there’s normally an injury, so injury claims are normally expected along with motorcycle accident claims at a higher percentage than expected with car wrecks.

Since motorcycles are smaller, less visible, and involve more defensive driving than your typical car, biking is considered high-risk driving.

Thus, making sure you understand the ramifications of an accident and how filing a claim specifically for a motorcycle is something to do well before it ever becomes an issue.

Who to Contact First in a Motorcycle Accident

When you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want to do is scramble to find legal representation. You’ll be stressed, pressed for time, and – in some cases – injured and not in the best place to make these kinds of decisions.

This is why the first person you contact should be a legal firm who has your best interests in mind. Ideally, this is a motorcycle accident attorney who you already have a relationship with, so there’s no question you have the right person or team for the job. They will collect all the information needed to build your case as strongly as possible, they will work with you step-by-step to stand up to your insurance company if they try to underpay you, and they’ll refer you to trusted medical professionals who will take care of you and even defer payment for your treatment.

Ultimately, a motorcycle accident attorney will be vested in getting you the results you need from the moment an accident happens – so make sure they know about the situation first.

6 Differences in Filing a Claim for Motorcycle Wrecks.

When you and your legal team go to file a claim for motorcycle wrecks, here’s what you’ll face differently than you would for a car wreck:

1. Bias against motorcycle riders: Judges, jurors, and insurance companies have had historically unfavorable attitudes toward motorcycle riders in crashes. And while it’s unfair to think every biker irresponsible, the stereotype of outlaws, gang members, and bikers disrupting normal traffic is an unfortunate reality. Thus, it can be harder for a plaintiff to get a proper outcome on their injury accident claim.

2. Insurance Company Denial Risk: Regardless of your vehicle type, insurance companies will generally start with lowball offers to settle as soon as possible. However, with motorcycle accidents, they can use the biases against biking to offer far lower offers and leverage legal loopholes if you don’t have proper representation to counter these tactics.

3. Compliance Enforcement: Due to the higher risk involved in motorcycle riding, it is much harder for motorcyclists to prove that they were not at fault for an accident. In turn, this makes it easier to pin the fault on you if you don’t have proper representation.

4. Negligence: Similar to adhering to state safety compliance laws to prevent being at fault, a motorcycle rider must also prove they were not guilty of any negligence. This evidence is often much more stringently examined than in a car accident. Ultimately, this means the collection and presentation of these things should be done through professional experts.

5. Road Condition Considerations: Often, it will not be another driver at fault for a motorcycle accident, but poor road conditions. This is amplified because roads are often designed with cars in mind, meaning small issues such as potholes or poor visibility can be significantly more dangerous to motorcyclists. At that point, a government entity is accountable for the crash, meaning a claim would be filed against them instead. However, these are very challenging to file without an experienced motorcycle accident attorney taking your case.

6. Manufacturer or Gear Defects: Just like road conditions, manufacturing, repair, or gear defects can be the cause of an accident. However, many riders are not aware of this and are eager to repair their bike and gear immediately after a crash. In doing so, they might accidentally negate the ability to prove fault from these defects. This is why we always recommend speaking with your motorcycle accident attorney first before making any other decisions regarding your crash.

Due to these differences as well as the complicated nature of motorcycle accident law, you should have a strong motorcycle injury lawyer lined up as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late and settle for worse representation – it could mean a difference of thousands of dollars and loss of necessary medical treatment.

Get the Best Motorcycle Legal Representation with Law Tigers

At Law Tigers, we have decades of experience helping motorcyclists file legal claims for accidents. Many of us are riders just like you, and we protect our own in any way we can. Ride stress-free knowing you’ve got the right team behind you.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident or want to protect yourself from any in the future, now is the time to join team Law Tigers. Reach out to us for a free consultation today.

NEWS FROM THE OREGON STREETS–Armed Portland Antifa Pick Fight With Violent Biker Gang Then Blame POLICE When Things Get Violent
BY VICTORIA TAFT, PJ Media
AP Photo/Paula Bronstein

At least one person ended up dead and five others were injured in Portland Saturday night.

Gunfire erupted when violent Antifa militants appear to have picked a fight with a notorious Portland, Ore. area biker gang.

Antifa lost.

THE BABES RIDE OUT IN 2022–We are proud to be working with Garrahan Off-Road and Dirtastic for professional training for all levels of riders. If you are new to the sport, already have some basic knowledge, or even pro, there is a class to better your skills and confidence. These classes will fill so book now while spots are available.

What’s the vibe? Its riding all day and enjoying some “fun” at night. If you have never been to the event or feel like reminiscing on last year’s good times, take a look & see what all goes down at Babes in the Dirt.

Trail Maps! Oh lord yes! We love Hungry Valley as all trails are clearly marked so even the most novice rider should be able to easily navigate the area. However, we want to share which areas to stick to based on your level of comfortability on a dirt-bike so click below as see our recommendations.

Babes Ride Out 27636 YNEZ RD L-7 #353 temecula, California 92592

NEW FROM THE LOWBROW CREW–The most important tool in any garage… a shop manual!

We just added in Shovelhead and Softail free PDF shop manuals, in addition to the Sportster and Dyna ones we shared last year…
You can view or download the shop manual or parts book you need and save as a PDF.
Did we mention they are totally free?

Perfect for viewing, or print out sections as you need them and don’t worry about getting greasy fingerprints all over the pages! Or if you prefer we have traditional printed Harley manuals and parts books as well!

BROWSE FREE PDF MANUALS

PS – Feel free to post the link www.lowbrowcustoms.com/manuals on your favorite motorcycle forum or Facebook group to share these free PDF manuals with other motorcycle enthusiasts!

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY DEPARTMENT WORKS WITH THE HISTORY CHANNEL–Alamo defenders call for help

On February 24, 1836, in San Antonio, Texas, Colonel William Travis issues a call for help on behalf of the Texan troops defending the Alamo, an old Spanish mission and fortress under siege by the Mexican army.

A native of Alabama, Travis moved to the Mexican state of Texas in 1831. He soon became a leader of the growing movement to overthrow the Mexican government and establish an independent Texan republic.

When the Texas revolution began in 1835, Travis became a lieutenant-colonel in the revolutionary army and was given command of troops in the recently captured city of San Antonio de Bexar (now San Antonio). On February 23, 1836, a large Mexican force commanded by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana arrived suddenly in San Antonio. Travis and his troops took shelter in the Alamo, where they were soon joined by a volunteer force led by Colonel James Bowie.

Though Santa Ana’s 5,000 troops heavily outnumbered the several hundred Texans, Travis and his men determined not to give up. On February 24, they answered Santa Ana’s call for surrender with a bold shot from the Alamo’s cannon. Furious, the Mexican general ordered his forces to launch a siege.

Travis immediately recognized his disadvantage and sent out several messages via couriers asking for reinforcements. Addressing one of the pleas to “The People of Texas and All Americans in the World,” Travis signed off with the now-famous phrase “Victory or Death.”

Only 32 men from the nearby town of Gonzales responded to Travis’ call for help, and beginning at 5:30 a.m. on March 6, Mexican forces stormed the Alamo through a gap in the fort’s outer wall, killing Travis, Bowie, Davy Crockett and 190 of their men. Despite the loss of the fort, the Texan troops managed to inflict huge losses on their enemy, killing at least 600 of Santa Ana’s men.

The defense of the Alamo became a powerful symbol for the Texas revolution, helping the rebels turn the tide in their favor. At the crucial Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 910 Texan soldiers commanded by Sam Houston defeated Santa Ana’s army of 1,250 men, spurred on by cries of “Remember the Alamo!” The next day, after Texan forces captured Santa Ana himself, the general issued orders for all Mexican troops to pull back behind the Rio Grande River. On May 14, 1836, Texas officially became an independent republic. Texas joined the Union in 1845.

A FINAL New Bikernet Reader Comment!–WHAT DO YOU THINK BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 17th, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/WHAT_DO_YOU_THINK_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_17th_2022.aspx

Yes, Hal Robinson preferred working on his own at home where he was at his creative best when drawing. He had the best of two worlds. He knew his worth. When I first met him, he said he was going to live forever, when I was admiring one of his great works of cartoon art (Avalon). He use to say, “publish or perish”, and so he published.

He had an offer to teach cartooning at Cal State University by a Steve DeFrance who taught Literature there in the ‘60s-‘70s. Then Cal State ran out of money for their Free University. He was always proud that he was asked and that he would be able to teach his style of cartooning and characterization to others.

He wanted to do a book with Duffy Dugan on how to draw. and left a letter for Duffy right before he died. Hal passed away at only 54 years and has left quite a legacy. He lived with health problems related to a severe auto accident he had in the late ‘60s. He lived with lots of headaches. He told me that his work got even better after the accident.

Signed, Mrs. Harold Robinson or Ann, or his “ex”.

Ann Robinson
Long Beach, CA

PS. I’m not really an “ex” though and Hal and I were never divorced. We were extremely happy. He will always be my husband living or not. Talk about living free?

THIS JUST IN FROM PRESIDENT PUTIN–A special message from Vladimir Putin

“Citizen comrades of safeness! I am Rootin Tootin Putin! I am assbad biker type! I am riding with Ruffian Types MC! Today I own Ukraine Place Thing! I ride through town as assbad warrior! Women of puberty beware! Time for the seeding of conquest! I am leader of Ruffian Types! The paunch of my naked belly is arousing to women and to men! Even my white stallion dreams of the mating to me! And now to all Ukraine types: Hello. I own you. You will all report to ice skating coach today and become her slave for next Olympics. Ok, thank you comrade types!”____

Putin’s inaugural address as new leader of Europe.”

J.J. Solari
Senior Investigator
Bikernet.com™

WAS THAT WILD OR WHAT?—Sometimes the news blows me away. I appreciate all the input from readers and the industry.

We attended the Counts Car Club Car and Bike Show in Rapid City last weekend.

I’m getting closer to installing Christie’s spoked wheel stainglass window. I ordered brass T-bar from online metals. It was the only thing I could find even close to the dimensions I needed it. Just need a warm day to make the frame.

I’m determined to use an old potbelly stove I’ve move around for over 25 years. Maybe I was concerned about global warming and knew they would take my gas away. So, now I can use it, but my insurance will go through the roof if I use wood, or biomass like burning dung.

I’m forced to use Propane…

Irish Rich found this David Mann painting he did for me in the ‘80s regarding a project bike I was building with Pat Kennedy. That bike didn’t end up like the painting, but the bike I’m about to build will come way closer to this classic single-loop with the springer. Rich is on it.

It’s Mardi Gras in Deadwood this weekend and we’re on it. I got a call from a local painter, who has my Flathead Sporty gas tank. We’re going with scallops. I’ll bring you reports.

In the meantime, ride fast and free, forever!

–Bandit

 

New motorcycle sales in the U.S. continued to rise across all segments last year, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) announced.  While bike sales continue to improve, it’s also worth noting that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation saw enrollment in its basic rider courses grow significantly in 2021 as well, so it’s good news all-around with more riders on more bikes.

“In addition to strong sales, we are seeing strong demand for riding training and education,” said MIC president and CEO Erik Pritchard.  “The Motorcycle Safety Foundation saw an estimated 48% increase in enrollment in 2021 over 2020.”

Overall motorcycle sales rose 14.2% over 2020, and 21.8% over 2019 figures, across all segments.  That includes scooters, which by themselves rose 19.6% over 2020, and 31.4% over 2019 numbers, while on-road bike sales rose 12.9% over 2020, but what’s especially encouraging is sales of dual-sport and off-road bikes.  The strange year that was 2020 saw a 46.2% increase in dual sport sales over 2019 numbers, and in 2021 dual-sport motorcycle sales rose an additional 18.6% over those 2020 numbers.  Pure off-road bikes also saw sales rise 42.9% in 2021 over 2019.

These marketing figures were gleaned from sales data that the MIC compiles from 14 major OEMs and distributors across America, and it’s an encouraging outlook as we vroom into 2022.

BUMPER YEAR FOR BIKING DESPITE REPEATED COVID THREATS
Amidst the doom and gloom of both winter weather and the lingering effects of the global pandemic, it may come as a surprise that 2021 was one of the strongest years for motorcycling in well over a decade, with new bike sales worldwide on an upward swing and more people joining the two-wheeled fold.

Anecdotal evidence from training schools here and across the pond reflected a huge surge of people wanting to get into motorcycling and now the latest data confirms it.

Ducati reports that 2021 was their best sales year on record, up globally an impressive 24% on 2020, which was heavily impacted by Coronavirus, but also a massive 12% up on 2019.

And it’s not just Ducati celebrating success either, with BMW announcing 2021 was their best-ever year of global sales – jumping 14.8% from 2020.

With 2021 being the rollercoaster that it was, supply chains around the world have been hit with a crisis of limited product availability: “Starting in 2020, companies reacted to the economic downturn by cancelling production plans for the next year, only to be blindsided by an upswing in demand prompted by rapid vaccine rollouts and fiscal support for rich-world household spending,” explains a report from KitCo.  “At the same time, virus containment measures and infection clusters triggered labour shortages and factory shutdowns, just as consumer spending was shifting from services to goods.”

Right around this point was when the Powersports market saw an especially huge surge in sales; people had nowhere to go, so they bought bikes and other toys to have fun locally.

Today, restrictions are consistently looser than ever, thanks to the milder Omicron variants — and with the loosened limitations come a tentatively positive upswing for the market — an upswing that, if we’re lucky, will mean an end to supply shortages and the healing of damaged income streams, predicts webbikeworld.com.

“At some point during this year, we will see a more ‘normal situation’,” says Soren Skou, head of shipping giant Maersk, who predicts employees will soon return to work at ports, inflating demand for shipment services and thereby contributing to the mending of at least one sector of the supply chain.

All told, executives of Powersports manufacturers are anticipating a hike in raw product prices for 2022.

In the meantime, the global semiconductor shortage has impacted multiple industries, including automotive and powersports. Over 80% of the microchips in products consumed by Americans are manufactured in Asia, whose production has reduced following the pandemic.  This has resulted in a severe shortage across the world.

As a result, companies like Bosch have increased investment in microchip manufacturing; however, it will be a while until new players like Intel Corp and Samsung can overcome the current deficit.  House Democrats and President Biden are pushing for $52B of investment in semiconductor production and research to speed up the process further.

For consumers, we’ve seen vehicle costs rise by over 10-15% the past couple of years due to product shortages and supply chain issues, and this will likely continue until a more permanent solution is found.

STUDY SHOWS THAT ETHANOL IS WORSE FOR THE CLIMATE THAN GASOLINE
Analysis of corn-based ethanol production from end-to-end yields some potentially bad news for this biofuel.  While riders have long understood that ethanol can have ill effects on our bikes, a new study published in the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” found that it may have other downsides, too.

Ethanol was supposed to be environmentally advantageous as compared to gasoline, but in the study, researchers dove deeper into how the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard’s outcomes were measuring up to the country’s goals. Instead of simply limiting its observations to any one part of the corn-based ethanol production and consumption processes, researchers gathered data on all parts of the ethanol production cycle.

Upon taking important things like land use changes, fertilizer increases, and the like into account, researchers reported findings that corn-based ethanol is 24% more carbon-intensive than gasoline production.  If these numbers are even remotely accurate, it’s concerning.

“It basically reaffirms what many suspected, that corn ethanol is not a climate-friendly fuel and we need to accelerate the shift toward better renewable fuels, as well as make improvements in efficiency and electrification,” lead study author and scientist Tyler Lark said in a statement.

RHODE ISLAND PROPOSES TAX CUT FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
Rhode Island has just had a 2022 budget proposal that could potentially provide a “sales tax exemption for the trade-in value of motorcycles.”

Governor Daniel McKee‘s proposed 2022 budget, H 7123, includes motorcycle tax cuts used strictly for pleasure purposes;

(67) Trade-in value of motorcycles

“From the sale and from the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of so much of the purchase price paid for a new or used motorcycle as is allocated for a trade-in allowance on the motorcycle of the buyer given in trade to the seller, or of the proceeds applicable only to the motorcycle as are received from the manufacturer of motorcycles for the repurchase of the motorcycle whether the repurchase was voluntary or not towards the purchase of a new or used motorcycle by the buyer.”

Gov. McKee‘s proposed tax break would only apply to the trade-in value of a bike, or reselling bikes in general, and could be a great way to get new riders on R.I. roads.

UK DECARBONIZATION PLAN EYES E-BIKES
The British government has launched an action plan that its hoped will help realize the potential electric motorcycles and scooters offer for reducing emissions and congestion.  The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) have been working with specialists tasked by the Government to find out what needed to be done to increase the use of smaller electric vehicles.

“Traditionally, powered two-wheelers and other types of PLVs (Powered Light Vehicles) have often been absent from national and local policy due to an underappreciation or lack of awareness of their potential benefits to the environment,” says MCIA chief, Tony Campbell.  “The launch of this Action Plan is a landmark for our sector, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Government and industry to ensure the full and proper implementation of the Plan’s recommendations.”

Danish authorities are confiscating three motorcycles a day for what the authorities are claiming is ‘insane’ riding.  The rules first came into force in March 2021, and in a nutshell, allow the police and authorities to enforce much stricter penalties for what is deemed to be dangerous and illegal riding or driving.  Up to and including the offender’s vehicle being seized, with seized machines sent off and sold at auction!

The scheme isn’t just aimed at residents of the Nordic beauty spot, those travelling in and through the nation are also liable.  FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations) reports that anyone touring in or through, holidaying, or on business in Denmark, using two wheels or four is liable to be hit with the same penalties.

RESEARCHERS FIND DRIVERS AND RIDERS SEE DIFFERENTLY
A road safety study from England’s Bournemouth University has found that drivers and riders on the road see ‘different things’ and have a very different visual perception of what is going on around them.

The project was led by PhD researcher (and BMW rider) Shel Silva, who assessed the neurological and cognitive influences of motorcyclists and car drivers.

“The brain has developed an interest in things which are threats,” explains the report, which found that road users would see larger objects on the road, trucks, buses, and so on, as a greater threat than smaller objects such as motorcycles.  Silva also found that a motorcyclist’s identification, perception, and knowledge of potential risks would change depending on their motorcycling qualifications and experience.

To complete the study, Silva used eye-tracking and interviews using grounded theory to investigate the causes of collisions.  It uncovered that a motorcycle rider can be masked by a natural blind spot in the human eye.  And that a driver’s brain can experience saccadic masking (when the brain fills in the information when moving the eyes from one point to another), potentially causing a motorcyclist to be obscured from view.

Silva recommends making minor lane adjustments prior to a maneuver or turn, which can trigger a visual orienting response to capture drivers’ attention.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:
“Insanity in individuals is something rare — but in groups, parties, nations, and epochs it is the rule.”
~ Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900), German Philosopher

ABOUT AIM / NCOM: 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 (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).

THE AIM / NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

February 19, 2022 | U.S. Bank Stadium | Minneapolis, Minnesota

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (January 20, 2022) – Round 7 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship turned a cold shoulder to the sunny skies of the California coast as race fans were met with snowy air and subzero temperatures in Minneapolis, where Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson earned the 450SX Class victory, making him the first three-time winner in the class this season. The 250SX Eastern Regional Championship kicked off with Team Green™ flanking the podium with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Austin Forkner and Cameron McAdoo finishing in second and third place, respectively. Fellow Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Jett Reynolds sustained a wrist injury prior to the race that will postpone his pro debut indefinitely.

With veteran understanding of the unique Minnesota dirt, Anderson started his day with a clear intention of letting the track come to him. While the riders’ morning track walk daunted many as they recognized peakier jump faces and softer dirt than have been faced so far in 2022, Anderson expressed to the team his game plan of patiently allowing the track to develop and the transitions to wear in before pushing to race pace. The qualifying sessions went according to plan as Anderson tactfully waited until the final laps of the final session to jump to the top of the leader board. When qualifying concluded, Anderson’s 47.94 lap time earned him third position heading into the race program.

When the second 450SX heat race got underway, Anderson emerged from the first turn in 10th position. The Monster Energy Kawasaki KX™450SR rider had his work cut out for him as the track proved to have few viable passing areas during the short heat races lasting only eight minutes plus one lap. On par with what has come to be expected of him, Anderson paired fast laps with quick passes to set the best lap time of the race (48.69) to charge his way up the running order. When the checkered flag flew, Anderson crossed the finish within a bike length of third position, securing a fourth-place result and a direct transfer to the Main Event.

The start of the 450SX Main Event saw Anderson jockey for position at the front of the pack, settling into third place by the time the green flag waved. The No.21 Monster Energy Kawasaki pilot matched the pace of the leaders while enduring pressure from behind and allowing the race to unfold around him. On Lap 10, Anderson made a pass through the flat corner neighboring the mechanic’s area to take control of second place. For the latter half of the race, Anderson held close in tow of the lead as the two riders ran at a speed that would separate them from the field. With only two laps remaining, Anderson’s tactful measure proved key when the leader crashed, and he took control of the lead. Anderson went on to claim his third win of the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross Championship and now stands only three points shy of the championship lead.

“The track broke down a lot by the Main Event tonight but, that’s something we kind of expect with some of the East Coast tracks. I’ve been doing my best to prepare for it while practicing in California by riding with the Pro Circuit team every Thursday to sort of simulate race conditions. That helped tonight but, this was still a tough track for pushing the pace, and you kind of just had to let the race come to you. It’s awesome to have three wins already in the season but, we will keep taking it one race at a time as we go forward from here.”
– Jason Anderson

After much anticipation, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Forkner and McAdoo were eager to prove their place among the title contenders in the opening round of the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship. From the start of first practice, the Team Green duo quickly mastered the track and began fighting for the top qualification spots. At the end of the timed sessions, Forkner claimed the first pole position of the year with a fast time of 48.56, while McAdoo’s 48.81 lap time was quick enough to qualify him in sixth position.

In the first 250SX heat race, McAdoo found himself held up in the middle of the pack before coming through the first rhythm lane in 10th place. With his sights set forward, the No.48 KX™250 rider began quickly picking off the competition in the opening laps. Strong whoop speed and a readiness to alter his line choices lap-by-lap helped McAdoo make his way to sixth place by the end of the short qualification race.

In 250SX Heat 2, Forkner started the race in fourth place. Attempting to push his way to the front, Forkner made a few mistakes in the opening laps that shuffled him back several positions. The Missouri native was quick to regain his composure by the mid-point, however, and began to move forward once again. Matching his intensity with a respect for the technicality of an already deteriorating race track, Forkner secured fourth position when the heat race concluded.

The 250SX Main Event once again hosted green at the front with Forkner launching his KX250 out to the holeshot and leading the pack through the green flag lap, while McAdoo followed close behind in third. The No.33 of Forkner was overtaken on Lap 2 but held close in second place. The Team Green duo of Forkner and McAdoo proved themselves to be among the class of the field running in podium positions throughout the race. McAdoo fended off the pressure of several top contenders as he pressed forward, keeping Forkner in close company. In the late stages of the race, the distance between the top five grew even closer but, the front three never shifted position. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki mounted Forkner secured second place and his teammate McAdoo was right on his tail in third, making it a double podium result for Team Green.

“A podium finish is always a nice way to start the season. I was the fastest qualifier in the timed sessions and had a decent heat race. I grabbed the holeshot in the Main Event, I’ve been focused on making sure my starts are on point this year, so I was happy with that, and I just tried to focus on putting together clean laps. There weren’t many obstacles to separate the front guys on this track, so it came down to minimizing mistakes. My laps were consistent and I’m glad to have come away with a second, we are still right there in the points.”
– Austin Forkner

“With the short lap times, we had to do a lot of laps on a technical track tonight, so I did my best to lock-in. When competing against a class as stacked as this 250SX East championship, it was important for me to just focus on hitting my marks and execute each lap. I’m happy to get through the opening round with a podium and I feel confident heading into Arlington next weekend.”
– Cameron McAdoo

CLICK HERE To Subscribe to Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter – get a roundup of all things motorcycle

Or Anywhere Else!
By Rogue

I recently had a lady friend discuss going on a trip with me and of course the issue of how much clothes and stuff she could bring came up.

I do have a bagger with a tour pack but it is full of camera equipment and the saddlebags are packed solid as well.

I went shopping and ended up with a Harley Davidson ONYX Touring Bag #93300013.

CLICK HERE To Read this Product Review on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for 25 years of tech, tips, reviews, features, fun & more

Subscribe Today by CLICKING HERE