Hey,

Here we go. The 5-Ball Racing Team lost a member this week. Ray C. Wheeler fought off death numerous times in the last 20 years. He succeeded right up until this week. It’s an interesting time, because many of the brothers I hear from are at Ray’s age in his mid-70s including myself. It’s a decision point for many, whether to keep working or stop and how much activity can we still deliver accurately and effectively.



Some brothers are forced to keep going. They don’t have the financial wherewithal to kick back. I remember a brother saying, “Fuck that union gig!” Other brothers refused to pay into social security. It comes back to haunt them big time. But there’s a chrome side to the equation for us grubby bikers in the motorcycle industry. We love what we do. Every day is a play day full of creativity and adventure. We’re still having a blast.

Hell, yesterday I was trying to get my stretched FXR running again. I took off the CV carb float bowl and fixed it. I fixed the accelerator pump and it would pop but not run. I knew I had to take the carb off and clean the jets.



Of course, mad man Jeremiah reminded me five times, before I threw him out of the shop. The jets were a mess, but when I put it back together, it immediately ran like a top. I took it for a test ride yesterday around the block, in Eddie Trotta style. It was cool enough, so I rode it to the Post Office to deliver a package. When I returned to the shop, I noticed the rear brakes weren’t working well. I check the fluid and adjusted the brakes.



Another test ride on Friday. Let’s hit the news.

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





SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK– 2018-2020 FXBB Softail Pro Series SDC Performance Gripper Seat

By now you know GELcore™ is the easiest way to improve your comfort and extend your ride time by up to 400%. Saddlemen’s exclusive technology is the upgrade you deserve – Easy to install and scientifically proven to outperform any foam seat on the market.

As the 1# Gel Seat manufacturer, we offer hundreds of styles and fitments, making more comfort available through dealerships worldwide or just a click or call away!

The Saddlemen Pro Series provides the most sought out builders and athletes a platform to create adrenalin driven designs that distinguish and complement their builds. Now available to you, this same look can provide the same inspiration to your build.

Chip and Mikey from San Diego Customs are well known for their beautifully built precision machines, and with the creation of the SDC Performance Gripper Seat, it will provide miles of comfort and a good deal of attitude! Don’t settle for second best; the SDC Performance Gripper Seat will go the distance for you.

Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXBB Softail Streetbob
Year Fitment: 2018-2020
Color: Black with Black Stitching







THE CALIFORNIA THREAT–California Is Done With Cars And Emissions By 2035

I saw this reported in various places as a ban on internal-combustion-engine cars, but that isn’t quite right — the actual order by California Governor Gavin Newsom is that new cars sold in California by 2035 must emit zero emissions. That describes electric cars, of course, but also allows room for creativity.

From Newsom’s office:
The transportation sector is responsible for more than half of all of California’s carbon pollution, 80 percent of smog-forming pollution and 95 percent of toxic diesel emissions – all while communities in the Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley see some of the dirtiest and most toxic air in the country.
[…]
Following the order, the California Air Resources Board will develop regulations to mandate that 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks are zero-emission by 2035 – a target which would achieve more than a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an 80 percent improvement in oxides of nitrogen emissions from cars statewide.

In addition, the Air Resources Board will develop regulations to mandate that all operations of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles shall be 100 percent zero emission by 2045 where feasible, with the mandate going into effect by 2035 for drayage trucks. To ensure needed infrastructure to support zero-emission vehicles, the order requires state agencies, in partnership with the private sector, to accelerate deployment of affordable fueling and charging options.

That last sentence is also key. No one is coming to take your shitty old E30 that you like to wrench on any time soon. Unless, of course, you would like to sell it to me.

Erik Shilling, Jalopnik






THERE’S AN INTERESTING DEBATE ABOUT TO HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE–
Congratulations on your new film, Climate Hustle II, regarding the largest scam on the American people in a century. I have a couple of questions. Actually one question and one request. The question is why would any rich celebrity want to support a socialist effort or an effort to realign wealth? They would be some of the first attacked if socialists took power.

My request: I would like a very simplistic pamphlet for kids correcting the Global Alarmist Scenario. Here are some thoughts:

1.There is nothing to fear or worry about. The Climate has been changing for 300 million years.
2.Science is never settled. It’s the search for new knowledge.
3.Climate is not heating up. It actually may become cooler soon and then warmer in the future.
4.The seas don’t rise more than about 7 inches for every 100 years. Hasn’t changes for thousands of years.
5.Extreme weather isn’t happening. It’s actually down currently.
6. Doomsday is not man made. We’re doing fine.
7.We’re actually living in the best of times. Unfortunately, some control freaks can’t handle it.

Andy Singer at the Heartland Institute coupled Climate Alarmists to Flat Earthers. I thought that was an interesting analogy. –Bandit






QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S BAD JOKE LIBRARY, MASK FREE– An invisible man married an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.



I didn’t think the chiropractor would improve my posture. But I stand corrected.



I took my new girlfriend out on our first date to the ice rink, and entry was half price. She called me a cheap skate.



Studies show cows produce more milk when the farmer talks to them. It’s a case of in one ear and out the udder.



I used to date a girl with one leg who worked at a brewery. She was in charge of the hops.



My cross-eyed wife and I just got a divorce. I found out she was seeing someone on the side.



My wife claims I’m the cheapest person she’s ever met. I’m not buying it.



Did you know that a raven has 17 rigid feathers called pinions, while a crow only has 16. The difference between a raven and a crow is just a matter of a pinion.



I told my carpenter I didn’t want carpeted steps He gave me a blank stair.

–Joe Smith
Official Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™





CHOPPERS MAGAZINE– How do you buy this magazine? Never see it on newsstands? Tried online? No luck.

–Stealth
NC

Here’s the link: www.choppersmagazine.com





REGARDING THE CALIFORNIA BAN–
Motorcycles are not included in the definition of ICE “new passenger cars and trucks” that will not be allowed to be sold after 2034.

However, once that oversight is discovered, motorcycles will almost certainly be included, or will be the subject of another Executive Order, with conceivably a shorter effective date.

This is only an Executive Order, without the force of legislation, although that can be easily rectified by passing such enabling legislation in next year’s session considering the existing progressive makeup of the Legislature.

It remains to be seen, however, if this unprecedented executive action is even legal given its probable conflict with the U.S. Commerce Clause, that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce between states, among many other applicable statutes and laws.

Lots may, or may not, change in the next 15 years!

And finally, Global Warming is a hoax, a scam.

–Anonymous Donor





UPS DRIVERS HAVE INTERESTING CUSTOMERS—




–Steve Bauman
Tech Writer
Bikernet.com™



SHOOTING AT A LARGE BIKER GATHERING-– in Waterloo, Iowa, leaves 1 dead, several wounded
The gathering of over 100 people from motorcycle clubs wasn’t authorized, and police were trying to determine who had leased the building.

An Iowa gathering of over 100 people from motorcycle clubs turned deadly early Saturday morning with a shooting that killed at least one person and left several others wounded.

Police in Waterloo, a city about 55 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids, said they responded to a “shots fired report” at about 3:17 a.m at a site where the bikers were gathered.

Upon arrival, officers found about a dozen people who had been injured or shot, said Waterloo Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald at a press conference Saturday morning. It appeared that “some kind of confrontation” at the location escalated into a shooting, he said.

Paramedics and firefighters also responded to the chaotic scene, and many of those injured were taken to nearby hospitals, police said.

Of the eight people who suffered gunshot wounds, one of them died and another is in critical condition, said Fitzgerald. Four other people were injured by debris or glass and while fleeing.

Fitzgerald said the gathering wasn’t authorized and investigators are trying to determine who leased the building. Investigators are also trying to determine whether there was more than one shooter.

No arrests have been made in connection to the shooting. However, three people were arrested after officers responded to a disorderly conduct call outside the emergency room at a local hospital where some of the victims were taken, The Associated Press reported.

By Nicole Acevedo, associated press





BANDIT’S EMAIL ADDRESS HAS CHANGED—Sorry for the confusion, but our email system started to fail. We tried to fix it, but no banana. We could have shifted to a costly system, but no one has the dinero, so we shifted back to our standards.

Mine is now Kball945@gmail.com. At least it’s simple. Sorry for any inconvenience.

–Bandit





DIRECT FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY—The difference between Infamous and Notorious.

Infamous and notorious are commonly interchanged terms used to describe someone who or something that is famous for being negative in some way. While they can sometimes mean the same thing, there are subtle differences between the two terms. There are times when either will work, yet in other cases, one word is a better fit.

What does it mean to be infamous?
First recorded in the 14th century, infamous is an adjective rooted in the Latin infamis, “of ill fame.” We use it to describe a person, place, or thing known for “having an extremely bad reputation.” It can also mean “deserving of or causing an evil reputation, detestable.” Think Cruella de Vil, Voldemort, and your 11th-grade algebra teacher.

People, places, or things can also go down in infamy, getting a super bad rep as the result of a “shameful, criminal or outrageous act.” See also: Fyre Festival.

Remember, just because infamous has the word famous embedded within it doesn’t mean the two go hand in hand. Flipping a table at a family dinner may go down in infamy, winning you the reputation as the cousin with the temper. But, unless your family has its own time slot on Bravo, it won’t make you famous.

What does it mean to be notorious?
Similar to infamous, notorious is an adjective meaning “widely and unfavorably known.” Evidenced in the late 15th century, notorious originally meant “well known,” true to its ultimate Latin root, notus, meaning “known.”

When you say notorious and its noun form notoriety, it may be clear that they both start with not-, as in note, a word indeed related to notorious. Which makes it easier to remember that identifying someone as notorious is like putting a notice out on them.

So, what about notorious vs. notable vs. noteworthy?
Well, they are all close in meaning (due to that same Latin root), but there are subtle but significant differences among them.


The subtle differences between infamy and notoriety
Beyond being used to throw shade, like saying the Kardashians are notorious for drama, notorious can also mean “publicly or generally known, as for a particular trait.”

Jack Nicholson is notorious for always wearing sunglasses, a good example of the word being used without as many negative vibes implied.

–From Dictionary.com




EVENT NEWS–Ozark Moonshine Run
?
The Ozark Moonshine Run is without a doubt the most picturesque route in the Ozarks! The route encompasses parts of Scenic Highway 7 and winds through the deepest parts of the Ozark Mountains. Along the route you can expect to see magnificent views, ancient bluff lines, and the possibility of majestic elk grazing in their natural habitat.

Parts of the route make you feel like you have stepped back in time to a slower paced lifestyle. You will see many attractions along the way, so take your time and enjoy the scenery; but be careful of the many curves along this route. Some parts can be tricky and slightly dangerous.

Route Distance: 113 miles with 662 curves
Gasoline Locations: Harrison, Jasper, Mt. Judea, Deer, Compton
Time Frame: 2 hours, 52 minutes


Directions: Depart Harrison on Scenic AR Highway 7 South heading to Jasper. Travel through Jasper on AR Highway 7 to AR Highway 374 East on your left. AR Highway 374 will join AR Highway 123 where you will turn right. Follow AR Highway 123 through Mt. Judea (pronounced Judy) until it intersects with AR Highway 7 North. AR Highway 123 splits, so be careful to follow the route leading to AR Highway 7 North.

Follow AR Highway 7 North/Highway 16 to the intersection of AR Highway 16 on your left. Highway 16 will take you through the communities of Deer, Nail and Swain. AR Highway 16 intersects with AR Highway 21, where you will travel north into Boxley Valley. Through the valley, be on the lookout for elk that graze the fields and sometimes cross the highway. Follow AR Highway 21 to the intersection of AR Highway 43 North. AR Highway 43 North winds through Ponca and back to Harrison.

Vendors – (just to name a few)
Rosie’s Road Show
Honor Bound
GL Company
American Legion
Airbrush Outfitters
Twisted Illusions
Yamaha of Harrison
FT Williams Enterprises
C&P
Jil Jewlery
Amanda Harpole
Flying Monkey Tattoo
Honeypot Scrubs
Baxter Insurance
Debria’s Design
Paparazzi Jewlery
Grumpy’s BBQ
Country Meadow Boutique
Massage by GiGi
Shelter Insurance Joan Bell Agency
Live Laser Tag
Front Porch Consulting
That Geeky Shop
Cox Cable
Deans Custom Covers
Impact Tee’s
Region 2 Prevention
Fresh Mountain Soap
Blue Collar Choppers
South Cycle Mobile
Law Tiger
Arkansas Wrestling Federation
United Way
Annie Bell Mercantile
Crafts and Creations by Julia
Mae’s Gypsy Magic
Fenton’s Electronics
Windstar
Harrison Daily Times
Brick Oven Pizza





QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A King enrolled his donkey in a race & won.
Local papers read:

‘KING’s ASS WON’
The king was so upset with this kind of publicity that he gave the donkey to the queen.

The local paper then read:
“QUEEN HAS THE BEST ASS IN TOWN”
The king fainted….
Queen sold the donkey to a farmer for Rs 1000.

Next day papers read: “QUEEN SELLING HER ASS FOR Rs 1000”
The queen fainted…

The next day king ordered the queen to buy back the donkey and leave it in jungle.

The Next Headlines:
“QUEEN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS FREE & WILD”
The king died… !!

*That’s how the Media works Today !!*

You can’t control it

–Wayfarer
Research Specialist
Bikernet News Bureau
India





AIM EXPO CANCELLED FOR 2021– “We have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 AIMExpo, the industry’s annual trade show, and while this wasn’t an easy choice it is certainly the right one,” says Cinnamon Kernes, VP and general manager, MIC Events. “With local directives limiting gathering size, travel restrictions, and a myriad of other obstacles created by the pandemic, there are too many unknown factors limiting our ability to create a safe environment that will also deliver the experience and ROI our exhibitors and attendees expect.”

–MIC





FIVE REASONS TO to (still) Go To Biketoberfest–

REASON 1. Hotel rates are GREAT this year. Hotels prices are about half of what they normally are.

REASON 2. Suspension Technologies will still be there. What I am really saying is there will still be a lot of vendors there and you can touch and assess the quality of their products in person. Holding a product in your hand can tell you so much more than just the website information.



I specifically said Suspension Technologies because so many people won’t stop talking about how great their suspensions are. I’m one of them. Those unfortunate few friends I have… that haven’t made the upgrade already have appointments for the free installation at the Suspension Technologies’ booth at Destination Daytona.

A Harley tech did a check ride on my bike and he came out to talk to me when I picked up the bike. He was so impressed with the suspension he wanted to ask me about it. That is high praise indeed. This is someone who gets to ride about everything. He just felt it by riding the bike. He wasn’t aware before he rode the bike that I had done anything. It’s that noticeable. ‘Nough said.

The point is a lot of great vendors are still going to be in Daytona for Biketoberfest.



REASON 3. Willies’ Tropical Tattoo is still doing the best Bike Show in Daytona (again). It’s Thursday, October 15.

REASON 4. As far as Daytona events go, 99% of the time the October event has the best weather. Don’t blame me if this year isn’t a perfect dry, crisp 67-degree morning and warm in the afternoon but it usually happens.

REASON 5. You can safely keep your distance if you are concerned. The crowd size is down and with a bit of common sense you can attend the less crowded outdoor events in the outdoor germ-killing-sunshine. There isn’t any reason to go where you are aren’t comfortable. And there isn’t any reason to miss one of my favorite events.









FROM THE GEARHEAD DIARIES– We won some money at the Casino in Vegas and after we bought this canvas print, we went over to my uncle’s house (just off the old strip). This was back in late 1978. I had my ‘69 long bed Chevy truck. Not enough room in the 2-seater cab of the truck, so in the bed of the truck is where the framed canvas went. We wrapped it up in blankets and sleeping bags and homeward we were bound.

We got to the top of the grade leaving Vegas, and snow started coming down. I got out to put on the chains, and they don’t fit because the dessert duelers were too big and wide. So, slow we go off of the ridge grade back down to the valley floor toward Torrance. It wasn’t long after that my wife and I were married and the canvas ended up in the attic for 30 years…

–Gearhead
Contributor
Bikernet.com™

We will set this pretty puppy free in the Deadwood Bikernet Headquarters after an expensive trip to the framer.–Bandit






DID YOU KNOW THAT

? Ants never sleep!
? When the moon is directly overhead, you will weigh slightly less.
? Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, never called his wife or mother; because they were both deaf.
? An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.
? “I am,” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.
? Babies are born without kneecaps – actually, they’re made of cartilageand the bone hardens, between the ages of 2-6 years.
? Happy Birthday (the song) is copyrighted.
? Butterflies taste with their feet.
? A“jiffy,” is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
? It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
? Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.
? Minus 40 degrees Celsius, is exactly the same as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
? Shakespeare invented the words “assassination”and “bump”.
? Stewardesses is the longest word typed with only the left hand.
? Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.
? The names of all the continents end with the same letter that they start with.
? The sentence, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter in the English language.
? The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.
? The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue.
? The word “lethologica” describes the state of not being able to remember the word you want.
? Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from the blowing desert sand.
? TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters on only one row of the keyboard.
? Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks or it will digest itself.
? The dot over the letter “i” is called a ‘Tittle’.

–Wayfarer
Chief Research Specialists
International Bikernet University Library
India





RAY WHEELER SAYS GOODBYE–
Sorry to hear about Ray Wheeler passing away. I was fortunate enough to meet Ray in 2011 while I was visiting the BIKERNET headquarters. Ray was a cool guy, I enjoyed talking to him. I am sure he will be greatly missed.

–STEALTH





Easyriders Magazine Seals $30 Million Deal to Sell Bud to Bikers
Published April 22, 2020
By Randy Robinson
Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper would be proud.

One of America’s oldest and most iconic motorcycle magazines is officially jumping into the weed game.

On Tuesday, the new owner and president of Easyriders magazine, Pepper Foster, told WWD that he finalized a deal worth “well over” $30 million. The partnerships include Easyriders and two US cannabis companies — Oregon’s Big Top Farms and Tennessee’s Hemp2Lab — to make and distribute CBD and CBG products derived from hemp.

Easyriders’ products will include items like topicals, salves, tinctures, lip balms, and lotions, and each will bear Easyriders’ logos and gothic typeface, making these weed products the first (and so far, only) marketed directly to America’s biker community. Though, to be fair, there is a California-based weed brand named after the late Dennis Hopper, one of the stars of the iconic 1969 biker film Easy Rider. The movie’s title likely inspired the magazine’s name, given that Easyriders first hit the news presses in 1970.

Why is a biker magazine countersteering into the nation’s nascent cannabis space, though? First off, bikers were a crucial part of America’s early marijuana movement, toking, wheeling, and dealing herb across the US alongside the hippies, the beatniks, the street activists, and the rock ‘n’ rollers.

Second, the magazine’s revenue stream from advertisements got screwed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing bankruptcy just after taking over the magazine, Foster decided to expand Easyriders from a single print publication to an entire lifestyle brand.

According to his interview at WWD, Foster plans to roll-out the new Easyriders hemp products in the near future, particularly whenever these coronavirus lockdowns start to ease up nationwide. He’s currently looking at weed dispensaries, pharmacies, and high-end clothing and luxury stores to carry the Easyriders brand. But at the top of his retail wish-list revs the granddaddy of American motorcycles: Harley-Davidson and its 1,000 stores across the US.

“At the end of the day, the world has to go on, it’s not going to spin off its axis up into Pluto,” Foster said, referring to widespread business closures amid the COVID-19 crisis. “We’re gonna survive and, yes, things will change, but this magazine has been around for 50 years, and it will be around for another 50 years.”

“We’re setting the stage for this brand,” he continued, “a beautiful gem that’s just being polished.”

–merryjane.com

This was published in April, 2020 about five months ago. According to our sources, the deal never materialized. We hope something will work out. We will keep you posted.—Bandit



REMEMBER TO VOTE–



Twas the night before elections,
And all thru’ the town,
Tempers were flaring
Emotions ran up and down.

I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap,
Had shut off the TV,
tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden,
There arose such a noise,
I peered out my window,
Saw Pelosi and her boys

They had come for my wallet,
They wanted my pay
To hand out to others
Who had not worked a day!

They snatched up my money,
And quick as a wink,
Jumped back on their bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink.

She then rallied her henchmen
Who were pulling her cart.
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Schumer and Ayers!
On Acorn, on Waters
She screamed at the pairs!

They took off for her cause,
And as they flew out of sight,
I heard her laugh at a nation
Who wouldn’t stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think
On this one final note…
IF YOU DON’T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE !!!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR ONLY HOPE…..
Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.

– John Wayne

–from Joe Smith




TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–I have enough shift knobs to build five motorcycles, four really as I’d like to use the brass one on the Shovelhead. Haven’t figured a way, yet to do it on the Classic. I did purchase a kick starter, but need to add two more Baker gears (a boy can dream) and a 5-speed starter.



Know anyone has a 93 5.8L E04D PCM, mines not feeling well.

–RFR
Certified Weatherman
Bikernet.com™





TECH WITH AN EDGE–If you look at a bike with the Suspension Technologies tie down points it’s not very noticable.

A $40 Part that Should be on Every Bagger

Suspension Technologies has these really cool, almost unnoticeable, until you need them, attachment points. These are great for putting the bike on a lift, trailering the bike or whatever. I know your bike has NEVER been on a trailer. Whatever. These are super useful.

–Edge
Tech Specialist
Bikernet.com™





NATIONAL NEWS FROM THE AMA–October 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A federal judge approved a revised settlement in September between the U.S. Justice Department and Harley-Davidson Inc. over excess emissions. The revised settlement drops a requirement that the motorcycle manufacturer spend $3 million to reduce air pollution. In August 2016, Harley agreed to pay a $12 million civil fine and stop selling illegal after-market devices that caused its vehicles to emit too much pollution. The settlement resolved allegations that Harley sold about 340,000 “super tuners” that enabled motorcycles to pollute the air at levels greater than what the company certified.

MINNEAPOLIS – Polaris Inc. and Zero Motorcycles entered into a 10-year partnership as part of Polaris’ rEV’d up initiative, which seeks to include an electric vehicle option in each of Polaris’ core product segments by 2025. The companies plan to collaborate on off-road motorcycles and on snowmobiles. The first vehicle from the Zero-Polaris partnership is expected by the end of 2021. Zero Motorcycles has been designing and manufacturing electric motorcycles since 2006. Polaris produces Indian brand motorcycles, along with a range of ATVs and snowmobiles. In 2011, Polaris acquired both Goupil, a French manufacturer of on-road, commercial light-duty electric vehicles for the European market, and GEM, the street-legal passenger and utility electric vehicles. Four years later, the company acquired Brammo Electric Motorcycles.

BUENOS AIRES – Royal Enfield plans to open an assembly plant in Argentina, the company’s first such venture outside its manufacturing facilities in Chennai, India. The Simpa Group facility will begin assembling the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650. “This launch is a major accomplishment because it is the first time that a motorcycle manufacturer of this size has put its faith in Argentina,” said Alberto Fernández, president of Argentina.

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson has announced its decision to discontinue its manufacturing operations in India, at a cost of more than $75 million. The company is revamping its worldwide operations as part of a “Rewire” plan under new CEO Jochen Zeitz. The company also hired former Tyson Foods finance executive Gina Goetter as its new chief financial officer.



International News


LONDON – The Motorcycle Action Group UK opposes changes to the Highway Code that would result in a “negative safety impact” for motorcyclists, according to a report from the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations. In the United Kingdom, the Highway Code is a set of information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users. Its objective is to promote road safety. The Highway Code applies to all road users including pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers.

While the proposed changes include additional protections for pedestrians, bicyclists and horse riders, there are no new provisions for improved motorcyclist safety. MAG UK said the proposed new rules and rule changes would actually increase risks, not just for motorcyclists, but for the cyclists and pedestrians that the proposals are designed to protect.

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™





[page break]



DEEPER GREEN Provides 50mg of THC in California’s 1st Barrel-aged Whiskey Sour–Buena Vista Whiskey Sour (Weed Drink) Introduced at Weedcon – California’s 1st Cannabis Whiskey

September 29, Sacramento, CA– California’s 1st barrel-aged cannabis whiskey sour, Buena Vista Whiskey Sour, is infused with 50mg of pure Deeper Green™ THC and is available through High Tide Distribution. The cannabis spirit made its introduction at Weedcon in Southern California on September 24-25, 2020. It is a new style of weed drink that has a premium taste and fast onset.

Deeper Green converts extracted cannabis into a fast-acting, tasteless, odorless, and water-soluble powder. Because it is water-soluble, it mixes evenly with ingredients, ensuring that the dosage is correct throughout the cannabis spirit.



Enthusiasts of spirits can say goodbye to morning hangovers. And because of its quick onset, consumers consistently can regulate their experience of the beverage by knowing when to sip and when not to.

The process to create Buena Vista Whiskey Sour is to start with is barrel-aged whiskey. It requires as much science as it does artisanal skills to remove alcohol and retain the taste of a 4-year-old whiskey. Then it is infused with 50mg of pure Deeper Green™ THC. Lemon, lime, and simple syrup are blended to taste for a first-class experience.

“Consumers are seeking products that provide a healthier and safer way to consume cannabis products,” explained Jeff Najar, V.P. Marketing. “Our patent-pending fast-acting Deeper Green cannabis powder is ideal way to create unique products that meet their cannabis lifestyle requirements.”

Cannabis beverages are increasing in popularity as consumers look to distance themselves from potential COVID complications. The global cannabis beverage market is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 17.8% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.



About Deeper Green
Deeper Green develops and manufactures cannabinoid-infused beverages and consumer products for our in-house brands and white label clients. The team provides the expertise to convert food and beverage into an exceptional edible product that not only tastes good but passes stringent state regulations.

The Deeper Green brand includes the Buena Vista pre-roll products, Buena Vista Whiskey Sour, and Better Days Cannabis Sugar. Based in Sacramento, California, all products are sold through ECHO Distribution.


–Jeff Najar, VP Marketing
Mobile: 919-450-5060
jeff.najar@greenerfrontiers.com





BOOBS FOREVER, FOREVER BOOBS–
It was about five years ago. I was trying to lose a few pounds so I was staying away from carbs. That’s when I met my husband, Rob. On our first date, he booked the next two. He liked me. I liked him. Things were looking really good.

He picked me up in a Cobra Mustang and his pathetic attempt to win me over with a car totally worked. I’m not shallow, but since I spent most of my twenties picking men up because I didn’t want my hair to frizz in their non-air conditioned jalopies on 3 wheels and a 15-year-old spare, I welcomed his fancy sports car with open arms.
We arrived at the restaurant and Rob was ordering food I hadn’t allowed myself to eat in years.

I didn’t want to be “that girl” so I ate, drank, and oh, was I merry. Later we shopped a bit. Rob surprised me by buying an expensive pair of shoes that he caught me eyeing. Was this love?

That’s when it happened. Gas strikes in two different ways – uncontrollable toots or sharp, shooting pains that feel a lot like dying. I thought I was dying. Not to make a scene, I told Rob I suddenly wasn’t feeling well and probably needed to head home.

On the way home in his Cobra, he tried to hold my hand and ask me lots of questions, but I wasn’t having any of it. The pain was so bad it felt like I was being stabbed with a bunch of tiny forks. Then I realized …



My God, help me. I have a horrendous fart on deck. I’m in trouble. Big trouble.

The more I held it in, the more pain would shoot through my stomach and down my legs. I was even having to raise myself off the seat, gripping on to my door and the dashboard.

“Seriously, you need to hurry – I’m in a lot of pain.” I managed to say through gritted teeth.

“Wow, it’s that bad? What’s wrong? Do I need to take you to a hospital?”

How do you tell a man you just started dating that the reason you’re writhing in pain is that you have to fart?
Well, you can either tell him or like me, let the fart speak for itself.

People, hear me. There was nothing I could do. As impressive as I am with sphincter control, this was out of my hands. Slowly, it eeked out. The more I tried to stop it, the more it forced its way through the door. However, to my pleasant surprise, there was no sound. I sat silently, sweat accumulating above my upper lip. Ok, maybe I got away with it. Maybe I’m home free. Then it hit me. Not an idea, a cloud. A horrific, fart cloud. Not in a, “Am I smelling something?” sort of way. More like a “Is someone dead and rotting in your trunk and am I in hell?” sort of way.

Suddenly, I panicked. “Roll down the windows!” I screamed (yes, I literally screamed it like I was in a horror movie).

“What? Why?” Rob asked, starting to freak out because I was freaking out.

“I can’t roll down the windows, unlock it! UNLOCK IT!”
“What’s going on?” Rob yells back to me, “Why are you …” then it hit him. I could see it in his eyes. Was it a surprise? Horror? Water started to accumulate at the base of his eyelids, “Oh my God, I CAN TASTE IT!” he screamed.

“Roll down the windows!” As I screamed, the toots started to flood out uncontrollably. I scratched and clawed at the window like I was being kidnapped. Rob, unable to see either by fart cloud or panic, kept turning on the windshield wipers instead of unlocking the window.
It was chaos. We were acting like we were under siege by gunfire. We were under siege alright, just not by gunfire.

Finally, he was able to hit the right control and he rolled down our windows. We both gulped in fresh air. I was horrified, yet happy to be alive, then remembered I just farted on the man of my dreams, then sorta wished I was dead.

We sat silently for the rest of the way home. Although the shooting pains had subsided, I now desperately needed to use the bathroom, in an urgent, explosive kind of way.
He pulled up to my apartment and before he could come to a stop I had already jumped out, “Ok, thanks for dinner, sorry about the fart, love the shoes!” and ran into my apartment like I was running from the cops.
I burst through my door and ran straight for the bathroom, where I was finally able to unleash and make noises that no one should ever, EVER, hear coming from another person.

Then I heard it. Rob’s voice. Right. Outside. My. Bathroom. Door.
“Anna? You left your shoes in my car and your front door was open. Where do you want me to put them?”

“Get away from the door!” I screamed like Reagan from The Exorcist.

“Ok, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”

*toot* *toot* *splatter* *ungodly noise*

“I’m fine, Rob – just leave the shoes there. I’ll call you later okay?”

“Okay, are you sure you’re …”

“I’m fine! Get away from the door!”

This man! I mean, I love him, but take a freakin’ hint!

Finally, I heard the front door shut, and the Cobra engine zoom away. I thought that was the last I’d hear from him. I didn’t think it was possible to ever see a man again after he screams he can taste your fart after only knowing you for 48 hours.

But, to my surprise, I did. A couple of days later, actually. Now we’re married and he’s lying on the couch while I type this … “It was your rack that saved you,” he just lovingly reminded me.

Well, thank you boobs. You saved us. You saved our destiny.

–Sam Burns





FROM THE PRESIDENT–Executive Order on An America-First Healthcare Plan

President Trump traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, this afternoon where he just unveiled his America First Healthcare Plan.

“We will ensure the highest standard of care anywhere in the world: cutting-edge treatments, state-of-the-art medicine, groundbreaking cures, and true health security for you and your loved ones,” the President said.


The America First plan has three goals: more choice, lower costs, and better care. It includes protections for pre-existing conditions, measures to stop surprise medical bills, and rules to guarantee price transparency so patients aren’t left completely in the dark.

The result is that Americans will have more control over their own healthcare dollars rather than ceding power to Washington politicians or powerful corporations.

Unlike socialized medicine, President Trump’s plan puts working families first with:

MORE CHOICE: Patients will be in charge of their care, not bureaucrats at some faraway Federal agency. When President Trump took office, more than half of U.S. counties offered plans from only a single insurance provider on the individual market. As of next month, more than 90 percent of American counties will have multiple options to choose from.

LOWER COSTS: For years, patients have been shocked to receive unexpected bills for thousands of dollars in medical services they never even agreed to. President Trump’s plan bans this deeply unfair practice and ends surprise medical billing. “The days of ripping off American patients are over,” he said.

BETTER CARE: With new ways for Medicare to pay providers, Americans will have access to doctors they trust—whenever they are needed. President Trump is also making sure that politicians don’t get in the way of much-needed research and innovation, ensuring Americans access to the best health care in the world.

President Trump’s plan puts American patients first. Unfortunately, under pressure from the far left, Democrats have endorsed healthcare legislation that would result in rationing care, keeping patients on waitlists, and driving the best doctors away from practicing medicine.

“The Democrat Party is pushing a socialist nightmare,” President Trump said.

Americans want real choice, affordability, and quality in their medical care. They don’t want radical politicians playing games with their health and safety to get votes.

Under this President, America’s families and seniors will always be protected.






STATE BY STATE REPORTS FROM THE MEETING OF THE MINDS LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE–ABATE OF LOUISIANAABATE of Louisiana had planned on a busy 2020 legislative session, but pandemic brought it to a screeching halt.
2020 Legislative Agenda: (Initial agenda set in Sept. 2019)

ALL ROAD USERS ACT (LA LAW INSTITUTE)
This bill was submitted in 2018 and ordered to be studied by the Louisiana Law Institute for recommendations.
Their findings were 100% positive and recommendation was made to submit it as a proposed law in the 2020 Legislative Session.

The bill picked up by Rep Pollie Thomas and we were on our way to be the 10th state in the nation to adopt this bill into law.

DEAD RED BILL
This bill was submitted after our presentation to Rep Dodie Horton

Rep Horton ran this through Louisiana DOT and was encouraged by their recommendation
This bill was filed in the 2020 Legislative Session.

ABATE License Plate
Artwork was approved by our Representative and filed as a Bill in the 2020 Legislative Session.
Our Executive board decided to pull our bills to allow the legislature to deal with the extraordinary issues confronting our state.

All of our sponsors were very appreciative.
We will refile all the bills next session if possible.
Hands Free Cell Phone Use/Distracted Drivers (SUPPORT)

This bill submitted by another organization and failed.
We received a letter from the Northwest Louisiana Traffic Safety Coalition.

They obtained a grant to display PSA’s about traffic safety on sixteen electronic billboards.

They offered to let us use them for the month of May to advertise Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.
We designed three different messages to be displayed 10-15 seconds up to 500 times per day on 16 billboards in the Shreveport area.

Through a generous donation within our organization, we were able to purchase the space for the months of May, June and July.



IDAHO

Contributed to the effort to successfully pass distracted driving bill that provides penalties for the use of electronic devices (cell phones) in Idaho.

Spearheaded by insurance lobby, this effort was supported by a large coalition of interested parties including extensive work by ABATE of N Idaho and Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety.

Supported a bill that would have allowed the study of the feasibility of HOV lanes statewide.

ICMS and ANI will work toward passage in 2021.
ICMS and ABATE of N Idaho are collaborating on political candidate surveys to garner information prior to the upcoming 2020 Fall Election.

Continuing the work of ICMS and ANI to bring awareness of MRO’s to motorcyclists and all citizens of the State of Idaho.

Working on Lane Sharing/Filtering for 2021.

ANI is working with local motorcycle dealerships to add MRO membership (Idaho & Washington) on new/used motorcycle sales.

While not everything we had hoped for, a profiling bill passed!

Concealed Carry on Motorcycles (HB1094 – “cleanup bill”)

Members inducted in Sturgis Hall of Fame (Wayne & Sue Diletto)

Whitewood Social Hour

DIXIE ABATE OF ALABAMA

Survived
Legislature shut down as soon as they started up
Will try again next year with “Affirmative Defense” for “Safe Passage” through a Red Light
But we are picking up members and picking up speed now and expect to be much more active in the coming year

Dixie ABATE Lounge – online forum has turned into a “cult thing”
Summer Retreat – Hangout



More reports coming next week.—Bandit





LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2015 Harley-Davidson® FLS – Softail Slim for $12,995.00
see it here:

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Hal Robinson (1928-1984) from Bellingham, Washington worked and manned scows in the Bering Sea as a young teenager. He served in the Navy during Korea. He became a sign painter and also did store windows for advertising to earn money.

He was offered a job at Buzza Cardoza Greeting Cards in the 1960’s. He won a portable fold up bicycle when he won first place in a drawing contest. In the ‘60s he did drawings for local pamphlets such as Around Town in Long Beach, etc. He did a banner for The Ike and Tina Turner Review when they appeared in Long Beach.

Hal worked for GTE as an illustrator for the Yellow Pages in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He drew the original beaver as a logo for National Lumber. Hal’s maxim was “Publish or perish!”



Hal wasn’t a nine-to-five kind of guy and worked from home on his drawings even though he was offered jobs with all the benefits. His work has been published internationally for more than half a century and he is well known for such characters as Miraculous Mother/Mutha (pre Miss Piggy), Red Rider & Little Beaver, Gus, etc.

He did wonderful caricature drawings for Easyriders Magazine and many were of outlaw bikers; and also hilarious, detailed, clever and witty panel jokes about their stereotypical life style. He was a classic and timeless political cartoonist as well.

Robinson masterfully illustrated hundreds of custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles for Easyriders (1971-1984). Robinson’s work was also published in other magazines and publications such as Iron Horse, In the Wind, Cycletoons, Cartoons, Nine Years With Mutha, Cookin’, Carvin’ & Scarfing, etc.

He was the originator of a detailed caricature of a town or city with his pen and ink drawings of Seal Beach and Avalon. Both were drawn in the early ‘70s. Each drawing took six hundred hours apiece from beginning to completion.

Robinson is remembered by many as a master at mesmerizing his viewer with his ability to draw with a flourish as he lived each swirl and turn, pen and inked line. One can recognize many of his drawings by its quasi psychedelic, euphoric, 3-D effect. Unexpected items to look for are hidden pictures, flies, trash, flying fists, names of good friends and relatives, funny words, chaos, etc. People love all the detail in his work and there are always things you haven’r seen the first time, or the second, and each time after that.

People have tried to copy Robinson’s (H., Hal, Harold) style and have even copied his signed name to look like his original signature. Hal’s original work can be viewed on halrobinsondesigns.com and bikernet.com. His work can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Shopify.


–Ann M. Baysinger Robinson, September 25, 2020

 



STURGIS RALLY NEWS FROM THE AMA—Voters in the city of Sturgis overturned the City Council’s decision to annex the property that belongs to the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle club.

The August vote was 737-421.

The Jackpine Gypsies started what is now known as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 1938, when it was the Black Hills Motor Classic. Club officers told the city that annexation would bring with it restrictions that would end the events on the property. The Jackpine Gypsies host rallies and competition events there.

Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie has said the city wanted to Annex the property so the club would pay for services like water, sewer, road maintenance and public safety. He also said an annexation would require the club to start collecting sales tax.

Club members gathered more than 200 signatures on a petition to put the matter to a popular vote.

–AMA





VA Transitions Urgent Care in 13 States to Enhance Veteran Access--VA is making it even easier for thousands of eligible Veterans in the 13 western states to find an in-network urgent care provider as it transitions to the new Community Care Network (CCN) in Region 4 today, September 30, 2020.

If you experience non-life threatening minor injuries – such as skin infections, a sore throat or a cold – you can receive urgent care at the right time and place for you with the right provider. Read below for details on eligibility and how to find an in-network provider.

Use our Quick Start Guide for a step-by-step process how to access urgent care.

To be eligible for urgent care, Veterans must:

Be enrolled in VA health care, AND
Have received care through VA from either a VA medical facility or a community provider with an approved referral within the past 24 months.





THE COUNTRY WESTERN REPORT–Fellow Singer/Songwriters and Friends Remember and Mourn The Loss of Mac Davis–NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Member Mac Davis has passed away at age 78. Some of his most legendary hits as an artist include, “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” “Naughty Girl,” “Texas In My Rear View Mirror,” and “Hooked On Music.” As a songwriter, Davis penned hits for artists such as Nancy Sinatra, Elvis Presley, B.J. Thomas, Bobby Goldsboro, Vicki Carr, Perry Como, and many more. While living in California, Davis began acting, appearing in The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard In Hollywood, Murder She Wrote, Where The Red Fern Grows, Beer For My Horses, and more. Davis was not only a poetic prodigy, but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Mac Davis.

“American music has just lost a premiere singer, songwriter, entertainer, and a genuinely great human being. In a year already fraught with sacrifice and loss this is another one that is hard to process. Goodbye Mac Davis… until the day…” – Joe, Duane, William Lee, Richard – The Oak Ridge Boys

“Mac Davis was such a great guy and an amazing writer. One of the best in the business and a wonderful friend. This is a huge loss to the music industry. His family is in my prayers.” – B.J. Thomas

“There’s no way to express the grief that we feel about Mac Davis. The entertainment industry will miss this great talent and beautiful American. We pray for his family and those that love him” – Lee Greenwood

“This is another loss for the greatest era in American contemporary music with the passing of this extremely talented soul, Mac Davis” – Sam Moore

“I cherish the tours I had with Mac Davis and was thrilled to work the Nevada casinos with him. He made a huge impact in our world of country music, and greatly respected. Love you Mac.” – Janie Fricke

“We’ve just lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters that I’ve known in my lifetime. Say Hello To Heaven Mac Davis.” – David Frizzell

“I’m so very heartbroken with the loss of Mac Davis, one of the world’s greatest writers, singers, and actors, but above all of that, he was a dear friend. He was always quick to shed light on other’s talents and help them shine. I’m grieving for his precious wife Lise and their family. I pray God will comfort her during this very sad and difficult time. I’ll always cherish the memories he pressed between the pages of my mind.” – Kelly Lang

“Mac Davis was a music trifecta: he could write, he could sing, he could entertain—and he was great at all three. In the mid-’70s, I remember inching up to the television as a boy and watching the Mac Davis Show. My favorite part of the show was when Mac ventured into the crowd and asked the audience members to shout out a person, place, or thing. He then asked them to give him a scenario, and on the spot, he would make up a song. No wonder he became a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

It was a big moment for me when I met and worked with my hero years later. The last time I saw Mac we were in the studio together and he was singing me one Beatles’ song after another as his alter ego Max Birnbaum. I laughed until I cried. Mac had a wicked sense of humor. He will be missed. We have lost one of the greats.” – Tim Atwood









NEWS FLASH FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT– Statistician Dr. Kevin Dayaratna testifies to Congress:

Testifying before Congress, Ph.D. statistician Kevin Dayaratna reveals that under reasonable assumptions, government climate models show CO2 emissions may be a net benefit to society.

DR. DAYARATNA: “A more fundamental question completely avoided by the federal government is are there actually any benefits associated with CO2 emissions. Well a model often employed by the EPA actually includes these benefits in its calculations.

In fact, under very reasonable assumptions, there are substantial probabilities of negative SCC (Social Cost of Carbon) or in layman’s terms, actual benefits — in some cases as high as two-thirds — resulting from greater CO2 prevalence allowing increased agricultural and forestry yields. This negative SCC estimate would signify that CO2 emissions are not a cost but a benefit to society.”

Hearing: “Climate Change Part IV: Moving Towards a Sustainable Future” Subcommittee on Environment US House Oversight Committee September 24, 2020

https://www.climatehustle2.com/





CUSTOM AMA MEMBERSHIP CARDS--Pick a Card, Any Card
The AMA offers a variety of membership cards from which to choose. Themed cards speak to your passion as a motorcyclist. Are you a racer? Our competition card may be the right choice for you.

Are you proud of the brand you ride? We offer affinity cards for BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Zero. Select a new card when you renew your membership or call (800) AMA-JOIN to request a new card at any time. View membership cards








I just ordered another batch of Prize Possession copies. It’s my first book the second edition.

We’re going to get Jeremiah’s bobber back in the shop. Space has cleared and he told me it’s outside his brother’s house under a tarp. That’s bullshit. The bike is too cool. Hell, I helped build it, while we were building the World’s Fastest Panhead. It needs to come back to life.

Have a terrific weekend. Ride safe. And hopefully, after the election, freedom can become a priority again. If you get a chance watch Climate Hustle II. It will blow your mind.

Ride fast and free forever!

–Bandit

HAVE A LOOK AT THE GIRLS OF BIKERNET ONLY IN THE CANTINA.

We are living in the best of times. I mean it. Just slip into a new car and gaze at the vast technology surrounding you. Peeps live longer than ever. Medicine is still learning, but it’s major steps ahead of just two decades ago. Look at new homes and new high-tech phones. Life is simply amazing, and if you’re a young man on a new highbar Softail cruising for love, look at the number of women you have to choose from.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE PHOTO FEATURE IN THE CANTINA

Join the Cantina – Subscribe Today

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from https://www.expressandstar.com

Sports bike is undergoing final testing ahead of spring release.

Triumph has showcased its upcoming Trident in a series of up-close new images.

The Trident, which is set to hit UK dealerships in the spring, is the British bike manufacturer’s latest brand-new motorcycle and is now undergoing final testing at the firm’s Hinckley headquarters ahead of its full reveal in the coming weeks.

These new images show high-end Showa suspension and Nissin brakes, as well as Michelin Road 5 tyres. Though no details have been released about the Trident’s engine, Triumph has said that it will be A2 compliant which means it’ll produce a maximum of 94bhp.

The Trident is set to become the new entry point to the Triumph range

The photos also showcase the Trident’s LED lighting as well as the bike’s combination of retro-inspired and ultra-modern design features. The rear end of the motorcycle has the look of a classic racer, while the cut out tank is a nod to more classic bikes.

It’s set to become the new entry point to the Triumph range of motorcycles, sitting under the Street Twin and Street Triple S. Though full prices have yet to be revealed, it’s expected that it will cost under £8,000 when it goes on sale in order to contend with the likes of the Yamaha MT-07.

The Trident was first showcased last month as a full concept, though due to the bike’s entirely white paint scheme, it was difficult to make out the finer details of the motorcycle’s design. These photographs signal the end of a four-year programme of development, too.

During final testing, engineers will fine-tune the Trident’s characteristics. Triumph is pitching the bike as incorporating a ‘rider friendly chassis’, making the Trident into ‘the first choice for a new generation of Triumph riders’.

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

Zero Motorcycles Taps Polaris to Make Electric Off-Road Vehicles and Snowmobiles

The electric motorcycle industry is far from being as lucrative as the automobile one. Despite the efforts made by startups to make electric two-wheelers popular, established bike makers are still a long way from joining the fun, with Harley-Davidson being so far the only one risking to go down this path.

Zero Motorcycles is one of the startups we mentioned, one of the oldest and arguably the most successful. On the market since 2006, Zero made a name for itself by selling affordable (when compared to what else is out there in this segment), high-performance electric motorcycles – yet the 9 or so models currently available are just the beginning.

How would you feel about some incredible machines, powersports-destined ones, that could make use of electricity?

Starting 2021, that’s exactly what we’ll get – Zero is joining the electric off-road vehicles and snowmobiles game. It won’t do it alone, but together with Polaris, after the two announced the signing of a 10-year agreement.

More to the point, Zero will develop the powertrain technology (hardware and the electronic software), while Polaris will handle the development and manufacture of the rest of the vehicles.

“This revolutionary partnership is bringing together two incredibly talented teams aimed at dramatically expanding the electric options in powersports,” said in a statement Zero Motorcycles CEO Sam Paschel.

“Our EV expertise and millions of miles of real-world, rubber-meets-the-road EV experience, coupled with Polaris’ broad product portfolio, scale, supply chain and market leadership, makes this a game-changer for every powersports enthusiast.”

For now, there are virtually no details on how many vehicles we’re talking about here, let alone their capabilities. We do know the first jointly-developed product should surface by the end of 2021, and it will be followed by an electric vehicle option within each of Polaris’ core product segments by the middle of the decade.

Polaris teaming with Zero Motorcycles on electric snowmobiles and off-road vehicles

by Gary Gastelu from https://www.foxbusiness.com

Powersports giant to buy batteries and motors from the California company

Polaris has signed an exclusive 10-year agreement with Zero Motorcycles to use its battery powertrain technology on a line of electric snowmobiles and off-road vehicles.

The deal with the Santa Cruz, Calif.-based motorcycle company will manifest with a new vehicle scheduled to go on sale late next year.

Polaris currently markets GEM neighborhood electric vehicles and an electric version of its Ranger utility task vehicle (UTV), but the new vehicles will expand into performance segments.

“We’ve sold over a billion dollars worth of electric vehicles in the last 10 years, but none of it’s been high-performance powersports vehicles,” Polaris CEO Scott Wine told FOX Business.

“They’ve been more in our adjacent markets business to really as we embarked on this ramped-up strategy concept. We looked in across the globe and who could be the best partner for us.”

Wine said he was confident Polaris, which makes most of the internal combustion engines it uses, could have developed the new electric drivetrains, but that he decided it wasn’t worth the investment when Zero already had proven tech that offered high power motors and power-dense battery packs that are perfect for the space constraints of the vehicles Polaris specializes in.

Zero sells between 2,000 and 10,000 motorcycles in annual sales, according to company CEO Sam Paschel, and has a lineup of off-road and street bikes with up to 223 miles of range per charge.

Polaris isn’t taking an equity stake in Zero, which will be acting as a supplier under the arrangement. Wine didn’t reveal what the first vehicle would be, but said it will be a unique electric model to kick off the arrangement, which will be followed by electric versions of its other vehicles.

“Over time, we expect the vision to be that we’ll be able to offer our customers and dealers the choice of an electric or internal combustion engine powertrain,” he said.

Wine added that he used to be a naysayer about electric vehicles in this segment, due to power, price and range limitations – the 30 hp Ranger EV sells for $12,000 and can only go 50 miles between charges, for instance – but that the Zero powertrains address all these concerns. However, he doesn’t see Polaris becoming a primarily electric brand anytime soon.

“I think there’s a very good chance that it’s a material and meaningful part of our business, but I doubt it’ll be a majority of our business,” Wine said.

Along with the snowmobiles and off-road vehicles, Polaris-owned Indian is working on an electric street motorcycle. Wine can’t say for sure when it will go on sale, but that it’s still a few years out and not yet part of the agreement with Zero motorcycles, although the relationship could evolve to include it in the coming years.

Indian has introduced an electric motorcycle for kids with a 15 mph top speed through a collaboration with Razor that’s modeled after its flat-track race bike and sells for $749.99

The Rear One Installed on the Tileman’s 2009
by Bandit, Tim and the Tileman

Dynas are tricky and handling is key. They are more popular now than ever and the later units were tougher with a new frame, 49mm front ends and cast swingarms.

That’s the way to go, but it’s also, especially with big inch twin cam engines, tougher on the stock motor mounts, which are handling keys.

If you feel your bike being pulled to the left or to the right, there’s a very good chance you power train is out of alignment. And guess what, there’s not much you can do about that with your current set up.

Until now…. CCE designed all our motor mounts with adjustable links and brackets. With measurement tools you know exactly where the motor needs to be for perfect alignment.

You may have also experienced vibration and need to replace broken motor mounts. We’ve addressed these issues as well. We’ve cut no corners and have created the very best motor mounts on the market. All made right here in the USA.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS TECH ARTICLE ON BIKERNET

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from https://seekingalpha.com

 

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ENCOURAGES RIDERS TO HAND DOWN THE LOVE OF RIDING WITH THE eFTR® Jr – AN ELECTRIC MINI REPLICA OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING FTR750 FLAT TRACKER

All-New Electric Mini-Bike Provides an Approachable, Affordable & Safe Way to Share the Love of Riding with Young Aspiring Riders

MINNEAPOLIS (September 28, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its first electric youth offering – the eFTR Jr. A mini-replica of Indian Motorcycle’s American Flat Track championship-winning FTR750, the all-new electric mini-bike allows motorcycle lovers to hand down their passion for two wheels to aspiring young riders.

The all-new electric mini-bike is unique in its dynamic styling, allowing young riders to feel like a member of the iconic Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew that dominated flat track in the 1950’s and have won every championship since their return to the sport in 2017. Featuring two ride modes, low and high, a seat height of 23.5 inches, and a maximum weight of 175 pounds, the eFTR Jr can accommodate riders eight years and older when in low mode, and 13 and over in high mode. The bike’s telescopic front forks and mono-shock rear suspension provide a smooth, comfortable ride, while the bike’s rugged steel frame provides a durable structure for beginning riders. The eFTR Jr’s dual-disc brakes offer premium stopping power for increased control and rider confidence.

“Whether it was a father, mother, uncle or family friend, most motorcyclists have fond memories of the person that introduced them to riding, and that’s the spirit behind the eFTR Jr,” said Ross Clifford, Vice President of Parts, Garments, and Accessories at Indian Motorcycle. “We wanted our first youth offering to be electric to provide a safe, simplistic and clean form of motorcycling for children, all wrapped up in the signature look of the FTR750. The eFTR Jr can kickstart a lifetime of riding memories for the whole family.”

Working in tandem with Razor USA, Indian Motorcycle’s product development team designed the eFTR Jr around Razor’s trusted and proven electric powertrain. The eFTR Jr’s 36-volt rechargeable battery will run for 140 minutes in low mode at 10 mph and 65 minutes in high mode at 15 mph.

Launching in parallel with the eFTR Jr, Indian Motorcycle is offering a brand-new line of protective youth apparel, including an eFTR Jr helmet, body armor, gloves, and an Indian Motorcycle Racing replica jersey. The eFTR Jr youth apparel collection features Indian Motorcycle Racing branding and has been designed for enhanced rider safety and protection.

Manufactured by Razor USA, the eFTR Jr is available online at IndianMotorcycle.com and Indian Motorcycle dealerships exclusively throughout US and Canada for $749.99 (USD) and $999.99 (CAD). Riders can learn more at IndianMotorcycle.com  and on social media by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Key Features:

1. Easy-to-use throttle powers an electric motor
2. Dual disc brakes provide greater stopping power for increased safety
3. A rugged steel frame delivers a durable ride
4. “Low” mode is ideal for ages 8+ and can reach speeds up to 10 mph
5. “High” mode is ideal for kids 13+ and can reach up to 15 mph
6. With a rechargeable battery, the eFTR Jr. will run 140 minutes in “Low” mode and 65 minutes in “High” mode
7. Assorted safety gear sold separately will keep youth riders protected

 

 

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

One thing’s for sure; the pros over at Roland Sands Design a no strangers to the two-wheeler realm. Besides crafting some seriously rad custom motorcycles, the California-based company also specializes in designing casual apparel and riding gear, as well as manufacturing aftermarket modules that’ll have your machine looking the part.

In the past, we’ve examined an array of ambitious exploits from RSD, such as a feral BMW R18 behemoth and one gorgeous MV Agusta Dragster 800RR, to name a couple. Let me tell you, there’s no shortage of breathtaking goodness in their spectacular portfolio. As you browse through, you’ll run into virtually countless awe-inspiring works of two-wheeled art that guarantee to soothe each and every last corner of your moto-loving soul.

As such, it goes without saying these folks aren’t playing around. RSD’s outstanding ventures earned them a reputation as a force to be reckoned with, an accomplishment that led to a great deal of successful (and often unexpected) collaborations. For a clear demonstration of their abilities, let’s take a closer look at one such exploit, shall we?

The project in question was commissioned by none other than Technics, a revered producer of audio equipment. They requested that Roland Sands converts Harley Davidson’s ferocious 883 Sportster into a tribute to their iconic DJing gadgets. While that may sound a little odd to some, the team gladly accepted.

To give you a better idea as to how far their undertaking has come, we’ll start by reminding ourselves of the donor’s main characteristics. The 883 Sportster is powered by a brutal Evolution V-twin engine, with two valves per cylinder and a humungous displacement of 883cc. At 6,000 rpm, this nasty piece of air-cooled machinery is capable of generating up to 51 hp, along with 54 pound-feet (73 Nm) of feral torque output at approximately 3,750 revs. The leviathan’s force travels to a belt final drive by means of a five-speed gearbox.

Suspension duties are handled by a pair of 39 mm (1.54 inches) telescopic forks up front, joined by fully-adjustable dual shocks on the opposite end. Braking power is supplied by a 300 mm (11.81 inches) disc and a two-piston caliper at the front, coupled with a 260 mm (10.24 inches) rotor and a two-piston caliper at the rear.

When one such monstrosity landed on RSD’s doorstep, the crew kicked things off by selecting several components from their own inventory to replace the stock units. These include a malicious two-into-one exhaust system, new foot pegs and a set of clip-on handlebars, besides fresh lighting kits on both ends.

To go the extra mile, they fabricated a slim custom fuel tank and upholstered a neat saddle that keeps things looking classy. Additionally, the moto wizards drew inspiration from Technics’ turntable layout to create a couple of juicy wheel covers, which complement the chosen theme.

The finishing touches consisted of installing top-grade Champion Deluxe tires from Firestone and longer shock absorbers to alter the bike’s stance. Last but not least, the 883 Sportster received an elegant black paintwork, accompanied by silver accents.

Right, now that we’ve wrapped his up, I’ll be heading to Roland Sands Design’s Instagram and Facebook profiles to drool over the remainder of their unique creatures. I’d strongly encourage that you do the same!

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

The biggest news of the week on the Harley-Davidson front is that the company is giving up on the world’s largest motorcycle markets. Milwaukee announced at the end of the week it is leaving India, sending shockwaves in the Harley-loving community there. But there might be an even more interesting piece of news in the oven, ready to be served at the end of October.

It is then when the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest takes place in Monterey (October 23-25). As part of the event, a little show called King of the Baggers will take place, pitting a pack of 12 Harleys against a single, S&S and Roland Sands-prepared Indian Challenger (initially the word was that there would be 13 Harleys fielded).

The already incredible Indian two-wheeler got specific tweaks for the task of taking on the Harleys, including Roland Sands wheels shod in Dunlop super sport tires, hydraulically-adjustable FOX X rear shock, and an inverted front suspension.

We’ve already known the bike was in the works, and we’ve seen it testing a couple of weeks back. And now another piece of the puzzle is revealed: the name of the rider.

Frankie Garcia, the man who back in 2006, when he was just 15, became the youngest athlete to compete in an X-Games motorcycle event, and currently member of the Indian Motorcycle-RSD Super Hooligan race team, will be the one trying to keep in check the bike’s 122 horsepower against the small army of Harleys.

“It’s a real honor to have the opportunity to not only participate in the inaugural King of the Baggers race, but to represent RSD on one of only two Indian Challengers in the field,” said Garcia in a statement.

“I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time on a stock Challenger, and believe me, this bike wants to go fast and handles like a bike half its size. It’s the perfect platform for something as radical as knee-dragging baggers at Laguna Seca.”

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

Starting Saturday, September 26, and through the next week, America is celebrating the National Drive Electric Week. It’s a little known even at this point, meant to “raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles,” but as more and more companies are joining the fun, it might become something major in the not so distant future.

As the only established bike maker to already have an electric motorcycle on the market, Harley-Davidson it taking all to opportunities it gets to advertise it. Already a star (in heavily modified form) of the Long Way Up Apple TV+ show, the LiveWIre is getting bumped to celebrity status as part of the National Drive Electric Week as well.

“Harley-Davidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure,” said in a statement Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson.

“We build machines that unlock adventure to find freedom for the soul. Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle, LiveWire, is a shining example of how we innovate to inspire this mission and how we are leading the electrification of motorcycling. It’s a premier experience that can only be truly understood after riding it.”

The Milwaukee company says that to support the event it will extend opportunities to ride, charge and experience LiveWire, but it fails to go into specifics, so you’ll probably have to head over to your local Harley dealer to get more info on this.

Heralded as being the first of a whole new breed of bikes, and backed by things like free charging for two years, the LiveWire failed so far to deliver. Maybe it’s the public’s reluctance to embrace electric motorcycles, or the fact that the price of the bike ($30,000) is significantly above what startups competing in this segment, like Zero, have to offer, but the reality is the bike is (still) struggling.