from https://hubcityradio.com STURGIS, S.D. – The 81st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will officially open Friday with a parade that will be headlined by the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The majestic horses are actually scheduled to make several appearances in the area during this year’s Rally. On Friday, the Clydesdales will parade up Main Street to Harley Davidson Rally Point, where the opening ceremony will commence. Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says the Clydesdales will also be part of the annual Mayor’s Ride, which is held Saturday, August 7 this year. After the Mayor’s Ride, the Clydesdales will move to the Buffalo Chip on Sunday and then back to Rally Point on Tuesday, August 10th for Military Appreciation Day. The Clydesdales’ appearance in Sturgis is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Each hitch also travels with a Dalmation. In the early days of brewing, Dalmations were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

by Cristina Mircea from https://www.autoevolution.com

Piaggio’s robotics subsidiary in Boston announced the first-of-a-kind sensor in the industry, including 4D imaging radar technology. The new sensor is supposed to increase safety in motorcycle and scooter riding.

Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) is based in Boston and is owned by the Italian motor vehicle manufacturer. It is a robotics company that develops smart mobility solutions and has a few popular machines on the market, such as the “gita” hands-free following robot that can carry 40 lb of gear for up to four hours on a single charge.

With the help of PFF and Vayyar Imaging, a 4D imaging radar company, a new sensor technology has been developed and it will have several applications. The new hardware-software modules will be used in both consumer and business robots, as well as in motorcycles and scooters.

Piaggio claims its sensor technology is the industry’s first-ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle safety platform. It plans to use it for its motorcycles’ Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS), enabling a bunch of safety functions such as blind-spot detection, forward collision warning, or lane change assist, thus protecting riders.

According to the Italian manufacturer, the sensor incorporates complex, single-chip 4D imaging radar technology, comes with ultra-wide-field-of-view, and supports a range of more than 328 ft (100 meters). It provides mapping and object detection and control, regardless of the lighting or weather conditions.

PFF designed the sensor specifically for motorcycles and robotics, addressing their specific challenges. It is capable of tracking multiple targets and makes sure there are no dead zones that can lead to collisions of any kind.

Piaggio specifies that the new technology will be implemented in PFF’s robots starting at the end of this year. As far as using the module for its own motorcycles, the company says it will happen a bit later, in 2022.

PRESS RELEASE

Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the Boston-based robotics company controlled by Piaggio Group (PIA.MI) and a leader in smart following technology, has developed new sensor technology for implementation not only in consumer and business robots but also in scooters and motorcycles.

Founded in 2015 by the Piaggio Group, PFF has previously focused on advancing innovation in smart following technology and smart behavior implementation in robots and machines, but in a strategic decision last year, began developing a custom radar sensor module for use first in Piaggio Group motorcycles and scooters with the intention to provide the technology to other companies in the future.

PFF’s hardware-software modules offer uncompromising safety by providing robust monitoring in all environmental and lighting conditions. PFF awarded a supply contract for the modules’ Radar-on-Chip to Vayyar Imaging, marking the deployment of the industry’s first ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle safety platform. The complete sensor package is developed, built and supplied by PFF for mass production in Piaggio Group motorcycles’ Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).

ARAS applications are on the front line of the battle to prevent collisions and protect motorcycle riders. ARAS technology meets the rigorous technological requirements of traditional driver assist functions, addressing additional motorcycle-specific challenges such as size constraints and seamless vehicle maneuverability at high-tilt angles.

The PFF modules use Vayyar’s mmWave 4D imaging Radar-on-Chip (RoC) sensor, enabling multiple ARAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a single sensor supporting a range of over 100m, and an ultra-wide field-of-view. PFF robots incorporating the radar technology are expected to be released at the end of 2021, with Piaggio Group motorcycle models equipped with the PFF sensor module launching in 2022.

“PFF is creating advanced technology products for robots and motorcycles that detect and measure objects in our surroundings to provide the information we need for mapping, object detection, and control, regardless of lighting, weather and other environmental factors. We have chosen to develop our sensing applications with Vayyar’s 4D imaging radar technology. We are excited to work with such a professional, passionate team, to develop innovative new solutions that provide our customers with a better product experience.” Greg Lynn, CEO at Piaggio Fast Forward.

The Vayyar 4D imaging radar technology being used in both PFF robots and PFF sensing modules developed for the motorcycle industry supports a large Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) array that enables ultra-high resolution point cloud imaging for holistic monitoring of a robot’s and a vehicle’s surroundings. This high-performance sensor incorporates sophisticated single-chip 4D imaging radar technology, featuring an ultra-wide field of view (both in azimuth and elevation) with no dead zones, detecting and tracking multiple targets. Its small form-factor is engineered to address the unique challenges of motorcycle and robotics design.

“We’re very excited to partner with PFF, who are at the forefront of sensor technology, both in terms of harmonization with rider experience on two- and three-wheeled products, as well as application in their innovative robots. Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and this is a big step forward in reducing their risk of collision,” says Ilan Hayat, Director of Business Development at Vayyar Imaging. “Regardless of vehicle type, rider safety should not be compromised, and by partnering with PFF we are thrilled to deliver an automotive standard of safety to motorcycles”, added Hayat

Hang On, It’s Non Stop

Never stops and is never dull around here.
Have a terrific rally, ride safe while in the region. This is a time to share good times with the bros and discuss freedom.

–Bandit

Click Here to  Read the Weekly News on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today.

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Hey,

The Smoke Out commander rode in on Tuesday, from the south and so did Rogue, the Bikernet senior editor. My grandson is completing his first leg into Phoenix from LA for a pipe upgrade with Jeff Holt. Then the crew rode East and he reported in from Durango. Dr. Hamster flew in today.

The bros are rolling into town from every corner of the earth. It doesn’t matter if a country is trying to ban flights, if fossil fuels are under fire, if the Turbo Covid strain has peaked, if Masks are required or not, if Vaccines are lost, the bros are coming to party.

It’s amazing. It’s nuts. If you read the paper or watch CNN the world is imploding in hate and disasters, but not here. The bros and broettes are having a blast, mask free and who cares about vaccines. It’s a free country. Get a vaccine or not, it’s up to you.

Remember when we judged a guy by the bike he rode, now it’s the vaccine judge…

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.

HARLEY RETURNS TO INDIA—
Harley-Davidson back in India through Hero Motorcycles
from https://www.financialexpress.com

Around 100 Harley-Davidson bikes, constituting the first batch, have been completely pre-booked indicating robust demand for the iconic brand. “The other models include the likes of Softail, Fat Bob, and Street Bob motorcycles,” regarding the bookings, an industry source told PTI.

Hero MotoCorp has onboarded 12 Harley-Davidson dealers and increased its customer touch-points across the country. As per its licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has taken over the exclusive distribution rights of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts and merchandise in India, after the latter decided to close its operations in the country. The source said there would be more units assigned to the country as the first lot is totally pre-booked. The iconic American brand has already started taking bookings for the next batch, he added.

At Bikernet Blog: https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-back-in-india-through-hero-motorcycles/

Just shows how wrong the Harley-Davidson Management was about India not being a market for their motorcycles.

If they still had the models such as Iron and 48 and the previous Sportster, etc, they would have sold so much more despite “pandemic economy.”

One year of bad customer experience and disappointed authorized dealers in India – for the iconic brand name.

Tesla has announced it’s coming to India with their electric cars. They cost as much as a Mercedes or BMW luxury car but folks will buy these plenty here.

–Wayfarer
International News Correspondent
Bikernet News Bureau

Motorcycles as Art at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Meet the Legendary Builders & Photographer Michael Lichter at the Public Opening?Noon on Sunday August 8th – Free Admission

Located in the Buffalo Chip’s Event Center Gallery next to the East Gate (No Buffalo Chip Pass Required for this Event)
4-Days Only (Sun: 12-4:30pm; Mon-Weds: 2-10pm)

“More Mettle: Motorcycles and Art that Never Quit” will be on display in the Buffalo Chip’s 6,000+ sq.ft. gallery for four days only. Enjoy free admission to see the all-new custom motorcycles from thirty builders* including major reveals with BMW’s Shinya Kimura and Indian’s Paul Cox/Keino Sasaki factory sponsored customs. Celebrating renowned photographer/curator Michael Lichter’s 21st annual exhibition with over 100-framed photographs on display.

* “More Mettle – Motorcycles and Art That Never Quit” builder roster. These builders have all been in business for at least 20-years, and built at least 20-custom bikes. (Some are in business over 50-years and have built 100s of bikes!)

1. Arlin Fatland, Two Wheelers M/C Denver @2wheelersmc
2. Bill Dodge, Blings Cycles @blingscycles
3. Billy Lane, Choppers Inc. @choppers.inc
4. Brian Klock, Klock Werks @mrwerks, @klockwerks
5. Carl Olsen, Carl’s Cycle Supply
6. Cole Foster, Salinas Boys @thesalinasboy,
7. Cory Ness, Arlen Ness Enterprises @coryness1
8. Dan Bacon Carr, DC Choppers @dcchoppers
9. Dave Perewitz, Perewitz Cycle Fabrication @dperewitz, @perewitz_cyclefab
10. Donnie Smith, Donnie Smith Custom Cycles @dsmthmnmc
11. Fred Cuba, Fred’s Speed and Sport
12. Jeff Wright, Church of Choppers @churchofchoppers
13. Jerry Covington, Covingtons Customs @jerry_covingtonscustoms, @covingtons_customs
14. John Shope, Dirty Bird Concepts
15. Keino Sasaki, Keino Cycles @keinocycles
16. Kiwi Mike Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycles @kiwiindianmotorcycles
17. Mark & Paul Shadley, Shadley Bros @shadleybros.motorcycles
18. Matt Olsen, Carl’s Cycle Supply @matthewolsen
19. Michael LaFountain, Raccia Motorcycles
20. Micah McClosky, Micah McCloskey Customs
21. Mondo Porras, Denver’s Choppers @denverschoppersmondo
22. Paul Cox, Paul Cox Industries @paulcoxindustries
23. Paul Wideman, Bare Knuckle Choppers @bareknucklepaul
24. Paul Yaffe, Paul Yaffe Originals @pybaggernation
25. Rick Fairless Strokers Dallas @rickfairless
26. Roland Sands, Roland Sands Design @rolandsands, @rolandsandsdesign
27. Shinya Kimura, Chabott Engineering @_____menacing___ayu_____
28. Taber Nash, Nash Motorcycle Co. @nashmotorcycleco
29. Tim McNamer, Ballistic Cycles @ballistictim
30. Tom Keefer, Franklin Church Choppers @franklinchurchchoppers

For more information;
Michael Lichter (Curator)
303-517-1726
mike@lichterphoto.com

FACT OR FICTION – HELMET USE:

On a nearly annual basis the media in this country is inspired to report stories about motorcycle fatalities on our nation’s roadways. Invariably, these stories paint motorcycle rider deaths as a product of irresponsible riders who live in states that have some level of helmet choice. Frequently they report statistics that prove their narrative but fail to paint a full and complete picture. The lens with which these stories are reported often takes the naïve view that crashes can be made “safer” if only bikers somehow followed government helmet mandates.

The only true solution to motorcycle safety and reducing fatalities are proactive measures, which prevent a collision from occurring at all, rather than reactive steps that may or may not offer some level of injury mitigation only after a crash has already taken place. Rider education, which prepares motorcyclists to interact with other roadway users by learning and practicing the skills necessary for hazard avoidance and developing a strategy to deal with real world traffic, is the primary component of a comprehensive motorcycle safety plan. Additionally, educating all motor vehicle operators to be alert and free of impairment as they share the road with others is critical in deterring crashes caused by inattention.

When coming across these stories keep in mind some facts that are omitted from their reports.

Fact: Over the last decade motorcycle related deaths have varied between years but for the most part remain flat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2019 shows 5,014 deaths, a decrease from the 2008 5,307 deaths NTSHA recorded. In that same time period registered motorcycles increased from 7.7 million in 2008 to 8.7 million ten years later. In other words, there are a million more bikes on the road and there were 300 less deaths.

Fact: Twenty-nine percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2017 were riding without proper licensure at the time of the collision. A valid motorcycle license includes a rider having a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement or possessing a motorcycle only license. Proper training and licensing are fundamental parts of motorcycle safety, taking unqualified riders off the road is a commonsense solution to lowering motorcycle fatalities.

Fact: The lack of a helmet mandate in the 31 states who have allowed freedom of choice does not prohibit someone from choosing to wear a helmet. In fact, a 2019 U.S. Department of Transportation audit showed that states without mandatory helmet laws still saw 56.5% of riders choose to wear a helmet.

Fact: A 2019 U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System report showed that in crash study data, where helmet use was known, 36% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet. Conversely 61% of motorcycle fatalities involved a rider wearing a helmet. The remaining 3% had unknown usage. These numbers closely mirror NHTSA data on overall helmet usage which shows 64% of riders wearing helmets.

Fact: Despite the constant drum beat from safety advocates, the media and Washington D.C. bureaucrats about the ills of helmetless riders, state legislatures continue to trust the judgment of bikers. Just last year Missouri passed a modified helmet law allowing the choice to ride without a helmet to those who are qualified. In at least three other states, West Virginia, Maryland, and Nebraska there are active campaigns to change their helmet mandates and let those who ride decide.

THE LATEST FROM THE MAGNIFICENT ARCH MOTORCYCLE–MOTUL NAMED OFFICIAL LUBRICANT FOR ARCH MOTORCYCLE

LOS ANGELES, CA. August 4, 2021– ARCH Motorcycle, the Los Angeles based bespoke production motorcycle company co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves, today announced its partnership and collaboration with Motul, a world-class French company specializing in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-tech powersports and motorsports lubricants.

Motul will provide lubricants for the entire ARCH Motorcycle lineup, including the ARCH KRGT-1 as well as the upcoming ARCH 1s and ARCH Method 143 models. Motul will also serve as a technical partner for ARCH Motorcycle’s new product development. Both companies share a “no-compromise” approach to developing the best products in their industries, and Motul’s offerings – such as their highly recommended Motul Twin Line oils – use a race-derived “Ester technology” to ensure proper performance on the street for ARCH’s motorcycle lineup.

“As ARCH celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and we look ahead to the future, we’re honored to have the opportunity to work with a brand that’s created a legacy like Motul has. The ability to work closely with Motul’s team plays an essential role in the performance and reliability of our current products,” said Gard Hollinger, co-founder at ARCH Motorcycle. “We’re excited to work with Motul to evolve our lubricant collaboration further through our ongoing product development program.”

“Motul is proud to partner with ARCH to assist in developing some of the most innovative and iconic motorcycles in the industry,” said Casey Thomas, Motul USA National Powersports Director. “Both ARCH and Motul set the highest standards for performance in their products, with customers that expect the absolute best.”

In addition, ARCH and Motul look forward to a successful partnership with some pretty exciting collaborations to come in the future. More details to be shared soon.

For more information on ARCH Motorcycle and its bespoke production motorcycles, please visit www.archmotorcycle.com. The ARCH press kit is available HERE. Information on Motul and its stellar lubricant offerings is available at www.motul.com.

ABOUT ARCH MOTORCYCLE

ARCH Motorcycle is a boutique manufacturer co-founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves that produces bespoke production motorcycles in their state-of-the-art Los Angeles area factory. ARCH creates over 200 unique parts in-house, which are proprietary to the currently available ARCH KRGT-1, the company’s first production model, as well as its upcoming ARCH 1s and ARCH Method 143 models. Designer and builder Gard Hollinger oversees a seasoned staff of devoted craftsmen who produce each unit to meet their client’s ergonomic and aesthetic preferences. ARCH Motorcycle delivers an unrivaled riding and ownership experience through an obsession for innovative design, engineering excellence, and dedication to the rider.

Follow ARCH on social media platforms to stay updated with the latest news.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
A Victory in the Battle Against Tariffs
In a win for the powersports industry, the Office of the United States Trade Representative decided in July not to impose additional trade restrictions on Vietnam, where motorcycle riding gear and accessories are produced.

The MIC Government Relations Office fought for this outcome over the past 10 months in meetings and through written comments submitted to the USTR.

–MIC

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY— Q. Why aren’t dogs good dancers? A. Because they have two left feet!

–Wrench
Waiting for a campsite outside the Buffalo Chip

CHOP CULT GIVEAWAY— I am in awe of people’s kindness and generosity, like artist Geraldo Targino. I share his creations through social media from time to time because I dig his style. Geraldo reached out and offered to paint something for CC to giveaway, so I contacted out to Tyler at Lowbrow Customs to see if we could get a tank. If you know Tyler, you know he’s down to support the community.

Tyler sent Geraldo a coffin tank, and Geraldo delivered! One lucky winner will take home this fine as hell custom tank on August 7th. Would you like to be that person? If yes, click here to play along. We all hope that the winner will rock the tank on their bike! Best of luck!- Lisa

Meet The Artist – “My name is Geraldo Targino. I am 45 years old and grew up in São Paulo, Brazil. I’ve been painting and building motorcycles since 1996. In 2007, I lived and worked in Italy, Spain, and I’m living in Los Angeles for the last seven years.

I came to work at a Garage Company, and for the last five years, I’ve restored and built motorcycles for another shop. We were doing some high-end projects. I built vintage motorcycles and bronze sculptures which are on display at the HAAS Museum in Dallas, Texas. In March 2021, I reopened my garage in downtown Los Angeles, and I work alone. I like to work on one project simultaneously, from the fabrication to paint and electrical to the final project.

My current project is a 1963 Bonneville triumph for Barry Weiss. Please follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more of my work.”- Geraldo.

MIXED FEELING ABOUT THE NEW SPORTSTER–Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2021 First Ride Review
by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com

While the Sportster S does feature rear cylinder deactivation at a stop, the tracker-style pipes not only contribute to the engine heat, but it also traps it under the seat.

Unsurprisingly, the rider’s right leg receives the first heatwave, but the engine’s port side follows suit in short order.

In motion, the warmth goes unnoticed, but from light to light, the heat forced me to rest my right foot on the peg at a stop. Otherwise, the exhaust was liable to broil my inner thigh to a medium-well shank.

At Bikernet Blog: https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-sportster-s-2021-first-ride-review/

–Wayfarer
Imperial Editor
Bikernet Blog™

Vance & Hines Ready for Action at 81st Sturgis Rally

August 3, 2021 – Vance & Hines, the nation’s premier manufacturer of motorcycle performance products, has rolled into South Dakota and is setting up for one of the biggest rallies ever.

There will be two Vance & Hines rigs at the rally this year. One located at Black Hills Harley-Davidson at Exit 55 of Interstate 90 in Rapid City, the second at J&P Cycles on Lazelle Street in downtown Sturgis. Both displays are based out of the company’s 53-foot event trucks and feature a full selection of the company’s Air, Fuel and Exhaust products. Experts from the company’s headquarters in California will staff the displays and the dealer’s technicians will be doing installations on-site for customers who want to get the look, sound and feel of Vance & Hines products immediately. Customers who prefer to have the installation done by their hometown dealer can have one of the Vance & Hines product experts write a Vance & Hines Make It Yours “prescription” for the exact parts needed to upgrade their motorcycle.

“Our team of product experts were anxious to hit the road for this year’s rally. We are planning for one of the biggest crowds ever and we’ve got everything we need to help our customers personalize their Harley’s at the rally,” said John Potts, Vance & Hines head of sales and marketing.

The Vance & Hines rigs will be operating at both locations through Saturday, August 14.

Terry Vance to Receive 2021 Moxy Award at 2021 Sturgis Rally

August 3, 2021 – Vance & Hines co-founder Terry Vance will receive the Buffalo Chip’s Moxy Award at the 81st Sturgis Rally this week. The award, originally presented in 2017, recognizes individuals who have built businesses and have served the motorcycling public and the motorcycle industry.

“Those who’ve demonstrated the backbone, skills, determination and cajones to start a business, grow it and prosper amidst difficult economic challenges in an intensely competitive marketplace have earned respect and recognition,” said the Buffalo Chip’s Rod Woodruff.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and want to thank Woody for considering me,” said Vance. “The real credit belongs to the team at Vance & Hines who have a passion for riding, racing and making great products for our customers.”

Vance and his partner, Byron Hines, began their relationship as drag racer and motorcycle tuner. After numerous wins and championships, the partners started Vance & Hines in 1979 to meet the needs of racers who wanted to emulate their on-track success. The company growth was fueled by quality products and great relationships with motorcycle manufacturers from around the world. Vance & Hines, based in Santa Fe Springs, California, is the nation’s premier manufacturer of air intake, fuel management and exhaust products.

GUN NUT REPORT–Comments on ATF’s New “Frame or Receiver” Rule Now Open

On May 21, ATF published a new proposed rule in the Federal Register entitled Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms. That publication triggered the opening of the proposed rule to public comments. The comment period will remain open until August 19, 2021.

While the Justice Department has focused on the impact that this new rule would have on privately made firearms, and the proposed rule would destroy that unique aspect of American freedom, the proposal goes well beyond privately made firearms.

The proposed rule would create new definitions for the terms “firearm frame or receiver,” “frame or receiver,” “firearm,” “gunsmith,” “complete weapon,” “complete muffler or silencer device,” “privately made firearm,” and “readily.” The new definitions make it possible for firearms to have more than one “frame or receiver.” A conclusion that is both at odds with the controlling federal statute and could disrupt the entire industry.

In addition to these changes, ATF is seeking to create an entirely new process for licensed firearm dealers to apply serial numbers to unserialized firearms that come into their possession and to require the indefinite storage of firearm records by licensees. That requirement likewise has no basis in federal statutes.

In effect, the rule would mean that many manufacturers would need to get pre-approval from ATF for new firearm designs.

Due to the discretionary scheme created by the rule, the ATF Director would be given an incredible amount of power over the firearm industry. This comes at a time when President Biden has nominated anti-gun lobbyist and gun ban proponent David Chipman to head the ATF. This draft rule is just one more reason why it’s extremely important for all gun owners to contact their Senators and ask that they vote against Chipman’s confirmation.

NRA-ILA will provide more detailed explanations of the many problems with this proposed in the coming weeks as well as filing comments on this terrible rule on behalf of all NRA members. If you wish to comment in the meantime, please keep the following in mind.

These are ATF’s instructions for submitting comments:

You may submit comments, identified by docket number ATF 2021R-05, by any of the following methods—

Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Andrew Lange, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 99 New York Ave. NE, Mail Stop 6N-518, Washington, DC 20226; ATTN: ATF 2021R-05.

Fax: (202) 648-9741.

Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number (ATF 2021R-05) for this notice of proposed rulemaking (“NPRM” or “proposed rule”). All properly completed comments received will be posted without change to the Federal eRulemaking portal, www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

ATF also provided the following contact information for any questions regarding the proposed rule:

Andrew Lange, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, 99 New York Ave. NE, Mail Stop 6N-518, Washington, DC 20226; telephone: (202) 648-7070 (this is not a toll-free number).

In addition to these technical requirements, it’s important to keep the following in mind when submitting comments.

Comments must be professional and respectful. While it is extremely frustrating, to say the least, that the Biden Administration is attempting to blame law-abiding gun owners for the actions of criminals, making comments that include profanity will make it easy for ATF to summarily reject those comments.

Comments should focus on the arbitrary nature of the proposed rule. The fact that it is essentially impossible to determine when a piece of metal or plastic becomes a firearm under the proposed rule and leaves such an important determination to administrative fiat makes the proposed rule incompatible with American principles of due process of law.
Comments should be individualized and focus on how the proposed rule would impact the commenter. A

TF will treat all identical comments as a single comment, so it is important to avoid using a form comment.

Comments can be submitted directly through regulation.gov. Please check back to www.nraila.org soon for more information on this burdensome, arbitrary, and unconstitutional proposed rule.

STURGIS RALLY 2021
DISCOUNTS ON SUSPENSION–FACTORY INSTALLATION • TUNING

Come visit the Progressive Suspension Team at Black Hills Harley-Davidson for “The Rally at exit 55.” Our suspension professionals will be happy to assist you in selecting and setting up the right combination for your unique bike, riding style and budget.

TESLA ELECTRIC TRUCK SALES SOAR–WTF this is beyond ugly? Are people so blind to good design now? Musk is punking us and laughing all the way to the bank.
Far from a Flop: Tesla Cybertruck orders surpass 1.2 million units

The Cybertruck, while not yet released by Tesla, is accumulating a significant number of pre-orders just months ahead of initial production. While CEO Elon Musk has recognized the fact that the Cybertruck could be a “flop,” reservation figures seem to point in a different direction.

–Geno

Art Supporting the Motorcycle Industry–
To keep the sport of motorcycling healthy, we are looking for the next group of riders. And we found them, they’re kindergartners!

We’re training them to ride by donating bikes to their P.E. classes. Here are the stats:

343 schools
42 states
Instructed 57,934 kiddos
That way, when they’re ready to make a decision about motorcycling, they’ve done the hard work.

Help us train up the next generation of riders by registering for our online silent auction. It’s easy, just click the link and register.

[page break]

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–015 Harley-Davidson® FLHXS – Street Glide® Special for $19,995.00

This bike has a lot of custom parts super clean

ONLY 28516.00 Miles !!!!!

2015 Silver Harley-Davidson STREET GLIDE SPECIAL FLHXS

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

* 103c.i. Motor
* 6-Speed trans.
* Apes
* Corbin seat
* Vance & Hince
* Klock werks windshield

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92 point safety and mechanical/structural inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $19,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

NEWS FROM MAMA–The Flat Out Friday and Mama Tried crew are taking part of a few rad events this Aug/Sept and want you to join us! We’ll be hitting the road with our Boonie Bike Summer Series. $500 Overall Series Purse.

NEW MOTORCYCLE SALES— Up by Double Digits Through Second Quarter

New-model motorcycle sales among leading brands increased 15.2 percent through the second quarter of 2021, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council Retail Sales Report. The year-to-date sales figures, compared to the same period last year, jumped by double digits in the on-highway and dual-purpose categories, and scooter sales were up, too.

Only off-highway sales dipped slightly through Q2, by just 3.2 percent – and that was compared to a phenomenal first half of 2020 that saw off-highway sales rocket up by 50.3 percent, among leading brands, compared to the previous year. Year-to-date sales of on-highway motorcycles were up the most, by 25.2 percent. The dual category was up 16.7 percent. Scooter sales rose 8.3 percent.

“We’re seeing strong performance in motorcycle sales,” said Erik Pritchard, MIC president and CEO. “Through the second quarter of 2021, the increases with street-legal motorcycles – on-highway motorcycles, dual-purpose bikes, and scooters – demonstrates continued interest in our products and the lifestyle. Our industry continues to work hard at keeping up with strong consumer demand amid supply chain pressures.”

–MIC

BARRY’S BUDDY GONE–I had to let my best friend go Saturday. He was diagnosed
with a brain tumor.

At least we had 11yrs together, Zeus was one badass Boxer.

I will miss you big dog!

–Barry Green
Photo Contributor
Bikernet.com

PEBBLE BEACH AUCTION TEASER—Just got the Pebble catalog and the prices are astonishing. Don’t know yet what bikes are doing, but there’s a Ferrari listed at 12 million or a VW at $98,000…

MEETING OF THE MINDS 2021
DEMANDS FOR ROOMS INCREASING
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER!

With increasing interests on the 2021 Meeting of the Minds, the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, at the request of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, has increased the reserved block or rooms held for the September 23-26, 2021, event. DO NOT GET CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR RESERVATIONS! We may not be so lucky getting another block of rooms!

Missed Daytona? Can’t get to Sturgis? Too early to plan for Laconia?

Give yourself something that keeps on giving – 48 hours of in-depth workshops that will help protect motorcyclists’ rights beyond any over-crowded event in Florida, South Dakota, or New Hampshire. Join a few hundred of new and old friends and have something to show for it beyond a thin wallet and a hangover!

We sent out one of these reminders a few weeks ago and within days, we were getting emails that the hotel was out of rooms! The JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead is not out of rooms! However, we said the same thing about the hotel in Indianapolis last year!! And they did run out!!!

The September 10, cut-off date is rapidly approaching for hotel and registration for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds conference. Use this link to register: Meeting of the Minds 2021

Based on the input we received after Meeting of the Minds 2020, the MRF has “up’d out game” and this year’s event promises to rival anything we’ve done in the past few years. Keynote speakers are being lined up. Workshops are being finalized, plus a stack of legislative updates are on deck!

The 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds may not generate as much excitement in Atlanta as the two times the Atlanta Falcons went to the Super Bowl, but Monday morning quarterbacks won’t be second guessing the MRF’s game plan! Attendees will have the opportunity to attend workshops purposely designed to help biker rights advocates win at the local, state, and national levels in the fight to protect the rights of all motorcyclists!

Although we jam a lot into the Meeting of the Minds weekend, there’s always time for you to network with new and old friends. That’s an added benefit when 400 motorcyclists’ rights advocates are in the same place at once.

If you’ve been following the MRF’s successes in Washington, D.C., then you know that those successes don’t happen just because a hundred bikers meet with members of Congress. In our world, successes happen because you’ve taken the time to educate yourself on the issues, attend workshops and stay active on behalf of motorcyclists’ rights.

If our history repeats itself, we’ll have workshops with standing room only. We’ll have keynote speakers and presentations that will enlighten, entertain, and provoke you into even stronger commitments to the fight to protect motorcycling and the freedoms we enjoy.

Don’t cut it close. Follow these three steps and register today for the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds:

Register for MOTM 2021 using this link: Meeting of the Minds 2021
Yeah, you still have a little time before the pre-registration cut-off for the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference!!! Registration includes all workshops, workshop materials, and Saturday banquet. Registration questions call the MRF at 202-546-0983, or email Fred Harrell at fred@mrf.org

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you September 23-26, at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 37th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference!!!

Yours in Freedom,

Fredric Harrell
Director, Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation

P.S. A 2021 Meeting of the Minds t-shirt on your list? They go fast at the conference; to guarantee you’ll get your size, reserve your shirt now.

P.P.S. Getting in early? Then make plans to attend the MRF Board Meeting on Thursday, September 23; it starts at 8;00 a.m.

INFRASTRUCTURE BILL NEWS–Drunk-Driver Detectors for Cars Mandated in Infrastructure Bill

Backers say it will reduce the number of drunk driving deaths in the country, which, of course, is something we all want. At the same time, it presumes that everyone who drives drinks—guilty no matter what!

What kind of life is that—every time you get into your new car, you have to blow on a device even though you don’t even drink!

@motorists #NO2BreathalyzersIntoAllCars #NO2InCarSurveillance #DrivinginAmerica

Don Hamme Awarded Fritzie Baer Trophy
Laconia, NH – The 2021 Fritzie Baer trophy for above and beyond service to Laconia Motorcycle Week Motorcycle Rally has been awarded to Don Hamme of Erie, PA.

For the past fifteen years, Hamme has been a promoter of Motorcycle Week throughout the Western PA, Western New York and Eastern Ohio region giving talks, making calls and distributing the Rally News to motorcycle enthusiasts. Hamme is a tireless booster for the rally. At times, showing his dedication through acts such as meeting a train at 4:30am and lugging hundreds of pounds of magazines through the train station.

Recently, Charlie St. Clair, Executive of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, drove 1,000 miles round-trip to Erie, PA to surprise Hamme with the trophy as Hamme was unable to attend this year’s rally. St. Clair commented, “It was the least he could do for Hamme because of the dedication he has shown to the Rally.”

The Fritzie Baer Trophy was first awarded in 1996 and has been received by the likes of Governor John Lynch, Peter Makris of the Naswa Resort, Laconia Mayor Ed Engler and Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield over the past 20 years, just to name a few. Fritzie Baer was a true booster for the Rally leading the Red Hat Brigade, a group of supporters who raised funds to put on the Rally. Baer was the lead charge for the Rally and is credited with bringing the AMA Road Champion Races to Laconia in 1938.

New Bikernet Reader Comment!

Historic Porterville Attack

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

Comments:

My sister was scandalized to see a biker and his girlfriend go into the same bathroom at a gas station in town. Quite shocking for the time period.

–Brian Hackleman
Terra Bella, CA

COVID UPDATE–Latest Vaccine Update

There are now equal numbers of news stories saying the vaccines that keep you from getting covid 19 don’t actually keep you from getting covid 19 – covid 19 now consisting of TWO covid 19s; the original covid 19 and the new delta variant covid 19 – …….as there are news stories saying you need to get vaccine that keeps you from getting covid 19 so that you WON’T get covid 19: covid of course being the ailment the vaccines that you need to get so you won’t get covid 19…… won’t keep you from getting.

So, in other words, just to clarify…….you need to get the shots that work and that don’t work….so that you won’t get the ailment that the shots that work and that don’t work won’t keep you from getting. In other words, in case you’re confused……if you don’t get the vaccination that doesn’t work…..you will get the disease that the vaccination that doesn’t work…..won’t keep you from getting.

So, you need to get the vaccine. So that you won’t get what the vaccine that keeps you from getting covid 19……. won’t keep you from getting covid 19.

In other words, this is basically an experiment in “How stupid can we make this make-believe emergency before it dawns on anyone that we are just seeing how stupid we can get them to behave before we decide. Ok, they’re stupid enough, so we can stop now, they’re now all at the point we can tell them to get on board the free trains to Happytown and they’ll get on.”

–J.J. Solari
Chief Medical Authority
Bikernet.com™

QUOTE OF ANOTHER DAY—Evil folks are constantly worried that the truth is coming to get them.

–Bandit

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2021: City Council Allowing Open Containers for First Time in 81 Years

written by Thad Mitchell

For the first time in more than eight decades, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees will be allowed to have a beer while walking the town.

Having an open container while walking the sidewalks during the event used to get you in serious trouble. Violators were often given a citation and a court date for such actions. But that is in the past now as the city council says rally goers may possess open containers of alcohol. The annual rally is a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country.

Each year, thousands of riders converge on the Western South Dakota town of Sturgis to enjoy fellowship with their fellow enthusiasts. The annual event takes place every August with bikers heading to the downtown portion of Sturgis. The small city only has a year-round population just south of 7,000 people and the annual motorcycle rally is a big moneymaker for the small town.

The small town’s City Council hopes new open container guidelines attract even more bikers this year. Sturgis leaders approved a temporary open container ordinance just a short time ago. The ordinance allows participants to consume certain alcoholic beverages in the city’s commercial district. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is spread out over 10 days with various activities throughout the week and a half event.

Sturgis city official Jerry Cole tells the Argus Leader that the hope for the ordinance is to get people shopping. Cole is the director of rallies and events for the city of Sturgis — a big job in the small town.

“Our hope is this will bring people outside onto the streets rather than crowding people in the bars,” he says. “It will hopefully get people out of the bar and walking along the streets to shops.”

–for the full story go to Outsider.com

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK–“If standing up for yourself burns bridges, I have matches. We ride at dawn.”

–Britney Spears

The only Mouseketeer besides Doreen Tracy with an actual spine. –J.J.

KEEPING THE BANDIT’S CANTINA CLEAN JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– What happens to a frog’s car when it breaks down?

It gets toad away.

–JDW
Laugh Factory

DOOMSDAY REPORT OF THE WEEK–
the first article suggesting that the removal of humanity from the earth is the answer to fixing the temperature just hit the net.

–J.J. Solari
Master of Doom

MORE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL–The Fight to Stop Right to Repair Continues

U.S. House Bill H.R.4006, the Fair Repair Act, introduced by Congressman Joseph Morelle, includes an exclusion for motor vehicles but may not apply to off-highway vehicles including motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

In a meeting with MIC Government Relations Office staff, Congressman Morelle’s staff signaled that it is not the intent to capture OHVs in the bill. The GRO will send formal letters to Congressman Morelle explaining the industry’s concerns and requesting the addition of “off- and on-highway vehicles” to the exclusion. If the bill is taken up in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the GRO will continue the push for amended language.

The GRO continues working to stop legislation, in more than two dozen states and Congress, that would force manufacturers to share their proprietary digital service codes with virtually anyone attempting to repair motorcycles, ATVs, or side-by-sides. If such bills are passed, manufacturers need to divulge their digital codes, which would allow anyone to tamper with critical settings and could impact emissions and safety features, as well as damage components. This type of tampering could void warranties, and dealers and company brands could be damaged by unwarranted claims of vehicle issues.

The Federal Trade Commission Targets Manufacturers and Sellers

–MIC

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–the japs have gone into psycho mode. a nuclear melttown……… and a tidal wave that killed 10,000 (ten thousand ) people, you didn’t hear squat.

[photo 1072578]

Now Reuters is claiming that “covid cases” are so extreme heart patients and stroke victims will have to be left to die. This is pushback against disobedience from the citizenry in mobbing the streets to see the races.

Trust me, obedience is all that matters, global obedience. I have to admit, I don’t know who’s running this show. But it ain’t me.

Despite the sudden medical covid crisis that is forcing doctors to let everyone but covid patients die………not one member of any Olympic team or their handlers has had to bow out due to the great and mighty plague.

It’s just the towns people. Who are not allowed into the stadiums. Hahahaha yeah, they’re telling the truth. Just like at Pearl Harbor hahahahahahaha.

–J.J. Solari
Media Specialist
Bikernet.com™

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN—
UK Guardian: “The lifestyles of around three average Americans will create enough planet-heating emissions to kill one person…according to the first analysis to calculate the mortal cost of carbon emissions.” … “The new research builds upon what is known as the ‘social cost of carbon’, a monetary figure placed upon the damage caused by each ton of carbon dioxide emissions, by assigning an expected death toll from the emissions that cause the climate crisis.” …

“The analysis draws upon several public health studies to conclude that for every 4,434 metric tons of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere beyond the 2020 rate of emissions, one person globally will die prematurely from the increased temperature. This additional CO2 is equivalent to the current lifetime emissions of 3.5 Americans.” …

“The figures for expected deaths from the release of emissions aren’t definitive and may well be “a vast underestimate” as they only account for heat-related mortality rather than deaths from flooding, storms, crop failures and other impacts that flow from the climate crisis, according to Daniel Bressler of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, who wrote the paper.”

Climate Depot’s Marc Morano comments: “We have officially reached peak climate madness. The climate community has been sitting by for over a year and a half watching COVID-19 fears and liberty destroying ‘solutions’ steal their thunder.

Climate activists have even gone so far as to propose adding climate change as a cause of death-to-death certificates. [See:Calls to add ‘climate change’ to death certificates – New study demands ‘climate change’ be added as ‘pre-existing condition’]

Climate activists are trying to now convince Americans that they are selfish for…being Americans! This is now sounding like a very Soviet-style climate community. Just like COVID-19 authoritarians claim that Americans who refuse to get vaccinated or wear masks or support lockdowns are ‘selfish’ and “murdering grandma” climate activists are now aping the same tactics.

Like your SUV? You just killed a Bangladeshi! Use your AC in the summer? You just murdered a Brazilian! Ate a hamburger for lunch? You just committed homicide against a Kenyan!

Unless American’s support the Green New Deal, renounce their single-family homes in the suburbs, quit eating meat, stop flying, stop driving gas-powered privately owned vehicles, and stop voting for climate ‘deniers’ we will be accused of murder!”

–Marc Morano
Supreme leader
Climate Depot

BIKERNET FINANCIAL TIMES--Harley-Davidson Reports Global Bike Sales Up 24 Percent In 2021 Q2

by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com

Breaking down the hype and understanding the H-D numbers for profit and sales:
North American sales are up 43 percent year-on-year in Q2, which is the only positive number when broken down by sales region. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (commonly referred to among some OEMs as “EMEA”) are down by 7 percent for the same time period. Asia Pacific sales are down 13 percent, and Latin America sales are down 31 percent.

Harley had some explanations for some of the negative numbers, stressing that they’re all part of its overall strategy. EMEA Q2 retail sales, the Motor Company said, went down because Harley stopped sales of the Street and legacy Sportster models in the region. Meanwhile, Latin America sales were negatively impacted by a dealer reduction across the region, as well as “pricing actions across the portfolio, which were executed as part of the Rewire strategy.”

At Bikernet Blog: https://blog.bikernet.com/harley-davidson-reports-global-bike-sales-up-24-percent-in-2021-q2/

–Wayfarer
Supreme Editor
Bikernet Blog™

HANG ON FOR ELECTRIC DOOM, ITS COMING–Developing countries pay environmental cost of electric car batteries

Growth in electric car sales is great news for the fight against climate change, but the mining of the minerals used in their batteries poses serious risks for the environment.

Global consumers are warming up to electric cars, whose sales are expected to jump from 3 million vehicles in 2017 to 23 million in 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.

Similar growth is expected for rechargeable batteries, with the market for cathode – the positive electrode of the lithium-ion battery – forecast to reach $58 billion in 2024, up from an estimated $7 billion in 2018.

While this is great news for efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, an UNCTAD report says the expected boom in mining for the raw materials used to make rechargeable batteries raises environmental and social concerns that must be urgently addressed.

“Most consumers are only aware of the ‘clean’ aspects of electric vehicles,” says Pamela Coke-Hamilton, UNCTAD’s director of international trade. “The dirty aspects of the production process are out of sight.”

This is because while most of the consumers live in industrialized nations, the lion’s share of the raw materials is concentrated in a few developing countries.

More than half of the world’s lithium resources lies beneath the salt flats in the Andean regions of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, where indigenous quinoa farmers and llama herders must now compete with miners for water in one of the world’s driest regions.

Lithium mining requires huge amounts of groundwater to pump out brines from drilled wells, and some estimates show that almost 2 million litres of water are needed to produce one ton of lithium.

In Chile’s Salar de Atacama, lithium and other mining activities consumed 65% of the water, causing groundwater depletion, soil contamination and other forms of environmental degradation, forcing local communities to abandon ancestral settlements.

“As demand for lithium increases and production is tapped from deeper rock mines and brines, the challenges of mitigating environmental risk will increase,” the report says.

Nearly 50% of world cobalt reserves are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for over two-thirds of global production of the mineral.

About 20% of cobalt sourced from the central African nation comes from artisanal mines, where some 40,000 children work in extremely dangerous conditions, according to UNICEF, the UN’s children’s agency.

The dust from excavation may contain toxic metals including uranium that are linked to health problems such as respiration diseases and birth defects.

The environmental risks are just as worrying. Cobalt mine sites may contain sulphur minerals that can generate sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water. This process, known as acid mine drainage, can devastate rivers, streams and aquatic life for hundreds of years.

The environmental impacts of graphite mining are similar. The use of explosives can blow dust and fine particles into the atmosphere, causing health problems in nearby communities and contaminating soils around the site.

About 80% of natural graphite reserves are in Brazil, China and Turkey.

The report says the adverse environmental impacts could be reduced by investing more in sustainable mining techniques and technologies that can recycle more effectively the raw materials found in spent lithium-ion batteries.

NEWS FROM BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–Check it out, Honda has used the design of a custom built motorcycle for a production model with a limited-edition release.

With so many well-known custom builders of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the company’s management never gave a thought about rewarding that talent and enthusiasm with such a Limited-Edition Production model.

Cheers to the Honda Marketing Team. Enfield’s Build-Train-Race program for women riders is also inspiring a new generation of young riders.

Performance-focused Honda café racer bike inspired by the CB1000RS 5Four built by Guy Willison, available with a factory-backed warranty, as a numbered Limited Edition production model.

Custom Motorcycle turned into Production Model by Honda

https://blog.bikernet.com/custom-motorcycle-turned-into-production-model-by-honda/

–Wayfarer
All Powerful Editor
Bikernet Blog™

[page break]

KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN MASK FREE– Q. How do dog catchers get paid?

A. By the pound!

STURGIS IS ALREADY IN THE MEDIA NEWS–right on schedule Sturgis is in the news as the ultimate destroyer of mankind via the virus from the bowels of ching lau bing bang. “The resident are powerless to stop it.” Why would the residents WANT to stop it? hahahahahahahahahahaha

Like the residents have a problem with this. Anyway, the faggots of the penis sucking aids infected press are in a rage of hissy fury. The superspreader event of the flu that never ends anyway is underway.

–J.J. Solaria

Media Analyst
Bikernet.com™

2022 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle Pinup Calendar.
The 2022 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcle PinUp Calendar features exciting new photography of beautiful centerfold models with incredible V-Twin Customs and Metric Cafe Racers from Yaniv Evan / Powerplant Choppers, Jamie Oliff Restoration, Richard Pollock / Mule Motorcycles, Russell Mitchell / Exile Cycles, Daniel Stern’s custom sidecar, Ron Baldonado, and Todd Daniel / BX Custom Design Bagger. Plus there’s one more special treat, legendary actor Steve McQueen’s 1942 Indian Scout from the collection of Daniel Schoenewald.

Also included this year are two historic Iron & Lace Calendar shoots with never before seen images: A Big Twin custom from legendary East Coast Hamster Club builder Dave Perewitz, photographed in downtown Los Angeles back in the early ‘90s with red haired 1989 Playboy Playmate Cynthia Brimhall. And Roland Sand’s / RSD “No Regrets” Big Twin street racer with August 2005 Playboy Playmate Tamara Witmer from one of our favorite shoots 17 years ago.

Just $24.95 each – Click on the Calendar Covers below to Order Now –
http://www.FastDates.com/IRONLACE.HTM

NEW FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM--1941 Indian Four

“Smooth flowing power that speaks in a whisper compared to other motorcycles. Remember – four cylinders! The Indian Four needs no salesman.” Quote from an Indian Four catalog.

The original Indian Four of 1928 used an Arthur Lemon and Bill Henderson-designed engine, a design obtained when Indian bought out Ace from the Schwinn Bicycle Company of Chicago. The bore and stroke was 2.75 x 3.25 inches for a displacement of 77.21 cubic inches, 1,265 cc’s. The Ace in-line layout produced 30 horsepower with overhead inlet valves and inverted, or side, exhaust valves remained constant except for 1936 and 1937 when the set-up was reversed making the “upside down Four”.

“The 1941 Indian Four had grown up to be the spring-frame Indian Four. Bigger tires further added to the appearance of weight. Power output had climbed. Most Americans thought bigger was better, so skirted-fender Fours fit right in,” Jerry Hatfield, author of the Indian Motorcycles book. But unlike the “spring frames” of the ’teens, this was a “plunger” design as you can see in the photos. Hatfield also takes our eyes to the right side of the bike and notes how the sweep of the down tube matches the curve of the fender. The high level straight exhaust pipe, however much heat it may put on the rider’s leg, looks great as well.

With America drawn into the World War on December 7, 1941, Indian Four production was essentially over. Thus ended an astonishing era of motorcycle history and development overall; the Indian versus Harley-Davidson war would soon be won by the Milwaukee firm. The Indian Four is, no question, a magnificent monument to the company and is highly prized among collectors. By May of 1953 the last American-made Indian had left the Springfield, Massachusetts factory. With tens or thousands manufactured since the late 1960’s by many manufacturers, the in-line four is a great smooth running design, just as it was some 80 years ago.

See the whole story on the NMM web site.

New Bikernet Reader Comment!

PRE-RALLY WEEK BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 29, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/PRERALLY_WEEK_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_July_29_2021.aspx

Comments:

Hey Bandit – would it be in bad taste if I told you that Harley Davidson Motorcycle Insurance is at the head of the line, with their hand out, in support of this Michigan No Fault Insurance Scam?

If you’re still wondering what the definition of “Sustainability” is. Sending the customer out of your shop with a “Paid In Full” receipt in his hand, while you still have your hand in his wallet. That’s Sustainability.

-Doug
Buchanan, MI

It’s the business model of the era. I bought a coffee pot. The company wants me to buy little goofy filters once a month. Hang On!

–Bandit

SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGE-– will hit auto industry well into 2021

By Marcus Williams

An ongoing shortage in semiconductor supply is disrupting production of parts and vehicles around the world. The supply bottleneck, which is caused by a combination of factors, including the impact of Covid-19 on production in the first half of 2020 and on manufacturing investment, is affecting a number of major carmakers and their suppliers.

The shortage is the result of a perfect storm, as the automotive industry experienced greater fluctuations in 2020 than any other industry buying semiconductors. At the same time, high demand from other industries led to capacity constraints in semiconductor facilities. The recovery in car sales and factory output that followed was faster than projected across all regions, driven by pent-up demand during the lockdown period.

Global supply bottlenecks
Those reductions are happening on a global basis in the first quarter of 2021. All major OEMs have been affected, including Japanese carmakers Honda, Nissan and Toyota, all of which are reviewing production targets.

Honda admitted it was facing some supply issues related to microchip-related parts as a consequence of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Production at the carmaker’s Swindon plant in the UK has been suspended for four days this week because of the supply shortage.

Read the whole story at: www.automotivelogistics.media

RPM ACT NEWS–
As a result, the early months of 2021 had the makings of a perfect storm, where the RPM Act was the logical safe harbor—it provides permanent certainty for racers and businesses that produce and sell race parts. The SAN has experienced an all-out explosion of its contact base—growing by 250% overall in recent months and now numbers more than 350,000 individuals ready to weigh-in on public policy.

At long last, this “grassroots” force holds a distinct advantage in the eyes of politicians with far more voters demanding a resolution this year than any other. Word travels online at light-speed, for better and for worse. The digital blitz by racers and fans made the U.S. Congress acutely aware of just how formidable and highly concerned our community is at present. And ready for battle.

The RPM Act must pass this year, and the odds have never looked more in our hobby’s favor. Congress simply can’t ignore the surge of support from enthusiasts—their constituents who elected them to office—demanding action to bring the bill across the finish line for good. This momentum must be sustained with newly reintroduced legislation eligible for consideration in the current session of Congress. The SAN worked in close coordination with U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) as they introduced H.R. 3281 along with 46 other original sponsors. A similar effort is underway in the U.S. Senate. Please do your part—keep up the heat!

FUEL THE FIRE: It’s go-time, so don’t let off the accelerator—your drive is as important as ever, please sign the letter: SaveOurRacecars.com Even if you’ve previously contacted your lawmakers about the RPM Act, we need your voice once again now that the bill has officially returned in 2021. The million letters sent are working and resulted in its reintroduction this session. Tell your lawmakers to do their part to finally save racing from government threat by supporting and passing the RPM Act into law this year.

In 2015, the EPA proposed a rulemaking that included language suggesting that once a vehicle has been certified as a street vehicle, that it cannot be converted into a racing vehicle even if that vehicle is trailered to the track and is never driven on public roads.
Following a huge SAN-led public outcry, the EPA withdrew the draft provision in April 2016 and noted that they had “no interest in vehicles that begin their existence as normal, EPA-certified production vehicles used on public roads and are then permanently concerted to sanctioned competition-use only vehicles.”

However, the EPA continues to assert that the Clean Air Act (CAA) does not allow a motor vehicle to be converted into a racing vehicle used solely for competition.

The agency has created a national compliance program and announced that enforcement against high-performance parts—including superchargers, tuners, and exhaust systems—is a top priority for this year and beyond.

–SEMA

NEW EASYRIDERS MAGAZING TO HIT THE STANDS–Haha I know, right?

“Omygawd, we are so excited! the new ER will be hitting the thtandth I mean stands in November, so get your shots and leave the house to buy one!

How about that pandemic, right? Omygawd! Tho, lithen, the new ER will feature such new departments as ‘Large Cocked Policemen’ which will be policemen who have really large cocks, the Rupaul schedules for the next ten years, articles on crossdressing, buying spices, how to make your own designer pandemic mask. Nancy Pelosi’s most fave hair-do’s, pictures of Jeff Bezos’ cock that we’ve all been waiting to be made public. Why biker gangs are not for us, a special Kardashian section featuring Kim’s hugely wonderful buttocks, oh and speaking of asses!….how about that J-Lo, uh? OMIGAWD!

So, yeah, Easyriders is back on the stands in November assuming there still are newsstands in November, but, hey, it will be on your grocery store magazine racks right alongside Redbook and Fatherly and Mens’ Health, which I THINK has Tom Cruise on the cover this month, who we are trying to recruit for an ER cover, omigawd is he dashing or what!!!”

Guess he doesn’t care for the new slant. –Bandit

WORD OF THE DAY FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY–
irrefragable
[ ih-ref-ruh-guh-buhl ]
adjective

not to be disputed or contested.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF IRREFRAGABLE?
Irrefragable, “not to be disputed or contested,” comes from Late Latin irrefragabilis, literally “unable to be broken back,” and an easy word to break down into its components. The prefix ir– is the variant that the Latin negative prefix in– (from the same Proto-Indo-European source as English un-) takes before r-. The element re– means “back, back again,” thoroughly naturalized in English; here re– forms part of the verb refragari “to oppose (a candidate); resist; militate against” (fragari is possibly a variant of frangere “to break”; refragari means “to break back”). The suffix –abilis is formed from the connecting vowel –a– and the adjective suffix –bilis, which shows capability or ability, and is the source of English –able. Irrefragable entered English in the first half of the 16th century.

HOW IS IRREFRAGABLE USED?
The court often assumes that a federal agency acted properly unless an employee offers “irrefragable proof to the contrary.”

The Senate committee cited this as one of many issues on which the court had misinterpreted the law and the intent of Congress. “By definition,” it said, “irrefragable means impossible to refute. This imposes an impossible burden on whistleblowers.”

ROBERT PEAR, “CONGRESS MOVES TO PROTECT FEDERAL WHISTLEBLOWERS,” NEW YORK TIMES, OCTOBER 3, 2004

Physical science magnifies physical things. The universe of matter with its irrefragable laws looms upon our mental horizon larger than ever before, to some minds blotting out the very heavens.

JOHN BURROUGHS, “IN THE NOON OF SCIENCE,” THE ATLANTIC, SEPTEMBER 1912

LATEST FROM BURMA SHAVE--Whether you’re stubbly /
Or completely unshorn /
Our products are better /
Than tentacle porn /
burma shave

Failed road sign submission.

–J.J. Solari
Advertising Hack

NRA CERTIFIED FIREARM TRAINING
FIND A COURSE NEAR YOU
ONE CLICK AWAY

Good news! Summer is here and most states have lifted COVID-19 restrictions. There is no reason to wait to get your NRA certified firearm training.

Whether you’re a new gun owner looking for a concealed carry course or an experienced marksman who wants to take their training to the next level, NRA Certified Instructors have a course for you.

Don’t wait, enroll today! Check out our selections below.

–Joe DeBergalis
Executive Director
NRA General Operations

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From basic pistol to concealed carry training, we have a course for you.

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Learn to shoot a rifle like a pro. Or, take a cartridge reloading course.

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Learn how to safely handle and store firearms in the home.

Want to Know More?
For more information about NRA’s Firearm Training Courses, email nrainstructors@nrahq.org.

LATEST FROM THE LOWBROW CREW--Black chopper builders, Motorcycle Clubs & their affect on biker culture

Our friend Nick Haints loves choppers, and chopper history.
Basically, anything to do with choppers.

LATEST New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Sam’s Picks of the Month 8,2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Sams_Picks_of_the_Month_82021.aspx

Comments:

A good read. Brings back memories of my years spent out in the California, desert of courtesy Uncle Sam. So much of that sand/dust shaken out/off of my hair, clothes and bike.

But good, memorable times spent between San Berdoo, Bakersfield and the Colorado River. Best decade of my life between riding out there and playing with Uncles newest airplanes.

–Vern Moore
Kingsley, PA

THE MASTER OF LIGHT IS SET UP IN DEADWOOD— Headed to Deadwood! We will be setting up the gallery tomorrow morning and will be open for business every day through August 15th.

David just completed his second 2021 Sturgis Commemorative (to go along with “The Morning After” below.

This new piece (title TBD) features one of our favorite cowgirls, Paige Wyatt from David’s Lone Ranger series.

–David Uhl 2021

Buell Reigns Supreme Over the Weekend–
On the weekend of July 31st, 2021 Buell saw two wins. The first, where Logan Cipala rode his Buell® 1190HCR in the open class at the Big Hill Jam Motoclimb Super Series taking first place. The second on August, 1st 2021 Matt Smith rode his DENSO Buell® motorcycle in the NHRA Nationals winning first place.

Cipala ran in both the 450 and Open class during the Big Hill Jam. Cipala had the fastest qualifying run in the 450 class and he podiumed for third place securing some points for the season. Taking third only fueled his focus during his Open run. Cipala kept his Buell® 1190HCR tight to the ground to power up this climb, helping him pull ahead of Austin Teyler on their final Open Class race.

In the IRC Motoclimb Super Series Cipala holds first place with a 24 point lead with 140 points.

Meanwhile in Pomona, CA The DENSO Race team revved their Buell® engines for the NHRA Nationals at the Auto Club Raceway. In the second round it was a head-to-head Buell battle between Matt and Angie Smith. Matt took the win sending him on to race Scotty Pollacheck in the semi-finals, where he beat Pollacheck by .046 seconds. Boosting him into the Finals against Angelle Sampey.

“Our brand new red rocket Buell has won 4 of the 8 races this year and we’re looking forward to more wins,” said Matt Smith.

“Another double header for Buell,” said Steve Laham, Chief Products Office at Buell Motorcycles. “It’s exciting to know that the Buell teams hard work and efforts are paying off. This was evident this past weekend as Matt Smith powered his Buell to win at the NHRA Nationals and Logan Cipala was king of the hill on his Buell 1190HCR.”

Follow more Buell news and rider successes visit the Buell website at: www.BuellMotorcycle.com.

IT’S ALL HAPPENING NOW—I keep hoping for a leader to step up and deal with all the bullshit. Lay out the true facts and prove that freedom works.

I moved two riders into our cramped garage, so the Deadwood house is clear for the bros. Another bro reached out for a bed in Deadwood. I told him he would be charged for late registration, a pain in the ass fee and the bowed out and left us hanging surcharge.

We had a problem with the fridge door handles hitting the wall. Adam Croft came to the stylish rescue.

El Waggs is scrambling on a customized Buell Blast to bring to Sturgis for Urban to ride and impress the bros. I’m sure he’ll make it.

Never stops and is never dull around here.
Have a terrific rally, ride safe while in the region. This is a time to share good times with the bros and discuss freedom.

–Bandit

by Savannah Rose from https://rapidcityjournal.com

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip has long been known as the place to be at the Sturgis Rally. Whether you’re spending your day riding through the beautiful hills of South Dakota on one of the venue’s signature rides, or you’re enjoying an ice-cold drink while checking out the bike shows and the iconic live music, the legendary Buffalo Chip has everything you need to make your rally one for the books. Literally everything. You can now even ride off on your own Sturgis Buffalo Chip signature motorcycle.

The Chip crew has teamed up with two renowned builders in the performance realm, Tim Sutherland and Lloyd Greer of Indian Motorcycle Charlotte and Lloyd’z Garage, who are recognized internationally for their design and performance work on Indian Motorcycles. The result is the Buffalo Chip B4 Signature Series.

Each exclusive, signature build starts out with a stock Indian Chieftain. Then Tim and Lloyd get their hands on it and work their magic for a unique creation. The first in their B4 signature line will make its debut at The Chip’s 40th consecutive festival and will be auctioned off at the Buffalo Chip Legends Ride, Aug. 9.

“Tim’s and Lloyd’s attention to quality and craftsmanship make these signature edition Sturgis Buffalo Chip B4s collectible from the day they are built,” said Rod Woodruff, President and CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “The bikes will no doubt be a unique and valuable way to own a piece of motorcycle history.”

Now, down to the nitty-gritty…these bikes are truly built for performance. Based on Indian’s flagship Chieftain model, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip signature edition B4 is loaded and ready to rip. The powertrain in this bagger, designed and built by Indian performance guru Lloyd Greer, boasts a whopping 126-inch displacement. Big bore cylinders, ported heads and big cams provide the 120 horsepower and 148-foot pounds of torque you crave in a two-wheeled machine. The Rush Racing pipe provides a deep, throaty growl to let everyone know you mean business. The Rekluse Clutch will transfer all that power to the ground, and you’ll be tempted to warm up those tires in a smoke show.

Designed by legendary Indian customizer Tim Sutherland, the styling on the SBC B4 will stand out in a crowd. This bagger means business, but not black-tie business. The unique black, red and silver paint job screams that you’re here to make an impression. The 18-inch wheels, handlebars and more from 1901 Customs further add to the mean stance of this motorcycle and the Arnott TruAIR shocks will keep you rollin’ comfortably out on the twisty roads of the Black Hills.

Each B4 owner will be part of a very exclusive group, as there will only be a limited number produced. In addition, these owners will receive exclusive access to a variety of VIP ownership benefits, including free Chip passes, Top Shelf VIP upgrades and more.

“Owning a Sturgis Buffalo Chip Signature Edition B4 is membership into a fun, passionate, party-going family!” said Tim Sutherland. “The SBC B4 motorcycles will have you rolling into Sturgis like a king, plus all the special VIP benefits and perks that go along with it make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” added Lloyd Greer.

The first in the line of SBC Signature B4 motorcycles will be on the auction block at the 2021 Legends Ride, Monday Aug. 9 in Historic Deadwood. See it for yourself this year at the new Lloyd’z Garage, located at the Buffalo Chip free-access CrossRoads.

by Sebastian Toma from https://www.autoevolution.com

2021 Honda CB1000R 5Four Turns Custom Bike Into Production Reality.

Honda has opened the order books for the CB1000R 5Four, a performance-focused café racer bike inspired by the CB1000RS 5Four built by Guy Willison. The Japanese company teamed up with the builder for this limited-edition model, and it blends café racer styling with a factory-backed warranty.

Honda’s flagship naked motorcycle received an update for the 2021 model year, and that was selected as the base for the CB1000R 5Four. Work started with the front, which received a cowl for the front headlight. The handlebar received a set of LSL dog-leg brake and clutch levers, as well as a set of mirrors.

The gas tank has a hand-painted Honda logo, and the seat is hand-stitched in a diamond pattern, while the rear of the seat has the 5Four logo laser etched on it. The tail of this bike is also custom, as it has a slimmer LED rear light, while the license plate mount was moved up to allow a better view of the rear wheel.

Customers will also get a titanium Growler-X exhaust from Racefit, which is supposed to only be used on the track. It comes with laser-etched 5Four and Racefit logos. It sounds nice, as you can observe in the video embedded below.

Naturally, the bike had to get custom paintwork. In this case, we are writing about a candy red main color, along with blue and pearl white accents. The three colors are an inspiration from Honda’s racing efforts. Customers will also be able to order Guy Willison’s signature painted on the rear fender, right next to the seat.

Each bike will get a signed certificate of authenticity. Honda will only sell this bike through its dealer network in the UK. However, most of the components will have a part number on them, so a few e-mails to Honda dealers could help you order just enough parts to turn your CB1000R into a replica of this bike, or just a custom version to better suit your preference.

The 2021 Honda CB1000R 5Four is priced at GBP 16,954 ($23,612), which is not that much for a limited-edition custom motorcycle. Even if all examples will have the same features, they will still be numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity, so the resale value should exceed that of the base model, the 2021 CB1000R, as the years go by.

by Vincent Ball from https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca

Organizers of the charity motorcycle run for Lansdowne Children’s Centre are sending a virtual “wheelie” to their supporters.

“We raised $95,663 and we can’t thank people enough for all of their support,” said Angie Turnbull, director of philanthropy, at the Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation, the centre’s fundraising arm. “We had so many people, so many businesses step up this year to help out.

“It’s really quite heartwarming.”

Organizers of the virtual ride held during July had hoped to raise $70,000, up from the $33,000 generated by last year’s virtual ride. The last time the event was held in-person was in 2019 when $62,000 was raised.

This year’s event was boosted by the sale of raffle tickets to win a motorcycle provided by Harley-Davidson Cambridge, Turnbull said.

“We were really worried about how we were going to sell raffle tickets but when people heard about our concerns they responded,” shel said. “A lot of businesses called and offered us space to sell the tickets and that was a really big help.”

Turnbull said 42 riders participated in the virtual event. Past rides have attracted from 280 to 400 riders.

“We’re thrilled with the results but the big winners are the 3,000 children we support.”

Lansdowne provides a range of services to children with physical, communication or developmental challenges in Brantford and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties. It receives government funding for programs such as occupational, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy.

Money raised by the foundation through events, such as the motorcycle ride, goes to support recreational programs such as cooking, gardening and camping. In addition to building the self-confidence of the children, the programs enable them to safely socialize with other children and provides some respite for parents.

from https://www.financialexpress.com

Harley-Davidson back in India: First batch including Pan America 1250 booked already.

Hero MotoCorp has onboarded 12 Harley-Davidson dealers and increased its customer touch-points across the country.

Around 100 Harley-Davidson bikes, constituting the first batch assigned to the Indian market this year, have been completely pre-booked indicating robust demand for the iconic brand in the count, according to an industry source.

The booking process for 13 Harley-Davidson models, which are priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), started in April this year after Hero MotoCorp announced the prices of the 2021 model range.

In October last year, Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson announced a partnership for the Indian market.

As per its licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has taken over the exclusive distribution rights of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts and merchandise in India, after the latter decided to close its operations in the country.

Since then, Hero MotoCorp has onboarded 12 Harley-Davidson dealers and increased its customer touch-points across the country.

The two-wheeler major is also developing a range of premium motorcycles that will be sold under the Harley-Davidson brand in India.

“The company has received bookings for more than 100 motorcycles already, including a complete lot of the upcoming Pan America 1250 adventure motorcycles.

“The other models include the likes of Softail, Fat Bob, and Street Bob motorcycles,” the industry source told PTI.

Currently, Hero MotoCorp has 12 dealerships catering to the Harley bikes in the country.

The source said there would be more units assigned to the country as the first lot is totally pre-booked. The iconic American brand has already started taking bookings for the next batch, he added.

When contacted, a Hero MotoCorp spokesperson declined to comment saying, “We will be soon making an announcement on the commencement of the retail sales of Pan America 1250 in the country. We will share further details at that time.”

Hero MotoCorp expects a tie-up with Harley-Davidson to help accelerate its presence in the premium bike segment where it aims to establish a complete portfolio cutting across segments and engine capacities.

The company, which is the leader in the budget bike segment (100-110cc), is also in the process of developing electric two-wheelers for both mass and premium segments.

The new art in the Sturgis Series. Since 2005 David Uhl has offered a special piece for the Sturgis Rally each year. You can view it at the Sturgis Rally this year and also order it online at Uhl Studios website.

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

Numbers-Matching 1934 BMW R 11 Series 5 Costs More Than a 2021 S 1000 RR.

We hope you’ve been consistent with your savings, because it’s time to put them to good use.

Online Auction at https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1934-bmw-r11-series-5/

In many ways, old-school motorcycles are a lot like fine wine; the older they are, the better. We’re all pretty thrilled about rides from the ‘70s and ‘80s, but that excitement tends to grow tenfold when you bring a pre-WWII bike into the equation. Take, for instance, the untainted 1934 BMW R 11 Series 5 featured in the photo gallery at the auction website.

Motorrad’s numbers-matching artifact – which was assembled during the final year of production for this model – can only be described as the two-wheeler equivalent of a precious treasure chest. In fact, we dare say this Beemer is to a moto-loving petrolhead what Sauron’s ring was to Gollum in the Lord of the Rings series (or something like that).

Odd comparisons aside, you’ll be intrigued to learn that Bavaria’s jewel is making its way to the auction block on Bring A Trailer. As you might expect, this bad boy is pricier than the vast majority of BMW’s modern machines, having fetched a generous top bid of $24,000 so far. If you happen to be sitting on a sizeable pile of spare cash, you may enter the BaT auction until Thursday, August 5.

Now that we’ve caught your attention, let’s take a minute to remind ourselves about R 11’s main specs and features. In this manner, you can get a clear idea as to what we’re dealing with here, even if this creature is more of a showpiece rather than a bike that’ll be ridden on a daily basis.

Within its steel framework, the Series 5 packs a four-stroke 745cc flat-twin powerplant that’s good for up to 20 hp at 4,000 rpm. The air-cooled mill comes with a single 24 mm (0.9 inches) Amal carburetor and a compression ratio of 5.5:1. Its force travels to a shaft final drive by means of a three-speed transmission, resulting in a top speed of 69 mph (112 kph).