HANG ON!—The Holidays are fast approaching. Hell, Thanksgiving is next Thursday. And a new Panhead project just landed in the shop. We are ready for a speed run with the Salt Torpedo, but Micah is or was trying to escape Los Angeles and California. He looked in Prescott, Arizona, but didn’t find what he needed. He’s a member of the Uglies and has Carlos and Emma in Auburn, so he went to check it out. He’s currently in escrow. That may delay our trip to El Mirage. Tomorrow, we will cover another Cruz Tool kit and how we used it with a Bandit’s Dayroll. We have more road tests of CVO models and I’m working on another Sam’s Picks of the Week. Hang On! In the meantime, Ride Free, while you can! –Bandit 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. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

Click Here to read the Weekly News on Bikernet

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

When we think of a Ducati sportbike, chances are our minds default to the Panigale. It’s no wonder since, after all, the name is a bit of an icon in the segment and the bike showcased some of the sexiest, most elegant sportbike designs in recent history, culminating with the V4. With such a presence in the lineup, it’s easy to forget that on the fully-faired front, Ducati also offers the SuperSport 950.

However, with a starting price of $13,095 (for 2020), the SuperSport is an affordable and accessible entry point into the Italian sports segment. For 2021, the bike received a few key upgrades including new techs and a fresh new face inspired by the Pani.

On November 18, 2020, Ducati hosted its third World Première episode. The announcement included the introduction of the new Panigale V4 SP, the TK-01RR electric bicycle, and, of course, the updated SuperSport.

Ducati refreshed the model’s design and injected it with a bit of Panigale DNA to streamline the family’s look. The front optical adopts a similar shape as the one introduced on the V4, complete with the signature LED strip, while the fairing now features a gill-like design on the sides.

Under the surface, the entry-level sportbike carries over vastly unchanged. The 937cc Testastretta twin, shared with the Hypermotard and Multistrada 950, gets its Euro 5-compliant upgrade, but power figures remain the same at 110 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque.

The engine continues to act as a stressed member inside the tubular steel chassis that’s mounted to a pair of 17-inch y-spoke light-alloy wheels with Marzocchi suspension hardware. The SuperSport did gain a few pounds, now weighing in at 406 pounds.

The most important upgrades happened on the electronics/technological front. The 2021 model-year is equipped with a Bosch 6-axis inertial measurement unit that detects the motorcycle’s position on the road and controls such systems as cornering ABS, traction control, and wheelie control. The SuperSport also features electronic shifting, as well as three riding modes (Sport, Touring, and Urban) selectable via the 4.3-inch TFT display.

Pricing for the 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950 now starts at $13,495 and for the SuperSport 950 S, at $15,795. Deliveries in the U.S. are set to begin in March, 2021.

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

The world’s best-known motorcycle company, Harley-Davidson, is not exactly enjoying its best of times. It’s been a rough run for the bike maker these past few years, and chances are the trend will continue to manifest itself in the near future as well. But Harley had it rough before, and somehow always managed to pull through.

In an attempt to get people’s minds of things, now that the winter holidays are approaching, Harley announced it is giving away 500 classes to its Riding Academy (each worth around $250). They are intended for people who have never ridden a motorcycle before, but only if they’re nominated by family or friends.

More to the point, from now and until the last day of the year, Harley is asking people to nominate someone they think deserves to enjoy the class for free. All you have to do to let the company know who that person is is to upload a photo of your favorite Harley-Davidson motorcycle on either Instagram or Twitter, and tag the non-rider while also including #GiftOfRiding and #Giveaway in your post.

Aside from the free class, each randomly selected winner will receive a $200 Harley-Davidson gift card to be used for riding gear. Another gift card worth $100 goes to the ones who made the winning nominations.

“The thrill of riding with your best friend and reconnecting over a shared adventure is the gift that will always keep giving,” said Theo Keetell, Vice President of Marketing, Harley-Davidson. “From backroads to coastal highways, motorcycle riding offers open-air exploration to free your soul and sense of adventure.”

This is not the first time Harley has done something for its riding programs this year. Back in July, it announced the Learn to Ride initiative which allows for personal coaching sessions with trainers, either individually or as a group of up to four people.

Hey,

I tore into an S&S Super E carb this week to make my ’46 Dicey Knucklehead live again. The Morris automatic advance distributor has been in place, untouched, for 25 years, since Dave Morris helped me install and tune it. It fired right up after getting the ethanol out of the carb. Whatta mess. 

I’m reading a book by Dr. Pat Allen, “The truth about Men.” My Son, Frank, very wisely recommended it to his growing daughter, when she was just a teenager. It could have been a life saver.

I was going to write a book years ago called the Dogs vs. the Evil Nesters. Pat covers this issue in her book, but it’s something all young people should read. Two things I have gained from this experience. Society often tries to force us to act in opposition to reality. And if we are open to learning, we can learn something everyday.

As Pat explains, men are very different from women, and if we weren’t our race wouldn’t be here today. And because we are it’s good for our race and very bad for the evil nester who expects us to stay home and be good little boys.

We better get to the news before I get in trouble with the Redhead.

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. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

HOW TO SIZE HELMETS FROM BIKERLIDS–HELMETS ARE POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM OF GEAR THAT YOU WILL EVER BUY. IT IS CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT TO GET THE SIZING RIGHT, THE FIRST TIME. AND BUYING THE WRONG ONE CAN BE AN EXPENSIVE LESSON TO LEARN.

BUT DON’T WORRY. WE ARE HERE TO HELP. FOLLOW OUR HANDY TIPS TO MEASURING UP, AND WITH OUR EASY TO UNDERSTAND SIZE GUIDE, WE WILL MAKE SURE YOU GET IT RIGHT. THE FIRST TIME.

NEWS FROM GENO–Hmmm nothing like behind force fed the new way. I really don’t know anyone who wants this. What is the upside for us? I know the upside for Mary Barra-big bonus for all the extra profit. I’ll always take IC over EV.

General Motors will roll out details of an expanded and accelerated electric vehicle strategy on Thursday in an effort to convince investors it can be a serious competitor to Tesla, people familiar with the plans said.

Hopefully, someone will have the balls to have an open discussion about Climate Change, weather, Carbon Dioxide and Polar Bears. More and more these issues are being attacked on both sides and Al Gore made it that way, when he should have said science is never settled, but let’s keep an eye on all aspects.

Alarmism is not to correct approach. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a city and testing different approaches for the future. Let’s see what works before we shove it down society’s throat.–Bandit

BIKERNET TRADE TECH OPENS DURING PANDEMIC— Spinning levers – How a transmission… – Mechanical Engineering
Spinning levers – How a transmission works (1936) Engineering Books Join our group : Mechanical Engineering.

https://www.facebook.com/Mechanicalengineering95/videos/881926408936509

–EL WAGGS
Professor if metallurgy
Bikernet Trade Tech™

FROM THE DIME BAG EMPIRE–Came across this photo of “Piracy” at the Dime Bag World Headquarters. In 2006, we built a handtooled leather seat for an Arlen Ness chopper.

Got some really great seats projects coming up…. A lot of dream builds in the works with more legendary builders and motorcycle personalities.

Stay tuned!
Dime Bag Leather
Follow us @Dimebag.leather on Instagram
To order custom seats call/text
309-336-0714
Dimebag.leather@yahoo.com

The Great Reset: Climate Realism vs. Climate Socialism
The future of climate policy is about to be decided.

Join the fight for Climate Realism over Climate Socialism at ICCC-14 on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

The climate alarmism industry and its media allies present a daily barrage of false, misleading, and one-sided information designed to convince people that a climate crisis is at hand. As the years pass, the “climate crisis” keeps being pushed into the future. Why? Because the forces of collectivism and big, controlling government are using it as a means to gain more control over us.

The global climate agenda, as promoted by the United Nations, is to overhaul the entire global economy, usher in socialism, and forever transform society as one in which individual liberty and economic freedom are crushed.

Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, recently penned an article for the special edition of TIME that focused exclusively on the Great Reset, titled ‘A Better Economy Is Possible. But We Need to Reimagine Capitalism to Do It.’ That article reveals the crux of the Great Reset.

As The Heartland Instituite’s Chris Talgo explains, Klaus and the WEF plan to exploit the COVID crisis in the short term, and the “climate crisis” in the long-term, to replace free-market capitalism with what they call “stakeholder capitalism. That would usher in a command-and-control structure on a global scale. And there appears to be little to stop them.

This will be the most important event of the year to counter climate alarmism and the imposition of Great Reset with the best scientists and experts from around the world on those topics.

Will you join us and take a stand against the further aims of those exploiting climate fear to obtain more power over all of us?

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT THE EARLY BIRD RATE OF $199.

Although the program is still coming together, there will be six plenary sessions and 16 panel presentations – with two concurrent tracks – featuring some 40 speakers.

If you have any questions, call The Heartland Institute at 312/377-4000 and ask for Keely Drukala, or email her at kdrukala@heartland.org.

David Frizzell To Perform Hour-Long Live Stream Concert On 615 Hideaway & RFD-TV Monday, November 16 at 6pm CT–
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – CMA and ACM award-winning and Grammy-nominated hitmaker, David Frizzell will host an hour-long live stream concert at 615 Hideaway in Nashville, performing some of his biggest hits from throughout his career as well as other fan favorites including “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home”, “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” and more. Join David Frizzell Monday, November 16 at 6pm CT live on Facebook or on RFD-TV.

“We have a wonderful show planned for everyone watching and are looking forward to spending some time with fans from all over the world,” says Frizzell. “I hope you will tune in and sing along!”

Frizzell is currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma,” a duet with Shelly West which was released in 1980 and reached number one in 1981. Although turned down by countless labels, it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s film “Any Which Way You Can,” providing the boost needed to be heard. Once released, it shot to number one and secured a contract for the duo with Warner Brother Records. The duet was even ranked in CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets in country music, reaching number six.

David Frizzell is one of the greatest voices in country music with a haunting resemblance to his older brother, the ultimate stylist, Country Music Hall of Fame member Lefty Frizzell. Both share that raw, forlorn quality that is essential to the interpretation of traditional country themes. Even during the duet years with Shelly West, David Frizzell continued his solo career as well with “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home.” As the producer of the popular Frizzell & Friends series of projects, David brings together some of the top performers in the business for both live and recorded projects such as Crystal Gayle, T. Graham Brown, Johnny Lee, Lacy J. Dalton, and more.

For David Frizzell’s most updated concert calendar visit www.davidfrizzell.com.

Custom Harleys in for a Fight as Indian Launches Build-Off Challenge–Like it or not, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the rulers of the custom two-wheeler world. There are so many of them out there that they simply dwarf all competition and, knowing this, the Milwaukee company keeps pushing people down the custom route.

It was at the beginning of the year that Harley held it’s King of Kings competition, a race between 15 motorcycles designed by Harley dealers worldwide. The competition called for machines to be customized, within a budget, and using mostly the bike maker’s parts.

The project that went on to win is called Apex Predator, and was made by a dealer in Mexico, Harley-Davidson Queretaro, but all the entries in the race were worth at least a mention, and caused quite a stir back then online.

Now winter is upon us, and as Harley is battling some other challenges, its major foe, Indian, announced it is launching its own build-off competition. Called 2021 Project Scout 3K Challenge, it too is meant for dealers, but sadly just for the ones in the UK.

The rules are simple: those taking part will have to use an Indian Scout as a base, and only 3,000 British pounds ($3,900 at the current exchange rates) can be invested in the project. Why this much?

“Our customers tend to invest an average of three thousand pounds upgrading and customizing over their ownership period, so we wanted our dealer network to showcase that average customer spend in our Project Scout 3k Challenge,” explains in a statement Indian Motorcycle UK Sales Manager, Andrew Simpson.

The bike maker gave its dealers a 12-week deadline to complete the projects, meaning we’ll only get to see the finished products in the early weeks of 2021 – Indian says Project Scout 3K builds will be shown publicly on January 31, 2021, when it kicks off the celebrations for its 120th anniversary.

–Daniel Patrascu
Autoevolution

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT— Just doing a random Pigeon Head search, wouldn’t be the first time. Anyone else.

–RFR
Certified Meteorologist
Bikernet.com™

MRF REPORTS RIDING FREE FROM DC–Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.

Picture Time!

Over the last few weeks MRF members and SMROs have had the opportunity to meet and thank elected officials for their support of motorcyclists. Below are some pictures of MRF members with lawmakers. Remember if you or your SMRO meet with a lawmaker take a picture and send it to us. We love seeing bikers talking motorcycles and politics with members of Congress!

Getting Organized

The current session of the 116th Congress expires at noon on January 3rd. On that day, the 117th Congress will be sworn in. While the current Congress still has a number of items to deal with, planning for the 117th Congress is already underway. Last week, newly elected members of Congress (A.K.A. Freshmen) traveled to Washington, D.C. for orientation.

Over the course of several days, incoming lawmakers will learn about the mechanics of being a Representative or Senator including office budgets, personnel regulations and travel limitations. Freshman lawmakers need to set up offices both in Washington D.C. and back in their home state. There is no automatic carryover of staff from one lawmaker to the next, so offices will need to hire a full complement of legislative aides.

For many new members, the most highly anticipated aspect of the next few weeks is the Congressional office lottery. Based on seniority, all members of Congress are offered the opportunity to move to new office space. The most coveted offices on Capitol Hill tend to have views of the Capitol Dome, extra square footage or historical significance.

While senior lawmakers rarely move offices, less tenured lawmakers draw numbers to determine the pecking order to pick from newly open offices. Just remember if you came to Washington, D.C. for Bikers Inside the Beltway in the past, the next time you meet with that same lawmaker it might be in a totally new office or building!

The most important activity of the coming weeks will be election of congressional leadership by both parties and the announcement of committee chairmen, ranking members and committee membership.

While there may be some minor changes to congressional leadership it appears the same “Big Four” will return to their leadership posts in 2021. Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House), Kevin McCarthy (House Minority Leader), Mitch McConnell (Senate Republican Leader) and Chuck Schumer (Senate Democratic Leader) should all retain their leadership posts. If you’ve been following the news, you know that runoff elections in Georgia will decide which party has the majority in the Senate.

Additionally, in the next few weeks the chairmen and ranking members of all congressional committees will be selected. The membership and ratio of Republicans to Democrats on these committees will also be decided. Seniority will determine which lawmakers get the most sought-after committee assignments.

The MRF will continue to track who ends up where and be prepared to take our message to Capitol Hill when the 117th Congress begins early next year.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK—2019 STREET GLIDE

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=9562180

THIS MOTORCYCLE CAN ONLY BE REGISTERED OR SOLD OUTSIDE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA!

ONLY 5118.00 Miles !!!!!

2019 Wicked Red Harley-Davidson STREET GLIDE FLHX

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

* 107 M8 motor
* 6 speed trans
* SVT Boneshaker exhaust
* Custom levers
* Custom mirrors
* 12 Meat-hook ape hangers

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

FEMA Wants To Keep Home Recycling Of Motorcycles Alive— Europe has rules in place for the collection and destruction of cars that have come to the end of their life. Motorcycles are exempt from these rules. That may change, if it’s up to the European Commission.

Wim Taal. FEMA’s communications officer: “Inclusion of motorcycles in the scope of the directive could also mean a serious threat to historical motorcycles. These bikes are especially dependent upon on available and affordable original spare parts to keep them in working order.

And who wants to see oldtimers disappear into state approved demolishing facilities?”

These rules are part of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive, aimed at the prevention of waste from vehicles that have come to the end of their life. The directive also tells Member States to set up systems for the collection and de-registration of all end-of life vehicles.

The directive also pushes producers to manufacture new vehicles without hazardous substances (in particular lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium), thus promoting the reuse, recyclability and recovery of waste vehicles.

The directive tells Member States to have all vehicles that have reached the end of their life ‘transferred to authorized treatment facilities’ to be demolished in an environmentally friendly way.

If motorcycles were to be included in the scope of the directive, that could mean the end of so-called home recycling. Recycling of motorcycles and motorcycle parts is an inherent part of motorcycle use.

Home recycling, where you end the bike’s registration and take it apart for reuse of its parts, is a significant part of the motorcycle culture. Home recycling helps to keep bikes on the road with used spare parts, instead of using new parts that have to be produced from raw materials.

As we did in the 1990s, FEMA still believes that the private reuse of motorcycle parts is one of the best ways to prevent waste and to prevent the unnecessary use of raw materials. This way, motorcyclists play their part in the circular economy as well as being environmentally friendly.

Luckily motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers are not included in the scope of the current directive, a position that was lobbied for by FEMA when the directive was written and adopted in the late 1990s.

The European Commission now plans to revise the End-of-life Vehicles Directive and asked for feedback (there will be a public consultation in the second quarter of 2021 and the Commission’s adoption of a revised directive is planned for the second quarter of 2022). As part of the revision of the directive, the European Commission wants to explore the need to have powered two-wheelers include in the scope.

FEMA responded to the European Commission’s request for feedback with the following statement and explains why in our view motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers should not be included in a new directive.

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to give its vision on the revision of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC).

In FEMA’s view, the current Directive succeeded in preventing waste from vehicles, the reuse of parts from vehicles and improvement of the environmental performance of all economic operators involved in the life cycle of vehicles. We can also understand the need to extend the scope of the directive to other kinds of vehicles than cars.

However, extension of the working of the Directive to powered two-wheelers (PTWs) is less obvious because of the different nature of both use and build of PTWs. PTWs do not have a body like cars; they can have body parts attached to the frame, but this cannot be compared with the body of cars. Most PTWs spend the largest part of their live indoors and as a rule are used for far less kilometres than cars. Because of this, and because parts can easily be removed, PTWs seldomly reach the end of their life like other vehicles do.

Virtually all PTW parts can be reused, through a large network of specialised second-hand part suppliers throughout the European Union, or by users themselves who swap and change parts with other owners. Parts that are not reused are recycled through local recycling schemes or sent on by second-hand part shops. There is no evidence of PTWs being dumped beside the road or otherwise disposed of in an inappropriate manner.

Inclusion of PTWs could even be contrary to the aim the directive, by causing a problem where none exists now. In particular, the certificate of destruction may prohibit users from dismantling their vehicles for the purpose of reusing components. Furthermore, the administrative requirement on specialised second-hand parts businesses, which are generally small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), could mean job losses.

If the European Commission does propose to include motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in an End-of-life Vehicles Directive, FEMA would ask the Commission to ensure that the possibility of controlled in-house demolition remains possible (as part of a circular economy), either by including it in the Directive, or by allowing Member States to make their own rules and regulations for in-house demolition.

If the European Commission does propose to include motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in an End-of-life Vehicles Directive, FEMA would ask the Commission to ensure that historic PTWs or PTWs of value to collectors or intended for museums, kept in a proper and environmentally sound manner, either ready for use or stripped into parts, do not fall within the scope of this Directive.

Written by Wim Taal

BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN AND MASK FREE–*Bill*: Why are you so tense?

*Jack*: Just fought with my wife. That woman just fights for no reason at all.

*Bill*: Why what happened?

*Jack*: We both were excited and about to start having sex … she removed her Top and jeans ….
I just asked why are you wearing your sister’s Underwear……!!!

–Udey Way
Editor in Chief
Bikernet.com™ International News Bureau
India

PLANET CHOPPER IS ALIVE— Most of you are tarmac adventures, that’s a perfect fit for these tours — no off-road experience is required. Hey Keith, We know you love motorcycling and the freedom of the road, but have you ever considered a motorcycle adventure in India and the Himalayas?

We are very excited to be introducing you to Giant Leap Motorcycle Adventure Tours.

If you’re looking for a way to create great memories, India is the place:

· Motorcycling hasn’t been understood until you’re above the clouds on a dirt road atop the Himalayan mountains. You leave behind petty rules, and a world gone mad.

· Camaraderie has a greater meaning when you share the discovery of new cultures and lands — and when you get a flat tire in the middle of the Great Indian Desert and your new-found friends are by your side.

· These tours are about creating a sense of achievement and doing what most people on the planet wouldn’t even dare to.
Most of you are tarmac adventures, that’s a perfect fit for these tours — no off-road experience is required.

That said, these tours are challenging, but the rewards are huge. Lifelong friendships, stunning scenery and lots of laughs await.

As a Plant Chopper, subscriber you’re getting early bird access to the website and a coupon code* to receive 10% off any of our current tours.

To redeem your voucher use the code PLANETC. *Terms and Conditions Apply.

Visit the website here:
Yourgiantleap.com

Cheers and safe Riding,
–Ben

SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK—2018-2020 Scout Bobber Brown Step-Up™ Front LS Seat

Brand Fitment: Indian
Model Fitment: Scout Bobber
Year Fitment: 2018-2020
Color: Black with Black Stitching

GEARED SCIENCE – IAN OLSEN’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON SHOVELHEAD BUILD PART 1 -UNBOXING LOWBROW CUSTOMS ORDER

This 1981 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead is currently in progress by Ian Olsen from Milwaukee, WI. Ian is a welder fabricator that has been involved with about 10 builds at this point. Only one of them was his own.

He is always helping out all of his friends for little or nothing. Now we’re all coming together to get him going on his own build. So far, all that’s been done is the springer installation and the hardtailing of the frame but with the help of Lowbrow he has the fuel to push this build past the finish line!

We sent Ian a handful of parts, like our 120 Piece Pro Builder’s Bung and Tab kit, AMF grips, a Gasbox 2 into 1 Shovelhead Exhaust and much more to get this Shovelhead build closer to reality. Check out this unboxing and the beginnings of what looks like a hell of a cool project.

Geared Science is filming this build for us. Be sure to check out the Geared Science YouTube channel. While you are there subscribe so you get updates as they release killer new videos!

Geared Science Is a short video series about motorcycle builders and contributors. Brian Radmond started shooting these videos with his friends to share their build stories with the world not just showcasing the same Harley Panhead build that you see at every bike show.

His goal is to showcase the daily riding choppers, the track bikes, and everything in between. They might not be the prettiest bikes but they for sure are the ones you see out on the road. He’s diving into how builders create real bikes with the intention of inspiring viewers to have the confidence to take that leap and build their own bikes. Which is an idea we believe in full heartily and support here at Lowbrow Customs!

Ian’s Harley Shovelhead is a roller!

Check out the Lowbrow Customs YouTube channel to check out all of our videos. We spend a lot of time and effort creating motorcycle how-to videos, product reviews and event coverage for your enjoyment, please let us know what you think. Click here to subscribe to the Lowbrow Customs YouTube channel and stay in the know!

MIKEY ARNOLD
Mikey “Revolt” Arnold is a Cleveland based photographer and videographer for Lowbrow Customs and Forever The Chaos Life.

See all the action at Lowbrow Customs:

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT AND MUSIC REVIEW—
The first night I heard her sing, I couldn’t get enough. Check out Tara Thompson – Sadr City.

So, are you on your way back to Deadwood? I like the roads up there, so when does it snow enough they close off the highways? Like that gate at Sturgis, I would love to ride Spearfish Canyon again! I can’t believe I got to ride it twice with no one in front of me! I can’t believe I never went sooner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ht9tSLkaMvg&app=desktop

–RFR

[page break]

THE ART OF NO MIND BIKERNET TEMPLE PHILOSOPHY CLASS–

“Meditation starts by being separate from the mind, by being a witness. That is the only way of separating yourself from anything. If you are looking at the light, naturally one thing is certain: you are not the light, you are the one who is looking at it. If you are watching the flowers, one thing is certain: you are not the flower, you are the watcher.

“Watching is the key of meditation:

“Watch your mind.

“Don’t do anything – no repetition of mantra, no repetition of the name of god – just watch whatever the mind is doing. Don’t disturb it, don’t prevent it, don’t repress it; don’t do anything at all on your part. You just be a watcher, and the miracle of watching is meditation. As you watch, slowly mind becomes empty of thoughts; but you are not falling asleep, you are becoming more alert, more aware.

“As the mind becomes completely empty, your whole energy becomes aflame of awakening. This flame is the result of meditation. So, you can say meditation is another name of watching, witnessing, observing – without any judgment, without any evaluation. Just by watching, you immediately get out of the mind.”

“If you want to understand exactly what meditation is, Gautam Buddha is the first man to come to its right, exact definition – that is witnessing.”

“The moment you put the mind aside, you have entered into the world of meditation.”

Osho, The Invitation, Talk #21

–Wayfarer
Bikernet Monk
Meditating at the base of the Gray Mountain

STURGIS 1996 FROM THE SHERIFF—
I Have One memory Barry told a story he slid under a truck like in the movies.

But I don’t remember any hospital or ambulances.
However, Barry was always Joking with me. If I went down he had an ice cooler to put my liver in!

–Christer
SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP
S-36030 LAMMHULT
SWEDEN

Over 40% Of Minority-Owned Businesses, Beauty Salons & Retaurants Struggled Paying November Rent

BOSTON, MA: November 12, 2020: Alignable’s Monthly Rent Poll, conducted among 8,092 small business owners from 10/24-10/27/20, found that 44% of minority-owned small business owners could not afford to pay their full rent on time in November.

That’s compared to 35% of women-owned businesses and 32% of nonminority-owned small companies.

Similar trends were seen among minority-owned and women-owned businesses in terms of who received PPP funding earlier this year.

And now, with no additional PPP in sight, the lack of federal funding is causing even more burdens for businesses that are most-affected by the devastating COVID threat.

Lack Of Federal Funds + COVID Surge = Tougher Times

Unfortunately, the rent struggles, and related cash flow issues, are not likely to improve any time soon given the surge in COVID cases across North America. Small business owners say that surge is elevating their fears that the government will force them to close their ailing businesses once again. In some cases, that could mean those businesses won’t survive into 2021.

REPORT FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–
The holidays will be here before we know it. If you’re looking for a David Uhl piece for that special someone (or yourself!), please read on.

Occasionally, we send out emails trying to help find new homes for sold out and rare pieces owned by clients. These do not belong to the studio and are for sale by private collectors. Please view the listings and let me know if any are of interest. Some of these are really tough, if not impossible to find these days.

This is not an all-inclusive list. If the piece you’ve been looking for isn’t listed below, let me know and I’ll check secondary market availability.

Due to an order cancellation, the studio has one set of all 3 Strange Days pieces (matching numbers). All 3 are the 14×18 size and the framed set is priced at $1,200.

“Live to Ride, Ride to Live”

“Timber Titan”
26.5 x 20, $2,200

Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios website
303-913-4840

I only ran a couple of examples, they have many more on their web site.–Bandit

SHARE THE THRILL OF MOTORCYCLE RIDING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON– MILWAUKEE (Nov. 18, 2020) – As we put 2020 in the rearview mirror and focus on the new year, Harley-Davidson wants to help friends and family reconnect with the shared passion of the open road by giving away 500 H-D™ Riding Academy classes this holiday season.

Now through Dec. 31, riders will be able to nominate the non-rider in their life they want to gift the thrill of riding to in 2021. Winners will receive a free H-D Riding Academy class in addition to a $200 Harley-Davidson ™ Gift Card* to use for riding gear to prepare for their course. And the best part is, if your non-rider is selected, you win a $100 Harley-Davidson™ Gift Card* to enjoy for yourself.

“The thrill of riding with your best friend and reconnecting over a shared adventure is the gift that will always keep giving,” said Theo Keetell, Vice President of Marketing, Harley-Davidson. “From backroads to coastal highways, motorcycle riding offers open-air exploration to free your soul and sense of adventure.”

Nominating is easy – and winners will be picked randomly – just follow these steps on your preferred social media platform. The giveaway runs from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31, 2020.

• Instagram: Upload your favorite personal Harley-Davidson motorcycle image. Then @mention the non-rider friend or family member in your life you want to learn to ride and use #GiftOfRiding and #Giveaway. Post must include #GiftOfRiding and #Giveaway.?

• Twitter: Upload your favorite personal Harley-Davidson motorcycle image. Then tag the non-rider friend or family member in your life you want to learn to ride. Tweet must include #GiftOfRiding and #Giveaway.

The Gift of the Open Road

For anyone interested in learning to ride in 2021, H-D™ Riding Academy can help you build your skills on two wheels in just a few days. Offered at select Harley-Davidson dealers, the New Rider Course provides you with expert guidance from Harley-Davidson certified coaches. In the classroom, you’ll get to know the motorcycle you’ll be riding and learn basic riding skills. On the practice range, you’ll build skills and confidence, learning everything from braking, turning and skilled maneuvers. Best of all, you will be connected to a growing community of new riders.

Make the Season Your Own & Dash Through Your Gift List

H-D.com and H-D® Authorized Dealerships are perfect one-stop shops for everyone on your gift list – whether they already ride or have it on their wish list. From inspiring the next generation of riders with the LEGO® Creator Expert Harley-Davidson Fat Boy® Building Sets to fashion forward apparel including customizable flannel and plaid shirts to keep your loved ones warm and toasty this holiday season. For those on the go – whether commuting to work or hitting the road, loved ones will feel like going on an adventure every time they leave the house with the desirable and useful Waxed Canvas Backpack or the Overwatch Dry Bag.

Harley-Davidson has all the season’s hottest gifts, from classic-cool leather jackets to the latest tech and audio toys. For more information on how to make this holiday season your own, visit H-D.com/holiday and be sure not to miss our Black Friday and Cyber Week deals. For more information on the H-D Riding Academy holiday giveaway, visit Harley-Davidson’s Instagram and Twitter pages.

*Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC. Use of this card constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions stated in the Cardholder Agreement. This is an advertisement.

NO SUNSHINE STATE: Many Florida Drivers Don’t Have Valid Licenses . . . Or Insurance–If you drive in Florida, don’t have an accident. One in four vehicles that speed past you or run a red light isn’t covered by insurance. If your car is damaged, the odds of recouping your losses from someone else aren’t good unless you yourself are fully insured.

Florida has the distinction of having the highest percentage of uninsured motorists, according to the Insurance Research Council, at about 27%. And compounding the problem is that many of these motorists—nearly 2 million—are driving with a suspended license, which has usually been revoked due to unpaid fines.

The dilemma: One difficulty renders the other one even worse.

When Insurance Goes Dark
“When a driver’s license has been suspended due to unpaid fines, auto insurers will typically cancel or not renew their auto insurance policy,” says Mark Friedlander, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group.

When an auto insurance policy is canceled or renewed, the insurer immediately notifies the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) that the vehicle is in violation. Both a valid driver’s license and insurance are required in the Sunshine state—where public transportation is an iffy proposition since nine out of 10 Floridians drive to work.

So being uninsured creates yet another violation.

Florida’s motor vehicle department maintains that about 14 million of its 15 million registered vehicles carry at least the minimum coverage. But don’t count on that in a crackup.

“Just because the vehicle is insured doesn’t mean that the driver has a valid license or is covered by the vehicle’s insurance policy,” says Friedlander. “The unlicensed driver is counted as an uninsured driver.”

Friedlander’s ominous warning: “If you let an unlicensed driver use your car and he or she gets into an auto accident, your insurance claim will be denied.”

It’s easy to understand why people would choose to drive and ignore a license suspension. “People are forced to choose between driving illegally . . . or . . . losing the ability to pay the court debt that triggered their suspensions in the first place,” says a study by the Fines and Fees Justice Center (FFJC).

Could the situation get even worse? Yes, as the cost of driving in the Sunshine State continues to rise.

“Florida ranks second on a list of the least-affordable states for auto insurance,” says another study by the Insurance Research Council. Floridians currently pay an average annual auto insurance premium of $2,239, according to Friedlander.

In March, legislative efforts by Sen. Tom Wright and Rep. Byron Donalds to eliminate driver’s license suspension penalties for unpaid fines died in committee, and won’t be taken up again until at least next year.

Meanwhile, drivers with suspended licenses are “just holding their breath they don’t get caught,” Wright has said.

“We strongly recommend drivers in Florida carry both collision and uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself,” says Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute.

–Ed Leefeldt and Amy Danise, Forbes Magazine

NORWAY Victory: more wire rope barriers are removed in Norway

Norwegian motorcyclists celebrate the fact that life-threatening wire rope barriers will be removed along a six-kilometre stretch of the E6 north of Oslo.

–FEMA

COVID-19 UPDATE
Take Note of Evolving State Mandates
With COVID cases spiking across the nation, many states are enacting mask mandates to reduce the spread of the virus. Iowa and North Dakota are the most recent additions to the growing list of more than 34 states with mask requirements.

Each state is taking a unique approach to implementing and managing compliance to the mandates. Some states, including Ohio, are fining people for non-compliance and are requiring businesses to insist patrons wear masks. If a business receives two citations for non-compliant patrons, the business is subject to a 24-hour closure.

The MIC RideReport and @followMIC on Twitter will continue to provide updates.

–MIC

SPLITSVILLE! Terry Vance Dishes on the Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines Breakup–I think that Terry explained it very well in Thunder Press.

The partnership has lasted for 20 years.
The people who are now riding motorcycles has changed drastically during that time.

While there is still a lot of interest in racing I believe the numbers have gone down. If I read the article correctly Harley is looking for more dealers to get involved like it was in the old days before the factory took over the major financial support.

Vance and Hines will still be building race bikes and products for street bikes, though not clear if items like their exhaust, even if installed by the dealership will void the warranty.

Sound like something that happened with the factory and Eric Buell so years ago.

I suspect Vance and Hines will be around for a long time.

Some new strategies from the factory to boost sales and where to spend money to make that happen are in question.

If that is the case advertising and internet programs may benefit.

–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Tuman passes

Racer was part of Indian Motocycle’s famed Wrecking Crew

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Bill Tuman, a member of Indian Motocycle’s famous racing team dubbed the “Indian Wrecking Crew” and winner of five AMA Grand Nationals during a professional racing career that spanned from 1947 to 1955, has died. He was 99.

The Indian Wrecking Crew was a group of top racers in the late 1940s and early ’50s that included Mr. Tuman, Bobby Hill and Ernie Beckman.

Known as the “Rockford Rocket,” the Illinois resident rarely ventured outside the Midwest to race. So, one of his most surprising victories was at an AMA Grand National on the mile dirt oval in San Mateo, Calif., on June 22, 1952. Mr. Tuman beat all of the top riders from the West Coast on one of their own tracks, something that rarely happened in those days.

Mr. Tuman didn’t begin racing until he was 25. While living in San Francisco after World War II, he got a job building racing bikes at the famous Hap Jones race shop. After watching the legendary Sam Arena win a race, Mr. Tuman became hooked on the sport. His first competition bike was a souped-up Indian Army surplus bike.

Mr. Tuman turned pro in 1947 and entered his first professional race in Daytona Beach, Fla.

He earned podium finishes in 1948 and 1949, before taking his first national win in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept. 17, 1950. A month later Mr. Tuman took his second national win in Reading, Pa. In March 1951 at the annual AMA Awards Banquet in Daytona Beach, Fla., he was voted the AMA’s Most Popular Rider of 1950.

Mr. Tuman’s best season came in 1953 when he won the legendary Independence Day weekend event at Dodge City, Kan., a 200 miler over a two-mile dirt oval, on a Norton.

Mr. Tuman was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. He also was inducted into the AMA District 17 Hall of Fame.

His full biography is at motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?RacerID=92.

For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

MORE SHIT IN THE DIME BAG–Yo, been seeing cool folks, custom motorcycles and events down south from Kentucky to Florida over to Texas. Met the folks at Born to Ride media at Daytona Bike Week. They supplied me with a Born to Ride shirt and a copy of Born to Rude Magazine. It featured Toth Fabrications chopper with a Dime Bag Leather custom seat in the magazine.

Starting another custom seat for Choppers Inc this week. Been working with his customer for weeks now with the artwork. Always exciting to work with Billy.

Also heard from Paul Sr. Hoping to get the opportunity to work with OCC. Made a Dime Bag Handtooled Leather Mudflap for our friend Dan Starkeys Shovelhead.

Busy as always in the Dime Bag World Headquarters. Starting some handmade leather chopper seats, wallets and time covers that will be available for purchase soon. I need to get to work on the Dime Bag Leather Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving the everyone and be blessed with great family and friends

–Adam Croft
Dime Bag Leather
309-336-0714
Follow us @dimebag.leather on Instagram
Ask about our Active military/Veterans 20% off discount.

CALIFA ALERT–California Seeks 150 Participants for Road User-Charge Research–As part of continued work to study an alternative to the state fuel tax, the California Department of Transportation is seeking 150 volunteers for road user-charge research.

The California Road Charge Phased Demonstration program, represented in four phases, is meant to explore how drivers could be charged for the miles they travel, rather than the fuel they use. The program outlines several methods for collecting revenue, such as paying at the pump or at electric vehicle charging stations, or through a usage-based insurance approach.

Through the insurance-related approach, state officials would coordinate with insurance companies, which could use mileage numbers to calculate someone’s road charge and add it to his or her bill.

In California, the excise tax rate is 38.5 cents per gallon on diesel and 50.5 cents per gallon on gasoline. Fuel taxes are California’s primary source of state funding for road and highway projects. However, because vehicles have become more fuel-efficient, Caltrans is testing various options that assess mileage fees based on drivers’ use of the roads.

“Caltrans is continuing its research to explore how a future road user charge can fund transportation projects throughout the state,” Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin said. “We want Californians to join us in testing payment options that will inform our research in designing an equitable and sustainable road charge program.”

The demonstration program will start in January and is expected to run for six months. According to Caltrans, participants will be eligible for up to $100 in incentives for their time and feedback. Participants must be California residents older than 18. They do not need to own or lease a vehicle to participate.

In the future, phases of Caltrans’ demonstration program will test app-based payment of rideshare miles and the use data from autonomous vehicles. The rideshare model would involve the growing popularity of ride-hailing services, calculating a road charge using technology that already is incorporated in these services to capture mileage. The autonomous vehicle phase would rely on mileage data collected from the vehicles themselves to develop a charge system.

Read the whole story on ttNews.com

Yep, and what about electric cars. It’s too bad the bucks don’t seem to get to the streets and highways. They are a mess and we need infrastructure for a growing population, not for the old one.–Bandit

NICK’S PICKS OF THE MONTH— Introducing Nick’s Picks: November 2020
BY NICK MARIETTA

As Thanksgiving approaches, everyone here at Twisted Road would like to say how thankful we are for the incredible community that you all helped to create. We’re also grateful for wind therapy, open roads, and fall foliage. Rent one of the bikes below—or one of the thousands available on our site—to find what you’re thankful for.

1. Robert C.’s 2015 Yamaha FJ09
Sterling, VA

2. Justin B.’s 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring
Howell, MI

3. Destination Cycle’s 2013 Yamaha Super Tenere
Kerrville, TX
Questions or comments?
Have a bike you want to share on Nick’s Picks?
nick@twistedroad.com

MOTO QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“NO ROAD IS TOO LONG IF YOU HAVE GOOD COMPANY”

WHAT WEATHER?!
WE OFFER FREE ENCLOSED PICKUP AND DELIVERY FOR SERVICE APPOINTMENTS, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY WHAT THE WEATHER LOOKS LIKE!
BOOK YOUR SERVICE TODAY!

DON’T BE THIS GUY…
LET US BABY YOUR BABY. CHECK OUT OUR BASIC AND PREMIUM WINTER STORAGE PACKAGES FOR YOUR BIKE. COMES WITH FREE PICKUP AND DELIVERY!
ASK ABOUT OUR WINTER STORAGE

LAYER UP: A snug-fitting base layer, a fleece or down jacket as a mid layer, and A wind/water-proof outer layer

…FROM HEAD TO TOE: A warm pair of water and windproof gloves, heated grips, Goretex boots, and grippier pegs.

CHECK YOUR TIRES: Your tires should be fairly new with at least 50% tread life on them, but ideally you’d be using a set of all-weather tires.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD, EVEN MORE THAN USUAL: Watch for salt, ice, and cracks in the road.

HAVE A PLAN..OR TWO: Keep the number of a motorcycle towing service handy. Keep an eye on the forecast.

For pricing on any bike accessories, winter riding gear or winter services give our service department a call at 610-369-3120.

–Dennis
Martin Moto

MEMO FROM THE BIKERNET™ TWO-WHEELED MONKS--Attitude of Gratitude

I have seen better days,
but I’ve also seen worse.
I don’t have everything I want,
but I do have all I need.
I woke up with some aches and pains,
but I woke up.
My life may not be perfect,
but I am blessed.

–Wayfarer
Master of the Mind Philosopher
Bikernet™ Temple
At the base of the Gray Mountain
India

MOTORISTS VOTE 2020 Ballot Initiatives Final Count— Statewide ballot initiatives and local votes on infrastructure and transit have now been finalized from the November 3, 2020 election. Check out the final results below from the motorists’ rights statewide initiatives we outlined in the NMA weekly E-Newsletter #612. Important local election results follow the state ballot initiatives reporting.

Statewide Ballot Initiatives

Arkansas
Arkansas Transportation Sales Tax Continuation Amendment (2020)

Passed by a 55 percent majority.

The state will create a permanent 0.5 percent sales tax that pays for infrastructure funding.

California
California Proposition 22, App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative (2020)

Passed by a 58 percent majority.

Rideshare and food delivery companies spent $205 million to win this vote. Gig drivers are still gig drivers with few benefits. Here are a few articles on this important vote with national implications:

Uber wins big over gig workers in California Prop 22 vote (Fast Company)

California’s vote to keep Uber drivers as contractors is a blow to the labor movement (Fast Company)

Proposition 22 Passes, But Uber and Lyft Are Only Delaying the Inevitable (Vice)

Uber, Lyft see California ballot win as national model (Auto News)

California’s Prop 22 Wins in Massive Handout to Unsustainable Transportation (Streetsblog USA)

California Proposition 24, Consumer Personal Information Law and Agency Initiative (2020)

Passed by a 56 percent majority.

California will now expand the state’s consumer data privacy laws and will create the Privacy Protection Agency to enforce the state’s data privacy laws.

Georgia

The Georgia Dedicating Tax and Fee Revenue Amendment (2020)

Passed by an 82 percent majority.

State officials will now change the state constitution to ensure that the legislature spends funds from fees or taxes on designated projects, rather than divert them.

Maryland

Maryland Question 1, Legislative Authority over State Budget Amendment (2020)

Passed by a 76 percent majority.

State officials may now change the state constitution to allow the Maryland General Assembly to increase, decrease, or add items to the state budget as long as those items do not exceed the total proposed budget submitted by the governor.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Question 1, “Right to Repair Law” Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative (2020)

Passed by a 75 percent majority.

Question 1 received a great deal of national press because of its potential to establish a precedent for other states on crucial car ownership issues. Automakers spent $43 million to defeat the measure.

Massachusetts Voters overwhelmingly back ‘Right to Repair’ ballot question, reject ranked-choice voting (Boston Globe)

Massachusetts voters pass right-to-repair expansion opening up car data (Auto Blog)
Massachusetts Voters Affirm the Right To Repair Your Own Car (Reason)

Michigan

Michigan Search Warrant for Electronic Data Amendment (2020)

Passed by an 89 percent majority.

This constitutional amendment will now require a police search warrant to access a suspect’s electronic data and electronic communications. Other states will hopefully be encouraged to build their own initiatives on personal data protection standards.

Virginia

Virginia Motor Vehicle Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans Amendment (2020)

Passed by an 86 percent majority.

Permanently disabled vets will now have an exemption from state and local property taxes on one car or truck.

Credit: Michael Rivera

[page break]

BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN, MASK FREE–Hahahahahaha

1. When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison.
2. To me, “drink responsibly” means don’t spill it.
3. Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.
4. It’s the start of a brand new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles.
5. The older I get, the earlier it gets late.
6. When I say, “The other day,” I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 40 years ago.
7. I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.
8. I had my patience tested. I’m negative.
9. Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn’t fit any of your containers.
10. If you’re sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, “Did you bring the money?”
11. When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say “nothing,” it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing.
12. I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever.
13. I run like the winded.
14. I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don’t know whose side I’m on.
15. When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, “Why, what did you hear?”
16. When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery?
17. I don’t mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited.
18. When I ask for directions, please don’t use words like “east.”
19. Don’t bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That’ll freak you right out.
20. Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops.
21. My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.

–EL WAGGS
Mother superior librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library

SONG LYRICS OF THE WEEK–
Black and Blue by Louis Armstrong

Cold empty bed, springs hard as lead
Feel like old Ned, wished I was dead
What did I do to be so black and blue?

Even the mouse ran from my house
They laugh at you, and scorn you too
What did I do to be so black and blue?

I’m white inside, but that don’t help my case
‘Cause I can’t hide what is in my face
How would it end? Ain’t got a friend
My only sin is in my skin
What did I do to be so black and blue?

How would it end? Ain’t got a friend
My only sin is in my skin
What did I do to be so black and blue?

POSTPONED SHOWS–Custombike-Show/Germany Postponed to December 2021; Motor Bike Expo/Verona Postponed to Spring 2021

Following the financial problems encountered this year by custombike magazine publisher and show organizer Huber Verlag, the operators of the Bad Salzuflen, Germany, regional expo center, where Huber had staged its annual Custombike-Show on the first weekend of December each year, had taken over ownership of the show and hoped to be able to stage it as usual in December this year.

However, with infection rates, hospitalizations and deaths on the rise again in Germany and the rest of Europe, the show has been postponed until December 3-5, 2021.

Meanwhile in Italy, Motor Bike Expo (the ‘Verona’ Show) has announced the postponement of its 2021 show from the planned January dates to later in the spring of 2021.

“Aware of the difficult situation we all face, we have come up with an alternative solution. With the hope that the international situation will soon take a significant turn for the better, we are convinced that the best choice at the moment is to postpone MBE 2021 to the beginning of spring.

“At this stage it is impossible for us to guarantee the expected level of success of the event, both in terms of commercial results for exhibitors as well as offering the full, dynamic visitor experience.

“For these reasons – and above all for the protection of everyone’s health and to offer an even more significant and satisfying edition of the event – postponement is the best option.”

The organizers of Motor Bike Expo are looking at the positives where they can and have quite rightly pointed to one big upside of a spring timing, namely that many more visitors will be able to come to the show by motorcycle.

“As with every situation which may initially seem negative, we focus on the positive implications and new opportunities that this scenario can present to us, such as the possibility for visitors to reach the event directly by motorcycle, further expansion of exhibition spaces with greater use of outdoor areas, strengthening of test ride activities and an increase in outdoor entertainment activities.

“Longer days and milder weather can be a winning combination and we look forward to being able to deliver a different kind of show when we all hope the world will be in a ‘better place’ in terms of this health crisis.”

www.custombike-show.de
www.Motorbikeexpo.it

–DealerNews

MORE FROM GENO ON H-D— Jeez $88,000 for a fancy bagger? Insanity !!!!!!!!

Harley-Davidson sees sales drop after an initial surge and its India operation suffers from executive turnover.

Iconic motorcycle company Harley-Davidson  (HOG)  reportedly plans to leave India, the world’s largest market for two-wheelers, because on poor sales.

The New York Times reported that Harley-Davidson was pulling out of India after its bikes sold poorly in a country where incomes are low and manufacturing is challenging.

India is one of the world’s largest motorbike and scooter markets but the bulk of sales come from low-end, commuter models.

The company sold a total of 2,470 bikes in India in the 12 months that ended in March, almost half the number it reached five years ago, the Times reported, citing the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Harley-Davidson’s top model exceeds $88,000 in Delhi after taxes and licensing fees, which is 41 times India’s average yearly income.

Harley-Davidson said in September it would discontinue its sales and manufacturing operations in India after a decade of struggling to gain a foothold, Reuters reported.

A month later the company entered a distribution deal with India’s Hero MotoCorp which will also develop motorcycles to be sold under the Harley-Davidson brand.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Harley-Davidson dealers in India said they were exploring legal action against the company. General Motors  (GM) , MAN Trucks and UM Motorcycles have also exited India in the last three years.

Harley-Davison said it planned to concentrate on about 50 markets, primarily in North America, Europe and parts of Asia Pacific, that represent a high percentage of the company’s expected volume and growth potential.

–By Rob Lenihan, The Street
Read in TheStreet: https://apple.news/A6VxWv88WR-2AxqNpJy3nxQ

You should read our most excellent, at the India front report from the Wayfarer regarding H-D in India.—Bandit

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14723&id=14723

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY POLITICAL DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY–irenic
[ ahy-ren-ik, ahy-ree-nik ]
adjective

Tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF IRENIC?

Irenic “peaceful, conciliatory” comes straight from Greek eirenikós “belonging to peace,” a derivative of the noun eir?ne. Eir?ne was also the name of the Greek goddess of Peace, the name of an 8th-century Byzantine empress, and the name of several Christian saints, whence the English female name Irene. The bewildering number of dialect forms (ira´na, ir?na, ireina, etc.) point to a non-Greek origin. Irenic entered English in the second half of the 19th century.

HOW IS IRENIC USED?

When casual readers of poetry think about Heaney, his Irishness, his charisma, his connection to thousands of years of poetic tradition …, and his irenic political attitudes first come to mind.

STEPHANIE BURT, “HOW SEAMUS HEANEY BECAME A POET OF HAPPINESS,” THE NEW YORKER, OCTOBER 3, 2019

After a presidential election that deserves the word it was given in headlines—historic—welcome to the newly irenic but still newsworthy period in American politics that goes by the ancient Latin name of interregnum, “between reigns.”

WILLIAM SAFIRE, “INTERREGNUM,” NEW YORK TIMES, NOVEMBER 14, 2008

–from Dictionary.com

THE DAV NEEDS RECRUITS–
We’re in the final stretch of our Recruit a Warrior Challenge. And with the holiday season right around the corner, there’s truly no better time to join the challenge for your chance to win $1,000!

Remember, it’s easy to participate — simply copy and paste your FULL link and share it with the veterans in your life through email, text or even social media. For every new member you recruit, you’re entered into our drawing to win $1,000. Here’s your current recruitment status:

Without members like you, there would be no DAV. You are our lifeblood, and we depend on you to help ensure DAV is strong for future generations of veterans. Thank you so much for doing your part to grow our community of veterans helping veterans.

Douglas K. Wells, Jr.
DAV National Membership Director

TURN SIGNALS OF THE WEEK--Kodlin Elypse
LED Front Turn Signals

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:
• Super small, amazingly bright amber turn signal
• Smoked lenses with SMD-LED technology
• Engineered in Germany
• Available as universal fit or a direct bolt-on for M8 Softails
• Chrome and Black finish
• The housing is CNC machined from billet aluminum
• Some applications may require the use of a
load equalizer
• To add the running light function to the Kodlin turn
signals (dual-function), we suggest using Badlands
part number IHL-03 or Kodlin part number KUS11300

Retail: $119.95 (Sold in pairs)

PART # FITMENT

K68458 Kodlin Black Elypse LED Turn Signals for M8 Softail models
K68486 Kodlin Chrome Elypse LED Turn Signals for M8 Softail models
K68460 Kodlin Black Universal Elypse LED Turn Signals
K68488 Kodlin Chrome Universal Elypse LED Turn Signals

Lady bikers smile for LIFE Magazine, 1949
Whoever said men used to be the only ones who rode motorcycles have never seen this 1949 photo.

For these women, there was nothing more electrifying than hitting the open road and feeling the wind blow in your hair as you drive that steel horse.

The American lady bikers were more than thrilled to ride their bikes after the war has been won. For once, they had hope again. Everything was going to be okay. Here’s to riding until we ran out of road.

–from Barry Green
Photo Editor
Bikernet.com™

And no helmets. That’s when freedom mattered—Bandit

BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–This officially licensed 120th anniversary edition of Indian Motorcycle tells the complete story of Indian Motorcycle.

America’s first mass-produced motorcycle maker is covered, from its start as a bicycle manufacturer to the purchase of the brand by Polaris Industries in 2011 and the subsequent new Indian motorcycles. It was approved by Polaris Industries and updated to include new photography, the story of the latest models, including the FTR1200, Chieftain, Challenger, and Roadmaster, and Indian Motorcycle’s return to racing.ca

$50.00 / £35.00
Author: Darwin Holmstrom
Format: Hardback, 232 Pages
ISBN: 9780760366530
Publisher: Motorbooks

MOTORCYCLE ESSENTIALS FROM BIKERLID--TOP ESSENTIALS ON A MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP–Power Banks

This is an indispensable item to have while on your road trip. You wouldn’t want a situation where your phone battery is dead, and you can’t power it back up. While on a road trip, it is very dangerous to have a “dead” phone. There may be a security situation that will warrant you call for help. Therefore, having a power bank while going on your motorbike road trip is very important.

An Extra Phone Battery

Another important motorcycle road trip essential is a backup phone battery. If you can’t have a power bank, an extra phone battery can suffice. However, it all depends on the length of time you intend to spend on your trip. Never embark on any road trip without a backup for your phone battery. It can be your lifesaver in dire situations.

A long cable with a length of 24-36 inches with loops on each end comes in handy when you are on your motorbike road trip. It is a great way to lock up your jacket and helmet to your bike when you don’t want to carry it around with you. You can slide it through the sleeves of your jacket and the visor opening of your helmet. This way, you will secure it with a disc lock that doubles as extra bike security.

Spare Key

This is one of the motorcycle road trip essentials that you hardly think of having on your trip. You will not know the importance of having a spare key until you lose your keys during the trip. There are a few good places to keep your spare key. You have it zip-tied inside a storage compartment, duct-tape it to the bottom of your passenger seat.

An Extra Helmet

You may think it is not important to have an extra helmet with you while going on your motorbike trip. There is the possibility that you may run into a stranded individual along the road. Beanie helmets are always light and easy to carry around.

Ziplock Freezer Bag

You may have a good water-resistant motorcycle gear while on your road trip. However, you could be caught off guard with some unexpected rainfall while on your road trip. There are certain items you cannot risk getting wet, like your cell phone and wallet. A Ziplock freezer bag is the perfect dry bag for all these small items you want to protect from showers.

This is an essential item you can’t afford to leave behind while embarking on your motorcycle road trip. There will be a time you go outside on a cold morning and find your seat, grips, and gauges wet with condensation. In such situations, you will be glad you have your microfiber rag. It also serves to clean surfaces, wipe off the hot water, or a rag when you are doing road maintenance. This is a must-have item for your motorbike road trip.

You never know when your bike might develop some fault and will need maintenance. Therefore, having your tool kit with you while going on a motorbike trip is essential. Always keep a small travel kit with you, and a multi-tool is always something you need to have around. You wouldn’t want to be stranded because you don’t have a tool kit to repair a fault on your motorbike.

This is arguably the most overlooked but most essential tool to have while on your motorbike road trip. You can’t do anything if you are caught in the dark. It is also important for you not to rely on your cell phone light because it drains the battery faster. You can get a small but powerful LED light or a headlamp. Always keep it handy because when its need arise, you will be glad you have it.

Having a map is good, but a GPS unit is great and a more convenient way of knowing where you are at every point in time. Meanwhile, if you have a cell mount on your motorbike, you use your cell phone and save yourself some money. However, it is great to have a motorcycle specific GPS unit. Most of these motorcycle GPS units come with big touchscreens that are designed to work with your motorcycle gloves. A Bluetooth helmet communicator will be a great asset because you can connect it to your navigation system to hear the directions.

This is highly essential because you might never know when you will get a flat tire. You can re-inflate the tire with your portable air compressor. This tool can help you get to a garage, irrespective of where you punctured your tire. This comes in handy for adventure riders who deflate their tires while off-roading but would need to re-inflate for the road.

This is a must-have, especially when you are travelling all by yourself. Nobody prays to have an accident, but you need to be prepared whenever you are on a trip. If you crash on a lonely route or gets trapped under your motorbike, you can use this emergency communicator to reach out to your friends, family members, or rescue services. Although it is something, you don’t pray to need while on your motorbike trip, you must always have it on you while travelling on your bike.

These motorcycle road trip essentials will be of great help to you if you always take them along for your motorbike trips. For your contributions, kindly use the comment section below.

Success in the US-EU trade war: no extra tax on American motorcycle parts

The United States government put extra taxes on European products like whisky and French cheese and it is now Europe’s turn to impose extra charges on American products. However, American motorcycle parts are taken off the list and will not be taxed.

–FEMA

TODAY IN HISTORY— THIS DAY IN HISTORY
NOVEMBER 19, 1863

President Lincoln delivers Gettysburg Address
On November 19, 1863, at the dedication of a military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln delivers one of the most memorable speeches in American history. In fewer than 275 words, Lincoln brilliantly and movingly reminded a war-weary public why the Union had to fight, and win, the Civil War.

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought some four months earlier, was the single bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Over the course of three days, more than 45,000 men were killed, injured, captured or went missing. The battle also proved to be the turning point of the war: General Robert E. Lee’s defeat and retreat from Gettysburg marked the last Confederate invasion of Northern territory and the beginning of the Southern army’s ultimate decline.

Charged by Pennsylvania’s governor, Andrew Curtin, to care for the Gettysburg dead, an attorney named David Wills bought 17 acres of pasture to turn into a cemetery for the more than 7,500 who fell in battle. Wills invited Edward Everett, one of the most famous orators of the day, to deliver a speech at the cemetery’s dedication. Almost as an afterthought, Wills also sent a letter to Lincoln—just two weeks before the ceremony—requesting “a few appropriate remarks” to consecrate the grounds.

At the dedication, the crowd listened for two hours to Everett before Lincoln spoke. Lincoln’s address lasted just two or three minutes.

The speech reflected his redefined belief that the Civil War was not just a fight to save the Union, but a struggle for freedom and equality for all, an idea Lincoln had not championed in the years leading up to the war.

This was his stirring conclusion: “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Reception of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was initially mixed, divided strictly along partisan lines. Nevertheless, the “little speech,” as he later called it, is thought by many today to be the most eloquent articulation of the democratic vision ever written.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lincoln-delivers-gettysburg-address

BY HISTORY.COM EDITORS
–HISTORY CHANNEL

RED CROSS BRINGS YOU THANKSGIVING SAFETY— 5 ways to prevent cooking fires

While COVID-19 has changed many holiday plans, continue to protect yourself from cooking fires, which typically peak on Thanksgiving

LOS ANGELES, November 19, 2020— While the coronavirus may have changed many of our Thanksgiving gatherings, the need to protect ourselves from cooking fires continues.

Typically, Thanksgiving is one of the peak days for cooking fires, which is the top cause of home fires in the U.S. Most often, these emergencies are caused by unattended cooking — a common behavior shared by nearly 70 percent of us, as shown in a national American Red Cross survey earlier this year.

 

Keep an eye on what you fry! Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away.

Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.
When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner.
Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

TWO MINUTES TO ESCAPE A FIRE Test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).

Additionally, the Red Cross PrepareSoCal campaign provides resources for families across Southern California to help them prepare for disasters like home fires. More information can be found at preparesocal.org.

For COVID-19 safety tips, visit redcross.org/coronavirus.

For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.

HANG ON!—The Holidays are fast approaching. Hell, Thanksgiving is next Thursday. And a new Panhead project just landed in the shop.

I may have an intern around here to help with the shop. She’s just a tattooed 28-year-old, electrician who just broke up with her old man and got her Santee rigid frame back. She just bought a 1962 Panhead engine from Ryan McQuiston, at McQuiston’s Custom Cycles in Long Beach. She will be on the hunt for a 4-speed transmission at the Long Beach Swap meet this weekend.

She’s currently a Redhead, Hang on!

We are ready for a speed run with the Salt Torpedo, but Micah is or was trying to escape Los Angeles and California. He looked in Prescott, Arizona, but didn’t find what he needed. He’s a member of the Uglies and has Carlos and Emma in Auburn, CA, so he went to check it out. He’s currently in escrow. That may delay our trip to El Mirage.

Tomorrow, we will cover another Cruz Tool kit and how we used it with a Bandit’s Dayroll.

We have more road tests of CVO models and I’m working on another Sam’s Picks of the Week. Hang On!

In the meantime, Ride Free, while you can!

–Bandit

from https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Wine joined Polaris in 2008 as CEO and was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2013.

Polaris Inc on Wednesday announced that Chairman and CEO Scott Wine will leave the company to assume the CEO role at CNH Industrial, the maker of Case and New Holland agricultural equipment.

Wine joined Polaris in 2008 as CEO and was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2013. He will remain in his current role at Polaris through the end of the year. Transition plans will be announced at a later date.

During his time as CEO, Polaris grew from a $1.9 billion organization to a nearly $7 billion global Powersports company, the company said in a statement.

“For the last 12 years, I have had the extraordinary honor of leading the best team in Powersports, and it is incredibly rewarding to reflect on all that we have accomplished together,” said Wine.

“I leave with complete confidence that Polaris’ future is bright. I also want to offer my sincere thanks to my incredibly talented colleagues and to the Polaris Board for their guidance and leadership during my tenure.”

“Scott has been an exceptional leader for Polaris. During his tenure, Polaris grew from a strong Minnesota company into a global leader in the Powersports market—more than tripling sales and vaulting Polaris into the Fortune 500,” said Polaris’ Lead Independent Director John Wiehoff.

In the announcement of Wine’s departure, Polaris reaffirmed financial guidance for 2020 and said sales were on track to increase 2 to 3%. Adjusted net income for 2020 is expected to be in the range of $7.15 to $7.30 share, up from $6.32 a share in 2019, the company said.

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

On November 17, 2020, Yamaha flooded our inboxes with announcements. Between rebranding, racing programs, and final street lineup confirmations, it’s almost like the company made a lot of noise to try to hide the really bad news.

At the bottom of the press release confirming which models are returning for 2021, we learned that Yamaha also axed some iconic models from its lineup including the WR250R, the VMAX, and perhaps most surprisingly, the YZF-R6. You read that right. The R6 is going to be discontinued after 2020.

Introduced in 1999, the Yamaha R6 has become a staple of the sportbike segment, alongside such models as the Suzuki Gixxer and the Kawasaki Ninja. The high-revving 599cc inline-four received raving reviews from the onset which helped cement its place as a sportbike icon. “The Yamaha YZF-R6 kicks ass,” Motorcycle.com wrote about the bike in its First Ride review.

It cleverly flirted with the line between road-friendly and track-ready—debatably more successfully than its Suzuki and Kawasaki counterparts. It also gave sportbikes enthusiasts a little something more accessible to consider than the R1, something insurance companies weren’t going to shun them for.

You’d think that considering the model’s place in the family, Yamaha would have been a little more sentimental about the cut and that the bikes discontinued would have deserved a little more ceremony than they received. Maybe a final, collector’s edition, or something.

“Yamaha understands the iconic history of these models. Regarding the future, Yamaha is continuously looking at new ideas and concepts to support and expand the market, as well as enhance our customers’ experiences.” That’s all Yamaha had to say on the matter.

Considering how matter-of-fact the statement is, it leads us to believe that maybe this could be a Hayabusa type of scenario in which the company pulls the model “for now” over emissions restraints to relaunch a 2.0 version further down the road. Or maybe Yamaha is making room for an MT-07 R7 spin-off in an attempt to streamline the lineup?

Goodbye forever or only for now? We can’t say for sure. All we know for the time being is that there won’t be a 2021 R6. If you were waiting for the new model-year to buy one, you might want to reconsider.

by Jahla Seppanen from https://www.themanual.com

When you’re a retired Formula One driver, what else can you do in your free time except build mind-bending concept motorcycles? In the case of Tarso Marques of Brazil, that’s exactly what he’s doing with the insane TMC Dumont motorcycle.

Yes, it’s still a concept so, no, you can’t drive it yet. In fact, you might be wondering how it even works because the construction shouldn’t make sense in real life.

This hub-less bike swaps a traditional car engine for a 1960s Rolls-Royce aircraft engine, creating an absolutely sick design with a body aesthetic that is futuristic, svelt, and should definitely be in the next 007 movie.

Anatomically, the aircraft engine is positioned where a standard motorcycle engine and fuel tank would be, but takes up an enormous amount of space. Basically, as much as a full frame, radiator —the works. The massive 36-inch wheels are essentially spoke-less and completely open in the center, so with the 300-horsepower engine, we’re hoping the brake disk and caliper have something to hold on to … because we can’t see it.

Based on the low-riding profile of the seat and engine, it’s questionable how the bike could sit above the ground, but it does. At least, the concept does. Just pray for a road without speed bumps.

Some motorcycle enthusiasts have questioned the safety and turning abilities that would result from having the back “wheel” so close to the rider — hello, wedgie or mega backside tire burn — and have called the bike “impractical.” That being said, TMC Dumont drove away with the “Best of Show” award at the 2018 Daytona Bike Week.

This isn’t the first time a motorcycle fanatic has strapped an airplane engine to their hog. Back in 2013, the Red Baron bike featured the 150-horsepower, nine-cylinder Rotec Radial engine used in WWI-era planes. However, in terms of pure looks, we’ve never seen anything like TMC Dumont. The motorcycle has been compared to everything from a piece of art to a Tron bike — ultra-sleek, and record-breaking.

Previewing the other passion projects Marques is developing with his brand Tarso Marques Concepts makes us mildly jealous, somewhat shook, and overall excited to finally get back out on a bike.

 

Triumph Motorcycles Announces New Bike

ACCESSIBLE ROAD-FOCUSED ADVENTURE VERSATILITY

New from Triumph Motorcycles, the perfect combination of dedicated 850 Tiger triple engine set-up, and tailor-made high specification equipment and technology, for intuitive and all-day easy riding capability.

Developed from the latest generation Tiger platform, with all of the dynamic poise and agile handling that the Tiger is known for, combined with a new ‘tailor-made’ performance and specification set-up, designed to deliver even more manageable, accessible and intuitive road-focused adventure riding capability.

ALL OF THE LATEST GENERATION TIGER’S:

• Thrilling, accessible triple engine character and responsive performance,
• with innovative T-Plane triple crank.
• Benchmark-setting agile and dynamic handling.
• Commanding poise and style.
• 2-year unlimited mileage warranty and class-leading 10,000 miles service interval

TAILOR-MADE FOR MORE MANAGEABLE AND ACCESSIBLE RIDING CAPABILITY:

• Dedicated 850 triple engine setup.
• Unique engine power and torque. Peak power of 84 HP (85PS) @ 8,500rpm,and peak torque of 60.5 lbft (82Nm) @ 6,500rpm.
• With all the advantages of a Triumph triple, with the perfect combination of responsive power and torque low down, and across the rev range, tuned for an even more accessible and manageable delivery.
• High specification equipment and technology fitted as standard. Including:
  • Brembo Stylema brakes, with twin 320mm discs.
  • Marzocchi upside-down cartridge forks and gas-pressurized, preload-adjustable RSU.
  • 5” TFT instruments.
  • Road and Rain riding modes, with dedicated throttle and traction control maps.
  • All LED lighting
  • Slip & Assist clutch
  • Adjustable screen
  • ABS and Switchable Traction Control
•  Two exciting new contemporary Tiger 850 Sport graphic schemes, with a category-leading level of premium finish and detailing.
• 60+ Genuine Triumph Accessories, for capability, style and security, including luggage.
• The most accessibly priced Tiger in the line-up, at just $11,995

DEDICATED 850 TRIPLE ENGINE SET-UP

The new Tiger 850 Sport shares the same innovative T-plane crank as the latest generation Tiger 900 range, with its own unique 850 tune. Designed for a more accessible and manageable delivery of usable power and torque, the new 850 delivers enhanced all-round easy-riding versatility for commuting, touring or just having spirited two-wheeled fun at the weekends.

The T-plane triple crank and its 1-3-2 firing order give the 850 triple outstanding tractability at low rpm, which translates into an enhanced connection between the rider and the rear wheel, and responsive and intuitive road-riding performance. This new and unique engine configuration has an incredibly distinctive sound, with the throttle characteristics and feel of a twin lower down, married to the rich and responsive torque delivery of a triple in the mid-range and top end.

Peak power comes at 84 HP @ 8,500 rpm and peak torque is 60.5 lbft @ 6,500 rpm, with a smooth and linear power and torque delivery available from low engine speeds and across the rev range.

The responsiveness of the engine is complemented by the slip and assist clutch, which reduces lever effort and provides additional comfort on both long journeys and in urban environments.

HIGH SPECIFICATION EQUIPMENT 

The new Tiger 850 Sport features a dedicated, high specification chassis and equipment package, specifically tailored to maximize the new Tiger 850 Sport’s all-around versatility and accessibility. From the category-leading Brembo Stylema brakes, to the high-quality Marzocchi suspension, adjustable screen, and comprehensive electronics package, with 5” TFT instruments, all LED lighting, 2 riding modes, ABS, and switchable traction control, the new Tiger 850 Sport has been optimized for accessible road-focused adventure fun.

Brembo Stylema brakes

The Tiger 850 Sport features category-leading Brembo Stylema® brakes for superior stopping power. These are lightweight, compact, carefully sculpted and high performing calipers, with reduced volume around the pistons and brake pads, reducing the internal space occupied by brake fluid, and delivering a more immediate braking response. Increased airflow around the brake pads also helps the calipers to cool quicker.

High specification Marzocchi suspension

The Tiger 850 Sport has a high-performance suspension set-up, with premium Marzocchi components front and rear. 45mm Marzocchi upside-down cartridge forks, with 180mm travel, combine with a gas-pressurized monoshock rear suspension unit with manually adjustable preload and 170mm rear wheel travel, to deliver a sporty yet comfortable ride.

CLASS-LEADING ERGONOMICS 

With a narrow seat, ergonomically optimized footrest position, and angle adjustable handlebars the new Tiger 850 Sport has a comfortable upright riding position designed for a  high level of rider confidence and control, when static and on the move. It also features a built-in easily adjustable two-position seat height mechanism, which enables the rider to change the seat height by ¾ in (20mm) to their preferred set-up.

Making every journey even more comfortable the Tiger 850 Sport comes with a large 5.28 Gal (20 L) fuel tank and an adjustable screen, delivering superior wind protection with a simple single-handed adjustment.

Lightweight modular frame. Featuring the new generation Tiger’s modular frame with bolt-on aluminum rear sub-frame and bolt-on pillion hangers, the new Tiger 850’s combination of a lightweight frame, light weight engine, high specification suspension, and premium Brembo brakes ensures exceptional handling in all riding scenarios.

HIGH SPECIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

The new Tiger 850 Sport comes equipped with a tailor-made set-up of high specification technology as standard, all selected for enhanced user-friendliness, confidence-inspiring riding, and safety.

5” full TFT display

The Tiger 850 Sport features a high contrast 5” full TFT display, for excellent visibility in all light conditions. Key information is presented to the rider in a clear and intuitive way.

Two riding modes

The two riding modes, Road and Rain, adjust the ride-by-wire throttle response and traction control settings for enhanced control in all riding conditions. The traction control is switchable and may be deactivated independently via the instrument menus if required.

All-LED lighting

The headlight, tail-light and indicators on the Tiger 850 Sport are LED powered for maintenance-free active safety.

12V power socket

The Tiger 850 Sport also comes equipped with a 12V socket that allows mobile devices to be charged while riding.

DISTINCTIVE TIGER STYLE AND ATTITUDE

The Tiger 850 Sport’s bodywork has a focused and aggressive adventure style, with a narrow stand-over width, visually light front end, and dominant fuel tank design and size.

With all of the class-leading level of finish and detailing from the latest generation Tiger range, the new 850 Sport comes in two exciting paint options, Graphite and Diablo Red

or Graphite and Caspian Blue, each incorporating contemporary new Tiger 850 Sport graphic schemes.

DESIGNED TO PERSONALIZE

A range of over 60 genuine Triumph accessories are available for the new Tiger 850 Sport, all designed alongside the bike itself to ensure seamless integration, and the same exacting standards of manufacturing quality and finish.

There are two luggage range options available, both created in partnership with Givi, with the Trekker side-opening panniers with 13.7 Gal (52 L) twin helmet top box, and the Expedition top-opening aluminum panniers, with matching 11.1 Gal (42 L) top box. Additionally, the Tiger 850 Sport accessory range covers options for added comfort, protection, capability, style, and security. For even greater reassurance, all of the Genuine Triumph Accessory range comes with Triumph’s 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.

TELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT YOUR RIGHT TO RACE

The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act, H.R. 5434 and S. 2602) has one more chance to pass both chambers of Congress before the end of the legislative session. Lawmakers must hear from supporters of the RPM Act before they decide which issues will be addressed in the final days of the year.

The bipartisan RPM Act would ensure that converting motor vehicles into competition-only vehicles remains legal. Street-legal motorcycles are considered motor vehicles under the federal Clean Air Act.

The RPM Act states that it was the clear intent of Congress when passing and amending the Clean Air Act that motor vehicles, including motorcycles, used solely for competition would be exempt from the Clean Air Act’s prohibitions against modifying emissions control devices.

The American Motorcyclist Association supports the bill and its protections for amateur and professional racing enthusiasts.

Tell your elected officials that you support the RPM Act by clicking the Take Action button below. –AMA

Take Action

My FXR chopper needed tools for the Bandit’s day roll and I checked with Cruz Tools. I don’t think this chopper has any metric fasteners except for the 10mm battery bolts. As you will see, there are a few metric tools in the Cruz Tools Speedkit for Harley-Davidsons.

On the other hand, this kit did the trick. I only added a 6-inch crescent wrench to the mix, plus I will add some bailing wire into my Dayroll, when I transfer the tools. Cruz tools have become my go-to source for setting up Bandit’s Dayrolls for any bike.

They included 14 and 17mm open end wrenches. I need to test these on 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 bolts. If they don’t do the trick, I will add a handful of American open-end wrenches.

The Dayrolls are perfect for any bike application. They do it all. I don’t care if you ride a rat bobber or a new bike, they allow you to carry the necessary back up gear, like chap stick, a padlock, a lighter, a map, a scarf, your jacket liner or a spare sweatshirt, night glasses, spare gloves, your phone and a complete Cruz Tool Kit.

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The kit includes wrenches to cover most common metric fasteners, 4-in-1 screwdriver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. The SpeedKit provides a major upgrade over OEM tool kits, and still fits in a relatively compact space. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

If you ride a bike with bags, this is a natch. Just throw it in your bags with a Crescent wrench and a can of Fix-O-flat and you’re good to go.

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

14 x 17mm Open End Wrench
12mm Combination Wrench
10mm Combination Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8 & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
0-20 psi tire gauge
Locking Pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

$34.95

Cruz Tools makes four SpeedKits, one for Harleys, one for Japanese bikes, one for European bikes and one for Dirt bikes and UTV/ATVs

Japanese Description

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for Metric motorcycles, UTV, ATV, Snowmobiles, Snowbikes, and personal watercraft. The kit includes wrenches to cover most common metric fasteners, 4-in-1 screw driver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

Kit Includes

10 x 12mm Open End Wrench
14 x 17mm Open End Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8 & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
10-50 psi tire gauge
5.5 slip-joint pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

European Description

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for European motorcycles such as BMW, KTM, or Triumph. The kit features wrenches to cover most common fasteners, 4-in-1 screw driver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. The SpeedKit provides a major upgrade over OEM tool kits, and still fits in a relatively compact space. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

Kit Includes

10 x 12mm Open End Wrench
13 x 15mm Open End Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8? & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
10-50 psi tire gauge
5.5 slip-joint pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch

Dirt Bikes Description

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for off-road motorcycles, dirt bikes, UTV, and ATV. The kit includes wrenches to cover most common metric fasteners, 4-in-1 screw driver, nut driver, torx bits, hex keys, locking pliers, 2-in-1 spark plug socket and 0-20psi tire gauge in a durable zipper pouch. The Off-Road speed kit is similar to the Metric kit, but with locking pliers, 10 & 12mm combination wrenches, and low-range tire pressure gauge. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

Dimensions: Approx 7 x 2 x 2 Inches

Kit Includes

14 x 17mm Open End Wrench
12mm Combination Wrench
10mm Combination Wrench
8mm Nut Driver
5/8 & 18mm Combo Spark Plug Wrench w/ lever
Mini 5-in-1 screwdriver w/ Torx T20,25,27,30 bits
Hex Keys: 3,4,5,6mm
0-20 psi tire gauge
Locking Pliers
Heavy-duty zip-up pouch