Hey,

We had spies at the Grand National Roadster Show, at the Barrett Jackson Auction and at the Mecum Auction. Most of the bidding came from online buyers.

Prices went through the roof with a ’61 Bubble top Chevy going for $209,000. At Mecum a ’46 Indian Chief went for $75,000 and a ’47 for 82 Grand. Wild.

Grand National Roadster Show was attacked by Covid for a couple of years, but it was back and filled several buildings, but only a few motorcycle were offered. Hang one for the all-motorcycle Donnie Smith show coming up in Minneapolis in March just after Biker Week.

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.

MOTORCYCLE BAN ATTEMPT– Paris Moves to Ban Motorcycles

I’ve warned before about the strong possibility of motorcycles being banned on public roads in some areas. Such proposals have been floated in certain UK counties as well as parts of the European mainland and even some cities in the United States. However, nobody has moved on the idea of outright banning all internal combustion engine motorcycles in a specific geographical location. As a result, by pointing out movements towards that, I’ve been mocked by those who think they know better.

Get a refresher on the banning motorcycles from public roads movement here.

Well, news has come out of Paris, France where there’s a serious push to get all internal combustion engine motorcycles and scooters off the roads entirely. That’s right, not just stop selling them but to make driving them anywhere in the city limits illegal.

This fight isn’t about how much carbon spews out of the tailpipes of motorcycles, which is probably what you’re assuming. Instead, it’s all about noise pollution. That’s right, Parisians are sick of their city being loud. Instead of realizing that’s what you get by packing so many people into tight spaces, they’ve decided to blame motorcycles and scooters for their woes.

A noise plan for the City of Paris was presented last October, with 30 actions proposed by city administration. However, an initiative sought to collect ideas from regular citizens. One proposal which gained a lot of support was the banning of internal combustion engine motorcycles since all-electric models produce little to no noise.

The author of this proposal is quoted by the local news as saying, “Outright banning thermal PTWs is therefore a commonsense solution to solve the number 1 source (by far!) of noise pollution in Paris.” A total of 944 voted for this proposal and 307 voted against it.

Already, Paris authorities have been experimenting with sound radars as a way to fight excessive noise pollution in the city. Such devices allow police to pinpoint which motorcycle is emitting more decibels than is allowed, then fine the rider. The claim is that noise pollution is leading to serious health and economic consequences.

If you think the claim of health consequences is ridiculous, you’re not the only one. The European Environment Agency says 16,600 “premature deaths” in Europe are caused by noise pollution as well as 72,000 hospitalizations. Yes, everything is a health crisis these days.

Of course, there’s the saying that a loud motorcycle is a safe motorcycle. Anyone who’s ridden in traffic before knows many drivers just plain don’t see you, so it’s better if they can hear you. While all-electric motorcycles might make some noise, I have yet to hear one that duplicates the Screaming Eagle wail which does such an excellent job of making a bike noticeable. Apparently, riders being hit by cagers in 6,000-lb. vehicles doesn’t constitute a health crisis, at least in Europe.

Reinforcing the argument for banning motorcycles and scooters from Paris is the supposedly inevitability of all internal combustion engine cars also being banned. This is, of course, to fight the health crisis known as noise pollution and not global warming, global cooling, climate change, or whatever the term is this week.

–Steven Symes
MSN.com

Sources: Le Repaire, Plainsmen Post

It’s funny. I had the opportunity to visit Paris just before this shit storm broke. It wasn’t the cycle riders so much as the idiots flying around in cars and trucks not to mention tour buses.
—Rhys

This sounds like book-burning and ban on books by authors such as Harper Lee and Mark Twain.

On Bikernet Blog and Facebook.

https://blog.bikernet.com/troublesome-news-for-motorcyclist-community-in-europe/

–Wayfarer

NEW FROM BILTWELL–Hard Parts Made Easy
We’ve made hard parts for Harley-Davidsons since day one—everything from pegs and seats to bars, risers, and grips. When The Motor Company introduced their M8-powered Softail, we dropped a full range of bolt-ons to help riders customize their machine’s control center, improving ergonomics and performance. Read more HERE, or go straight to the collection HERE.

—www.BiltWellInc.com

The Ultimate VIP Charity Ride though the epic scenery of California!–6th Invitational Why We Ride to The Quail.

It’s been THREE (3!!) years since we have all last rode together, but we are thrilled to be back! Can you believe, our last ride was in 2019 …
Only 100 spots are available, and this ride will fill up quickly.

The open road is calling for you to join us!

CLICK YOUR VIP TICKET BELOW

To get all the the details and make your reservation today.

THE MAGNIFICENT WORD FROM THE FACTORY—I was impressed by the mantra written at the end of a recent Harley-Davidson press release. Check it out:

Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure and freedom for the soul.

Seems like someone at the factory gets it.—Bandit

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY—
A father walks into a restaurant with his young son. He gives the young boy 3 nickels to play with, to keep him occupied. Suddenly, the boy starts choking, going blue in the face. The father realizes the boy has swallowed the nickels and starts slapping him on the back.

The boy coughs up 2 of the nickels, but keeps choking. Looking at his son, the father is panicking, shouting for help. A well dressed and serious looking woman, in a blue business suit is sitting at a coffee bar reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee.

At the sound of the commotion, she looks up, puts her coffee cup down, neatly folds the newspaper and places it on the counter, gets up from her seat and makes her way, unhurried, across the restaurant.

Reaching the boy, the woman carefully drops his pants; takes hold of the boy’s testicles and starts to squeeze and twist. Gently at first, and then ever so firmly…after a few seconds the boy convulses violently and coughs up the last nickel, which the woman deftly catches in her free hand.

Releasing the boy’s testicles, the woman hands the nickel to the father and walks back to her seat at the coffee bar without saying a word.

As soon as he is sure that his son has suffered no ill effects, the father rushes over to the woman and starts thanking her saying, “I’ve never seen anybody do anything like that before, it was fantastic. Are you a doctor??”

“No,” the woman replied, “I’m with the IRS…”

–from El Waggs

NEWS FROM LAW TIGERS–
Accident Scene Management (ASM) has trained nearly 40,000 students through the expertise of over 100 instructors in 31 states across the USA. We have become the largest Motorcycle Trauma Training organization in the world, leading the way with instructors in South Africa, Australia, the Philippines & the USA.

The key to reducing injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists is education

After a crash occurs there is a gap in time of 5-30 minutes before an ambulance arrives. Will you be prepared to help another rider in a time of need?

Road Guardian is a membership program created by ASM that encourages all motorcyclists to become lifelong learners and to do all they can to avoid a crash from occurring.

We go one step further than other safety programs by connecting motorcycle trauma first response as part of the solution. Road Guardians membership costs $20/year and is used to support our mission to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists.

There are no mandatory meetings or events, though events are provided from time to time. Dues are used exclusively to provide safety information and training.

–Mike Richardson
Law Tigers

THE CHOPPER LEGACY—Here’s a quote from a recent Bikernet Weekly News:
” It’s not as easy to hand-build custom motorcycles in other countries.”

This is very true for India. The registration or documentation is so ridiculously full of red-tape and demands that only some large corporation would ever be able to become a custom builder of 2 or 4 wheelers.

Apart from that – even after going through this process which may take any amount of months – every other traffic cop will stop you everywhere to check and verify if you have the authentic paperwork from the government to ride it on the roads and highways.

On Bikernet Blog and Facebook –

F*** Off Bikernet Weekly News for January 27th 2022

https://blog.bikernet.com/f-off-bikernet-weekly-news-for-january-27th-2022/

FROM THE FOSSIL FUEL MASTER–More fossil fuels, a cleaner environment

It is certainly true that fossil fuel use can cause significant harm to environmental quality, but as you can see from this chart, as fossil fuel use has gone up in the US, concentrations of air pollutants have gone down, which contradicts the catastrophic pollution narrative.

We can use more fossil fuels and have a cleaner environment. What’s behind this? The cause is technology plus laws. Let’s start with the technology.

Technology vs. pollution

Here’s a question. What industry invented recycling? The oil industry invented recycling. In the 1800s the oil industry was refining crude oil into kerosene but they had a lot of waste material because you might get only 50% kerosene from the crude. The rest of it was unusable and sometimes would just be dumped into a river.

But thanks to human ingenuity, we not only stopped dumping the waste into rivers; we started transforming what had been waste into wealth. For example, the industry began generating waxes and lubricants and all kinds of other useful materials from oil.

Then in the 20th century, they developed processes to break down the crude oil and its hydrocarbons into petrochemicals, which as we’ve seen have created countless different products. That’s a way in which something that can be a negative can be turned into a positive.

You can also use technology to dramatically reduce emissions sometimes to the point where they are completely benign. North Dakota, for instance, has coal power and also some of the world’s cleanest air. How does that happen?

Using technology, you can mitigate threats–and you can even turn them into benefits.

–Alex Epstein
Center for Industrial Progress

THE FXR THROWDOWN KICKED OFF BY DEADWOOD CUSTOM CYCLES–FXR Friends Throwdown

“It’s about brotherhood, and doing what we love the most, riding side by side, enjoying each other’s company.” Jason Mook with Deadwood Custom Cycles in Deadwood, SD paints the perfect picture of what riding and building custom motorcycles means to him.

The Throwdown has expanded to include the following builders:
#BrianKlock #CurtisHofmann #DeadwoodCustomCycles #FXR #FXRFriendsThrowdown #HofmannDesigns #JasonMook #JeffZielinski #KlockWerks #LawTigers #NAMZ #NickTrask #PaulYaffe #PaulYaffe’sBaggerNation

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We’ve run into an issue with Evo cases. Shops are saying they are junk, but with Jason Mook at Deadwood Custom Cycles, we’ve dug further. He warns that ‘80s Evo cases can’t be trusted. But anything after ’92 can be okay. Here’s the issue. The studs can pull out of the case and leave a rider high and dry. S&S has stronger replacement cases.

Here’s the other catch. Even the factory doesn’t recommend that the stock studs be torqued more than once. So, we need the above Feuling products. Jason replaces studs in stock cases with 543 Loctite sealant.

It’s odd that we build and rode Evos for 20 years and now we are having costly issues. I’ll keep digging.

Jason also made some comments about the M-8 engine configuration. He’s not impressed with the new engine or the quality of the components. He likes the Twin Cam configuration, and I’ll tell you why in the near future.

FITS:
EVO 85 – 99, Includes 8 studs, 8 head bolts, moly lube and Loctite thread sealant

I’ve mainly seen case issues on 1991 and earlier. In 92, with the top breathers, the castings seems to be better.

-Jason

www.DeadwoodCustomCycles.com

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–STURGIS RUN 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/STURGIS_RUN_2021.aspx

With all the performance mods on his new RG, two birds with 1 cruise. Great reading KRB. ‘Rona sucks.

–Jeff Kraus
00fxsts@gmail.com
Port Charlotte, Florida (USA)

YOU TUBE VIDEO OF THE WEEK— The Differential…

It’s a trip, filmed in black and white, from the ‘50s. It explains how differentials work and how they were developed.

https://fb.watch/aCP1B3xuqG/

–El Waggs
Technician
Bikernet.com™

MECUM AUCTION RESULTS–Mecum Las Vegas 2022 Motorcycle Auction Takes January Sales to $239 Million

31st Annual Return of World’s Largest Motorcycle Auction Achieves 93% Sell-Through

1938 Brough Superior SS100 (Lot S112) sold at $236,500 Below: 1951 Vincent Series C Black Shadow (Lot F195.1) sold at $231,000

1938 Brough Superior SS100 (Lot S112) sold at $236,500 Below: 1951 Vincent Series C Black Shadow (Lot F195.1) sold at $231,000

With January 2022 now in the rearview, Mecum Auctions has once again put its official stamp of unparalleled success into the record books with total sales from the world’s largest collector car auction and the world’s largest motorcycle auction reaching a combined total of $239 million.

Mecum Kissimmee 2022—held Jan. 6-16 in Florida—saw nearly 3,000 vehicles change hands for $217 million in overall sales, while Mecum’s 31st Annual Vintage & Antique Motorcycle Auction—held in Las Vegas this past weekend—continued the auction house’s long line of highly successful events, reaching $22 million in sales for a 21% increase over last year’s Las Vegas motorcycle auction.

In all, 1,221 motorcycles were sold of the 1,310 offered in Las Vegas for an outstanding sell-through rate of more than 93%. With the excellent results achieved in both Kissimmee and Las Vegas reaching a cumulative total of $239 million, January 2022 stands as the company’s highest-grossing month in its 35-year history.

All of the top 10 sellers at the Las Vegas auction achieved impressive six-figure sale prices with a 1938 Brough Superior SS100 (Lot S112) leading the pack at $236,500. The iconic motorcycle boasted a professional restoration and resulting awards including People’s Choice from the San Jose Clubman Show and Best of Show at El Camino. Runner-up among Vegas top sales was a celebrated 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C (Lot F195.1) that sold for $231,000. A 1917 Henderson Model G Four Cylinder (Lot S58) and a 1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead (Lot F192) tied for the third and fourth seat among top sales bringing $203,500 each, followed by a 1919 Harley-Davidson J Twin (Lot T12), three Indian Four Cylinders (Lots F153, S151 and S152), another Knucklehead (Lot S150) and a 1931 Henderson Four Cylinder (Lot F195).

Private collections were well received at the auction with the headlining Harley-Davidson Heritage Collection achieving more than $4.1 million in sales and The Bob & Dolva Mitchell Collection selling in its entirety and seeing its 14 motorcycles bring an aggregate $1.3 million. The desirable five-bike offering from Dr. J. Craig Venter also sold in its entirety for a total of $821,700. The Brown Family Collection achieved $911,350 overall, and The Robert Richardson Collection saw 12 of its cycles hammer sold for a total of $444,400.

Road Art also found great success in Vegas with $553,342 in total sales achieved and top-selling lots including a handful of bronze sculptures by celebrated artist Jeff Decker. A life-sized rendering of Joe Petrali (Lot S179) sold for $88,500, while his work titled “Neck and Neck with Death” (Lot Z534) brought $67,260. Decker’s “Harley-Davidson Bronze Bullet Sidecar” statue (Lot Z539) came in as Road Art’s third highest seller at $47,200.

The complete top 10 motorcycle sales at Mecum Las Vegas 2022 include:

1938 Brough Superior SS100 (Lot S112) at $236,500
1951 Vincent Series C Black Shadow (Lot F195.1) at $231,000
1917 Henderson Model G Four Cylinder (Lot S58) at $203,500
1936 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead (Lot F192) at $203,500
1919 Harley-Davidson J Twin (Lot T12) at $165,000
1939 Indian Four Cylinder (Lot F153) at $159,500
1941 Harley-Davidson TA Knucklehead (Lot S150) at $154,000
1932 Indian Four Cylinder (Lot S151) at $154,000
1940 Indian Four Cylinder (Lot S152) at $154,000
1931 Henderson Four Cylinder (Lot F195) at $154,000

For access to complete auction results, sign up for a free MyMecum account at Mecum.com. Watch an encore presentation of the Mecum Las Vegas motorcycle auction anytime on MotorTrend+. Mecum’s Glendale 2022 auction at State Farm Stadium in Arizona is next on the company’s live auction schedule. Slated for March 16-19, the still-growing auction is expected to feature 1,500 collector cars and approximately 100 vintage and antique motorcycles on offer along with a large and impressive selection of large-scale, authentic neon signs. To consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all future Mecum auction events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS–Save on Vintage Motorcycle Days Tickets

Discount tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are on sale now! This three-day, must-do motorcycle event will be held July 22-24 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. You’ll enjoy watching national championship vintage racing in numerous disciplines and finding parts and accessories at America’s largest motorcycle swap meet. Learn more and get tickets.

NEWS FROM RIDER MAGAZINE–In This Issue:

Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs. Indian FTR S and Scout Bobber: A trio of American Twins compared.

Kickstarts: Rider Greece Tour with Edelweiss; Royal Enfields Reach the South Pole; 2022/2023 Motorcycles.

Chasing Gene and Washie: Retracing the historic path of two diehard Indian racers

The Long Ride: Every now and then, the best kind of ride can be on the worst type of road.
Anything But a Straight Line: Every road has a story to tell.

Favorite Ride: Rocks ’n’ Roll — a scenic ride to Seneca Rocks, West Virginia.

First Gear: Storytellers
Riding Well: Hacked!
The Moto Life: Heroes and Villains
Exhaust Note: And Just Where Are My Tires?
Essential Gear:

Gear Lab: We review Michelin Road 6 Tires, Aerostich Windstopper Jersey, Motoport Air Mesh Street Jeans

New & Cool: Fresh kit and more from Arai Helmets, Ultimate Seats, Nelson-Rigg, Gerbing, Maxima Racing Oils, Wunderlich, Dainese, and Adventure-Bike.be

DO US A FAVOR AND SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL BLASTS—No charge, no hassle, no bullshit, just news alerts once a week.

–Bandit

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK—
2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200X – Forty-Eight for $11,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=11551361

2021 Black Harley-Davidson XL1200X FORTY EIGHT

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* 1200c.c. Motor
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* Solo seat
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Just $11,995.00

Plus license, and a $85.00 documentation fee and your local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like dealers, We have no reconditioning or prep fees.

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection.

You can fill out an online application with EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available to purchase!!! and you can ride today!

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To view our current inventory, please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/

THE NEW THUNDER PRESS–Your February Issue of Thunder Press is Here!

Get to know the man who’s dedicated his life and career to motorcycling, Roland Sands, who has recently opened a new facility in Long Beach. We take a look at the man himself, the new builds in his pipeline, and how this new workspace operates.

Also, inside is one hell of a journey. Chris Hopper did what few thought was possible, riding 100,000 miles in 100 days. He touched every state in the lower 48 on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide, raising money and awareness for those afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

We enjoy keeping history alive. The Thomas Auto-Bi is the first motorcycle with both front and rear suspension, while Harley’s Softails have a range of distinguishing features to look back on over its evolution since 1984. In addition, we bring a feature on Lana MacNaughton, a female biker photographer who is capturing today’s women on two wheels in photos so that they may be remembered for years to come.

This month’s coverage also includes our staple Partz section of cruising gear, upcoming motorcycle events all over the USA in the Calendar, interesting editorials, and more!

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–THE LAST CROCKER EVER BUILT

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

Who built 42-61-310, and where? There is a list of 11 employees at the Crocker factory, 5 of those were teenagers. Building the 1940-41 Crocker Scooters, with bolt on Lauson motors.

–Strickland
strickland101@outlook.co.nz
Auckland, New Zealand

This story was about the original Crocker Company. Several companies have used the Crocker name.–Bandit

QUOTE OF THE DAY–We have allowed tyrants and control freaks to take power ever since Al Gore was allowed to lie to the public and kids for personal gain. Until we force scientific transparency and end the doom, these people have the excuse to control everything we do. Only takes one honest leader to make truth shine once more.

–BANDIT

2021 AMA Board of Directors Awards–
The 2021 AMA Board of Directors Awards were announced on Dec. 17, 2021. Motorcyclists being honored are:

2021 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year: Brandy Richards

AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award: Dan Kleen

AMA Bessie Stringfield Award: Ryan McFarland

AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award: Porsche Taylor

Kleen, McFarland, Taylor receive 2021 AMA Board of Directors Awards

— Following a historic and undeniable performance in the 2021 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), Brandy Richards has been named the 2021 American Motorcyclist Association Motorcyclist of the Year.

Richards became the first person in the century-plus history of the ISDE to win every single test in her class. Her flawless performance in Italy spanned 28 tests scattered across six days of riding. Her efforts helped the U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team win the 2021 ISDE by more than 15 minutes over runner-up Great Britain.

“Brandy Richards accomplished something truly extraordinary in Italy this year,” said AMA Board of Directors Chairman Russ Ehnes. “Making ISDE history with her performance on the world stage deserved recognition — which is why we selected her as the AMA’s 2021 Motorcyclist of the Year. We’re extremely proud of her stellar example of American greatness and to have her as an AMA member.”

The annual award is given to the individual or group that had the most profound impact on the world of motorcycling that year, and the recipient is voted on by the AMA Board of Directors.

“I never thought I’d be considered for [Motorcyclist of the Year] even after winning ISDE,” said Brandy Richards. “It’s amazing that the AMA recognized me…and I’m shocked and grateful to be given this honor.”

The AMA Board also awarded the AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award to Dan Kleen, who has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council for the last 21 years.

Recipients of the award showcase the highest level of service to the AMA in an area of activity, and Kleen’s help establishing the Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle Association, efforts forming the Iowa Motorsports Coalition, and role in founding the Friends of Iowa’s Trials group, made him the perfect candidate for the honor. An avid hunter, Kleen also helped set up hunts and rides for disabled veterans in Iowa and other states.

The AMA Bessie Stringfield Award is bestowed upon an individual who has been instrumental in introducing or promoting motorcycling to emerging markets, and the 2021 honoree is Ryan McFarland.

McFarland, founder of Strider Bikes, focuses on increasing kids’ exposure to riding bicycles and developing necessary skills that are beneficial to riding motorcycles. But his efforts do not stop with addressing youth participation and education to uplift the future of motorcycling, as McFarland’s Strider Bikes also create bikes and programs to assist individuals with special needs in learning to ride.

Rounding out the AMA Board of Directors Awards, Porsche Taylor is being recognized with the AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award — an honor given to individuals or organizations that generate good publicity for motorcycling.

Taylor, founder and editor-in-chief of Black Girls Ride (BGR) Magazine, has contributed to increasing representation and recognition of women — particularly women of color — in motorsports. The BGR movement has led to an annual Beautiful Bikers Conference and an annual Black Girls Ride to Essence Fest, which aim to integrate motorsports into the largest celebration of Black women in the world.

More information about 2021 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Brandy Richards can be found in the January edition of American Motorcyclist.

[page break]

5-BALL LEATHERS ACTION—There’s a bunch to report. The new order is due to arrive next week, and Frankie is cooking.

We are going to rebuild our shop on Bikernet to be driven by Shopify and we’ll be more connected than ever and able to give you deals and specials.

I just tested one of Crank and Strokes flannels and the fit, style and material was amazing.

–Bandit

VIRGINIA INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT ENTHUSIASTS FROM UNFAIR EXHAUST NOISE CITATIONS—
DON’T DELAY! Please contact the Senate Transportation Committee to request support for S.B. 180:

YOU MAY USE THE FOLLOWING POINTS IN YOUR MESSAGE:

S.B. 180 implements an objective testing procedure for determining if a vehicle’s installed exhaust system is in excess of 85 decibels, measured at a distance of at least 50 feet.

S.B. 180 supplies inspectors with an enforcement standard, replacing a system that relies on subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system amplifies the noise emitted by the motor vehicle.

S.B. 180 allows the operator of a vehicle to defend an exhaust noise violation, recognizing that the best way to address exhaust noise is by establishing a fair and reasonable exhaust noise decibel limit.

Overview: Virginia has introduced SAN-supported legislation (S.B. 180) to implement a fair testing procedure for vehicle owners accused of unreasonable exhaust noise violations. This bill applies to motor vehicles with a gross weight of 6,500 pounds or less. A vehicle cannot be in violation of the 85-decibel exhaust noise limit unless it has been tested under these fair standards. The bill currently awaits consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.

–SEMA

DOG STORY OF THE WEEK–Whether you own a dog or not, you must appreciate the efforts of this owner trying to sell her dog. Look at the picture of this lovable Chinese Mastiff and then read the sales pitch below.

DOG FOR SALE:
Excellent guard dog. Owner cannot afford to feed Jethro any more as there are no more drug pushers, thieves, murderers, terrorists or molesters in the neighborhood for him to eat. Most knew Jethro only by his Chinese street name, Ho Lee Schitt.

–El Waggs

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB OFFERING–One of the most insidious developments that has occurred over the past decade has been the extent to which mainstream media outlets and government-run schools and colleges have acted in concert to deprive the American public—especially young people—of access to objective information about climate change.

A whole generation is being brainwashed into believing long-debunked assertions about an impending “existential climate crisis,” the presence of ever more severe hurricanes and tornadoes, rapidly rising sea levels, and countless other dubious predictions of future climate calamities.

Moreover, the vast majority of America’s youth are completely ignorant about the fact that tens of thousands of scientists believe— and, even more importantly, mountains of scientific evidence show—that humans are not creating an existential climate change crisis.

We will not stand by and watch as this problem persists. On the contrary, The Heartland Institute is taking bold action to provide American students with the truth about global warming and climate science.

Read more in The Heartlander, our quarterly report pulled together for supporters like you.
–James Taylor
—Heartland.org

INDUSTRY NEWS–Motorcycle sales among leading brands are up 21.8 percent since 2019.

And MIC members can access reports that detail motorcycle sales – including sales in the on-highway, off-highway, dual-purpose, scooter, and ATV categories. MIC reports cover new-retail-unit sales among leading manufacturers by brand and segment – across the nation and also by state. The MIC also summarizes manufacturer and distributor shipments of motorcycle and scooter replacement tires – in total and by market segment.

–MIC

THE LATEST FROM THE DIME BAG EMPIRE–Handtooled leather seat we made Chuck Ondo featuring Tattooed praying hands with Indian Larrys Question mArk.

If you would like to upgrade your custom motorcycle with a hand-tooled leather seat, call or text 309-336-0714.

Follow, like and share @dimebag.leather on social media.

KEEPING THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN–Professor Higgins at the University of Sydney was giving a lecture on ‘Involuntary Muscle Contraction’ to the first-year medical students.

This was not an exciting subject and the professor decided to lighten up the mood.

He pointed to a young woman in the front row and asked, ‘Do you know what your asshole is doing while you’re having an orgasm?’

She replied, “Probably golfing with his buddies”!
–Professor El Waggs

NEW YORK INTRODUCES PRO-HOBBY BILLS AS LEGISLATURE RECONVENES
The New York State Assembly introduced a variety of pro-hobby bills for the 2022 legislative session. These bills are pending before the Transportation Committee and may be scheduled to be heard at any time.

DON’T DELAY! Please contact the Assembly Transportation Committee to request support for A. 4008, A. 4202, and A. 6931:

YOU MAY USE THE FOLLOWING POINTS IN YOUR MESSAGE:

A. 4008 — Allows the display of only a single, rear-mounted license plate for a $50 fee.

This bill protects the aesthetic contours of cars and relieves vehicle owners of the burden of having to create mounting holes on original bumpers.

This bill accommodates classic and special-interest vehicles, many of which are not originally equipped with a designated place to display a front plate.

This bill saves money, conserves resources, and allows greater performance and styling equipment options for automotive enthusiasts in the state and the industry supporting their hobby.

A. 4202 — Reduces safety inspections from annual to biennial for antique, classic, and collector vehicles.

This bill requires a biennial inspection instead of an annual inspection for antique, classic, and collector vehicles.

This bill recognizes that these vehicles are generally driven significantly fewer miles on New York roadways than other passenger vehicles, making the annual inspection an undue burden on hobbyists.

A. 6931 — Creates a one-time registration fee for historical vehicle owners.

The reduced registration fee would be available to owners of historical vehicles owned and operated as an exhibition piece or collector’s item and used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades, occasional transportation, and similar uses.

This bill replaces the current annual fee of $28.75 with a $100 one-time fee.

This bill brings the state in line with other states seeking to reward automotive enthusiasts and expand opportunities for these prized vehicles to be enjoyed.

–SEMA

Five states have introduced some version is hobby bills including New Jersey, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Vermont.

—Bandit

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE CLIMATE COMEDY NOTIONS—Famous actor gives a Climate doomsday speech in 2004 and in 2021 gets on his private jet and flies to an island where he has a mansion.

Obama gives a dire speech in 2006 and in 2021 buys a house on the water.

McGibben debates in 2006 and points out a doomed island nation. In 2021 the island nation is building luxury hotels on the water.

Greta cries wolf and doom in 2018 and chart shows the opposite.

Famous cook decries Climate Change and owns 12 restaurants, and all the kitchens use natural gas.

Here’s the real doom. Take all the cooking fires in the world and turn them off–Oops

Here’s another odd one. Take a strip of land that suffering from drought and have a biker gang throw a party with all their loud bikes. And when they leave the area is green and lush. CO2 is not a pollutant, and more CO2 makes the earth more green. No doom. Let’s fix obesity and opioid use and have a party because life on earth is cool.

–Bandit

ANOTHER WILD YOUTUBE OF THE WEEK–Amir Glinik – 1936 EL exploded experience short preview……

1936 EL exploded experience short preview… www.3d-files.co.il long version link https://youtu.be/bLSDlxamuUE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLSDlxamuUE

LATEST FROM Metalsport Wheels—
Get Your Racks Here!

Californian wheels specialist and Vee Rubber tires distributor Metalsport has branched out with this classy new luggage rack design for stock tour packs.

Precision CNC-machined from lightweight, high-strength aerospace grade aluminum, “it has been contoured to fit the profile and curves of Harley’s stock hard luggage perfectly. We make them right here in the USA and they are available in either a chrome, black anodized or polished finish.”

They “are a must-have for that complete custom look, adding style, form and function to standard or razor style tour packs.”

Metalsport offers a full line of 3D, 2D and now Hybrid finished wheels featuring over 25 designs, including the Chip Foose Signature Series. “We have one of the largest selections of wheel sizes in the USA. Wheel sizes start from the 16″ wheel to our monster 34″ wheel – all available with matching rotors, pulley and sprocket options.”

METALSPORT WHEELS
www.metalsportwheels.com

DEADWOOD CUSTOM MOTORCYCLES PODCAST—DAMN DEADWOOD

American V-Twin Aftermarket Information, Experiences, and Lessons Learned, with decades of experience in working on Harley-Davidsons and Harley based custom bikes.

From the owner and employees of Deadwood Custom Cycles in Deadwood, South Dakota with top tier special guests. All kinds of advice from a bunch of Dickheads who like to fumigate self-proclaimed wisdom about the American Motorcycle Industry.

And no, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Enjoy!

Sponsored by Law Tigers

Vance & Hines, Suzuki Motor USA, and Mission Foods Partner to Create
Powerhouse NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Team—

Santa Fe Springs, CA – February 1, 2022 – Vance & Hines today announced a partnership that brings three legendary brands together in a quest for the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle (PSM) Championship. This triumvirate of performance-focused, industry-leading companies make the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods/Suzuki Factory Pro Stock Motorcycle Team an early favorite for the top spot.

Suzuki, a global leader in motorcycle performance, plans to add to its NHRA PSM legacy in 2022 when it dubs Vance & Hines as its “premier drag race team.” The two companies have a storied relationship dating back to 1978 with the launch of the GS 1000. That year, Vance & Hines began operating Suzuki’s factory drag racing team, with racing programs under several sanctioning bodies. In the years that followed, they earned numerous victories and championships with company co-founders Terry Vance as rider and Byron Hines as tuner. Ultimately, the collaboration established Suzuki as the fastest and winningest brand on the drag strip. Their success paved the way for the emergence of PSM racing as a professional sport.

When the NHRA, established the PSM class as full-fledged national championship in 1987, Vance won its inaugural race in Gainesville on a Suzuki GS 1150E, and later in that season set a Pro Stock milestone as the first motorcycle to run a 7-second ET. Since that time, Vance & Hines-built Suzuki powerplants have won five NHRA national titles, including three consecutive championships on bikes piloted by Byron’s son, Matt Hines.

The Vance & Hines/Suzuki partnership is a multi-year program which will allow racing fans to see the performance of a 6.3 second, 200+ MPH Hayabusa model in the world’s premier form of motorcycle drag racing. Additionally, fans will be able to experience a Suzuki presence at many of the national NHRA PSM events and V&H/Suzuki team members will meet with fans in the paddock area at every race.

Mission Foods continues its sponsorship of the team in 2022 and has become a significant presence in racing, with partnerships and sponsorships in IndyCar and several racing organizations in powersports. Mission Foods, the largest manufacturer of tortillas in the US and a worldwide leader in Mexican foods, joined the Vance & Hines NHRA PSM effort in 2021.

“Suzuki has a tradition of competing at the highest levels in motorcycle racing,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor USA, LLC Vice President, Motorcycle/ATV Sales and Marketing. “Given our history and success in drag racing it’s fitting that we take a high-profile role in NHRA PSM.” Graeber added that “one of the specific goals of this program is to showcase Suzuki’s all-new, third generation Hayabusa sport bike and Vance & Hines is without a doubt the best partner for this initiative. We’re thrilled to be reuniting with Vance & Hines in NHRA to show the extraordinary capabilities of the Hayabusa.”

“We’re happy to expand our partnership with Vance & Hines for NHRA racing and are overjoyed to have Suzuki on board. This is a great expression of our #2FAST2TASTY campaign,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “NHRA with Vance & Hines and Suzuki, IndyCar with Arrow McLaren SP and our sponsorships in American Flat Track will make 2022 an exciting year for all race fans.”

“Vance & Hines was born on a racetrack and has a passion for high performance,” said Mike Kennedy, President of Vance & Hines. “That’s why partnering with organizations with equally strong cultures of winning is perfect for us. We are overjoyed to have Mission Foods return to our program, and to begin a long and successful strategic partnership with Suzuki. This is already a great start to the 2022 racing season.”

Additional details of the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods/Suzuki racing program will be released in February as the team prepares for the first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle race of the season in Gainesville, Florida. The season includes 15 PSM races and its finale takes place in November in Pomona, California at NHRA’s Auto Club Finals.

NEW FROM THE NASH GANG— Own the stainless-steel version of the original sought-after Knuckle Buckle design by Jason Momoa with the help of Nash.

This thing is designed to be an heirloom collector’s item that you can wear, thrash and improve it’s character over time – while the stainless steel material prevents total destruction. May this be your way of saying “Viva La Knuckleheads!”

Collect yours today!

NEW BOOK FROM THE CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS–A detailed preview of Fossil Future

“Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas—Not Less” is a systematic analysis of our energy future from a human flourishing perspective

On April 19th, my new book Fossil Future will be released by Penguin Random House.

Fossil Future systematically analyzes the world’s energy, environmental, and climate choices from a human flourishing perspective—and concludes definitively that, as the subtitle of the book says: “Global human flourishing requires more, oil, coal, and natural gas—not less.”

Over the next two months I’ll be publicly sharing some sections of Fossil Future before the release date. Let me know in the comments which sections you want me to release.

For those considering bulk purchases: if you commit to making a bulk purchase (100 or more) of Fossil Future, I’ll send you a signed bookplate for every book. Just email assistant@alexepstein.com subject Bulk Orders with the number of books you want, and we’ll connect you with a low-cost bulk seller.

My #1 fear about Fossil Future is that once it launches with a huge media campaign *and* blows new readers away, there will be a big shortage that will be hard to remedy given the supply chain crisis.

You can help prevent a shortage by preordering. Thanks for considering this!

—Alex Epstein

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

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE BRINGS AN AGGRESSIVE EDGE TO THE ICONIC SCOUT FAMILY WITH THE NEW SCOUT ROGUE & SCOUT ROGUE SIXTY

Powerful, Reliable, Comfortable & Agile – New Scout Rogue Offers the Most Aggressive Style & Performance-Minded Expression of the Iconic Indian Scout

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 1, 2022 – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today unleashed the most aggressive iteration of its iconic Indian Scout with the launch of the new Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty. Packed with attitude and edge, thanks to its aggressive styling and performance-minded features, Scout Rogue exudes performance, begs for more throttle, and is ready for whatever comes its way.

Combining iconic design with contemporary style, the Scout Rogue demands attention and inspires riders to express a bolder sense of self-expression. A lineup of new features give Scout Rogue its edgy, hard-riding demeanor, including a quarter fairing, mini ape-hanger handlebars, sport style seat, blacked-out fenders and valve covers, and a 19-inch front wheel. The proven Scout and Scout Sixty powertrains pack serious punch with loads of low-end torque for snappy acceleration.

“For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue delivers that in spades,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President. “It’s an attitude that can only be found on a motorcycle, and it creates a totally unique level of camaraderie and community, and that’s what Scout Rogue is all about.”

The introduction of the Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty add two more Scout models for riders looking to stand out from the crowd. Starting at $9,999, the Scout Rogue Sixty opens the door for even more riders to join the crew. Each model inspires rider confidence with a low seat height and manageable wheelbase, while a lower center of gravity provides superior handling for all riders – regardless of experience and skill level.

 

Riders can achieve a smoother, more comfortable ride with increased suspension travel from Adjustable Piggyback Rear Shocks. Using twist knobs, riders can easily dial-in their compression and rebound damping settings.

Lighting Accessories

For superior nighttime visibility, the Scout Pathfinder 5.75-inch Adaptive LED Headlight activates 15 individual beams based on the bike’s lean angle. The upgraded headlight utilizes patented technology that projects light farther and improves the overall light spread in front of the bike.

Style Accessories

To add personalized, custom-inspired styling, riders can add Smoked LED Turn Signals and an Auxiliary Tachometer with Shift Light. Rather than amber and red turn signal lenses that can distract from the bike’s style, the smoked turn signals feature clear lenses, but still provide bright, easy-to-see amber LED lighting in front and bright red LED lighting in the rear.

Mounting next to the standard instrumentation, the Auxiliary Tachometer with Shift Light keeps the rider aware of the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) and enhances the bike’s high-performance style. An LED shift light illuminates to indicate recommended shift points.

Comfort Accessories

Whether riding solo or two-up, exploring a town or crushing miles, Indian Motorcycle offers a host of comfort and touring accessories. Scout Rogue riders can personalize their ergonomics with the Rider Comfort Seat. The Syndicate 2-Up Seat and Syndicate Low Profile Passenger Backrest add comfort for passengers.

If packing gear, riders can add the black Saddlebag, Solo Luggage Rack, and a black, water-resistant Solo Rack Bag.

New Accessories

In addition, the Scout Rogue’s stock quarter fairing and sport style solo seat are now available as added accessories for Scout and Scout Bobber models. The Indian Motorcycle Quarter Fairing delivers custom style in a high-profile location at the front of the bike. The fairing encircles the headlight and creates a look that is both classic and sporty. The Quarter Fairing can be color-matched for Scout Rogue models, Scout models from 2015-2022 and Scout Bobber models 2018-2022.

The sport style Indian Motorcycle Syndicate Solo Seat provides long-riding comfort, as an upraised rear lip creates a comfortable bucket that keeps riders planted during hard acceleration. The interior padding provides an ideal blend of comfort and support, and the black, leather-like vinyl seat covering provides long-term, all-weather durability. The Syndicate Solo Seat fits Scout Bobber models 2018-2022.

Complementing the Scout Rogue is the Indian Motorcycle Rogue clothing and gear collection. The Rogue Collection personifies blacked-out styling and has been designed for men and women looking for simple, clean lines with tones of black and gray.

Riders and fans can shop the full Rogue Collection at www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/shop/apparel/collections/rogue/.

Starting at $11,499, the Scout Rogue delivers 100 horsepower by way of a liquid-cooled, 69 cubic-inch (1133cc) motor. The Scout Rogue is available in Black Metallic, Storm Blue, Sagebrush Smoke, Black Smoke and Stealth Gray.

The Scout Rogue Sixty starts at $9,999 and features a 60 cubic-inch (999 cc), liquid-cooled motor with 78 horsepower. The Scout Rogue Sixty is available in Black Metallic, Titanium Smoke and Bronze Smoke.

The 2022 Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in early 2022. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

NEW REPLICATOR TOMAHAWK WHEEL–Make your Harley look new again by updating to one of the latest Harley style wheels! The all-new TOMAHAWK by Replicator wheels is stunning! Available in all sizes and finishes … this wheel can take your bike to a whole other level!

Starts at $1,199 depending on size and finish. NOT CURRENTLY ON OUR SITE. CALL TO ORDER

–WanaRyd Wheels
www.wanaryd.com

NOMINEES WANTED–Class of 2022 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame (MRFHOF) was introduced at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver, Colorado. This institution was created to recognize individuals that have worked through the MRF to positively impact motorcycling. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is proud to announce that the nomination process for the next class of inductees into the MRFHOF is now open.

The nomination form and a timeline are posted on the MRF website at:

https://mrf.org/mrf-hall-of-fame/

Nomination applications are due to the Hall of Fame Committee by March 1st, 2022 – please send completed forms to communications@mrf.org

Past Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame inductees are: Keith “Bandit” Ball, Mark Buckner, Wayne Curtin, Michael “Balls” Farabaugh, “Still” Ray Fitzgerald, Richard Gray, Bob Illingworth, Nathan “Buck” Kittredge, Ed Netterberg, Sherman Packard, Todd Vandermyde, Paul Vestal, Penny Walker, Ed Youngblood, Vince Consiglio, Fredric Harrell, Rodney Roberts, Simon Milward, JoAnne Packard, Karen Bolin, Lee Richardson, Jerry “JT” Thomas, Teresa Hepker, Dick “Slider” Gilmore, Charles Umbenhauer, Wanda Hummel-Shultz, “Biker” Jim Rhoades, Lee Ryan, Marc Falsetti, Gary Klinker, Charlie Williams, Dave Dwyer, “Radio” Bob Letourneau, “Farmer” John Eggers, Michael “Boz” Kerr, Butch Brown, Deb Butitta, Jim Dahling and Carol Downs.

EPA Expands Pesticide Outreach and Education to Better Meet the Needs of Pesticide Applicators, including Farmworkers, and Consumers–

Kicks off Fifth Annual National Pesticide Safety Education Month with new Spanish-language Pesticide Safety Videos for Farmworkers

Contact: EPA press office, press@epa.gov

WASHINGTON (Feb. 1, 2022) — In February, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrates National Pesticide Safety Education Month to raise awareness for pesticide safety education and share best practices for using pesticides safely in and around our homes. Throughout the year, EPA provides resources and takes action to protect the well-being of all those who may come in contact with pesticides, from consumers who use disinfectants in their homes to pesticide handlers and farmworkers who work with and around pesticides in the fields.

“EPA is pleased to participate in National Pesticide Safety Education Month because providing tailored resources for farmworkers and other pesticide applicators is critical for ensuring that pesticides are responsibly used,” said Ya-Wei (Jake) Li, EPA Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs. “Additionally, EPA continues to provide education and outreach on pesticide safety, particularly on disinfectants, to help consumers choose the right product for their needs and use that product safely.”

EPA’s Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) aims to prevent and reduce pesticide poisonings and injuries among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers, an effort propelled by making pesticide safety information accessible in several languages. Through a producer and syndicator of Spanish-language educational content, EPA developed public service announcements to help farmworkers reduce take-home pesticide exposure. EPA now offers a Spanish-language video (available in two lengths) that is based on learning from focus groups comprised of migrant and seasonal farm workers. The videos emphasize the importance of handwashing when working in agricultural areas where pesticides may be used. The videos have already been viewed more than 89,000 times and have reached over 82,000 users on social media. Watch the videos: El Factor Invisible and El Factor Invisible – Extended Version.

EPA is also proud to support numerous successful efforts and programs that help the public every day, including:

Responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency – EPA continues to provide helpful consumer tips and outreach on the best cleaning and disinfectant practices. These efforts included an informative video on how to use EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus to find approved products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Agency has successfully reviewed and approved more than 500 surface disinfectant products to ensure American businesses, families, schools, and other organizations have as many tools as possible to disinfect surfaces during the pandemic.

Increasing access to pesticide safety information – EPA supports programs like the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), which provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. NPIC addresses current and emerging pesticide-related issues through their pesticides hotline with pesticide specialists answering calls from the public in over 240 languages. The site, which provides free federal, state, and local resources, receives around 8 million views per year.

Supporting Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs) – PSEPs teach pesticide safety across the country to workers and target communities. EPA supports PSEPs to provide workshops and educational tools to approximately 825,000 certified pesticide applicators in a variety of languages and help them meet certification requirements. PSEPs reach an additional 2 million people, including pesticide educators, farmworkers, and inner-city and rural communities. Find a program near you.

Furthering pesticide-related outreach – EPA funds several projects that advance pesticide safety education. Most recently, EPA awarded a five-year cooperative agreement to the University of California-Davis, in partnership with Oregon State University, for the second phase of the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC). PERC coordinates development of pesticide-related educational resources that meet national needs. Many new resources were launched through this cooperative agreement including multilingual manuals, pamphlets, webpages, videos and guides for different targeted audiences on how to work with or around pesticides safely. More than 47,000 materials have been distributed.

The Agency also expects to release another grant opportunity later this month to increase the reach and scope of pesticide safety educational programs. Learn more today about pesticide safety by visiting: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides.

NEWS FROM THE BUCKLE GUY–Barry King Leather Tools. Handcrafted leatherworking tools, including mauls, awls, edgers, skivers, mallets, molders, and more. Barry King leather tools are famous and popular leather craft tools for making leather belts, bags, wallets, and other handmade leather products. Made in the USA in Wyoming.

WHAT’S NEXT?—It’s never dull in the Badlands.

We went to the Deadwood dog races last weekend. What a kick. It was just 20 degrees, but when the sun’s out, it just doesn’t matter.

I found a local who will paint silver scallops on my flathead Sporty gas tank. Hang on.

Windows have gone into the shop and Baldwin’s Electric drilled holes in perfectly good walls and ran wiring.

We are working with a local Spearfish artisan on a wheeled stained glass for our Sturgis front door. It’s getting very close.

I got sucked into the Bring a Trailer Auction site and came across this 1948 fast back Cadillac. The bid was low enough to draw me closer. After these auctions, I’ll bet the owner pulled it down. He’ll be back with higher expectations.

For Christ’s sake, don’t forget Valentine’s Day. Your life is at stake.

I bought this solid Silver springer in Greece while traveling around the world. I’m going to give it to my son for his birthday, this month. He needs something super bling to hang around his neck during tattoo conventions.

Threats from Europe

The last few months have seen troublesome news for the motorcyclist community in Europe. Yesterday, the website motorious.com reported on a new threat to motorcyclists in Paris, France. Officials there are taking aim at motorcycles and using sound pollution as the justification. According to the report, “Paris authorities have been experimenting with sound radars as a way to fight excessive noise pollution in the city. Such devices allow police to pinpoint which motorcycle is emitting more decibels than is allowed, then fine the rider.”

This news for Paris comes on the heels of a Politico report late last year, that the European Commission has plans to dramatically change emission requirements on vehicles. While motorcycles were not included in the initial blueprint, fears are high in Europe. A ban on internal combustion engines “Would be a disaster,” said Michael Lenzen of the German Motorcyclists’ Association.

Don’t forget that in 2020, the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA), issued a warning about end-of-life vehicle directives. Such a policy would require the collection and destruction of motorcycles that have come to the end of their life. At the time, Wim Taal, FEMA’s communications officer said, “Inclusion of motorcycles in the scope of the directive could also mean a serious threat to historical motorcycles. These bikes are especially dependent upon available and affordable original spare parts to keep them in working order. And who wants to see old-timers disappear into state approved demolishing facilities?”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is committed to working with and supporting our partners in Europe. As MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard has repeatedly warned, “Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States.” The MRF is dedicated to opposing policies that destroy the motorcycling lifestyle. Thank you for your continued support as we fight to maintain our rights and freedoms.

Do you really think it couldn’t happen here?

To read the motorious.com article click here.

To read the politico.com story click here.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders.
See Website at: http://mrf.org/

Recognizing Black History Month 2022
by Nick Resty and Mama Tried

I do not claim to be an expert on any historical MC stuff, but I have always found it fascinating.

Being a guy who tries to emulate what others have done in the past, I have always found it to be important and respectful to learn the history of the source of my passion.

One aspect of chopper history that has always fascinated me are the black chopper builders and motorcycle clubs. That being said, I’ll just spout off things that I have learned through my chopper years thus far.

CLICK HERE To Read this Feature Article from Nick Resty & Mama Tried

CLICK Here To Subscribe to Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter

Thursday afternoon, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced a new national road safety campaign. The plan, known as the “National Roadway Safety Strategy,” comes in response to increased year over year fatalities on our nation’s roadways. In 2020, an estimated 38,680 people died as a result of a motor vehicle crash. Of those, approximately 9% were motorcyclists’ fatalities.

What is most alarming about the increase in fatalities, is that the total number of miles traveled on our roads decreased during the pandemic. Americans traveled 13.2% less miles in 2020 than we did in 2019, but we saw a 7.2% increase in deaths.

The preliminary numbers for the first 6 months of 2021 are also troublesome. From January through the end of June 2021 an estimated 20,160 people died in crashes. That is the largest number of projected deaths in that time frame since 2006.

To combat this trend the plan outlines five key objectives:

• Safer People: Encourage safe, responsible behavior by people who use our roads and create conditions that prioritize their ability to reach their destination unharmed.
• Safer Roads: Design roadway environments to mitigate human mistakes and account for injury tolerances, to encourage safer behaviors, and to facilitate safe travel by the most users.
• Safer Vehicles: Expand the availability of vehicle systems and features that help to prevent crashes and minimize the impact of crashes on both occupants and non-occupants.
• Safer Speeds: Promote safer speeds in all roadway environments through a combination of thoughtful, context-appropriate roadway design, targeted education, and outreach campaigns, and enforcement.
• Post-Crash Care: Enhance the survivability of crashes through expedient access to emergency medical care, while creating a safe working environment for vital first responders and preventing secondary crashes through robust traffic incident management practices.

The recently passed infrastructure bill has components and funding to help achieve some of these goals. For example, $14 billion in new funding was specifically allocated for road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also announced plans this week to increase the data it collects on crashes. The agency wants to boost the number of crashes investigated and add additional studies that examine crashes involving medium-duty trucks, pedestrians, and workers who are hit on the road.

We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are encouraged to see that the U.S. Department of Transportation is taking a complete view of traffic safety, incorporating multiple factors to make our roadways safer. We also remain committed to the theory of crash avoidance, as a crash that doesn’t happen is always safer than one that does.

To get more detail and read the 41 page report click here.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders.
See website at: http://mrf.org/

                                                 1-800-273-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

                                     Jody Hall Annual Memorial Ride 2022

Joining together to remember and celebrate the life of our brother…

This is the third year that the American Legion Riders Post #104 gather to remember their brother,  a retired Air Force veteran with 22 years of service.

Today, Roadkill and the Legion Riders celebrate Jody’s life the way he would have, had he been here. Riding to remember the good times, and making some good out of the bad.

“Sometimes there’s just no words…”

Roadkill was there when Jody got married on a sailboat.   Roadkill was there the day they spread Jody’s ashes off a boat. Roadkill was there for all of the  30 years of miles in between.

Jody met Roadkill under the big tree at the old Jim’s Harley Dealership on Haines Road in St. Petersburg. “The Tree Gang” used to ride together back in the day, meeting under the big oak in the parking lot. They started at Post #125 for Bloody Mary Specials to kick things off, and who knows where they would end up from there.

Jody was one of the charter members of Post 104 Legion Riders 20 years ago, one of the earliest to establish in the area. Jody was “larger than life”. “A true brother to the core who enjoyed the good times and a good party”. Intelligence at its finest. One of the greatest guys ever. True grit – could be abrasive in personality, but was very caring underneath it all. He had a huge heart. He was even involved in Animal Rescue with his Mrs.

 Roadkill was there for Jody’s 50^th birthday party when Jody climbed a huge oak tree out back, jumped on a branch and fell 30 feet to the ground landing on his back. Carted off to the ER he went…ever the smartass to the EMTs J. 

 

He was so full of life. No one under stands the how or the why. Maybe it was related to his physical complications from medical issues. Jody’s decision made life difficult for so many left behind – no one saw this coming. Jody left this world on Roadkill’s birthday. 

The annual memorial event this year was a Poker Run and Fundraiser with all proceeds being donated to K9s for Warriors. Over $9,000.00 was raised in Jody’s memory which will be gifted to K9s for Warriors . They are the largest provider of service dogs to veterans in the U.S., rescuing many of their dogs from high kill shelters. Their website notes that they have rescued more than 1,300 dogs so far. This year’s event really paralleled Jody’s life bringing together veterans, animals, a good party, and killer music by Wallace Blvd! The Riders will make the journey to Jacksonville, FL to present the check to the K9s for Warrior in Jody’s Name.

You can find out more about K9s for Warriors at the link below. Their Mission: “Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.”

 https://k9sforwarriors.org

                                  Veterans Crisis Line

 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report/September 2021

https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2021/2021-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL-9-8-21.pdf

 The future ain’t certain but the end is always near….

Let it roll…

 You are not alone.

If you don’t know who this bad mafucka was, he was the guy who designed the bikes ridden by Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper in ‘Easy Rider’. Him and another badass black dude named Ben Hardy built the iconic Captain America and Billy bikes for the movie. Hardy was a very skilled bike builder and built two “Billy” bikes and three “Captain America” bikes. Being that it was 1969, they got no credit for building arguably the most famous choppers in history.

The Chosen Few Motorcycle Club. An important piece of chopper / club culture. They were founded in 1959 in Los Angeles. “When you talk of the Outlaw Bikers you automatically think of ‘Them Crazy White Boys’ doing what a lot of folk wish they could do. Live Life Like You Want & Fuck You And Your Rules. Well Guess What?

There was some crazy Black bikers who felt the same way, and didn’t give a Fuck. Thus was born the Black Outlaw Bikers!” The first White boy to come to the Chosen Few MC was “White Boy Art.” He came around 1960, followed by “White Boy Tom”. Soon they started to attract other White outlaw riders that wanted to join them.

The Chosen Few became a multi-racial MC with chapters that were all Black, all White, half White and half Mexican, half Black and half White, all Mexican, half Mexican and half Indian, a few Asians & one Iranian dude. They were one of the first, if not the very first, multi-racial one percenter club.

The baddest of the bad, in my opinion of course (mainly because they are from Oakland and Bay Area chopper influence, blah blah)……… Originally started as a car club, they made the switch to an M.C. in 1959.

Due to harassment from law enforcement, Long time friend Sonny Barger suggested they switch to a motorcycle club because bikes were more discreet than cars, easier to maintain, and cheaper to work on. In 1959, and even well into the ‘60s, although there were two Harley-Davidson dealerships in Oakland, no dealership in the Bay Area would sell bikes to black customers.

All the original founding members had to buy used bikes in order to obtain ownership of one. The Black Panthers came to The Dragons for ideas and support during their creation.

Due to the support both organizations had for each other, some of the Black Panthers eventually became members of the East Bay Dragons after the Black Panthers disbanded.

She rode to all 48 states and traversed the country around eight times. Hotels wouldn’t rent rooms to black folks, let alone a little black woman riding a Harley probably covered in road grime, so she often slept on her motorcycle.

Can you imagine how fucking gnarly that must have been, especially in middle America? Bessie rode Milwaukee iron. She said of the 27 Harleys she owned in her lifetime, “To me, a Harley is the only motorcycle ever made.” She was such a skilled rider that she would also do stunt riding in carnival shows.

During WW2, she worked as a civilian dispatch rider. Her job was mostly to carry documents between domestic U.S. Bases. Bessie was married and divorced six times. When she divorced her 3rd husband, Arther Stringfield, he asked her to keep his last name because he knew that one day Bessie would make that name famous.

She moved to Miami in the 1950s and eventually started the Ironhorse Motorcycle Club. Of course, she felt the hardships of the racial situation at the time, but she also felt the hardships of being a woman at the time. Disguised as a man, Bessie won a flat track race but was denied the prize money after she took off her helmet.

As I mentioned before, she was a stunt rider. She would get attention from the press by riding around while standing on the seat of her bike. She was nicknamed the “Negro Motorcycle Queen” and later the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami.”

Let’s talk about a man of choppers. If you are into chopped motorcycles and haven’t heard his name, you probably need to start over. For those of you that are just along for the read, let’s talk about Sugar Bear. In the world of choppers, having long springer front forks is almost a must at some point.

There have been dozens of manufacturers of these types of forks and almost all of them are floppy, sketchy, and just plain questionable. However, there are a few builders that come to my mind who made springers that are undoubtably superior to the rest: Dick Allen, Paughco, Denver Mullins, Arlen Ness, and Sugar Bear.

I have personally seen and/or owned all of these at one time, and the quality truly is mind blowing. Bear got into bikes at the tail end of the ‘60s, which led to him meeting, learning from, and befriending Ben Hardy (One of the masterminds behind the Easy Rider bikes).

Sugar Bear opened his own shop in 1971 in South Central Los Angeles and started building springer forks in lengths up to 18-inches over stock, using solid steel to construct them during a time when most springers were made out of tubing.

He was a mathematician when it came to figuring out rake and trail, which resulted in a front fork that could be ridden with one hand with no bounce and zero flop. Something that was usually unheard of with a long springer. Now it was on. He had a few advertisements throughout the years in numerous magazines, but most of his work was done by word-of-mouth.

Fame wasn’t something that he was seeking. He just wanted to make a living doing the thing that he loved, building choppers. This is something that I envy very much. As time went on and the styles of choppers changed and evolved, Sugar Bear stayed true to his roots and kept building them his way.

This led to more and more business over the years, and turned into a family affair. His son “Little Bear” now works side by side with him keeping the legacy going.

This last paragraph is from Street Chopper Magazine because I think it’s said perfectly: Sugar Bear and his choppers and infamous Springer front ends have stood the test of time. Sugar Bear is a true chopper-culture icon. His influence through the evolution of the custom motorcycle industry has left a mark and long-lasting impression on riders and chopper enthusiasts alike for decades past and for many years to come.

As an individual and devoted bike builder who has been there since the birth of choppers, it is with great pleasure to have Sugar Bear’s contributions help shape chopper history and his legacy to continue and flourish.

The Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series includes some of the most amazing single-track trail in the country, all tied together by incredible back roads through America’s countryside. Designed to provide the perfect off-road riding experience, these two-day events include ample, challenging routes that are well marked and well designed.

This series is intended for serious off-road-oriented dual sport motorcycles. For larger adventure-style bikes, consider events in the AMA National Adventure Riding Series.

AMA membership is required for these national-level events. A one-event pass may be purchased for $20 (only available for purchase at the event) or a full AMA membership for $49 (online or at the event).

One lucky series participant will win a Beta motorcycle at the end of the year. All participants in the series are automatically entered to win. See the sweepstakes rules by CLICKING HERE.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Supercross Futures, an AMA National Championship will resume in 2022. Athletes can begin to qualify starting in October at select primary events spread across the country. Eligible athletes will then advance to a second round of qualifying set to take place at an upcoming Monster Energy AMA Supercross event during the 2022 season. Finalists will then proceed to the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship scheduled for Saturday, May 7 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.

2022 SCHEDULE

The country will be divided into six regions and existing tracks and events will serve as the first round of Primary qualifiers – Northwest, West, Southwest, Southcentral, South, and Northeast. Riders will qualify by finishing in the top 22 in their respective primary and can enter multiple regions.

These 22 athletes will then be invited to race in a Premier qualifier which will take place on Saturday at an upcoming Monster Energy Supercross race within their respective region.

The top 4 athletes from each Premier qualifying race will then advance to the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT, where 24 athletes will vie to become the 250SX Futures Class Champion.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PREMIER EVENT TICKETS

PREMIER RIDERS

Download our for 2021-2022 Premier Supplemental Rulebook for what you need to know to be a Supercross Futures Premier Rider. For series information, contact a Supercross Futures representative at 703-749-5563 or sxfinfo@feldinc.com.

2021-2022 Supercross Futures Premier Supplemental Rulebook

RACE NUMBER INSTRUCTIONS

• Preference for numbers is based on time of registration.
• Numbers must be clearly visible and displayed on the front number plate and both side number plates.
• Black backgrounds with white numbers required.
• It is required that the official Supercross Futures logo appear on the front number plate. You can obtain the logo and/or logo artwork file two ways:
  • At each event, all number plate stickers will be available on site.
  • If a third party produces number plates and/or jerseys for you prior to meets, they may download the official logos (CLICK HERE).

DOWNLOAD & PRINT

PARENTAL CONSENT

If you are a parent of an underage rider that is not planning to attend with the minor, you must download and submit legal guardian documentation. DOWNLOAD & PRINT

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We’re not messing around…

By Bandit with Scott Adam’s quotes and Barry Green images

Bandit’s Cantina has a section dedicated to the beautiful gals that make the ride on roads and in homes worthwhile.

Check out this Article – handpicked images and select life experience wisdom for every person to ponder and wonder.

Bandit’s Note: I read a book recently by Scott Adams the creator of Dilbert Cartoons called, “How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big. It’s sorta the Story of his life, plus positive thinking suggestions, business rules and warnings, etc.

I’ve read a ton of such books over the years, but reminders never hurt, so I gave it a shot. I’ve shared it with lots of younger guys and girls who are struggling.

Toward the end I thought it might be a good notion to share the highlights, remind myself of them and put them down, so I could refer to them from time to time. So, here goes.

CLICK HERE To Check out this wonderful Feature Article in the Cantina

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