You can read the Company Announcement at their Official Website by Clicking Here.

Second Quarter 2021 Highlights and Results, and Recent Announcements

• Delivered Q2 GAAP diluted EPS of $1.33, up $1.93 over Q2 2020
• Q2 H-D, Inc. total revenue up 77 percent over Q2 2020
• North America Q2 retail sales up 43% over Q2 2020 and up 5% over Q2 2019
• Delivered strong Motorcycles and Related Products (Motorcycles) segment gross margin and operating margin driven by the Rewire product portfolio adjustments
• Delivered Financial Services segment Q2 2021 operating income growth of $90 million over Q2 2020 driven by a lower provision for credit losses
• Launched LiveWire as a standalone brand and introduced LiveWire ONE™ – the electric motorcycle built for the urban experience, with the power and range to take you beyond
• Revealed Sportster® S, the all-new Sportster motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform
• Launched H-D1™ Marketplace today, the ultimate online destination for pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles in North America

Rolling in the right direction. by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com On July 21, 2021, Harley-Davidson reported its 2021 Q2 results. The numbers are definitely moving in the right direction, especially when compared to the same time period in 2020. Worldwide Harley motorcycle sales are up 24 percent, due entirely to an impressive sales rebound in North America. 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. Taking the entirety of the first six months of 2021 into consideration, worldwide Harley-Davidson bike sales are up 18 percent—which is still good news for the embattled OEM. North American sales are up 38 percent, EMEA sales are down 19 percent, Asia Pacific sales are down 7 percent, and Latin America sales are down 47 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.” Revenues for Q2 of 2021 are up 99 percent over the same period in 2020. That likely comes as particularly good news, since that contributes to a revenue increase of 45 percent over 2020 for the first six months of the year. While most of these numbers are still below those achieved in 2019, this is clearly the strongest showing since the pandemic became a factor. North American Q2 retail sales stand out as an exception, as those are actually up 5 percent over Q2 2019. Parts and Accessories sales are likewise up 32 percent for Q2 of 2021, and General Merchandise sales are up 47 percent. Overall, Harley says, it forecasts full-year 2021 motorcycle segment revenue growth to end up between 30 and 35 percent, year-on-year. Since that is just a forecast, we’ll have to see how that prediction pans out over the coming months.

Motorcycles and Open Roads Make it All Good!

Hey,

Crazy times, but if you want to taste the best of times read this news and come to Sturgis for the rally.

Flying Piston Builder’s Breakfast on Sunday August 8 at Sturgis – be there. Michael Lichter’s Builders will be featured along with Stride Bikes and Bandit with five of his books. He will sign each one for a small donation to the Kids Ride school campaign.

Don’t miss the Builders’ Breakfast, the grub, the auction and my fucking books.

In the meantime, come to the Badlands and have a blast.

–Bandit

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Hey,

Crazy times, but if you want to taste the best of times read this news and come to Sturgis for the rally. If you turn off your TV and scrap reading any newspapers, you’ll discover that life is an open road wonderland.

Come to the Badlands and you won’t experience blame, hatred, Covid, Global Harming, electric mania, nothing but hard-working, tax paying Americans enjoying cool motorcycles and wide-open roads.

Let’s hit the news:

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.

MRF FLASH ALERT!--Next week the House of Representatives will vote on a bill to fund several transportation related agencies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for fiscal year 2022.

To ensure the federal government protects the rights of all motorcyclists, three members of the House of Representatives are offering an amendment to the transportation funding bill. Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan, Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio and Congressman Michael Burgess of Texas have submitted the following amendment to the House Rules Committees for consideration on Monday. The amendment states:

“None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for activities intended to encourage states to adopt legislation, regulations, policies, directives or guidance to profile motorcycle riders, nor shall such funds be used by States to implement any activity with the primary intent of profiling motorcycle riders.”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is committed to pursuing all avenues to end biker profiling in this country. The MRF worked hand in hand with these Members of Congress on similar language in 2019 and again this year.

How can you help? This amendment is being considered by the House Rules Committee, a very small committee with only 13 members. If one of these 13 lawmakers is your Representative, please contact Rocky Fox, the MRF lobbyist in D.C., at wfox@hbstrategies.us to learn how you can help!

Chairman Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA)
Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX)
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA)
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN)
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA)
Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY)
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
Rep. Deborah K. Ross (D-NC)
Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO)

S&S CYCLE – Attending 2021 Sturgis Bike Week

Sturgis Bike week is right around the corner and the team at S&S Cycle are prepping gear and a fresh collection of performance parts for you to check out.

They’ll have high performance exhaust and air cleaners in stock and will be doing free installs from July 31st through August 13th. Hours are 8-6 from 7/31-8/5 and 8-8 from 8/6-8/14. We’ll also have our brand new side-by- side product lineup and new S&S gear on display.

Come see us at Black Hills Harley Davidson in Rapid City South Dakota and say hello to the crew!

Also, check out the S&S sponsored Evo Entanglement show at the Buffalo Chip on August 11th, 11am-4pm. This show is a tribute to the best of the Evolution powered bikes and the winner walks away with a new S&S V111 Engine!

https://www.buffalochip.com/EVENTS/Bike-Shows/Evo-Entanglement

–David Zemla
VP – Marketing
S&S® Cycle, Inc.
Email dzemla@sscycle.com

NEW MEXICO SUPREME COURT– Rules Gas Stations Can Be Liable For DUIs

Tennessee was the first state to decide that gas stations, auto parts stores, mechanics, and tire shops could be liable for selling fuel to intoxicated drivers. This ‘duty of care’ is not a part of New Mexico law but sets a precedent under the legal doctrine of negligent entrustment, which outlines how business’ responsibilities of supplying dangerous goods to someone competent to safely use them.

The dissenting opinion noted that there is little guidance to indicate how retailers can investigate customer intoxication or whether the guidance extends to self-service stations.

–NMA

The HadCRUT4 Global Temperature Dataset –-Now Unveils A Cooling Trend For The Last 7.5 Years

Since the last day of 2001 CO2 has risen from 372 to 419 ppm. However, there have been two cooling periods of 12 years (2002-2014) and 7.5 years (2014-2021), separated by a 1.5-year El Niño-induced warming event (2015-2016). Temperature changes that proceed in step- or event-like fashion do not seem to correlate well with linearly-rising CO2 concentrations.

HadCRUT4 temperature data (made available for public use by WoodForTrees.org) now presents a slight cooling trend since the first few months of 2014.

This new cooling trend follows a 12-year cooling trend that lasted from the first month of 2002 until the last month of 2014.

The abrupt warming event that spanned from 2015 to mid-way through 2016 was generated by an anomalous El Niño. Fossil fuel emissions had “a fairly insignificant role, if any role at all” in this short-term warming.

— by Kenneth Richard
NoTricksZone

–Climate Depot

DISCOVER THE EVOLUTION OF DAMON–A lot has happened at Damon.

Some of you have been along for the ride from the start, while others joined us more recently. Either way, we appreciate your support!

With that, here are some highlights of the road so far and what’s to come.

Dreaming of Zero Crash Fatalities
After crashing a motorcycle in Jakarta, Founder & CEO, Jay Giraud, saw the need to make motorcycling smarter, safer, and more personalized. He aimed to achieve zero crash fatalities on motorcycles by 2030.

It wasn’t long before that dream started to become a reality.

Developing an AI-Enhanced Electric Motorcycle
Building a smart motorcycle did not happen overnight.

CoPilot™, Shift™, HyperDrive™, and the rest of our proprietary technology developed over several prototypes, from our very first lidar bike to the ones you see on our website and social media.

Unveiling the HyperSport

The flagship HyperSport made its successful debut at CES 2020, taking home 2 awards with it! Since then, we have:

Introduced a total of 4 HyperSport models
Built the world’s first 100% electric, multi-variant powertrain platform, HyperDrive™

Opened test ride applications

Started a private community, the Damon Lab
Launched a first-of-its-kind subscription model

Raised $30M in funding & secured over $30M in reservations

Developed a number of strategic partnerships, including Auteco Mobility

Growing a World Class Team

The incredible recognition we’ve received has allowed us to attract the best minds. Our highly-skilled and experienced team continues to further our mission to bring you the future of motorcycling.

And we’re still hiring! Join us.

So What’s Next?

As we ramp up towards production, you’ll experience a brand new adventure with Damon – filled with merchandise, test rides, events, partnership announcements, new motorcycles, and much, much more.

Hang tight, it’s gonna’ be one hell of a ride!

NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–
We are excited to announce the worldwide release of David’s new masterpiece, “True Grit”. This stunning image is being offered in three sizes on canvas. Each print will be hand-signed by David, numbered and framed, with Certificate of Authenticity and nameplate.

“True Grit”
David Uhl 2021

As David recently commented, “I actually started this painting quite a while ago in gratitude for being allowed to bring the gallery to the Sturgis 2020 rally last year (find the motorcycles in the painting!). For obvious reasons, it was the only event the entire year and saved my family/employees from shutting down.

I attached some of the progress pics as it unfolded right up to displaying at the Governor’s mansion. The light on her horse “Ice Man” was what initially drew me to this image. It depicts South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem at the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park last year.

Many thanks to Rod and Marilyn at the Buffalo Chip for helping make this happen. A portion of all sales will go to Treasured Lives, a newer charity devoted to assisting the victims of human trafficking.”

Print edition specifics:

** Image size 32×24, 250 plus 25 Artist Proofs and 25 Hors d’ Commerce, $1,395 framed.

** Image size 40×30, 100 plus 15 Artist Proofs and 15 Hors d’ Commerce, $2,095 framed.

** Image size 48×36, 50 plus 10 Artist Proofs and 10 Hors d’ Commerce, $3,850 framed.

We are now taking orders. Please respond to this email or call me at 303-913-4840. Thanks and have a great week!

–Greg

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY AND GROUP COUNSELING CENTER–
His cell phone rang in church by accident during prayers…

The Pastor scolded him.

The worshippers admonished him after prayer for interrupting the silence.

His wife kept on lecturing him on his carelessness till they reached home.

You could see the shame, embarrassment and humiliation on his face.

*He has never stepped foot in the church ever again.*

That evening, he went to a bar.

He was still nervous and trembling.

He spilled his drink on the table by accident.

The waiter apologized, gave him a napkin to clean himself up.

The janitor also mopped the floor.

The female manager offered him a complimentary drink.

She also gave him a huge hug and kissed him while saying “Don’t worry man. Who doesn’t make a mistake?”

*He has never stopped going to that bar since then*

*Management Lesson*

*”You can make a difference by how you treat people especially when they make mistakes.”*

–Wayfarer
Master Librarian
International Wing
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

IT’S GO TIME FOR #AMAVMD – July 23-25

Next week is 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, presented by Royal Enfield! Join us at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 23-25. We are excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of On Any Sunday and to welcome you back to this amazing event.

Here are a few things you won’t want to miss:
Lap for History – For a $10 donation, you can take your motorcycle on a parade lap around the road racing circuit.

Ashland Dinner Ride – Saturday, July 24. Space is limited. Register now.

Q&A with Grand Marshal and racing legend, David Aldana

Vendors and kid’s activities in the Old Bike Barn Crossroads

Racing, racing and more racing. Register to race.

Acres and acres of motorcycle parts in the swap meet

Single-day tickets and weekend passes are available at mid-ohio.com. View the event program at vintagemotorcycledays.com.

INSPIRATION IS KEY–Some inspiration, new problems, new opportunities.

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” — Thomas Jefferson

“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” — Erich Fromm

“Never be afraid to be weird or go against the grain!”

“A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it.” — G.K. Chesterton

“Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.” – Frank A. Clark

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” — John Bingham

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” — Thomas A. Edison

“One moment can change a day. One day can change a life. One life can change the world.”

–Wayfarer
Monk in Training
Bikernet Cultural Center
At the base of the Gray Mountain
Badlands, SD

Buell Dominates the NHRA Nationals
[Denver, Colorado]: On July 16th, 2021, the NHRA Nationals Championship were wide open throttle off the starting line all weekend!

Buell® blew the Bike Pros out of the water with both Matt and Angie Smith on their Denso Buell® bikes taking 1st and 2nd place in the Bike Pro qualifiers.

Matt and Angie had a strong run both reaching the semifinals.

It didn’t stop there though, in the semifinals all 4 racers were on Buell® bikes. Matt Smith (Buell®) vs Andrew Hines (Buell®) and Angie Smith (Buell®) vs Eddie Krawiec (Buell RX®).

The semifinals were a tight race. Matt Smith took Hines by fractions of a second for the win, and Kraweic did the same to Smith.

“No doubt that Buell was King of the mountain this weekend in Denver, Qualifying #1 & #2 with Matt & Angie Smith on their Buell’s was certainly a highlight of Saturday evening.

However, things got even better by Sunday evening as Matt Smith rode his Denso Buell to the winner’s circle, besting second place finisher Eddie Krawiec on his Vance & Hines Buell RX,” said Steve Laham, Chief Product Officer at Buell Motorcycles.

After this weekend the new rankings for the NHRA Nationals are as follows: Matt Smith (Buell®) in 1st, Angie Smith (Buell®) in 6th, Eddie Krawiec (Buell RX®) in 7th and Andrew Hines (Buell RX®) in 11th.

Follow more Buell rider success at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals on July 23-25.
Visit the Buell website for the latest information at: www.BuellMotorcycle.com.

NEW VINTAGE ROAD RALLY–
Rick Salisbury, owner of Legends Motorcycle Museum, has announced details for the 2022 “Legends and Legacies Memorial Run.”

Planned as a cross-country motorcycle endurance ride in memory of antique motorcycle enthusiast Lonnie Isam Jr. (Junior), the event will be held September 7 through September 25, 2022 and will feature antique motorcycles pre-dating 1922.

Junior was the visionary who led antique motorcycle riders across America four times before passing away in 2017 at age 48. Salisbury was friends with Junior and participated in all his endurance rides, except for the first in 2010.

Through his continued friendship with Junior’s parents, Lonnie Sr. and Marianne Isam, Salisbury became inspired to memorialize Junior’s legacy by following Junior’s last request – for his friends to go on a motorcycle ride in his memory in lieu of funeral services.

Now, five years after Junior’s passing, his friends are doing just that.

“We are beyond thrilled to have our son honored and remembered in this way,” Lonnie Sr. shared. “The 2022 Legends and Legacies Memorial Run will shine a light on Junior’s incredible legacy,” Marianne added.

Antique motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world will be invited to honor the individual who revitalized the sport of antique motorcycling by experiencing Junior’s first route while riding 100-year-old (or older) motorcycles.

Stay tuned for more information on the 2022 Legends and Legacies Motorcycle Endurance Memorial Run.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!--PARADISE BIKERNET WEELKY NEWS for July 15th, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/PARADISE_BIKERNET_WEELKY_NEWS_for_July_15th_2021.aspx

Comments:

I have pretty much given up on my easy rider refund.

— A.J.
DeLand, FL

THE SUICIDE ARCHIVES— This was a lesson for me. Most photos seem to be from the other side with most of them being foot-shift. I don’t know what I’ve done with all the personal photos I thought were there. It amazes me how few know what a jock shift is and how it came to be.

Still hearing the suicide shift misuse. Oh, the death of a thousand cuts.

–Sam Burns
Bikernet Historian
Bikernet.com™

CYCLE SOURCE CUSTOM BIKE SHOW—Be there! Be there! Be there!

Sunday, August 8, 2021
Registration 11AM to 3PM
Awards At 4PM

Free To Enter! Awards in 25 Classes, Best Of Show Wins A Rolling Chassis From Paughco And A Full Feature in Cycle Source!!

Chance To Win Prizes Just for Entering!

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET BLOG EDITOR–1. Check out cool new electric motorcycle from Zero – their range of bikes under $12,000 are more relevant than the latest cheapest LiveWire costing $20,000.

2. Canada’s increasing insurance prices for motorcycles causing poor sales.
— Robb Hertzog, owner of the Regina

Motorcycle dealership Prairie Harley Davidson, estimates he’s lost well over $1 million worth of sales in 3 years.

Rick Bradshaw, owner of Schrader’s Motors says Prior to the insurance hike, more young women were taking an interest in the sport than ever before, but he believes expense has since reduced this trend.

“You can be a high-performance car enthusiast and buy a $100,000, loaded-up, 600 horsepower BMW car and you don’t pay any more for that car based on value … But for motorcyclists with the same zero clean record and no accidents, if that bike happens to have a bigger engine or more horsepower all of a sudden you’re penalized dramatically,” he said.

3. Here’s a wild idea for Harley-Davidson – Maybe create TV shows the way He-Man cartoons was created to sell new action figures of a toy company? The way pro-wrestling heavyweight WWE has been producing Hollywood movies to promote their existing and new star wrestlers. That’s where the motorcycle brand may be heading anyway.

Meanwhile Indian and Royal Enfield promote their racers and custom builders in USA to prove their motorcycle’s worth.

H-D Museum X Limited Edition of Jason Momoa is not available for purchase anywhere except the company’s website and at their museum building. So, it seems they are trying to promote the Museum to educate the masses about H-D’s place in America, the culture and freedom, the motorcycle industry, etc.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/say-aloha-to-the-new-harley-davidson-museum-x-jason-momoa-apparel-collection-165427.html

Zero FXE launched: Review and Details

https://blog.bikernet.com/zero-fxe-launched-review-and-details/

Motorcycle dealers in Canada blame rising insurance for drop in sales

https://blog.bikernet.com/motorcycle-dealers-in-canada-blame-rising-insurance-for-drop-in-sales/

–Wayfarer
Editorial Director
Bikernet Blog™

5-BALL RACING TRAVEL TIP OF THE WEEK—Sure, we’re promoting our Bedrolls and Dayrolls. If you’re making the run to the Badlands this year don’t forget tools.

Don’t hit the road without tools, some tools, even a handful of tools. Take tools for yourself and for any rider stuck beside the road. Don’t forget to stop and lend a hand.

–Bandit

[page break]

CAN THE BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY BECOME THE STARBUCKS OF THE RIGHT–Hopefully

To Our BRCC Community,

At Black Rifle Coffee, our mission is “to serve coffee and culture to people who love America”. Of course, this means our coffee must meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Our team of veterans is proud to roast your coffee in small batches, following rigorous health and safety guidelines at our roasting facilities.

We’re committed to serving you online
We’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure our supply chain goes uninterrupted. Club orders should ship per normal, and there’s no shortage of coffee available through our online store to stock up at home, or for family and friends.

Serving you and members of our BRCC community is the highest priority. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are updating you on how we uphold the highest levels of product safety throughout our supply chain.

Our roasting and distribution facilities maintain strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP’s”) for food handling and safety as mandated by the U.S. Government, along with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations on Health Considerations with Pandemic Outbreaks.

All coffee, apparel, and gear is monitored through the entire supply chain, from the moment it arrives at our facilities to the moment it goes out for shipment.

Our coffee is delivered directly to you by mail from our distribution facilities, ensuring higher sanitary standards than what you’ll find at your local grocery stores.

We’re working harder than ever to get your order fulfilled in a timely manner; however, due to recently implemented increased safety measures in our fulfillment centers and unprecedented demand, you may experience a slight delay. Shipping carriers have also temporarily suspended guarantees on delivery dates. Thank you for your continued patience, and please contact us if you have any questions at info@blackriflecoffee.com

If you’re stuck at home for a bit, we’ve got your back with the highest quality coffee you can buy. Thank you for supporting me and our BRCC community.

–Evan Hafer

LEE GREENWOOD AND BRELAND HOMES PARTNER WITH HELPING A HERO TO BUILD HOME FOR SPECIAL VETERAN IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

Lee Greenwood with Patti and Louis Breland
(Photo by Austin Smith)

Today, Lee Greenwood along with Louis and Patti Breland of Breland Homes announced a partnership with Helping a Hero to provide a custom-built home for a wounded warrior in north Alabama as part of the All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood event. Helping a Hero has launched the “Nominate a Hero” program where the community can nominate a wounded veteran for consideration to be selected as a home recipient. Nomination forms can be found on Helping a Hero’s website at helpingahero.org.

“Helping a Hero has helped provide over 100 homes for veterans and I have served as an ambassador for them for over a decade. The work they do is tremendous, especially when you get to hand those keys to a wounded veteran. The reactions are priceless,” said Greenwood. “I know that I am being honored on October 12th and it’s very appreciated, however, after I met Louis and Patti, I knew this was a wonderful opportunity to team together and make a difference. I am honored to share the stage on October 12th to honor a special veteran.”

Breland Homes is one of the top home builders in the southeast with a 46-year history of constructing quality homes in exceptional communities and is one of the most trusted names in the homebuilding industry. Breland’s latest projects include two master-planned mixed-use communities, Clift Farms, and Town Madison. Clift Farms is located on Highway 72 across from Madison Hospital and Town Madison is on I-565 in Madison, which features Toyota Field – home of the new Trash Pandas minor league baseball team.

“When Patti and I met Lee Greenwood and learned about his partnership with Helping a Hero to build homes for our veterans we jumped at the chance to help,” said Louis Breland. “Our nation’s military and the heroes that fought for our country have a special place in our hearts and we are always looking for opportunities to honor and support them. I can’t think of a better way to do this than to build a home for a wounded warrior in our community.”

Helping a Hero is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization that has awarded more than 100 homes in 23 states for wounded warriors injured in the Global War on Terror. Helping a Hero raises funds and works with building partners to design the homes so they are specially adapted to the hero’s needs. Most homes include wider doorways and hallways, roll-in showers, roll under sinks and other adaptations to help our military veterans regain their daily independence after suffering combat-related injuries.

“Helping a Hero is excited to partner with Breland Homes to build a specially adapted home for a wounded hero in Alabama,” said Meredith Iler, Helping a Hero’s chairman emeritus and founder of its home program. “We are counting on Alabamians to help us locate a brave and deserving wounded veteran who was injured while serving the country and needs an adapted home. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom, and this is a way to say ‘thank you for your service.'”

In order to qualify, a veteran must be 100% permanently disabled and injured in combat during the post 9-11 Global War on Terror. Click here for more information on the Nominate a Hero project. Click here for more information on the Selection Process.

AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE STUDY— Wild pigs are having a bigger climate change impact than one million cars – Published in the journal Global Change Biology–BRISBANE, Australia.

Wild pigs may seem like a fairly innocent part of nature, but a new study finds they’re actually having a bigger impact on climate change than the emissions of one million cars.

Researchers from the University of Queensland say by uprooting carbon trapped in soil, the feral porkers are releasing around 4.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually across the globe. That’s the equivalent of 1.1 million automobiles.

An international research team used predictive population models along with advanced mapping techniques to pinpoint the climate damage wild pigs are causing across five continents. Dr. Christopher O’Bryan from the University of Queensland warns that the world’s ever-expanding population of feral pigs could be a “significant threat” to the climate.

“Wild pigs are just like tractors ploughing through fields, turning over soil to find food,” O’Bryan says in a media release. “When soils are disturbed from humans ploughing a field or, in this case, from wild animals uprooting, carbon is released into the atmosphere.”

“Since soil contains nearly three times as much carbon than in the atmosphere, even a small fraction of carbon emitted from soil has the potential to accelerate climate change,” the study author continues. “Our models show a wide range of outcomes, but they indicate that wild pigs are most likely currently uprooting an area of around 36,000 to 124,000 square kilometers, in environments where they’re not native.”

“This is an enormous amount of land, and this not only affects soil health and carbon emissions, but it also threatens biodiversity and food security that are crucial for sustainable development.”

Wild pig populations are a global problem

(CREDIT: The University of Queensland)

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–PARADISE BIKERNET WEELKY NEWS for July 15th, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/PARADISE_BIKERNET_WEELKY_NEWS_for_July_15th_2021.aspx

Comments:

Woohoo! That picture of the burgundy and chrome Trumpet outside the St Giles cafe is from my home city, Oxford , England. Ironic, as my Grandfather’s bro ‘Pops’ bought one just like it in Oxford, 1945, with the proceeds of a ‘heist’ in 1944!

Naw, it couldn’t be the same bike after all these years…

–Paul Harris
Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom

HARLEY-DAVIDSON LAUNCHES H-D1 MARKETPLACE–Ultimate Destination for Pre-Owned Harley-Davidson Motorcycles in North America

MILWAUKEE (July 21, 2021) – Today we are launching H-D1 Marketplace on H-D.com. H-D1 Marketplace will provide consumers with the most comprehensive opportunity to search, experience, sell and purchase pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles across North America.

Backed by the strength and scale of our dealer network and enhanced by the Harley-Davidson Certified™ program for extra peace of mind, H-D1 Marketplace will facilitate a seamless purchase experience for customers looking for that special pre-owned Harley-Davidson.

“The launch of H-D1 Marketplace is the first step towards our ambitious transformation of H-D.com into the leading online destination for everything Harley-Davidson,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “We want our online presence to connect and support our H-D network – from enhanced online experiences, unique community engagement, to exclusive content and learning. The H-D1 Marketplace platform will connect our customers, community and our strong dealer network, with the goal to become the largest marketplace for pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the United States.”

Launching first in USA, H-D1 Marketplace will start with the entire selection of pre-owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles from our participating dealer network, that will be available for our customers to browse and customize online. Powered by H-D Financial Services, customers will have access to innovative, industry-leading financing solutions, to make purchasing even easier. Through the ‘Sell My Bike’ feature, customers will also be able to sell their motorcycles directly into the Harley-Davidson dealer network.

Customer experience is a key element of the Hardwire Strategic Plan, designed to enhance our position as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. The Hardwire puts customers at the forefront of our products, experiences and investments. Our goal is to seamlessly engage with customers, creating a meaningful, unique and personalized experience with Harley-Davidson, every day.

H-D1 Marketplace also fulfills our Hardwire objective to include riders of pre-owned Harley-Davidson’s as an important part of the H-D customer base, recognizing their unique perspectives and contributions to the brand.

To experience and learn more about H-D1 Marketplace, visit www.H-D.com.

LETTER TO AOC FROM J.J. SOLARI–Ocasio-Cortez vs Jeff Bezos in Space

Dear Rep. Cortez,

Today you outdid yourself in clueless Marxist droning whining complaints about people with actual jobs by saying Jeff Bezos, who, unlike yourself, gets paid by customers rather than taxpayers……made it to space on the overburdened backs of his employees. All of whom can quit anytime. Unlike taxpayers who are paying basically a parasite who provides no products and no services, just noise – meaning you – under threat of imprisonment.

I mean, you GOTTA be breaking new ground for preposterous arrogance even for a bureaucrat.

Ya know, it’s a good thing you’re photogenic because the 2-dimensional you is the only you anyone can endure without physical upset because the three dimensional you is Excedrin Headache number 5, 24, and 600.

I mean, really: guy makes a fortune on customer service. I mean ALL his customers are happy….and you’re upset because his WORKERS must actually DO something?

I realize you being a bureaucrat, with no products and no services that anyone actually wants because all government products and services are hell on earth when they even exist at all, I realize that you have no idea what “single-handedly transforming the retail industry”….could possibly mean.

Because you’re a Marxist cult-infused phonograph record with no understanding of industry other than a vague nagging conviction that employment is a right. And that wages should be what you order them to be, not what the employer and the employee agree on. I get that.

You’re a self-contained, self-starting little impudent child voted into office by God only knows what, I get that. But some of us in the adult world applaud Jeff Bezos’s ability to become a huge success at free enterprise to the point of financing his own space program…..while you whine that his employees, who can quit at any time and 90% of whom probably steal from the company one way or another….they’re the real heroes to you.

Because you have the mind of a tricycle. Who takes a good photo.

Even more photogenically, yours,

–J.J. Solari

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2019 Harley-Davidson® FLHX – Street Glide for $22,995.00

SEE IT HERE: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=10807694

THIS IS WHERE HIGHWAY MEETS THE STREET

The original stripped-down hot rod bagger. The look is backed up by the refined power of a Milwaukee-Eight® 107 engine and high-performance suspension for an unmatched ride.

Features may include:

BOOM!™ BOX INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The BOOM!™ Box 4.3 Radio comes standard. To enhance your riding experience, and connect with the world, upgrade to the new BOOM!™ Box GTS infotainment system. It’s an evolved interface experience that offers a modern look, feel and function. It’s exceptionally durable and loaded with features designed specifically for motorcycling.

BATWING FAIRING

The Batwing fairing has an iconic shape with a sleek, progressive style that delivers smooth air flow and reduced head buffeting.

MILWAUKEE-EIGHT® V-TWIN ENGINE

A powerful, smooth-running engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble.

RESPONSIVE SUSPENSION

High-performing front and rear suspension with easily hand-adjustable rear shocks put you in control of a plush ride.

REFLEX™ LINKED BREMBO® BRAKES WITH OPTIONAL ABS

The front and rear brakes are electronically linked to provide exactly the right amount of brake to each tire no matter the road condition. No matter how good you are, this will make you a better rider.

STURGIS TROPHY OF THE WEEK–Do you proudly ride 2-up? So does Stephanie Thompson and she welded up this remarkable trophy to honor the best 2-up touring bike at the #womensday2021 #bikeshow at Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s free-access Crossroads on August 10th.

Free to enter, too. Be there! https://www.bikerbelles.com/…/Women-Wind-Wheels-Bike-Show

WATCH OUT, LOUISIANA PERFECTED THE SPEED TRAP–How Louisiana Perfected the Speed Trap

Like a one-two punch for motorists who are caught in a small-town speed trap in Louisiana (or everywhere else). Especially true if you’re from out of town. The city expects you to pay and has likely rigged the court to not let you win if you fight your ticket. Speed traps are taxation by citation, pure and simple.

–NMA

J.J. COVID DIRECTOR Of COMMUNICATIONS— this is the latest from Fucked-Up Joe

“The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated, and that’s — they’re killing people,” said Biden.

So let me translate this demonic guilt trip into actual reality: according to Joe, people who are not “vaccinated” with the unapproved experimental vial of goodies…..are a pandemic.

The virus is not even in the picture anymore politically. Unvaccinated people are the threat. We have a pandemic of people….who refuse to do what they’re told to do by Joe Biden.

Someone needs to tell Joe Biden to go fuck himself and let’s see if HE can be obedient for once.

–J.J. Solari
Political Analysts
Bikernet.com™

FREEDOM FIGHTS WORK–Maine Bans Civil Asset Forfeiture

It’s the fourth state to halt the abusive practice—and the first to drop out of the federal version, too.

In a massive win for property rights, due process, and civil liberties, Maine last week became the fourth state in the nation to end civil asset forfeiture.

In civil asset forfeiture, law enforcement officers seize someone’s property if they suspect the property was involved in a crime—without ever convicting or even charging the owner with a crime. (This is distinct from criminal asset forfeiture, where someone has been convicted of or at least charged with a crime.)

The Institute for Justice has found that from 2000 through 2019, law enforcement agencies took nearly $69 billion worth of assets from Americans through this unjust procedure. Some of the horror stories became notorious, as when police in Oklahoma took $53,000 from a Burmese Christian rock band over a minor traffic violation, or when police in Arizona seized a man’s Jeep because his girlfriend was accused of using it to sell $25 worth of marijuana to an undercover agent. Both these cases ended with public interest law firms stepping in and helping the victims recoup their assets, but too many stories don’t end that way.

The practice has drawn criticism from all over the political spectrum, ranging from Patrick Leahy to Chuck Grassley in the Senate, from Jaime Raskin to Tim Walberg in the House, and from the ACLU to the Heritage Foundation. The ire comes with good reason: civil forfeiture shifts the burden of proof from the state to the individual, in direct contradiction to the spirit of our Constitution.

Civil forfeiture effectively creates a system wherein Americans are guilty until they can prove that they’re innocent and that the assets seized were not involved in committing a crime.

Read the whole story at: https://thebulwark.com/maine-bans-civil-asset-forfeiture/

By Dan King, The Bulwark.com

ANOTHER, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–PARADISE BIKERNET WEELKY NEWS for July 15th, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/PARADISE_BIKERNET_WEELKY_NEWS_for_July_15th_2021.aspx

Comments:

I recently installed one of those Dennis Kirk phone holders on my FLHTC and I like it.

–Rogue
rogue@bikernet.com
Palm Bay, FL

FLYING PISTON BUILDERS’ BREAKFAST—Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, be there, be there be there.

Michael Lichter’s Builders will be featured along with Stride Bikes and Bandit with five of his books. He will sign each one for a small donation to the Kids Ride school campaign.

Don’t miss the Builders’ Breakfast, the grub, the auction and my fucking books.

–Bandit

[page break]

NEW FROM ZODIAC–Replica Linkert M88 Carburetor

Completely built in Europe from all new parts, this replica carburetor looks 100% the same as the original that is found on 1940 and later WLA and WLC 45 ci side valve (Army) models.

I wonder why they picked this model to duplicate? –Bandit

FIRST RALLY WRAP-UP PARTY SCHEDULED--In 81 years, there has never been a wrap up party for the greatest motorcycle rally in the world…until now.

We would love for you and your team to be a part of it!

Produced by our 501c3 non-profit MOTOvational.org, along with Rod Woodruff of the Buffalo Chip. Join us at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event Center on Friday, August 13th.

What better way to end Sturgis than a party for your team to wind down and meet up with all our industry friends before you pack up the rig and head home.

We will have individual tickets or table packages of 8 or 10 available to purchase with all proceeds benefiting charity. We also have sponsorships/supporter packages and additional opportunities available for you and your brand. All packages and tickets are considered a tax-deductible charitable donation.

We do hope you are able to attend, and I also would like to ask if you could help increase attention through sharing this event with your network – we know bikers are the most willing to lend a hand. The more tickets we sell the more funds we raise for TreasuredHouse

Learn more at www.SturgisRallyWrapParty.com or feel free to email or call me anytime to discuss.

–Bryan

CALIFORNIA SMOG INSPECTORS TO CHECK FOR ILLEGALLY TUNED VEHICLES–Beginning July 19, California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) may fail motor vehicles during their “smog check” inspection if they are found to have software modifications (tunes) not provided by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or approved through a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO).

These changes have generated significant concern within the enthusiast community, along with some misinformation. Here are the facts.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In California, a vehicle’s software is considered part of its emissions system. Therefore, any modification to the vehicle’s software requires approval from the state through CARB’s EO process to be considered legal.

This provision is not new.

However, the state will now check to make sure your vehicle’s software is factory-stock or has received an approved EO from CARB. If not, your vehicle may fail its smog check. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is working with BAR to ensure that vehicles modified legally do not inadvertently fail.

BAR anticipates approximately 5-10 vehicles will fail each day for illegally modified software. For context, BAR inspects approximately 1 million vehicles each month as part of the smog check program. Roughly 10,000 of these inspections result in failures due to problems other than modified software. In other words, BAR expects very few vehicles to fail for illegally modified software.

If your vehicle fails for illegally modified software, it must be restored to an OEM setup or CARB EO approved software configuration before it may be retested.

If your vehicle fails for illegally modified software and you believe it is already an OEM setup or CARB EO approved, you may schedule an appointment with the Referee for further inspection.

If you unknowingly purchased a vehicle with illegally modified software, you may file a complaint with BAR.

It’s important to note that BAR has had the authority to implement these changes since 2013 but has been gathering the data necessary to operate the program since at least 2015.

During a meeting of the BAR Advisory Group on July 15, BAR staff expressed confidence that non-tuning ECU modifications, such as aftermarket wheel and tire calibrations, would not result in failed inspections. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the California Department of Consumer Affair’s YouTube channel in the coming days.

To ensure equipment upgrades comply with emissions regulations, the SEMA Garage emissions compliance center helps manufacturers of performance related products, including ECU modifications, to obtain approved CARB EOs.

Questions? Please email stateleg@sema.org.

HEADLINE OF THE WEEK–some bears went into a swimming pool. That means we are in a climate crisis dystopia. Reporters should be executed.

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

WARREN LANE’S TRUE GRIT
Sat. August 7, 2021
Noon Till It’s Over
CHOPPER & ANTIQUE SHOW

Warren Lane’s Choppers and Antique Show, in cooperation with Cycle Source
magazine. Free Public entry encouraged, show your best chopper or antique motorcycle to compete for killer trophies crafted by Warren Lane.

–Chris Callen

DURING STURGIS CLOSING CEREMONY–
My Medic To Support American Daredevil
Cole Freeman’s Motorcycle Jump Over Main St

High-Flying Motorcycle Daredevil fun comes with a risk, and no one understands that risk better than former EMT and firefighter Cole Freeman.

My Medic proudly announces support of Freeman during one of the most iconic stunts to take place in Downtown Sturgis during the city’s 81st Motorcycle Rally. Freeman will inject adrenaline-fueled thrills and champion support for non-profit group RESPONDER RESCUE as the main event during the Rally’s closing ceremonies on Saturday, August 14th, 2021.

The American Daredevil BlockParty will take over the corner of Main Street and Harley-Davidson Way, kicking off at 11 am for ticket holders. Freeman will attempt his next death-defying motorcycle jump LIVE- and advocate the importance of why motorcyclists should always carry a first aid kit.

“When seconds matter, it only makes sense to carry a My Medic First Aid Kit on your motorcycle; it can save lives and should be something we all carry. I had personally needed one of these kits after a head-on collision in Sturgis last year claimed two lives. Unfortunately, I was helpless in the fact I had no tools to rescue either victim. I won’t ride without a first aid kit again, and neither should you.” -Cole Freeman shared.

The crowd will be thrilled by Freeman’s exciting motorcycle stunts and his grand finale ramp-to ramp jump. He will also be raffling off a custom-built motorcycle, with proceeds going to Responder Rescue. In addition, audience members will have a chance to score one of many My Medic First Aid Kits!

“When we heard of Cole’s determination to help first responders, we knew we wanted to support his efforts. We are proud to support Cole because of his first-hand experience; he understands the importance of always having life-saving first aid items on hand. It’s great to watch Cole as he uses his daredevil skills to not only entertain but to help educate people how to be prepared with first aid.” David Barlow, CEO of MyMedic™, stated.

J.J.’S BURMA SHAVE--The 7:30 boner /
is why we all are here /
not because of passion /
whiskey, gin or beer /
not because your mom /
was so mother fucking hot /
because the 7:30 boner /
would fuck a pile of snot /
the boner on a timeclock /
has no inhibitions /
it will fuck a snake you hold its head /
it has no standards or conditions /
it will fuck whatever’s in the room /
when 7:30 rings /
it will fuck a dead corpse in the tomb /
or a plate of onion rings /
i think it’s fuckin’ safe to say /
and repeat for the whole fuckin’ day
that without the 7:30 protocols /
you’d still be in your father’s balls /
burma shave

–J.J. Solari

Gugle Mcfrugle’s Bike Show and Swap Meet on July 24th at the 1st Ave Bar –2310 N 1st St, Lincoln, NE 68521 from 10:30-6PM

-Vintage Bikes

-Swap Meet

-Food

-Raffles

Contact: 402-641-5713 or guglemcfrugle@gmail.com for vender spots.

$10 for an 8 ft table indoors. Limited availability for vender spots.
Good bikes, music and fun. Follow them on Instagram for updates

UNEARTHED WORDS FROM THE BASE OF THE GRAY MOUNTAIN—
“The duty of the common man is to obey the commands of his God–i.e. society; but the children of Light never do so. This is an eternal law.

One accommodates himself to surroundings and social opinion and gets all good things from the giver of all good–society. The other stands alone and draws society up towards him.

The accommodating man finds a path of roses; the non-accommodating, one of thorns. But the worshipers of Vox populi go to annihilation in a moment; the children of truth live forever.”

– Swami Vivekananda,
Letter to Miss Mary Hale. From New York: February 1, 1895. Complete Works, 5. 70–71.

SUFFRAGISTS RISE–Alisa Clickenger and Women’s Motorcycle Tours Announces Partnership with Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC is sponsoring 2019 Iron Butt Association Rally champion Wendy Crockett on the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride (SCMR2021). Suzuki will also provide marketing support to extend visibility and reach for the Women’s Motorcycle Festival & Conference.

NORTH CAROLINA, JULY 21, 2021 – Women’s Motorcycle Tours welcomes Suzuki Motor USA, LLC as a sponsor of the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride, July 31 – August 20, 2021 and the Women’s Motorcycle Festival & Conference, August 19 – 22, 2021.

During the ride, Suzuki will be represented by Wendy Crockett, winner of the 2019 Iron Butt Rally, who will be riding from Portland, Oregon to Arlington, Virginia where she will showcase the experience for both Women’s Motorcycle Tours and SMC through video and photo.

“I am so happy that Suzuki is joining us on the Centennial Ride. They were a key supporter of my 2016 Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride cross-country event and it is fun to be working with them once again,” said Clickenger. “Suzuki makes terrific motorcycles, and I am delighted that Wendy Crockett will be riding a Suzuki V-STROM 1050XT as it’s the ideal cross-country motorcycle for this type of adventure.”

“Suzuki is very excited to sponsor this incredible women’s riding event and conference,” said Kerry Graeber, Vice President, Division Manager, MC/ATV Sales and Marketing. “Our involvement with Women’s Motorcycle Tours, the Suffragists Centennial Motorcycle Ride, and Wendy Crockett showcase the Suzuki V-STROM’s engineering, technology and riding excitement like no other event on the national schedule. Women riders are a key component of growing our industry.”

NEW FROM THE BUCKLE GUY–We have a new style of carabiner: the B9757 series.

These new carabiners are well-balanced, with smooth edges, curves, and clip connection.

In addition to the staple finishes of Antique Brass and Natural Brass, the carabiners are now for the first time available in PVD Black, always a fan favorite for its robust color and unmatched durability.

Please note these carabiners are for key chains and accessory use only, not climbing or load bearing. Safety first!

The Buckleguy Team
www.buckleguy.com

THE HARLEY STOCK MARKET REPORT–Harley’s stock tumbles as inflation worries overshadow progress on turnaround.

(Reuters) -Harley-Davidson Inc on Wednesday warned soaring raw material prices and supply chain and logistics bottlenecks would hurt its earnings in the second half of the year, prompting a sell-off in its shares.

In the latest quarter, raw material and logistics inflation shaved off 5 points from the U.S. motorcycle maker’s profits. The shipping delays, meanwhile, are affecting deliveries of bikes to dealers, hitting sales especially in Europe and Asia.

Harley said the supply chain logjam would keep inventories depleted at company dealerships in the remainder of the year.

“We’re going to sell what we make essentially,” Chief Executive Jochen Zeitz told investors on an earnings call.

To mitigate the mounting cost pressure, the company will impose an average 2% pricing surcharge from July 1 on some of its bikes sold in the United States.

The measure, however, will not completely offset elevated raw material costs.

Inflation worries overshadowed Harley’s better-than-expected earnings in the quarter through June, which offered evidence that Zeitz’s turnaround plan was gaining traction.

The company’s shares fell after opening higher. They were last trading down 7.3% at $40.61.

The 118-year-old American brand, which has failed to post sales growth in the United States in the past six years, has shifted focus back to big bikes, traditional markets like the United States and Europe, and to older and wealthier customers in a bid to grow profits.

Although the company’s performance in the latest quarter was exaggerated by a favorable statistical base as most of its dealerships in the United States were hit by pandemic-linked lockdowns last year, it offered signs that the new strategy was working.

For example, unit sales of its bikes in the United States – Harley’s biggest market – were higher than in the second quarter of 2019.

Similarly, the motorcycle maker substantially reduced the share of cheaper and low-margin models in overall shipments and was able to drive up sales despite spending less on marketing and promotions.

The measures helped mitigate about a $16-million hit in the quarter from increased tariffs on its bikes in the European Union – its second-biggest market.

Harley’s products in the EU are now subjected to 31% tariff after a ruling revoked the credentials that allowed it to ship motorcycles to the single currency zone from its international manufacturing facilities at a 6% duty.

Citing the higher tariff, the company revised down operating income guidance from motorcycle sales to 6% to 8% in 2021 from 7%-9% estimated earlier.

On an adjusted basis, Harley earned $1.41 per share in the quarter, beating analysts’ average estimate of $1.17 per share, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

— By Rajesh Kumar Singh and Ankit Ajmera
Reuters

The MIC Team Hosts Rider Training for NYC Media and Influencers–The MIC Communications team hosted 10 media and influencer guests in New York City for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse, the motorcycle licensing class. The group included staff from online travel and entertainment website Thrillist, an editor from Quartz, and financial experts who are regulars on television news programs.

“Hosting a class for media is one of the best ways we build our relationships,” said Andria Yu, MIC director of media relations. “We not only get to spend an entire weekend with them – many also get their first taste of riding a motorcycle and many also go on to earn their motorcycle licenses.”

Once these journalists and influencers gain their endorsements from the Department of Motor Vehicles, staff from the MIC will help them with their first road rides.

“We become not only PR folks to them, but their first riding buddies who can help provide mentorship and guidance,” Yu said. “This level of care has resulted in many positive, earned media placements for motorcycling over the years, in large national outlets, such as the New York Times, USA Today, Fox News, BuzzFeed, Popular Science, Men’s Journal, Thrillist, and many more.”

–MIC

SIX FACTS– the Left Doesn’t Want You To Know About Global Warming

Biden implores us that climate change is an “existential threat” to humanity. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry preaches to us that “[t]he climate crisis as a whole is a national security threat because it is disruptive to the daily lives of human beings all over the world.” Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warns us that in 2030, “the world is going to end … if we don’t address climate change.”

Hold on to your wallet. The Left’s global warming Chicken Littles insist that the sky is falling but don’t want you to know six key facts.

First, in his new book “Unsettled,” Obama Administration Department of Energy chief scientist Steven Koonin shows that the models relied upon by the Left to predict future global warming are so poor that they cannot even reproduce the temperature changes in the 20th century.

If these models cannot reproduce past temperatures already known when the models were developed, how can they possibly reliably predict temperatures decades into the future?

Second, Koonin’s book also documents that the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s own analysis indicates that any negative economic impact that global warming eventually may have will be so modest that it warrants no action.

Third, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the UN IPPC do not claim that a link has been established between global warming and natural disasters.

In 2020, the NOAA stated: “it is premature to conclude with high confidence that increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities have had a detectable impact on Atlantic basin hurricane activity,” and “changes in tropical cyclone activity … are not yet detectable.”

The UN IPPC, the Wall Street Journal reported, “says that it too lacks evidence to show that warming is making storms and flooding worse.”

Fourth, as the earth’s temperature has risen, natural disasters have become far less deadly.

Since 1920, the planet’s temperature has risen by 1.29 degrees Celsius and world population has quadrupled from less than two billion to over seven and half billion – yet EM-DAT, The International Disaster Database, reports that the number of people killed by natural disasters has declined by over 80 percent, from almost 550,000 per year to less than 100,000 per year.

Fifth, some of the world’s best scientists believe that global warming will be beneficial rather than harmful.

In 2017, a group of eminent scientists – such as Richard Lindzen of MIT and William Happer of Princeton – wrote that “[o]bservations [over the last] 25 years … show that warming from increased atmospheric CO2 will be benign.”

Carbon dioxide, they noted, “is not a pollutant but a major benefit to agriculture and other life on Earth.”

Sixth, global warming saves lives. A study published in 2015 by the British medical journal The Lancet found that cold kills over 17 times more people than heat.

This study by 22 scientists from around the world – which examined over 74 million deaths in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States in 1985-2012, “the largest dataset ever collected to assess temperature-health associations”– reported that cold caused 7.29 percent of these deaths, while heat caused only 0.42 percent.

And small changes in the temperature matter: “moderately hot and cold temperatures” caused 88.85 percent of the temperature-related deaths, while “extreme” temperatures caused only 11.15 percent.

We must not let the Left bully us into draconian action with unfounded claims of a looming climate catastrophe. Know the facts. Global warming is not a problem.
David M. Simon is a senior fellow at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity and a lawyer in Chicago. For more, please see www.dmswritings.com.

–By David Simon
www.realclearmarkets.com

DON’T TELL ME I’M DONE—and can have a whiskey. It’s too early. Okay, so Trent and his son, who may be a no-speaking dour teenager are tiling the basement. They will lay grout on Saturday, the day my Son flies into the Badlands for a short Pre-Rally visit.

We will attempt to put the Basement back together this weekend. For weeks prior to this weekend, Jerry and I have been preparing the basement for the heated tiles. It’s about 90 degrees today. Heat isn’t an issue. Fortunately Trent and his son are working in the cool basement.

Since I haven’t been in the Bikernet physical sweat shop over the last couple of days, the creative juices flowed. Look at what we put together in our Stolen Motorcycle File. I started to work on an old road story from back in the day. I’m going to launch it with Sam’s shots next week.

We have a new NCOM Newsbytes from Bill Bish, which I will launch tomorrow. It outlines how and when a big chunk of the world plans to ban internal combustion engines over the next 15-20 years. There’s more and more evidence that CO2 is a good thing and burning it might be helping the planet, but even NCOM won’t go there.

I said I was going to back off some of this stuff, but I can’t help but to post the truth, so brothers know they aren’t being bad when they ride to the rally, but it’s all good.

I’m working with Michael Lichter on his Chip Art Exhibit by writing some captions. The story about Matt Olsen’s Knucklehead build is amazing. The accident wasted frame was toast, and he brought it back to life.

I’m trying to carve out some time to work with Jack McIntyre on his galleries. Maybe next week we can kick it off. I’ll make a note.

In the meantime, come to the Badlands and have a blast. It’s free here…

–Bandit

The Investigation is Ongoing

Hey,

I wrote my first book around a stolen motorcycle called Prize Possession. It was about my bike being stolen from the Easyriders magazine offices in Agoura Hills.

Recently, we thought about writing a series about stolen motorcycles. Readers started to send me news clippings about motorcycle thieves.

The stories keep coming. So, we decided to create an archive of Stolen motorcycle stories.

Ride Fast and Free Forever,
— Bandit

Click Here to check out this new series of articles on Bikernet.com

Join the Cantina for more – Subscribe Today.

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

CLICK HERE TO BUY BANDIT’s FIRST BOOK AT 5-BALL RACING SHOP

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is sponsoring a Women in Powersports professional meeting during the in-person Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference. The Women’s Industry Meeting & Breakfast Powered by MIC will be at the Crystal City Sports Pub on Thursday, August 19, from 9 am to noon, in Arlington, Virginia, not far from the nation’s capital.

Admission is $59 per person. CLICK HERE TO Visit the Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference for more information and to purchase tickets. Enter promo code WIP to unlock all the ticket options, including the breakfast.

2021 Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference
( August 19-22, 2021 )

SEE https://centennialride.com/motoconference/

This is the first LIVE Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference hosted by Alisa Clickenger and Women’s Motorcycle Tours. Thursday begins it all: the Women in Powersports Professional Development in the morning, and the arrival of the cross-country Centennial riders in the afternoon. Friday is the General Session (education) and evening connection session. Saturday begins the weekend Outdoor Motorcycle and Festival, starting with the historical Parade through Washington, D.C. Saturday and Sunday Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Slingshot, and Harley-Davidson will be offering demo rides, which are also open to the public, and there will be games, activities, MOTUL’s oil change pod for on-the-spot oil changes, as well as food trucks and fun!

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET

Space is limited to 300 due to Covid-19 restrictions so register today!

There are multiple registration options. There is an “everything” ticket which includes many meals, all entertainment, four days at the 2021 Women’s Motorcycle Festival and Conference (both indoor and outdoor events), the group parade through Washington, D.C., the group photo, plus the closing ceremony dinner. There are also a-la-carte tickets in which you pay for just what you want to participate in.

Ticket prices go up August 1, so book now and risk-free: all tickets are refundable up to 30 days before the event.

FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021 │ WELCOME DAY + RIDE IN

Industry Meeting Welcome Breakfast
Conference attendees arrive
Cross-country Centennial Riders arrive
Welcome Reception for Cross Country Riders and Conference Attendees
100 Years Past and Future Display
Centennial Ride Dinner and Completion Ceremony

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 │GENERAL SESSION

Breakfast Buffet
General Session: Educational Seminars, Networking, and other Activities
Lunch Break
General Session: Educational Seminars, Networking, and other Activities
Friday Night Connection Session with fun and games

For the full list of speakers and presentations click here

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021│OUTDOOR RIDE FESTIVAL + DEMO RIDES

Breakfast Buffet & Rider’s Meeting
Police Escorted Parade Ride and Fundraiser for Final Salute, Inc.
Outdoor Ride Festival
Demo Rides – Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Slingshot, and Harley-Davidson
Stage Presentations
Food Trucks
Fun!
Grand Finale Dinner Program

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2021│OUTDOOR RIDE FESTIVAL + DEMO RIDES

Event’s Final Breakfast Buffet
Outdoor Ride Festival
Demo Rides – Indian Motorcycle, Polaris Slingshot, and Harley-Davidson
Stage Presentations
Food Trucks
Fun!

We have a $99/night group rate at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington for all registrants. When you register we’ll send you a link to our room block.

What’s NOT Included:

Accommodations, incidentals at the hotels, alcoholic beverages, gas, tips, tolls, and museum entry fees.

HIGHWAY BILL PASSES HOUSE INCLUDING MOTORCYCLIST-SUPPORTED PROVISIONS
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America” or INVEST in America Act (H.R. 3684) on July 1, 2021 by a mostly partisan vote of 221-201.  The five-year $715 billion surface transportation and water infrastructure bill directs federal investments in roads, bridges, transit, rail, and clean water programs, and also contains several key provisions benefiting motorcycle riders;

SEC. 3005: GRANT PROGRAM TO PROHIBIT RACIAL PROFILING was amended to include grant funding to include “the costs of collecting, maintaining, and evaluating data on the driver’s mode of transportation at traffic stops” to help determine biker profiling by law enforcement.

SEC. 3011: STOP MOTORCYCLE CHECKPOINT FUNDING, not only expands prohibitions on motorcycle-only checkpoints, but also prohibits law enforcement activities that “otherwise profile and stop motorcycle operators or motorcycle passengers using as a factor the clothing or mode of transportation of such operators or passengers.”

SEC. 3013: MOTORCYCLIST ADVISORY COUNCIL, reauthorizes the MAC to “advise the Secretary, the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration on transportation issues of concern to motorcyclists,” including “barrier design, road design, construction, and maintenance practices, and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation systems technologies.”

H.R. 3684 specifies that motorcycles must be taken into consideration when the Department of Transportation (DOT) conducts safety studies on autonomous vehicles.

Additionally, the Highway Bill earmarks $5,760,000 in 405 safety funds to states for motorcyclist safety in the next fiscal year, and increases program funding by more than a third annually through 2025.

Once the Senate passes their own version of the highway bill, both chambers will come together in a Conference Committee to iron out any differences before sending the bill to the President for his signature.

RIGHT TO REPAIR MAKES HEADWAY
Consumers may soon have more choice over where to take products, from vehicles to smartphones, to be repaired following a new Biden Administration executive order intended to promote right-to-repair protections.

In a broad-ranging executive order aimed at increasing competition in the marketplace, President Biden has asked the Federal Trade Commission to draft regulations that would prevent manufacturers from stipulating that these and other devices can be repaired only by authorized personnel.

Tucked into the executive order that covered 72 initiatives to promote competition in the U.S. economy, Biden specifically asked the FTC to crack down on “unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party repair or self-repair of items.”

The new directive to the FTC comes a couple of months after the commission delivered a 54-page report to Congress that concluded “there is scant evidence to support manufacturers’ justifications for repair restrictions.”

MIC ‘RIDE WITH US’ INITIATIVE AIMS TO GET “NEW RIDERS, RIDING MORE”
“Ride With Us” — the powersports industry’s multifaceted market expansion program — has been officially launched by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).

“In late 2019 at MIC’s Communication Symposium, we shared the MIC’s vision for growing ridership – more riders, riding more,” said Paul Vitrano, chairman of the MIC Board of Directors and senior vice president/senior assistant general counsel of Polaris, in the announcement.  “We were excited to begin operationalizing the plan in early 2020, but the pandemic caused us to pause and refocus our efforts on helping powersports businesses remain open.”

“While we were navigating the coronavirus, we also were working hard to prepare for the post-pandemic environment,” said Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the MIC.  “Our preparation included a number of initiatives tied to each phase of the new rider journey — Inspire, Explore, Engage, and Integrate — as well supporting new-rider education initiatives.”

The MIC is leading a task force composed of industry-leading marketing talent to help develop the program.  As a part of the ‘Ride With Us’ program, the MIC is also delivering new 45-minute first-ride experiences for people who have never ridden a motorcycle before.

EMISSION-FREE MOTORCYCLES PLAY KEY ROLE IN U.K. TRANSPORTATION PLAN
The British government plans to ban the sale of gasoline-powered motorcycles, and from 2035 all new motorcycles must be zero emission, with powered two-wheelers (PTW) set to play a key role in a new Government Transport Decarbonisation Plan following years of behind the scenes campaigning from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).

The Department for Transport announced the radical new plan earlier this month, which pledges to end the sale of all new, non-zero emission road vehicles by 2040 at the latest, as well as phasing out the sale of all new non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles in that timeframe.

The 220-page DfT plan states that the government will “consult this year on a phase out date of 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible, for the sale of new non-zero emission powered two and three wheelers.”

Unlike in some previous transport announcements, motorcycles and scooters have been considered from the outset, thanks to consultations between the MCIA and government ministers spanning the past three years.

U.S. AND E.U. LEADERS REACH TRUCE IN RETALIATORY TARIFFS WAR
The current European and U.S. trade dispute dates back to 2004 when both parties accused one another of unfairly subsidizing aircraft giants Boeing and Airbus.  In 2018, the World Trade Organization declared both sides guilty, allowing the U.S. to implement $7.5 billion in tariffs and the E.U. to retaliate with $4 billion in duties.

Over the years, the retributive approach on both sides extended the tariffs beyond the aircraft manufacturers, and from French wine to American whiskey to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the tax rates ballooned.  In 2018, the dispute intensified into an all-out trade war when former President Donald Trump imposed new steel and aluminum tariffs on several NATO allies.

That decision spurred the E.U. to hit back with a series of tax hikes that would have levied a 56-percent tariff on American motorcycles over 500cc.  Luckily, the E.U. relented, delaying the measures until December, 2021.  However, that didn’t solve the impending trade crisis for brands like Harley-Davidson.

MORE COUNTRIES BANNING GAS-POWERED MOTORCYCLES
It seems that more and more nations are beginning to adopt a policy of allowing only brand new electric-powered vehicles to be sold in their jurisdictions in the near future, and now Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle market with more than 112-million motorcycles on its busy streets, has declared that no more new internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles should be sold in the country by 2050.

Singapore also adopted a similar policy by banning motorcycles they consider “old” from their streets by 2028. India, as well as some European nations, had already enacted similar measures earlier. Now, Canada is the newest country that’s taking on drastic measures to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In a recent announcement from the Canadian government agency, Transport Canada (TC), they are accelerating the complete eradication of ICE-powered vehicles by outlawing them by 2035 — which is 5-years earlier than the original 2040 plan.

“Today, we take another important step on the road to net zero by accelerating our zero-emission vehicle targets to 2035,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., the Canadian minister of natural resources.  “Achieving this target will require all Canadians, and businesses big and small, to embrace the change and go electric.”

Like other countries initiating combustion vehicle sales bans, the plan is to end new vehicle sales, and does not mention plans for older vehicles.  Most such plans rely on older vehicles eventually phasing themselves out as they become impractical to repair and own over time.

MANDATORY MOTORCYCLE INSPECTIONS MAY HIT EUROPE IN 2023
The idea of mandatory periodic technical inspections (PTI) for motorcycles in Europe has been looming for some time now, since 2104, but new information indicates this legislation could be coming sooner than expected.

In fact, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has confirmed it is preparing a decree in the Council of State to establish a date and basic parameters for inspections starting in 2023.

European Parliament wants mandatory inspections for motorized two-wheelers in every state of the European Union, while the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Association (FEMA) argues that such a Europe-wide law is unnecessary, citing existing inspection regulations, a low risk of accidents due to technical defects, and possible collusion with inspection companies.

EASYRIDERS ON THE COMEBACK TRAIL
Easyriders magazine was known as the “biker’s bible” for over 50 years, before ceasing production in 2019, but now Classic Easyriders will kickstart a new era beginning this December, drawing on its rich heritage as an integral part of the biker lifestyle.

“Our industry needs a paper magazine as well as a digital presence now more than ever before, to capture and promote the American motorcycle culture,” says editor-in-chief Dave Nichols.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “A page of history is worth a volume of logic.”

ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).

Hey,

I wrote my first book around a stolen motorcycle called Prize Possession. It was about my bike being stolen from the ER offices in Agoura Hills. I went after my Evo built by Mil Blair and Spin painted and installed Indian-styled fenders. It was unique. It’s a wild story and with the help of a few bros I got it back.

Recently, we thought about writing a series about stolen motorcycles. Readers started to send me news clippings about motorcycle thieves. I recently moved to Deadwood and have been scrambling to prepare for the Rally, but the stories keep coming. So, we decided to create an archive of Stolen motorcycle stories.

Keep ‘em coming and hopefully, if you have an issue with your stolen Prize possession, you’ll find inspiration here. Note: The photos displayed here are not connected to stories. They came from Sam’s collection of cool chopper shots and girls. What could be wrong with that.

–Bandit

Stolen Motorcycle Recovered 48 Years Later

Better late than never?
Whenever we are a victim of theft, we tend to hold out some hope that perhaps our stuff can be recovered. More often than not, our hopes are in vain, and our stuff is never recovered. Those of us who have gone through this can relate to frustrating interactions with police, who seem to give up immediately on putting any effort into recovering stolen goods.

That’s why this story is an unusual one: not just that a stolen motorcycle is recovered, but that it took 48 years to do so. The 1957 Harley-Davidson Panhead motorcycle was stolen from owner Delroy Sims who lived on the east side of Houston, Texas some time in 1963. At the time it was still a relatively new machine.

Not only is it nearly a miracle that the bike was recovered, but the fact that it’s in good shape and running adds mystery to the miracle. The world may never know the story here and it’s kind of killing me. Who stole it, and where has it been living this whole time? Did the most recent buyer know it was stolen? Did they lose whatever money they spent on it? How did it come to be identified as stolen, and what kind of proof did the son of the original owner have, that this was in fact his father’s motorcycle?

The original owner, sadly, did not live to see the motorcycle that he had apparently spent his life’s savings on, recovered from its theft. The bike was restored to his family, though, and his son has taken possession of the bike, which is now a classic. The great news about this is, the current (actual) owner isn’t going to turn around and sell his dad’s recently-reacquired classic. Delroy Sims’ son Darrell says the bike helps him feel closer to his dad, and that he’s going to restore the bike to what it looked like when his dad owned it.

Darrell says “I probably miss my dad everyday and now he’ll be in my garage.” He notes, “you offer me $100,000 dollars today and I don’t think I’d take it. I don’t think I’d take a quarter million.”

Hopefully whomever purchased the stolen bike is at least heartwarmed that the motorcycle is treated as an heirloom, and not a windfall, for this family.

Source: KHOU

Thieves Steal Motorcycles From Houston Motocross Track. Twice.

The badass motorcycle owner won’t ever have anything stolen again!

All of us who own and ride motorcycles are always, even if just a little bit, worried they’ll be stolen. We know there are motorcycle thieves out there. We know bikes are relatively easy to pop into a van or a truck and it only takes a minute or three for that bike to disappear.

We take precautions, but sometimes thieves break into our locked garages and take the bike and our gear and our stuff!

This is the nightmare that unfolded in Klamath Falls, Oregon, when a homeowner there discovered his Honda CR450X stolen out of his garage, along with riding gear and some other items, including, apparently, a 9mm handgun. For those not familiar, that CR450X is a Honda dirtbike, and powerful for a dirtbike, but it is definitely no match for a pickup truck on paved roads (dun dun DUNNNN).

The homeowner, 39-year-old Dustin Wade, was out in his Chevy pickup truck in a residential neighborhood and saw the thief ride past him, on the stolen bike. “He was wearing my helmet, and my wife’s coat and had my backpack on,” says Wade. He then gave chase: Wade followed his own motorcycle with the thief aboard it, at speeds sometimes topping 70mph. It only took about five minutes for the thief to crash the motorcycle and run. Did Wade give up? Heck no! He got out of his truck and chased the guy down on foot, tackled him and held him down until the police showed up.

Keep in mind that Wade knew this whole time that the guy had also quite probably stolen a handgun from him, and that he might be armed, but that didn’t stop our hero.

The thief, 45-year-old Darrell Duane Grisel, was not only armed with a stolen .22-caliber revolver (which is not the gun stolen from Wade) but was also carrying a PVC pipe bomb in his (stolen) backpack at the time of his arrest.

If we were all this badass, motorcycle thieves everywhere would think twice about taking stuff that does not belong to them. Bike thieves are the worst. This one has been convicted and sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison, but mostly because of the firearms charge.

Source: OregonLive

$200K worth of motorcycles stolen from Heartland Harley-Davidson

By Michaele Niehaus
The Hawk Eye

Burlington police are investigating the theft of about $200,000 worth of motorcycles from Heartland Harley-Davidson.

Lt. Wayne Thomson, commander of the Burlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, said the burglary occurred at about 2:40 a.m. April 30, when a display window was broken, allowing the burglar or burglars entry to the business at 117 S. Roosevelt Ave.

The break-in triggered the retailer’s security alarm. By the time police arrived, several motorcycles had been taken from the property.

Police are reviewing security footage from the area and following up on leads.

As of Thursday, Heartland Harley-Davidson had not responded to The Hawk Eye’s requests for comment.

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Amarillo police say a motorcycle stolen during a burglary has been recovered.

Amarillo Crime Stoppers asked for help locating a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King stolen during a burglary.

Police said the burglary took place at a home near S. Philadelphia Street and SE 7th Avenue on Saturday, March 20.

Amarillo Crime Stoppers – Stolen Auto Day ***UPDATE*** This stolen motorcycle has been recovered. Amarillo Crime…

Posted by Amarillo Crime Stoppers on Monday, April 12, 2021

A CHASE FOR A STOLEN MOTORCYCLE
23/07/2020

A stolen motorcycle is any rider’s worst nightmare. For Steve, however, the nightmare had not only become real, but it seemed to never end as he struggled to recover his stolen bike. Thankfully, this story does have a happy ending – but it took several months for Steve and the local police to find and retrieve his motorcycle.

“This whole happening was very emotionally draining for me because this motorcycle meant a lot to me, as I was dreaming of buying one for the past five years”, Steve told us. “Adventure motorcycling is my most loved hobby and I can sincerely tell you that I felt legless without my moto”, he explained. And we totally get it: our bikes aren’t just mere means of transport, and any rider would understand why Steve had a tough time while his motorcycle was missing.

Back in January, Steve had parked his motorcycle on the street in London securing it with two locks and chains going through the rear wheel and around a steel post on the sidewalk, plus a disc lock and an alarm. The motorcycle was covered and had the Monimoto tracker hidden underneath the fairings. In other words, Steve wasn’t careless and did everything by the book: several layers of security including a cover, chains, disc locks, and an alarm. You’d think the bike was safe, and yet, the thieves still managed to get at it.

“They stole it at about 5 pm, it was already dark and they took advantage of the fact that a neighbor was working on his house those days, so there were noises of angle grinders all throughout the week. It took the thieves about ten minutes to remove all security measures and cut the front disk to remove the disk lock. Worse yet, they’ve threatened my neighbor to stay in house – she was the one to call the police. Finally, they took off by dragging or pushing my bike with a moped, according to two witnesses”, Steve explained.

Not only the thieves cut chains and locks on the bike and threatened a neighbor, but it appears the criminals were especially aggressive. “When I got the call from Monimoto, I went to the window to see the bike was gone. There was a crowd of people around that spot. I rushed out to find out there was a huge scandal: apparently, one of my neighbors kept throwing rocks at the thieves as they were working on the bike, but they were not bothered and just took off with the motorcycle”, Steve recalled.

He immediately called the police, and the officers agreed to go on a search based on Monimoto tracker’s signals. The tracking device was still active – the thieves hadn’t spotted it – and it was sending out approximate locations of the bike.

After the initial search, Steve realized they were simply too late. Having spoken with Monimoto support and the police, he decided to continue searching on his own.

As bad luck would have it, however, the Monimoto tracker was only providing approximate locations instead of pinpointing exactly where the bike was. When installing the tracker, it’s crucial to test it out and make sure the GPS tracker is sending an exact location. If you notice a problem or get approximate location, please always let us know, and we’ll do our best to help you fix the issue.

Realizing only an approximate location was being given, Steve was still determined to comb the area and see if he could find the stolen motorcycle.

“Although the thieves have ditched my bike somewhere in the first night – as they always do to prevent police from locating them – I just could not find it. I went to the neighborhood where the approximate coordinates were indicating and contacted the police, then we went out on the streets searching for the bike. But we just had no luck at all”, Steve remembered. “The day after, I started getting signals again. It seemed the thieves were on the move, but again, I only received approximate signals.

This was Friday. On Saturday, I went with a friend and searched around Essex, where it had ended up at that point. I could only speculate as to where exactly the bike was and try to ask around. For the upcoming month, I kept receiving approximate locations, so I kept trying to reach local neighborhood watch groups to make them aware of my bike”, Steve said.

Eventually, Steve decided to claim the insurance on the stolen motorcycle, as it seemed the bike was gone for good. It proved a little difficult as the bike was still registered abroad, but the claim came through.

Several months later, Steve got some more approximate locations from the Monimoto device. It appeared the bike was moving again. A few days later, Steve finally got an accurate location of the bike: a large truck stop in Essex. He immediately called the police, and, as the officers went to check out the truck stop, they found Steve’s motorcycle and several other stolen bikes.

“The police did not give me too many details, but they told me they were seizing my bike for further investigations and that I’m to pick it up from the impound at a later time. I found out from a worker at the impound that the bike was wrapped in black cling film, stashed and hidden under the platform of a vehicle transport lorry along with another Ducatti. Apparently, the truck driver was drunk but had paperwork for both bikes, so he did not get arrested. The documents were fake, obviously”, Steve explained.

Once the police released the bike, Steve finally got his beloved machine back.

According to Steve, the thieves had damaged his motorcycle, and he will need to do some repairs. “Now, the bike is not in the best shape. It’s missing a lot of parts and it seems it was hot-wired; the thieves forcefully removed the ignition and I’m waiting to get a quote from an authorized repair shop. The thugs managed to remove the saddle and clearly sold the side panels but miraculously, did not remove the Monimoto device. It was in plain sight, but as the black case blends quite nicely with the bike’s frame, I guess they just didn’t notice it.

The police have reopened the case, but because of the amount of crimes in the UK, there is little hope anyone is getting charged for it unless they find a network of criminals soon”, Steve said.

Although the recovery of Steve’s motorcycle took much longer than you’d expect, we’re so happy he got the bike back, and we appreciate Steve sharing the story with us. If you’ve just gotten your Monimoto, double-check that the locations you get are accurate, not approximate, and let us know if you need any help!

Wondering how YOU can protect your bike?
Check out Monimoto smart trackers

Angry mob set ablaze three suspected motorcycle thieves in Lagos

Angry mobs on Monday evening meted out jungle justice on three suspected motorcycle thieves in Ayobo area of Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the three suspects, who allegedly stole two brand new motorcycles at Olorunsola, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos were set ablaze after lynching them.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the suspects took to their heels after allegedly stealing the motorcycles.

“Some commercial motorcyclists ran after the suspected thieves and caught up with them along Koloba Road, off Alaja Road, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos.”

“Two were initially caught and were instantly lynched, while the other one scampered for safety.”

“He was later caught in one of the streets in Alaja and wheeled down to join the other two before they were set on fire.”

“The thieves also injured some people while they tried to escape.”

“Those who were injured have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention,” the witness said.

The police have been drafted to the scene of the incident.

SOURCE: https://theeagleonline.com.ng/angry-mob-set-ablaze-three-suspected-motorcycle-thieves-in-lagos/

Police: Suspect had stolen motorcycle in hotel room
Our Quad Cities – Illinois

A 23-year-old Davenport man is behind bars after police say he had a stolen motorcycle in his hotel room Sevan Spooner faces charges that include a felony charge of second-degree theft and a misdemeanor charge of possession of burglary tools.

Man’s motorcycle, stolen 4 years ago, anonymously returned

–by Cameron Evans from https://www.washingtontimes.com

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) – Miles McCarvel didn’t think he was ever going to get his 1972 Harley-Davidson motorcycle back after it was stolen four years ago.

On. Oct 13, though, he came home to find the bike leaning up against his garage.

The bike looked exactly the same as the last time McCarvel saw it: it was still missing a battery, the tires were flat and it didn’t have any new miles on it.

“I was like ‘what the hell,’ you know? I couldn’t believe it,” he told the Missoulian.

McCarvel hopped out of his car, took a picture of the red Aermacchi Harley-Davidson 350 Sprint and made a post on Facebook that read: “I built this bike when I was 20 years old! Glad to have it back. I guess there’s good things happening in the world too.”

The post received over 350 reactions and over a hundred comments, including one comment from a person who said their cousin also had a stolen truck returned a couple weeks later with a $20 bill on the console.

Missoula Police Department public information officer Travis Welsh said it isn’t very often that people return items they’ve stolen without police intervention, and said that once a theft has already occurred, any weight given to the gesture of returning the item at a later time would be determined by a prosecutor.

Arnold Police arrested a St. Louis man and an Arnold woman in connection with the theft of a motorcycle spotted outside WoodSpring Suites hotel in Arnold.

Officers also found an Arnold man in the hotel room with the pair and arrested him for alleged possession of drugs, police reported.

At about 7:10 p.m. April 29, detectives saw a 2019 Yamaha motorcycle without license plates parked outside the hotel, 888 Arnold Commons Drive. The detectives learned the motorcycle had been reported stolen by St. Louis Police, the report said.

One detective went into the hotel, and an employee showed him video surveillance of a 30-year-old St. Louis man and a 27-year-old Arnold woman arriving on the motorcycle. The employee also told the detective the two were in a room at the hotel, according to the report.

The detectives went to the room, and when they knocked on the door a 40-year-old Arnold man opened it. The man and woman from the surveillance video also were in the room, and the two allegedly had motorcycle helmets near them, the report said.

The detectives arrested the St. Louis man and the woman, and while in the room, they saw a bag that contained a white crystal-like substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. The Arnold man said the bag was his, and the detectives arrested him as well, Arnold Police reported.

The two men and woman were taken to the Police Station, where they were booked and released pending application for warrants. Depending on results of the drug analysis, Arnold Police will seek charges against the Arnold man through the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for possession of a controlled substance, Cpl. Brett Ackermann said.

Ackermann also said Arnold Police will seek a first-degree tampering charge against the St. Louis man and a second-degree tampering charge against the woman.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — One person is in custody, facing multiple charges, as the result of a joint investigation between local law enforcement agencies.

A press release from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office reports four stolen vehicles and one motorcycle have been recovered so far as the result of an ongoing investigation by the sheriff’s office and Fletcher Police Department.

Officials say Daniel Jordan Trammel, of Fletcher, has been charged with multiple felonies related to stolen vehicles and motorcycles in the South Asheville area and southern part of Buncombe County.

ONE IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER SHOOTING IN ASHEVILLE; SUSPECT FLED SCENE, REMAINS WANTED

Trammel was taken into custody on Saturday, Jan. 23, after “a short foot chase” and is being held on a $30,800 secured bond, according to Monday’s release. Officials say he was in possession of 2.8 grams of methamphetamine, 13 units of a schedule lV controlled substance, marijuana and drug paraphernalia at the time of his arrest.

Charges filed by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office so far include:

Possession of stolen motor vehicle
Driving while license revoked
Felony probation violation
Felony flee to elude arrest
Reckless driving to endanger
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of schedule lV

“This arrest was the culmination of a joint investigation conducted by Buncombe County Property Crimes Division, Patrol Division and with substantial assistance from Fletcher Police Department,” Monday’s release states. “Fletcher PD has been instrumental in the recovery of multiple vehicles this week.”

Motorcycle theft investigation leads to arrests
April 12, 2021

Three people were arrested last week on drug-related offenses after sheriff’s deputies were investigating the theft of a motorcycle.

Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies received information about the stolen motorcycle and went to a Park Township residence around 8 p.m. Thursday to investigate.

Upon arrival at the residence, located in the 54000 block of Fisher Street, deputies contacted suspects and recovered the stolen motorcycle.

Three suspects at the residence, two men ages 39 and 44, and a 33-year-old woman, were arrested. Deputies discovered two of the three suspects were in possession of methamphetamine.

Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence and secured the stolen motorcycle and discovered more methamphetamine.

The three suspects, all from Three Rivers, face several felony charges related to possession of a controlled substance, and charges related to stolen property, authorities said.

FREMONT, CA — A 41-year-old Fremont resident was arrested on Monday in Milpitas on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sales, auto theft and auto theft with priors, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen property. The suspect’s name has not been released.

Officers with the MPD Crime Reduction Team were patrolling a hotel parking lot when they contacted the Fremont resident, who was on Alameda County probation for a narcotics offense and had a $10,000 felony warrant for violation of probation.

Police say they found a loaded gun and a quantity of marijuana and tar heroin inside the suspect’s backpack. Officers linked a motorcycle parked nearby to the suspect.

The gun was an unreported stolen firearm and the motorcycle had been reported as stolen to the Fremont Police Department.

Police have made an arrest after two stolen Kawasaki motorized dirt bikes were recovered.

Kevin Jorge Barrera-Briceno, 20

The bikes were valued at $1,500 and $4,400.

On July 1, police detectives received credible information that the stolen bikes were at a residence in the 900 block of 14th Avenue Southeast. Detectives conducted a follow-up on the information and obtained a search warrant for the address. Upon executing the search warrant, detectives located the two stolen Kawasaki dirt bike motorcycles in the detached garage. In addition, detectives also found drug paraphernalia, a Maverick arms 12-gauge shotgun, and a Taurus 9mm handgun in the residence.

Police arrested Kevin Jorge Barrera-Briceno, 20, of Austin in connection with the stolen dirt bikes. He has been charged in Mower County District Court with two counts of felony receiving stolen property, two counts of user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, and one count of gross misdemeanor user of a controlled substance in possession of firearm ammunition.

Police are also looking for information that could help identify two individuals, a Black male and a Hispanic male, seen riding the stolen bikes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Austin Police Department at 507-437-9407.

We also received a story about a guy who was broke down along a road in Missouri. A cop pulled over to help, but it turned out the motorcycle was stolen and the guy was packing meth. Not his best day, but a rider’s motorcycle was returned.

I gleaned a message from my story and many of these. Motorcycles, especially Harleys, Indians and vintage bikes are a different breed from stealing stereos and shit to sell. Sure, there are still chop shops, but even them hold an eery, determined vibe. Like a pet cat or dog is determined to find its owner. But there’s another major player in the mix, the code of the west. One of the major codes is, “Never stop or give up.” That means reaching out to anyone and everyone until a connection is made. Follow up on every lead and don’t give up until your motorcycle is returned.

from https://www.cincinnati.com by Quinlan Bentley

We will keep the stories coming. Don’t give up, ever!

Ride Fast and Free Forever,

–Bandit

Triumph is excited to announce that development is well under way on a comprehensive range of all-new competition Motocross and Enduro motorcycles. Joining our class leading and globally renowned motorcycle range this all new competition MX and Enduro family will bring all of Triumph’s engineering expertise to riders and racers worldwide.

This will be accompanied by a landmark moment for Triumph and the MX and Enduro racing world with an all new Triumph factory race programme, and a commitment to top tier championship racing in both Motocross and Enduro series.

Coming hand-in-hand with this commitment, to race and win at the highest level in the sport, Triumph is proud to announce that global Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and five-times Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes have joined the Triumph family as active partners in both bike testing and preparation for racing.

An announcement of the timetable for the launch and reveal of the motorcycles, as well as the racing programme and the full story on the product advantages the new Triumph MX and Enduro offer, will follow in the coming months.

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Triumph brand, which everyone at Triumph is incredibly excited to be part of. We are 100% committed to making a long-lasting impact in this highly competitive and demanding world, with a single-minded ambition to deliver a winning motorcycle line-up for a whole new generation of Triumph riders” – Nick Bloor: CEO Triumph Motorcycles Ltd

“I am thrilled to announce that I am joining the Triumph family and even more excited to be a part of their new endeavour into the off-road product category.

This is an incredible opportunity for me to join this historic brand, and I am honoured and humbled to be a part of the development and release of their off-road motorcycles. Building something from the ground up is something that really is intriguing to me at this stage of my career. What is impressive to me is Triumph’s dedication, and passion to develop a top of the class product. Everyone that I have been involved with in this project from the engineers, design groups, R&D dept., etc., have shown extreme passion for what they are doing and that is a recipe for success and something that I love being a part of. We all share that same passion, and that’s to be the best.

If you are familiar with the Triumph brand, you already know the quality of craftsmanship is top shelf, and the off-road models will follow suit to their past!

Not only are these exciting times for me, but it’s an exciting time for the off-road industry to be adding another brand to the mix and the opportunities that lie ahead for all off-road consumers. I can’t wait to see the reactions when these models hit the dealer’s showroom floors.”

– Ricky Carmichael

“I have loved Triumph motorcycles right from being a small kid, seeing them in films and on television.

So to be working with Triumph from the beginning of this project, is an amazing opportunity for me, not just because it is working with one of the world’s greatest motorcycle brands, but also for being part of building something from zero. It is a dream come true for any racer!

Like me, everyone I am working with at Triumph is focused to make the bikes the best they can be. I cannot wait to see the bikes competing at a world level, but I also look forward to when I can stand in a Triumph dealer and know I was part of this very special project.”

– Ivan Cervantes

Good news both for Triumph motorcycles fans and motcross enthusiasts
by Otilia Drăgan from https://www.autoevolution.com

Good news both for Triumph motorcycles fans and motcross enthusiasts: the reputable brand officially announced that it will soon be launching a new range dedicated to e motocross and enduro. And that’s not all, because Triumph is also going for the win – together with the new range, it will make its first steps in the racing world.

Things have been relatively quiet in the motorcycle industry lately, with no groundbreaking changes to keep us on our toes. But there’s something brewing. Triumph, known as the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the UK, is getting ready to unveil a comprehensive range of motocross and enduro motorcycles. This will also mark the beginning of the Triumph factory race program, with the manufacturer set to reach the highest levels in championship races, in both series.

This is a massive change for the British brand that was established in 1983 and has been known ever since for premium models. Unlike other famous brands, Triumph did not dabble in the racing world, until now. And, if this wasn’t enough of a surprise, the company also revealed the fact that 2 famous racing champions joined the project as “active partners”, offering their expertise throughout the testing process and in preparation for racing.

With an extensive career in motocross and multiple titles under his belt, Ricky Carmichael would be the right person to add his know-how into the mix. Expressing his admiration for the brand, Carmichael also made a great point in stating that this new range is a win for the entire off-road industry, and that a new brand coming to the motocross world can only make things even more exciting.

On the other hand, five-times enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes has added his experience with this particular world to the new Triumph range, stating that he considers this to be “one of the world’s greatest motorcycle brands”.

No images of the new motorcycles, or further details about their specifications have been released yet. According to Triumph, we’ll have to wait a few more months until the official reveal of the bikes and of the racing program.

The Real Reason We’re So Shocked By Deadly Floods Is Because We’re So Good At Preventing Them
Deaths and damages from floods in Europe have declined dramatically over the last 150 years
by Michael Shellenberger

The floods in Europe that killed over 150 people in recent days were a result of climate change, many people say. “Deadly Floods Show World Unprepared to Cope with Extreme Weather,” read the front page headline of The New York Times. “‘No One Is Safe.’” Said a German climate activist, “This is the climate crisis unravelling in one of the richest parts of the world.” The country’s interior minister agreed. “This is a consequence of climate change,” he said.

But the reason the floods were so deadly is because European nations were so unprepared for them. Last fall, the German government held a national “warning day,” when loud sirens and text messages were supposed to alert people to danger. “It was a debacle,” The Times of London reports. “Most of the technology didn’t work.” A professor of hydrology who helped build Europe’s flood prediction and warning network said there was a “monumental failure of the system.” She added, “We should not be seeing this number of deaths from floods in 2021.”

And there is evidence that Germany failed to prevent dams from collapsing. “I noticed that, for the last three weeks, all the dams were just 20 – 30 centimeters from the brim,” a resident told a television reporter. “Why didn’t they release some of the water in a controlled way much earlier? This whole thing should not have happened if there had been 10 or 20% more available volume in the dams.” The reporter added, “That’s criticism I’ve heard again and again today.”

It’s true that flooding is affecting more people and more areas in Europe, and that a warming planet is likely to result in greater rainfall. Warmer air can hold more water, which makes it more likely that storms will produce more precipitation. “Extreme hydrological events,” noted a study of 150 years of European flooding in the journal Nature, “are generally predicted to become more frequent and damaging in Europe due to warming climate.” Observed one scientist, “Any storm that comes along now has more moisture to work with.”

But the best-available science does not find any increase in precipitation or in the cost of floods in Europe “Though consensus seems to exist regarding the trajectory of future climatic developments,” noted the Nature authors, “there is less confidence in the changes in flood losses as a result of climate change so far. Qualitative and quantitative hydrological studies for Europe have indicated no general continental-wide trend in river flood occurrences, extreme precipitation, or annual maxima of runoff.”

In fact, scientists find a significant decline in both deaths and damage from flooding in Europe, over the last 150 years. The overall cost of flooding increased, but when scientists account for greater wealth, scientists found “a considerable decline in financial losses” since 1870 that accelerated after 1950. What has changed is more people living in flood zones, and more paved areas, which means less ground to absorb excess water.

How can more people be affected by floods and yet fewer die? The reason is because we are so much better at managing them. Europe’s infrastructure has improved markedly. The Nature authors found that “areas with high concentration of urban fabric and infrastructure are better protected than less important urban zones, let alone rural areas. This is an intuitive conclusion, but supported by evidence from events spanning almost 150 years.”

In fact, the infrastructure improved so much that many Germans appeared to have grown complacent. “People knew an extreme weather situation was coming and that it could hit them,” said a government official who worked in the flood control system. “I think a lot of people clearly underestimated the weather warnings.” Said one of the creators of the flood warning system, “Probably they were like a fantasy or a kind of science-fiction movie for people.”

This reality appears to contradict the scholarly consensus that people tend to over-estimate rather than under-estimate rare events. Noted a scholar, “when asked to estimate the probability of a tail event, people tend to overestimate this probability.” For example, “people significantly overestimate the frequency of rare causes of death.”

But in other instances, people under-estimate rare events. One of the most famous cases was illuminated by author Nassim Taleb. In the run-up to the 2008 U.S. financial crisis, many investors believed the risks of severe collapse were low.

Why do some people overestimate some risks while others underestimate them? Does it just depend on the person? On the risk? Is it just random?

Part of the answer comes from something psychologists call the “availability heuristic.” People tend to evaluate the likelihood of an event based on how easily they can remember instances of it occurring in the past. Is the memory readily “available” or “unavailable”?

In 2007, it was hard for many people to remember a financial crisis like the one that was likely to occur. Likewise, it was hard for many Germans to remember flooding as bad as they experienced, and thus ignored the risks.

“The management of flooding around the world has been a great success story of the past 100 years,” noted Roger Pielke, Jr., a leading expert on the relationship between disasters and climate change. “But maintaining preparedness in the face of very rare events outside our experiences can be difficult. While the large loss of life we saw over the past week was not uncommon in Europe as recently as the 1960s, the last period of elevated flooding in western Europe was more than a century ago.”

Psychological research suggests political ideology likely plays a role. The people who live in the areas more likely to be flooded tend to be more rural, more conservative, and less alarmist. The people who live in areas less likely to be flooded tend to be more urban, liberal, and alarmist. “We’re at the very beginning of a climate and ecological emergency,” tweeted Greta Thunberg, “and extreme weather events will only become more and more frequent.”

Thunberg may be right. Greater warming is likely to bring more rain to some parts of the world. But it’s also the case that more rain is likely to become less deadly and damaging, as it has over the last 150 years.

There has been a 92 percent ­decline in the per-decade death toll from natural disasters since its peak in the 1920s. In that decade, 5.4 million people died from natural disasters. In the 2010s, just 0.4 million did. Globally, the five-year period ending in 2020 had the fewest natural disaster deaths of any five-year period since 1900.

The decline in deaths from disasters ­occurred during a period when the global population nearly quadrupled and temperatures rose more than 1 degree centigrade over pre-industrial levels. Even poor, climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh saw deaths decline massively thanks to low-cost weather surveillance and warning systems and storm shelters.

Such disasters will also make climate change even more of a “wicked problem,” meaning that many people have an interest in pointing fingers. Local officials have an interest in blaming the federal government for the failure of the flood warning system. Federal officials have an interest in blaming local governments for failing to properly manage dams. The designers and operators of the flood warning system have an interest in blaming individuals. Individuals have an interest in blaming anyone but themselves. And climate activists have an interest in blaming climate change.

“Of course, there is much more to do to reduce exposure and vulnerability,” said Pielke. “But the good news is that we know how to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of floods. That is a lesson of every flood disaster.”

Vintage Day At The Iron Horse Saloon
Mon, August 9, 2021

Iron Horse Saloon & Cycle Source Magazine Present The Annual Sturgis Gathering Of Antique Motorcycles.

Light Lunch provided for All Card Carrying AMCA Members by the Iron Horse Saloon – Sturgis Old Time Field Games WIth Antique Motorcycles At Noonish.

Visit https://cyclesource.com