Direct from the Streets by Bandit Hey, We receive comments from readers daily. Some controversial, some informative and some tech questions, but they’re all good. Since the Bikernet Weekly News tomorrow will be a monster and we have some special letters, I decide to create this special column. The Sturgis Rally just ended and I’m also trying to get my head around a report. Hang On! Visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Reader_Comments.aspx

* * *

Bikers Can Make A Difference by Rogue

Do You remember the COMMEMORATIVE SPECIAL BIKERS FOR TRUMP – From The Editors of EASYRIDERS in the Spring of 2017?

That magazine was a big hit when it came out and many people believe it helped get Trump elected President.

I have been getting a lot of e-mails asking if the organization BIKERS FOR TRUMP is still around, and I am happy to say it is. I was heavily involved in the starting of and supporting it and still do. As a matter of fact, I am still one of the Moderators in Florida.

Read this important note from the Senior Editor at Bikernet.com by clicking here.
or go here https://www.bikernet.com/pages/BIKERS_FOR_TRUMP.aspx

* * *

URGENT MOTORCYCLE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Shops, Industry and the Rest of Us Need to be Involved!

Everything you own is seemingly being co-owned by someone else–you need to take a look at Right to Repair, Right to Modify, mandating renewable fuel for everyone, banning and targeting of ICE engine motorcycles, lack of support for existing owner of ICE engine rides, legislating destruction of ICE vehicles–the modern day book-burning witch-hunt, harassment and laws against ICE motorcycle enablers such as parts, aftermarket, mechanics, independent garages, tooling and small manufacturing industry, small shops and swap meets, etc.

So visit this article on Bikernet.com and review what the MRF and NCOM is trying to do for your freedom, your rights. Then go out and support them if you want to ride free forever.

Visit: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/URGENT_MOTORCYCLE_LEGISLATIVE_ISSUES_.aspx

* * *

We have a whole section of Motorcycling Rights News dating back to when your grandfather taught you to sit still on his motorcycle and smile–visit and read for free at: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/bikernet_rights.aspx

 

Hey,

We won’t produce a news column this week. It’s pandemonium on the Streets of the biggest, baddest motorcycle rally in the world. There’s more to do in the rolling Black Hills than you can shake a dozen sticks at.

There are demo rides from every manufacturer, every product on the planet is represented, racing everywhere, parties, 50 concerts, the girls, the custom motorcycle shows, the rides in the region are magnificent, Hillclimbs, the brotherhood, the freedom fighters, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and every year the Buffalo Chip extravaganza.

Of course, what did the Bikernet crew do? They bought a building right on Main Street in downtown Sturgis and called it Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium. Then all hell broke loose. We invited Danial James the accomplished artist and creator to display his Art. He has helped Scott Jacobs and his family for over 20 years.

Before that he was David Uhl’s partner for 27 years.

Throughout this week we learned so much. Danial James created the Scott Jacob’s logo and David Uhl’s Logo. Well, he’s going to create the Friends of the Museum Logo. Hang on as we roll into the coming year with Danial’s magnificent art in Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium.

And don’t miss the Bikernet Weekly News next Thursday. It will be a monster.

Then plans for preparations will be all about heading to BMST in Bonneville, the last week in August.

Ride Fast and Free Forever,

–Bandit

* * *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get up and Get Ready for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!

HUGE credit goes to our engineering, procurement, and production teams for getting these updated V2s complete and ready to roll for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Get ready for a wild week in Sturgis, South Dakota August 2-10 for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Come see, feel, and hear the newest Buell Super Cruisers. You won’t want to miss it.

Come meet the team and hear about our latest development progress towards production model of the Buell Super Cruiser.

V2 (Version 2) Super Cruiser Prototypes are currently testing at:

175 HP
100 FT-LBS OF TORQUE
475 LBS. WEIGHT
ON THE BUELL 1190CC V-TWIN ENGINE

Meet us for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
August 2-10!

Where we are at:
Downtown Sturgis (Across from J&P Cycles
1721 Lazelle Street Sturgis, SD 57785
Black Hills Harley-Davidson
2820 Harley Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702

Calling All Riders: Spot our Super Cruiser in the Wild for a Chance to Win a Free Merch Kit

A fleet of Buell’s Super Cruisers are on their way to Sturgis, and you could win a free merch kit if you spot them in the wild!

You heard right; from August 2nd to 11th, the legendary Black Hills of South Dakota will soon host our Super Cruiser fleet. We’re bringing the heat, the attitude, and the sheer thrill of riding a Buell to where riders from every corner of the world come together to celebrate their shared passion. We’re not just into building motorcycles; we’re building a community, and that community starts with you.

Spot the Super Cruiser, Score the Swag

We want you to capture the spirit of Buell on your own terms, so we’re launching the #2024SturgisBuellCrew Challenge to keep things interesting.

Here’s how you can enter the contest:

Spot Us: Keep your eyes peeled for our Super Cruisers cruising the streets, parked at iconic spots, or even just fueling up.

Snap It: Capture your best photo or video of the Super Cruiser fleet – creativity encouraged!

Share It: Post your photo/video on social media and tag us using the hashtag #2024SturgisBuellCrew.

Each post is an entry to win a Buell merch kit packed with exclusive gear; we’ll be choosing winners throughout the rally, so get snapping and sharing!

For more information on company updates, please visit our website at BuellMotorcycle.com, and/or follow Buell via our social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , Twitter, and our new connection on Reddit.

* * *

TELL EM BIKERNET.COM SENT YA— FIND BANDIT’S EMPORIUM AT STURGIS AND SHARE A PIC WITH US–WIN A FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER

BKFC will make their highly anticipated debut with BKFC-63 on Saturday, August 3 at the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip promoted with Grunt Style apparel at the iconic 84th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Shock Talk: We are Here in Sturgis, Tie-downs & Podcast

COME SEE US AT THE RALLY AT EXIT 55!
Now- August10th

We are set up at the famous Black Hills Harley-Davidson in the Vendor Lot, doing FREE INSTALLS and answering your suspension questions.

Purchase your Rear Shocks and/or Front Fork Cartridges, and you’ll not only get Free Installation but also the chance to earn a $50 Gift Certificate of your choice. Ask Mike when you see him!

CALL today to schedule your FREE INSTALL

Appointment at this iconic event!

727.233.3610

SuspensionTechnologies.com

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Info
Events & Holidays

8/1: Universal B-day 4 Shelter Dogs
8/7: Purple Heart Day
8/19: National Aviation
8/20: National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
8/24: National Waffle Day
8/26: National Dog Day
8/30: National Beach Day

Suspension Technologies 2024 Rally Schedule!
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, July 31st- August 10th.
The Rally at Exit 55- Black Hills Harley-Davidson Vendor Lot.

Smoke-Out, September 5th – 8th.
Salsberry North Carolina. Rowan County Fairgrounds.

Trike-Tober / Bike-Tober October 11th – 20th.
Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson. Main Parking Lot.

Gator Harley Fall Rally, November 8th – 10th.
Gator Harley-Davidson, Leesburg FL. Front Main Parking Lot.

* * *

TELL ‘EM BIKERNET.COM SENT YA AND COME SEE BANDIT’S EMPORIUM AT STURGIS OR DIE TRYIN’.

Factory Tours return and see how you can squeeze out a little more fun out of the season over Labor Day weekend
Plus, MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant at the Harley-Davidson Museum is cooking up a new menu!

MILWAUKEE, USA (August 1, 2024) – The wait is over. Factory Tours at the legendary Pilgrim Roam Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls have returned. And now you can start making plans to see how the heartbeat of a legend is born as tour reservations for Aug. 5 and beyond are available now. This is your chance to “Walk the Line” and enjoy an all-new tour at Harley-Davidson’s legendary Powertrain Operations (PTO) factory in Menomonee Falls, Wis. With add-on options like the famed “Engines 101” class plus the chance to shop limited-edition items at PTO, don’t delay in securing your spot for this in-depth experience.

And fire up the group chat for your Labor Day weekend plans! Ladies Night Bike Night, a Factory Outlet Sale, the scorching BBQ & Blues sessions and more give you the chance to send off summer in style. Bop your way through a night of ’80s hits from MIXTAPE on Thursday, Aug. 29 and pop into the H-D® Factory Outlet Sale (conveniently located above MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant in Rumble) for a completely boss kickoff to your holiday weekend. On Saturday, Aug. 31 the free tunes at our weekly BBQ & Blues gathering will keep the good vibes rocking thanks to tunes from Donna Woodall. Finally, log some miles and create some smiles in the saddle to help our brothers and sisters on the front lines of freedom as The Big Unit’s Poker Run – benefitting Fisher House Wisconsin – launches from campus.

Make your reservations now to see what Chef Doug Stringer has been cooking up for the all-new menu at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant. In addition to August’s specials (see below for more), Monday, Aug. 5 also marks the debut of a new menu from MOTOR with the introduction of some new classics and the revival of a few throwback favs. See why OpenTable diners recently named MOTOR as a Diners’ Choice winner.

Finally, the H-D Museum wants to thank all our guests and sponsors who made this year’s Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival one for the ages: Rockford Fosgate / Dunlop Motorcycle Tires / Twisted Tea / Wisconsin Lottery / Official Harley-Davidson Trucks / American Metal Whiskey / Eagle Rider / H-D™ Road King™ NA pilsner / the Molson Coors family of beverages / H-D Visa / V-Twin Visionary / Mission Foods / Real Deal Revolution Workshoppes and Harley-Davison Insurance Services. Mark your calendars for next year’s bash – July 10 – 13.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Labor Day Weekend at the Harley-Davidson Museum, Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
Bike Night – Ladies Night, Thursday, Aug. 29
Kick off your holiday weekend with a Bike Night built for the ladies. Join us for a night of sky-high hair and neon leg warmers as MIXTAPE, a radical ’80s cover band, goes totally tubular. Grab a cold one or some hot concessions outside on the plaza or enjoy the full menu inside MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant.

H-D® Factory Outlet Sale,* Thursday, Aug 29 – Saturday, Aug. 31
Gear up for the fall riding season at our upcoming H-D® Factory Outlet Sale. Snag unbeatable deals on Harley-Davidson® merchandise and gear from Thursday through Saturday. The sale is conveniently located on the second level in Rumble, and ample parking is available. Don’t miss out on this chance to plus-up your fall wardrobe!

BBQ & Blues, Saturday, Aug. 31, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Get ready to shake your money maker on Saturday night at our weekly BBQ & Blues session featuring Donna Woodall. Enjoy scorching-hot live blues music on our scenic patio along the Menomonee River while savoring delectable, smoky BBQ from MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. It’s the perfect pairing for the warm summer nights. And there’s no cover!

Big Unit Poker Run, Sunday, Sept. 1, same-day registration opens at 8 a.m.; kickstands up at 11 a.m.
Finish off the weekend by joining Bill “The Big Unit” Michaels to raise funds for Fisher House Wisconsin, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the construction and operation of Fisher Houses across the state, a “home away from home” where active military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. Enjoy, grab-and-go breakfast prior to the ride and finish off your day at Roc Ventures / LUXE Golf in Franklin with a concert headlined by Jackyl.

*Valid only for onsite use in the H-D® Factory Outlet at the H-D Museum on purchase of select, discontinued men’s and women’s Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® merchandise and select official licensed products. Not valid for online purchases; not valid in the Harley-Davidson® Shop at the H-D Museum. Prices as marked in the H-D® Factory Outlet. Sale prices valid from Thursday, August 29, 2024 – Saturday, August 31, 2024. While supplies last. Offer not valid on previously purchased merchandise. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion. Offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Thursday Bike Night Concert Series, Thursdays, 5 – 9 p.m. through September
All bikes unite every Thursday night at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Grab your bike. Join your fellow riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands, fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and drink. All wheels welcome. Powered by: Rockford Fosgate® Motorcycle Audio, Twisted Tea® Hard Iced Tea, American Metal Whiskey, Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires, H-D Insurance, Wisconsin Lottery® & Official Harley-Davidson™ Trucks.

Aug. 1 – Aermacchi / small-displacement night with American Progress (Rock)
Aug. 8 – Choppers night with Local Legends (Ska)
Aug. 15 – Dyna night with Doozey (Rock)
Aug. 22 – Custom Baggers with Trapper Schoepp’s Tribute to Tom Petty (Tribute)
Aug. 29 – Ladies Bike Night and Labor Day weekend kickoff with Mixtape (80’s Covers)

Saturday Demo Rides, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through September
Visit the Museum campus on Saturdays to experience the fun and freedom of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Riders with their motorcycle endorsement/license will be able to choose from a dozen of the latest and greatest #FreedomMachines from Harley-Davidson, including Touring, Cruiser, Adventure Touring and Sportster® models. A pre-determined scenic route through the Menomonee Valley will give riders the chance to explore the H-D Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders and passengers must be at least 18 years of age. All riders (and passengers) must wear a helmet, eye protection, shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes with heel strap. All riders and passengers must bring their own riding gear. If the weather is looking dubious, stay tuned to the H-D Museum’s social channels or call 877-436-8738 for updates. Powered by: H-D Insurance, Rockford Fosgate® Motorcycle Audio & Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires.

Factory Tours
Harley-Davidson Factory Tours in Wisconsin are back and better than ever! Beginning Monday, August 5, guests are invited to “Walk the Line” and enjoy an all-new guided tour of the Powertrain Operations factory in Menomonee Falls, Wis. This tour takes place on the actual factory floor. The sights and sounds of the manufacturing of H-D® engines and transmissions is an experience like no other. This is a walking tour lasting about one hour. Safety googles and vests are provided. Fully enclosed walking shoes are required (1-inch heels max). Our highly rated ‘Engines 101” Class is also back in session! Tours and classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays (excluding major holidays).
Advance reservations are required. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum Web Store to make yours. Private group reservations may be arranged for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call 414-287-2789 for more information or reach out to us at groups@h-dmuseum.com.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“Creating a Legend: Art & Engineering at Harley-Davidson” (now open)
At Harley-Davidson, design and engineering work together to create machines with big emotional impact. Functional improvements fuel changes in look and feel, yet visual or market desires also shape operating innovations. The process of how ideas move from concept to prototype, and production involves a lot of people and many kinds of materials. From pencil and paper to CAD, clay, and 3-D printing, see how Harley-Davidson design and engineering teams have envisioned iconic products for over 120 years. You can also take the opportunity to create your own masterpiece with sketch paper and hang your artwork in the H-D Museum.

Google Arts & Culture
Keep the celebration of Willie G. rolling! A tireless artist, enthusiastic rider, and grandson of a co-founder of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Willie G. Davidson is celebrated the world over for his contributions to the sport of motorcycling. Take a tour of the life and legacy of Harley-Davidson legend Willie G. in our latest Google Arts and Culture exhibit and get to know this creator of legendary H-D® motorcycles and iconic designs.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
We’re excited to be launching new items to our daily MOTOR menu! We’ve paired feedback from our valued guests along with the distinct vision from Executive Chef Doug Stringer to create a string of greatest hits. Look out for many new dishes (and for a few throwback classics) on MOTOR’s redesigned menu beginning on Monday, Aug. 5. With some new smoky flavors, entree options including pasta deliciousness, as well as a shareable dessert fit for a king – we’re taking MOTOR to new levels. Stay tuned for more information before the big debut!

August Specials (available Aug. 1)
Appetizers:
Socks on a Jersey Giant Chicken Wings
1-lb jumbo chicken wings, seasoned, smoked and then fried to a crisp. Tossed with a habanero dry rub and topped with bird’s-eye chili crisp, served with celery, carrots and ranch or bleu cheese dressing.
Bacon & Reaper Popper Dip
Creamy & cheesy Carolina reaper dip topped with bacon jalapeño jam and served with grilled flatbread & crostini.

Sandwich:
Pickled Pepper Pork Po’Boy
Smoked pork shoulder & belly, hand pulled and tossed with spitfire BBQ sauce, topped with pickled scotch bonnet slaw. Served with a side of french fries.

Dessert:
Chipotle & Dark Chocolate Brownie Sundae

Chipotle pepper and dark-chocolate brownie served with a chili-raspberry sorbet & crème fraiche anglaise.

1903 Events
Let 1903® Events sweeten your next event this fall and winter! For any new events that book before August 31, 2024, and for any date through the end of the year, guests will receive 50% off their dessert order (up to 150 guests). This offer applies to all of the unique spaces on the H-D Museum™ campus and may include items from our current dessert menu, including our delicious cookies and brownies. Other sweet options include a cupcake bar, float station and more. To inquire about this offer or to book your next event, reach out to us online or call 877-436-8738.

Save the Dates:
Homecoming 2025, July 10 – 13

Saddlemen set for AFT AdventureTrackers with Garcia and Eslick on Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special

Long Beach, CA (July 24, 2024) – Saddlemen Race Development is pleased to announce the expansion of our racing efforts to the Progressive American Flat Track Series in the recently announced AFT AdventureTrackers class to be held at the Sturgis TT on Sunday, August 11. Adventure bikes are the fastest growing two-wheel segment, and with proven success on the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special in the MotoAmerica SuperHooligans National Championship, the Saddlemen R&D Team had no hesitation putting together a program for the Sturgis TT.

Riding the #14 Harley-Davidson Pan America is former Saddlemen Race Development bagger racer Frankie Garcia. Garcia has a long history of big bike racing with a background in Super Hooligan flat track and road racing as well as being one of the pioneers of the very popular Mission King of the Baggers Championship.

“I’ve been psyched about this since I heard the first rumors about it,” says Garcia. “I’m a big supporter and fan of American Flat Track and love seeing the series evolve and expand into something new and exciting on top of their already established twins and singles classes. When I heard rumors about this new Adventure Tracker class, I was quick to ring the crew at Saddlemen and Harley-Davidson to try and put something together. I truly believe the H-D Pan America along with Saddlemen’s knowledge of the bike will be key to having success in this new class and I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Joining Garcia on an identically prepared Harley-Davidson Pan America will be Oklahoma’s Danny Eslick. Eslick, a multi time Daytona 200 winner and road racing champion, flat track racer and former bagger racer will be an incredible asset to the team at the Sturgis TT.

“This is really cool for me and sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun,” Eslick explained. “I think with all my different backgrounds in racing so many styles of bikes and disciplines, this kind of racing will be right up my alley. I’m stoked for the opportunity to be a part of something new in the AFT series and hopefully I’ll be able to come out on top.”

Saddlemen Race Development would like to thank our sponsors and partners in our effort to go AFT AdventureTracker racing including Harley-Davidson, Screamin’ Eagle, Mission Foods, Motul, NAMZ Custom Cycle Products, Bell Helmets, Barnett Clutches, Regina Chain, K&N Filter, Suicide

About Saddlemen: Saddlemen is an American company based in Long Beach, California, specializing in motorcycle seats and luggage. Known as the “Gel Seat Experts” since 1987, our goal has been to improve comfort, control, and overall riding experience for millions of motorcyclists worldwide.

With over 200 employees, we are riders and builders who enjoy practically everything motorcycle. Over the last 35 years, the Saddlemen team has participated in everything from Flat Track to MotoGP. As many people already know, racing is one of the best places to test new products, and at Saddlemen, every trip to the racetrack or smooth ride on the open road is an opportunity to refine the products we are proud to share with our customers.

Boss is so busy, he started another shop to get busy with business.

In the news this week, Bandit watches an old Science Fiction movie again and draws comparison to the current chaos on planet Earth regarding our oxygen levels. Can you guess the name of that flick based on a novelette by Philip K Dick–the author didn’t have such a cool name for it.

MRF reminds you about the politics of motorcycles and your rights that you need to defend instead of waiting for shit to hit your fan. Trust them, it will get worse if you keep assuming someone else is to take care of these liberties and freedoms. IMA informs you, you own your vehicle and hence should be able to repair it without the meddling of the company you buy any vehicle from. Yup, they won’t even let you repair things you thought you owned. Join the freedom movements at grassroots levels and ride their corporate ass up Wall-Street. What does AMA think of right-to-repair? Read the news to know more.

AMA got a sponsor in Yamaha because according to a birdie, Harley-Davidson is too busy sponsoring woke nonsense / nuisance. Well, we can only vouch for the AMA news though.

Why not go watch wild motorcycle stuff in the bastion of wild motorcycle stuff — Sturgis Buffalo Chip. There’s a Daredevil Wednesday coming up. Lot more events this summer, so check the news for ’em all. Hey, check out the photos and report on Ball Jr’ biker event Hellraiser–what a success in just the second year running.

Also in this big fat news, there are some interesting quotes, emails, art, general knowledge, history, parts-tech mystery, bad jokes and even lyrics for your entertainment. Lifestyle Cycles has got a cool motobike for you this week–if you tell ’em Bikernet.com sent ya, they will let you ride it too. Our coverage of Sturgis Motorcycle Museum will appear on the museum website each week –so tell ’em how much you enjoy it when you get there. Can you spot Bandit’s bike on the shelf at the museum? Send us a photo and tell Bandit you wanted to buy it but now its better suited for the museum.

American Prime Mfg and Kodlin are still making new trinkets to make your motorcycle move better–okay–they are great motorcycle parts–but tell the wife its trinkets when she sees the charges on your credit card. Buy her a Spirit Bell from 5-Ball Racing Shop—it will keep the devil out of her head and heart. Do you know what is a bedroll? Do you know what is a horse? Well, ride anyways, but check out the insight into the making of the Commander’s bedroll meant for serious riding in a posse to a place where no one knows your name.

As mentioned in the dissing subtitle, the 5-Ball Emporium is coming together and filling up fast…..with stuff that needs to be sold. So check it out when you are in Sturgis and ask for a free subscription to the Bikernet weekly newslettter. He might just oblige.

Well, what’s more to say than–click here and read the news already!

Yours truly,
Wayfarer
Minion-at-large

* * * *