Congress Kicks the Can… 30 day Highway Bill Extension Passes With the failure of Congress to pass a new highway bill, by the September 30th deadline, nearly 3,700 United States Department of Transportation staffers were furloughed on Friday. Most of these workers belong to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Without dedicated funding to operate, those agency workers were forbidden from coming into work on October 1st. Operations in these agencies, related to safety and construction projects, were halted as a result. On Friday evening, in an effort to end the closure of these agencies, Congress passed an extension of the recently expired FAST Act. The 30-day extension releases federal funds so workers at the FHWA and FTA can return to work for the month of October. An interparty fight between progressive and moderate Democrats created a stalemate on infrastructure legislation and produced the need for an extension. This is the second time the FAST Act has been extended in just over a year. The original 2015 bill, expired on September 30, 2020, but was given a full 1-year extension, creating the recently passed September 30, 2021, deadline. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) remains engaged with lawmakers on this important bill. The MRF continues to stress the need for action on the transportation policy priorities of the nearly 10 million bikers across the country. We will keep you updated as events warrant. Visit Motorcycle Riders Foundation website at http://mrf.org

      

 I get to ride all over the country and in all kinds of weather. I have made many changes to my 2009 FLHTC over the years and one of them was to install a Saddlemen Heated Seat.

 The original Saddlemen seat was installed on 1/29/2012 and had 117251 miles on it, when I decided to replace it. It had been subject to every kind of weather condition you can think of and even though it was still comfortable and the heater worked the leather was starting to crack. Not surprising with the miles and weather conditions it was subject to.

 I purchased this new Saddlemen seat and installed it on 9/23/2021. This new one has gel pads in it and separate new styled switches for heating the rider and passenger sections. Looks like I am going to continue being spoiled. I like and think I deserve that LOL.

 

 

 The first thing was to reposition the rear seat tab. After doing that, the seat was placed on the shelf while the wiring was handled.

 I removed the main fuse before working on the wiring.

 It was an easy installation but did require paying attention to a few details.

 

 

 The new seat is very comfortable and yes, I did try out the two heat ranges even though I am in Florida. No, I did not have to leave them on long to know they would do their job when the weather changes or I ride north.

 If you want comfort in a seat Saddlemen has a wide assortment for many model motorcycles. Some models are available with heaters. You can find out more by visiting their website at https://saddlemen.com/ 

 

from https://www.malaymail.com

How blind spot warnings could be displayed directly in motorcycle mirrors.

Motorcycle manufacturers are exploring ways of alerting riders to the risk of collision with vehicles in their blind spot.

TOKYO, Sept 30 — Yamaha has filed a new project with the Japanese Patent Office for a system that alerts motorcycle or scooter riders when a vehicle is in their blind spot. This solution takes the form of LED strips placed directly behind the mirrors that face the rider. This solution could prove an effective means of alerting riders to this type of danger.

Most motorcycle manufacturers are actively working on blind spot warning systems. Yamaha recently filed a patent revealing a new technology that displays specific icons directly on the bike’s mirrors.

The idea is to be able to alert riders to dangers quickly and effectively. To do this, the Japanese manufacturer relies on displaying warnings on the bike’s mirrors in case of danger. The solution takes the form of a small screen placed behind each of the mirrors in the bike’s two rearview mirrors, capable of displaying a warning icon in the event of a collision risk, i.e., a vehicle in a blind spot. Note that the system could also display the warning on just one mirror, depending on the side where the danger is located.

In addition to the presence of a vehicle in their blind spot, this device could also warn riders of a risk of collision with another vehicle, when they’re breaking the speed limit or when they receive an incoming phone call. It could theoretically be fitted to a motorcycle as well as a scooter. Still, it remains to be seen whether this solution will eventually see the light of day.

Currently, the most advanced solution in this field is undoubtedly Bosch’s Blind Spot Detection (BSD), which is used in many motorcycle models, including BMW, Ducati or KTM bikes. In the event of a risk of impact with a vehicle coming from the rear, the system emits a sound or displays a visual alert on the screen.

Of course, the easiest & safest way to avoid this type of accident is to turn your head before pulling out or changing lanes, to make sure that there are no vehicles in your blind spot.

by Silvian Secara from https://www.autoevolution.com

It certainly looks great on a technical level, but just wait ‘til you hear the way it sounds.

With its drool-worthy design and brutal power output figures, the Harley-Davidson Pan America is an absolute legend straight out of the box. Its 1,252cc Revolution Max V-twin is capable of producing as much as 150 hp at 9,000 spins per minute, along with 94 pound-feet (128 Nm) of feral twist lower down the rpm range. Needless to say, Milwaukee’s mighty adventure bike isn’t messing around, alright?

However, riders will always be looking for ways to improve their beloved machines, regardless of how sensational the stock motorcycle might be. For instance, replacing a two-wheeler’s standard exhaust system with a high-grade aftermarket alternative is not only going to extract some additional oomph from its engine, but it will also make your two-wheeler sound even more thrilling.

If you happen to be the happy owner of a Pan America, you’ll definitely want to hear about the latest plumbing solution from Vance & Hines! To be more specific, we’re talking about the Adventure Hi-Output 450 – a complete stainless-steel exhaust that’s six pounds (2.7 kg) lighter than Harley’s original module.

When equipped with the Hi-Output setup, the bike’s liquid-cooled V-twin engine will go about delivering an additional 5 hp at the rear wheel, along with 5 pound-feet (6.8 Nm) of extra torque. Vance & Hines’ premium pipes are compliant with emission standards in all 50 states, as well as SAE’s J2825 noise regulations.

The muffler – which sports a CNC-machined billet aluminum end cap – is also compatible with Harley-Davidson’s factory center stand and saddlebags, while the exhaust headers improve boot clearance for the rider.

Finally, the aptly named Adventure Hi-Output 450 is priced at $599.99, and it can be ordered directly from the manufacturer’s official website.

For your viewing pleasure, Vance & Hines created a promotional video portraying just how sweet this bad boy looks and sounds on the Pan Am.

by Todd Halterman from https://www.autoevolution.com

As the only motorcycle partner in the latest Bond film, No Time to Die, Triumph got their Tiger 900 and Scrambler 1200 motorcycles featured in key stunt scenes of the motion picture. Now you can take a closer look at the bikes and how those epic stunts were filmed in this exclusive behind-the-scenes video from Triumph.

While the novelty of the Bond films may be wearing off slightly, they always manage to come up with something fresh and over the top. This time around Triumph Motorcycles took on some amazing terrain and situations while stunt riders pushed their Triumph Tiger 900 and Scrambler 1200 to their absolute.

Over the years a wide range of Triumph motorcycles has been used by the Bond stunt teams to perform all sorts of daring and outrageous moves. This time around, the British bike maker – long a player in the iconic movie franchise – supplied Tiger 900s and Scrambler 1200s.

Triumph recently announced that the launch of the Tiger 900 Bond Edition, would be limited to just 250 units and go on sale at an undisclosed date. These models feature Matt Sapphire Black paint, special Bond graphics and feature a billet machined handlebar clamp to display a unique limited edition number.

All five 900 models shared core changes for 2020 including those to the engine, chassis, suspension, brakes, and electronics. The DOHC, 4-valve-per-cylinder, Euro 5-spec in-line triple, has been bored out and features a new “T-plane” triple crankshaft – a first in engine design – and a new firing order that bestows the triple with V-twin-like character down low while maintaining top-end power.

The Tiger 1200 Scrambler features the 1,215cc Tiger triple engine which represents the most powerful shaft-driven engine in its class. This time-tested powerplant cranks out 139hp (103.652kw) at 9,350 rpm. Triumph made it happen with a smaller flywheel, a lighter crankshaft, and a magnesium cam cover.

You can see the stunt teams put both bikes through their paces during the filming of No Time to Die in the video below.

by Gaige Davila from https://www.sbnewspaper.com

The 10th annual Motorcycle Cannonball Run ended on South Padre Island this past weekend, with nearly a hundred riders cruising their 100-year-old machines through the Queen Isabella Causeway to victory.

Starting in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, on the Canadian border, 88 riders, some dressed in early 1900s garb, departed to Texas in a 17-day, 3,389-mile journey, all on motorcycles made in 1929 or earlier.

The group made two stops in the Rio Grande Valley before cruising to SPI: San Benito, at Mad Boar Harley-Davidson, and McAllen, at Desperado Harley-Davison, in their last 99-mile leg of the run.

When the riders got to South Padre Island, specifically to the South Padre Island Convention Centre, they were welcomed by their teams and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Dave Currier, #64, from Fargo, North Dakota, was the first to arrive, on his 1911 Harley-Davidson 7A. His first place finish is impressive: the Harley-Davidson 7A is a single-belt drive, four horsepower machine, closer to a bicycle than a motorcycle.

“I think this has been the toughest ride of my life,” Currier said on Motorcycle Cannonball’s live stream of the finish line. “We’ve been through torrential rains, all kinds of wind, difficulties, (but) the bike ran superb.”

Check Out the Details and Final Scores at https://motorcyclecannonball.com/

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Skulloween Bike Night returns and a first-ever outdoor Movie Night premieres.

MILWAUKEE, USA (Sept. 30, 2021) – The Harley-Davidson Museum has been an anchor of the Menomonee Valley neighborhood since opening back in 2008. The H-D Museum is also a proud sponsor of Valley Week, which aims to showcase some of the fantastic ways to experience the nature, destinations and the Menomonee River Valley’s fascinating history in the heart of Milwaukee. As a part of the festivities, the Harley-Davidson Museum is thrilled to present an outdoor movie night on Friday, Oct. 1.

Bring the whole family down to the H-D Museum for a screening of Trolls World Tour for the Valley Week finale. Pack a blanket or chairs to get cozy under the night sky. Come early to have the kids take a spin on an H-D® IRONe™ electric balance bike, nab a (temporary) tattoo or grab a bite from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant.

But the family-friendly fun doesn’t stop there. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 16, the ever-popular engineering merit badge program returns for in-person, hands-on experiences. And don’t fret, the virtual program remains a popular option for scouts from around the country on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings.

And just in time for Halloween, Milwaukee’s favorite haunt, MOTOR, brings back Skulloween on Oct. 28. The night will feature live music, raffles for Harley-Davidson® gear and more shenanigans for ghouls who just want to have fun! Dress up to win the costume contest and go home with a $250 Harley-Davidson Museum Campus gift card! Don’t miss out!

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Valley Week Outdoor Movie Night
Friday, Oct. 1, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Bring the whole family down to the Harley-Davidson Museum in the Valley for an outdoor screening of Trolls World Tour and more fun activities as we celebrate another successful Valley Week!
Grab some dinner, drinks, or snacks from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant for dine-in or carry-out to pair with the movie or check out the refreshments available outside. Enjoy kids activities prior to the film, including H-D® IRONe™ ebike demos and airbrush tattoos.

Skulloween
Thursday, Oct. 28, 5 – 9 p.m.
Head to one of Milwaukee’s most popular haunts, MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant, for a celebration of all things black and orange! In addition to food and drink specials from MOTOR, Skulloween Bike Night will feature live music and raffles for Harley-Davidson® gear. Those who dress to impress will have a chance to win bragging rights in our costume contest. The costume with the most votes at the end of the night will win a $250 Harley-Davidson Museum Campus gift card!

Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include: admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more.
Plus, if you purchase an Annual Pass in 2021, those passholder perks can be enjoyed all of 2021 and 2022. Visit H-D Museum.com to see complete ticket details for exclusions and other terms and conditions.

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.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
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.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
Revolution Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution® Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America™ adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster® S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.

Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games and other riding competitions.

The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets and caps, customized by the owners with their club name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives™ collection includes Motorclothes® apparel sold in H-D® product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.

Experience Gallery: Model Year 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycles (on display now)
Always a favorite photo opportunity for riders and non-riders alike, the H-D Museum’s Experience Gallery has been refreshed with five 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycles –including the all-new Pan America™ and the Sportster S!

Harley Fox (on display now)
Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail® Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley® (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.

Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)
The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.
Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson® bikes. After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.

“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (on display now)
A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”

Google Arts & Culture, “An Amphibious Sidecar Tour of the Salton Sea” (on display now)
100 years ago, John Edwin Hogg and Phillip Johnston visited the Salton Sea. Their exploits earned detailed coverage in the September 1921 issue of “The Harley-Davidson Enthusiast™” magazine due to the unexpected role their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles played in the adventure.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
MOTOR® Bar and Restaurant is now open seven days a week – including dinner service on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays! Whether you’re hankering for an authentic all-you-can-eat Wisconsin Friday fish fry or just want to reconnect with your “virtual” colleagues, MOTOR provides the perfect backdrop to toast great food and good times. Plus, October’s bands for Saturday’s BBQ & Blues are scorchers.

10/2/2021 No BBQ & Blues (private event)
10/9/2021 Steve Cohen

10/16/2021 Craig Baumann

10/23/2021 Robert Allen Jr. Band

10/30/2021 Blue Highway Duo

1903 EVENTS
Book your holiday party now! After months of missing out on events and gatherings, it’s time to reconnect with friends, family and colleagues. Intimate or grand, the team at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant and 1903 Events are ready to take care of all the details so all you have to worry about is where you left your dancing shoes.

About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.

AHDRA motorcycle drag racing race coverage report by Tim Hailey with photos by Mike Davis.

event: AHDRA Southern Nationals

when: September 17-18, 2021

where: South Carolina Motorplex, Orangeburg, South Carolina, USA

From the U.S. Nationals in Indy to AHDRA’s Southern Nationals in Orangeburg, Ryan Peery is enjoying a streak like few other racers ever. Heat and humidity, cool and dry, quarter mile or South Carolina Motorplex’s eighth—Peery has mastered them all in 2021 as he wins Top Fuel Harley races one after another in multiple sanctions, including AHDRA, NHRA, and just last weekend at AMRA.

Peery could be headed to multiple Top Fuel Harley championships this year, including the AHDRA all-American motorcycle drag racing series. His final round win against Dr. Jimmy “Mack” McMillan at Orangeburg on September 17-18 might have sealed the deal.

Qualifying number one, Peery had the bye while running consistent 4.20’s all weekend, while McMillan had to face Bad Apple Racing’s Tracy Kile—the winner of AHDRA’s Cecil County event.

“Jimmy ran some personal bests and took out Tracy,” said Peery. “He and I paired up for the final, and it looked like he was lined up a little crooked and he crossed center. Jimmy is doing a great job though. He will turn into a tough competitor with a little more seat time.”

Local second generation star Armon Furr won Hawaya Racing Nitro Funnybike, beating points leader Michael Balch in the final. “I appreciate everyone that came out and participated in the event,” Furr said first off. “I hope we can try it again, maybe this time earlier in the year. If we are going to have a race in South Carolina, this is the best track even though it is eighth mile.

“Not really much to tell about my performance because I didn’t really do anything great. Just got lucky.”

Like Furr, South Carolina’s Sam White gave the home crowd what they wanted, taking the Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel final over Rocky Jackson.

Nate Carnahan scored an easy Pingel Modified win when Stoney Westbrook redlit in the final. “Was my first win in Mod, and it was pure luck but I’ll take it!” laughed Carnahan, who was struggling all weekend with tire spin off the line.

John Shotts won Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Super Gas 6.35 index, beating Robert Willis in the final. Shotts took the tree .039 to .049 and came out on top of the double breakout race.

“We struggled all weekend with the bike,” said Shotts, echoing Carnahan’s path to victory. “Never did figure out the problem but we ran good enough to win! It was our first time at that track and we really had a good time.”

Willis also runner-upped in Top Eliminator, losing the final round to Ken Strauss, but won Mad Monkey Motorsports Eliminator over Jason Leeper.

Jason’s son Jordan Leeper had a Luke Skywalker moment, beating his dad in the Street Eliminator final. “Wasn’t the first time,” laughed Jordan. “He’s good, but my bike was dialed in more than his was. When it came down to it, I got the holeshot and he broke out trying to chase me down.

“I’d just like to thank Universal Fleet & Tire Racing for having me as a team rider, and everyone from the AHDRA for coming out and letting the sport prosper, and a special shout out to Bill Rowe for hosting these amazing races! I’m very pleased with my bike this year, minimal breakdowns while staying consistent. I’m happy with 11.50 wins this year, but we’re on the hunt for the championship.”

Leeper’s teammate “Crazy” won Trophy.

Larry Maynhart hadn’t been to the track in over five years, and came back with a bang—winning Universal Fleet & Tire Pro Eliminator 7.00 index and falling just short in Super Pro 6.60 as the runner-up.

“I did a permanent move to Georgia,” Maynhart says about his absence. “Don’t realize how fast the time goes, but I was determined to get back racing this year.”

Maynhart was sharp on the tree in both finals, putting .040 on Cody Hayward while winning a double breakout Pro Eliminator final. He had .033 on Bob Maier in the Super Pro final, but let Maier win with a sharp 6.609. “Get the light, lose the race. I’m rusty,” concluded Maynhart. “But I had a great weekend.”

John Price won the Zippers Performance Pro Modified final over Shane Pendergrass, and Ryland Mason tamed his wheelies long enough to win Law Tigers Pro Bagger over Justin Demery,

Greg Quinn is another winning wild wheelier, picking up the MTC Bagger trophy. “Been trying to tame my bike,” Quinn said of his Kendall Johnson ProCharged, former Tii Tharpe machine. “Finding the perfect combination is tough for a carbureted bike. Still doing wheelies and climbing the ladders of the field.

“My first time running at this track and the prep was good.

“I’m blessed to be part of a history making time frame. It really started in Nahunta, North Carolina—Wood Cycles put a race on. My racing life has been blessed, and out-of-pocket is hard. Hope to keep doing just as I did in South Carolina, and somebody will surprise me with sponsorship.

“I’m just grateful for my travels, and that AHDRA has Mike Davis and Tim Hailey around for capturing the moments I don’t get to see.”

Kevin Campbell won GMS Racing Pro Open

And now Bill Rowe, his family, and the AHDRA community turn their attention to making the World Finals at Gainesville Raceway the biggest, baddest, and best ever! Be there November 6-7 to cap off a great 2021 and set the stage for a historic 2022.

The AHDRA website is at http://raceahdra.com/

Screw it, Let’s Party

I finally broke the ice with my Chopper Chronicles series about stolen motorcycles. Still some work ahead, but I believe it’s coming together.

Steve Klein, Sierra Madre Motorcycle Company, is working on a story about all the cross-country motorcycle rallies currently available.

Hang on. We’re getting there on several fronts.

In the meantime, ride fast and free to the final party in the sky,

–Bandit

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