New Leadership For House Motorcycle Caucus This week, the House Motorcycle Caucus announced changes to its leadership team. Congressman Michael Burgess of Texas, who will retire at the end of the year, has stepped down as co-chair of the caucus. Congressman Burgess helped found the caucus in 2009 and has been a tireless champion for bikers. He was the 2018 MRF Legislative Champion of the Year and we wish him well on his retirement! The current co-chair, Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan, revealed that Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio and Congressman Donald Norcross of New Jersey will join him as the new co-chairs. Mr. Balderson and Mr. Norcross are longtime members of the House Motorcycle Caucus and strong supporters of biker priorities. The House Motorcycle Caucus has always been a bipartisan group, so we are pleased to see Representative Norcross, a Democrat, join two Republicans as a co-chair. Additionally, the caucus named Freshman Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin as vice chair. Mr. Van Orden is an avid motorcyclist who made a point to ride his motorcycle to the Capitol for his first day in office! Thank you to all those who will lead and are members of the House Motorcycle Caucus. Remember, this organization and its sister group, the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, exist to educate, legislate and publicize the priorities of bikers on Capitol Hill. Below is a current list of House Motorcycle Caucus members as of Thursday, February 15th, 2024. Don Bacon (R-NE) Troy Balderson (R-OH) Jim Banks (R-IN) Mike Bost (R-IL) Angie Craig (D-MN) Rick Crawford (R-AR) John Curtis (R-UT) Tom Emmer (R-MN) Paul Gosar (R-AZ) Glenn Grothman (R-WI) Andy Harris (R-MD) Dusty Johnson (R-SD) Anne Kuster (D-NH) Doug Lamborn (R-CO) Tracy Mann (R-KS) Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) Donald Norcross (D-NJ) Scott Perry (R-PA) Bill Posey (R-FL) Adam Smith (D-WA) Pete Stauber (R-MN) Bryan Steil (R-WI) Chris Stewart (R-UT) Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) Dina Titus (D-NV) Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) Michael Waltz (R-FL) Joe Wilson (R-SC) Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at https://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983 * * * *

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It’s been awhile, but I haven’t dawdled. I’ve been working hard on various projects. That guy in Deadwood, who was once 45 John bought a 1960 Panhead roller/basket case and I’ve been helping with the reconstruction. I rebuilt or built and trans from a case and a sketchy box of parts. With Fab Kevin we built a front disc brake. John rebuilt the rear star hub and I helped with fitment and the rear brake.

I now have my son’s ’58 Chevy Belair and drove it to Spearfish the other day to the third mechanic. I have a good feeling about this one. He has a slick operation and was recommended to me by the TNT crew. It looks like the Carb may need to be replaced and or overhauled. I walked through the snow carefully into a large Antique barn and found a Rochester GM carb, amazing. I may see major progress in the future.

I sent the seat pan several months ago to the famous leather tooling expert Howard Knight. Howard is a master and the seat arrived just as the paint was completed. But I had a few more leather straps I needed make and one day, while cruising through Sturgis with the bros, we stumbled into Sturgis Leather. We met the longtime owner, fabricator, patch sewing maniac, seamstress, leather shirt maker, and metal artists extraordinaire Ron Hall. He’s been around a minute, part owner of a couple of bars and a bike riding fool.

I took him my strap projects for the oil tank and battery and he performed his leather magic on the spot, making suggestions and hand fabricating each piece. Bada bing, I had a completed battery strap.

I’m concerned about the battery. It’s not quite 200 cranking amps, and I’m not sure it’s enough to turn over a new, tight, 93-inch S&S Knucklehead engine. I’m thinking about a back-up Shorai or Anti-gravity lithium battery. Lithium batteries are dangerous. If your lithium battery gets wet and or catches fire you’re fucked and so is your garage, be careful.

My plan would be to keep the battery stored away from my home. We’ll see about that down the road.

I received my frame back from Tim at flat earth, but I wanted some additional pinstriping. As you can see above with Atomic Bob’s concept drawing, we initially considered a cream tank and fender with orange graphics, but somewhere in the mix I shifted. Let me know what you think.

Tim from Flat Earth has a process for giving the pinstriping a patina effect, as if it was pinstriped a long time ago. With TNT Paint, Tim and Nikki we discussed making the cream flat and the orange glossy. That worked for awhile, then we decided to flat everything, which had a major quirk.

Here’s a bunch of shots from their stellar shop.

“Don’t touch the flat clear,” Tim said. “It will go shiny. Don’t get anything on the paint, it will turn glossy.”

I sorta freaked. It’s a motorcycle frame and everything is open. I’m touching shit constantly and I’m not going to wear plastic gloves throughout the process. I tried, but then the gloves get greasy…

I cleaned and prepped my shop for the final assembly, painted my lift and the top of a couple of rusting benches with Valspar rust preventive paint. Travis at A&J Welding supply recommended it, but he said they don’t make it anymore. This stuff is the shit. It’s tough, thick and glossy. It was even fun to apply. I mixed white with black to get the gray I wanted.

As soon as the bike paint arrived completed, I anxiously greased my Timken neck bearings and installed the springer onto the lift and the frame onto the neck stem.

With the frame on the front end but still bare sitting on a pad I wanted to install the engine. John came over to guide the left side as I lifted the heavy engine off the engine stand. Before it could go into the frame, I needed to sand the paint off the motormounts.

Irish Rich modified this frame and he helped me modify the XA springer front end I got from Matt at Carl’s, with fork stops built into the bearing cups.

We slid in the engine after I stumbled. I used the rear axle and a flat lift jack to jack up the bike, so I could block it, remove the jack and start to install the 5-speed trans in a 4-speed S&S case. The trans didn’t want to go so I filed and ground all the paint out of the 4-speed slots and the slot I made and welded for the 5th stud on the right. I even had to grind the rear tab on the trans case more for additional clearance.

I couldn’t run an old school 4-speed trans for a couple of reasons. It’s an alternator S&S engine and I wanted it to be electric start.

I faced the toughest aspect of this build at this moment, the driveline alignment. If you followed this build, we’ve made several adjustments because of the alternator engine and VL frame configuration. Fortunately, I ran a very narrow rear Black Bike wheel and tire. The sprotor rear brake was also an issue.

With the engine bolted in place, and the transmission setting in the frame with maybe ¾ inch of adjustment, I needed to grapple with the front, Tech Cycle, single-row chain. The chain fit with the transmission moved as forward as possible. I punched the master link in place after adding the O-rings and additional white grease. Paul Cox coached me on the rivet-styled O-ring chain.

I was careful not to crush the O-rings anymore than any of the other plates had. Then I looked for a punch to do the rivet job. I didn’t beat it to death, but just a couple of solid smacks at a time with a heavy ballpeen hammer. The punch can’t be too sharp or I wouldn’t splay the head but just drive against the center.

Paul Cox said he used a sharp flat punch to make cuts into the rivets across it at 90 degrees to give the head four slices. Then he punched the head and could see how the rivet split and splayed. Interesting suggestion.

At first, I was very concerned about setting the masterlink. What if I had to remove it to remove the chain. As it turned out I could remove the whole drive line by removing the nut on the engine sprocket, the left-handed nut on the transmission and pulling the entire system free. I had to do this a few times, machine a washer perfect alignment, etc. I will need to remove it once more to install a Paughco tin primary piece as a chain guard.

Then I shifted to the rear wheel. I’ve installed and re-installed this bastard 20-some times. Everything changed, but ultimately for the better.

Everything was a struggle with the Sprotor brake system, so I shifted to the same thinking as the front brake on John’s Panhead. I bored out the hefty brake bracket to 1 1/8 inch. Amazing, I had a drill bit that came super close, then some grinding and sanding finished the job. Now spacing became a more direct operation and the caliper could adjust itself to the rotor for more efficient operation, I hope.

On the other side I found one spacer that worked but I didn’t like the outside diameter to the frame. I went with a shorter spacer and a 1/8 thick washer on the frame side. Everything seemed happy until I tried to mount the sissybar.

Keep in mind, everything was fine in mock-up, but during final assembly shit shifted. Now the rotor mounting bolts hit the machined carriage bolt even after I machined the head down. I was forced to take the wheel off again to install this machined carriage bolt. The hardware store didn’t have the 1 ¾ 7/16 coarse bolt I wanted. I ended up with a 3-inch bolts. I had to machine the carriage aspect off, cut the bolts to size and die-cut additional threads.

Even with all these efforts, the 12-point rotor bolts still hit the head of the sissybar mounting bold. I considered my alternatives and thought about replacing the rotor bolts with domed Allens. I thought for sure the bolts were 3/8 coarse bolts and dug into my fastener bins. No problem. I had what I needed and exchanged them with the chromed 12-points. Nice, lots of clearance.

Just as I was about to shut the shop down for the whiskey night, I picked up one of the 12-pointers and discovered it was a 7/16 coarse bolt. Un-fucking real. I immediately loosened the 3/8 bolts and reached out to McMaster Carr for more bolts—WTF. The wheel is coming off again. Then it came off to mount the fender twice.

Then I tried to install a rear chain. It was fine, but two short and my half-link wouldn’t fit, why. I ordered another standard chain a D.I.D job. Nothing is standard anymore. You can buy a 530 chain for as low as 37 bucks, all the way to a $150 for a chromed O-ring chain. Beware, they make standard chains, heavy-duty chains, O-ring chains, heavy-duty O-ring chains. They keep getting wider.

I’m going to compare the chain I have with the new one when it arrives. As you know, I have a serious issue with the width of the chain and my transmission case because the sprocket is reversed.

Next, I moved the wheel back to the center of the travel because I couldn’t get the Tech Cycle starter in place. I did, and it slipped into place. Remember we went through several changes to the clutch housing, sprocket placement, ring gear location and the engine sprocket. We moved the engine sprocket out another ¼-inch and we moved the clutch sprocket in about a ½-inch. They were close, but it messed with the pinion shaft housing on the starter.

I thought about using my Smithy to machine a notch in it. I would have need to create a mounting plate to clamp the cone into the milling machine. I chose the old school way by using my new grinding wheels to do the job, then the Scotchbrite wheel to smooth it and ultimately my Eastman buffing wheel to polish the piece. I did this several times until I had about 1/6th of an inch clearance above the chain. I’m going to keep a close eye on this during the warm-up and break-in stage.

I started to install my controls. I have them a light coat of Rust-o-leum satin black paint, making sure some rust was still exposed. I dipped and painted the handles with flex seal for a rubber-like grip.

Today, master cylinder, pipes, petcock, oil tank, oil lines, sparkplug wires and gas lines. Hang on. Hopefully, the toughest installation elements are over.

Ride Free Forever,

Bandit

My grandson is building a classic Panhead and asked me about gas tanks. Here’s what he said, “I wanted to be period-correct for the ‘60s outlaw look.” Sounded like Dominic talking, his mom’s boyfriend who builds classic chops. He’s a celebrated builder at Born Free every year.

It’s a kick. There are builders out there like Micah McCloskey, Paul Wheeler and Dominic who are religious and specific about how they build choppers. They are precise and follow the classic code.

It’s sorta funny. The whole notion of outlaws and choppers thumbs their middle fingers at any rules. Build whatever you want and fuck anyone who doesn’t like it. There’s the code of the west in a tumbler of Jack Daniels on the edge of a bar fight over nothing.

Photos by Weed

SOURCES:

Atomic Dice

Clauser’s Machine Shop
Spearfish, SD

Dakota V-Twin
Spearfish, SD
www.dakotavtwin.com

JIMS Machine

McMaster Carr
www.mcmastercarr.com

Paughco

Shamrocks Customs
Sturgis, SD

S&S

TechCycle
www.techcycle.com

Terry Components
Check on J&P Cycles

Nash Motorcycles

Colony
www.colonymachine.com

Black Bike Wheels
www.blackbikewheels.com

Custom Chrome
www.customchrome.com

Barnett’s clutch and cable

Dennis Kirk

Flat Earth Paint
Spearfish, SD
605-645-7192

TNT Collision and Glass
Tim and Nikki
605-641-8602

Sturgis Leather
Sturgis, SD

Carl’s Motorcycles

Hey,

I often say, “Life is nuts and then you die.” But there’s hope, at least on one front this week.

There’s Hope And We Can Prove It! But I will keep it short.

In the meantime, get involved with your local motorcycle rights organization, so we can ride free next year.

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

Click here to read this week’s edition of the Thursday News only on Bikernet.com

* * * *

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Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters – Hero MotoCorp, has created history becoming the first ever Indian manufacturer team to finish on the podium of the legendary Dakar Rally.

Hero MotoSports Team Rally was formed in 2016 and it participated in its first Dakar Rally in 2017. Over the years, the team has achieved multiple podiums, wins and stage wins at top rally-raids across the world.

In its fifth year at Saudi Arabia, the 2024 edition of Dakar Rally was undoubtedly the toughest so far – longer stages, extreme terrains, and confusing navigation right from the start. Two new formats of racing were also introduced by the organizers to add more spice – a marathon stage early on in the race, and a 48H chrono stage during which the competitors were split across several bivouacs – away from their teams, and surviving on bare minimum essentials. As many as one-third of the competitors who started the race retired from the rally across the 14 days of grind.

To get to a Dakar podium is no small feat – a thousand things need to be right, and yet, each kilometer of these many thousands can destroy a result with a tiny mistake. 8,000 kilometers at the world’s toughest rally conquered with a top-2 result – Hero has made it clear they’re here to stay.

Ross Branch finished the Rally at the second place for the Hero Factory Team. His consistent performance over the 12 stages saw him at the first and second spots in the overall rankings throughout the Rally.

Hey,

I often say, “Life is nuts and then you die.” But there’s hope, at least on one front this week. There are two efforts happening this week in Wyoming and Montana to bring truth to the Climate Doom movement. It’s covered in the news.

Regarding the border. Who the fuck knows? 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, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

LET’S KICK OFF THE NEWS WITH THE LATEST 100-WORD FICTION ENTRY—

Just finished third 18-hour shift in as many days. Dog tired, I dragged myself outside, straddled the ole Shovel and fired her to life. As I sat there letting the bike warm up, I thought, “why am I doing this?” Bills, bills, bills.

Eased out of the parking lot and headed home. My mind drifted a few times, which is not a good as I navigated backs streets trying to reach home for much needed rest.

Suddenly I snapped out of it. In front of me a huge truck …too late. I applied the brakes. There was an ungodly noise then … nothing.

–Rhys
Daytona, FL

ACTION NEEDED– California Introduces Bill to Mandate Speed Limiters

California has introduced SAN-opposed legislation to require new vehicles to be equipped with speed governors starting in model-year ’27. Speed governors, also known as intelligent speed limiters, use GPS technology to limit vehicle speed. If enacted into law, new vehicles would not be able to travel more than 10 mph above the speed limit.

Currently, devices that prevent vehicles from exceeding a certain speed are not required. Among other issues, this proposal makes broad assumptions about real-world circumstances. This one-size-fits-all approach fails to recognize the diversity of driving experiences and the individual responsibility that automotive enthusiasts take seriously.

California residents: use the following link to tell lawmakers to oppose mandatory speed limiters.

West Virginia, Kansas, Illinois and Iowa introduced bills to promote vehicle choice or prevent internal combustion engine bans.

–Sema

CO2 COALITION TAKES THE SCIENCE TO WYOMING—

Wyoming has vast resources of coal, oil and natural gas. With 40% of the nation’s coal resources, the state has been the United States’ top producer since 1986, primarily from the Powder River Basin located in the northeastern part of the state. It is also a national leader in the production of oil and natural gas, ranking in the top 10 in production of both products.

Yet, even though the Wyoming economy is heavily dependent on the mining and extraction of fossil fuels, its governor, Mark Gordon, has adopted a strong “decarbonization” policy. The science tells us that this is not a winning strategy for the people of Wyoming.

The CO2 Coalition believes that public policy on such matters should be driven by scientific review and analysis, not political agendas. To provide such an analysis, we have produced this report, Wyoming and Climate Change: CO2 Should Be Celebrated, Not Captured.

We also sent a team of climate experts from the CO2 Coalition, including Dr. William Happer, Dr. Byron Soepyan and Gregory Wrightstone to Wyoming to provide the facts concerning the huge benefits of carbon dioxide. This team presented the science at a hearing of the Wyoming Senate Agriculture Committee (pictured above.)

The team also presented accurate science regarding Wyoming’s climate to students at Gillette College, Laramie County Community College, and at the University of Wyoming.

The new report, Wyoming and Climate Change: CO2 Should Be Celebrated, Not Captured can be downloaded from the CO2 Coalition web site.

MONTANA’S HELD V. MONTANA CLIMATE LAWSUIT—

This week, our lawyer, Quentin Rhoades, filed our Amicus Brief to the Montana Supreme Court.

Thank you all who signed on as parties to out Brief.

Will the court overturn Held v Montana? If so, on what basis?

Our goal is to show how the plaintiffs’ scientific claims are invalid rather than to wax poetic on everything about climate.

Our Amicus Brief is a collaboration between me and Quentin Rhoades.

The science in our Brief is purposely simple. It is also new. If you want to help stop the climate fraud, read it.

https://edberry.com/amicus-brief/

–Ed Berry phd.

THE ROYAL ENFIELD REPORT–

Here are two photos of the new speedometer. I did 100 KM on it since Sunday installation. Actually, only got to ride it longer three days later.

An old photo I had sent when I purchased the motorcycle shows the old speedometer—the petrol tank has been replaced since then.

It’s hot here and the Bullet’s iron engine works differently than the newer aluminum engines in such torrid heat. Iron engines take longer to heat up and then cool down slower. They don’t start easily on cold days but once they start, they can go longer distances.

Another aspect is that iron as a metal can expand and contract. That affects performance and power. Either ways, there are benefits of a carburetor enabled engine Vs electronic fuel injection and then there is the ordeal of cleaning spark plugs and the carburetor.

The Enfield black hole

While I want to call the sturdy iron chassis and iron engine Enfield Bullet 350 a Black Rock, it is a black hole for now, consuming my money, petrol and engine oil at rapid pace while it thumps along at 60 kmph.

The speedometer went kaput last week. The needle was dancing around like it was possessed by a B-movie ghost. Then it finally broke off within the glass enclosure after pounding itself at one end of the meter. The Eighth Amendment would call it cruel and unusual punishment but I plead not guilty and non-jurisdiction in this self-inflicted crime.

There is no genuine nor replica speedometer available here as of now. Some Brits make cool Enfield stuff and sell it to themselves, congratulating each other on how their tradition is still alive and well, thanks to themselves. My mechanic assured me the older Classic 350’s speedometer will fit this damned thing. Older Classic 350s had a carburettor and the Enfield’s UCE engine. Then Enfield introduced their J-platform engine and chassis in the Classic 350 with electronic fuel-injection and a semi-digital and a why-bother-analog tag team for the speedometer.

I said it better be a black dial because otherwise, forget the needle, the kilometers are still rolling on this half-dead speedometer. It was an undead machinery residing in a 20 year old relic, which in itself is a surviving legacy of the original 1955 design as issued to the India factory by its British parent company.

Sunday was spent hanging around waiting for them to work on my motorcycle. While I felt like being plundered (not by the Brits), I handed over money for a taillight as well to my mechanic. The previous bulb in the tail light was so old and unkempt, it had ‘fused’ itself with the holder, as if welded into its place through rust.

All done and ready, the original speedometer did not see any saving grace nor memorial service. It was cast upon the concrete floor by the mechanic, as if thrashing the devil out of it. A man who clearly does not hoard completely useless junk unless to sell it to the recycling agents, it is the mechanic’s scrap and it will earn him as much as a cup of tea in junk recycling value.

The tail light is actually a parking light. I would have to shell out a lot more if I want it to shine when I hit the brakes. So whenever I push a button for the tiger lamps, the tail light also is turned on. Tiger lamps are the two tiny beady yellow eyes you see near the top of an Enfield Bullet’s headlamp. The mechanic has already said I will need a new headlamp soon enough and these original types won’t be available. Both the tyres are worn out as well and it is a spin of the wheel choice to see which functionality dies first.

Wow! I mean, I am trying to keep this beast in original shape and form and alive and kicking. Yet, it is getting body parts from fresh meat packed in factory and aftermarket sources. What’s the point? Maybe sell it and get the Harley-Davidson X440? Test ride the J-platform engine and chassis on the Enfield Classic 350?

The choice is strange. Both companies are increasingly adding modern tech and forgetting mechanical systems. Why not just go for a Honda or Kawasaki releasing their retro-themed motorcycles? Then there is the comfort of a car to consider since I do have one other motorcycle, the off-road ready Hero XPulse 200.

–Wayfarer
Hoarder of Goodies (HoG)

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FOR THIS WEEK–

“There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened and maintained.”
~ Winston Churchill

THIS JUST IN FROM GREASE & GEARS TV—

We’re thrilled to announce the release of a new Superfan Exclusive, Steve Mathes From Pulp MX & The 1981 Motocross Des Nations Team! We can’t wait for you to see it.
You can watch the video now on Grease & Gears TV Grease & Gears TV.

We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Thank you for your continued support!

GOPRO MAKES HELMETS—

While some fight helmet laws — there are others craving a helmet with this top brand camera integrated into it.

A GoPro Motorcycle Helmet Is Coming: 5 Things to know so far

1. GoPro Plans To Launch Its First Tech-Enabled Motorcycle Helmet In 2025

2. GoPro Motorcycle Helmets Will Likely Be Sold To Riders Through Existing GoPro Motorsport-Related Retailers

3. GoPro Plans To Provide Motorcycle Helmet Tech Development Assistance To Other Premium Helmet Manufacturers

4. GoPro Plans To Extend Its Existing Subscription Plan Structures To Its Future Tech-Enabled Motorcycle Helmet Line

5. GoPro’s Current Forcite Helmets Acquisition Timeline Is Q1 Of 2024. GoPro had announced plans to acquire Australian smart helmet maker Forcite Helmets in January 2024.

–Wayfarer
Product Development Reporter
Bikernet.com™

READING WILLIE G’S BOOK RIDE FREE—

I’m enjoying every page. It’s a very personal account of the history of the Motor Company, the good times and bad. You’ll be stunned by the things the company and he survived.

For several decades, Willie was the sole designer until Louie Netz came along. That meant Willis was responsible for literature design, ads, logos, paint schemes and motorcycles.

It’s an incredible story, but an inspirational one and one that any business owner can learn from.

–Bandit

REPORT FROM THE MAY SHOP—

Hope you are staying warm up there. We had about a week of below 20 degrees and some snow but it is much better now. When I get the chopper up and rolling, I’ll put together a story.

Working on a ‘67 Chevy pickup to pay for the Monte Carlo. It’s all coming together going to paint scallops on the Ford to hide the bad bodywork. It runs great. Got to finish the interior. Wish I could afford that flathead you have in Goodguys.

Got the hardtail welded on and the rake set. I don’t have a jig but everything is straight and level, I promise. Also bought a modern classic ‘06 Monte Carlo. It’s awesome may have to sell my ‘51 cadalord.

–Bill May

LONG ROAD REPORT—

Hello everyone! It’s been at least a couple of years since I partied with some of you, and 5 years or more going back to pre-covid days since I’ve seen the rest.

A job change and change of management has made it possible to once again join y’all on the Long Road. This year, both Mike Allen and I have taken on the duties of planning the ride. I’m just putting out this e-mail to get the word out for those that may not have Facebook, that there will be a LONG ROAD ride to the SmokeOut this year.

The ride will start with us meeting Sunday Sept. 1st near Darrien Lake about 30 miles east of Buffalo. NY. With this starting point, it is reasonably close to the border and it offers the chance to any of you who have never seen Niagara Falls, the opportunity to witness this magnificent wonder!

From there, we venture south into central Pennsylvania for a one night stop at a great location on Monday the 2nd.

Next, we will ride west to an area along the Ohio River straddling the Ohio West/Virginia state line to another prime camping area Tuesday Sept 3rd.

Following that, Wednesday Sept 4th will see our group travel diagonally back into the southern area of West Virginia.

Finally, we’re off to our last destination in Virginia for one last night of revelry around the campfire on Thursday Sept 5th.

Friday Sept 6th sees us depart for our The SmokeOut for the weekend debauchery!

For those of you that may not have heard, a premium custom motorcycle magazine, Cycle Source has taken over The Smoke Out and for the past two years, have taken it back to the most famous (not the first) location where it was held from the 3rd edition in 2002 to the 9th edition in 2008.

I just wanted to put the bug in everyone’s ear about the dates and give a rough idea of where the ride will take us so that anyone who has to book their holidays has the chance to do so.

Take care, and I will provide an update in the next few weeks.

TEXAS WEATHER REPORT OR NOT–

REASON: Replacement of charging system, even though that rigging is working & Inspection of shifter shaft splines as arm is very loose.

LESSON: What I’ve learned, a 4-inch PVC coupling is 5” (too large)and although Lowe’s has Veteran Parking, they do not have 7/16-20 bolts. So, on the second journey, yes Home Depot does carry 7/16-20 bolts, still had to cut threads to the end of a 3-inch bolt. Then when I went to cut down the PVC, some dumbass put a shelf right next to the vise, which does not spin to the left! So even though I marked it evenly, I was trying to cut into the shelf.

Just because it looks good on paper, the handle from your Snap On Tap & Die set cannot handle the compression task!

I was going to go with 3 compression bars for strength, but after drilling the 4 holes, pilot and main, in the 2 compression bars, I realized I need a freakin drill press! So, 2 should work, really how much pressure can it take?

Once you start compressing the diaphragm, don’t take the snap ring for the adjuster plate out dumbass! Reinsert the bent adjuster plate snap ring and continue to tighten the rigged tool, right to the edge as failure was poking its ugly head out!

Yes, I got it off for under $15 with gas, 4.5 to 5 hours labor at 175.00 an hour (I’m expensive) I’ll be ordering the frickin’ JIMS tool!! The 4 & 6-Speed are so simple! And apparently both Lowe’s & Home Depot are out of Garage Stretchers!

Screw it, I’m going for a ride!

–RFR-FXR Life

I WROTE TO THE NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION–

I followed the NMA for years through your weekly informative emails. Then they stopped. I published and shared those news items often. I’m very involved in motorcyclists rights and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. I also try to work with SEMA, but in so many cases they seem lost.

I received this printed piece and read the entire booklet.

Here’s my take on your policy position. I agree with most of them, but there’s a problem. If we are doomed because of Fossil Fuel induced Climate Change, we have virtually given bureaucrats an open license to attack everything, including humans who breathe out CO2.

Until we break the doom, we don’t have a leg to stand on. I came up with a resolution for truth which I share with anyone who will listen. Until the truth shines, they’ll keep coming.

Okay, back to the policies. There should be choice and no EV mandates. Level the playing field, but we can’t we’re doomed unless we act.

Infrastructure, which includes cameras is critical. Our streets and bridges need help. This is especially important for motorcycles. There are important infrastructure efforts in Europe that save lives.

And yes, if you want to save all travel, Climate Change must be exposed.

Exposing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is critical.

Maybe, and this is just a thought, you might put your heads together and come up with a Drivers’ Bill of Rights and maybe it should contain a Right to Repair or modify segment.

Good luck this year. It will be absolutely critical.

All the best,

–Bandit
Bikernet.com™

QUICK, AN UPLIFTING PAUSE FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE–

Today I Choose to live the Fullness of Life

What the Mind can conceive and believe, the Mind will Achieve! Napoleon Hill

If you think you can or if you think you can’t, your right.
–Henry Ford

Today, I consciously choose to embrace the fullness of life. I recognize that what my mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve, as wisely stated by Napoleon Hill. I affirm that my thoughts and beliefs shape my reality, echoing the sentiment of Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

In this moment, I declare that I live expansively, free from the constraints of obstacles, challenges, doubt, or fear. I trust in the presence of Infinite Intelligence within me, guiding me effortlessly through every situation. The divine light within me illuminates any darkness, paving the way for magnificent manifestations.

Today, I am mindful of my words and thoughts, releasing anything and anyone that does not serve my highest good. I am aligned with my goals, both grand and modest, and I actively harness the power of the Universal Law for my benefit. As I express my inherent goodness, I inspire others to awaken to their own potential.

I release all false and limiting beliefs from my mind, echoing Zig Ziglar’s wisdom: “Get rid of your stinkin’ thinkin’ and have a check-up from the neck up.” Today, I embrace clarity of thought and openness to new possibilities, knowing that my mind is a powerful tool for creating the life I desire.

My Affirmation is inspired by the words of Ernest Holmes. “I now climb a ladder of thought that takes me above all confusion. Climbing joyously, I pass through the clouds of fear and doubt. I behold the light everywhere. I sense the enveloping presence of Love everywhere. The good that I desire, I now affirm and accept, knowing that my definite intention produces definite results.”

My Gratefulness to know this Truth, My Truth, is beyond words. It wells up at the core of my being, lighting up My Life.

Today I make great choices.

And So It Is

Namaste’

Every mind must make its choice between truth and repose. It cannot have both.
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

–Yale

JUST WHAT YOU NEED FROM MORRIS MAGNETO–

$34.00

NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–

Congress and Courts enable Energy and Climate Fantasy and Tyranny
–Paul Driessen

The left end of the political spectrum is relentlessly pursuing the transformation of America’s society, history, economy, speech, borders, governing systems, healthcare, energy and living standards. What it cannot secure via the ballot box and alliances with the legacy media and academic institutions, it works to impose through rule by unelected, unaccountable Executive Branch bureaucrats, collusive sue-and-settle legal actions, and court decisions that too often rubberstamp agency rules.

Instead of three co-equal divisions of government, the powers and functions of America’s Legislative and Judicial Branches have steadily been subsumed into an ever expanding, progressive and aggressive Executive Branch. Many legislators and judges have acquiesced or actively participated.

The federal workforce has swollen to two million non-military employees, who “liberally” interpret, apply and enforce laws and policies. The Federal Register of regulations, explanations and justifications has ballooned from 50,998 pages in 1984, to a Jabba-the-Hutt 90,402 pages in 2023. Few can read, much less comprehend and comply with the intricate edicts.

Members of Congress want to be seen “doing something” to address perceived problems, often by passing new laws and spending more money. However, instead of actually tackling difficult, controversial issues, they frequently make policy declarations, enact deliberately ambiguous statutory provisions, and rely on Executive Branch cohorts to interpret, stretch or even rewrite the vague language, mostly advancing agency powers and agendas.

The US Supreme Court’s landmark 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council expanded this centralization of power even more significantly.

The “Chevron deference doctrine” holds that – when faced with regulations that are based on ambiguous, or nonexistent, statutory text – lower courts should always defer to administrative agencies’ interpretations of the text, as long as the interpretations are “reasonable.”

Chevron deference has let federal agencies expand their domain and control in hundreds of instances. Affected citizens often have little recourse, as long as the impact of an individual rule can be viewed as small and the agency interpretation as not patently unreasonable.

In those situations, the 2022 Supreme Court decision in West Virginia v. EPA is of little help, because it only addresses “major questions,” agency decisions that have “major” economic or political significance.

However, the Court recently heard oral arguments on two cases that give it an opportunity to curtail or end this wholesale deference to federal agencies. Both cases ask whether small fishing boats can be required to pay $700 per day to take observers along with them, to ensure the boats are following fisheries rules. Relevant law allows the government to require fishing boats to carry observers – but does not say the boats must pay for them, and Congress never appropriated any funds to cover observers.

So, on its own, the National Marine Fisheries Service decided it had the authority to compel boats to shoulder the cost. The case could have enormous implications for the perpetually expanding Deep State.

The Justices could rule in favor of NMFS, even though monetary impacts that are small by federal governing and budgetary standards are major, even potentially ruinous for fishing boats.

They could hold that the agency interpretation in this single instance was “unreasonable” – and overturn this single rulemaking out of thousands issued since 1984, while leaving the Chevron doctrine intact and available for future abuse.

Or they could overturn Chevron. Doing so would end the appalling deference to powerful government agencies; reduce the growing imbalance between the Executive and Legislative Branches; and make it harder for circuit and appellate courts to support activist regulators.

A reversal might even prod Congress to enact laws that tackle hard questions, use precise language, and tighten the reins on unelected regulators, especially when they serve presidents who want to “fundamentally transform” our energy use, immigration system, economy and military.

The third option would also help America curb climate and energy fantasy and tyranny.

It’s certainly true that most federal actions taken to “save our planet from the existential threat of manmade climate change” are “major” or “significant” in their societal, economic, ecological and national security impacts – and thus subject to the Supreme Court’s “major questions doctrine.”

However, that Court has not defined “major.” Moreover, even actions that most Americans would call “major” can end up being upheld, and agencies can claim significant actions are actually “minor” or can simply ignore court decisions that don’t apply explicitly to the agency or action in question.

Even in the climate and energy arena alone, hundreds of “minor” decisions can coalesce into massive disruptions and costs. It’s certainly reasonable to argue that questions of Chevron deference should examine the totality of impacts – and whether a decision can actually pass a rational, evidence-based “reasonableness” test. To cite just a few examples, is it reasonable to defer to federal agencies that:

* Impose government-wide mandates to terminate America’s coal, oil and natural gas extraction and use, based on computer models whose scary forecasts: (a) are built on the assumption that climate change and weather events are driven by fossil-fuel-related carbon dioxide and methane, which together represent barely 0.042% of Earth’s atmosphere; and (b) are not supported by actual, real-world data on temperatures, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, droughts and sea levels?

* Keep oil and gas locked in the ground before they have any workable plan for replacing feed stocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers and thousands of other vital products?

* Compel families and businesses to replace gasoline vehicles and gas ovens, stoves, furnaces and water heaters with electric models – while regulators replace reliable, affordable fossil fuel power with intermittent, weather-dependent wind and solar power?

* Close down coal and gas-fired generators before sufficient, reliable, affordable replacement electricity is available – and before a single project anywhere in the world has demonstrated that wind, solar and battery electricity alone can power even a small village?

* Demand that families purchase supposedly energy- or water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers, even though the new machines must run longer or even twice to get clothes or dishes clean – thereby requiring more electricity and water?

* Effectively mandate electric vehicles before there are sufficient charging stations, electricity for those stations, or even metals and minerals to manufacture all the EVs, charging stations, wind turbines, solar panels and transmission lines?

* Assert that wind, solar and battery power are clean, green, renewable and sustainable, while ignoring the monumental amounts of mining and processing – and attendant habitat and wildlife destruction, toxic air and water pollution, and child labor – involved in obtaining the nonrenewable metals and minerals for those technologies?

* Insist that the United States slash or eliminate its fossil fuel use, while China, India and 100 other countries (including Germany) are extracting and burning more oil, gas and coal every year?

Courts should not view government actions in a vacuum. Many agency decisions are reasonable only in an alternative universe where individual and cumulative economic, ecological and social realities play no role. The era of Chevron deference should be brought to a close.

Paul Driessen is senior policy advisor to the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (www.CFACT.org) and author of books and articles on energy, pollution, climate change and human rights.

[page break]

HELPING A HERO—

Charles W. Herbster and Lee Greenwood Presented with the Helping a Hero Defense of Freedom Award by Combat Wounded Heroes

On Saturday, February 3, 2024, Charles W. Herbster, President and Owner of the Conklin Company, and country music legend Lee Greenwood were awarded the Helping a Hero Defense of Freedom Award. This award recognizes great Americans who have gone the extra mile to defend freedom.

The Defense of Freedom Award is a very rare award that has only been presented three other times, with all recipients chosen by the combat-wounded heroes of Helping A Hero. Previous recipients include actor Chuck Norris, Marcus Luttrell, the Navy Seal better known as the Lone Survivor, and Joanne King Herring, who was the real-life inspiration behind the movie Charlie Wilson’s War.

Charles W. Herbster was recognized by Helping A Hero for being a consistent leader supporting our military, veterans, and first responders. He is known for his selfless dedication to those who defend our freedom and keep us safe. When Charles heard a wounded warrior in his home state of Nebraska was in need, he stepped up to the plate.

On July 31, 2006, while deployed with the Nebraska National Guard in Iraq, Army Sergeant Ben Marksmeier of Wisner, Nebraska, was gravely wounded when terrorists detonated a roadside bomb hitting his convoy. Ben was officially declared dead, and one of his dog tags was removed before an Army Specialist noticed a slight twitch from his body. Despite doubt about the report, doctors and nurses decided to try to revive him one more time, and it worked.

The Army awarded SGT Ben Marksmeier the Bronze Star for saving his fellow soldier’s life while at personal risk. Ben, who lost his leg in the explosion, thought of his fellow soldier first and threw him from the burning vehicle to safety while he was still trapped in the vehicle and critically injured.

In that attack, Ben lost his right leg and suffered extreme injuries to his left leg. Ben has undergone dozens of surgeries as doctors are still working to save his left leg, including one surgery during a month-long stay at Walter Reed in 2023.

Due to his catastrophic injuries and the ongoing battle to save his remaining leg, Ben needs an adapted home. Ben is a single dad raising his two youngest sons, Ryker, 7, and Mason, 9. He is also the proud father of 17-year-old Caiden. In addition to being an active parent, Ben started his own woodworking business. Major General Roger Lemke, the former Adjutant General of the Nebraska National Guard, and Colonel Kevin Neumann nominated Ben for an adapted home from Helping a Hero. Music legend Lee Greenwood surprised SGT Marksmeier and his three sons on national television and told them that Ben would receive an adapted home as part of the Johnny Morris 100 Homes Challenge.

Having been chosen to receive a home, one piece was missing: the land where the home would be built. After hearing of Ben’s incredible story and his need for a home in Nebraska, Charles W. Herbster agreed to donate all the funding needed to purchase the perfect piece of land for Ben near Springfield, Nebraska.

“All the pain I go through every day, there is no regret. I signed up when I was seventeen because I wanted to give back to my country what my country gave me: freedom. I am grateful beyond what my words can express to Charles W. Herbster and Johnny Morris for caring about my service,” said Marksmeier.

“When I got the news about the home, it was breathtaking. Then, Mr. Herbster wanted to give us some beautiful land, and now I can instill in my sons the work ethic of farming on this land. This has filled my heart with a little more motivation, which is hard,” Marksmeier said.

Meredith Iler, Founder of the Helping a Hero Home Program, said the home and land given by Johnny Morris and Charles W. Herbster will transform the life of Ben and his sons. “Ben wants to be an example of strength for his sons, and Johnny Morris and Charles W. Herbster are giving him that priceless gift through this adapted home custom-built just for Ben,” Iler said.

The second Defense of Freedom recipient, Lee Greenwood, is an American icon best known for his hit patriotic song God Bless The USA. Throughout his career, Lee has worked tirelessly to thank and support our military personnel, wounded warriors, and their families. Lee served as the Helping A Hero National Ambassador for 12 years. Lee is a rare celebrity who loves our heroes in and out of the spotlight. He has performed and presented the keys to adapted homes to over 30 heroes, including Specialist JP Lane, USA (Ret), a double amputee who nominated him for this award. Lee worked tirelessly for over a decade to support the Helping A Hero mission to build homes for our catastrophically wounded heroes. Helping A Hero proudly presents Lee Greenwood with the Defense of Freedom Award for his devotion and dedication to our wounded heroes.

The Defense of Freedom Awards were presented to Charles W. Herbster and Lee Greenwood by Helping A Hero Ambassadors and Purple Heart Recipients United States Army Specialist (Ret) JP Lane and United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (Ret) Daniel Gilyeat during the 2024 Conklin National Convention. Nebraska State Senator, United States Army Colonel (Ret), and Purple Heart recipient Thomas Brewer was also recognized during the ceremony. SGT Ben Marksmeier was scheduled to be recognized but had to attend via video due to ongoing complications from his injuries.

INDEPENDENT MOTORCYCLE SHOPS UNDER ATTACK–

Proprietary tools and diagnostics are limiting what can be done by independent shops. These shops are a cornerstone of our lifestyle and the way we take care of our motorcycles. When Dealerships will no longer work on our bikes, we turn to these folks and now the Manufacturers are putting them out of business!

Do you own an independent shop or know someone who does? Do you get your work done at a favorite independent? Independent shops need to join together now and fight this with the rest of the motorcycling community.

On March 6th, 2024, at 8:00 am, there will be a gathering of shop owners at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Ormond Beach, Florida. Make sure the owners of your favorite shop are there! Especially if you own that favorite shop!

About the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket

Founded on the principle to protect independent dealers and custom bike builders’ rights to repair and modify motorcycles. The IMA membership is determined to keep us free.

We are fortunate to be aligned with the MRF, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, which fought to protect our culture for over 40 years, has excellent lobbying efforts in D.C and is connected to state organizations all over the country.

The IMA is pro-active and working on these issues every day, but we need your support now. The attack on internal combustion engines and the free-thinking values of the biker lifestyle makes support of the IMA an urgent and critical matter.

Go to mrf.org/join and click on the search button.

https://mrf.org/join/join-mrf-imac/

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM NEWS—

The Museum and Hall of Fame Names New Executive Director and Board Members

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently announced the appointment of Heidi Haro as Executive Director and four new members of the museum’s board of directors.

“Heidi has tremendous energy along with expertise in delivering superb guest experiences, she’s already bringing great new ideas to her museum team,” said Board President Craig Bailey. “Heidi lives here in the Black Hills, so she knows how special this area is for motorcycle riders.”

Haro has earned bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Social Sciences. She was previously an executive with Aramark, a nationwide food service and facilities administration contractor. During her 14 years with the company, she developed high performance teams focused on delivering great experiences for guests at three universities in South Dakota and Minnesota.

“We want to make sure that every motorcycle fan coming through the Black Hills to know to stop in and connect with the bikes and the stories that live here in the museum,” said Haro. “This is a special place that reflects the spirit of the riding community.”

“I grew up in a family that loved the outdoors, so outdoor recreation, like motorcycling, holds a special place for me,” she continued. Haro started spending summers in the Black Hills in 1998 and moved to the area full time 4 years ago. She has four children and seven grandchildren. In her new role, Haro has a seat on the Museum’s board.

The Sturgis Museum Board also named several new members to its board of directors.

Keith “Bandit” Ball, a military veteran, former editorial director of Easyriders Magazine and currently the owner of Bandit’s Bikernet, joined the board and has taken the position of Secretary. Ball an accomplished writer and novelist, is well known in the motorcycle industry for his stunning custom bikes and his influence on custom culture through a variety of media, including print, television and online. Ball lives in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Ari Levenbaum is co-owner and CEO of the American Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers (AAMIL), known as the Law Tigers. He started working part-time for the organization in 2002 while also working as a full-time middle school teacher. He ultimately purchased an interest in AAMIL in 2014 and became COO at that time. As a rider, Ari has a unique understanding of the motorcycle community, which is reflected in his role with the Law Tigers. He lives in Arcadia, Arizona.

Scott Peterson, is the founder of Scott Peterson Motors in Sturgis and Belle Fourche, SD, an auto and truck retailer in the area. Peterson operated the award-winning dealerships for three decades until selling them recently. Peterson has been a driving force in the Sturgis community and is noted for his commitment to business excellence and his dedication to uplifting the lives of those around him.

Kirk Willard has been President and Board Chairman of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the predominant rider’s rights organization in the country, since 2006. His involvement in motorcyclists’ rights goes back further than that, as he has held membership and leadership positions in rights groups throughout the country. Willard was awarded the Freedom Fighter Award by the Sturgis Museum in 2018. He lives in Wausau, Wisconsin and has ridden to the Sturgis Rally 38 times.

The other members of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum board of directors are:
Craig Bailey (President),
Mark Carstensen (representing the City of Sturgis),
Paul Fosdyck (Treasurer),
Darcy Harbott,
Scott Jacobs,
Chuck Potts,
Irv Stone (Vice President),
Tim Sutherland,
Vinny Terranova,
Keith Terry and
Rod Woodruff.

“Hang on for Hall of Fame announcements in the very near future. The breakfast is nearly sold out.” –Bandit

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–

John’s 1960 Panhead 4-Speed Rebuild

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Johns_1960_Panhead_4Speed_Rebuild.aspx

Oh, that’s why the tranny I rebuilt had to be rebuilt. Thanks for all the helpful hints.

— Sam
TX

STURGIS MAYOR STEPS DOWN –

After serving the City of Sturgis for many years, Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen said he has decided to prioritize his life differently and will step down as mayor effective immediately.

“I need more time for family and growth in my faith,” said Carstensen who has a wife and three young boys.

Under the laws of South Dakota, when a mayor resigns, the City Council President steps into the role of mayor. In this case, the city’s Council President is Beka Zerbst. Zerbst has called a special meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, to address the mayor’s resignation and facilitate the appointment of a new mayor.

Carstensen began his time as a public servant in Sturgis in 2009 and served one term on the city council before running for mayor.

He began his 13th year as mayor of Sturgis when he called to order the 2023-2024 session of the Sturgis City Council last May.

Carstensen said it has been a privilege to serve the community.

“We have come a long way from when I first took this seat,” Carstensen said.

From Winter Storm Atlas to the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the mayor has been at the helm for some watershed moments in Sturgis during his tenure.

“I want to thank all of those who have supported me on this journey,” he said.

–Sturgis

MORRIS MAG ON SHOP TALK—

Join Eric on Shop Talk tonight! The show starts at 9 pm EST. You can tune in via Cycle Source’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, or Grease and Gears TV. Thanks to Chris and Heather for their support.

ANOTHER INSPIRING QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.”
~ Anne Frank

Epoch Times

NEW PROJECT Bikernet Reader Comment!-–

VL,XA,FL KNUCKLEHEAD BUILD, PART 5

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/VLXAFL_KNUCKLEHEAD_BUILD_PART_5.aspx

What a fantastic project. I am very impressed with your ingenuity and welding skills. This is one of the trickiest builds I have seen in decades and it does my old blood pumper good to see you are still hard at work building outta-sight creations.

–Shovelhead Dave
davidpittman@live.com
Milwaukee, WI

“Thanks brother. I’m in the throws of final assembly. I took the rear wheel off a half-dozen times yesterday. I’m thinking of John Reed’s rule of the mechanics.” –Bandit

JUST LIKE CALIFORNIA-–

A new bill recently proposed by a Californian assemblywoman would ban children under 12 from riding electric bikes. It would also require riders who are at least 12 and without a driver’s license to complete an online course, take a written test, and get a state ID to operate an e-bike.

This bill is in response to an increasing number of younger riders wanting an e-bike for an efficient way to commute to and from school and have some form of autonomy without having a driver’s license.

If you’re interested in covering this new bill, at what age it is safe for someone to ride an e-bike, and why e-bikes are so appealing to the next generation, CEO Bill Klehm of e-bike manufacturer eBliss Global is available for interview and commentary. eBliss Global is launching its Always Bike brand in auto dealerships across America.

Let me know if you’re interested in interviewing Bill Klehm on this or relating stories. Please find a short bio below.

–Adam Romero
Ericho Communications

“New York wants to Ban E-bikes due to fire hazards.” –Bandit

SPEAKING OF FIRE HAZARDS and EV Bikes—

Funny you should mention a fire hazard… I guess you heard what happened at AIM Expo on the first day: the hall was cleared because of an e-bike battery fire…

–Marilyn Stemp

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WEEK—Eugenio Flammini

–Sam Burns
Photo Editor
Bikernet.com™

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GREASY KULTURE— New issue 97: Todd Asin does it again

He weaves magic with his welder and definitely has the ‘eye’. Todd’s latest build, this stunning ’46 Knuck, won at Born Free last summer and wowed the crowds at the Yokohama Mooneyes show in December.

Every bike that rolls out of his Small City Cycles workshop in Boise, Idaho, is feature-worthy and in new issue 97 you can read all about this show-stopping Harley FL: who said green bikes are unlucky?

SPIED ON THE ROAD— World’s first Production Model Cargo Motorcycle

‘World’s first’ cargo Two-Wheeler aims to be a disruptor in logistics

After around six years of development work, an electric scooter designed to be a cargo carrier, is gearing up for commercial production. Customer trials of this EV, by a Pune city, India, start-up, have begun, and its market introduction is expected during the first half of this year.

Two-wheelers including scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and even bicycles are commonly seen on India’s roads, delivering everything from groceries, medicines, restaurant orders to online orders from the top ecommerce websites. Most private courier delivery companies also empoy two-wheelers. These vehicles work for B2B as well as B2C sectors.

City traffic will always spot these buzzing around trying to get ahead to make maximum deliveries per day. So it is not a rural trend at all, though that’s the fastest growing market for two-wheelers.

Fleet management concepts today already includes a fleet of two-wheelers by entrepreneurs who take up franchises for making deliveries. These are mostly e-bikes with government grants.

Refer Sources:
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/born-in-india-worlds-first-cargo-2w-aims-to-be-a-disruptor-in-logistics/107665852

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet.com™

CHOPPERS MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION SALES—

THE WAIT IS OVER US SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE BACK

New 2024 US domestic subscriptions are available now for issues 15, 16, 17, and 18. We only open up subs for a limited time, so get on it if you don’t want to miss out.

ORDER HERE

[page break]

ABATE of Illinois–Statehouse Update

Always See the latest at
abate-il.org/bills

Thank you to the members who made their voices heard about wanting to continue with email updates. Friday was bill filing deadline, and we’ll have lots to talk about in the coming weeks, but one bill already caught our attention for all the wrong reasons. – Josh “SKI” Witkowski, State Legislative Coordinator.

Want to make your voice heard? Join Us for Legislative Day – April 17th

Representative Daniel Didech proposes Mandatory Helmet Bill for Illinois Motorcyclists

State Representative Daniel Didech snuck in proposed legislation (HB5620) to force motorcyclists in Illinois to wear DOT rated helmets just before bill filing deadline on Friday. The Representative from Buffalo Grove wants to take away your fundamental right to choose what gear to wear when riding.

Legislators return to Springfield February 20th and ABATE will be there to make sure this bill doesn’t move. In the meantime, talk to your friends who live in Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Vernon Hills, and Mundelin to let them know what their State Representative is up to.

Questions email: Legislative@abate-il.org

PAUGHCO AND MONDO BUILDING CAPTAIN AND BILLY BIKES—

That’s right. If you want an improved replica of the classic Easy Rider bikes they are building them. Paughco supplies the parts and Mondo handles the construction.

–Bandit

NEWS FROM THE CO2 COALITION—

This past year, the CO2 Coalition published papers, special reports, as well as filed official comments on important rules and regulations proposed by governmental agencies. Each of these publications represent hundreds of hours in research, writing and editing.

•American Midwest and Climate Change: Life in America’s Breadbasket is Good and Getting Better. This report is the third in our planned series of state and regional studies on how climate change may affect various portions of the United States and the World. We specifically addressed assertions by the 4th U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA4) that the American Midwest will suffer from climate change and found them to be scientifically invalid and contrary to reality.

•Testimony and commentary on the EPA’s Proposed Power Plant Regulations and the Department of Energy’s Proposed Gas Stove Standards helps push science back into the policy debates raging at the federal level.

•Challenging Net Zero with Science. This 55-page paper details how Net Zero Plans are dangerous and unsupported by science. Six hundred million years of geological evidence shows that CO2 levels are near a record low and that atmospheric increases of the gas follow warming periods rather than precede them. This is enough to debunk the notion that CO2 is a dominant driver of global temperatures.

But the hidden power of the CO2 Coalition resides in our large number of active members who publish, present, and speak to advance our message.

This year, our membership has increased to more than 150 distinguished colleagues. We have added 33 new members so far in 2023, including these notable individuals:

•Dr. John Clauser, Ph.D., was recently added to the CO2 Coalition’s Board of Directors. He is the recipient of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics. In a recent lecture to a Korean conference on Quantum Mechanics he stated that “the IPCC is one of the worst sources of dangerous misinformation … I believe that climate change is not a crisis.”

•Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Stafford – Gen. Stafford is best recognized for his efforts in space, having piloted numerous missions, including Gemini 6A and 9A. He was commander of Apollo 10 and Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. His proudest achievement is initiating and leading the American stealth program that culminated in development of the Advanced Tactical Fighter and the F-22A Stealth Fighter.

These and our other distinguished members provide scientific input and have proved invaluable in helping to create our commentaries, educational initiatives and publications.

Our members are like a small army of unpaid staff working tirelessly to advance our message. They are a force multiplier allowing us to punch well above our weight class.
When we receive an op-ed, we run it through our editorial process and then find a top-rated site to publish it. These online sites have included Real Clear Energy, Washington Times, American Thinker, Washington Examiner and many more. After publication, our commentaries are shared widely on websites and newsletters of our allies in the cause.

The commentaries, interviews, publications, and op-eds have put our message before more than an estimated 20 million people this past year. And with your continued support, I believe this number will grow in 2024.

–Greg Wrightstone
Executive Director

BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN—

While in China, an American man is very sexually promiscuous and does not use a condom the entire time he is there.

A week after arriving back home in the States, he wakes one morning to find his penis covered with bright green and purple spots.

Horrified, he immediately goes to see a doctor. The doctor, never having seen anything like this before, orders some tests and tells the man to return in two days for the results.

The man returns a couple of days later and the doctor says, “I’ve got bad news for you, you’ve contracted Mongolian VD. It’s very rare and almost unheard of here in the US, we know very little about it.”

The man looks a little perplexed and says, “Well, give me a shot or something and fix me up, Doc.”

The doctor answers, “I’m sorry, there’s no known cure. We’re going to have to amputate your penis.”

The man screams in horror, “Absolutely not! I want a second opinion!!!”

The doctor replies, “Well, it’s your choice. Go ahead if you want, but surgery is your only option.”

The next day, the man seeks out a Chinese doctor, figuring that he’ll know more about the disease.

The Chinese doctor examines his penis and proclaims, “Ah, yes, Mongolian VD. Vewy lare disease.”

The guy says to the doctor, “Yeah, yeah, I already know that, but what can we do? My American doctor wants to cut off my penis!”

The Chinese doctor shakes his head and laughs. “Stupid American docttah, always want operlate. Make more money dat way. No need amputate!”

“Oh, thank Goodnessd!” the man exclaims.

“Yes,” says the Chinese doctor, “Wait two week. Faw off by itself!”

–Rik Savenko

MOTORCYCLE BANS–Anti-Noise Crusaders In Paris Want A Partial Motorcycle Ban

It’s just the latest battle over combustion-powered two-wheelers in the French capital.

The city council of Paris, France is reportedly considering a partial motorcycle and scooter ban inside the city limits in February 2024.

Electric motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds of all shapes and sizes would not be affected by the proposed ban.

For the many who use scooters and motorcycles for daily affordable commute, Pierre-Yves Bournazel, an official pushing this ban proposes doubling current financial assistance programs to encourage combustion bike riders to try other, quieter forms of transport.

French Federation of Angry Bikers suggests that one of leaders of Ras le Scoot, a group that campaigns against motorbikes in general, works for an e-bike and cargo bike company as his day job (as is clearly shown on the man’s LinkedIn profile). The implication (not an allegation) is corruption and profiting from public office.

Sources:
https://www.rideapart.com/news/707970/paris-motorcycle-scooter-ban-noise/

–Wayfarer
Motorcycle Investigator
Bikernet International News Bureau
Mumbai

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

“A bad day on a bike always beats a good day at the office.”
–Sturgis Rally 2024

Fink Dog Couple!

Get into the Valentine’s & Black Hills Spirit with the 2024 Fink Couple Prairie Dog Shirt

Lawmakers Hit NHTSA on Fuel Economy Proposal—

Late last month, 120 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) slamming proposed changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks.

The proposal by NHTSA would require an industry fleet-wide average for passenger cars and light trucks of roughly 58 miles per gallon by 2032.

The NHTSA proposal came soon after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new emission standards which would effectively require 67.5% of U.S. vehicle sales to be electric by 2032. Congress has attempted legislative action to stop the EPA proposal with H.R. 4468 (Passed on 12/6/23) and S. 3094 The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Acts. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation supports both bills and urges the Senate to follow the lead of the House and pass the bill.

This letter makes it clear that many lawmakers believe NHTSA has overstepped its authority with these proposed guidelines. Lawmakers state, “Nowhere in law did Congress authorize NHTSA to set fuel economy standards that effectively mandate electric vehicles, while at the same time force the internal combustion engine out of the market.”

The letter outlines numerous concerns regarding the quick shift away from internal combustion engines, saying these proposals act as a “De facto mandate for electric vehicles that threatens to raise costs and restrict consumer choice, harm U.S. businesses, degrade our energy and national security and hand the keys of our automotive industry over to our adversaries, especially China.”

The MRF thanks the lawmakers who have pushed back against NHTSA’s attempt to eliminate the internal combustion engine. The MRF also sent a letter to NHTS on this topic back in October, so we are grateful to see legislators addressing this issue.

–MRF

HOLD ON, J.J. HAS A RECOMMENDATION—

Overland letter I just mailed to my so-called “representative” in Congress. THIS is how you write to your Congressman.

Dear Judy Chu; I got your laminated foot-long campaign cardboard sheet placard in the mail a day or two ago. I actually read it. Apparently you are running for Congress and, apparently you having managed to persuade DC to ruin the only drivable corridor in Arcadia….is something you are not only proud of…..you apparently think – or assumed – I would be just as delighted as you at the idea of a 3 million dollar government squander being used to ….make things worse than they already are.

You sent this to me: this notion, this revelation, this plan, this Good Idea you have set into motion….so that I would be all excited and thank you by keeping you on the job via my magical vote. Actually this was mailed to Cecily, but she doesn’t do politics, but let’s say you sent it to me, I’m the one who gets the mail, and I suppose you assumed, since you are sending these to likely every household in Arcadia, I suppose you assumed that the reader would be as entranced by this proposed ruination of the only drivable corridor in Arcadia…..as you are in fact apparently entranced by ruining it.

Let me see if I can guess: you are going to cut it down from four lanes to two. This way when people use it to escape the relentless tie-ups on the freeway right next to it….they can enter an even bigger tie-up on the Co. Blvd corridor that begins at Michellinda. Whereas at the moment they can proceed at an almost normal pace when the 210 turns into long piece of motional statuary. Which it does a hundred times a day.

And let me guess that you’re going to install bike lanes as a courtesy to people who do not have to get a license and an annual registration to have their own lanes in the automobile roadway. You know where they’re going to ride their little bikes? On the sidewalks you are going to install.

They have learned that bike-riders in bike lanes are looked upon as targets of opportunity by the people paying license and registration fees. The sidewalks will also be good for another use: bum, vagrant, illegal, deranged, diseased, violent, crazed, often naked, squatters in blue tents since they are routinely chased off the properties of the “homed” and out of the stores from which they are stealing liquor and cannot be apprehended because THAT’S illegal.

And then there will be the delays due to what will likely be a ten year “improvement schedule” which will entail a multi million dollar cost overrun due to probably a decision to “beautify” an already perfect corridor with “climate-friendly” stonework and cactus down the center of the road.

And you’re actually excited about all this chaos you are creating, just, bam, out of the blue in what you likely consider to be your own personal eureka-moment. I’m supposed to vote for you because of this. Do I have that right?

–J.J. Solari

endo

MRF ROADSHOW STOPS–ABATE of Wisconsin and National Council of Clubs

This past weekend was the annual Officer’s Training for ABATE of Wisconsin. The MRF was well represented at the event. Present were MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Board Member Dave Dwyer, WI State MRF Representative Jen Abraham, Assistant State Reps Cathy Dial, Becky “Quiver” Zarling and Bob “Rooster” Christopherson.

Hardtail presented Wisconsin’s contributions to the MRF and the future of motorcycling. MRF Lobbyist, Rocky Fox was able to give an online presentation regarding the MRF Legislative Agenda via Zoom. This year is ABATE of Wisconsin’s 50th Anniversary and the MRF is proud of our strong relationship.

The annual Winter Meeting for the National Council of Clubs (NCOC) was held in Myrtle Beach, SC this past weekend. Each Winter Meeting the NCOC invites the MRF to join the meeting to renew their commitment to “Bridging the Gap” between Motorcycle Clubs and Motorcycle Rights Organizations.

Present at this year’s meeting were MRF Board Members Russell Radke, Patrick “Chappy” Carver and Seven. Also present was MRF Lobbyist Rocky Fox, who presented with Russell Radke on the MRF Legislative Agenda and the importance of Motorcycle Clubs staying involved with State Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMRO) as we work toward our common goals.

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—SPORTSTER ’10-’22 Streaker-Solo

Low-profile, low-key. The new Streaker seat is a stripped-down solo seat that forgoes any frills for Harley-Davidson riders who prefer an understated look.

The simple, clean lines of the Streaker make it a versatile seat option that looks great on both stock and customized motorcycles.

The finishes are available in Smooth, Diamond or Pleated stitching choices, with the option of contrast stitching for an extra pop of color. The Streaker solo seat also makes a killer canvas for any one of Le Pera’s badass custom options, so let your creativity loose! Underneath, Le Pera’s signature handcrafted, powder-coated 16-gauge steel base plate ensures a perfect fit, while the carpeted bottom protects your motorcycle.

Many other custom materials and stitch graphics are available as well!

No pillion available.

Specs

Driver Seating:
10.5″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
N/A

MSRP:
$307.00

Part Number:
LK-356 [’10-’22] 3.3 Gal Tank
LK-356 [’10-’22] 4.5 Gal Tank

A FINAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

“To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?”
~ Katharine Graham

HERO MOTOCORP– finally gets a podium finish at Dakar Rally

Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters – Hero MotoCorp, has created history becoming the first ever Indian manufacturer team to finish on the podium of the legendary Dakar Rally.

Hero MotoSports Team Rally was formed in 2016 and it participated in its first Dakar Rally in 2017. Over the years, the team has achieved multiple podiums, wins and stage wins at top rally-raids across the world.

In its fifth year at Saudi Arabia, the 2024 edition of Dakar Rally was undoubtedly the toughest so far – longer stages, extreme terrains, and confusing navigation right from the start. Two new formats of racing were also introduced by the organizers to add more spice – a marathon stage early on in the race, and a 48H chrono stage during which the competitors were split across several bivouacs – away from their teams, and surviving on bare minimum essentials. As many as one-third of the competitors who started the race retired from the rally across the 14 days of grind.

To get to a Dakar podium is no small feat – a thousand things need to be right, and yet, each kilometer of these many thousands can destroy a result with a tiny mistake. 8,000 kilometers at the world’s toughest rally conquered with a top-2 result – Hero has made it clear they’re here to stay.

Ross Branch finished the Rally at the second place for the Hero Factory Team. His consistent performance over the 12 stages saw him at the first and second spots in the overall rankings throughout the Rally.

–Wayfarer
Motorcycle Sports Authority
Bikernet.com

THAT’S NOT ALL—But I will keep it short.

I’m just about to wrap up Chapter 7 of my VLXAFL5 build series. I thought for sure my sprotor bolts were 3/8 until… I ordered new ones from McMaster Carr and they were here in two days. I had to machine the heads to fit the indent in the rotor. Hang On.

More machining and the primary drive is in alignment. My issue now is the rear chain. I need more slack.

I walked into an antique store and there was a Rochester Carb. I thought it might act to fill the core requirement for my ’58 Chevy. We have a restored carb on order.

Keith Terry’s new shop coming together in Sturgis.

We rethought the Smith & Wesson pistol purchase and got one with a slightly exposed hammer.

It’s coming down today, like it did all winter last year. We’re supposed to go to a party this evening. It’s looking sketchy…

In the meantime, get involved with your local motorcycle rights organization, so we can ride free next year.

–Bandit

1. GoPro Plans To Launch Its First Tech-Enabled Motorcycle Helmet In 2025

2. GoPro Motorcycle Helmets Will Likely Be Sold To Riders Through Existing GoPro Motorsport-Related Retailers

3. GoPro Plans To Provide Motorcycle Helmet Tech Development Assistance To Other Premium Helmet Manufacturers

4. GoPro Plans To Extend Its Existing Subscription Plan Structures To Its Future Tech-Enabled Motorcycle Helmet Line

5. GoPro’s Current Forcite Helmets Acquisition Timeline Is Q1 Of 2024. GoPro had announced plans to acquire Australian smart helmet maker Forcite Helmets in January 2024.

‘World’s first’ cargo Two-Wheeler aims to be a disruptor in logistics

After around 6 years of development work, an electric scooter designed to be a cargo carrier, is gearing up for commercial production. Customer trials of this EV, by a Pune city, India, start-up, have begun, and its market introduction is expected during the first half of this year.

Two-wheelers including scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and even bicycles are commonly seen on India’s roads, delivering everything from groceries, medicines, restaurant orders to online orders from the top ecommerce websites. Most private courier delivery companies also empoy two-wheelers. These vehicles work for B2B as well as B2C sectors.

City traffic will always spot these buzzing around trying to get ahead to make maximum deliveries per day. So it is not a rural trend at all, though that’s the fastest growing market for two-wheelers.

Fleet management concept includes a fleet of two-wheelers by entrepreneurs who take up franchises for making deliveries.

Popular motorcycle racing series, MotoAmerica, has expanded its 2024 Mission King of the Baggers Championship by adding a new round at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. Scheduled for April 12-13, it will coincide with the third round of the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

This is the first instance where the King of the Baggers event will be showcased to an international audience. This occasion is set against the backdrop of the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, an event that attracts global attention.

The latest battle over combustion-powered two-wheelers in the French capital.

The city council of Paris, France is reportedly considering a partial motorcycle and scooter ban inside the city limits in February 2024.

Electric motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds of all shapes and sizes would not be affected by the proposed ban.

For the many who use scooters and motorcycles to commute, Pierre-Yves Bournazel, an official pushing this ban proposes doubling current financial assistance programs to encourage combustion bike riders to try other, quieter forms of transport.

French Federation of Angry Bikers suggests that one of leaders of Ras le Scoot, a group that campaigns against motorbikes in general, works for an e-bike and cargo bike company as his day job (as is clearly shown on the man’s LinkedIn profile). The implication (not an allegation) is corruption and profiting from public office.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame Names New Executive Director and Board Members

Sturgis, SD – February 13, 2024 – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently announced the appointment of Heidi Haro as Executive Director and four new members of the museum’s board of directors.

“Heidi has tremendous energy along with expertise in delivering superb guest experiences, she’s already bringing great new ideas to her museum team,” said Board President Craig Bailey. “Heidi lives here in the Black Hills, so she knows how special this area is for motorcycle riders.”

Haro has earned bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Social Sciences. She was previously an executive with Aramark, a nationwide food service and facilities administration contractor. During her 14 years with the company, she developed high performance teams focused on delivering great experiences for guests at three universities in South Dakota and Minnesota.

“We want to make sure that every motorcycle fan coming through the Black Hills to know to stop in and connect with the bikes and the stories that live here in the museum,” said Haro. “This is a special place that reflects the spirit of the riding community.”

“I grew up in a family that loved the outdoors, so outdoor recreation, like motorcycling, holds a special place for me,” she continued. Haro started spending summers in the Black Hills in 1998 and moved to the area full time 4 years ago. She has four children and seven grandchildren. In her new role, Haro has a seat on the Museum’s board.

The Sturgis Museum Board also named several new members to its board of directors.

Keith Ball, a military veteran, former editorial director of Easyrider’s Magazine and currently the owner of Bandit’s Bikernet, joined the board and has taken the position of Secretary. Ball an accomplished writer and novelist, is well known in the motorcycle industry for his stunning custom bikes and his influence on custom culture through a variety of media, including print, television and online. Ball lives in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Ari Levenbaum is co-owner and CEO of the American Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers (AAMIL), known as the Law Tigers. He started working part-time for the organization in 2002 while also working as a full-time middle school teacher. He ultimately purchased an interest in AAMIL in 2014 and became COO at that time. As a rider, Ari has a unique understanding of the motorcycle community, which is reflected in his role with the Law Tigers. He lives in Arcadia, Arizona.

Scott Peterson, is the founder of Scott Peterson Motors in Sturgis and Belle Fourche, SD, an auto and truck retailer in the area. Peterson operated the award-winning dealerships for three decades until selling them recently. Peterson has been a driving force in the Sturgis community and is noted for his commitment to business excellence and his dedication to uplifting the lives of those around him.

Kirk Willard has been President and Board Chairman of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the predominant rider’s rights organization in the country, since 2006. His involvement in motorcyclists’ rights goes back further than that, as he has held membership and leadership positions in rights groups throughout the country. Willard was awarded the Freedom Fighter Award by the Sturgis Museum in 2018. He lives in Wausau, Wisconsin and has ridden to the Sturgis Rally 38 times.

The other members of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum board of directors are Craig Bailey (President), Mark Carstensen (representing the City of Sturgis), Paul Fosdyck (Treasurer), Darcy Harbott, Scott Jacobs, Chuck Potts, Irv Stone (Vice President), Tim Sutherland, Vinny Terranova, Keith Terry and Rod Woodruff.

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