With 2021 in the rearview, New Year 2022 has hit the ground running in several states considering pro- and anti-biker laws, including some helmet legislation, profiling, noise, motorcycle safety, lane splitting, bike parking and lighting issues.

Freedom of Choice on helmet use is on the docket in some of the 18 states that still mandate riders to wear them, such as Massachusetts (H3524 & S2328: helmet standards), Nebraska (LB581) and West Virginia (HB2711 / SB127), while New York seeks to study the efficacy of helmets (A1107) and Alabama’s legislature will consider requiring reflective headgear (SB65).

Lane splitting has been a hot topic lately, and Massachusetts (H3513 & S2315), Virginia (HB838) and Washington (HB1106 / SB5622 & HB1254) hope to join California, Montana, Utah & Hawaii in allowing motorcycles to bypass slow moving vehicles in heavy traffic situations.

Likewise, anti-biker profiling by law enforcement has been on many states’ agendas since being enacted in Washington, Maryland, Louisiana and most recently Idaho, and now New York is the first this year among many more to introduce legislation (A1747 / S3869) in hopes of preventing police from discriminating against motorcyclists in their application of the law.

By sheer numbers, Massachusetts takes the prize for the most pro-motorcycle bills introduced already this session, with 11 pieces of legislation including H3487 / S2329 to advance motorcycle safety, H3417 / S2331 relative to a motorcycle safety fund, and H3438 to clarify testing and enforcement of motorcycle sound emissions.

On the “anti-“ side of the dockets, New York is once again considering a prohibition on children under the age of 12 from riding on a motorcycle (A148), and Virginia will debate “excessive noise” (HB367 and HB632 / SB180).

The year is young, with many more issues of interest on the horizon, pro and con, that concerned riders need to track and stay on top of, and one of the best ways to do so is to join your state motorcyclists’ rights organization (SMRO) and subscribe to the monthly NCOM Biker Newsbytes by e-mailing “Subscribe” to NCOMBish@aol.com.

Since the federal Highway Bill passed Congress and was signed into law by President Biden without most of the pro-motorcycle provisions that bikers across America lobbied to include, it is now imperative that riders turn their attention toward garnering support for the stand-alone measure in the House that would help prevent anti-biker profiling.

Nearly three years ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution condemning the discriminatory profiling of motorcyclists by law enforcement (S. Res. 154), and now the U.S. House of Representatives is again considering a similar bipartisan measure in the 117th Congress, H. Res. 366; “Promoting awareness of motorcyclist profiling and encouraging collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement officials to prevent instances of profiling.”

Sponsored once again by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) along with original co-sponsors Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX), Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), the anti-profiling resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 30, 2021 to thwart “the illegal use of the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle related apparel as a factor in deciding to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest, or search a person or vehicle with or without legal basis under the Constitution of the United States,” as profiling is defined in the resolution.

H.R. 366 acknowledges that “complaints surrounding motorcyclist profiling have been cited in all 50 States,” and the bipartisan resolution denotes three actionable items;

(1) promotes increased public awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling;

(2) encourages collaboration and communication with the motorcyclist community and law enforcement to engage in efforts to end motorcyclist profiling; and

(3) urges State law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcyclist profiling in written policies and training materials.

All concerned motorcyclists are encouraged to contact their Congressional Representatives at (202) 224-3121 to ask that they join with 59 other colleagues as current cosponsors of H.Res.366 and help put a stop to law enforcement unfairly targeting motorcycle riders for traffic stops, questioning and citations.

Traffic cameras that can identify excessively noisy motorcycles and vehicles are being deployed across France, with riders and drivers who flout the rules facing fines of €135 ($153USD).

The debate over the devices, which have been trialed in various countries across Europe, has run rife for some time, but the French are the first nation to initiate a wider roll-out of cameras that will flash and fine motorcycles and vehicles that exceed noise levels.

The Bruitparif-designed Meduse cameras feature microphones attached to a camera that can pick up and identify the direction of noise from the road below. Should the sound rise above a certain decibel, the camera is activated and a fine is subsequently issued.

MOTO-GP WILL NOT RACE IN COUNTRIES REQUIRING COVID QUARANTINES
When MotoGP resurfaced in October 2021, it looked like Grand Prix motorcycle racing might return to normal, packing the schedule with 21 rounds including eight outside Europe, but the Delta and Omicron variant waves caused many countries to reinstate travel restrictions — including quarantines upon arrival — forcing organizers to play musical chairs with the calendar throughout the year.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta sent a clear message at a recent racing forum that MotoGP will not visit countries in 2022 that require CoViD-19 quarantines; “If they tell us that we have to be quarantined for fourteen days, the answer is clear, no, I’m not going! That’s the limit,” Ezpeleta claimed. “As for the rest, they can ask us to have vaccination certificates or the documentation that we already did last year and that is why it was important to go to the United States as a test of what can be said to the rest of the countries.”

Last year, MotoGP successfully ran events in Qatar and the United States, unfortunately the only races held outside Europe, while Japan and Australia are still requiring such measures, and Thailand is trending that direction.

 
JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE SALES HIT 23-YEAR HIGH
Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, motorcycle enthusiasts and OEMs alike lamented the elusive Millennial buyers and declining sales, but throughout the global health crisis, motorcycles have surprisingly surged in popularity. As a result, manufacturers experienced record sales growth, with Ducati, BMW, and Energica reporting large gains in 2020 and 2021, and Japanese OEMs have similarly benefited from the increased interest and the “Big Four” (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha) are reporting that domestic shipments hit a 23-year high in 2021 (235.755 units in-country, up 20.6%).

In addition to the sales uptick, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha all report increased sales among younger riders.


FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH: MOTORCYCLE RACERS BLINK LESS
A recent study has found that MotoGP riders blink far less than non-racers, with one test subject going 9 minutes without blinking!

During the first round of the 2021 MotoGP season, Pramac Ducati rider Johann Zarco set a new series top-speed record of 225 mph. At that speed, riders cover 330 feet in one second. The average blink takes 0.15 seconds, so riders traveling at that top velocity are effectively blind for nearly 50 feet of track.

That sounds like a terrifying prospect to us mere mortals, but a study between LCR Honda and Italian pharmaceutical company Sifi helps explain how MotoGP riders’ eyes function in such extreme conditions. Conducted over six MotoGP seasons (2015-2021), Grand Prix riders would undergo tests prior to the race and 30 minutes following the checkered flag. The dual-test method revealed that rider reaction times and pupil performance remain in “Race Mode” for an extended period.

All racers easily exceeded the normal 4-6-second blink interval, and despite the stressful conditions, none of the subjects exhibited red, dry eyes or inflammation.

The results may be fascinating, but Sifi co-owner Carlos Chines believes this is just the beginning of a broader, long-term study.

 

Well, it’s too late to write to Santa for a saddlebag stuffer, but you can contact Airbiker to acquire their portable assistive device to pick up downed motorcycles.

No matter how your bike got to the ground, you have to pick it up somehow, and while plenty of riding instructors teach methods to help you pick up a downed bike, the moment of truth may seem much different when you eventually face it.

Plus, the bigger the bike, the more intimidating the task, and what if you have a bad back or other injury that makes it a less smart idea to manhandle your scoot?

That’s the problem that French startup Airsink wants to solve with their new product called Airbiker; a small pouch with an inflatable balloon and a few CO2 cartridges inside that gives enough boost for you to grab the handlebars and guide it back upright from a completely prone position on the ground.


NCOM CONVENTION ~ SAVE THE DATE!
Some of the finest Freedom Fighters in the motorcyclists’ rights movement will be among the hundreds of biker activists from across the country to gather for the 37th annual NCOM Convention in Nashville, Tennessee over the weekend of June 23-25, 2022 to teach, learn and share information relevant to our ongoing fight for Freedom of the Road.

This year’s NCOM Convention will address legal and legislative topics of interest to all motorcycle riders, including informative seminars, regional meetings, special interest gatherings and group discussions, capped off with the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet.

NCOM Board Chairman James “Doc” Reichenbach reminds concerned bikers to “Mark your calendars now” and check back at www.ON-A-BIKE.com for further details as they develop.
 
QUOTABLE QUOTE:

“We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”

~ Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd President of the United States

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.

Hang on for the Ride

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.

CLICK HERE To Read the Weekly News on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more – Click Here to Subscribe

Earlier this month the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Board of Directors (BOD) conducted the annual January meeting. The January meeting allows the BOD to review the work of the MRF over the past year and look forward to what lies ahead.

Two new members of the BOD were seated at the meeting, Eric Ross of Iowa, as a new MRF Reps Representative and Rick “Brick” Lindsay of Louisiana, as a new Sustaining State Motorcycle Rights Organization Representative. Additionally, during meetings last year, Gary Goracke of Minnesota, was added as the new Director of the State Representative Program and Andy Kelly of Pennsylvania, was added as a MRF Reps Representative. If you’d like to see a complete list of board members, with their titles and terms of service click here.

The end of 2021 and beginning of 2022 also saw the MRF renew and establish new contracts with six different vendors. JPK Services will once again provide office management and membership services, Husch Blackwell Strategies will operate our lobbying arm and Policy Engage will provide our legislative and outreach tracking tools. Additional contracts were agreed to for IT services, editing and publishing the American Biker Journal and a new dedicated social media director.

The January meeting is one of three annual meetings of the MRF BOD and is the only one held virtually. A second meeting occurs during May’s “Bikers Inside the Beltway” event in Washington, D.C. and the final meeting of the year is held during September’s “Meeting of the Minds” conference. All three meetings are open to MRF members and are great opportunities to understand how the MRF operates.

Thank you to our board members for their service to the MRF and their dedication to the rights of all motorcyclists.

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.
Visit Website at: https://mrf.org/

ProTaper Reveals its Industry First Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Handlebar Offering Greater Strength, Lower Weight for MX Riders

Fort Worth TX — January 19, 2022 — ProTaper, the industry leader in motorcycle handlebars and controls, today announced an industry first, a revolutionary carbon fiber-reinforced, aluminum handlebar designed specifically to meet the needs of motocross riders. The ProTaper ACF Handlebar uses a revolutionary Carbon Core system to maintain strength while creating the lightest 1 1/8-inch handlebar in the industry.

The use of unidirectional, unwoven carbon fiber creates a core for the bar with a maximum longitudinal tensile strength that is twice the strength of a traditional carbon fiber weave. This carbon fiber core allows ProTaper to reduce the thickness of the strong, 7000 series aluminum alloy walls in key areas, decreasing weight by up to 20% and producing unrivaled impact absorbing flex.

In addition, the ACF Handlebar uses ProTaper’s Control+ design, which creates 220 millimeters of space, an increase of up to 40 millimeters, for mounting controls such as hydraulic clutches, ignition mapping switches and electric starters. The Control+ design creates this additional space without ergonomic changes for the rider.

“The handlebar is the most critical element in a rider’s control of the bike,” said Randy Valade, brand director for ProTaper. “This innovation in design offers greater control, greater comfort, increased ability to mount crucial controls and reduces weight by up to 20%. Riders have been seeking this advantage for years and now ProTaper will deliver it to them.”

The ACF Handlebar is available in four bends to allow rider the fit that they prefer on their motocross bike. The CR High, Carmichael, Henry/Reed and SX Race bends are available in black and retails for $139.99.

About ProTaper
Since 1991, ProTaper has led the way in premium control components. The brand delivers an exciting, innovative, and complete product line that fulfills the needs of professional racers and weekend riders alike. Through revolutionary ideas like the oversized 1⅛” handlebar and the Micro Handlebar Kit—the only control system purpose-built for youth riders, ProTaper transforms how riders experience their motorcycles. It’s no wonder that ProTaper has long list of pro and amateur athletes relying on its products to help them win races.

Hey,

We blasted out of Boulder Canyon between Deadwood and Sturgis, South Dakota at 4:00 in the morning last Friday. There was a deal on a 1948 ULH 80 Flathead Harley, the last year. An ex-longtime Paughco employee Steve H. was struggling and needed cash.

We sought various options, but then the weather cleared, and we needed bolt early to miss the next snow. As it turned out we ran into some snow in Wyoming, but no big deal.

We powered through to Wendover where lodging was scarce, but we bunked in at the Best Western and they treated us well and the morning coffee was stellar.

We rolled alongside the Paughco Headquarters at 2:00 p.m. on the dot. After a meeting with the grand emperor of the Paughco empire, Ron Paugh we did the deal and made for Downtown Carson City and the Courtyard Marriot, which got a very low score from us. I’d watch out for those guys.

Regarding Paughco, they are perhaps the largest most trusted manufacturer of custom and old Harley replacement parts in the industry. Their product line is massive, and they do it all in house. I’ll get into that more as we start on project bike builds for this year as soon as my shop is completed.

Let’s hit the news, then I’ll tell you about the rest of the knockout 1,100-mile Flathead blast and shop progress. It’s screaming together.

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 RIDERS FOUNDATION TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME–This week the Motorcycle Riders Foundation was notified by Emma Garvin, Executive Director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022 Inductees. The ceremony will take place in August during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

While there are a significant number of individual members associated with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation that have been inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame, it is noteworthy that our organization as a whole will now be included.

MRF Chairman and President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, had this to say, “Our organization being inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame is an outstanding achievement that truly recognizes the impact the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has had on the National and International motorcyclists’ rights scene over the past four decades.

It is truly a celebration of our Founding members and the contributions of each Sustaining Member Organization, Sustaining Motorcycle Club, and individual members since the beginning of this movement. For this recognition to happen in the spiritual center of motorcycling makes it even more special.”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank Gary Sellers and Jiggs Cressy along with all of you that sent in letters in support of our nomination.

–Fred Harrell
Senior Communications Specialists
Motorcycle Riders Foundation

MEME OF THE DAY–“This tire’s going flat. But I’m not. Wanna ride me for a while?”

–J.J. Solari

BIKERS FOR TRUMP CREW CHECKS IN–Our Bikers rolled up in force to Pres. Trump’s Arizona Rally and made it clear – President Trump and his supporters will not be canceled by Leftist thugs!

We’re the only grassroots organization with the determination to take on the violent Left at a moment’s notice. Now we’re being called to rally behind Trump and his supporters in Texas in less than 10 days!

Keith, we have a major problem. After Arizona, our Bikes are running on empty. If we can’t keep our gas tanks filled, our Bikers aren’t going anywhere.

Because of Bidenflation, our biggest cost is the gas to fuel up our Bikes. If you care about stopping ANTIFA and BLM from harassing our voters, rush your contribution so we can fuel up our Bikes for Pres. Trump’s Texas Rally!

Skyrocketing gas prices are a serious emergency that threatens the biggest advantage we have over the Left – MOBILITY!

We’re counting on you to pitch in whatever you can to get our Bikers gassed up and on the road for Texas!

Democrats think they can flip Texas and deny President Trump another major victory in the state. Help gas up our Bikes so we can show the Country that Texas is still solidly behind President Trump.

–Chris Cox
Bikers for Trump

NEWS FROM THE PRISM GANG— Paradise Road Show

We just got back from a trip out west to see a bunch of our friends at the Paradise Road Show. Our trip started with a visit to the Cycle Zombies crew where we got to see Beach Pig and Tropical Beef, Matty Matheson’s two panheads that feature a slew of our parts.

After that, we got to see the show in Palm Springs at The Saguaro. Our friend Jonny shot some photos while perusing The Golden State, so keep scrolling to enjoy his pics from our trip.

–Prism Gang

Frankie and Em blasted out to the Palm Springs show. Wasn’t a big deal according to them, but a nice ride to the desert.

–Bandit

DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS BONNE BELLE PROGRESS REPORT—Brian one of the new partners reports: We had an issue with the Timken set pushing the crank assembly too far over to one side in the case, no allowing bother cases to close together properly.

I was able to tur the lip off the ounput shaft in order to get us back to where we need to be. We are sending the flywheels out to be cut for active balance at the balance master.

The cylinders are being fit to pistons currently.

RESPECT TODAY–If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.
–Cavett Robert

I refuse to allow anything or anyone to disturb my peace of mind.

I Let Go of yesterday and the fears of tomorrow by living fully in the Present. I will not condemn or judge anyone or anything, even the guy who cuts me off in traffic.

I find an opportunity in each second and refuse to waist one precious moment of my day. I make choices to block out any old tapes playing in my head of doubt, regrets or negativity. As my day unfolds, I return to these words to remind myself of my commitment to Live large. I don’t know how many days I have left on this plain, so I commit to this Consciousness constantly.

Today is a gift and I am so Grateful for It. Make it the best day ever! As I Pause at the end of Today, I will look back and just smile and say Thank You.
And So It is…

Namaste’

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I hope everyone who is reading these words is having a Great Day and if you are not you do have the right to change it right now.

THE COOL ANTI-DOOM READ OF THE DAY—by Ed Berry, PhD

The journal, Science of Climate Change, published my landmark scientific paper on December 14, 2021.

My paper, and papers by Murry Salby and Hermann Harde, are checkmate proof that natural CO2, not human CO2, causes most of the increase in atmospheric CO2. Physics proves our CO2 does not change our climate.

In 1992, Al Gore claimed,

“Only an insignificant fraction of scientists deny the global warming crisis. The time for debate is over. The science is settled.”

I attended the meeting in the San Francisco Bay area where Bush’s toady told some 100 climate physicists like me that we were out of a job. They did not want physicists to tell them our CO2 does not cause climate change. They wanted and would fund only ecologists to write reports on the damage humans do by burning carbon fuels.

The dark side propagates its climate fraud by trying to scare you with its claimed consequences if you do not do what they tell you to do. Fear causes us to abandon our logic and common sense. Likely, the witch doctors of old used the same techniques.

How to understand the climate fraud.

Almost Every day, the news media tells us about a new “climate catastrophe.” The subliminal message is “because it’s bad, you caused it.”

The climate fraud may be the mother of all frauds. Belief in IPCC’s core assumption dumbs us down and makes us susceptible to other frauds, like gun control and COVID mandates.

They say, “natural CO2 emissions stayed constant and human CO2 caused the problem.” This is the ecological nonsense of “Nature is Good, Human is Bad.”

My book Climate Miracle explains in a short read the logic you need to defend yourself against climate alarmism.

The proof is important.

According to the scientific method, it is impossible to prove a theory is true (as climate alarmists try to do) but it takes only one contradiction to prove a theory is false. My paper supplies that contradiction.

According to the scientific method, my paper overturns the “consensus” claim that IPCC’s core assumption is true, and it “outvotes” the thousands of IPCC papers that claim IPCC’s core assumption is true.

Now, the only scientific way for them to justify their climate alarmism is to show there is a major error in my paper. Many have tried but no one has succeeded.

Human CO2 does not “accumulate” in the atmosphere.

CO2 flows through the atmosphere like water flows through a lake. Imagine a lake where a river sends water into a lake and lake water flows out over a dam. Pretend we arrive when the inflow is small but constant and the water flowing over the dam is equally small and constant.

The lake level is at equilibrium. Its outflow equals its inflow. The lake level is constant. Suddenly, the inflow increases. It raises the lake level. This rise in the lake level makes more water flow over the dam. The lake level rises just enough to make its new outflow equal its new inflow.

That illustrates now human and natural CO2 that flow into the atmosphere change the CO2 level in the atmosphere. Nothing accumulates. The level rises only enough to make CO2 outflow equal to the CO2 inflow.

Let’s do a first approximation.

The IPCC says annual human CO2 emissions are about 5% of natural CO2 emissions. This is like a recipe. What you put in is what you get. The only difference here is your recipe is flowing out of a hole in the bottom of your bowl as you pour things in.

Because human CO2 inflow is 5% the human CO2 level in the bowl is also 5%. The natural CO2 level in the bowl is 95%.

Same for CO2 in the atmosphere. This first approximation says human CO2 is only 5%.

But the IPCC theory is that human CO2 is at 30%. This shows IPCC’s core assumption is wrong.

Let’s do more accurate calculations.

My paper uses IPCC’s natural carbon cycle data and annual human CO2 emissions data to calculate the true effect of human CO2 emissions. Notice I use IPCC’s own data to prove its assumption about human CO2 is false.

Human and natural CO2 do not react with each other. So, we can calculate their effects independently, which simplifies the calculations.

My calculations include human CO2 that recycles back into the atmosphere and the transfer of human carbon from the slow carbon cycle to the fast carbon cycle. The whole banana.

The result, as of 2020, is human CO2 has increased to only 8% of all atmospheric CO2. This is still nowhere near the 30% required by IPCC’s core assumption. Therefore, IPCC’s core assumption is wrong. Not even close. In fact, a fraud.

The IPCC attempts to explain this problem.

The IPCC tries to get around this problem by claiming human CO2, but not natural CO2 stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. And by staying around longer, the human CO2 goes up to 30%.

Thus, the IPCC digs its own grave.

This IPCC claim is absurd because human and natural CO2 molecules are identical, so they flow out of the atmosphere at the same rate.

IPCC’s story (and it is a story) would require a magic demon in the atmosphere that can separate human CO2 from natural CO2 molecules, and then detain the human molecules. It can’t happen. No one should fall for this baloney.

–Ed Berry

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

ONLY 742.00 Miles!!!!!

This bike is a super low mileage Sporty like new.

Some of the features/Add-ons on this bike

* 1200c.c. Motor
* 5-Speed trans
* Mag wheels
* Chrome/Black staggered exhaust
* Solo seat
* Swingarm side bag

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!

Lifestyle Cycles located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806

NOT LOCAL WE HAVE ******SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!******

Call today (714) 490-0155. **Open 7 days a week**

REPORT FROM DIME BAG LEATHER–Made a stop in Stonehead Leather in Utica, IL. Cool shop, Keith and Darsi were very helpful and carry a huge lineup of leather and biker goods.

Visit Stonehead Leather in Utica, IL and on Facebook. Also visit their website stoneheadleather.com

Reference: stoneheadleather.com

We are located in the quaint village of Utica, IL, just outside of Starved Rock State Park. We are near Mattheissen State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park. We specialize in motorcycle leather and motorcycle riding accessories.

The owners, Keith and Darsi have been riding for 40 years and are very knowledgeable about your biking needs.

We carry a wide variety of men’s and women’s leather jackets, chaps and vests covering a large size range. We have a large selection of doo-rags, gloves, clothing and jewelry. We have over 2000 patches in stock to customize your leathers.

We also do custom work making gun holsters, shoulder holsters, phone cases, repairs, and various other leather needs.

–Adam Croft

[page break]

OPEN ROAD RADIO IS COOKING FOR THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY–Open Road Radio is celebrating 25 years on radio this year…First broadcast was January 2nd 1997!

WOW – It’s been a thrilling ride and I have met the best people thru motorcycling – YOU!
That sure did go fast!

If you would join us LIVE this Saturday by zoom in our LIVE broadcast, record your message on your phone and send to me via email, OR pre-record with me on…Friday Jan 7th.

Plz pick one of the options most convenient to you for a :30 sec to 3 min:

Congratulations Open Road Radio on 25th yr. Anniversary
Happy New Year Greeting
Thoughts of potential motorcycle Industry trends 2022 -Motorcycle predictions

RECORD YOUR MESSAGE ON YOUR PHONE: State name, business & message Send to me: gina@openroadradio.com TODAY FRIDAY . Engineer will supercut and add your name & business caption

GO LIVE WITH OPEN ROAD RADIO SAT JAN 8th: Various Time slots on Open Road Radio Saturday Jan 15th LIVE (will provide zoom link)

Plz feel free to mention your business, ambitions, goals of 2022!

Plz let us know if you are avail to join us (asap) in one of these fashions…we are stoked to have you on our memorable Open Road Radio 25th Anniversary Edition! (All month long)

–Gina Woods / President
Open Road Radio- Moto Lifestyle Talk
Celebrating 25 years!
LIVE every Sat 11 am – 12 pm cdt

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–THE PROGRESS REPORT BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 13, 2022

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_PROGRESS_REPORT_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_January_13_2022.aspx

I don’t agree with you! Been subscribing to Cycle Source for 2 years and it’s BORING! All the bikes are the same. All rigids, aftermarket front end, blah blah blah. No originality! I could teach anyone to build a rigid in a weekend. It ain’t hard mounting a fender on a rigid, give me a break!

I understand having bikes for the common guy but if you look at the recent issue featuring all the bikes from the past year there are only one or two standouts. Look at the rigid you just featured under construction from Carl Pussar, this will be a bitchin ride!

I’ll let my subscription expire. I pay money for mags that show me something new not stuff I built 40 years ago. Yeah, yeah choppers forever, whatever. Build something!

Just cause the guy built his own handlebars or sissybar, big deal. Are there any magazines out there that show some pro builds? A magazine full of garage builds are boring. Sorry. I’m sure this will piss off a lot of people.

I’m entitled to my view and I’m not pissing on any of those builders, just the magazine. We all started somewhere but magazines are supposed to spark our imagination by showing us something we haven’t seen.

— Danger
San Jose, CA

NEW FROM NAMZ–
Our BRAND NEW Front ABS Extension Harness is now available!

NAMZ did it again! Making it easy for you to do it right! Our NEW Front ABS Extension Harness will allow the extension on front ABS on all 2008-Up Bagger Models equipped with ABS.

100% Plug-n-Play, this 12″ extension is all you need to easily accomplish your ABS needs.

Part #: N-FAXH-12

REPORT FROM WAR-TORN HOMELESS OVER-RUN LA–I went down to the bar at lunch and the girls said tell Bandit Hi!

The bar manager gave me free whiskey in my Coke, and all is good. Tomorrow is the last day before retirement. I gotta figure out what the next move is. I hope to eventually talk the old lady into moving to Austin, Texas.

–Gearhead

THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC FROM RMJ–

–Rob O.

NEWS FROM SEMA–Thank you for your dedication to our cause as automotive advocates. Your efforts help safeguard our hobby from serious threats. As you’re likely aware, enthusiasts are being hit by unjust, unfair, and unnecessary government actions across the nation.

To strengthen our fight together and win the battles ahead, our collective influence must become unmatched. And, to make the amount of noise required for those in elected positions to listen more intently, deeper involvement must come from everyone.

The good fight for our cause must be won. Ready to get more involved? For the first time ever, die-hard enthusiasts like you can officially join SEMA. Please help our entire community conquer the battles ahead by stepping up as an official SEMA Individual Member today. Many thanks for your consideration and ongoing support!

An air of cautious optimism rang in the New Year following the close of a tension-filled 2020. Historic difficulties appeared to be making way toward recovery on many fronts. Not surprisingly, a slew of challenges awaited our automotive hobby directly in the coming days—along with a few welcome opportunities. However, a completely unexpected legislative battleground revealed itself as the year progressed.

In the wake of lingering uncertainty, enthusiasts’ concern with government overreach grew to an unprecedented level. In short, actions taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) caused a viral backlash—awaking a “sleeping giant” in the process. The result forged an epic movement that attracted hundreds of thousands of fresh advocates to our cause. After all, the laws and regulations impacting one’s garage likely affect many others. Learn more about the events that unified our hobby at the following link: “PUTTING OUT FIRE… WITH GASOLINE!”

The legislative slate is wiped clean with the arrival of the 2022 sessions. Thank you in advance for your help supporting initiatives introduced in your state. Meanwhile, here’s a look back at the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) recent pro-hobby efforts:

FEDERAL UPDATE

RPM Act: The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act) was reintroduced in the 117th U.S. Congress. The bipartisan, pro-motorsports, pro-business legislation will clarify that it is legal under the Clean Air Act (CAA) to make emissions-related changes to convert a street vehicle into a dedicated racecar.

It will also confirm that it is legal to produce, market and install racing equipment. In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft rule stating that such conversions were illegal, as were products used to make the conversions.

The EPA withdrew the draft rule following a huge, SEMA-led public outcry but still stands by this controversial interpretation of the CAA. The legislation (H.R. 3281/S. 2736) is sponsored by Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Jon Tester (D-MT). There has been unprecedented grassroots support for the RPM Act in 2021, as more than 1.5 million letters have been sent to Congress this year supporting the bill.

SEMA Challenges EPA Position on Race Parts: In early 2021, SEMA filed an amicus brief in a lawsuit between the EPA and Gear Box Z Inc. (GBZ) in which the EPA stated that the CAA does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition. In its brief, SEMA challenged the EPA’s assertion, noting that “the agency’s interpretation breaks from the plain language of the CAA, the legislative history, and EPA’s regulations and guidance.” The U.S. District Court for Arizona declined to consider the motor vehicle conversion issue raised by SEMA, and GBZ ultimately settled with the EPA over the issue of selling defeat devices for highway vehicles.

Replica Vehicle Law: SEMA worked with Congress to enact a 2015 law allowing low-volume motor vehicle manufacturers to begin selling fully functional, turn-key replica cars that resemble vehicles produced at least 25 years ago—from 1930s roadsters to 1960s muscle cars and more. Each company could produce up to 325 replicas a year for the U.S. market. The program has been on hold until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues a regulation to implement the law. The agency completed the rule in early January 2021, but it was not officially published in the Federal Register before the presidential transition. The rule is now scheduled to be reviewed and published in January 2022.

E15 Ethanol Fuel: SEMA submitted comments opposing a proposed rule by the EPA to modify or remove the current E15 warning label requirement for gasoline that contains 15% ethanol (E15). Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. The EPA’s proposed new label at the gas pump would weaken the warning message and be smaller in size. SEMA argued that these changes would increase the likelihood of E15 gasoline being used in incompatible vehicles.

In a separate action, a federal appeals court found that the EPA had overstepped its authority by issuing a 2019 rule allowing gasoline with up to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round. The court ruling reimposes a summertime restriction for certain E15 sales due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased smog.

Recreational Trails Program: The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a study which concludes that the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) should be receiving nearly $300 million annually rather than the $84 million currently allocated from its portion of federal gas tax receipts. The amount is based on an analysis of fuel used for nonhighway recreation from the 18.4-cents-a-gallon federal taxes collected at the pump.

RTP funds are used to construct and maintain trails for all types of activities, including motorized, non-motorized and mixed-use trails (off-roading, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, etc.). SEMA is urging Congress to enact legislation to increase the RTP funding to the FHWA study estimates.

National Monument Boundaries: President Biden has directed the U.S. Department of the Interior to reconsider the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments, which were reduced under the previous administration. A decision is pending.

The stunt was for the film ‘Riding High’ about the life of a motorcycle stuntman. “They asked me to do the jump at the end of the film because they were worried,” said Kidd. “It had been raining a few days before and they insisted that I have a mudguard on the front of my bike.

But while in flight the wind caught the mudguard and overbalanced the bike, so the landing was not easy.” In the film, audiences were amazed at how the bike was nearly vertical when landing. “I was also told to wear a visor on my helmet, which blew backward as I was landing, but I ‘nailed’ it” Eddie told BBC Essex.

Kidd, who was only 20 at the time, completed the stunt before a stunned group of spectators, fans, and press. Only wearing motorcycle leathers and a crash helmet, he landed on the jump and despite the pressure came away with only a minor leg injury.

Photo attribution: BBC

–from Sam Burns

FUCK Commiehartt–

To all the bikers, brick layers, construction workers, dock workers, ranchers and farmers across America who previously bought work clothes from the vax-Nazis at Communist China Carhartt Corporation:

Support your brother and sister Americans in harm’s way!

(https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/s6wnb7/carhartt_moves_forward_with_vaccine_mandate/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)

Don’t buy from any CCP-ball-licking company telling free American citizens what experimental crap they have to inject into themselves to have a job, like Communist Australia. Let Carhartt know what you think, as a former customer: covidquestions@carhartt.com

United we stand, divided we fall.

–Special Agent Zebra

ARCH Motorcycle and J.W. Speaker Announce Official Lighting Partnership–J.W. Speaker, an LED and emerging lighting technologies designer for automotive, powersports, transport, and industrial products, and ARCH Motorcycle, a Los Angeles based bespoke production motorcycle company co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves, today announce their official lighting partnership.

J.W. Speaker will provide its premium LED headlights for all ARCH Motorcycle units built in 2022, including the ARCH KRGT-1 and the upcoming ARCH 1s and ARCH Method 143 models. J.W. Speaker and ARCH Motorcycle will also partner in developing customized LED lighting technology for future ARCH models.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be working with ARCH Motorcycle as their lighting partner for 2022 builds and beyond. We look forward to collaborating with the ARCH team,” said Trish Logue, Director of Marketing at J.W. Speaker. “J.W. Speaker has been at the forefront of innovative LED lighting designs for decades and developed the world’s first dynamically Adaptive Motorcycle HeadlightTM, designed to calculate bank angles on a real-time basis, automatically sending light up or down as the motorcycle leans into a corner. ARCH Motorcycle has built its brand around utilizing best-in-class components and we’re proud to be part of its roster of partners.”

“J.W. Speaker has been an important collaborator of ours for years, so we’re excited to evolve that relationship further as we look ahead to the release of upcoming models like the ARCH 1s,” said Gard Hollinger, co-founder at ARCH Motorcycle. “Our riders’ safety is of utmost importance and working alongside a trusted partner like J.W. Speaker with their Adaptive 2 Series headlights ensures we deliver best-in-class lighting technology for all ARCH motorcycles.”

ARCH Motorcycle was founded on the idea of redefining the American performance cruiser and delivers an unrivaled riding and ownership experience through an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence and dedication to the rider. Every ARCH Motorcycle is delivered via a uniquely collaborative process tailoring livery and ergonomic fit to each owner. What started off as an exploration of what may be possible in the world of motorcycling has quickly evolved into the benchmark for the premium motorcycle category.

For more information on J.W. Speaker’s premier LED lighting technologies, visit www.jwspeaker.com. Information on ARCH Motorcycle is available at www.archmotorcycle.com.

–ARCH Motorcycle

[page break]

NEWS FROM THE STURGIS MUSEUM–I am beyond excited to announce to you that Carlo & Emma Lujan have been selected to join the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Class of 2022! We received handfuls of letters that made it clear Carlo & Emma are well deserving of their induction. They have spent their lives in the motorcycle industry.

–Emma K. Garvin
Executive Director
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
605-347-2001
www.sturgismuseum.com

TEXAS ALERT–Wall Street has never been too keen on Texas. The bustling streets of progressive Manhattan are a stark contrast to the wide-open plains and freedom-founded principles of the Lone Star State. But until now, coastal elites’ disdain for Texas has been mostly limited to peering down their noses at our state.

But today, Wall Street firms are colluding on a coordinated attack against Texas and our way of life. Wealthy investment managers like BlackRock and Bank of the West are denying capital to energy companies, wielding their money and power like a wrecking ball with one goal — destroying the oil and gas industry.

But energy is the driving force of our lives and livelihoods — so I’ve made it a priority to fight back.

Senate Bill 13 sends a strong message to big business: If you boycott Texas energy, Texas will boycott you.

Under this new law, the state of Texas will no longer do business with companies that actively boycott or divest from fossil fuels. The reason is simple: Texas wouldn’t be Texas without energy. Our economy, prosperity, and quality of life would be at risk without the fuels made right here in our state.

In 2017, I championed similar legislation regarding Israel. Thanks to Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature’s decisive action, the state of Texas no longer contracts with companies that boycott Israel. We’re proud to stand firmly with one of our greatest allies — and to show the same support to the energy workers who power our state and our entire nation.

Energy makes our lives possible. It’s not just about jobs and the economy, although those things are important. Energy represents nearly a third of Texas’ GDP and funds more than 10 percent of the state’s budget. Last year alone, oil and gas contributed nearly $14 billion to our schools, roads, and Rainy Day Fund. In pre-COVID times, that number was even higher.

More importantly, nothing we do is possible without Texas’ rich natural gas and petroleum reserves. We rely on fossil fuels to get through our day, from the gas we put in our cars and the electricity keeping our businesses running to the plastics used in a myriad of medical products, including the masks and gloves keeping our health care heroes safe.

The burgeoning energy discrimination movement is denying capital to our responsible, hard-working energy businesses, which means the energy we need will be less affordable and less secure — and everything we do will be more expensive. It’s a recipe for worsening poverty in a time our economy, though stronger than the rest of the country’s, is already struggling to return to normalcy.

And when investment managers choose political pet causes over their fiduciary duty, our retirees will suffer for it even more. The Texans who will one day depend on their investments and pensions for retirement — including our teachers, first responders, and state employees — deserve to know their money is being treated with care, not manipulated for political purposes.

BlackRock and its compatriots in the investing world will claim that divesting from fossil fuels is necessary to prevent a climate catastrophe. But these claims don’t stack up for several reasons. First, the data models used to justify big-government climate policies are suspect at best. Second, these same models project that even eliminating fossil fuels entirely would have next to no impact on global temperatures.

A realistic and pragmatic view of climate science recognizes that the climate is changing, but those changes are likely to be mild and manageable — even more so as technological advancements make us more resilient.

The tangible benefits of affordable, reliable energy to Texas — lower poverty, improved economic opportunity, better heath, stronger national security, and even a cleaner environment — far outweigh the risks of slightly warmer temperatures decades from now. To continue to reap those benefits, this critical legislation sends a strong signal to both Washington and Wall Street.

Texas is proud to lead the fight.

–The Honorable Phil King
Texas Public Policy Foundation

Kuryakyn Adds High-End Audio and Travel Bags to Expand Offerings for On and Off Roaders– Kuryakyn today introduced new products expanding its offerings in motorcycle audio and travel bags for both adventure and on-road motorcycle riding. This is the company’s first launch event since being acquired by Tucker Powersports in September of 2021.

The new king of the hill in mobile speakers is the Kuryakyn Wanderbar. It delivers audiophile sound quality to motorcycles, ATV’s, side by sides or a tailgate party or campsite. The Wanderbar’s 35-watt dynamic stereo amp delivers power to two woofers and four tweeters while integrated passive radiators produce thumping mids and bass lines owners won’t expect from a compact speaker. The chargeable lithium battery packs power for hours of music, for charging other electronics or powering the built-in task light. It’s available in a 14-inch ($599.99) or 10 inch ($579.99).

If smaller size and permanent mounting is important to a rider, the Road Thunder Sound Bar Plus is the right choice for your motorcycle or ATV. It packs a punch in sound and includes a solid mount to a motorcycle or ATV. while using less handlebar space. The two full range speakers and four tweeters add a personalized soundtrack to every ride. The mounts for the Road Thunder Soundbar Plus accommodate a smaller 1 1/2 in handlebar. It’s available in Satin Silver and Black. ($469.99).

Man’s best friend will enjoy Kuryakyn’s best accommodations ever, with the new Pet Palace Flyweight Ruff Pack. This backpack-style dog carrier is loaded with creature (and human) comforts, making it perfect for motorcycles, bicycles, hiking, or hitting the town.

The weather resistant 1000-denier nylon construction and PVC-coated mesh vent panels will support up to 15 pounds of furry fun. Soft tie-down points allow for mounting on motorcycle passenger seats and other vehicles. ($99.99)

Kuryakyn’s Torke line of waterproof carrying cases for ADV and overlanding gets four new additions to the family. A large removable dry pouch, a waterproof pannier, waterproof gun case and a waterproof duffle bag join the lineup that is especially appealing to off roaders and riders who don’t have hard bags on their bikes. All have waterproof RF-welded PVC construction, submersible IPX7 zippers. The Torke Dry Rifle Case features a plush padded interior to ensure your rifle stay protected and dry. The Pannier has a 24-liter capacity and the Duffle is 33 liters, expandable to 39 liters.

The Momentum line of bags gains four new styles this season, the Wanderer Touring Seat Bag the Road Warrior Bag, the Vagabond Bag, and the Freeloader Bag. All are constructed from UV-rated weather-resistant 1200 denier textile material. The Wanderer is a great do-it-all bag with a huge center storage area. It has a 60-liter capacity. The Road Warrior features eight separate storage areas and works great as a trunk or sitting on a luggage rack. It has a 60-liter capacity. The Vagabond Bag is great for a weekend road trip with lots of storage options and a 46-liter capacity. The Freeloader Bag is a duffle style that quickly mounts to any sissy bar or backrest. It has a 33-liter capacity and expands to 39 liters.

“Kuryakyn continues its mission of delivering great products that make a better experience for all riders,” said Kuryakyn Brand Manager Tyler Anderson. “Our new products are designed to meet the needs of motorcycle riders, ATV and side-by-side owners and their ‘faithful companions.’ This brand continues to innovate and improve the riding experience for all of our customers.”

A New Year and a Call to Action–The MIC Government Relations Office is asking association and powersports industry members for their eyes and ears in 2022. A new year in statehouses across the country and in the nation’s, Capital can mean anything from new regulations to new legislative bills and even new tariffs. It can mean new challenges at the local, state, and federal level.

“Your government relations team stays on top of federal and state legislative matters, but if there is legislation that you are particularly interested in, we welcome you to contact us to express your interest, support, or concern regarding individual bills in your state,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the MIC’s GRO. “A new legislative season means a blitz of new bills being introduced and fresh opportunities to be proactive, grow relationships with lawmakers, and help shape the policies that impact our powersports industry.”

Those with something to report on the legislative front are welcomed to call (703) 416-0444 and speak with the MIC team in the Washington, D.C., area.

NEW CANTINA MEMBER SPEAKS UP–I actually have both of those books. I had Prize Possession a long time ago and gave it to a good friend that was going through a rough patch. I was lucky to get another copy when you started selling them again.

I really feel like all this climate doom and a lot of what they are screaming about is nothing but their attempt to control us. In our day it was polio, nuclear war, communism ,and the domino effect. Anything to keep people scared and thinking the government was looking out for them.

Orwell would make a great movie!!

Ride hard, live free!!
–Ken

MORE FROM THE PRISM GANG— Our ’82-’03 Sportster Hardtail Kit is 100% made in Charlotte, NC and completely tig welded from top to bottom.

The looped back end is a node to the motorshop frames from the ’60s and ’70s. Coupled with 1” diameter tubing, this kit enables you to bring classic big twin chopper style to your Evo Sportster.

We developed this kit for the home builder and designed it to accommodate stock components such as wheels, axles and brakes. With a goal to stay as close to OEM specs as possible, we made the frame with 1.5” stretch to allow room for fender clearance, seat fitment and an oil tank.

Everything needed for installation is included such as hardware, slugs, bungs and fittings.

’82-’03 Sportster Hardtail Kit Features Include:

Made in Charlotte, NC
100% tig welded
1-inch .120 wall stainless steel tubing
1.5-inch stretch
Accommodates stock components such as wheels, axles and brakes
Necessary hardware, slugs, bungs and fittings included
Compatible Parts Coming Soon:
Horseshoe Oil Tank
Axle Kit
Brake Kit
Rigid Seats

—www.prismmotorcycles.com

GUN NUT ALERT–Today, January 20th, the Assembly Appropriations Committee is hearing legislation to further restrict “precursor parts” at gun shows. Please click the button below to ask committee members to OPPOSE AB 331.

Assembly Bill 311 prohibits the display or sale of any “precursor firearm parts” at gun shows on state property. So-called “precursor” parts are not regulated as firearms under federal law; however, they are regulated under state law and are limited to being transferred by licensed vendors in California. Such restrictions continue to cut off access to law-abiding individuals who are looking to acquire firearm parts in accordance with existing law.

Please act, GO TO THE NRA WEB SITE TO TAKE ACTION

Yours in Freedom,

–Ken Lan
Communications Coordinator
NRA-ILA
http://www.nrailafrontlines.com/

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY DEPARTMENT—This week’s history lesson:
1919 January 16

Prohibition is ratified by the states

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,” is ratified by the requisite number of states on January 16, 1919.

The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse effects of drinking began forming temperance societies. By the late 19th century, these groups had become a powerful political force, campaigning on the state level and calling for total national abstinence. In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, also known as the Prohibition Amendment, was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.

Nine months after Prohibition’s ratification, Congress passed the Volstead Act, or National Prohibition Act, over President Woodrow Wilson’s veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of prohibition, including the creation of a special unit of the Treasury Department. One year and a day after its ratification, prohibition went into effect—on January 17, 1920—and the nation became officially dry.

Despite a vigorous effort by law-enforcement agencies, the Volstead Act failed to prevent the large-scale distribution of alcoholic beverages, and organized crime flourished in America. In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified, repealing prohibition.

The Night Prohibition Ended

Look back at America’s surprising reaction to the end of Prohibition.

By the 1930s, it was clear that Prohibition had become a public policy failure. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution had done little to curb the sale, production and consumption of intoxicating liquors. And while organized crime flourished, tax revenues withered. With the United States stuck in the throes of the Great Depression, money trumped morals, and the federal government turned to alcohol to quench its thirst for desperately needed tax money and put an estimated half-million Americans back to work.

The Repeal

In February 1933, Congress easily passed a proposed 21st Amendment that would repeal the 18th Amendment, which legalized national Prohibition. Even 17 of the 22 senators who voted for Prohibition 16 years earlier now approved its repeal. State conventions quickly ratified the proposed amendment, and by December 5, 1933, only three more states were needed to garner the requisite three-quarters approval to make it law.

READ MORE: Prohibition

Important COVID-19 Information for the Grand National Roadster Show–We are thrilled for the return of the Grand National Roadster Show for 2022. This year will feature a large number of new builds, debuts, exhibitors, and of course the AMBR and Slonaker competitions along with the Gathering of Hot VW’s and 90th Anniversary of the 32 Ford exhibits. After being forced to cancel in 2021, we are grateful to our sponsors, attendees and the community for sticking with us.

As we near the show kickoff on January 28, we want to address some questions around COVID protocols at the show. As of January 15th the State of California Covid-19 protocols changed. Given the choice of canceling the Grand National Roadster Show or complying with local laws, we chose to return. That means complying with county rules that currently require a vaccination card or negative COVID test for event entry and masks required indoors. While not our ideal situation, we believe it is the only option given the cards dealt to us by current government mandated event guidelines. Be prepared to show a proof of vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours of the event. For your convenience we are currently working on having on-site testing at no charge to attendees.

As a family-owned business with just a small year-round staff, we could not have made it to 2022 without all of you. Our sponsors, builders, vendors and fans have all been wonderful and we appreciate the car community’s support so we can keep the longest-running car show going despite the current challenges.

We look forward to seeing you on January 28!

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES CONTINGENCY PROGRAMS FOR 2022 RACE SEASON–More than $500,000 Available for Harley-Davidson Racers in American Flat Track and MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Series

MILWAUKEE, WI (January 19, 2022) – Harley-Davidson is stepping up its support of flat track and road racing competitors for the 2022 season with cash contingency programs totaling more than $500,000 available for qualified racers.

In 2022, the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team will defend its 2021 championship in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers road racing series with riders Kyle Wyman, the 2021 Mission King of the Baggers champion, and his brother Travis Wyman aboard race modified Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Special motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle® Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. Kyle and Travis Wyman are sons of Kim Wyman, owner of Harv’s Harley-Davidson in Macedon, N.Y., and grew up around Harley-Davidson and flat track racing.

MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers Contingency

The MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series for race-prepared, American V-Twin touring motorcycles equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags expands to seven races in 2022, each held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series. The series opens with a double header on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., March 10-12. Harley-Davidson will offer a $110,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission King of the Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $35,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please see www.MotoAmerica.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in two classes on the 18-event 2022 Progressive American Flat Track series, the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Harley-Davidson has committed $225,500 in contingency funds for qualified riders competing in the premiere SuperTwins class, and $195,500 for qualified riders competing in the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class. Harley-Davidson contingency will pay first to 10th place in each class as well as a championship bonus – $20,000 for Production Twins and $50,000 for SuperTwins. The season opens with the Volusia Half Mile double-header, March 10-11, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. Terms and conditions apply; please see American Flat Track for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Photo credits:
Racing Contingency 1: Brian J. Nelson
Racing Contingency 2: American Flat Track

–Jennifer Hoyer

OKAY, WHERE WAS I?—We loaded the Flattie in the back of the 5-Ball Racing Van like it was meant to be. It scooted right into place in my centered chalk. Two straps and we were ready to roll.

We spent the night. The Redhead had to hit the local Trader Joe’s. They haven’t come to the Badlands yet. So, noon on Sunday we rolled out of town and away from Reno and Carson City and started the bleak trip across Nevada from border to border.

We asked about taking Highway 50 but were warned against it. We checked the weather and the news was good. We had a two-day window to return to the Badlands without encountering severe weather.

In the meantime, in Sturgis our shop flew together. Trusses went up. Exterior siding slipped into place.

No kidding, we ran across Beverly Hills about 100 miles out of Wendover.

While I was gone my Sturgis Hall of Fame Ring arrived. It’s massive, like a Superbowl ring and just as detailed. Check Nino 925 online.

Our second Best Western was the Outlaw Inn in Rock Springs, Wyoming. It was built in 1966 when I graduated from High School. Cool building, great room, but business was hurting.

But all went well, ultimately and he met up with his love the magnificent Em in Pioneertown near 74 Palms, California.

Johnny Humble sent me these shots of a 45 flathead questioning if I bought one of these. The 45 Flathead was built from 1928 to 1972, when they were used as police servi-cars or trikes.

The big twin flatheads were offered from 1937 to 1948 almost the same as Knuckleheads. They were available in 74 and 80-inch models. It was a big deal to score a set of 80-inch wheels and install them into your Shovelhead, which I did in ’71.

We flew into Sturgis just as it started to snow. It’s never dull around here.

Hang on for the next report. In the meantime, ride fast and free forever!

–Bandit

My grandson, Frank Ball Jr. and I made the run to Sturgis with a Kendon two-bike trailer, our 1928 Shovelhead and the 5-Ball Racing Crazy Horse powered mascot bike. Both quirky, flat-side tank bikes. We jammed out and rode around the rally and had a blast.

Of course, he got the bug and had to make the run on his own terms in 2021. The changing times have been enormous. When I started coming to Sturgis it was about 50/50 between electric starts and kickers. The last couple of years Frankie rode a Pro Street styled FXR with a CCE glide front end I built, and Bob T.’s FXRP, but he was having the engine upgraded by Bennett’s Performance and Eric pulled a cylinder stud and we were on the hunt for a new set of cases. S&S came to the rescue with the help of Jason Mook at Deadwood Custom Cycles

Frankie had a few years under his belt with the evils of custom motorcycles, breakdowns and hard-to-find components. Plus, his dad recently bought a late model Road Glide and natch, wanted his son to be riding a similar bike.

Bada Bing, Frankie stumbled into Bartels, where Deb Black handles our 5-Ball Leather line. He plunked down $32,000 and rode out on a new Midnight Crimson Road Glide, which was blacked out. “Family seems to be moving away,” Frankie said. “I needed something reliable for long distance runs.”

That was his jab, since his dad moved to Austin, Texas recently, and I peeled out of California for the Badlands.

Rally time approached and Frank started checking his run options. He could ride with his brother, Charlie, the Barber, to Vegas and Salt Lake and across Wyoming on the 40 and then north and east into the Badlands.

He also met up with a group heading into Montana and then Yellowstone, sort of the long scenic way. But then he hooked up with Jeff Holt, the V-Twin Visionary with a shop in Phoenix. Jeff had a plan to ride the million-dollar highway out of the desert, into Wyoming and onto Deadwood, where they would all crash at the 5-Ball Headquarters in Deadwood.

There was an additional benefit to riding with the Visionary, who was scheduled to produced bike shows for Harley-Davidson. Jeff’s Phoenix based shop was available to install and new pipe on his Glide.

“He had a bunch of aftermarket stuff at his shop to throw on my Road Glide,” Frankie said. “Jeff was ready and experienced at installing the Sawicki, stainless, two-into-one bagger exhaust system.”

Charlie and Frank had a plan to peel out of Los Angeles before the crack of dawn. They could hardly sleep after packing, checking, packing, checking and packing again.

The coast to Phoenix would blister and LA traffic was always a challenge. They rose with a start at 3:00 a.m., suited up and hit the road by 4:00 a.m. They jammed in the dark from homeless encampment Venice to interstate 10 and across downtown Los Angeles on the escape route to Palm Springs where commuter traffic diminished and they could push their speeds and ramble around lumbering semi-trucks taking goods all across the country.

Outside Palm Springs Charlie signaled for a gas stop. The sun began to crest the mountain pass leading into 74 Palms, California where we have a brother who lives in a rusting ’59 Cadillac shell. They gassed up but recently learned of unrelenting traffic snarls leading into the Phoenix metropolis. They had to fill-up, pay, down a protein bar, share a coffee and hit the road.

The Bandit recommendations allowed them to dodge morning traffic as the sun warmed the asphalt desert streets. Frankie was excited. Everything went as planned, but Phoenix was hot. Their late model bikes carried them effortlessly to Jeff’s shop and they hung out for an hour before the Visionary arrived.

It was breakfast burrito time as they checked out the Super clean shop. Three lifts stood ready on Jeff’s side of the shop. They shared mechanics with Jeff and FXR manufacturing.

Maggie has an office. The industrial park was surrounded by galvanized chain link fence, sand and broke down cars.

The Collective of Phoenix shop shared a building with FXR Division, aftermarket performance shop, building exhaust and T-Bars. They also build super-strong brackets for Thunderheaders.

They went to work installing the two-into-one Sawicki Performance Pipe, Pro One running boards, LED headlights and bullets in the front and rear. Heading to Dyno-Tune, the Visionary noted that Harley changed the mapping on the 2021 models and no one had the software needed to dyno his new bagger. They had an aftermarket air cleaner, but he held off. “Can’t dyno-tune your bike,” said Jeff. “If you do it will void your warranty.”

The highly trained mechanic, Danny, Motorwitch, Ray who worked at Bartels previously took care of everything.

He’s also turns 114-inch M8s into 129 road dragons. Shops were cool and nice. Outside it blistered at 110 degrees.

They had some hand guards he wanted but they wouldn’t fit a ‘21. Otherwise, everything bolted up. They reach out to Zipper’s for help with mapping.

Everything went smooth except the second bracket nut to the Sawicki, which bolted to transmission. Sawicki didn’t ship with square nuts to fit inside the bracket, made it impossible to attach both mounting bolts.

Here’s the official data from Sawicki

**NEW** 2-into-1 Bagger Mid-Length Pipe

Our Bagger Midlength is now available, off the shelf, ready to ship TODAY!

Features:
Designed with Performance in mind. For a deadly look and great sound.
Same classic stepped performance headers from our best-selling Bagger Shorty pipe
Mandrel Bent Stainless Steel Tubing, 1-3/4″ primary to 2″ step to allow maximum transfer
Mid-length muffler terminates midway beneath standard bags
Hand Formed Merge Collector allows precise flow performance.
All TIG welds performed by hand in our Charlotte, NC manufacturing facility

Finish Options:
Brushed Stainless Steel
Black ceramic coated Stainless Steel
End Cap Options:
Billet end cap allows you to tune the sound for your liking, by adding or removing packing
Sealed End Cap “Cannon” is a fully welded stainless end cap

Badge:
All sealed-end Cannon pipes come standard with a badge on the front muffler cone

Other Details and Fitment Notes:
Accepts 18mm o2 Sensors for aftermarket tuners or 12mm Sensors with reducers
Must use flat mesh race style exhaust gaskets (not included)
Flanges not included
O2 sensor lengths may vary by year; extensions may be required
pre-’08 bagger models will require spacers at the mounting bracket

1. Remove existing exhaust, all existing aftermarket and factory exhaust brackets. **On baggers you will need to remove the Right-side floorboard to adjust the pipe into the correct position**

2. Remove factory exhaust gaskets. Replace with Part# 17048-98, Screamin’ Eagle Performance Exhaust Gasket kit. *These are required and provide a correct fit and ensure no gasket material blocking the port*

3. Remove transmission side cover (if your model has this cover). Remove two lower transmission housing bolts.

4. Install the mounting bracket to the transmission housing using the factory hardware. Torque to 13-16 ft-lbs. (Ensure the bracket is not cocked or caught on anything, it should be flat on the transmission housing) Make sure any factory standoffs are removed.

5. Move factory exhaust flanges and retainers to new exhaust system. *If installing a Ceramic Black pipe, leave protective film on the exhaust so it does not get scratched*

6. Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of the oxygen sensors and install them into the new head pipe. **18mm to 12mm oxygen sensor adapter may be required on some models.** All of our Pipes run 18mm O2 bungs so you can run an auto tune system with Wideband o2 sensors.

7. Using stock flange nuts, carefully install the header assemblies onto the motorcycle. *Do NOT tighten, just start them a turn or two.*

8. Slip the collector onto the headers. You may have to use a soft/rubber mallet on the headers to slide them into the collector.

9. Position the muffler and headers so that it clears all points of the motor, frame and controls. **Remember, this is a 3-part system so it will require some adjusting to make everything line up**

10. Start the bracket hardware and snug down *Do not tighten them yet*

11. Check fitment and clearance around all critical areas; this is your opportunity to adjust the system by twisting and rotating.

12. From back to front, tighten down the exhaust system, ensuring that nothing moves as you go. (We question this procedure.  All other exhaust systems for rubber-mount bikes call for tightening from front to back. You don’t want to wedge the exhaust system against a vibrating engine. Could cause cracks.)

13. Install supplied exhaust springs once everything is tight.

14. Check all fasteners, fitment, and wiring. This is a great opportunity to make sure everything is clearing how it should.

15. Good practice with Raw stainless pipes is to get all the oils from your hands off before starting up so that it does not stain. You don’t need to go crazy! Acetone or something similar with a shop towel works great for this.

16. Start the bike and allow it to idle until the pipe is hot. Allow the pipe to completely cool. This will ensure that the coating is completely set up on black pipes and it will temper raw brushed pipes, so they keep that nice flashy stainless color!

17. You’re done! Go forth and disturb the peace!

Important Notes:

– A stainless steel pipe is a great indication of how your bike is running. A pipe that turns black or is unreasonably hot is an indication there is a tuning issue.

– We often get asked what to do if you burn something onto a Raw pipe. The best solution is to brush the affected area until it is free from whatever is stuck to it. We use RED Scotchbrite pads here. Go perpendicular with the grain of the pipe, not lengthwise.

This is a great way to renew the finish of a well-used pipe; Stainless can always look brand new with enough elbow grease!

FAQS

Do your pipes have O2 Bungs?

Yes!! All our pipes have 18mm bungs in them, so you can use aftermarket wideband sensors or factory sensors. If your bike came from the factory with 12mm sensors, you will need a 12mm-18mm Sensor adapter. If your bike doesn’t have O2 sensors you will need a 18mm sensor plug. you can request Custom pipes without sensor bungs if you so prefer

Does your pipe come with 12mm-18mm adapters?

No. You will need to get 12-18mm adapters from your local dealer if you are running the small style sensors.

What kind of performance gains?

Our Exhaust systems will provide performance gains across the RPM Range. The results will vary based on Displacement, Compression and General Performance modifications done to the motor. Please refer to our Facebook/Instagram for dyno Graphs we post.

Do your systems include exhaust port gaskets?

No, we suggest Screaming Eagle Exhaust Gaskets from your local Harley Davidson dealer.

Can I repack my muffler?

Mufflers with our removable endcap can be repacked to your liking with a variety of packing. they come packed with Stainless steel wool, but fiberglass and other options work very well and change the tone of the pipe.

Our Sealed cap / Slash Cut mufflers are non-Serviceable .

Do you make custom exhaust systems?

Yes! Contact us at admin@sawickispeedshop.com for all custom inquires

What if my pipe breaks?

We handle warranty based on a case-by-case basis. Unless the pipe is obviously broken from a crash/hit/dragged, then we will happily issue you a Warranty repair or replacement if it is within the first year (sometimes longer even). All warranty or repairs require the item in question to be sent back to Sawicki Speed Shop before a replacement/repair is sent out. please see

Where can I get spare parts?!

Almost everything is available under the “parts” section of the store. If you don’t see what you’re after shoot us an email.

Questions not answered here?

Feel free to email us at admin@sawickispeedshop.com with any questions we didn’t cover here

Much of the above, which was well thought out, will apply to almost any system.

They left the shop and rode to the Hotel. It was time to relax at a Phoenix Italian joint with Jeff and his magnificent and hardworking wife. After a good night’s sleep, they jumped out of the sack and met Jeff at 7:00 for breakfast and rode to Payson, Arizona, an hour away, at a cooling elevation of 5000 feet and met up with two other guys. One came from Oklahoma on a Road King. He had a 129-inch M8. It ripped. Fastest bike in the pack, but he took it easy, maybe out of respect for the other riders and the chase vehicle.

The other guy, Mark, was from Payson, with a population of 15,000. Frank tattooed him in Austin, Texas. Funny guy on a white Road Glide. Apes. He has a Shovelhead Chopper back home.

Jetted out through Navajo Nation and ran into a spiritual Indian biker, who gave them pins and wished them a safe trip. “We were in New Mexico briefly then into Colorado to Durango and met up with folks from Durango, H-D,” Frankie said. “We met with their Social Media girl at a famous barbecue place in Durango around the corner from the dealership.”

Next morning, they rode through Durango and over the winding Coal Bank pass on the San Juan Skyway with the Million Dollar Highway connecting Silverton and then into Ouray. Frankie felt good and strong as his bike crested the 10,000-foot pass and descended into the town of just over 500.

“Some in the pack were burnt out,” Frank said, “so we stayed in a small town. We didn’t make it that far but crashed out and hit it early.”

“Everything was running good,” Frank added. “The glide sounded like a real Harley, running strong.” In Montrose they headed East toward Gunnison and Salida. As they hit the road north out of Salida toward Wyoming, Charlie got crossed up at one of the many junctions outside Denver. The brother may have been looking for a two-laner around Denver and into Wyoming. “I went back for Charlie,” Frank said. “Then we peeled to Denver, got gas and hit Highway 28 as quickly as possible to catch the pack in Cheyenne, 100 mph all the way.”

They didn’t hesitate or hang out in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where monsoon rains met them, but they barreled through the state and into the Badlands and ultimately Deadwood to the new Bikernet Nerve Center in the center of town. They could smell the girls’ perfumes and chili from the crest of the pass in Lead, South Dakota. They followed lingering smells wafting through the canyon and the buzzing glow of the intergalactic headquarters as it generated 17 million watts of supreme chopper knowledge through the World Wide Web via staff members at all corners of the globe. It’s a little terrifying to watch a 100-year-old home glow against the hillside in the historic presidential district, but they didn’t hesitate to keep rolling.

“We were excited to get there,” Frankie said. They arrived on Thursday and by Saturday, refreshed they rolled to Legends Suspension on Whitewood Road on the outskirts of Sturgis. Speaking of high energy, Sturgis is the supreme being of motorcycle towns. Every year more brothers and sister move to the epicenter of the Chopper Nation. The sidewalks rumble. Buildings are made of old exhaust pipes and steel sculptures line Main Street. There are 400 bars, one motorcycle museum and two restaurants. Even the hardware store sells motorcycle parts.

The largest Indian Dealer in the World has three massive buildings on the edge of town. More and more motorcycle industry giants are moving to Sturgis just to feel the vibe 365 days of the year.

Legends did the same. They wanted a Road Glide to use for a tech for the V-Twin Instagram page. They chose Frank’s 2021 Glide to install front and rear suspension system. The Visionary set it up and here’s the straight scoop from the Legends World Headquarters on the edge of Motorcycle Nirvana.

I believe we installed our AXEO front cartridges and the 13-inch Revo-ARC Black Remote Reservoir system on Frank’s bike. Below are details on each of the products used.

The Legend REVO ARC (Adjustable Rebound & Compression) is available in Piggyback models for Dyna, FXR, and Sportster models and as Remote Reservoirs for all FL models.

The Legend REVO-ARC’s feature Adjustable Rebound & Compression damping and utilize Legend’s touring specific extended coil length. This creates a larger “sweet spot” without increasing overall shock length providing an improved, plush, yet performance ride quality featuring increased control, and resistance to bottoming out. Legend’s unique spring rate requires minimal pre-load adjustments between riders’ weights or loads. ACME course threaded body easily adjusts by hand, so no tools are required.

The Legend ARC provides optimum rebound and compression performance for any given rider weight, personal ride quality preference, or personal riding style. Seven position external adjuster knobs allow fine-tuning of compression and seven more adjustments fine-tune rebound. Light to heavy riders can fine-tune ride preference while aggressive to casual riding styles can tune to desired quality or personal preference.

The shocks feature 35mm billet aluminum monotube dampers, deflective disc damping valve stack, low friction sealing system and PTFE based sliding bearings allow stiction-free movement for improved performance and feel, balanced piston and base-valve designed specifically for motorcycle applications and include a Nitrogen gas bladder design allowing ultra-fast response. Easy installation and alignment are provided by spherical bearings on both top and bottom.

Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime warranty, Legend REVO ARC Remote Reservoir and Piggyback coil suspension systems are designed for optimum performance with any of Legend Suspensions’ AXEO high performance front cartridge kits.

Legend REVO ARC Piggyback and Remote Reservoir systems are available in 13” or 14” standard, or heavy-duty applications, with a Black Type III Hard Coat Anodize finish.

NOTE: FL Heavy Duty applications are recommended for 500lb. + rider and passenger total weight.

NOTE: DYNA, FXR, SPORTSTER: Heavy Duty application are recommended for 250lb.+ rider and passenger total weight. Also consider Heavy Duty if most of your riding is 2-UP, stunt riding, or aggressive riding style.

AXEO – Basic Overview

Our AXEO front end kits include two identically built cartridges with our unique design due to a floating piston that separates the oil filled damper chamber from a nitrogen chamber. This floating piston is essentially a load sensing component that allows for a nice comfortable ride while the suspension is traveling over normal road conditions (i.e., expansion joints, cracks, etc.) where you’re using the first couple inches of stroke.

In the situation where the fork travels into the third and fourth inches of travel due to high-speed cornering, hard braking or extreme road hazards (i.e., uneven bridge joints and railroad tracks, man hole covers, drain basins, etc.) the floating piston is engaged to provide the extra bottoming resistance. This is due to the velocity at which the fork is traveling and the fact that the damper piston cannot keep up with demand to flow oil through the piston and shim stack.

The difference in pressure forces the floating piston into the nitrogen chamber which compounds the pressure and reduces the bottoming effect. The other benefit to this is that the nitrogen pressure when compressed, assists the springs to return the front end back to the extended position, keeping the front wheel firmly planted on the road and the chassis back to the proper ride height. We have had resounding comments from customers that have installed the AXEO’s stating that they’ve never felt the front end of their bike feel so stable, secure and positive.

“First they replaced the rear suspension on a lift,” Frankie reported. “They took the bags off. It was easy except for mounting the adjustable reservoirs. They provided night and day suspension and handling over the stock system.” With the Legends system he could adjust for riding style, passenger or load. “It turns better and is cleaner and smoother the faster you go.”

Sturgis was once a wild party, and an escape from citizens, a showdown for clubs, the wild west for the last time. Over the years it calmed, became the highpoint of any biker’s year. It was the epicenter of the custom world with shows every day, celebrity builders, hot entertainment at night and open road rides to die for.

The bikes changed from stripped down choppers to full touring rides with high-tech electronics, massive bags and bling. The Visionary was hired by Harley-Davidson to produce a bagger show in Deadwood in Outlaw Square. Baggers rolled in from all over the country. They’ve become the lowered and metal flake ’59 Cadillacs of the motorcycle industry.

But recently they’ve challenged the factory. “Wild how baggers are done up like Dynas and FXRs,” Frankie said,” all performance and handling.” It’s up to the Visionary to market this movement through his vast social media marketplace.

Sturgis is shifting again to become the aftermarket marketplace center to meet the manufacturers and have custom or performance packages installed. It started years ago, when mechanics set up stations and discovered the money was in changing tires. Charlie had to wait several days and in line for several hours to have his thinning rear tire replaced. He stuck it out and got the job done.

True Track, designed by the late Will Phillips sets up for installations at only one event annually, and Ron kills it at the massive Black Hills H-D lot in Rapid City. It’s the only event he attends every year.

Now a brother can ride a stock bike to Sturgis and have it completely rebuilt in a week with products from any company in the country including S&S, Baker Drivetrain or…

There’s one aspect of riding to the Badlands, which hasn’t changed, and the granddaddy of the lot is the Buffalo Chip. Brothers and sisters come from all over the world to facilities like the chip, to pitch a tent, park a motorhome, or rent a cabin and party. The chip has all the facilities available from restaurants, state of the art concerts with major players, to shows, demonstrations, and you never need to leave the facility. Rod “Woody” Woodruff and his entire family run what will become the City of Buffalo Chip, like a fine-tuned clock.

In the early days, brothers were introduced to events encompassed in one location and cut off from the town to allow the party to rage without interference from the Man. That was a big deal in those days because the Man fucked with bikers constantly. The Chip took on that mantra. Once you rode through the tall gates, girls could be topless all day long and smoking a joint or revving straight pipes was cheered not frowned upon or ticketed. It was pure party 24/7.

One of Frankie’s other goals was to see and meet tattoo artists from all over the world. His missions included, jazzing up his dresser and checking what the tattoo wild west was up to.

Too soon the week dwindled, and folks started to peel for home, or maybe a ride through Yellowstone or the painted desert before heading home. “I felt like folks left early,” Frankie said.

Getting ready to leave the Badlands, Charlie broke his spark plug off in his rear head. He was bitching about his handlebar bushings. But Frank convinced him to leave them alone. So Charlie turned to replacing his spark plugs. They kept twisting on it and finally it left the threads in the head, bad news.

Bennett’s Performance upgraded his drivetrain and his bike contained tons of anxious torque and top end power. “He didn’t need to change his plugs,” Frank said.

This is a mystery to me. He didn’t just break off the ceramic top but took the nut with it leaving the threads in the head. I was up late consulting with the group as to the options before him. I was on Covid lockdown, so unable to help in the shop in Deadwood, but Jason Mook, from Deadwood Custom Cycles could, but he was going to shut his shop down for much needed break after the rally.

We made arrangements to deliver the bike to Jason’s shop for the repair. Ultimately Jason was forced to remove the head, remove the plug, check the threads and put it back together.

That wasn’t the only issue facing Charlie on the run back to the West Coast, and the story gets even better. But Charlie has a new love, so we won’t dwell on Strippers, disease, Vegas and delays.

Charlie followed Frankie and another rider in a rental car to Salt Lake where he lost his way. Frankie spent the night and the next morning his riding partner was gone and Charlie, well, I can’t go there.

Frank peeled onto Interstate 15 south and rolled into the Mandalay Bay resort for shower and an overnight rest. Charlie arrived late, but he had the Covid, so Frank peeled out at the crack of dawn to meet up with his Tattooing partner the magnificent Em. 

With state-of-the-art technology, GPS and communications he could navigate off the interstate to Amboy, through the desert and meet her in the parking lot of the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. At 28, this was his first solo ride, his first Sturgis run and still the glowing smile on Em’s lovely face made his day.

He’s already planning for Sturgis ’22.

Sidebar: Shortly after arriving back in Venice he noticed a problem with the Sawicky pipe but fixed it with exhaust gasket tape and a hose clamp until a new system arrived. Then he rode to San Francisco for a tattoo convention and broke the pipe bracket, had it welded at a shop, and it was cracking again when he rolled back into LA. He’s looking for another two-into-one system. What do you recommend?

Batteries
Some amusing lagniappe with some interesting information on the subject.

See Also: https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2021/12/breaking_the_maritime_shipping_impasse.html

Bassani Exhaust, Legends Suspension, and V&H Fuelpak
by Johnny White

My 2016 Road Glide Ultra FLTRU has been a reliable ride that has endured 70,000 miles without any major issues.

One of the first things a guy wants to change is the sound – as a new Harley sounds great until you hear it next to one with a tuned exhaust system.

The change now vs. days of old is it’s no longer change your pipes and re-jet the carb.

Now, with electronic fuel injection, ‘void warranty’ and emission controls, it can seem a bit daunting if you don’t know where to look.

Well, it’s easier today than most realize and it doesn’t require a ton of time, knowledge, or money … well, it does require some money.

CLICK HERE To Read this Detailed Tech Article only on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more – CLICK to Subscribe Now !!!

by Misled

In 2005 John “Rogue” Herlihy was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Freedom Fighter section of the HOF which is for individuals who fought for motorcycle rights.

Hall Of Fame Rings did not become available until 2020. In 2020 the inductees received Hall of Fame Rings designed by Frank Zubieta owner of NINO 925.

Members of the Sturgis Hall Of Fame were given the opportunity to have rings made for them by contacting Frank.

CLICK HERE To Read this Photo Feature Article on Bikernet.com

CLICK TO Sign Up for our Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest motorcycle news, tech & updates

by Emily Chavous from russbrown.com

Whether riding a motorcycle or challenging norms, Gevin Fax is no stranger to blazing trails.

She says, “I think this is the best, most wonderful country in the world, but we are not flawless. I want women to not sell themselves short. We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. We are more possible than we could ever imagine.”

“Everybody kept telling me my life was going to change after I bought the Harley. Let me tell you something: Everything changed.”

CLICK HERE To Read this Feature Article on Bikernet.com

Get all motorcycle news, updates & tech – CLICK To Sign Up for our Free Weekly Newsletter