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Hey, Here’s the deal. We’ve worked and spent an entire year to move all Bikernet Free Content (16,000 articles) onto a fast-acting, mobile-friendly, google accessible, WordPress Platform. ...
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Harley-Davidson Killer S&S Indian Challenger Begins Testing

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com In the weekend of October 23, during the MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest, an incredible battle is about to be fought: 13 Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be on the same field, fighting for the Drag Specialties King of the Baggers title against each other and a single non-Harley bike, this S&S Indian Challenger. The event, which will be held at Monterey, is the first of its kind since this whole health crisis mess began all those months ago and, at least on paper, it should be something to remember. The bagger Challenger is an Indian project backed by S&S and it calls for a stock bike to be modified even further that the already incredible specs: 122 horsepower, an inverted front suspension, and a hydraulically-adjustable FOX rear shock. Since we first learned about this back in July, things seem to have progressed quite nicely. Not long ago, the team behind the build, let by the one who will ride it during the October event, Tyler O’Hara, took the bike out for what was supposed to be the first testing session. It kind of wasn’t because rain put some dents in the team’s plans, but we are told that even this brief outing was enough to “gather valuable information around rider ergonomics, suspension and more.” And they also took some photos, which you can see in the gallery attached above. “When the Indian Challenger was released last October, it set a new standard for performance-oriented, stock baggers and offers the ideal platform, from which to base our race modifications,” said Paul Langely of S&S in a statement back when the project was announced. “That said, we’re leaving no stone unturned when evaluating the modifications needed to be successful at Laguna Seca.” With about a month left to go until the event, keep an eye out for more info on this project in the coming weeks.
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NEW from Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield on track for the first time at AFT Williams Grove Half-Mile
Milwaukee, Wis September 14, 2020: On Friday, September 11, the highly anticipated Royal Enfield Twins FT Production Twins racer was unveiled to the flat track world. After months of development and testing, American Flat Track (AFT) professional flat track racer Johnny Lewis made history as Royal Enfield competed in its first ever AFT event.
The Royal Enfield Twins FT is a joint effort between Royal Enfield and Moto Anatomy, Lewis’ proprietary race team and flat track academy. Over the course of the last six months, Lewis and team have worked closely with Royal Enfield, renowned road racing chassis builder Harris Performance and engine tuning specialists S&S Cycle. Lewis’ participation in the Williams Grove Half-Mile marked a major milestone in Royal Enfield’s 119-year history. In this first year, Lewis is looking to be competitive, but the overall focus remains on the development of the Twins FT platform. This will allow the team the time to make necessary changes and adjustments throughout the remainder of the season.
“We had quite the journey to get to this point,” said Lewis. “We’ve been working consistently over the past six months to develop a competitive package for Royal Enfield. The latest iteration of the race bike was shipped over from India in pieces on Monday and we’ve been working around the clock to put it together. I’ve really enjoyed the development process of the motorcycle and Royal Enfield along with the other partners involved have worked hard to make this happen. The bike performed well and we’ve got a great foundation to build upon.”
The team faced an uncertain future when the AFT season was postponed in March due to COVID-19. Not fully knowing how the year would unfold, Lewis went to work developing a prototype motorcycle early in the year. With ongoing communication, Lewis and the teams at Harris Performance, Royal Enfield and S&S Cycle continued working through chassis changes and updates as Lewis tested the prototype at his Center Hill, Fla. facility. Despite the challenges of shipping parts overseas and multiple time zones, Lewis and team persevered.
“This has been a team effort across the board,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing Lead for Royal Enfield Americas. “Seeing the Royal Enfield Twins FT in a race setting was an impressive accomplishment for everyone that worked nights and weekends, and ultimately lost sleep over the project. We couldn’t have asked for better partners like Johnny, the Royal Enfield team in India and the U.K., Harris Performance and S&S Cycle to make this happen. There’s still plenty to be done from a development standpoint and we are realistic with our expectations, but this is a step in the right direction. ”
Joining Lewis at the Atlanta Short Track and AFT finale in Daytona Beach, will be the participants of Royal Enfield’s BUILD TRAIN RACE (BTR) program, who will compete in an entertainment exhibition race aboard custom-built INT 650 motorcycles. Lewis and team will race the remainder of the AFT calendar to gather more data and feedback on the Royal Enfield Twins FT package as they look ahead to the 2021 AFT season.
Race Results-:
The phrase “competitive straight out of the box” has been used to describe race motorcycles before, but it has never been so literal as last Friday’s AFT Production Twins races at the Williams Grove Half-Mile. The motorcycle that Lewis rode at Williams Grove only arrived in the U.S. three days before the race, in pieces, and had to be assembled in the following two days. Timing was so tight that there was no time for a track test – the official practice session on Friday was the first time Lewis rode his Twins FT. Lewis went on to shock the field , taking a third place Semi-final finish and an incredible sixth place finish in the Main event, an amazing first outing for the team.
On Saturday, the team tested new chassis setups resulting in better handling than the previous day. Johnny was running in third place during the Semi when a weakened head gasket failed and he was forced to pull off the track. The problem was identified, and with an hour and a half to go before the Main, the MotoAnatomy x Royal Enfield team, including engineers in the U.K. assisting virtually, tore the motor down, replaced the gasket and rolled the bike back onto the track in the 13th spot, minutes before the green flag. Lewis went on to carve his way through the field, claiming an impressive seventh place to finish off the weekend.
The team will continue testing and development during the next two weeks leading up to the Dallas Half-Mile events with support from Royal Enfield staff in both the U.S. and U.K. This will provide Lewis and team the opportunity to continue making improvements to engine durability and chassis set up. This weekend was an incredible learning experience, with invaluable data gathered. The Twins FT proved to be a genuine contender right out of the box, and the team ready to do anything to make sure it races.
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Indian Motorcycle Announces 2021 Lineup – Introduces Indian Vintage Dark Horse & Roadmaster Limited

2021 Indian Vintage Dark Horse Pairs Classic, Iconic Styling with Mean, Blacked-Out Attitude;
New Roadmaster Limited Delivers Modern Styling with Chrome Finishes

New 2021 Scout Accessories Prep Riders for the Long Haul – Features Heated Grips, Low & Mid Wind Deflectors, Fairing Bag & Semi-Rigid Saddlebags

MINNEAPOLIS (September 15, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its 2021 model-year lineup. The new lineup, which includes new model iterations, next-level technology upgrades, and a robust offering of genuine Indian Motorcycle accessories, is made available following the brand’s strongest sales quarter ever.

 

“We’re extremely motivated by the significant brand momentum we’re experiencing, and we’re as focused as ever to provide our riders with best-in-class products and experiences,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Our riders are extremely discerning, with high expectations across the board and it’s incumbent upon us to stay on the cutting edge in style, performance, and technology. Our 2021 lineup additions and upgraded features are a result of the hard work and dedication we pour into every bike in the lineup.”

 

Developed in direct response to rider feedback, Indian Motorcycle’s 2021 enhancements and new offerings span across its Thunderstroke, PowerPlus and Scout lineups.

 

Indian Thunderstroke and PowerPlus Models                                                              

Joining the Indian Motorcycle cruiser lineup is the new Indian Vintage Dark Horse. For riders who want timeless style with a mean attitude, the Indian Vintage Dark Horse comes with soft black leather bags and fully blacked-out styling.

 

Featuring significant upgrades in 2021, the Roadmaster lineup is better than ever. Apple CarPlay® is now standard across the lineup, while Roadmaster Limited and Roadmaster Dark Horse models feature Indian Motorcycle’s all-new ClimaCommand Rogue heated and cooled seat with Ride Command integration.

 

Joining the Roadmaster lineup is the Roadmaster Limited, which features gloss paint, chrome finishes, a modern fairing design, open front fender and slammed saddlebags. Meanwhile, the restyled Roadmaster Dark Horse includes fully blacked-out finishes for mean and modern attitude. Each model is powered by Indian Motorcycle’s powerful, air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 with premium features, including Metzeler Cruisetec® tires, lower fairings with adjustable airflow vents, heated grips and a push-button adjustable windshield. Standard amenities across the entire Roadmaster lineup include remote-locking saddlebags and trunk with over 37 gallons of combined storage, adjustable passenger floorboards, ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition, tire pressure monitoring and full LED lighting.

 

Furthermore, the power buttons on the Chieftain, Roadmaster, Indian Springfield, and Indian Challenger models have been relocated to the switch cube on the handlebars to accommodate a new 12-volt charge port on the dash. The charge port conveniently provides riders with an opportunity to plug in and connect to a wider range of electronics.

 

Innovative Technology
The 2021 lineup boasts new ride-enhancing technology, both as standard equipment and as an upgrade.

ClimaCommand Heated & Cooled Seat
In addition to being standard equipment on the Roadmaster Limited and Roadmaster Dark Horse, Indian Motorcycle’s new ClimaCommand heated and cooled seat is also available as an upgrade across all Thunderstroke models. New for 2021, the ClimaCommand seat is available in two style variations, Classic and Rogue, which has more modern, streamlined style. Additionally, the 2021 ClimaCommand seat now allows riders to adjust heating and cooling directly through the Ride Command infotainment system on select 2020 and 2021 models, offering riders a new, and easy way to manage comfort while on the road. With a low, medium, or high setting, the thermoelectric technology is used to independently cool or heat the rider and passenger seat, while a flexible graphene material allows the heating or cooling to disperse through the entire surface area of the seat. The non-perforated seat is 100% water resistant and highly durable. The ClimaCommand seat is available as an added accessory for all 2014 through 2021 Thunderstroke models, though 2020 and 2021 Chieftain and Roadmaster riders can integrate the seat within the bike’s Ride Command system.

Apple CarPlay®

Standard on all 2021 Roadmaster, Chieftain, and Indian Challenger models equipped with Ride Command with navigation. Apple CarPlay® delivers an easier, more customized level of control for music, navigation preferences, and mobile device information.

 

Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight & Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights

Available as an accessory upgrade, Indian Motorcycle introduces the all-new Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight for most 2015-2021 Thunderstroke models, and Pathfinder S LED Driving lights for most Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Indian Challenger models. The all-new Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight senses the bike’s lean angle and activates individual LED projector beams to provide unprecedented visibility. With 15 individual beams, and featuring patented, cutting-edge technology that monitors the bike’s lean angle in real-time, the Adaptive Headlight delivers unmatched illumination of the road ahead – whether upright and traveling in a straight line or leaned over to carve a turn. In addition, the Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights can be added to complement the Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight. With the same superior LED illumination as the Pathfinder Adaptive LED Headlight, riders will benefit with even more nighttime visibility.

 

PowerBand Audio

New for 2021, riders can now upgrade the Indian Challenger’s audio experience with PowerBand Audio quick release trunk amplified speaker kit.  When paired with PowerBand Audio Plus, this system delivers exceptional sound and clarity from high-output fairing and saddlebag speakers that are 50% louder than the Indian Challenger’s stock audio system.

 

Touring & Comfort Accessories

In 2021, Indian Challenger riders can pack for the long haul and enjoy new touring amenities. The Indian Challenger quick release trunk adds 17 gallons of additional storage. Similar to the Indian Roadmaster trunk, the Indian Challenger trunk is lockable via key fob and can fit two full-face helmets.  When paired with the Slim Trunk Passenger Backrest Pad, passengers have up to 2 inches of additional room for comfort.

 

For both Indian Challenger and Thunderstroke models, a new low-profile quick release padded sissy bar with low-profile passenger pad, is available to those who want added passenger comfort without sacrificing the bike’s low-profile and sleek styling.

 

Additionally, Indian Challenger and Thunderstroke riders can add even more wind protection with taller accessory windshield options and added comfort with an extended reach seat, infinite highway pegs and a pinnacle heel shifter. For those riding two-up, a quick release passenger sissy bar, passenger backrest pad, and passenger floorboards add passenger comfort.

 

For Thunderstroke models, Indian Motorcycle offers a full package of comfort and passenger accommodations, including extended reach seat, mid-rise and 16-inch ape hanger handlebars, rider and passenger back rests, color matching quick release trunk, passenger arm rests and more. Indian Challenger riders can upgrade with mid-rise handlebars, a tinted curved windshield, and front highway bars.

 

Performance Upgrades

Indian Motorcycle’s lineup of Thunderstroke performance accessories significantly modify the overall look, sound, and performance of each engine. The stage 1 slip-on exhaust, available in black or chrome, improves sound for both the Thunderstroke 111 and Thunderstroke 116. Indian Motorcycle’s stage 1 oval slip-on muffler kit and stage 1 performance air intake together increase horsepower by 4% with the Thunderstroke 111 and 8% with the Thunderstroke 116. By adding the stage 2 performance cams, riders will gain 13% more horsepower when compared to a stock Thunderstroke 111. The Thunderstroke 116 stage 2 performance kit, which includes cams, higher flowing fuel injectors and throttle body, produce a 17% horsepower boost when paired with both Stage 1 accessories. Riders can also upgrade any Indian Motorcycle model packing the Thunderstroke 111 with its Thunderstroke 116 stage 3 big bore kit, which produces 20% more horsepower when compared to a stock Thunderstroke 111.

 

For Indian Challenger riders, the stage 1 slip-on muffler and PowerPlus stage 1 air intake improves sound and style.

 

Paint & Pricing

  • Indian Vintage Dark Horse: Starting at $19,499, available in Thunder Black Smoke.
  • Indian Vintage: Starting at $20,499, available in Crimson Metallic, and Deepwater Metallic over Dirt Track Tan
  • Indian Springfield: Starting at $21,999, available in Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic, and Thunder Black over Dirt Track Tan.
  • Indian Springfield Dark Horse: Starting at $22,499, available in Thunder Black Smoke, Sagebrush Smoke, and White Smoke.
  • Chieftain: Starting at $21,999, available in Thunder Black.
  • Chieftain Dark Horse: Starting at $27,999, available in Thunder Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, and Titanium Smoke.
  • Chieftain Limited: Starting at $27,999, available in Thunder Black Pearl, and Radar Blue.
  • Indian Challenger: Starting at $22,999, available in Thunder Black, and Titanium Smoke.
  • Indian Challenger Dark Horse: Starting at $27,999, available in Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke, and Bronze Smoke.
  • Indian Challenger Limited: Starting at $27,999, available in Thunder Black Pearl, Ruby Metallic, and Deepwater Metallic.
  • Roadmaster: Starting at $29,999, available in Thunder Black Pearl, Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic, and Alumina Jade over Thunder Black.
  • Roadmaster Dark Horse: Starting at $29,999, available in Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke, and Bronze Smoke.
  • Roadmaster Limited: Starting at $30,749, available in Crimson Metallic and Thunder Black Azure Crystal.

 

Indian Scout Models

Indian Motorcycle’s robust Scout lineup offers both classically-styled and modernly-mean designs. With a 61 cubic-inch (1000 cc) motor, delivering 78 horsepower, the Scout Sixty and Scout Bobber Sixty are each approachable and attainable with an MSRP starting at $8,999. Riders looking for more punch can opt for the 69 cubic-inch (1133 cc), 100 horsepower, engine in the Scout and Scout Bobber.

 

This year’s 2021 Scout lineup receives a refresh with new paint colors – further enhancing the iconic style and lines of the bike. Colors like Stealth Gray on the Scout Bobber Twenty and Maroon Metallic Smoke on the Scout Bobber add to the aggressive, low profile look that riders love with Scout Bobber models.

 

Scout Accessories 

Already a robust line of genuine Scout accessories, Indian Motorcycle is adding even more in 2021. With all-new Scout touring parts, riders can turn their city cruiser into a capable long-haul touring machine. A Scout Bobber low or mid wind deflector protects riders from the elements, while heated grips for all 2017-2021 Scout models keep your hands warm in cold weather conditions. In addition, a new fairing bag and semi-rigid saddlebags add stylish storage options. Finally, a color-matched quick release fairing with a two-inch windshield is available for all Scout models in new 2021 colorways.

 

Indian Motorcycle’s Scout performance upgrades can seriously change the overall attitude of any Scout. Exhaust and muffler options change the aesthetic, while increasing horsepower by over 10% when paired with the performance air intake. Options include the stage 1 2-in-1 full exhaust system and the stage 1 shorty slip-on muffler kit – both available in chrome and matte black.

 

Paint & Pricing

  • Scout Sixty: Starting at $8,999, available in Thunder Black, and Ruby Metallic.
  • Scout Bobber Sixty: Starting at $8,999, available in Thunder Black, Thunder Black Smoke, Blue Slate Smoke, and Titanium Metallic.
  • Scout: Starting at $11,499, available in Thunder Black, Deepwater Metallic, White Smoke, and Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic.
  • Scout Bobber: Starting at $10,999, available in Thunder Black, Thunder Black Smoke, White Smoke, Alumina Jade Smoke, and Maroon Metallic Smoke.
  • Scout Bobber Twenty: Starting at $11,999, available in Thunder Black, Thunder Black Smoke, Stealth Gray, and Sagebrush Smoke.

 

Thunderstroke and Scout models are arriving at dealerships now, and 2021 Indian Challenger models will ship in October. Riders can learn more or test ride by visiting a local Indian Motorcycle dealership. For more information on the 2021 lineup, or to find the nearest dealer, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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BRIAR BAUMAN DOMINATES WILLIAMS GROVE HALF-MILE, EARNS BACK-TO-BACK WINS TO REGAIN FIRST PLACE IN SEASON STANDINGS

 

Wrecking Crew Rider Bronson Bauman Earns First Podium of the Season at Williams Grove Half-Mile I;

Indian FTR750 Sweeps Top Eight Positions in Both Weekend Races

 

MECHANICSBURG, Penn. (September 14, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, and the FTR750 displayed its dominance once again, as its factory team and stable of privateers swept the top eight positions at Williams Grove Half-Mile I and II.  The Wrecking Crew finished with authority after reigning AFT Grand National Champion Briar Bauman captured back-to-back first-place victories, while fellow teammates Jared Mees and Bronson Bauman added podium finishes. With his pair of wins this weekend, Briar Bauman continued his scorching streak at Williams Grove, while regaining the top spot of the season’s leaderboard.

 

On Friday, Mees began with the holeshot before Briar Bauman took control within two corners and gave the field no chance of coming close to him as he took the win with over four seconds to spare over the second-place finisher.  Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson finished second while factory rider, Bronson Bauman, fought to earn his first podium of the season.

 

“We are halfway through the season and Briar and Jared are neck-and-neck, battling for the number one spot,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “It’s exciting to get out there and see our team at the top of the standings, fighting relentlessly for every point, and pushing each other race in and race out.”

 

During the Williams Grove Half Mile II on Saturday, Briar Bauman took control of the field almost immediately, building a lead of over five seconds. He saw little resistance and ultimately earned his second win of the weekend and his fourth-consecutive first-place finish at Williams Grove. Mees rounded out the podium in third after a daunting battle against Indian Motorcycle Privateer Sammy Halbert, who fought until the bitter end.

 

Through eight races, Briar Bauman sits in first with 169 points, while Mees is a mere five points back with 164 points.  Halbert and fellow Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson are third and fourth with 123 and 116 points, respectively, while Bronson Bauman is fifth with 101 points.

 

The season looks to continue on September 25 at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway for the Dallas Half-Mile I & II. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing,   visit  IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

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FLASH SALE from PRISM Motorcycle Products

Flash Sale

 

Our Tuesday Flash Sale is back. Get our Chopper Seat Pan, a 16-gauge mild steel universal pan for chopper frames made right here in the shop, for only $39! The sale only lasts today, September 15 from 9 AM – Midnight EST.

Shop Now
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Harley-Davidson Bara Bore Is a Fat Boy on an Indian Diet

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

Seeing how many custom garages are out there working their magic on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, one might be tricked into believing this is something anyone can do. After all, Harley itself made it incredibly easy for custom shops to make a living off their products – if anything, the Milwaukee based bike maker is the most tuner-friendly industry giant there is.

Over the past few months we’ve talked aplenty about Harley and the aftermarket world it is so much a part of. We’ve had the King of Kings competition dedicated to international Harley dealers back in May, then the health-crisis inspired The No Show dedicated to minor custom builders in the U.S., and of course our extensive coverage of the custom Harley movement in Europe.

But there are shops living off the American two-wheelers in other parts of the world as well. India, for instance, is one of the bike maker’s major markets, and there’s even a local factory catering to the needs of the Asian Indian customers.

One of the most visible Indian garages in the country is Rajputana. We’ve only recently started talking about their Harleys, and we’ll probably not keep it up for long. These guys seem to like Royal Enfields more, as in there are only a handful of Harleys in their portfolio. All are incredible unique though to deserve a place under the spotlight – we’ve already talked a bit about the modified Street 750 and the Forty-Eight these guys are responsible for.

Now it’s time for a Fat Boy that got a taste of Indian styling. Just like in the case of the other two, we are only being told that modifications to the stock bike can take from six to eight months, but we are not being told what these modifications are.

Some of them are clearly visible though, and we’re talking about a new wheel design, repositioned exhaust, a slimmed-down seat, redesigned fenders, and the usual Rajputana touches on the fuel tank, engine block, and the significantly raised handlebars.

In Indian speak, this conversion is called Bara Bore. We are not being told how much it cost to make, but a simple inquiry on the garage’s website can answer that question for those interested.

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FREEDOM WORKS

Here’s the really strange aspect to the media. If they keep attacking freedom and honesty shortly no one will believe anything they print, and they will go out of business like so many media sources.

–Bandit

Here are a couple of paragraphs from a report about the Chinese Covid efforts in Sweden:

‘It’s Like Using A Hammer To Kill A Fly’: Architect Of Sweden’s COVID-19 Anti-Lockdown Strategy Finally Vindicated

Life has largely returned to normal in Scandinavian nation due to ‘herd immunity’ strategy

When the history books are written about 2020 and the great coronavirus pandemic, Anders Tegnell, the humble Swedish state epidemiologist and architect of the global-consensus-defying ‘Sweden strategy’, will inevitably loom large throughout the text. But whether he is portrayed as a hero or villain may – like so many things in this highly polarized era – ultimately depend on who’s writing the piece.

Today, the architect of Sweden’s lighter-touch approach says the country will have “a low level of spread” with occasional local outbreaks.

“What it will be in other countries, I think that is going to be more critical. They are likely to be more vulnerable to these kind of spikes.

Those kind of things will most likely be bigger when you don’t have a level of immunity that can sort of put the brake on it,” he adds. Herd immunity is one of the most controversial concepts of the Covid-19 crisis. Tegnell is adamant that it was not Sweden’s goal to allow the virus to run its course until enough of the population had been exposed and the infection rate slowed. But he argues immunity is at least in part responsible for the sharp recent drop in Swedish cases and questions how its neighbors will fare without it.

His dislike of national lockdowns is obvious. “It’s really using a hammer to kill a fly,” he insists. Instead, his approach has been about having a strategy that can work for years if needs be, rather than the constant chopping and changing seen in the rest of Europe. “We don’t see it as viable to have this kind of drastic closing down, opening and closing. You can’t open and close schools. That is going to be a disaster. And you probably can’t open and close restaurants and stuff like that either too many times. Once or twice, yes, but then people will get very tired and businesses will probably suffer more than if you close them down completely,” he says.

–Newswars.com

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Hero Ultra Sport electric motorcycle under development in Germany

by Nithyanandh Karuppaswamy from https://www.rushlane.com

The Hero e-US is expected to be unveiled at one of the high-profile events in foreseeable future

Hero Electric and Hero MotoCorp are two different companies. Both are into manufacturing and selling of two wheelers in India. The former has only focused in electric vehicles, while the latter, which is India’s largest two wheeler brand, is yet to launch an electric vehicle.

With electric vehicles the future, Hero Motocorp’s Technology Center in Germany (HTCG) is currently collaborating with the two wheeler giant’s Jaipur R&D HQ to develop a new premium electric motorcycle concept in addition to working on mainstream, cost-effective EV solutions.

Hero e-US or Hero Ultra Sport Eectric

According to a recent report by Moneycontrol, the powerful electric motorcycle concept which is currently under development by Munich-based HTCG is called the e-US (electric Ultra Sport). No additional information is available at this point but it is likely to be a design study to gather public opinion about a potential electric high-performance flagship.

If we were to hazard a guess, the Hero e-US could be an edgy street fighter with performance levels equivalent to a conventional quarter liter motorcycle. Or it could even be offering higher levels of performance to match something like the Ultroviolette F77. The concept is expected to be showcased at a high-profile event when it is ready. The timeline is not clear as of now.

Branding challenge for electric portfolio

Speaking at the latest Annual General Meeting, Hero Motocorp’s chairman Pawan Munjal stated that the company is well on course with its plans to enter the promising electric two wheeler market in the country. He also added that the pure electric products that are being developed by Hero Motocorp are independent of its subsidiary Ather Energy’s products.

It is to be noted that a pact between the Munjal family prevents Pawan Munjal-led Hero Motocorp to use the Hero brand name for its own electric products. As per the agreement within the family, this right is reserved for Hero Electric which is run by Pawan’s cousin Naveen Munjal.

Hero Electric is already a well established brand in the country with a market share of 45% in the e-scooter space. So, Hero Motocorp will have to chose a different brand name for its EV operations and that could be posing a huge marketing challenge.

Given Hero Motocorp has a significant stake (38.57% to be preceise) in Ather Energy, one could think using this brand to expand its electric vehicle business is a no brainer. However, Ather focuses on lifestyle products above INR 1 lakh and has previously stated it has no intention to cater to lower price categories.

Using the Ather brand for its low-cost electric commuters would significantly dilute its value in premium segment. We expect Hero Motocorp to announce its new EV brand in the coming months.

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CARL MORROW PASSES–BILL DODGE INJURED

 

 

Please keep my Daytona brother Bill Dodge in your prayers. He was involved in a pretty bad motorcycle accident last night and can use all the prayers, good vibes and love you can send. Don’t have full details on all his injuries just yet but will keep you posted. This one hurts my heart more than I can say.

–Kari

Bill is doing well and improving every day. All of the Bikernet staff are behind him.–Bandit

This on Facebook as well.

I regret to tell the biker world that the great Carl Morrow of Carl’s speed shop has passed away today, Carl was our neighbor and opened the doors in 1969, Carl’s Speed Shop has become known for records set, exploits on the Drag Strip and Bonneville Salt Flats, and an approach to reliable, useable horsepower that translates to high performance Harley street bikes.

Well known for his 2” (50.8mm) constant velocity Typhoon slide carburetors! Carl is and always will be a motorcycle legend! The Daytona Motorcycle community and Beach st. will miss you! Our condolences to his family. R.I.P. CARL!

–ROGUE

Senior Editor

Bikernet.com

 

 

 

 

Rogue

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Bee-One Cycles Bomb Boss V8 Motorcycle Flaunts Massive Rear Tire

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

Two to four cylinders, that’s how most bikes like to roll. The advent of Boss Hoss Cycles, however, changed everything thanks to Chevy small-block V8 conversions that range from the LS3 to the 383 and 454.

These babies aren’t cheap, though. The most affordable bike in the company’s inventory is a used 383, priced at $45,500 compared to the original price of $50,500. There are, however, people who prefer to put their own touch on the V8-converted Boss Hoss, and this gets us to Janne Uskali.

Editor-in-chief at Bomber Magazine in Finland, the Finnish motorcycle enthusiast and rider is responsible for a one-off creation that he calls the Bee-One Cycles Bomb Boss. Tipping the scales at 600 kilograms including Janne, the bike was completed in 2019 after four years of elbow grease.

The Bomb Boss is centered around the ZZ4 crate engine, based on the L98 from the 1985 to 1991 Corvette. Right off the bat, the eight-cylinder mill develops 355 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. The ratings quoted by Janne are 350 horsepower and 443 pound-feet, and the additional torque may have something to do with the NASCAR-style side exhausts.

Ape’s Metalshop Oy in Helsinki is the shop responsible for the triple clamps that attach the 63-millimeter inverted forks to the frame. Another highlight comes in the guise of the Vee Rubber 360/30 by 18-inch rear tire, a massive piece of rubber compared to the 300/35 by 18-inch rears of the Boss Hoss Standard and Super Sport bikes. So why did Janne need such a huge tire?

Well, he likes riding like a man on a mission, lighting up the rear and power sliding the motorcycle in the twisties. Given the torque of the ZZ4 crate engine and the rider’s style, it comes at no surprise why the rear tire measures 360 millimeters in width and features an aspect ratio of 30.

Currently a one-off build, the Bomb Boss may be put into production according to Ultimate Motorcycling. “We are thinking that if there are people like me who like to ride and get this kind of overdose motorcycle, we could do it for them as customers,” Janne told the cited publication.

VIDEO

https://youtu.be/WXvskGu6QOY

 

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