from https://www.standard.co.uk/ by David Williams It’s that time of year bikers dread – the days are shorter and the weather is colder and wetter, forcing fair-weather riders to leave their bikes parked at the roadside. Which means it’s time to head to Birmingham by train for Motorcycle Live, to see what they’ll be riding (and wearing) next year, when it all improves again. The UK’s biggest bike show rolls Birmingham’s NEC from Saturday December 4 to Sunday December 12, revealing dozens of new motorcycles, even presenting show-goers with the chance to try some of them out. More than 55 leading motorcycle manufacturers are showing off their latest machinery, and attendants are being encouraged to try them for size. New metal being revealed includes the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT, the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak and the Husqvarna Norden 901. Kawasaki will be showing off its new Z650RS, while other new bikes include the CFMoto 700CL-X and the Honda NT1100. Show-goers also get to see the British-built Langen Two Stroke, as well as the Norton V4SV, while BMW will have its futuristic-looking CE04 electric scooter on show. Celebrating the future of motorcycling with electric technology is also high on the show’s agenda, with the brand-new Electric Test Ride Zone giving consumers an opportunity to try out a range of battery-powered models on a special indoor track. This feature will give riders a feel for the instant power and responsiveness typical of an electric motorcycle – all without any emissions. Electrically-assisted bicycles – e-bikes – will also be available for show-goes to try out. Elsewhere at Birmingham’s sprawling NEC there will be custom and classic bike zones, while race fans will be able to meet their track heroes, as stars from WorldSBK, British Superbike and road racing make guest appearances across the nine days. Visitors can also watch Moto Trails, featuring the jaw-dropping skills of pro trail riders Jack Price, former World Trails 2 Champion and seven-time British Champion, and Michael Brown, European and multiple British Trials Champion, with show times throughout the day. Honda will be paying homage to the original 1992 Fireblade by displaying a range of heritage models from across the years, while rival firm Suzuki is displaying all seven of its world championship-winning Grand Prix machines, including the GSX-RR of 2020 title-winner Joan Mir and Barry Sheene’s 1976 and 1977 500s. Harley-Davidson will be showcasing its ‘Sportster Evolution Galley’, tracing the development of its 64-year-old Sportster range, while ‘bikers’ aged 1.5 to five years can try their skills at the Kiddimoto Balance Bike Experience, on an inflatable course. Riders aged between four and twelve will be able to get kitted out in motocross clothing, gloves and a helmet – and be unleashed on a circuit designed to give a taste of the motocross experience, for novices and more experienced riders alike. ‘Experience Adventure’, supported by Honda, Royal Enfield and Triumph, will allow participants to enjoy a taste of off-road adventure riding, which will include tuition on bike set-up, body positioning and balance across an assortment of terrains. For those wanting to break into motorcycling, meanwhile, every day during the show the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) will be offering free 20-minute riding lessons with a professional instructor, all protective clothing provided. Participants will be introduced to the brakes, gears and slow speed handling, giving visitors the chance to see if a life on two wheels is for them. Who knows; maybe next year they’ll be riding to the show at the NEC too.

More information at: www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/features/category/ride-bikes/

Go Takamine Adds Classic Vintage Touch to the 2022 Indian Super Chief

by Neil Storz with photos by Jeff Millard

Cool custom motorcycle built by Japanese bike builder and Brat Style founder, Go Takamine.

Go customized a 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited for X-Men and Mad-Max: Fury Road star, Nicolas Hoult.

In true Go style, he took a clean, minimalist approach to the build – adding vintage elements with the bike’s modern performance.

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

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Pre 30th Anniversary YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2021
Dec. 5, 2021 at Pacifico Yokohama

YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW OFFICIAL WEBSITE

https://www.yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com/

Pre 30th Anniversary YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2021
Date: Sunday December 5, 2021
Location: Pacifico Yokohama
Nearest Hotel : Yokohama Intercontinental Hotel

MQQNEYES Official Website (English Edition)
https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/en/

YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW, organized by MOONEYES, is the largest indoor custom car and motorcycle show in Japan. The event features vendor spaces, custom paint contest, pinstripers and so much more wrapped up in a one-day show.

In order to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2021(HCS) will be taking sufficient measures in accordance with the Guideline for COVID-19 by Pacifico Yokohama. In addition, in accordance with the guideline of restrictions on holding the event, the event will be held with the social distancing necessary to prevent the spread of infection.

Before coming to the event, we would like to ask for your understanding and cooperation to hold a safe event. Please read through it carefully and purchase the ticket and come to the event, after understanding the content enough.

ADMISSION TICKET

Advance Ticket 3,800yen (12 & under Free)
General Advance Ticket for Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2021 (HCS).

General Admission Ticket (Dec, 5) 4,800yen (12 & under Free)
General admission tickets will not sell out so, you will be able to purchase tickets in advance from our physical store in Honmoku, Yokohama MOONEYES Area-1 and MQQN Cafe till the day before the event December 4th (Saturday), closing time of our store.

Due to the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19, please purchase the Advance Ticket.

To keep the safety management for all participants and visitors we will ask you to fill out your Name, Address (Address or Phone Number or Email Address), Attendance Number on the back of the tickets. This is a rule to prevent COVID-19 which is issued by the venue.

If you are able to purchase or pick up the ticket before the event please, fill out the back of the ticket in advance to prevent taking time before entering the event.

If you already have the ticket please fill out the backside in Advance. If you are purchasing the ticket at the gate on the day of the event Dec. 5th(Sun), please bring your writing tools. We will prepare some writing tools, but to prevent the spread of the virus, we recoomend you to bring your own.

If you already purchased the tickets online, we strongly recommend you to pick up your ticket at MOONEYES Area-1 prior to the show.

TIME SCHEDULE

At the Pre 30th Anniversary YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW, we are preparing exciting programs for every one to enjoy from OPEN to CLOSE.

This year’s YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW has many Limited Items!

Beginning with Hot Item of VANS X MOONEYES Shoes, this year celebrating the BLACK FLYS 30th Anniversary we have special collaboration sunglasses and there will be zip hoodie T-shirt and other Clothing and Rat Fink Item. Limited quantity, Special Items will sold out soon so, don’t miss it!

Event Information ※ Date may change without notice.

2021 Dec. 5th(Sun)
Pre 30th Anniversary
YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2021 (Scheduled)
Pacifico Yokohama (YOKOHAMA)
Contact:Official Website
http://yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com/

2021 Dec. 31st(Fri)
MOONEYES Area-1, MOON Cafe
working usually till Dec. 31st(Fri)

2022 Jan. 1st(Sat), 2nd(Sun)
MOONEYES Area-1, MOON Cafe New Year’s Holiday

2022 Jan. 3rd(Mon)
New Year Sale

Business Hours
MOONEYES Area-1 : 12:00 -19:00
MOON Cafe : 12:00 – 20:00

2022 Jan. 9th(Sun)
Sidewalk Sale
MOONEYES Area-1 (Yokohama)
Contact:Official Website
https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/

2022 Mar. 26th(Sat)
3rd Surf City Market Place by the Sea
Harbor City Soga (Chiba)
Contact:Official Website
https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/scmp2021/

2022 May 15th(Sun)
34th MOONEYES Street Car Nationals ®
Odaiba N.O.P Area (Tokyo)
Contact:Official Website
https://www.streetcarnationals.com/

Other Upcoming Event Schedule are HERE
https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/en/2017-event-schedule/

December 2, 2021—The Riveter Chapter of the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America) proudly announces that leading motorcycle publication WomenRidersNow.com (WRN) has been named Premier Media Partner for the “Chix on 66” event June 11-25, 2022. This partnership will enable extensive media coverage for the ride, bringing the excitement of this amazing cross-country journey to WRN readers worldwide.

WomenRidersNow.com editor Tricia Szulewski will be joining the ride, providing day-to-day social media updates as well as pre- and post-event coverage. Tricia is a veteran moto-journalist who has worked with some of the top motorcycle magazines in the U.S.

Chix on 66 is a cross-country ride that follows Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. This is the classic American journey on classic machines, with some women riding vintage motorcycles, and others making the trip on modern mounts. Each day the group will begin and end together, but each woman will make the journey what she wants it to be. Instead of riding in a single pack, a turn-by-turn app will allow each rider to follow the route at her own pace.

Riveter Chapter President Karan Andrea says, “When I first started riding—actually, even before I got my endorsement—I subscribed to the WRN newsletter. That was the first suggestion that there were, indeed, other women who rode, because I did not know any. To be able to introduce WomenRidersNow.com as our premier media partner, all these years after I first subscribed to its newsletter, is a great honor. I am looking forward to working with WRN to create an inspiring and powerful experience for the women who join us for Chix on 66.”

WomenRidersNow.com is the #1 (number one) resource for motorcycling news and reviews from a female perspective. WRN is a web magazine and its content is available to read online for free. The publication shares the latest in motorcycles, gear, products, and articles specifically for women riders and those who ride with them.

WomenRidersNow.com editor Tricia Szulewski, comments, “Women’s motorcycle events like the Chix on 66 ride create special opportunities to form lasting bonds with other women riders and those who support them without judgement or intimidation. When women get together in like-minded groups they feel more comfortable about openly sharing their stories, issues, fears, and triumphs. This leads to more than just friendships. It paves the way for having more confidence and empowerment—from becoming a better rider, to being inspired to troubleshoot mechanical problems, or to simply make the decision to ride with or without a partner.”

She adds, “I’ve been fortunate to have ridden in many different parts of the country, but never the length of Route 66. When the opportunity to ride with a group of really cool chicks—many on vintage motorcycles—came along, I jumped at the chance! There is nothing like the feeling of riding into town and watching heads turn as everyone realizes it’s all women riding the motorcycles.”

WRN is excited to chronicle many of the participants’ stories before, during, and after the ride. Besides featuring daily Chix on 66 posts on its Facebook and Instagram channels, WRN will showcase many of the Riveters on its web site. Please sign up for WRN’s free monthly newsletter (womenridersnow.com/newsletter-signup) to stay informed.

www.chixon66.com @chixon66 @chixon66
www.womenridersnow.com @womenridersnow.com @womenridersnow.com

For Hoult, Go’s vintage styling and thoughtful attention to detail created a piece of art that he’ll treasure and care for with the utmost respect.

Go’s attention to detail is second to none and truly creative. The laundry list of modifications includes a 1937 Ford truck fender that was transformed into the rear fender of Holt’s bike, and neat, unique details like custom brass gnarled footpegs with U.S. Buffalo Nickels installed at the end of each peg. Go also converted the motorcycle to a hardtail, for a true vintage, minimalist look and feel.

We have included the full list of modifications as well as photo and video assets below if you would like to share them with your readers.

Modification List

Converted the rear suspension from a swing-arm/softail to a rigid, hardtail by installing cross members from the rear axle to the main frame.

New Brat Style bars and brass risers

Relocated the digital speedometer to the lower left side of the bike just below the fuel tank. Did this by fabricating a special mounting system for the speedometer, rerouting the bike’s existing wiring to this new location.

Cut two inches out of the center of the tank to narrow it from its stock size.

Installed a new leather spring loaded solo seat.

Utilized the spare tire fender (originally mounted to the back lift gate of the old truck) from a 1937 Ford Truck and converted it into the new rear fender for this Chief. Finished the rear fender with an original ornate fender end piece from a 1940s Indian Chief

Fabricated short, low-profile sissy bar for rear fender.

Fabricated and installed a new set of custom cone-end exhaust pipes.

Installed brass, gnarled foot pegs and shifter pegs, including actual U.S. Buffalo Nickels at the ends of the foot pegs.

Installed new headlamp with integrated vintage Indian Motorcycle brass coin.

Created upper fork leg covers to create a muscular old-school look for the front end.

Installed sidemount (left side) Brat Style/Shi-Sa tail light and license plate holder

Repainted the bike gloss black, with silver scallops on tank and gold Indian script logo.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT—

Everyday is full of excitement around the Bikernet Intergalactic Headquarters.

–Bandit

With News from: The NMA, Dealerworld, Dealernews, Lowbrow Manuals, Mama Tried, Harley-Davidson Museum, Triumph Motorcycles, Norton Motorcycles, Tucker and Kuryakyn, Pillar Peak, Deadwood, Sturgis, Watts Up With That, Zero mandates, and Santa of course.

CLICK HERE To Read the Weekly News on Bikernet.com

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Hey,

It’s been an exciting week. The weather in the Badlands has been amazing, so that means we’re getting shit done. The footings are poured for the shop. The foundation wall forms are going up today and the walls will be poured tomorrow. Hopefully, by this time next week the slab will be poured, and we’ll be rocking.

Hell, the roof trusses should be delivered today. And Tim Crandall delivered our front door steel awning and we installed it on Tuesday.

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.

SUPPORT GOOD TIMES TIMING COVER–Support Logo Timing Cover
$ 40.00

Original Support Good Times Logo Timing / Ignition / Points Cover for Shovelheads and big twin Evos in billet aluminum.

MORE FROM THE TEXAS WEATHERMAN–Learned about these Sturgis bikes, both ‘82s. Owner has five or six ‘82s among others. The red & white one is the Sturgis bike. Every year the factory sends a bike to Sturgis H-D to sell at the rally. You probably knew this, but I did not. I would not mind if you sent the owner a big box of Bandit Bucks and bought the Tour Glide for me. Yes it’s newer than my ‘79, but the same color!

The story on the other is even cooler, just 10,000 miles on the clock. It was parked in a climate controlled warehouse on blocks since who knows. Owner died in ‘84, daughter decided to sell it and take it to a shop like MC Creations here in Houston. The old tech, who got it running is the same tech who unpacked it and did the make ready when it was new—amazing. The dealership only got two of ‘em, so it was easy to track as it never left the city, much less the state.

So, an artist in one of the bands I’ve photographed posted this. He is quite skilled in martial arts & weapons. Maybe his own quote, maybe not? I only know my own life, but I’d imagine fits several of those I know as well.

“You can’t truly call yourself “peaceful” unless your capable of great violence… If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful, you are harmless… Important Distinction”

–RFR
Official Weatherman
Bikernet.com™

NEW FROM NORTON— First pictures of re-engineered V4SV superbike

Norton Motorcycles has revealed the first official pictures of the re-engineered V4SV – the most luxurious British superbike ever created.

True to its Isle of Man TT heritage, the re-engineered Norton V4SV has benefited from significant investment and testing during the last 12 months to deliver a quality luxury product befitting of the Norton name.

The V4SV is currently in the last engineering improvement phase. Each component has been repackaged and revised, none more-so than the in-house developed engine. The new Norton 1200cc V4 sits elegantly in its handcrafted aluminium tubed frame to deliver a blistering 185bhp.

With fully adjustable Ohlins front forks and a bespoke Norton Ohlins TTXGP adjustable rear shock, the V4SV is every bit the TT-inspired performance machine. The V4SV motorcycle is the first model to be shown since the brand was bought out of administration by TVS Motors.

Source: Norton Motorcycles

THIS JUST IN FROM THE PROFESSOR–Help, what is happening with our universities?

By Prof. Dr. IR. Guus Berkhout

This is an English translation of a letter by Guus Berkhout of CLINTEL that was published in De Telegraaf, the largest newspaper in The Netherlands earlier this week.

In recent years we have seen the strangest things happening to our universities. Professors must be extremely careful about what they teach. If they present scientific results that do not fit the ideology of activist movements, their lives are made difficult and they even run the risk of being excommunicated. Joining the consensus is by far the safest. The Boards of Governors do not protect their professors; on the contrary, they are solidly behind the activists.

The University of Amsterdam believes that every student should become ‘woke’. It is no longer about developing talents, but about making white, heterosexual, serious students feel guilty. After all, their ancestors have blood on their hands and they are the new generation of oppressors. Radboud University in Nijmegen has bowed to climate activism and has just decided that all students must be taught the sustainability narrative. The climate crisis is central to this, whether that is scientifically correct or not, that does not matter in Nijmegen.

My own university, TU Delft, has recently adopted the fashionable label ‘climate university’. This university also indoctrinates its students by telling them that there is a man-made climate crisis that must be solved with solar panels, windmills and biomass plants. Criticism is not tolerated. But I say to the Board of Governors, surely the university must be a sanctuary for the unbiased exchange of knowledge? How free is the discussion at TU Delft if everyone is pushed into an ideological straightjacket? Do you still want to send your child to such a university?

Honorary Doctorate

But the worst is yet to come. TU Delft has just announced that it will award EU Vice President Frans Timmermans an honorary doctorate (doctoratus honoris causa), because of the extraordinary achievements he has made with his energy transition policy. But I say to the Board of Governors, Frans Timmermans has done untold damage with his energy policy! He is the great champion of biomass plants, which have been destroying unique ecosystems for many years by massive logging.

Timmermans also believes that sustainability can be achieved with windmills. A technical university such as Delft University of Technology knows perfectly well that such a policy is technically and scientifically nonsensical! Hard figures show that wind farms incur heavy losses; their operating costs are seriously underestimated. Partly due to Timmermans’ policy, energy prices are skyrocketing. And then grant such a person an honorary doctorate? It is an insult to all Delft alumni.

Intertwined interests

Universities have moved in a direction unworthy of science. The interests of science and politics have become strongly intertwined. As a result, critical thinking and truth-finding have not been the starting point for years. Boards of Directors should bear in mind that universities are supposed to be breeding grounds for new ideas. This requires an inspiring research and teaching environment, where new concepts are welcomed and students can develop their talents. Filtering out bad ideas should be done by exposition, argument and observation, not by muzzling creative minds.

Guus Berkhout is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and cofounder of CLINTEL.

–from What’s up with That

BAGGER RACING ALERT–Richard Gadson Going Bagger Racing with 187 Custom Cycles

Superstar rider/tuner Richard Gadson is well-known for his success in the sportbike drag and grudge racing world. Now Gadson is going Bagger drag racing in a big way with Live Oak, California-based V-Twin speed merchants 187 Custom Cycles.

“I would like to say that myself and the rest of the 187 team are looking forward to working and growing with Richard,” said 187 owner Patrick Lynch. “We have some big plans for 2022 in the Bagger world, but also have had conversations leading to bigger things outside of the Bagger world.” Hmmmm…….could Pro Stock Motorcycle be in this team’s future?

Gadson rode Mike Beland’s turbo Bagger “Meth Beth” at the Atlanta AHDRA race last year, but his recent work helping Chris Bostick’s NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle has him on an all-motor binge.

“Anything normally aspirated gets me excited,” said Gadson. “I like the challenges of trying to squeeze every little bit out of something that has limited power. So, when Patrick called me about racing his Bagger, I jumped right on it. It’s not my normal sort of gig, but I love racing in all forms. I had been paying attention to the all-motor Baggers for a while now and they always peaked my interest. I’m looking forward to getting on it!”

And on it and on it and on it. “Our current plans are to run 10-12 of the larger events,” said Lynch, and that’s scaled back from 2021s all-out assault that netted then-187 rider Victor Gotay the AHDRA championship. “I’m personally still not happy with the parity among all the different associations, so we may run a few IHDRA, a few AMRA and will definitely be at AHDRA in Sturgis and the Trick-Tools Eddyville Corn Belt race.

“The team will be based around Crystal (Patrick’s wife/rider Crystal Lynch) and Richard, and I have committed to do whatever it takes to have a winning and successful 2022.

“Current 2022 sponsors are Fuelab, Worldwide Bearings, GRC Crankshafts, M2 Shocks, and many more we are finalizing contracts with.

“We are building two completely new frame-up builds for the 2022 season for Richard— an all-motor Pro Bagger and a nitrous Bagger. He will be using the bike from 2021 (a stock Harley-Davidson FLH frame with a 143 cubic inch Milwaukee 8 weighing in at around 540 pounds) as a spare.”

Sounds like it will be a busy winter for Lynch, who also has the daily grind at 187 to keep up with. “We focus strictly on racing and performance bikes,” said Patrick. “We build everything in-house: engines, custom trees, swingarms—you name it, we build it if it’s for a race bike we are prepping.”

2022 Can’t come soon enough for this team.

Find out more about 187 Custom Cycles at https://www.187customcycles.com/

LATEST BRAT STYLE CLASSIC–I’m reaching out to share a cool custom motorcycle built by Japanese bike builder and Brat Style founder, Go Takamine. Go customized a 2022 Indian Super Chief Limited for X-Men and Mad-Max: Fury Road star, Nicolas Hoult. In true Go style, he took a clean, minimalist approach to the build – adding vintage elements with the bike’s modern performance.

For Hoult, Go’s vintage styling and thoughtful attention to detail created a piece of art that he’ll treasure and care for with the utmost respect.

Go’s attention to detail is second to none and truly creative. The laundry list of modifications include a 1937 Ford truck fender that was transformed into the rear fender of Holt’s bike, and neat, unique details like custom brass gnarled footpegs with U.S. Buffalo Nickels installed at the end of each peg. Go also converted the motorcycle to a hardtail, for a true vintage, minimalist look and feel.

Hang on, it might be a feature on Bikernet soon.

–Bandit

THIS JUST IN FROM THE PRISM GANG— 1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead

Watch as Mark Smith shares the story of his father, Tyree “Tye” Smith, his 1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead “Dreamboat” and how he started the first African-American motorcycle club in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Mohawk Delegation.

By standing up for his right to own a motorcycle during a time in which it wasn’t culturally acceptable for him to do so, Tye helped to create a ripple effect that is felt to this day. ?

Tye’s legacy is bigger than motorcycles, it’s about doing the right thing and standing up for what you believe in – a lesson we can all learn from and support.

www.prismmotorcycles.com

LATEST FROM AIR STREAM STUDIOS–I’ve got a couple bike projects going too. A Shovel chopper Eric and I are doing and one of my FXRs.

The FXR’s going under a lot of re-working. Starting with the narrow 41mm trees you gave me years ago. Setting up the front brake was quite an ordeal. VERY LITTLE room or clearance.

–El Waggs

QUICK, GIVE ME A BETTER LIFE–Jason Byrd Releases “Better Life” Featuring George Jones. Music Video Premiered by Heartland Television and SCENES Sessions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country singer/songwriter Jason Byrd touches hearts with the release of his music video for his latest single, “Better Life,” featuring George Jones. The beautifully crafted video showcases a love story from beginning here on Earth to ending with the reassurance of peace in Heaven, taking the meaning of the lyrics to a whole new level of emotion.

Byrd, strapped with an acoustic guitar, highlights the simple pleasures of life that have the power to change it in the most extraordinary ways. Viewers are able to feel the sentiment of the tune through the video as well as Byrd’s incredible talent and Jones’ legendary voice. The world premiere of the “Better Life” music video was featured by Heartland TV and online by SCENES Sessions, and is available to download and stream on all digital platforms now!

“I am so excited to have the new music video for “Better Life” available,” shares Byrd. “Thank you, Heartland for premiering the official video on television and Scenes Sessions online. I’m happy to have finally released my first music video and I hope that everyone will enjoy it. Keep it country!”

For more information and everything Jason Byrd, please visit jasonbyrdmusic.com.

THE STATE OF European Motorcycle Registrations–Registrations of motorcycles in the largest European markets continued increasing in the first nine months of 2021, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Five of the largest European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK) saw registrations rise by 10.6% compared to the same period of 2020, totaling 792,819 units.

Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 disruptions in Spring 2020, almost all the main national markets in Europe registered volume gains in 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, with Italy showing the biggest increase (+27.9%). UK, Spain and France also performed well (13.5%, 8.7% and 8.5% increases respectively); new registrations in Germany were down slightly for the nine-month period (-4.9%).

For a better comparison, against pre-pandemic registration data, the first nine months of 2021 saw the European motorcycle market showing signs of growth; the 792,819 units for January-September 2021 compares to 732,594 units for January-September period in 2019, representing an 8.2% increase.

Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: “In aggregate, the registration figures for the first nine months of 2021 confirm market recovery after the impact of COVID-19 compared to the first nine months of last year.

“More importantly, the latest data confirms that powered two-wheeler (PTW) markets in Europe have globally surpassed pre-COVID-19 figures, with significant increases for motorcycles and for mopeds.

“These interim 2021 results could have been even more positive if it weren’t for the global semiconductor shortage affecting the automotive sector, and indirectly causing logistical delays for some motorcycle manufacturers’ production.”

–ACEM
Posted by Dealerworld

SOMETHING FROM MAMA–We are proud to partner with the team at Whiteknucker Brand and offer this special edition Mama Tried branded knife. Buy this slick knife now!

QUICK, NMA ALERT— Editor’s Note: The NMA has received permission to post this report on recent findings on traffic safety in the US. Read Parts 1 and Part 2 for more information.

Data-Driven Safety

Such data-driven analyses play almost no role in urban traffic safety programs today.

For example, Vision Zero is based on the simplistic idea that “People hit by fast cars are more likely to die than people hit by slow cars, so therefore slowing down traffic is the sole measure to be taken to improve safety.”

Cities such as Portland have been implementing this idea for several decades, and the increase in traffic fatalities in those cities proves that it doesn’t work. Beyond that, it imposes huge costs on society: according to the Texas Transportation Institute, traffic delays cost Americans $190 billion in 2019, and deliberately slowing traffic merely adds to those costs.

Such simplistic planning also ignores the needs of freight movement. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, highways in 2018 (the latest year for which data are available) moved slightly more than 2.0 trillion ton-miles of freight at a cost to shippers of 20.2¢ per ton-mile for a total of $410 billion. For comparison, the Bureau of Economic Analysis says Americans spent $1.2 trillion buying, operating, maintaining, and insuring personal motor vehicles in 2018.

That means 25 percent of the value of roads and streets is due to their ability to move freight. Yet freight is hardly considered by planners when designing their regional transportation plans. Mindless slowing of traffic by, say, 20 percent increases costs to freight companies by forcing them to buy 20 percent more trucks and hire 20 percent more drivers.

Transportation system managers need to replace such simplistic ideas with a data-driven program aimed at designing safety into urban and rural roads.

Such a program must identify which roads and which kinds of roads are most dangerous, what times of day accidents take place, and how roads can be redesigned to make them safer.

For example, the safest roads are freeway arterials in most urban areas, while the most dangerous, killing the most people per billion passenger-miles, are non-freeway arterials. Freeways are safer due to the separation of pedestrians and cyclists and the elimination of cross traffic.

Bicycle boulevards, such as this one in Berkeley, use local streets parallel to major collectors or arterials and apply a few barriers to allow local automobile traffic and through bicycle traffic.

Photo by Carrie Cizauskas.

This suggests that non-freeway arterials could be made safer by reducing the number of intersections with other streets and using lights or other improvements to make the remaining intersections safer. Bicycle traffic could be separated from the arterials by developing bicycle boulevards on parallel routes with less auto traffic.

Pedestrian safety could be addressed by using barriers to discourage pedestrians from crossing at unmarked locations, improving lighting in areas where nighttime pedestrian accidents are known to take place, and providing pedestrian overpasses at the most dangerous intersections.

This roundabout forces traffic on the heavily used east-west road to slow from 65 to 25 mph, sometimes causing lengthy back-ups to avoid a traffic light or overpass for the lightly used north-south road. A larger roundabout would have allowed faster speeds and avoided congestion.

Many states install roundabouts, which often needlessly reduce traffic speeds, sometimes from 65 to 25 miles per hour. They have been proven to reduce auto collisions but may increase pedestrian accidents and certainly reduce walkability as they require pedestrians to walk much further distances to cross a street. One solution is to make roundabouts larger, allowing higher traffic speeds combined with pedestrian overpasses.

Using data-driven systems, motor vehicle manufacturers have already made tremendous steps towards improving the safety of both automobile occupants and pedestrians, but further work can be done.

For example, some cars have automatic emergency braking systems to avoid collisions even if the vehicle is going 45 miles per hour. In comparison, other devices only work at 25 miles per hour or less. Some cars have systems that are supposed to brake when they detect pedestrians or cyclists, but their effectiveness is mixed. Installing improved emergency braking systems on all new vehicles will help increase both pedestrian and occupant safety.

Some changes in bumper design that would reduce pedestrian injuries conflict with a federal requirement that cars suffer no damage in a 5-mile-per-hour collision. The 5-mph bumper standard was supposed to reduce repair costs, but instead, it increased them as it forced manufacturers to install bumpers that cost more to replace in the event of damage at higher speeds. This standard should be eliminated in favor of one that will increase pedestrian safety.

Safer transit means buses, not rail lines. Buses have been involved with the fewest fatalities, per billion passenger-miles, of any major transit mode, and buses are also less expensive than any rail mode.

Proponents of rail transit, particularly light rail and streetcars, clearly are uninterested in improving urban safety.

These are some things that could be done, but what is actually done should depend on data gathered from accident reports.

Logically, this could be done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A 2020 Government Accountability Office report noted that the NHTSA data collection system is inconsistent. The agency “lacks an evaluation plan with criteria to assess whether to expand” the data it collects.

The Biden administration proposed to spend “$20 billion to improve road safety for all users, including increases to existing safety programs and a new Safe Streets for All program to fund state and local Vision Zero plans.”

It would be better to spend this, or whatever amount of money is allocated to road safety, by giving NHTSA a mandate to improve its accident reporting and analysis system with the aim to identify ways to design more safety into the existing road and street designs.

Some people use safety issues to justify their goal of eliminating, or at least greatly reducing, the use of automobiles. But those who truly believe in transportation safety regardless of mode should support a data-driven process of identifying and implementing safer roadway designs, motor vehicles, and transit systems.

–By Randal O’Toole, The Antiplanner

Randal O’Toole, The Antiplanner, is an economist with forty-five years of experience critiquing public land, urban, transportation, and other government plans.

–NMA

Randal left out one important element. The desire to eliminate or punish fossil fuel use. –Bandit

[page break]

BANDIT’S CANTINA MEETS ANOTHER JACK GALLERY—I did it. I loaded another gallery, “Custom Bikes from the IMS Show in Indy a few years back”.

Trying to add everything from rallies, to girls, to bikes…

–Jack

JACK MCINTYRE
PHOTOGRAPHER, SPECIALIZING IN THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY
VETERAN OWNED COMPANY
JACK MCINTYRE PHOTO
HOUSE OF CHOPPERS NATION.COM
BIKERNET.COM / CANTINA

Join the Cantina to see all of Jack’s Galleries. They’re amazing.–Bandit

NEWS FROM THE HIDDEN TEMPLE AT PILLAR PEAK SOUTH DAKOTA–To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind.
If a man can control his mind, he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.

–Buddha

Never a truer phrase was ever spoken.
–from Yale

NEW FROM BARNETT’S Clutches & Cables–Barnett Clutch Spring Compression Tool

This new clutch spring compression tool from Ventura, California based Barnett Clutches & Cables is designed to compress the diaphragm clutch spring on 2001 and later Victory motorcycles – making it easy to remove and reinstall the retainer ring.

This clutch tool makes working on the clutch much easier and efficient and is a “must have” for anybody working on Victory clutches. It is precision machined in the USA from billet aluminum, then hard anodized.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES
www.barnettcables.com

A MUST READ TILL THE END!!–The Arctic Ocean is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot according to a report to the Commerce Department yesterday from the Consulate at Bergen, Norway.

Reports from fishermen, seal hunters and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard of temperatures in the Arctic zone.

Exploration expeditions report that scarcely any ice has been met as far north as 81 degrees 29 minutes.

Soundings to a depth of 3,100 meters showed the gulf stream still very warm. Great masses of ice have been replaced by moraines of earth and stones, the report continued, while at many points well known glaciers have entirely disappeared.

Very few seals and no white fish are found in the eastern Arctic, while vast shoals of herring and smelts which have never before ventured so far north, are being encountered in the old seal fishing grounds.

Within a few years it is predicted that due to the ice melt the sea will rise and make most coast cities uninhabitable.

Oops. I must apologize. I neglected to mention that this report was from, “November 2 , 1922,” as reported by the AP and published in The Washington Post about (99) years ago. This must have been caused by the Model T Ford’s emissions or possibly from horse and cattle farts.

So much for the Green New Deal.

–Joe Smith

EMAIL BLAST SIGN-UP FREE FOREVER—Do the girls of Bikernet a big favor for the holidays. Join up to receive Bikernet’s email blasts weekly. It’s free, easy, free, no bullshit, free and motorcycle informative.

Nothing to it…

LATEST FROM SAWICKY–Indian Challenger 2:1 Shorty / Shorty Cannon Exhaust

IT’S FINALLY HERE!!! Sawicki Speed’s first exhaust system for Indian Motorcycles!!!

Designed to look deadly, but with performance gains at the forefront – featuring:

Full 304 Stainless Steel construction, sourced on the USA
TIG-welded by hand in Charlotte, NC
Laser CAD design engineered
Proprietary, hand-formed merge collector
Available in brushed stainless, ceramic black over stainless, and electro polished finishes (please allow for coated or polished-to-order lead times, initially!)
Shorty:

– Our signature powder coated aluminum billet black end cap, with laser etched Sawicki Speed logo

Shorty Cannon:

– Full stainless, welded end cap

– All Shorty Cannons come standard with our Sawicki Speed Badge hand welded on the front muffler cone

All exhausts require flat mesh racing style gaskets
Includes all muffler mounting hardware

Regular price $1,199.99
Finish
Brushed Stainless
Ceramic Coated Black over Stainless
Electro-Polished

THE GAS PRICE FILE IS NOW OPEN–Talking Points on skyrocketing oil and gasoline prices.
Skyrocketing oil and gasoline prices are a failure of anti-oil politicians, who artificially restricted the supply of oil

–Alex Epstein

Skyrocketing oil and gasoline policies are not a failure of the oil industry. They are the total failure of *anti-oil politicians*, who have artificially restricted the *supply* of oil with massive restrictions and threats to oil production and transport.

Elizabeth Warren says gasoline prices are rising “because giant oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil enjoy doubling their profits.” Joe Biden says “companies have not ramped up the supply of oil quickly enough.”

These anti-oil politicians should blame themselves instead.¹

Contrary to rhetoric by Elizabeth Warren and others, oil and gasoline prices are not rising “because giant oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil enjoy doubling their profits.” If oil companies could control prices they would have done so during often-unprofitable 2015-2020.²

The most direct cause of rising prices is supply and demand. As our Energy Secretary says, “As we come out of an unprecedented global economic shutdown, oil supply has not kept up with demand.” But why not? Because anti-oil policies have prevented supply from meeting demand.³

There is no physical reason the oil industry can’t meet rising demand. The world has hundreds of years’ worth of oil deposits. There is no technical reason the oil industry can’t meet rising demand. It is more capable than ever thanks to amazing technologies like fracking.

If there is no physical or technical reason the oil industry can’t meet rising demand, what is inhibiting it?

Decades of rising restrictions on oil production and transport from anti-oil politicians–including Biden’s massive threats to punish oil production going forward.4

Perhaps the greatest limiter of the supply of oil has been anti-oil politicians’ constant threats to severely restrict or even ban oil production going forward. E.g., when Joe Biden promises “I will end fossil fuel” and then becomes President, oil investors run for the hills.5

Is it any wonder that, threatened with punishment, investment in oil and gas has declined dramatically? Between 2011 and 2021, oil and gas exploration investments declined by 50%. Less investment = less supply = higher prices.6

Anti-oil politicians’ restrictions on infrastructure, especially pipelines, have reduced the supply of oil by making it difficult or impossible to transport US oil to international markets. If not for these restrictions we’d be producing more oil, with lower prices for everyone.

The dynamic US oil industry could be rapidly increasing production to take advantage of higher prices. But thanks to anti-oil politicians’ threats to oil investors and infrastructure opposition, the US is ramping up production more slowly than OPEC!7

If not for Joe Biden and other anti-oil politicians around the world radically restricting the production/transport of oil, as well as threatening oil companies and investors, the global oil industry would have rapidly adjusted to rising demand—and prices would be far lower.

The cause-and-effect of unnecessarily high oil prices is simple:

1. Anti-oil politicians around the world artificially restricted the *supply* of oil with massive restrictions/threats.

2. These restrictions prevented supply from keeping up with demand, and prices went way up.
“Build Back Better,” aka “Make Everything Worse,” promises to further restrict US oil production and increase prices via:
1. new bans on offshore drilling,
2. a costly methane tax that only applies to US production, and
3. many other oil taxes and penalties.
It must be stopped.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES COOL DEAL OF THE WEEK–2014 Harley-Davidson® FLS – Softail Slimfor $14,995.00
SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=11128616

2014 Black/silver Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL SLIM FLS

ONLY 10129.00 Miles !!!!!

This bike is a cool looking Slim very clean

Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed gear
* Python exhaust
* Fairing
* Tall sissy bar
* Wire wheels with whitewalls

Just $14,995.00

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

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**

MIDDLEGROUND CAPITAL BUYS THE WHOLE KIT & CABOODLE! — Race Winning Brands — home to half a dozen premiere powersports product lines — has been bought by private equity firm MiddleGround Capital for an undisclosed amount. “We are thrilled to be partnering with MiddleGround,” notes RWB CEO Bob Bruegging. “We believe their operationally-focused approach paired with their culture of continuous improvement and longstanding experience in the automotive and powersports aftermarkets will align perfectly with RWB’s objectives and growth strategy – with the ultimate goal of providing innovative products to best serve our powersports enthusiast customers.”

No strangers to the performance space, MiddleGround founding partners John Stewart and Scott Duncan have history with enthusiast-based aftermarket performance products having worked with Holley in 2012. “We are very excited to be partnering with Bob Bruegging, Josh Vogel, and the rest of the Race Winning Brands team as we look to usher the company into its next stage of growth,” says Stewart.

“We look forward to further enhancing RWB’s leading position in the market by leveraging the company’s engineering expertise, coupled with our Operation Team’s automotive aftermarket experience and network, to expand into new product and vehicle applications – both organically and through complementary acquisitions to the platform.”

Powersports brands rolled up in the RWB acquisition include, JE Pistons, Wiseco, Rekluse, ProX Racing Parts and CV4. Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, RWB has sales offices and manufacturing operations in strategic locations throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

RWB is just the tip of the iceberg for MiddleGround’s recent expansion — the firm closed eight deals in the past 60 days with a combined value of $1.4 Billion! According to their research, the powersports space is where the action is: the enthusiast powersport segment has seen annualized growth of 10-15% in the past 18 months with forecasted growth of 6-8% over the next 12 months.

NEWS FROM THE DESERT–Still Kickin’ After All These Years , been with me for 50 years this month. Not bad for this old gal.

Bought new at Inglewood Harley-Davidson for $2695 out the door in ‘72. I must have been out of my mind to spend that much money. She experienced many face lifts. She made her way in many magazines, The miles I put on her.

Never let me down except a front tire blowout at 65 coming back from Utah in ‘74, and a cow we hit on the way to Cooks Corner. She had a Tank Shift, Mouse trap and Jockey shift. A kicker from a 1918 knuckle knife, very early belt drive from Nez, a rear 12-spoke 15-inch mag.

She has got me in and out of trouble. Escaped the cops. Chased many Split Tails (LOL). She is still here after all these years.

–Bob T.

INDUSTRY UPDATE— Tucker Powersports Acquisition of Kuryakyn Holdings 
 
Tucker Powersports acquired Kuryakyn Holdings on September 7, 2021 and began transitioning the company into the Tucker brand structure. The following is an update on the status of the transition. 
 
Product Availability: Kuryakyn had strong inventories of their top products at the time of acquisition, so there has been minimal impact on dealers seeking Kuryakyn’s top selling products. Product purchasing functions have been moved to Tucker and the team continues to manage ordering and inventory, with all Kury inventory now in Tucker’s warehouses. Global supply chain issues are likely to continue to impact Tucker, along with most others in the powersports industry, for the months ahead. 
 
Sales and Operations: All sales and financial operations of Kuryakyn are now led through Tucker’s Fort Worth headquarters. Shortly after the acquisition, all Kuryakyn dealers who didn’t have a Tucker account were set up as Tucker Powersports dealers. Tucker’s team of field reps were trained on the Kuryakyn product line and act as a Kuryakyn field sales force, which Kury has not had in recent years. Tucker leadership is extremely happy that all of Kuryakyn’s large accounts will continue to purchase and sell Kuryakyn products to their consumer and dealer customers. Kuryakyn’s direct-to-consumer sales program will continue under Tucker. 
 
Staffing: Several of the Wisconsin-based Kuryakyn employees have been hired by Tucker and are now based in the Fort Worth office. 
 
Product Development: The move of Kuryakyn’s Product Development program to Tucker has been a welcome addition to Tucker’s capabilities. The additional staff and equipment will allow Tucker to continue the growth of the Kuryakyn product offering as well as the other Tucker brands. 
 
Facilities: The Kuryakyn office and product development facility in Somerset WI have been closed and are in the process of being sold. 
 
“The acquisition of Kuryakyn has been a positive move for both companies and we are pleased at how well Kuryakyn fits in our brand structure. Tucker is now an even better resources for dealers and consumers in powersports,” said Andrea Weeke, Tucker’s Director of Owned Brands, Marketing and Apparel. “Our plan was to finish the transition by year end, and with the great cooperation of the Kuryakyn team we did just that.” 
 

STAFFER HAS A COMMENT—Bandit’s Cantina Christmas Story. You know I can’t spell. Daddy tried. Anyhow, I really enjoyed the Christmas tale. Our generation taught our kids the way our fathers taught us. Just because someone says so don’t make it fact.

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bandits_Cantina_Episode_96_Bandit_Lights_a_Xmas_Fire.aspx

Test the theory and prove it true or false yourself. I tell you; you can fly off the barn either. Take it as fact or test the theory. I have seen many a red neck boy jump from a loft into a stack of hay with paper wings just to see.

I liked the touch of kids in need of entertainment and Bandit obliging them. Nuff said.

–Gearhead

QUICK CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FROM 5-BALL—We have several books to choose from. Everyone should read Sam “Chopper” Orwell. But check out the leathers, bedrolls, and bandanas.

–Bandit

THE FOSSIL FUEL REPORT–Why is energy so valuable?

Look again at the graph I showed you last week. In the early 1800s, you start to see everything improve drastically. What changed? We started using a lot more energy, the vast majority of it then and now from fossil fuels.

From man-power to machine-power.

In this graph, we see a dramatic increase in CO2 emissions, which is a good measure of fossil fuel use because when we burn fossil fuels it adds CO2 to the atmosphere. There’s also an incredible correlation between the rise of fossil fuel use and an increase in life expectancy, gross domestic product, and population.

Why such an increase? What was happening around this time? History tells us that this was around the time of the Industrial Revolution, a time of systematic productivity increases. What made this revolution and productivity possible is a combination of powerful machines and new energy sources to power those machines.

We went from producing everything by hand to using high-powered machines to produce things—and as a result, our capacity to do work greatly increased and every industry became more productive, including agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. We were able to do far more with energy and technology than we ever could do on our own. All because of energy, which I often like to call “machine calories.”

Machine calories

Every human runs off calories. Those calories are our energy, our ability to act. If we run out of calories, we can’t act. The same is true for the machines we use to improve our lives. Without machine calories, they don’t function. And we desperately need machines to do work for us. Without machines, we don’t have anywhere near the power and energy that we need to survive and flourish.

For example, in agriculture, we developed new machines that enabled us to produce so much more than we could produce without machines. In the U.S., we shifted from about 90% of the population producing our food to around only 2% doing it. Think about what that means in terms of how much more the human population was able to achieve because they weren’t devoted to the production of food. Today, if those machines didn’t work, we wouldn’t be able to feed the 7+ billion people in the world.

As you can see in these charts of China and India, there are very strong correlations between fossil fuel use and life expectancy, and also fossil fuel use and income because energy is the root of productivity.

Energy is a life and death issue because it’s our ability to use machines to become more productive, and that is ultimately our ability to live.

–Alex Epstein

Trying doing a similar report and removing everything made from oil. Hang On!– Bandit

KIND WORDS FROM THE HIDDEN TEMPLE AT PILLAR PEAK, SOUTH DAKOTA–
Today I Choose to live with Gratitude for the Love that fills my Heart, the Peace the rests within My Soul, and the Spirit within that Lights My Path!

This morning I choose joy, happiness, positive thoughts over negativity, pain or the past…
Today I choose to Live life to the fullest

Today I choose to learn from my mistakes and move on.

Today I choose to control my day and refuse to allow anyone or anything take anything from my joy.

Today I am part of the solution not the problem
Today I choose to Let Go and move on

Today I am Grateful for each and every experience

Today I will not judge or gossip

Today I send My Love to All

Today is a Gift for me to Live fully and express myself at the Highest Level of Consciousness.

Today I say Thanks
And So It Is
Namaste’

–Yale

[page break]

FIRST Entertainment Announcement for Gettysburg Bike Week 2022–

Gettysburg, PA (November 24, 2021) – This July, Gettysburg Bike Week, one of the premiere motorcycle rallies in the country, rolls out for the 21st time in 22 years. Everything goes down at the Allstar Events Complex in Gettysburg, PA, and festivities kick off Thursday, July 7, 2022, and run through Sunday, July 10.

“We couldn’t be happier about the musical guests we have lined up so far,” says GBW event coordinator Kelly Shue. “And we’re not finished booking yet!”

This year’s illustrious group of live-music entertainers features 17-year-veteran Southern rockers Black Stone Cherry. Hailing from Edmonton, Kentucky, this energetic four piece injects a streak of youthful rebellion into the storied tradition of Southern rock, building on the legacies established by such luminaries as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker and the Allman Brothers and producing their own, unique brand of American rock ‘n’ roll.

In addition to Black Stone Cherry, Jasmine Cain is back by popular demand in a headlining slot. A Sturgis, South Dakota, native, Ms. Cain moved to Nashville in 2003 and began what can only be described as a stellar career in the music business. Some of her more than 30 awards won include JPF Female Artist of the Year and 4-time Female Rock Vocalist of the year. With seven studio albums under her belt, her shows are stadium quality and high energy, keeping audiences riveted from downbeat to encore.

Rounding out this initial slate of bookings, GBW is happy to announce the addition of Small Town Titans, the power trio from York, PA. Purveyors of their own particular brand of American rock, STT are known for their grass roots following and spirited live shows. More acts are in the process of being booked and will be announced as they confirm.

Gettysburg Bike Week features one of the largest vendor villages and swap meet; the always-anticipated Antique Bike Show; the Second Annual Jeremy Plank Memorial Ride (aka the Battlefield Ride of Chrome); thrilling mini-bike racing; fun bike games; a massive Cornhole tournament; beautiful and vivacious Gin Gypsies slinging drinks and much, much more.

And, of course, no rally would be complete without great riding, and Gettysburg has some of the best. Whether riders want to see historic battlegrounds or just hit the road for a great cruise, hundreds of miles of the best riding in the East surrounds Gettysburg. In addition to fantastic solo riding, GBW also features awesome group rides.

If that wasn’t enough tickets will be at their lowest price starting Black Friday and running through Cyber Monday, be sure to purchase them here.

New and returning riders can find updates, schedule of events, lodging information, passes and anything they ever needed to know about Gettysburg Bike Week by visiting http://www.gettysburgbikeweek.com. Follow GBW Twitter: @GburgBikeWk. To contact Gettysburg Bike Week, e-mail gbwvendor@yahoo.com.

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Lou Kimzey: America’s 20th Century Founding Father

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Lou_Kimzey_Americas_20th_Century_Founding_Father_.aspx

I enjoyed reading this article by J.J. Solari. The paragraph about the impossibly-fit biker cartoons by Hal Robinson, of course, were especially good, I thought. Sounds like Solari has spent time over the years, looking and seeing all the descriptive stuff that have meaning related to the characters in Hal’s works. I agree with a lot of his description on this issue.

— Ann Robinson
Hal2 of Robinson’s Archives
Long Beach, CA

J.J. responds: She must have a good sense of aesthetics, because Robinson cartoons were actually strangely complimentary to the biker image at the same time preposterously accurate.

She apparently “gets it.” His cartoons were preposterously heroic or idiotically majestic. They’re complicated as all art is. PLUS then there’s the just plain technical aspects of it. I’m glad I got her approval. Makes my day.

–J.J. Solari

NEW DIGS FOR NORTON MOTORCYCLES— opens new global headquarters

Norton’s new global headquarters has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, forming a critical part of the marque’s strategic growth.

New production line will be capable of delivering around 8,000 motorcycles a year.

Solihull site will also house Norton’s global design and R&D hub, customer showroom, service workshops and offices.

Norton Motorcycles to create over a hundred of new highly skilled jobs (and more in upcoming years) producing the current range with world-class quality standards and developing exciting and innovative future products.

New manufacturing facility has been designed to optimise sustainability and reduce waste to landfill.

Newly built facility is another clear commitment to Norton by TVS Motor Company.

New HQ is another key milestone for the famous marque achieving world-class levels of sustainable global business performance and growth.

Norton Motorcycles has announced the completion of its new global headquarters. The all-new facility houses state-of-the-art manufacturing capability and the company’s new global design and R&D hub. It forms a key part of Norton’s strategic growth plan on its journey to becoming the world-leader in luxury hand-crafted motorcycles.

The new HQ is a clear display of significant commitment by TVS Motor Company in its prosperous partnership with Norton Motorcycles. Within just 18 months of acquiring the iconic British marque, TVS Motor has overseen the creation of its world-class facility in Solihull, West Midlands, UK paving the way to design and produce an exciting new generation of motorcycles built with world-leading manufacturing standards.

The new Norton leadership, together with TVS Motor Company, has conducted a wide-ranging review of Norton Motorcycles operations, resulting in new appointments and processes, specifically in engineering, design and manufacturing to ensure that the highest quality standards are met. The headquarters is creating over a hundred of new high-skilled jobs (and more in upcoming years) and will be able to build around 8,000 motorcycles a year.

As part of the new manufacturing process, every single component of every new Norton motorcycle will be evaluated in a new quality-testing laboratory to ensure the highest build quality. Within the laboratory are inspection rooms, testing areas including destruction testing and a rolling road. A customer reception and showroom, service workshop, and office are also housed at the new Headquarters.

The Norton manufacturing facility has been engineered to be highly sustainable and to minimize waste. The result is an intelligently engineered solution using flexible components that mean that Norton Motorcycles can expand and evolve, within the new space. The build used numerous sustainable and rapid build techniques on the project, the components of which are almost 50% reconfigurable as a proportion of total construction cost – in order to increase special flexibility.

Source: Norton Motorcycles

HELP FROM THE LOWBROW TEAM— The most important tool in any garage… a shop manual!

We just added in free PDF shop manuals for Dyna models in addition to the Sportster manuals we shared earlier this year…
And more are coming soon!

You can view or download the shop manual or parts book you need and save as a PDF.

Did we mention they are totally free?

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

BROWSE FREE PDF MANUALS

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

CODE OF THE WEST–Some things to ponder as we get older

The inventor of the treadmill died at the age of 54

The inventor of gymnastics died at the age of 57

The world bodybuilding champion died at the age of 41

The best soccer player in the world, Maradona, died at the age of 60

And then..

KFC inventor died at 94

Inventor of Nutella brand died at the age of 88

Cigarette maker Winston died at the age of 102

The inventor of opium died at the age of 116 in an earthquake

Hennessy inventor died at 98

How did doctors come to the conclusion that exercise prolongs life?

The rabbit is always jumping, but it lives for only 2 years. The turtle that doesn’t exercise at all, lives 400 years.

So …

Have a drink …

Take a nap …

And, if you wake up, have bacon & eggs!

–from El Waggs

WALKER’S CAFÉ CLOSED?—Walker’s Café is a famous motorcycle stop in San Pedro overlooking the Pacific, especially on Sundays. They’ve struggled to keep the restaurant open for years, plus they were constantly under-fire by the community from angry residents who move in then suddenly want to attack the long history of loud motorcycles.

Of course, there’s also the aging owner and growing property prices. Maybe she needed to sell to retire.

These shots were taken during Jesse James TV heyday by Markus Cuff who worked for Easyriders in 2000.

–Bandit

OFFICIAL HARLEY MUSEUM NEWS–Make memories and create a new Harley Tradition at the Harley-Davidson Museum this month
From the Official Mama Tried Pre-Party to Breakfast with Santa (and more), the H-D Museum offers plenty of reasons to celebrate the season.

MILWAUKEE, USA (Dec. 1, 2021) – It’s back! The Midwest’s preeminent motorcycle show, Mama Tried, makes its triumphant return. And the Harley-Davidson Museum is where you can kick off the full weekend of full-throttle fun with the Official Pre-Party on Thursday, Dec. 2. Hang with builders, racers and fans and root on your favorite boonie bike racer while rocking to the sounds of REXXX. Plus, free shuttles to The Rave / Eagles Club on Saturday and Sunday for Mama Tried make it an ideal pairing for your H-D Museum visit.

And that’s just the first weekend of December! Big kids will love the Ugly Sweater parties at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant during select BBQ & Blues nights and the wee ones will be wearing ear-to-ear grins at Breakfast with Santa, which will feature H-D™ IRONe™ demos, LEGO make-and-take kits, gingerbread house decorating and an opportunity to let the Big Man know what’s on their wish list.

Speaking of wish lists, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, pick up that perfect gift, stocking stuffer, gift card or make your own custom shirt at The Shop! New products are arriving daily to keep holiday spirits high. And the H-D Museum’s Annual Pass looks fantastic in the stocking or under the tree.

And if you haven’t made your plans for your holiday gathering this year, the team at 1903 Events and MOTOR Group Dining are ready to make your party – big or cozy – festive. New holiday parties booked for December 2021 and January 2022 receive a complimentary passed holiday welcome cocktail.

Finally, don’t forget that Harley-Davidson is teaming up with the United Way Worldwide to bring a little cheer to those in need during the most wonderful time of the year.

For each holiday tradition shared onsite at the H-D Museum and through posts on your personal social media channels using the #MyHarleyTradition (Instagram, Facebook & Twitter) through the end of the year, the Harley-Davidson Foundation will donate $10 USD to United Way Worldwide, for up to $50,000 USD in total worldwide donations.

Whether your favorite tradition takes place around the table with your family, in the garage with a loved one or just out on the open road (on your way to the Harley-Davidson Museum, of course), we want to hear about it and share in the joy of the season. For more information visit: Harley-Davidson.com/traditions.

Please note that the H-D Museum and The Shop will be open 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) and closed on Saturday, Dec. 25 (Christmas). On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (December 31 and January 1), the H-D Museum will be open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

And beginning with the new year, the H-D Museum™ campus will also roll out seasonal hours for January and February. The H-D Museum will be open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Shop will be open Thursday – Monday, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. And MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will be open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays, and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning March 1, 2022, the campus will resume 7 days a week operation.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS

Mama Tried Motorcycle Show Official Pre-Party at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant
Thursday, Dec. 2, 5–9 p.m.

The world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum kicks off the Midwest’s preeminent motorcycle show weekend with the Official Mama Tried Pre-Party, powered by Budweiser® & Bulleit® Bourbon.

Kickstart the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show weekend as you rub elbows with Flat Out Friday racers and Mama Tried Motorcycle Show builders.

Up in RUMBLE, live music by REXXX – Milwaukee’s premier power pop powerhouse is ready to bring you in your face, body-movin, sweat-drippin rock and roll. Zach Otto (Sex Scenes) Harrison Colby (Sex Scenes, NO/NO) Ryan Reeve (Surgeons in Heat) Sam Reitman (Surgeons in Heat) and Mitch Reitman (Low End, Take Offense) have teamed up to give you the best night of your life. Straight from the good land to your ears.

In between those rollicking sets from REXXX, the Flat Out Friday Boonie Bike World Series will light up the track outside on Motorcycle Plaza. Top off the night with raffles, outdoor fire pits, Busch Light Bike Night koozie and Bulleit Cocktail specials all night long. Check out the extended hours at The Shop where you can score the official Mama Tried T-shirt.

Free Shuttles to Mama Tried Motorcycle Show

Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The H-D Museum will be offering FREE SHUTTLES to the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show on Saturday and Sunday. Two shuttles will loop continuously from the H-D Museum, stop at The Iron Horse Hotel and Fuel Cafe 5th St. and head to The Rave / Eagles Club on Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, December 5 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Complete shuttle loop takes approximately 20 minutes. Look for the Shuttle Stop pick-up signage outside of The Shop at H-D Museum™ (Canal Street & South 5th Street), outside The Iron Horse Hotel (West Florida Street) outside Fuel Cafe 5th St. (5th Street, North of Pierce Street) and outside The Rave / Eagles Club (24th Street between Michigan and Wisconsin Avenues).

PLEASE NOTE: Shuttles stop at 10 p.m. Saturday. If you plan to stay at the show past 10 p.m., take a Lyft or Uber back to pick up your car. For questions, contact 1-877-436-8738.

Ugly Sweater Party

Saturdays, Dec. 11 and 18, 5–8 p.m.
On Saturdays December 11 & 18 (5–8 p.m.), check out the Ugly Sweater Party at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant during our weekly BBQ & Blues night. Dec. 11 is headlined by She’s Right – He’s Left and Dec. 18 brings the Andrew Gelles Trio to MOTOR Bar and Restaurant for some scorching Blues music. Before the BBQ, take a spin through the H-D Museum and do a little holiday shopping at The Shop (we won’t tell if it’s for you) where you can enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, gifts with purchase (while supplies last) and special deals throughout The Shop, which will offer extended hours. You can even register to win a $250 shopping spree.

Breakfast with Santa

Sundays, Dec. 12 and 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
On Sundays December 12 & 19 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), bring the family down for Breakfast with Santa at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant. Along with our lunch menu, a breakfast menu will be available. Gingerbread Houses to decorate can be purchased for $20 each. Make a day of it and take part in an audio-guided experience that will dive into Harley-Davidson history, demos on our kid-size electric balance bikes, the H-D™ IRONe™, airbrush tattoos, LEGO kits, kids crafts and more. Our friendly staff at The Shop will be happy to offer complimentary gift wrapping, gifts with purchase (while supplies last) and they can sign you up to win a $250 shopping spree.

Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.)

All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be partially facilitated as scouts explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements. Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, partially facilitated program, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.

This new 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle.

Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D® patch upon completion of the program.

TRIUMPH’S 100,000,000TH MOTORCYCLE—
“Everyone at Triumph is incredibly proud to have played a part in achieving such a momentous moment in the modern history of this iconic brand,” said CEO Nick Bloor on the occasion of Triumph reaching a historic milestone in its modern era with the reveal of the millionth motorcycle built since the brand’s return in 1990.

“Over the 31 years since we re-launched Triumph with a new line of British designed motorcycles in Cologne in 1990, we have shared so many great moments with our fans across the world. From returning to the TT champions arena, to entering the MotoGP paddock with our Moto2 Engine partnership, to supporting the biggest global riding event and its great cause for health and wellbeing with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, to mention only a few. Triumph’s success has always stemmed from the passion and commitment we share with our riders.”

Bloor unveiled the 1 millionth bike — a custom painted Tiger 900 Rally Pro — at Triumph’s Global Headquarters in Hinckley in front of the UK team. With its Jubilee silver paint scheme and one millionth graphics, this milestone motorcycle will be displayed in Triumph’s stand at this year’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC and then on show in Triumph’s Factory Visitor Experience* in a new, specially created 120-year anniversary display.

“Whilst the last year has been challenging for all of us, this passion and commitment has driven Triumph to even greater heights, including the successful entry into new categories with the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660,” Bloor added. “Over the last three decades Triumph has maintained sustained and significant investment in our people, our partners and our in-house design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, in order to grow the reach and reputation of this iconic British brand. This investment in home grown talent, both in the UK and around the world, matched by the passion we share with our riders for delivering the complete and perfect motorcycle, has seen the brand go from strength to strength, achieving the most successful year in the brand’s entire 120-year history.’’

NEVER A DULL MOMENT—Everyday is full of excitement around the Bikernet Intergalactic Headquarters.

A group of bikers designed and are paying to have this billboard posted in the I-90 in Sturgis to counter WWF billboards that hate gasoline travel. What’s unfortunate is they are wrong.

This fully restored Knucklehead is for sale. The owner thought it was original, but it’s a tad over-restored. Nice piece.

Here’s Sin Wu still running the only still-floating restaurant in Los Angeles. She’s doing a helluva job but took a break on her Root Beer Float bobber built by Kent Weeks, of Lucky Devil Metal Works somewhere in Texas. She traded it to Zack for the restaurant. 

We are about to wrap up a shorty tech on the Biker Lid helmets developed in Australia. They fit like a glove, they are legal and have quick release straps. That’s a blessing. George “The Wild Brush” pinstriped them.

Look out, we have a professional guest. Can’t get rid of the bastard who has been hanging around since we dug him up in the back year in Deadwood. It was a cemetery, then some super-intelligent city official decided to move it in the 1920s.

A Sturgis brother who escaped to Arizona for the winter just restored this Indian. Nice piece.

Ride fast and free Forever!

–Bandit

Custom Bikes from the IMS Show in Indy a few years back.

Photos by Jack McIntyre

Jack McIntyre covers all major Motorcycle Events all year round.

Catch all the fun, event photographs and the parties – in the Cantina Section of Bikernet.com

CLICK HERE To View the photos from this IMS Show on custom motorcycles

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Bandit’s Cantina Episode 96 : a 2021 Christmas story

by K.Randall Ball

Bandit looked around at the dozen or so kids and looked at the sleek classic chopper with highbars he was building. The Knucklehead engine and transmission were now in place.

Marko approached and whispered something into Bandit’s ear, “Exactly,” Bandit added.

It was the week after Thanksgiving. Marko disappeared for a minute and returned with a couple of large boxes marked, “Xmas.”

“We need to do something to brighten Christmas for these kids. I’m going to paint the Chopper red and white for the holidays.” said Bandit.

CLICK HERE To Read the Christmas Episode of Bandit’s Cantina – The Series.

Join the Cantina to read all the Episodes – a live ever-growing series.

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

Proposed new regulations for 3-wheel autocycles

from https://www.bostonherald.com by Boston Herald Wire Services

Proposed regulations of autocycles will be on the schedule when Massachusetts lawmakers hold a virtual public hearing Tuesday.

An autocycle is a three-wheeled motor vehicle that meets federal safety standards for a motorcycle. Unlike motorcycles, however, autocycles typically include a steering wheel, a seat for the driver and occasionally seats for passengers. The driver and passengers are not required to straddle the vehicle like a motorcycle.

One of the bills under consideration would create new safety measures for autocycles including requiring the driver and passengers to wear helmets, requiring autocycle manufacturers to equip the vehicles with safety belts which must be worn by drivers and passengers, and barring children under eight from riding in one.

Anyone who operates an autocycle without wearing a safety helmet or safety belts would face a fine of no less than $25 under the bill.

Massachusetts Lawmakers Weigh New Regulations for Autocycles

from https://www.nbcboston.com by The Associated Press

An autocycle is a motor vehicle with three wheels on the ground that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards for a motorcycle

Proposed regulations of autocycles will be on the schedule when Massachusetts state lawmakers hold a virtual public hearing Tuesday.

An autocycle is a motor vehicle with three wheels on the ground that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards for a motorcycle. Unlike motorcycles, however, autocycles typically include a steering wheel, a seat for the driver and occasionally seats for passenger.

One of the bills under consideration would create new safety measures for autocycles. Those include requiring the driver and passengers wear helmets, requiring autocycle manufacturers to equip the vehicles with safety belts and barring children under eight from riding in an autocycle.