1: All daily-news journalists are failed or in-the-process-of-failing fiction writers.

Daily-news journalism is a category of the trade called “writing.” “Writing” is a trade that embraces a slew of categories, all of which require that they be “read” to be “fulfilled.” A painting or drawing or sculpture has to be “seen” and a musical composition or sonic composition has to be “heard” and an architectural structure has to be “seen” and is usually inhabited and thus has to be “physical friendly” to human bodies and human emotional states and writing needs to be “read.”
This collection of stuff is sometimes called the “arts.”

The “arts” can also include “practical” items, although the species of pompous gasbags known as “art critics” will argue this until their mothers tell them to stop. Whoever designed the Winchester 94 was an artist. Anyone who has one loves looking at it, whether or not it is being used for its primary function which is to propel metal and end a life way over there, and then do it again a half dozen more times quickly before reloading. Should an art critic ever be informed-of or actually be shown what a Winchester 94 is he would throw his panties at you if you dared to say it was a work of art.



2: “Writing” is one of the arts, or considered artistic, only if-and-when it’s judged by the panties-hurling gentlemen referenced above to be “literature.” All who declare themselves “writers,” in some dungeon of their soul, want to write literature. Because if you write literature that means that you are “a good writer.”

“Literature” comes in two forms: prose and poetry. Prose is sentences, usually conveying real-life practicalities or realities. Poetry is formulaic word-assembly, sometimes in patterns and rhyme, usually to inflict upon the reader the heart and soul of the fellow writing it. Burma Shave ditties, once conveyed in advertising signs along the highway, are not poetry except when I write them. Then they are a category of poetry called “filthy poetry.”

Daily-news journalism is the bottom rung of “writing,” just behind “school textbook” writing. While they are both abysmal from a competence standpoint, they differ in that school textbook writing is written to put you to sleep while daily-news journalism is designed to upset you and instill fear and ruin your day. Another difference is that school textbook writing is nominally factual except history books which are only accurate up to 1492 AD, while daily-news journalism is fiction 100% of the time, usually propelled by a political or personal agenda. Not many people are prepared to call textbooks “lies.” Daily-news journalism on the other hand is nothing but lies. And the reason is….item # 1 above.



3: Fiction writers write lies that every reader knows ahead of time even before they read the fiction….that’s it’s lies. All fiction books announce themselves as fiction: someone – a writer – sat down and started writing lies. Even if the fiction story actually happened the reader does not concern himself with that. The story is announced as fiction and that’s the end of it. However, the names have to be changed to fictional names. The events can be actually true…..but the announcement is made that it’s fiction and that the names are changed. Most fiction however is sheer fabrication. And everyone understands that going in. You read fiction to be told a story. Fiction is make-believe.

4: Daily-news journalism claims to be true. However, it is lies. It is make-believe. Because the journalists are writing fiction in the only venue that will get them readers: the news. Were they to write a novel or a short story no one would read it because it would be so bad. In their role as fiction-writers claiming to be fact-writers, daily-news journalists spare themselves the problem of being sued for libel or slander by inventing a vocabularic “buffer zone” between themselves and the lies they are telling you. That is why you see the word “report” often at the end or beginning of a headline: “Trump kills small negro child with grenade then eats the parents: report.” This means that you are being informed via a report…of a report. You are not being told the incident happened. You are being told that a report of the incident – which may or may not have happened – happened. The report of the incident happened. The incident probably did not.

Naturally you believe the report of a report because it is “news.” People believe the news. Even though it is 95% fiction. Most “reports” in daily-news journalism come from the journalist writing the story. He reports something imaginary to himself and then he will tell you about it via the keyboard, leaving out the fact that he’s reporting on one of his own reports. Which he made up.



“Trump throws thousands of bags of terrifiedly-mewing kittens off the roof of one of his high-rises and then ignites the bags into flame by remote control while laughing at their pain according to sources close to the former President who spoke on conditions of anonymity said an expert familiar with the story who did not wish to be identified” translates into “I am now going to tell you a whopper I just made up.”

5: Words used to keep the journalist out of court are “sources,” “may,” “could,” “has been shown,” “studies suggest,” “might,” “spoke under conditions of anonymity,” “the whistleblower said,” (whistleblowers do not have to be identified, thus granting immunity to liars, assuming the liars even exist, which is often not the case in a daily-news journalism fiction tale.) “Sources” are nine times out of ten the journalist himself making something up. He’s the “source.” “Studies suggest” is a two-fisted sluggo-festival to your brain inasmuch as a study is not a “finding” or a “fact” or a “result of an experiment.” Which makes them basically nothing. The fact that nothing is then used as a basis to suggest something…is taking nerve, moxie and unmitigated gall to an almost admirable level of bursting-out-of-the-starting-gate preposterousness. What’s even more preposterous is that the words “studies suggest” is interpreted by the idiot reader as “this is an undisputed fact, I am not balls-out lying to you right now.” But yes he is.



6: You might be asking yourself “Why do daily-news journalists do this?”

They do it because they are the people actually running America and it’s fun. And they’re not just in America. I know what you’re thinking, “Yes, they are also in Russia and Iran!” No! They are in England and France and Canada and Australia! The Guardian and The Telegraph in England are more fixated on the USA then they are on England. I guess they figure the jihadists are so well entrenched in England and Canada and Australia and France that they don’t need any more assistance from the Press. Whereas in America there is still some resistance to turning America into a caliphate. Not a lot but some.

You might also be asking “How is it daily-news journalists are running the Country?”

Well, because of the First Amendment. Daily-news journalists have convinced everyone who isn’t a daily-news journalist that the “news” is the only actual job mentioned in the Constitution. Which is almost true. Actually, the ink and mechanical device itself is what is being talked about, not the propaganda cabal known as The Press. But I’ll let them have this one. Sometimes – rarely-daily-news journalists utter a truth. It’s always inadvertent.



Since the job of daily-news journalism is mentioned in the Constitution, and since it is declared “safe from Federal onslaughts against it” the average American dunce comes to the subconscious conclusion that the “press” is superior to the Constitution. Which in fact it is. That’s nothing: it is also superior to everyone in public office, including the President, the head of the Pentagon and any other American bureaucrat – or private citizen – you might want to suggest. The Press has also realized this and did so a lot sooner than I did, to the extent that, in yet another back cartwheel double Axel tour-zhah-tay crossover toe-hold of breathtaking nerve, the press has declared itself The Fourth Estate.

The first three “estates” considered “real” by medieval philosophers and other unemployables and “political scientists” of the time were the nobility, the clergy, and the peasantry. The nobility and the clergy needed the peasantry as slaves so they could survive, and the slaves were programmed to believe that they needed the nobility and the clergy as protectors in order for them to survive this life and the next one otherwise the slaves would all kill each other, having no guidance.



The “press,” created by a man named Gutenberg – who inadvertently created reporters in the creating of the printing press – the “press” announced – quite boldly and without embarrassment – “All three of you need us: ‘us’ being the Self-Proclaimed Fourth Estate. We can make you topple or we can make you thrive. You decide. Being nice to us and worshipping us will get you more friends among us than calling us names will.” This worked! And the Press hasn’t struck out since.

Witness the actions and emotional rollercoaster of anger and befuddlement that a “press secretary” who is unliked by the press performs as he takes “questions” from the daily-news journalists. He doesn’t see them or think of them as worthless untalented loser asshole snots who can’t think a thought that has not been written-out for them beforehand by Karl Marx in the Communist Manifesto. No, he thinks of them as cunning wary super-intelligent magicians who in an instant can form-up into a pack. Which they are actually already in, they don’t need anything as meaningless and impotent and frightened as a Press Secretary to unify against a common enemy, which would be anyone who does not properly bow down to them and beg them for favorable write-ups. Daily-news journalists are more unified against all critics than cops are. There is nothing more pathetic and strangely entertaining than seeing a “press secretary” try and deal with the press. It’s like watching a blind chihuahua trying to deal with a circling clutch of adult and starving hyenas. At a “press conference” the two sides are not discussing plans and events: they are courtroom recreations with one side on the witness stand and the other side attempting to prosecute. The “press” is always the prosecutor. And the press has never lost a case when it unites itself in order to divide others and infuriate press secretaries. Which pastimes news-writers consider reminders as to who is actually running things.



Daily-news journalists and bureaucrats go head-to-head because they both have one thing in common they can relax about and relate to each other about: neither knows what the actual “job” of government is. No one on earth knows. Have you noticed daily-news journalists rarely write about anything not government-related? That’s because they can say anything they want to politically since no one knows what government actually is. Since the bureaucrats also don’t know what government is but do know that people obey all its billions of edicts and in fact respect and pay homage to the edicts, you have two of the “estates” – the nobility and the press – vying for dominance against the lesser influence and power of the clergy and the populace; the populace being the people paying the mortgages for the other three. And doing it willingly and with enthusiasm and even with surgical masks on their faces as commanded by the bureaucrats and the daily-news journalists.

One other thing the press and the public servants know is that being “moral” – which has never had a definition anyone in history has ever agreed on – is what both sides are claiming superiority in and they both agree that your job as a non-bureaucrat non-journalist is to trust their righteousness and do as they tell you. Because mommy knows best. You do not want to be immoral.



7: Daily-news journalists are all aligned and in lockstep on all political issues presently holding sway, which would be Collectivism, and on all determinations of what people in particular are deserving of “favorable press” and what people are going to instead be driven to despair and hopeless and utter oblivion by the press. There are no renegade journalists in The Media.

No ambitious journalist who wants to get promoted out of the mailroom at Rolling Stone or Esquire is ever going to say in print that the journalists at the New York Times and the bottom-feeding untalented failed novelists and failed screenwriters at the Washington Press Corps who are getting-even with their mothers for turning them into shit-fitting little girls and getting-even for God making them ugly, uncoordinated, tone-deaf, rhythmically challenged and bad-at-writing petulant snots who spray food all over the room when they eat and can’t get heterosexual dates……are shitty writers and idiot thinkers. Not if he ever wants a career in bad writing.



8: The daily-news journalist’s audience is “everyone.” No other writer can make that claim or assumption. No intelligent writer would want to make that claim. Only a daily-news journalist is comfortable within his shallow, limited soul enough to boast that he has no target audience. He writes for any dimwitted naive imbecile who will pay him the homage of considering him “objective and fair.” To have a target audience a journalist has to focus on what his audience wants to hear. Not what he wants the audience to be converted to. Which would be obedient idiots. Like himself.



To have a “target audience” a daily-news journalist would have to be able to do or know something or have some sort of empathy or rapport with a group that was not a group of journalists. Which will never happen. Daily-news journalists are isolated, usually homely, unambitious incompetents who have stumbled onto a secret pathway – “the press” – to inflict upon everyone else what Nature inflicted upon them: neuroses.

9:There is no such thing as objective or fair “news.” There is only intentionally erroneous or misleading fiction from….that’s right, failed fiction writers. You might ask, “What is it about daily-news writers that make them so dedicated to lying to everyone?’ And the answer is they are getting even for failing at appealing to any specific target-audience. Their motivating engine to get them to the pad and pencil is to have their name read by others. Forget about what the name actually wrote, since daily-news journalists can’t write worth a crap.



Read a New Yorker article or a Huffington Post article, both entities of which write for no one in particular. If there’s a difference in the two the difference is you can actually understand what the Huffington failed-novelist is trying to communicate because Huffington “news” is geared to the mind of a child.

The New Yorker article, on the other hand, might as well have been written by a stream-of- consciousness gymnast doing floor exercises on the keyboard. They’re so sophisticated you can’t possibly rise to that level of insight. Bring whiskey when you read it, that’s what the writer brought when he wrote it. You come-away from a Huffington article with the yucky feeling that you have just been lectured-to by a third grader telling you off. You come-away from a New Yorker article wondering 1: why you read what you just read and 2: why other people will consider you quite the inquiring intellectual for having read it.



10: The word “expert,” the word “explainer” and the words “here’s what we know.”

The fact that 99% of the literate global population are now journalists thanks to “social media” and the home computer has resulted in the “real” journalists – the ones affiliated with an “authentic” news “source,” such as
Refinery 29
Salon
The Huffington Post
The Daily Beast
Bloomberg News
Politico
Yahoo News
Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Sports
Esquire
Elle
GQ
Rolling Stone
The Washington Post
Reuters (rhymes with goiters)
AP
AFP (whatever that even is)
The National Interest
Buzzfeed
The Guardian (England)
The New York Times
Time
Newsweek
USA Today
ABC
NBC
CBS
FOX
CNN
Atlantic
The New Yorker
The Independent
Marie Claire
Cosmopolitan
NPR
PBS
Vogue
Sierra Club
AARP
The Economist
The Realist
National Review (lost and confused, sometimes accurate)
Variety
Business Insider
all art publications on planet earth
all entertainment magazines on planet earth
most “science” publications on planet earth ESPECIALLY Scientific American
National Geographic (except for the tit pics of the lives that matter on the Savannah)
Popular Mechanics!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!
Hello giggles
Eat This Not That
The Weather Channel
Redbook
Glamour
The Telegraph (England)
Scary Mommy
Bazaar
The Wrap
Marketwatch
Deadline
She Says
all local newspapers
Barrons
The Conversation



…. to successfully having all sensible dissension removed from social media to emphasize the “fact” that they are the upper apartments of the journalist totem pole and they demonstrate this by eliminating the “comments” section of their articles, printing only like-minded Twitter barbs, and claiming to be getting information from “experts” that are more than qualified to “explain” today’s political lies to you since they are experts, plus which experts are the correct experts and which experts are not to be paid attention to, and then do it with even more lies of their own thrown in. “Here’s what we know” is especially nervy inasmuch as 1: journalists actually know nothing whatsoever and 2: they amazingly insist that their lack of knowledge is still more knowledgeable than your surfeit of it. Keep in mind and always remember and never forget that you are being “explained”-to by someone who has never been able to write for a target audience. So, he is instead writing to you. Since you are not a part of any reality any more than he is. Obviously, since you are reading him. This of course is another journalist lie. But one he manages to subconsciously get you to accept as fact, as you very likely accept all news-utterances as fact.

11: Who lies more, daily-news journalists, or bureaucrats and the new branch of government called “health advisors.” That is the question. Studies suggest they are eternally neck and neck and neck. However, sources close to the persons involved who spoke on condition of anonymity based on a hidden recording provided by a whistleblower closely involved with the matter insist the daily-news journalists are always the ones winning the Who’s Really in Charge Here race.



12: Thank you.

–jj solari

 

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives approved a SAN-supported bill to create a commission to recommend ways to commemorate Route 66’s 100th anniversary. The first all-paved U.S. highway was completed in 1926. The 15-person commission will include representatives from the states through which the highway ran: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The commission may recommend the production of various written materials, films and documentaries, education programs, artistic works, commemorative memorabilia and celebrations to commemorate Route 66’s storied history. The bill was signed into law on December 23, 2020.

 

–SEMA

Brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.)
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

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).

Click Here to Read the NCOM News on Bikernet.

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by Sabrina Giacomini from https://www.rideapart.com

The 500 and 750 are out.

Harley-Davidson has been taking some pretty drastic measures lately to secure its spot on the market. On January 20, 2021, we discovered the extent of those measures when the Motor Company confirmed its upcoming lineup. While the digital event focused mainly on what’s new and exciting in the Harley showrooms, it also marked the end of the road for some well-known models that quietly disappeared from the maker’s website.

In the “Street” category, the Sportster lineup was reduced down to only three models with the Iron 883 and 1200 and the Forty-Eight left to hold the entry-level fort. The beginner-friendly Street 500 and 750 have been officially discontinued, putting an end to Harley’s small-and-medium-displacement era.

The H-D Street 500 and 750 were first announced in 2013. The company already knew back then that it needed to go after a younger demographic and expand its presence in markets where smaller displacements thrived. Those are the boxes Harley was hoping to check with the new Streets.

At the time, former CEO Matt Levatich explained that the new Street lineup “fills a need for people who want to identify with a brand but have a motorcycle that is less intimidating, and more inviting. This bike is easier to ride and easier to learn how to ride.”

Armed with a new frame, the then-new Revolution X engine, and a small price tag (the 500 started at $6,700 back in the day), the Streets seemed to have all the makings of good starter bikes. They also made getting on a Harley far more accessible to a wider range of riders.

The models received mixed reviews with some praising their simplicity and accessibility while others criticized their lack of personality. Ultimately, the Streets, in particular the 500, turned out to be prized by riding school thanks to their docile nature and approachable stature.

Back in September, 2020, Harley’s French branch confirmed that the Sportsters wouldn’t be updated to Euro 5 standards and that it would therefore be pulled from the European lineup for 2021. We already had a feeling the decision would have a trickle effect on the U.S. lineup. Granted, some of the Sportsters remain, but for how long? There is already talk of a replacement platform.

So, what now? We reached out to Harley to inquire about potential replacements for the Streets. As things currently stand, the role of “the entry-level” bike is now bestowed on the not-so-entry-level Iron 883. Our contact answered that the company will continue to supply Street 500s to H-D Riding Academy dealers for training, but declined to comment about any future models.

We suspect the entry-level spots won’t be left empty for too long. Though the brand’s presence in Asia has been greatly reduced in 2020, the market for small and mid-size bikes remains prominent, especially at a time when people are looking for new, socially-distanced ways to commute.

AoD Yamaha R1-Equipped with DIABLO™ Superbike Slicks Seeks 16th National Title

ROME, Ga. (January 21, 2021) – Pirelli Tire North America has announced a new partnership that will see the Army of Darkness (AoD) racing team equipped with Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike slicks for the 2021-racing season. Founded in 1993, AoD is the longest running endurance motorcycle road racing team in America and have captured an impressive 15 national championships. The AoD Yamaha YZF-R1® machine will be fitted with DIABLO Superbike slicks, specifically using the new, larger 125/70-17 and 200/65-17 sizing.

“The Army of Darkness racing team has an impressive record that speaks for itself,” said Oscar Solis, road racing manager, Pirelli. “I feel that this is the perfect time to spotlight our newer World Superbike and World Supersport tires in the endurance race series. The AoD team will be running the new, larger sized Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike slicks that have proven to be more durable with the additional grip. I am very excited about the new partnership and to see what we can do together on the racetrack.”

For 2021, AoD will have its sights set on returning to the WERA/N2 National Endurance series and look to defend the championship that it captured this past year. Pirelli’s DIABLO Superbike range of tires, including the new, larger sizing, has been developed through the brand’s role as the official tire supplier for the World Superbike Championship the past 17 seasons. Pirelli continues to pride itself on the motto “we race what we sell, we sell what we race”, meaning that riders competing in both local and national championships can purchase the same tires used in the world championship through their local Pirelli trackside vendor.

“Army of Darkness has won 15 national endurance championships, and each year, it has required effort to figure out a way to improve our average lap time from the previous year,” said Sam Fleming, team captain, Army of Darkness. “Of course, constant improvement is what racing is all about! Pirelli has always embraced this racing ethos and have innovated with new tire sizes, compounds, and construction. Their efforts yielded a number of new lap records across the USA in 2020. We were both, humbled and honored, when Pirelli partnered with us for what is sure to be our most challenging season ever in the WERA/N2 National Endurance series. We hope to put Pirelli’s rubber to good use as we set out to defend our championship. As my friends know, the ‘Q’ in my name is for Quarelli and I have a large family in Northern Italy. They will be very pleased that we will be flying the Italian flag, il Tricolore, even if it’s in black.”

To learn more about the Army of Darkness race team, Click Here.

For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com

Hey,

This is going to get interesting. We are endeavoring to move lock, stock and barrel to Deadwood, South Dakota. Daily, I wake up with projects and priorities springing out of my feeble mind.

Shit is happening fast and slow. I have my eye on another facility in the Badlands to house a shop, but I need to sell the LA shop to buy the Badlands shop, and then the taxes are an ass kicker. Plus, I might be punished for leaving California.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Click Here to Read the Weekly News on Bikernet.

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by Aparna Banerjea from https://www.livemint.com

India’s largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp on Thursday announced that it has surpassed the 100-million (10 crore) mark in cumulative manufactured units with the launch of Xtreme160R.

The launch took place from the company’s Haridwar facility, it added.

“This is also the 20th consecutive year that Hero MotoCorp has retained the coveted title of the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers,” the company said in a regulatory filing.

The two-wheeler company also claimed that the launch of its latest bike is one of the fastest global achievements of the 100 million cumulative production mark, with the last 50 million units coming in a span of seven years.

Hero MotoCorp is also the new authorised entity for sale and service of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in India after the American company exited its India business after ten years of presence.

To mark the occasion, Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, unveiled six special celebration edition models at the company’s manufacturing facility at Gurugram. The six celebration edition models include Splendor+, Xtreme 160R, Passion Pro, Glamour (motorcycles) and Destini 125, Maestro Edge 110 (scooters) – that will go on sale from February 2021.

Munjal also outlined Hero MotoCorp’s plans and vision for the next five years.

During this timeframe, Hero MotoCorp will aim to further consolidate its leadership position, expand its global footprint, launch products and also work on new innovative product concepts, the company stated.

The two-wheeler manufacturing company will introduce over 10 products – including variants, refreshes and upgrades – every year – as a part of its five-year plan.

“Hero MotoCorp also has a steep growth target for its markets outside India. It will continue to grow its operations in these markets and also enter key markets in new geographies,” the company stated.

Road to 100 Million, a factbox:

-1994 – First Million

-2001 – Five Million

-2004 – 10 Million

-2008 – 25 Million

-2013 – 50 Million

-2017 – 75 Million

-2021 – 100 Million

Hero MotoCorp currently sells its products in more than 40 countries across Asia, Africa, West Asia, and South and Central America. The company has eight manufacturing facilities, including six in India, and one each in Colombia and Bangladesh.

In addition to this, Hero MotoCorp reinforced its presence in Central America by appointing new distributor partners in Nicaragua and Honduras, with aggressive expansion plans for both countries.

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

It was a busy day over in Milwaukee on Tuesday, as local icon Harley-Davidson did its best to wow the world with the presentation of models and accessories for the new year. The bike maker launched with great fanfare the Street Bob 114, the slightly restyled CVOs, and a long list of other accessories. But something important was missing.

This year, all eyes will be on Harley for one model and one model only: the Pan America. Announced for a long time now, the bike is so important for Harley that it was not bundled with all the other reveals, and will get its own dedicated show, scheduled for February 22.

The bike will show up wearing its full name, Pan America 1250, more than a year after it was originally scheduled for release.

“Harley-Davidson’s all-new Pan America 1250 adventure touring motorcycle was previewed in the Jan. 19 H-D 21 virtual launch experience. Harley-Davidson will be bringing the world back together on Feb. 22, 2021, to reveal the motorcycle’s full details in a separate digital event with the spotlight on the new Pan America motorcycle,” the bike maker said in a statement.

Described as adventure touring motorcycle, the Pan America should be an entirely different breed of two-wheeler than what we’re used to from Harley. That’s because adventure bikes are not usually up Harley’s alley, but hey, you can’t argue with the need to come back from the edge of financial abyss.

The Pan America will be built on the same platform as the Bronx, the company’s first product to be fitted with the 975cc version of the new Revolution Max family of engines; by the way, this particular model’s launch has been postponed indefinitely. Pan America will also use a Revolution engine, only a significantly larger one, sized at 1,250cc, as the name clearly states.

Initial estimates are the powerplant will develop 145 hp and 90 lb-ft (122 Nm) of torque. The ponies will be kept in check by Brembo brakes and Michelin tires.

You can take a virtual seat for the February unveiling at this link (registration required).

Hey,

This is going to get interesting. Thursdays and Mondays are wild. I have no notion of why that is. Well, maybe I do for Mondays. Mondays always kick off a week with a bang. Shit starts to fly.

We are endeavoring to move lock, stock and barrel to Deadwood, South Dakota. Daily, I wake up with projects and priorities springing out of my feeble mind.

A brother from New Zealand left his old Goldwing on our lot. It had to go. I reached out and we are using Haul Bikes to move it to his girlfriend’s house up north.

Then it dawned on me. My son, Frank, who you see here as a toddler. He was already lifting weights at two. He’s paying me payments on my Mudflap Girl FXR, so we also used Haul Bikes to move it to Austin, Texas. He called last night, “Don’t forget the key.”

Not until it’s paid for, goddammit. Next, the good Dr. Hamster needs to come get the Pandemic. Shit is happening fast and slow. I have my eye on another facility in the Badlands to house a shop, but I need to sell the LA shop to buy the Badlands shop, and then the taxes are an ass kicker. Plus, I might be punished for leaving California.

This reminds me of being in the service in the early ‘70s and coming home. California doesn’t want us anymore. They want illegals and homeless, fuck the taxpaying citizen. Okay, the outlaw in me says it’s time to go. We had our party. We need to go where we can ride free.

You need to read my book from 1999 “Sam Chopper Orwell.”

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. 

VOICES ARE NEEDED TO SECURE DAYTONA BIKE WEEK–

This Week, the Daytona Beach City Commission will determine whether or not to issue permits for Bike Week activities as part of the Bike Week 2021 Master Plan.

We are hearing that the commissioners are not receiving calls from the community to allow Bike Week to go on this year.

We know how important this event is to our community and it’s economic impact for area businesses and specifically it’s employees.

Along with a note from you, as an owner or decision maker at your business, we need your help in asking your employees to send a brief email or make a call to the Daytona Beach City Commissioners stating how this impacts their employment and ability to earn money to pay their bills and provide for their families.

If they are able to attend and speak at City Commission on Wednesday night that would also be important as well so that commissioners hear firsthand from the public just how important it is to their household budgets.

Either way we are asking that you contact your commissioner or each one by phone and/or email.

A voice message and/or email will convey the importance of what Bike Week means to working people. We can’t take any Commissioner’s vote for granted. We’ve provided easy access to them below. Please contact them now, your help is very much appreciated!

Mayor Derrick Henry
671-8007/405-4070
henryd@codb.us

Comm. Ruth Trager
671-8001
tragerr@codb.us

Comm. Aaron Delgado
671-8002
delgadoa@codb.us

Comm. Quanita May
671-8003
mayquanita@codb.us

Comm. Stacy Cantu
671-8004
cantustacy@codb.us

Comm. Dannette Henry
671-8004
henrydannette@codb.us

Comm. Paula Reed
671-8005
reedp@codb.us

Janet Kersey, CDME, CFEE
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
126 East Orange Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL USA 32114
Telephone: 386.523.3676 Fax: 386.258.5104
Daytonachamber.com / Officialbikeweek.com

GRIEF AND LOVE EXPLAINED–Went to a memorial for yet another brother. He was Scottish and love the pipes. When the piper played I felt all of the emotions outlined below. This is a particularly challenging time of life.

“Grief, I have learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All of that unspent love gathers up into the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part in your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

–Sam Burns

TUCKER’S Twin Power Brand Introduces New Nano Gel Technology Batteries—
for V-Twin and Cruiser Markets

New Shocker Gel Batteries Join Traditional Batteries in Twin Power Product Line

Fort Worth TX – January 19, 2021 -Twin Power’s new Shocker Gel Battery lineup launches nanogel technology, innovative design and an affordable price to the motorcycle replacement battery market. The company will begin shipping the products to dealers this month.

There are numerous benefits to Shocker Gel cell batteries, all of which are particularly impactful in motorcycle applications. The extra thick plates and sealed packaging for the battery cells allows the units to be leak free, maintenance free, and vibration resistant.

In addition, riders love the increased cycle life, resistance to sulfation (chemical changes to the battery when it does not receive a full charge), wide operating temperature range and superior cold weather performance. Because of their design, gel cell batteries can be mounted at any angle, which is a great benefit for custom bike designers and builders.

In addition to nanogel technology on the inside, the Shocker Gel battery doesn’t disappoint on the exterior, either. Twin Power included unique flush-mount battery terminals which provide consistent amperage transfer and eliminate the arcing and corrosion that can affect a traditional-style battery terminal. Shocker Batteries feature a robust ABS case with a matte black finish. A unique blue top identifies the gel series batteries.

Twin Power used an independent lab to test the Shocker Gel battery lineup for high-rate discharge, ten-hour discharge, vibration, short circuit and cold cranking amps.

“We’ve tested the hell out of these batteries in the lab and on the road and we love their performance,” said James Simonelli, brand manager for Twin Power and Biker’s Choice brand products. “This is a true innovation in battery performance for motorcycles and we are really excited to be bringing it to the market. With nanogel technology and an affordable price, the Shocker Gel won’t let you down.”

Fitments are available in all popular 14, 20 and 32 Amp configurations. Retail prices are $112.15 for the 14 Amp model, $142.95 for the 20 Amp and $185.95 for the 32 Amp unit.

— Twin Power
More information can be found at twinpower-usa.com.

THE POUR HOUSE STILL ROCKS— Headlining NP & TUT ‘Trio’ outdoor show just added in Charleston SC on 2/22 at the Charleston Pour House. Full list of dates below including four shows supporting Blackberry Smoke.

All shows are OUTDOOR, OPEN AIR, SOCIALLY DISTANCED, and FOLLOW ALL CURRENT CDC GUIDELINES.

Tickets on sale now for all shows, and see you (from a distance) there https://www.nickperrimusic.com/tour

Feb 22nd – Charleston Pour House (Deck Stage) – Charleston, SC
Feb 24th – Destination Daytona Pavilion – Ormond Beach, FL
Feb 25th – Abacoa Amphitheater – Jupiter, FL
Feb 26th – Cocoa Riverfront Park – Cocoa, FL
Feb 27th – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL

**We are all aware of the current fight against COVID-19 and we take it seriously. We’ve been advised these outdoor events follow every possible safety precaution and have been running problem free for months. Please be responsible and follow all outdoor venue rules.

Photo: Matt Christine

NEW PRISM SEAT PANS-– Follow along as we make a Prism Supply Chopper Seat Pan.

We’ve been working on these seat pans for a while to find the most universal pan for the chopper frame. You can modify them or use as is. Please see below dimensions to make sure it will work for your application.

Seat Details:

Made in USA
Pan is made from 16 gauge mild steel
Contains two stainless steel mounting brackets with hardware
Dimensions are as follows:

28″ overall length
13″ long driver seat section
8.5″ wide driver seat section
15″ radius section (measured from bend to back of the seat pan)
3.75″ wide at passenger section

NHTSA Requests Public Comment On NCAP Modernization–NHTSA’s immediate planned update to NCAP includes the testing of four additional ADAS technologies.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently issued a request for public comment on proposed upgrades to the New Car Assessment Program.

“Thanks in part to NCAP, new vehicles today are much safer than a generation ago,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens. “Even so, there are still too many fatalities and serious injuries in crashes every year, so it is critical that vehicles keep getting safer in the future, and a modernized NCAP will better enable American families to select vehicles with the safety features they want.”

NCAP is the government’s premier consumer information program for evaluating vehicle safety. The program tests vehicle performance in various crash scenarios and provides an objective rating on a five-star scale to clearly inform consumers of a vehicle’s safety performance.

NHTSA’s immediate planned update to NCAP includes the testing of four additional advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, technologies: lane keeping support, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and blind spot intervention. These additional four technologies work to mitigate high-frequency and high-risk crash types. In addition, NHTSA requests comment on how best to develop a rating system for ADAS technologies included in NCAP’s crash avoidance program and other potential programmatic changes.

“These upgrades will make NCAP more dynamic,” Deputy Administrator Owens said. “American car buyers want safety, and NHTSA wants to empower them with comparative safety information about vehicles in the market. This information creates powerful market-based incentives for automakers to invest in advanced safety technologies that will save lives and prevent injuries.”

NHTSA will take comments on the proposal for 60 days.

LEGISLATIVE: NHTSA’s New Odometer Disclosure Requirements Start Jan. 1

LEGISLATIVE: Congress Clears 2021 Appropriations And COVID-19 Relief

LEGISLATIVE: ASA Urges Congress To Pass Stimulus Bill Before Adjournment

–By Madeleine
NMA

FROM THE ROGUE ARCHIVES–“Grass Roots Motorcycle Publication” arrives at the National news stand.

After ten years of publishing an East Coast American motorcycle magazine, The Cycle Source strikes a deal with “Coast To Coast” distribution.

Pittsburgh, PA – September 1st, 2006

You may recognize the name Cycle Source Magazine and you may have even picked up a copy at events or shops in the North East over the past decade, but now the fastest growing “Grass Roots Motorcycle Publication” is coming to a neighborhood near you.

After starting a regional, advertising based publication and running it for over eight years in the Tri-State area around Pittsburgh, PA, the staff of Cycle Source took a bold step by offering their publication on newsstands in nine states. During the year that they existed in that new arena, the publication continued to refine its content and quality.

In July of 2006, through a deal with North American based Coast to Coast Newsstand Services Partnership, Cycle Source launched its first nationally available issue in national chains covering 48 states & Canada. At 100 pages, this new national American motorcycle magazine has an entirely different approach to the subject matter, the un-extreme!

What Cycle Source offers is a unique look into the world of motorcycle culture. I say motorcycle culture because the life-style that surrounds the actual rider of a motorcycle is just as important. More importantly, the material is better served from what they call a “Grass Roots” approach to the subject. The average motorcyclist today is just that, the average man or woman from society. The best way to give them information about the thing they love is to tell a story that they can relate to. That’s what Cycle Source Magazine does.

The Cycle Source staff believes that by riding along side of the average everyday rider, putting the time in and racking the miles up, they are more in touch with them. By positioning their publication and content in the mainstream of the marketplace, any companies choosing to utilize this publication will reap the benefits of a dynamic and growing consumer base.

With the collection of staff writers and contributors they have assembled, the Cycle Source is well known throughout the industry. Through hard work they have gained the respect and acceptance of many of the top personalities and national publications, several of which currently include Cycle Source staffers as regular contributors in their publications. As an example, just a few have been listed below.

Chris Callen, Cycle Source Editor In Chief, is recognized as a person of note throughout the industry and is frequently called upon to write editorials on current subject matter. Along with being a contributor to Iron Works and Thunder Press, Chris was the founder of Cycle Source Magazine and continues to be involved in all of its day to day operations.

Sara Liberte, Cycle Source Photography Editor, (contributor to Hot Bike, In the Wind, and Easyriders) joined the magazine in its second year.

Sara has gained world wide acclaim from her motorcycle artwork titled “Woman & Machine,” that has been featured in several national publications, Discovery and Travel Channels. She has just released her new book through Motorbooks International and is currently promoting her next series of her artwork titled “Builder & Machine.”

Cycle Source Magazine is available on national newsstands at the cover price of $3.99 U.S and $4.99 CAN., through subscription at $15.00 a year and can be carried by any motorcycle shop, or motorcycle related business. Your business can get as few as ten Cycle Source Magazines, at no initial charge, to sell in your shop for a profit of 40%. You may also return anything you don’t sell just like any magazine you might already carry.

The Cycle Source Magazine
www.cyclesource.com
lodown@cyclesource.com

For more information on The Cycle Source Magazine, feel free to contact Christopher Callen, Editor In Chief, through any of the means above.

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS ALWAYS OPEN, MASK OR NOT–I just got air put in my tires, it cost $1.25

I asked the guy, “Why so much?”

“Inflation” he replied.

–Sam Burns

NEW YEAR AND A CLEAN SLATE AT ARCH MOTORCYCLES–Happy New Year! We’re excited to put 2020 in the rearview as much as you are. As we take some time to reflect on the challenges the entire human race faced this past year, we’d like to think optimistically that 2021 will be filled with progress and promise of a brighter future.

We’re trying to put one boot in front of the other and take a nice, long ride every now and then to maintain some sanity. We certainly hope you and yours are safe, well, and enjoying a little road therapy yourselves. We have some exciting new things to announce in 2021 and look forward to keeping you updated on all things ARCH Motorcycle.

ARCH 1s to launch in 2021
The second motorcycle to join the ARCH lineup, the 1s sport cruiser concept, has become a reality. Blending a more aggressive riding position and best-in-class components, as with all ARCH motorcycles, the 1s can be tailored to each customer’s design and ergonomics preferences. The 1s is scheduled to release in the Spring of 2021, we’re taking pre-orders now.

The Artistry of ARCH: Handcrafted Motorcycle Seats
ARCH Motorcycle seat aesthetics and ergonomics are tailored to customer specifications. At ARCH, we understand the importance of comfort as well as performance. Here is a look at the craftsmanship that goes into creating something truly unique for every ARCH owner.

ARCH Official Apparel Line Coming Soon
The Official ARCH Apparel Lineup is coming soon and we’re excited to offer a run of select hats, t-shirts, and more that represent ARCH the only way we know how: quality goods.

VARDHALLA LONG BIKE REPORT–
My longbike is coming back together slowly but surely… and this time it’s getting an 80-inch stroker Knuckle with a 80-inch Magnacharger, will be setup with an angle drive gearbox and 1.26:1 overdrive.

I did a dual carb setup for it using Super Bs, the throttle discs are connected by a little key that allows them to be either progressive, with one primary and one secondary carb, or just ran parallel.

Intake runners are done, collector chamber and carburetor manifold all done in 7075 aluminum. Next thing will be to install the angle-drive gearbox and hook up the belt-drive.

Happy Thursday everybody!

HAMMER PERFORMANCE SPORTSTER KITS— Background Information

Converting your 883 to a 1250 or 1275 is absolutely the most cost-effective way to add power to your bike. Nothing else even comes close on a dollar per horsepower basis.

Converting your 883 is also a pretty simple operation, you can perform a conversion in a few hours without even removing the engine from the frame.

Conversions can be done with no lower end work and they can be done using your stock heads and cams as well. For these reasons, conversions are very popular, and we get asked about them practically every day.

So we put together this guide to help you understand the requirements and myriad of options associated with this very popular topic.

883 to 1250 Conversion Kit in Silver
883 to 1250 Conversion Kit with Silver 04+ Big Fin Cylinders

Note the Reverse Dome Conversion Pistons
These Are For Use With Stock 883 Heads

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, though, there are some background things you need to know:

One of the first decisions you’ll want to make is whether to convert to a 1250 or 1275. HAMMER Performance provides a kit to do either. Here are some things to consider:

The 1250 kit comes with new, premium quality cylinders with extra thick iron liners to support the larger bore size. The 1250 kit is available with the basic conversion pistons only, for use with stock 883 heads. The higher power packages described below use the 1275 kit.

The 1275 kit comes with new, premium quality cylinders with extra thick high strength steel liners to support the even larger bore size.

Stock cylinders cannot be bored to the 1250 or 1275 bore size as the liners are just too thin.

In addition to the engine kit itself, other parts are needed for a successful conversion. Which specific pieces are needed is a function of the year of your bike. See our Complete and Matched Conversion Packages below to make sure you get everything you need.

XL cylinders from 1986 through 2003 use a small fin pattern, as opposed to the larger fin pattern found on 2004 and newer XL models.

There’s way more. Reach out to Hammer Performance for more info.

www.hammerperf.com

[page break]

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–HANG ON, BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 14, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/HANG_ON_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_January_14_2021.aspx

I copied and pasted your article Mental Health Treatment Options at VA to my Facebook page. Then I added this comment – Some people have good results with the VA Mental Health Program and Others Not So Well.

I believe a lot depends on what facility and which Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Therapist you end up with.

I do suggest if you are a veteran and are having mental health issue that you do reach out to the VA for Help.

If you do not get the results you need remember that there are many veterans who have had these issue for years and seeking some of them out to help you with information and guidance is also something to be considered.

If you are not satisfied with how you are being treated by a VA facility contact

United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Federal agency

va.gov

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a federal Cabinet-level agency that provides integrated life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country. Wikipedia
Customer service: 1 (800) 698-2411
Emergency: 1 (800) 273-8255
Corporate secretary: Robert Wilkie (Secretary)
Founder: United States Congress
Founded: March 15, 1989
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

If that does not solve your issue consider contacting you Congressman or woman.
Every veteran deserves treatment for what happened to him while in the service of our country.

I did not get into anything about them just wanting to give you drugs that totally fuck you up or their refusal and doing everything they can to deny they are responsible for your condition and having to honor disability claims.

Just my 2 cents

— Rogue
rogue@bikernet.com
Palm Bay, Florida

SPEED LIMIT BILLS–Bills in five states would alter speed limits

Elected officials in states from North Dakota to Vermont are pursuing revisions to speed limit rules. Changes include the elimination of speed limit differentials for cars and trucks, increased speeds for all vehicles, and one state with legislation to slow all traffic.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association says roadways are safest when all vehicles are allowed to travel at the same rate of speed. The Association does not advocate for a specific speed limit.

Indiana
A renewed effort at the Indiana statehouse would do away with a speed limit differential on the state’s fastest roadways.

Indiana law now permits cars to drive 70 mph while vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds are limited to 65 mph.

Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron, has introduced legislation in at least four of the past five legislative sessions to do away with the speed limit gap on rural stretches of interstates. Each of his previous attempts failed to advance from the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

If approved, the Indiana Department of Transportation previously reported that 68 speed limit signs with the 65 mph restriction would need to be changed.

A fiscal impact statement attached to the bill notes that the expense to the state to change signs would be about $9,000. In addition, it is estimated the switch could result in fewer speeding citations.

The bill, HB1029, is in the House Roads and Transportation Committee.

Maryland
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is expected to soon consider a bill intended to reduce abrupt changes in speed limits for vehicles entering or exiting Interstate 495. The roadway has a posted speed limit of 55 mph.

Sponsored by Sen. Joanne Benson, D-Prince George, the bill would require that all expressways and interstate highways that connect with I-495 have the same maximum speed limit at the point of connection for at least 5 miles from the point of entrance to or exit from the roadway.

Benson has said the change is needed to avoid sudden speed changes. She notes that highway speeds can differ by as much as 15 mph in certain areas.

During committee discussion on the topic three years ago, she said more consistency in posted speeds would help reduce congestion and the frequency of wrecks caused by abrupt changes in speed limits.

The bill also calls for signs to be posted at least every 5 miles.

The bill, SB297, is scheduled for a committee hearing on Jan. 27.

North Dakota
One North Dakota House bill would increase speed limits for all drivers along certain highways.

State law now authorizes speeds of 75 mph on Interstates 29 and 94. Speed limits along four-lane divided highways are set at 70 mph. Two-lane highways are posted at 65 mph.

Sponsored by Rep. Ben Koppelman, R-West Fargo, HB1315 would authorize vehicles to travel 80 mph on interstates. Another provision in the bill would set the minimum speed on affected roadways at 40 mph.

A similar effort during the previous regular session was killed on the House floor via a tie vote. The bill included a provision to increase speeds along four lane divided highways to 75 mph.

Advocates at the statehouse say the change would allow for more efficient travel through the state. Supporters add that nearby South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming already permit 80 mph travel.

Koppelman’s bill is in the House Transportation Committee.

South Carolina
A South Carolina bill addresses concern about slow traffic on the state’s fastest highways.

State law prohibits slow vehicles from impeding “the normal and reasonable movement” of traffic. Exceptions are made for when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation and local authorities also are authorized to establish minimum speed zones. Affected areas can be set when an engineering and traffic investigation shows that slow speeds on a portion of highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

Rep. J. Todd Rutherford, D-Richland, has introduced a bill to raise the minimum speed limit along the state’s interstates. Specifically, the bill reads that along highways with a maximum posted speed of 70 mph the minimum speed limit would be 50 mph – up from 45 mph.

The bill, H3155, is in the House Education and Public Works Committee.

Vermont
If one Vermont state lawmaker gets his way, travel on the state’s fastest highways would be slowed for all vehicles.

Rep. Jim McCullough has again introduced a bill to reduce the maximum speed limit on Interstates 89 and 91 from 65 mph to 55 mph.

McCullough provided information one year ago to the House Transportation Committee. He highlighted the cost savings for driving at a slower rate of speed.

Data provided to the committee showed that optimal fuel efficiency for vehicles is dependent on travel at 55 mph. Additionally, driving at 60 mph reduces efficiency by 3%, and driving at 65 mph cuts into efficiency by 8%.

In addition to saving fuel, advocates say the lower speed limit would reduce crashes, and help with climate change.

The committee did not advance the legislation. The renewed effort, H8, will also start in the committee.

–Keith Goble
Land Line Media
–from the NMA

ADVERTISING ON BIKERNET—For as little as $150 a month, that includes our Covid discount, you be seen and heard all over the world on Bikernet, the Bikernet Blog, our Email blasts and massive social media outlets.

Check this: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/NEW_BIKERNET_PROGRAM_FOR_2019.aspx

BIKERNET EXTREME CONTRIBUTOR COMMENT— Love the Cantina story about the ride to LA. The only stretch I haven’t been on is Newcastle to Casper. Got a hot toddy in Park City around 7:00 pm December 1972. It was -30 degrees. I took a piss beside my ‘55 Ford ranch wagon. It froze from the ground up. Made this pretty little backwards icicle.

Got to see what that Redhead is going to do to you.

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14768

–Bill Mays

BAJA BATES TIRES FROM LOWBROW--Gravel, rocks and roadkill – here’s a tire that knows no fear. Whistle into town, come back across the fields Steve McQueen style. Do some racing among friends on the neighborhood dirt track.

Or what about that camping trip to the other end of the world you’ve been postponing all those years? The new Bates Baja can handle it all.

Working around COVID-19 restrictions and regulations across the country, bikers’ rights activists are pursuing motorcycle-friendly legislation; such as in Missouri where, fresh off their helmet law repeal victory last year, they are now pushing for House Bill 490 to allow “that a motorcycle or motortricycle may be operated on the shoulder of a roadway under certain circumstances.”

In similar fashion, other states are or have been lobbying for various forms of “lane-splitting” laws to allow motorcycles to travel in-between lanes of slow moving traffic, such as in Montana where riders are advocating for Senate Bill 9 to allow “motorcycle filtering,” or Oregon’s Senate Bill 574 “Relating to vehicle filtering in traffic slowdowns” to “allow operators of motorcycles to travel between lanes of traffic under certain conditions,” or in Washington where House Bill 1106 would “Modify the operation of motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic” by allowing riders to “overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.”

In Pennsylvania, concerned riders are pushing to include new motorcycles in the state’s Automobile Lemon Law (House Bill 69), which unlike most states are currently not covered by the same consumer protections as cars and other vehicles.

Concerns about conspicuity, or being seen in traffic, as well as aesthetics, have prompted motorcyclists in several states to modify their auxiliary lighting laws to allow colors other than red or amber; such as Virginia’s Senate Bill 1347 which “Authorizes the use of any color auxiliary lighting, other than blue, on motorcycles and autocycles,” or New Hampshire’s House Bill 461 “relative to motorcycle auxiliary lamping, and adding the New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization to the traffic safety commission.”

Four separate states (WA, MD, LA & UT) have taken action to pass anti-profiling laws to restrict law enforcement from discriminatorily profiling bikers for traffic stops and investigative measures, and New York hopes to join those ranks with A1747 to “Require the municipal police training council to ensure that issues related to motorcycle profiling are addressed in basic law enforcement training.”

Considering the many legal and legislative successes for motorcyclists’ rights in 2020, contending with the worst viral plague in our lifetimes, 2021 portends even greater potential!

–Bill Bish
Editor
NCOM Biker Newsbytes

See is entire world legislative report on Bikernet tomorrow.—Bandit

NEWS FROM THE DIME BAG–Another cool chopper coming soon from our friend Nate Jacobs at Harlot Cycles. We have worked together many times building. We’re gonna be making a custom seat for this one. I’ll be traveling down to his shop for a week to build a cool handmade seat, do some ridin’ and hangout with family and friends.

Dimebag Leather is offering handmade chopper seats for $350 plus shipping. These are universal hardtail frame fit, handmade leather chopper seats with 5/16″ mounting steel nuts.

We also have hand-tooling available for additional costs.

Lastly, we have 45 slots left in 2021 for custom handmade seats specifically made for your custom motorcycle. 20% off labor costs for all Military and Veterans with proper I.D.

Hurry, it will fill up fast.

To order call/text 309-336-0714 or email dimebagleather@yahoo.com

–AC

NEW ART FROM SUPPORT GOOD TIMES–
Not a whole lot to say… artist Lukas Krol illustrates that one for Support Good Times. It’s available as a T-shirt, Women’s Cropped Hoodie, and a sticker.

We’re just waiting on Edwards to find some time to get your artwork done, but I’m excited to see what he comes up with.

–Cicero

Marc VDS Racing to withdraw from FIM Enel MotoE World Cup

The Marc VDS Racing Team has taken the difficult decision to withdraw its planned entry in the 2021 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup competition.

The Belgian team was a proud founder member of the innovative electric bike series and enjoyed great success with Mike di Meglio scoring one victory and four podiums in 2019 and 2020. The Frenchman finished fourth overall in 2020 and was fifth in the final standings in the inaugural series in 2019.

The main reason behind this decision is scheduling clashes that di Meglio will encounter during the 2021 season, with the Frenchman also committed to competing in the World Endurance Championship.

With little time to find a suitable replacement for the former 125cc World Champion, Marc van der Straten has reluctantly decided to end Marc VDS Racing’s involvement in the FIM Enel MotoE Cup with immediate effect.

TATTOOS FROM THE MASTER FRANK BALL JR.—Here’s a couple of new pieces of pure ink art from my grandson. He learns and grows everyday.

THE THING ABOUT SPEEDING—Guest Editorial

The problem with speed limits is they’re arbitrary and presumptive.

A velocity maximum is decreed, and you are presumed a threat to others if you exceed it. Almost everyone understands this is silly—else almost everyone would not “speed” routinely. Most of us do not play Russian roulette, for instance, irrespective of any laws forbidding it, because we don’t need to be threatened with a ticket to refrain from putting a loaded gun to our heads.

Almost everyone understands that driving five, ten mph, or even faster than above whatever the speed limit is isn’t like that. That “breaking” the speed limit is like stepping on sidewalk cracks and not likely to break your momma’s back. It is why few feel shame or guilt when “caught” going faster than the speed limit. Indeed, the opposite is likely true. Drivers resent being extorted by the courts and insurance mafia over something we know caused no harm and was not likely to cause harm.

Interestingly, this defeats the supposed purpose of speed limits if the purpose isn’t to pretextually fleece motorists.

Ostensibly, speed limits are posted—gird yourself—for “our safety.” It is an almost mathematical axiom that the very last thing intended is the plain meaning of those two words when you hear those two words.

An altogether different meaning is intended, which can be demonstrated by pointing out how useless speed limits are as information about how fast or not it is safe to drive on any given road, especially an unfamiliar one.

This ought to be the purpose of speed limits—advisory rather than arbitrary. Suppose limits convey useful information about speed in relation to the road ahead instead of the set-deliberately-below-the-speed most people drive on that road. More might actually drive the advisory speed limit. Inevitably, most drivers ignore the posted limits and see them as easy pickings for on-the-go tax collection.

Part of the problem is vocabulary.

A speed limit sounds like some engineering threshold, like an engine’s RPM limit. Exceed the redline, and engine damage is probable because the engine’s mechanical limits have been exceeded.

Most people take care not to exceed the redline because they know it has objective informational value, and they’d better pay attention to it.

But a speed limit is nothing like that. It is a statutory limit—something illegal to exceed because it has been so decreed but not necessarily harmful in and of itself.

It is obviously not an objective threshold beyond which danger lies, which is why most people do speed, regardless of any statute. General contempt for speed limits is universal, which undermines “our safety.”

It is not because people “speed,” but because the correlation between the signage and conditions is so tenuous that most of us ignore the signs unless police are in the vicinity. While some drive too slowly relative to the speed, the rest of us are driving to make sure that traffic does not needlessly bunch up when it could be flowing much more smoothly. This sets up a bizarre and irritating dynamic.

The speed limit obeyers are often taking a kind of righteous delight in their rigid obedience, which in their minds justifies not yielding to the drivers exceeding the speed limit because they are breaking the law! While the “speeders” understandably get exasperated by the “slowpoke” ahead who is preventing them from driving at a speed they know isn’t dangerous, even if statutorily unlawful.

If “our safety” rather than our money is desired, the gov, perhaps, should post speed advisories with no fines attached.

This would benefit drivers not familiar with a given road by giving them a sound ballpark idea about how fast they ought to enter an unfamiliar curve, for instance. They would be given heed for the sake of safety as opposed to fear of a fine.

Because we have speed limits, people tend to either completely ignore them—knowing they can likely take the curve up ahead at ten or even twenty MPH faster than the sign says is “safe” (even at the risk of a ticket) because they have been driving that road and taking that curve every day for the past ten years at ten or even twenty MPH faster than the sign says is “safe.”

If a driver is not familiar with the road and has not taken the curve up ahead every day for the past ten years, they see the sign that says twenty-five MPH and creates a road hazard by driving preposterously slow for the curve. The next time they take that road, they’ll probably ignore the sign, like almost everyone else.

Motorists then habituate a combination of contempt for the signage as well as mindless obedience of signage irrespective of conditions, and neither is of much service to the cause of “our safety.” The entire regime is as counterproductive and cynical as it is profitable.

This explains why probably speed limits as absolute won’t end anytime soon.

Eric Peters lives in Virginia and enjoys driving cars and motorcycles. In the past, Eric worked as a car journalist for many prominent mainstream media outlets. Currently, he focuses his time writing auto history books, reviewing cars, and blogging about cars+ for his website EricPetersAutos.com.

By guest writer Eric Peters

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the author.

–NMA

 [page break]

DAYTONA, Flying Piston Builders Breakfast– Rolls into Bruce Rossmeyer’s
First Ever IRONe Customs Unveiled and Auctioned. Let’s get kids riding bikes!

Custom builders, industry celebs and riders in the know will be at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson on Sunday morning, March 7, 2021, for the Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast. This stellar meet & greet brings the motorcycle industry together to kick off Daytona Bike Week and support new rider initiatives.

The signature feature of the Breakfast is the IRONe16 Build-Off presented by STACYC showcasing five professionally customized IRONe electric bikes, which will be unveiled and auctioned along with original skate-deck artwork.

“This Flying Piston Breakfast revives the builder breakfast events of the mid-2000s when Bruce Rossmeyer himself welcomed us to gather the riding community in support of local charities,” said Marilyn Stemp, co-founder of Flying Piston Benefit. “We’re delighted that Shelly and Mandy Rossmeyer are carrying on the tradition, making a place for riders to meet legacy and emerging custom builders and to support the motorcycle community.”

The inaugural class of IRONe pro builders includes Evan Favaro of Speakeasy Customs, Scott Kietzmann of Conquest Customs, Taber Nash of Nash Motorcycles, Wendell Turner of Turner’s Cycles and Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine. Each builder will customize Harley-Davidson’s top-of-the-line model: the IRONe 16 Brushless, the extended range lithium ion battery-powered electric balance bike.

“The first step to a motorcycle license is learning how to ride a bicycle,” said Mandy Rossmeyer, Director of Marketing & Events at Bruce Rossmeyer’s H-D. “We are excited to bring the Flying Piston Builder’s Breakfast to Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson at Destination Daytona and proud to support motorcycling in our local community by enabling an All Kids Bike training program at Osceola Elementary School.”

Added STACYC’s Matt Schumann, “The team at STACYC are always excited to grow the next generation of riders. Supporting programs like the Flying Piston Builders Breakfast and the Rossmeyers are great ways to share the love of riding. We can’t wait to see the creativity these builders share.”

In the spirit of such events held at Bruce Rossmeyer’s over a decade ago, dozens of world-class custom builders have been invited to attend for the meet & greet. Names will be released as invitations are accepted. Along with the unveiling of the five custom IRONe bikes and a hearty breakfast, attendees can bid on original artwork and other gearhead items. Can’t attend? Bidding will be available in North America via a digital auction app.

The Builder Breakfast will be held at the Pavilion on the grounds of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach, FL. Only those holding tickets will enjoy exclusive entry to the Destination Daytona Pavilion and Red Carpet Photo Booth, access to the builder community and, of course, breakfast. Parking is free and tickets are available in advance for $20 ($25 at the door) at shop.brucerossmeyer.com. Proceeds will establish an All Kids Bike program at Osceola Elementary School in Ormond Beach, FL. Sponsors include: Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, Rubenstein Law, STACYC, Bikernet, CycleSource Magazine, Strider, Gnarly Magazine, and the magnificent Atomic Bob.

ABOUT EVAN

Evan Favaro, the owner, operator, designer and builder of Speakeasy Motors, has achieved a lot.

It all started when he was 12 years old, building small custom 2 stroke race motors from scratch for himself and his friends to race around town with.

Evan opened his own shop in April of 2011 and named it Speakeasy Motors. He builds the next generation of custom motorcycles and hot rods.

MOTORCYCLE FREEDOM FIGHTERS UNITE–We are the first line of defense for the motorcycle lifestyle and we and other motorcycle publications need to make the riders and people in our industry aware if we do not fight the lifestyle as we know it will be gone.

You, I and others were able to get rid of Joan Claybrook and also take the Mandatory Helmet Law all the way to Washington and in some cases stop and others slow down the forcing of others opinion on what we should do for our own personal safety.

It does appear that our motorcycle rights and safety groups do not have the clout they had back in the day.

I do believe that continuing information to the motorcycle riding community about what is at stake from motorcycle publications is important. If they do not hear it from us, they will not be aware of how bad it is and I suspect getting worse.

I do believe the next two years are going to be important as we continue to try and get legislators on state levels to pass good motorcycle legislation and to also use the funds, they collect from motorcycle licensing and registration for what they were collected for.

They will be coming up for re-election in two years and we need to be ready to say so and so supported motorcycle legislation and so and so did not so I suggest you vote anyone out of office that did not support us. Stop worrying about upsetting legislators’ feelings and let them know do your job or be gone. We have the power to do that if we work together.

Motorcycle related business should help even if they do it quietly in the background. They can help fund people that can not afford to travel to speak with legislators and even contact them themselves. Yes, I do realize if motorcycles go away and so does their business, they may just go into another business But they will have then lost the one they have now and worked so hard to get to where they are at.

–Rogue
Senior Editor Bikernet
Bikernet.com
PO Box 184
Melbourne, FL 32902

High Court Rules for the City of Chicago in Vehicle Impound Case– The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that “mere retention” of a debtor’s property by a creditor does not violate the law. The case involved several Chicago motorists whose cars were impounded by the city and then they had to file for bankruptcy since they could no longer drive to work.

Justice Sonia Sotomayer wrote about the ruling in a case that was heard in October, “Drivers in low-income communities across the country face similar vicious cycles.” She added that when a driver is fined but cannot pay, late fees are incurred and at some point, the vehicle is impounded. Without the vehicle and ability to travel to work, bankruptcy may soon follow.

She also said that despite the court’s ruling, bankruptcy courts are not powerless to assist in returning impounded vehicles and added that Congress could pass legislation that helps speed a return of a vehicle to its owner.

@motorists #SCOTUS #TrafficFines #DrivinginAmerica

–NMA

OLD CLASSIC FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM--1930 Brough Superior OHV 680 Black Alpine

Brough motorcycles were described in period literature and advertising as the “Rolls Royce of Motorcycles.” Big, touring quality motorcycles with large, by British standards, V-twin engines and nice details like the nickel-plated fuel tanks and leather tool kits, Broughs were at the top of British two-wheeled designs.

George Brough, pronounced “bruff,” personally certified every motorcycle built in his Nottingham, England factory. Brough was not an engine maker. British engine builder J. A. Prestwich, J.A.P., supplied the overhead valve engines. J.A.P. engines powered other brands of motorcycles and even some Morgan three-wheelers.

The 680 Black Alpine shared Brough “genes” with the larger SS100 and was made from 1926 to 1936. About 150…

Brough motorcycles were described in period literature and advertising as the “Rolls Royce of Motorcycles.” Big, touring quality motorcycles with large, by British standards, V-twin engines and nice details like the nickel-plated fuel tanks and leather tool kits, Broughs were at the top of British two-wheeled designs.

George Brough, pronounced “bruff,” personally certified every motorcycle built in his Nottingham, England factory. Brough was not an engine maker. British engine builder J. A. Prestwich, J.A.P., supplied the overhead valve engines. J.A.P. engines powered other brands of motorcycles and even some Morgan three-wheelers.

The 680 Black Alpine shared Brough “genes” with the larger SS100 and was made from 1926 to 1936. About 150 of all Brough models were made each year. Rarity is still a reason Broughs are sought after and command high prices. George Brough’s wealthy celebrity customers included T.E. Lawrence, a.k.a. Lawrence of Arabia and George Bernard Shaw, the composer.

Brough Superior built motorcycles, sidecars and a few cars from 1920 to 1940, even made aircraft parts shortly after the start of World War II. Brough’s machines were superbly styled and beautifully made and had performance to match.

The restoration of this Brough took a long time due to scarcity of parts, a generally complicated design and difficulty in finding experts on items such as the rare speedometer. The work was started by Dave Smith Classic Motorcycles, Plainfield, Illinois. More recently the restoration was completed by John Young Classic Auto Restoration, Lake Barrington, Illinois who has ridden the machine a good number of miles, tested the charging system and the electric Klaxon horn. Owner Don Rosene of Anchorage, Alaska adds to his long list of motorcycles on loan to the National Motorcycle Museum with this fine 1930 Brough Superior 680 Black Alpine.

When you visit the National Motorcycle Museum you can look at several Broughs including this 680 Black Alpine, SS100’s and even a SS100 Pendine competition model and compare them to several Vincents, the other premium British motorcycle brand.

Specifications:

Engine: 50 Degree OHV V-Twin
Bore & Stroke: 70mm x 88mm
Displacement: 680cc’s
Carburetion: Single Remote Float, Amal
Ignition: Magneto
Electrics: Battery/ Mag-Dyno, Unique Dual Headlights
Primary Drive: Chain
Clutch: Hand Clutch w/ Single Spring
Gearbox: 3-Speed Sturmey-Archer
Hand Shift with Shift Gate
Enfield Rear Hub, Rubber Drive Cushion
Starting: Kick Only
Front Suspension: Castle Girder Fork, Friction Damper
Rear Suspension: Monoshock Style, Friction Damper
Wheels: 3.25 x 19 / 3.50 x 19
Brakes: Drum, Front & Rear

COMMENT FROM A BIKERNET STAFFER–
When this word comes out of one of Britain’s well-to-do countrymen’s mouths (pronounced “kepitol”), they’re not referring to a city, letter, or money used to start a business. Instead, it means “fantastic!”

–Sam Burns
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–
So, this at MC Creations, a 1966 right side petcock, one year only in Hi-Fi Purple. I learned the reason for the rightside petcock and also learned about this pipe and Shovelheads. Now I want one, however locating them, might be faster to call Thunderheader.

Greg is going to redo his ‘66, it was a lost buddies bike originally, not purple though? So today he is contacting friends for the correct front fender, a friend told him to turn around.

The correct fender has been hanging on the wall behind him with a tribute to his friend painted on it, that originally owned the bike. Not clear if it was his original fender or just an interesting accident. Bike was a rigid wide glide when his friend went down.

Be interesting to see it come together, Billy bike nearing completion as well.

–RFR
Official Weatherman
Bikernet.com

BANDIT’S DAYROLL GETTING OLD– Here are some pictures of the bag and current bike .
This thing has ridden on a few .

The bike is a 2007 Dyna CVO 110 ci.

Never did warm up to the baggers since I came from the late ‘60s when choppers and custom bobbers were the rule . I still regret selling my ‘64 Pan that I rode for 17 years .

–Ed Hardison
Sun City Center
Florida

We cut him a deal on a new all-leather Dayroll, which is on its way. –Bandit

THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN–All the members of the company’s Board of Directors were called into the Chairman’s office, one after another, until only Ted, the junior member, was left sitting outside.

Finally, it was his turn to be summoned.

Ted entered the office to find the Chairman and the other six Directors seated at the far end of the boardroom table.

Ted was instructed to stand at the other end of the table, which he did.

The Chairman looked Ted squarely in the eye, and with a stern voice, he asked:

“Have you ever had sex with my secretary, Miss Floyd?”

“Oh, no, sir, positively not..!” Ted replied.

“Are you absolutely sure…?” asked the chairman.

“Honest, I’ve never been close enough to even touch her…!”

“You’d swear to that…?”

“Yes, I swear I’ve never had sex with Miss Floyd, anytime, anywhere..” insisted Ted.

“Good. Then YOU fire her.”

–Ray Russell

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–SAM’S PICK OF THE WEEK–January 11, 2021

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SAMS_PICK_OF_THE_WEEKJanuary_11_2021.aspx

Man, I love these stories They always take me back and bring back so many good memories and I really dig all the bikes Can’t wait for the next one! They sure break the boredom here at work!

–Stealth
Charlotte, Nc

Get back to work, goddammit.

–Bandit

LOWBROW CUSTOMS MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBAR RISERS–CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBAR RISERS & COMPONENTS FOR SALE
LOWBROW CUSTOMS MOTORCYCLE HANDLEBAR RISERS

Once you pick out the perfect set of handlebars from Lowbrow Customs take a look at our selection of motorcycle handlebar risers to help you mount those bars. We carry a nice assortment of DIY handlebar risers in all kinds of sizes, lengths and styles. Using risers to mount your handlebars is the easiest way to get the bars in the perfect riding position.

This is important because it enables more comfort and control when you are riding. Lowbrow Customs also carries all of the riser bushings and hardware you need to complete the job. You can watch a full video how we install motorcycle handlebars with risers.

TYPES OF HANDLEBAR RISERS

There are a variety of motorcycle handlebar risers available to choose from. Lowbrow Customs offers risers to mount 1-inch diameter handlebars. Browse our selection of different length risers allowing you to move the handlebars closer to the rider. These motorcycle handlebar risers come in lengths ranging from 1 inch all the way to 14 inches. They are tapped for standard ½” – 13 bolts for easy installation.

Lowbrow Customs offers motorcycle handlebar risers online in an assortment of styles like our finned handlebar risers. This style of riser has been popular since the 1950s, and we offer them in an assortment of finishes to match your custom build. We also carry tapered, slimline, and standard style risers in chrome, polished, and black electroplate coatings handlebar. We offer risers in straight and pull back versions in solid brass, polished aluminum, and chrome.

If you prefer a single top clamp riser, we have that too. We carry single top clamp motorcycle handlebar risers for 3 ½” on center mounting used on most Harley Davidson® motorcycles. These clamps provide even contact pressure when mounted using the 4 mounting bolts. We also carry classic dog bone motorcycle handlebar risers commonly found on Harley® Springer front ends.

Whatever your taste, when you are ready to buy handlebar risers be sure to check out Lowbrow Customs. We are sure to have something that will look great on your ride!

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2011 Harley-Davidson FLSTFB – Softail Fat Boy Lo for $12,995.00

See it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=9740001

This bike is one mean looking Fat Boy

ONLY 10944.00 Miles !!!!!

2011 Denim Black Harley-Davidson FATBOY LO SOFTAIL FLSTFB ABS

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

* Harley Big Breather
* Vance & Hines exhaust
* Blacked out Drag bars
* Solo seat
* Curved plate mount
* LED tail smoked light

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Just $12,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155

NEW FROM THE TWISTED ROAD–Lucinda B. put over 15,000 pleasure miles on her motorcycle in one year. Over ten percent of those miles were captivating memories from South Dakota (with a sidecar).

How can you squeeze in all the roads begging for you and your bike, plus the sights? With the 2021 Sturgis South Dakota motorcycle rally around the corner in August and possible schedule limitations, it’s time to start planning. Read on for part one of her six-part series.

WHAT’S NEXT?—The Bikernet Team is not messing around this year. We’re moving and you’ll get to see the whole tamale happen right here on Bikernet. The plan right now is to build a state-of-the-art shop behind the property we hope to buy.

We have already started to talk to other shop owners, to shop movers, crate makers, you name it. I asked the Redhead why I was stressing. She said, “Jesus Christ, you’re turning your life upside down.”

I suppose that about sums it up. So many brothers have done the same over the years and headed to the Badlands. Hell, I spoke to Jason Mook, who now owns Deadwood Custom Cycles. He made trip after trip from North Carolina. Scott Jacobs made the move from California with his entire family. He’s helped Deadwood grow in many ways. Danny Gray now lives here, somewhere. He’s hiding out.

Okay, so we are on the edge, waiting for one deal to work, so I can put the other deal in motion. I’m a tad on edge.

What the hell, you only go around once. Then you’re kaput, done deal. Might as well give it hell.

And don’t forget to ride fast and free forever!

–Bandit

With the new 117th Congress now in session, and the Biden Administration proposing a $2 trillion transportation and infrastructure plan to reauthorize federal funding for highways, vehicle safety and public transit, before the September deadline, motorcyclists are once again tasked with including motorcycle-friendly provisions in the new highway bill.

Last session’s Moving Forward Act (H.R.2), included provision to: Increase Motorcycle Safety Funds to states by 25% (to $5.8 million); Extend the prohibition against using federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints, and also prohibit using federal funds to profile and stop motorcyclists based on of their mode of transportation or style of dress; Require the DOT to consider motorcycles in safety studies on autonomous vehicles and include a motorcycle safety group in the DOT working group on autonomous vehicle deployment; Extension of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council including a seat on the council for motorcyclists’ rights groups and manufacturers; and added an amendment during a floor vote in the House to provide federal monies to collect state profiling data regarding traffic stops based on “mode of transportation.”

Failing to pass, like all other failed bills, the massive transportation measure will need to be dealt with all over again in the coming months, so contact your Congressional Representatives and U.S. Senators to include these much-needed provisions in the newly introduced legislation by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

Likewise, despite having gained over 130 bipartisan cosponsors, H. Res. 255, to address the issue of anti-biker profiling on a national level, failed due to House inaction and will need to be reintroduced and re-addressed this two-year session. Once again, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) and the Confederations of Clubs are calling on all motorcyclists nationwide, from patch holders to independents, to contact their Congressional Representatives to ask for their support of an anti-profiling measure in the House, similar to Senate Resolution 154 passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on December 11, 2018.

As defined by the nonbinding S.Res.154, “motorcycle profiling” means “the illegal use of the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle related apparel as a factor in deciding to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest, or search a person or vehicle with or without legal basis under the Constitution of the United States.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a “Notice of Public Rulemaking” regarding labels on E15 fuel dispensers, proposing two potential changes to the current fuel pump labels, neither of which is amenable to motorcyclists or owners of small-engine equipment which can be harmed by high alcohol content gasoline.

The EPA’s first proposal involves modifying current labeling to remove all warnings and prohibitions about E15 (15% ethanol blended fuel) use in susceptible engines, and their second is complete removal of the label from dispensing pumps.

Consumers’ concerns are that motorcycles and ATVs are not approved for its use, nor are most small air-cooled engines, and using incorrect hotter-burning fuel could cause premature wear, engine damage and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Working around COVID-19 restrictions and regulations across the country, bikers’ rights activists are pursuing motorcycle-friendly legislation; such as in Missouri where, fresh off their helmet law repeal victory last year, they are now pushing for House Bill 490 to allow “that a motorcycle or motortricycle may be operated on the shoulder of a roadway under certain circumstances.” In similar fashion, other states are or have been lobbying for various forms of “lane-splitting” laws to allow motorcycles to travel in-between lanes of slow moving traffic, such as in Montana where riders are advocating for Senate Bill 9 to allow “motorcycle filtering,” or Oregon’s Senate Bill 574 “Relating to vehicle filtering in traffic slowdowns” to “allow operators of motorcycles to travel between lanes of traffic under certain conditions,” or in Washington where House Bill 1106 would “Modify the operation of motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic” by allowing riders to “overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.”

In Pennsylvania, concerned riders are pushing to include new motorcycles in the state’s Automobile Lemon Law (House Bill 69), which unlike most states are currently not covered by the same consumer protections as cars and other vehicles.

Concerns about conspicuity, or being seen in traffic, as well as aesthetics, have prompted motorcyclists in several states to modify their auxiliary lighting laws to allow colors other than red or amber; such as Virginia’s Senate Bill 1347 which “Authorizes the use of any color auxiliary lighting, other than blue, on motorcycles and autocycles,” or New Hampshire’s House Bill 461 “relative to motorcycle auxiliary lamping, and adding the New Hampshire Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization to the traffic safety commission.”

Four separate states (WA, MD, LA & UT) have taken action to pass anti-profiling laws to restrict law enforcement from discriminatorily profiling bikers for traffic stops and investigative measures, and New York hopes to join those ranks with A1747 to “Require the municipal police training council to ensure that issues related to motorcycle profiling are addressed in basic law enforcement training.”

Considering the many legal and legislative successes for motorcyclists’ rights in 2020, contending with the worst viral plague in our lifetimes, 2021 portends even greater potential!

They say the New Year means “out with the old and in with the new,” and as we look forward to a raft of new machinery in the coming months, the introduction of new Euro5 emissions regulations means the axe is coming down on a number of older models of motorcycles.

From January 1st, new bikes sold in the EU and UK have to comply with Euro5, which is why many new models have been upgraded for 2021, but it also means some models have been “killed off” as it was either not possible or not viable to make them compatible.

So, as we herald in a New Year, we take a moment to reflect on those we’ve lost, or are about to lose, as VisorDown.com tolls the bell for those that didn’t make the regulatory cut:

Honda has furiously updated to Euro5 specs, but their aging V4 models, the VFR800F, Crossrunner and 1200 Crosstourer won’t be updated to Euro5, partly due to expense but also to lack of sales. There’s also a big question mark against the CB1100RS and CB1100EX retro roadsters, which again, are small sellers, and their air-cooled design makes any update difficult.

Despite a similar flurry of Euro5-driven model updates, Yamaha also sees some notable casualties, such as the R6 Supersport, FJR1300 sports-tourer, the XT1200Z Super Tenere, XV950R cruiser and scrambler-style SCR950, running engines dating back over a decade means it’s not viable to update them, although some may live on in non-EU markets.

Suzuki’s VStrom 250 and GSX250R are set to be dropped, but their new Hayabusa hyper-bike has been given an update to allow it to scrape by Euro5 eligibility for a stay of execution. Vulnerable Kawasaki models include the Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja 400, ZZR1400, plus their W800 retro, Z1000 R naked and its small-selling J300 and J125 scooters.

BMW’s C650 super scooters will fall by the wayside, though updates to their aging ‘pre-LC’ engine uses in their R nineT means the popular roadsters will ride on. Ducati’s new V4 Multistrada sees the end of the old 1260 V-twins, although the 950 and 1260 Enduro live on…for now.

Triumph’s line-up is already Euro5 compliant, but there remains a question mark around its popular, but slightly aging Speed Triple 1050 and Tiger Sport 1050, and rumors suggest a new version of both will appear in 2021 sporting a new 1160cc engine.

Legendary U.S. motorcycle-maker Harley-Davidson’s UK/EU model line-up will exclude its entry-level Street 750 plus the entire 883/1200 Sportster family.

As a significant caveat to all this, while non-Euro5 bikes will no longer be made, an agreement called ‘end of series’ rules gives manufacturers up to two years to clear unsold stock.

India is, in fact, the largest motorcycle market in the world, relying on motorcycles as a staple means of transportation for decades. So, it’s important to recognize, especially amidst a global pandemic, that December registered record growth for motorcycles in India with double digit growth for nearly all major manufacturers.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, leaving many of the country’s 1.353 billion population unemployed, and the recent implementation of the BS6 standard resulting in increased pricing, the motorcycle Industry in India has posted incredible growth in the closing month of 2020.

For starters, according to RideApart.com, Yamaha posted 33% year-on-year growth last month, selling 39,224 motorcycles in December alone. When compared with other markets, Yamaha India sells as many motorcycles in a month as would be sold in a year. The same can be said for homegrown manufacturer, Royal Enfield, taking the global market by storm, posting tremendous 35% growth in December by way of selling 65,492 new units. Indian motorcycle company TVS also posted 13% year-on-year growth amid all the challenges 2020 threw on the table, boasting an impressive 258,000 two-wheelers sold.

Speaking of this year, nearly all motorcycle manufacturers in India have stepped up their game for the 2021 model year, meaning we can expect the motorcycle industry in the country to get even stronger.

The U.K. is yet again inflicting another full lockdown, due to the deadly China Virus spread, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson initiating tough new stay-at-home orders for at least seven weeks until at least mid-February.

Those looking to their motorcycle as an escape route to deal with implications of the pandemic could put them in violation of COVID-19 guidelines and risk being fined. The U.K has moved into Tier 5, the highest level of COVID-19 alert the nation has seen, and with that you may now only leave the house if you have a “reasonable excuse,” written into law and the police can fine those in breach for the first offense of £200 ($273.19USD), doubling up for further offenses up to a maximum of £6,400 ($8,742.18).

England and Northern Ireland have joined Scotland, Wales and Ireland in implementing the toughest travel restrictions since the original lockdown last March, meaning that in all four Home Nations you can only ride a motorcycle as transport under certain circumstances, and being caught riding not as part of an ‘essential journey’ could levy a hefty fine.

As in previous shutdowns, certain essential businesses will be allowed to stay open, and while that list includes vehicle repair and MOT (Ministry of Transport) testing services, motorcycle training and test centers are not included and all types of vehicle driving tests are suspended.

This latest lockdown has also seen all motorcycle related activities stopped immediately including track days, trials and endures.

Norway’s national government intends to drastically cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half by the year 2030, aiming to become a zero-emission country by 2050, so by 2025 the current plan is to completely do away with the sale of all new combustion vehicles (including motorcycles).

By way of ratcheting up public incentives for EVs (Electric Vehicles) in reducing taxes, tolls, parking and ferry fees; battery electric vehicles have already outsold piston-powered cars, making up 54% of total car sales overall in Norway.

“In Norway, we tax what we don’t want and we promote what we want, and the consumer has, in this way, actually the opportunity to make the right choice,” Norsk elbilforening secretary-general Christina Bu told the Huffington Post.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The successful revolutionary is a statesman, the unsuccessful one a criminal.”
~ Erich Fromm (1900-1980), psychoanalyst and author

–Images from Bob T. collection

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).