new fiction from Gearhead and Bandit

Late into the night on Christmas Eve, he cut a quick dusty trail on the old chopper to make it home before the dawn of Christmas day. He left the Gulf burning rubber under the sliver of a moonlit night. Hooking along a southern highway headed north, he figured about 80 miles an hour. He’d slice through 4 to 5 hours, with two gas stops. About 200 miles into the trip, the Eastern seaboard faced a nasty blizzard push ashore. He pulled the Pan into a wet, wind-swept gas station to top her off. Cold and damp to the bone, he pulled the Santa suit out of his saddlebags. It’s all he had to enhance his layered protection.

Click here to read this adventure only on Bikernet.com

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Ohio Powers Up Consumer Choice in Vehicle Market as Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

In a major victory for consumer freedom, the Ohio General Assembly passed SAN-supported legislation ensuring Ohioans, not the government, decide what vehicles best suit their needs. The bill, H.B. 201, prohibits any state or local government entity from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

Following its passage through the legislature, H.B. 201 now awaits the crucial decision of Governor Mike DeWine, who will either sign it into law or issue a veto. This bill represents a significant step forward for proponents of consumer choice, who believe individuals should have the right to select the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle and budget, regardless of its fuel type. Ohioans: send a letter to Governor DeWine requesting his support for the bill!

Click here to contact your officials.

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She waited for him by the blazing fireplace, half naked on the bear skin rug. Wearing only a red garter belt and matching corset, she loved their warm rustic cabin by the lake.

Her old man worked on the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. A true blue rough-neck just like his daddy before him, Blue was a half-blood Choctaw and English. A big man about 6 foot 4 inches, he packed muscles everywhere from working rigs all his life. His first leave in months, he readied himself to ride back to see his sweet Caroline in their cozy cabin by the lake.

He faced a 300 mile trip to the Carolinas, and his candy apple red 1964 Panhead chopper rested under an oily tarp in a rig tool shed waiting for her master. Blue painted the Panhead after the color of Caroline’s ruby red lipstick to always remember why he worked hard.

Late into the night on Christmas Eve, he cut a quick dusty trail on the old chopper to make it home before the dawn of Christmas day. He left the Gulf burning rubber under the sliver of a moonlit night. Hooking along a southern highway headed north, he figured about 80 miles an hour. He’d slice through 4 to 5 hours, with two gas stops.

About 200 miles into the trip, the Eastern seaboard faced a nasty blizzard push ashore. He pulled the Pan into a wet, wind-swept gas station to top her off. Cold and damp to the bone, he pulled the Santa suit out of his saddlebags. It’s all he had to enhance his layered protection. Slipping it on under his dripping chaps and over his 5-Ball racing leather vest, he looked the part of a weathered biker Santa.

Caroline waited patiently for the half breed Indian with anticipation. She kept the fire in the stone hearth stoked, while gazing desperately out the cabin window. Snow flurries blew sideways as blizzard conditions engulfed the coast. Suddenly scared, she wondered would Blue make it home for Christmas?

She grabbed a thick furry robe and put on some soft music by Neil Diamond. Nervously listening to his greatest hits, Caroline knelt by the frosty window and waited. Suddenly, through the roar of the winter storm winds she heard the faint rumble of fishtail pipes in the distance. Thunder claps closer and closer, she strained near the fogged glass to listen for that powerful sound in the storm.

Blue squinted through his steamed wet riding glasses and hunted for the line on the asphalt highway. About to freeze his nuts off, he peered through the sideways flying sheets of snow for her road sign giggling in the wind. What is it about love and romance, about the touch of a woman that drives a man to risk life and limb to conquer the unimaginable to be by her side?

Leather gloved hands frozen to the bars, he slid up to the thick wooden door of the cabin sideways and nearly lost control of the old Pan. Still upright, he kicked the side-stand down, shook off the snow, put on his Santa hat and stomped into to the cabin.

“Have you been a good girl this year?” Cold Blue Santa said.

“Why don’t you come down here and find out,” Caroline hauntingly whispered. The song Sweet Caroline filled the room.

If this year’s holiday discussions veer toward energy and climate issues, I’ve got you covered. Here are 25 facts that will make any honest person think twice about today’s anti-fossil-fuel narrative.

As you sit down at the dinner table this holiday season, I expect many of you will find yourselves in conversations about energy and climate with friends and family who may have come to inaccurate conclusions, in part because they are missing a lot of the relevant facts.

So, I’ve compiled 25 true, succinct, powerful facts about energy and and climate. Each “Power Fact” has significant implications and should make any honest person think twice about the anti-fossil-fuel narrative.

Together these facts show that the world needs more, not less, fossil fuels for as many people as possible to be productive, prosperous, and safe from climate—a job that cannot be done by unreliable solar and wind.

The 25 Power Facts are organized into 4 categories:

· Fossil fuels make us far safer from climate. (4 facts)

· Global fossil fuel use is increasing, and the energy-poor world needs even more to power life-saving machines. (5 facts)

· The “green” movement catastrophizes the future climate side-effects of fossil fuels, which are completely masterable. (8 facts)

· Unreliable solar and wind are not anywhere near able to replace fossil fuels. (8 facts)
Fossil fuels make us far safer from climate.

1. Annual deaths from climate-related causes (extreme temperature, drought, flood, storms, wildfires) have declined 98% over the last 100 years, even as CO2 levels have risen.¹

2. Even though Earth has gotten 1°C warmer in the last century, deaths from cold outnumber deaths from heat by 5-15x. Cold is more dangerous than heat on every continent. Even in especially hot countries such as India, cold-related deaths significantly exceed heat-related deaths.²

3. Near-term global warming is expected to decrease temperature-related mortality, avoiding more cold-related deaths than it will cause heat-related deaths—as it has over the past two decades.³

4. Despite many incentives for global climate-related damages to go up—preferences for riskier areas, government bailouts—GDP-adjusted climate-related damages are flat.⁴

Global fossil fuel use is increasing, and the energy-poor world needs even more to power life-saving machines.

5. Fossil fuel use is 80% of the world’s energy and still growing despite 100+ years of aggressive competition and 20+ years of political hostility and massive solar and wind favoritism.⁵

6. There is a desperate need for far more of the global-scale cost-effective energy that only fossil fuels can provide near-term: ⅓ of the world uses wood and animal dung for heating and cooking, and 3 billion use less electricity than a typical American refrigerator.⁶

7. Since 1980, India’s fossil fuel use has increased by >700% and China’s by >600%. In the same time frame, India’s life expectancy increased by 17 years and China’s by 14. ⁷

8. China, which uses mostly coal to produce “green” tech, has over 300 planned new coal plants designed to last over 40 years.⁸

9. Even nations with little or no fossil fuel resources have used fossil fuels to develop and prosper. E.g., South Korea (83% fossil fuels), Japan (85% fossil fuels), Singapore (99% fossil fuels).⁹

The “green” movement catastrophizes the future climate side-effects of fossil fuels, which are completely masterable.

10. Climate warming is concentrated in colder areas of the world (such as the Arctic), during colder times of day, and during colder seasons. (This means that future warming will occur more in cold situations where it saves lives than in hot situations where it causes problems.)¹⁰

11. The most extreme UN sea level rise projections are just 3 feet in 100 years. (This is a completely masterable level.) There are already 100 million people on Earth living below high-tide sea level.¹¹

12. Mainstream estimates say hurricanes will be less frequent and between 1-10% more intense at 2° C warming. (This is not at all catastrophic if we continue our fossil-fueled climate mastery.)¹²

13. The latest data on global hurricane frequency and intensity (Klotzbach et al 2022) shows no significant alarming upward trend.¹³

14. It is common for leading media outlets to deliberately misrepresent the flat long-term hurricane trend. E.g., the New York Times cherry-picked a starting point—the low point of 1980—to make a flat trend seem upward.¹⁴

15. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have made the point that any increases in hurricane frequency in records are likely due to increasing reporting, not actual frequency.¹⁵

16. The US Annual Heat Wave Index from the EPA has said, “Longer-term records show that heat waves in the 1930s remain the most severe in recorded U.S. history.” (Today’s “reporting” would give you no indication that this is the case.)¹⁶

17. Mainstream science is unanimous that the warming impact of CO2 diminishes (“logarithmically”) as it increases in concentration. Every new molecule of CO2 we add to the atmosphere has less of a warming effect than the previous one.¹⁷

Unreliable solar and wind are not anywhere near able to replace fossil fuels.

18. Battery backup for solar and wind is so expensive that just 3 days of global backup using Elon Musk’s Megapacks would cost $570 trillion, about 6X global GDP.¹⁸

19. Solar and wind never provide the exact amount of electricity that is needed. Electricity requires exactly matching supply and demand, and solar and wind on their own exactly match supply with demand 0% of the time.¹⁹

20. Even mild increases in demand for critical minerals involving solar and wind have led to scaling issues and cost increases. (What will the unprecedented demand increases of “net zero” plans lead to?)²⁰

21. “Net zero” plans to scale solar and wind involve more than doubling the supply of half a dozen major mined materials per decade—even though they can’t point to any examples of any major mined mineral doubling that fast, even with pro-development governments.²¹

22. 6 days after pledging to go all-EVs, California Governor Gavin Newsom told residents there wasn’t enough power to charge their EVs.²²

23. 80% of the world’s energy is not electricity. For non-electricity energy, solar and wind either can’t do what fossil fuel can—e.g., airplanes or cargo ships—or are far more expensive.²³

24. Our dependence on China for key components of solar, wind, and batteries is far greater than our dependence on Russia for fossil fuels.²⁴

Geographical distribution of the global EV battery supply chain

25. Far from out-competing fossil fuels, solar and wind are growing fast only when given massive government preferences—mandates, subsidies, and no penalty for unreliability—along with crippling government punishments of fossil fuels.²⁵

SOURCE: https://alexepstein.substack.com/

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I am a chemical engineer who once did research on removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the emissions of industrial plants or directly from the atmosphere. But I now see CO2 as a critical plant food necessary for all of life on Earth. Frankly, the more the better.

In my former career, I presented my research on optimizing a CO2 capture system for a coal-fired power plant in the 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting. I also contributed to a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, which involved integrating a natural gas power plant with CO2 capture systems.

Despite my career path, I was skeptical about the popular theory of human-induced climate change. Furthermore, at the time, I had a generally positive view of fossil fuels. In fact, my Ph.D. research was funded by Chevron, a descendant of the Standard Oil Co. and among the archvillains of those predicting overheating from emissions of CO2.

Nonetheless, it was not until I read a CO2 Coalition paper titled “Challenging ‘Net Zero’ with Science” that my eyes were fully opened. The authors’ arguments were based on rigorous scientific inquiry. They concluded that CO2 and fossil fuels are beneficial, that there is no climate crisis, and that “net zero” policies seeking the elimination of CO2 emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas are detrimental – even dangerous.

I was struck most by the benefits of CO2, which was something I had not put much thought into. CO2 is essential for plant growth and food production. In fact, doubling atmospheric CO2 from today’s concentrations of approximately 400 parts per million (ppm) to 800 ppm could increase food production by 40-60%.

The CO2 Coalition paper referenced the works of Dr. Sherwood B. Idso. After digging deeper, I found out about experiments with sour orange trees performed by Drs. Idso and Bruce A. Kimball (published in 1993, 1997, and 2001). Compared to trees in ambient air, ones exposed to air enriched with CO2 concentrations of 700 ppm grew 2.75 times larger at the end of the second year, 2.0 times larger at the end of the fifth, and 1.8 times larger after nine years. Beginning in the third year, fruit production for CO2-enriched trees was 25 times greater and eventually averaged to almost twofold through the entire life cycle of the plant.

Higher concentrations of CO2 also reduce plants’ loss of water vapor through lowered transpiration rates, where transpiration refers to the exchange of oxygen for CO2 through openings in leaves known as stomata. In other words, higher concentrations of CO2 increase plants’ resistance to drought. This, in turn, means that more moisture remains in the soil and has been partially credited with a global decline in wildfire. This phenomenon was confirmed through research published in 2003, where the water-use efficiency of sour orange trees exposed to CO2 concentrations of 700 ppm increased by 80% compared to those exposed to ambient air.

As for fossil fuels, their benefits are seemingly endless. First, they are reliable and cheap sources of energy. And their combustion emits the CO2 that is salutary to plant growth.

What was new to me is the role of fossil fuels in providing fertilizers and pesticides critical to growing the food required for the world’s 8 billion people. For instance, ammonia (NH3), a crucial component of fertilizer, can be formed by reacting natural gas with atmospheric nitrogen (N2), and pesticides are produced from oil and gas. One billion pounds of pesticides are used annually in the United States, where they keep weeds and insects in check to allow modern agriculture’s extraordinary level of crop production.

In short, CO2 is absolutely necessary for life and more of it is clearly a plus. Fossil fuels improve the quality of life and make rich lives possible for many billions, whereas mere millions once struggled mightily just to survive. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere makes no sense.

Finally, CO2 capture, besides being illogical, is prohibitively expensive. Capturing CO2 from emissions and then transporting and storing it can cost trillions of dollars and decades of investment. CO2 capture systems cannot operate without ongoing government subsidies, and currently, are only removing approximately 0.1% of the 40 billion tons of CO2 emitted per year.

At this point, bottling up CO2 should be left for manufacturers of carbonated beverages and dry ice and for the purposes of other specialized industrial processes. I am very happy to have transitioned from CO2 capture to the CO2 Coalition, and I am working hard to spread the facts about the benefits of this amazing molecule.

This commentary was first published at American Thinker on November 29, 2023.

Frits Byron Soepyan is a Research and Science Associate with the CO2 Coalition, Arlington, Virginia. He has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from The University of Tulsa and has worked as a process systems engineer and a researcher in energy-related projects.

www.CO2Coalition.org

There might be an Aprilia model to compete with Royal Enfield Classic 350 which is a top-selling model in its class since launch.

A new test mule has been spotted in Europe and it has a similar engine casing as the RS 457. It also features old-school styling and body parts that indicates that the world is finally noticing the timeless appeal (and profits) of Enfield models which have built a nice empire in mid-capacity motorcycles for over a decade now.

A new retro-styled test bike is getting testes around Europe which on close scrutiny of spied photos suggests it is an Aprilia.

Multiple aspects convince eager enthusiasts to claim it is an upcoming Aprilia motorcycle. Engine casing visible on the right hand side is similar to the RS 457’s unit. This test model’s motor appears to be larger in the images. It has a larger exhaust also. But there are many features giving it an appearance of RS 457.

However, the design is not very impressive so this would have to be a very early prototype. The aesthetics of its headlight, tank shrouds, and the tail section, seem as if they were all assembled by a local garage shop. A retrofitted model is not exactly a test mule so the mystery is intriguing indeed.

RS 457 uses a 457cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with 47.6bhp and 43.5Nm linked to a six-speed gearbox. It has a slipper clutch. Aprilia may carry these forward with different tuning. A slim USD front forks, dual rear shocks, and single disc at both ends are possible indications as well. Its alloy wheels and TVS tyres seem to be borrowed from the RS.

It could take any amount of time before Aprilia debuts this retro-styled motorcycle in production form. The current iteration of RS 457 has just been launched in India after months of anticipation. Royal Enfield has new competition from Honda CB350, Harley-Davidson 440X and Triumph’s partnership with Bajaj apart from the revived Jawa and Yezdi brands.

Since the response to H-D and Triumph’s small engine models were all perceived as a gamble– that paid off more than expected– it seems other brands are catching on to this retro-theme-segmentation within motorcycles which have smaller engines but larger than commuter class models.

Honda 350cc models meant for India were launched in Japan as well and the Triumph-Bajaj models may go overseas too. If Aprilia makes money with its retro-bike in India, then they may realize there is a market for them elsewhere too.

Meanwhile, news comes of a Trademark for a “Goan Classic 350” by Royal Enfield which is fast growing its range of models and brand-name list.

Will there be a 650cc version for Bullet and Classic? While Enfields are chasing and pushing for bigger engines, others want to break its global hold on 350cc engine market.

* * * *

Wondering what the future holds? Check out Science Fiction and Motorcycles in “Sam Chopper Orwell” — the future can be stranger than facts. Click here to travel….

This month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its annual report, Traffic Safety Facts 2021: A Compilation of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Data. The 225-page report contains information on crash types, causes and participants involved. Remember that while we are nearing the end of 2023, this report is 2021 data. NHTSA spent nearly two years compiling these figures before releasing the report.

The data on motorcyclist fatalities is especially troubling. According to the report, in 2021, motorcyclists made up 13.8% of all nationwide traffic fatalities, with 5,932 motorcyclists killed on our nation’s roadways. That is the highest number since data collection began in 1975. In comparison, the pre-Covid year of 2019 saw 5,044 bikers killed.

The number of those injured on motorcycles reported in 2021 was 82,686, which is fewer than the all-time high of 104,442 in 2016. This total injury count represents 3.3% of the 2.5 million people injured in all motor vehicle crashes.

It is important to note that 2021 showed a substantial increase in motorcycles registered. The data also shows an increase in vehicle miles traveled by bikers. NHTSA data shows 9.8 million registered motorcycles with approximately 19.6 billion miles traveled in 2021. Those increases mean that while the total number of fatalities and injuries went up, fortunately, the rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles went down.

Here are other takeaways:

• Riders accounted for 95% of deaths, while 5% were motorcycle passengers.
• 57% of fatalities occurred by collision with another vehicle, 26% resulted from a collision with a fixed object, 4% collision with a non-fixed object, while 13% of fatalities occurred without a collision.
• 34% of fatalities involved a rider impaired by alcohol. That number is in line with the 31% of alcohol-related fatalities nationwide.
• Riders were wearing helmets in 59% of fatalities, while riders were not wearing helmets in 38% of fatalities. Another 3% of fatalities occurred where helmet usage was unknown.
• 29% of fatalities involved an unlicensed rider.

While it is easy to get lost in the facts and figures, it is crucial to remember that every death is heartbreaking to members of our community. We all must do better! Alcohol-related fatalities and those involving unlicensed riders are especially disheartening, as they are avoidable. Riding sober, trained and licensed are basic steps to help protect lives.

The burden of fixing this problem involves various groups. At the state level, motorcyclists continue to fight for stronger laws against distracted drivers. Educating young drivers and holding those who break the law accountable is critical.

States like Wisconsin have passed increased registration fees with that money earmarked for motorcycle safety programs. However, motorcycle funding at the state and federal levels remains low. This past year, the federal government awarded states $5.5 million for motorcycle safety programs. With the total registered motorcycles at 9.8 million, the federal government is spending just fifty-six (56) cents per motorcycle on safety grants.

The growing prevalence of self-driving cars also should be addressed. A former NHTSA official recently spoke publicly about the threat these cars pose to bikers, yet the federal government has been slow to act.

Reports like this galvanize the groups that want to keep us off the road. However, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will continue to fight for our safety and survival! It is up to all of us to stop the rising death toll.

To read the full report click here.

As always Ride Safe and Ride Free.

Join the MRF and support Freedom; visit www.MRF.org

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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We’re having a blast in the Black Hills. Every day is packed with action, parties, meeting with brothers.

I attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Sturgis Veterans’ Cemetery after the Hamster party the night before at the Loud American in Sturgis.

Next year Bikernet will be 28 years old. Holy shit.

Have a helluva Christmas, goddammit!

–Bandit

Click here to read this week’s latest news on motorcycling industry only on Bikernet.com

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BUY SOMETHING ALREADY—-What are you waiting for? Its Christmas weekend upon us!

Visit https://5-ballgarage.com/

Hey,

Let’s kick this off with a story from a brother in Massachusetts, Wayne Cobb:

Growing up in a family of seven, I was taught to believe in God and in Heaven.

To me, it didn’t seem that we were poor. We always had enough to eat, and my mom would always say we had enough to feed one more if a friend was there.

I remember the anticipation of Christmas Eve and day hoping that Santa would make his way to deliver our wishes and dreams of that special something. I don’t know how, but it always seemed that he came through to bring joy, happiness and sweet treats too.

Then we would all load up in the Ford station-wagon and head to Bumpas’s house for a great ham dinner with pineapple sauce and all the trimmings and all the dinner rolls I could eat.

Then my cousins and all of us would go out to the lake to play-skate and watch the ice boats and ice fishing. It was truly a wonderful day, so special, so magical, a time etched upon my heart and soul forever.

I’m forever grateful for these memories. Never lose your inner child. Never lose those memories of families and friends. Make it happen.

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.

Here’s a well-known photo that is often posted from the “Then Came Bronson” TV show… except that is not Micahael Parks. That is stuntman and motorcycle racer Bud Ekins.

Besides doing a lot of the riding for Bronson, Bud also did the famous fence jump from “The Great Escape,” and drove many of the Mustang chase scenes for the movie “Bullitt”.

–from Fred Cuba

“Bud might be installed into the Kickstands Down Sturgis Hall of Fame this year. Hang on for more reports.” –Bandit

FIRST FIGHT AGAINST ESG IN BUSINESS– Red State AG Slaps BlackRock with Lawsuit for Allegedly Harming Consumers

Republican Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a consumer protection lawsuit Monday against BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager and a leading proponent of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) investing.

The consumer protection suit alleges that BlackRock has misled Tennessean consumers about the scale and impacts of its ESG initiatives for several years. The suit further alleges that BlackRock’s own policies and corporate voting records demonstrate that its ESG push bleeds into financial products that are marketed as non-ESG funds, despite the company’s statements that it allocates capital where its clients request as a fiduciary.

“We allege that BlackRock’s inconsistent statements about its investment strategies deprived consumers of the ability to make an informed choice,” Skrmetti said in a statement. “Some public statements show a company that focuses exclusively on return on investment, others show a company that gives special consideration to environmental factors. Ultimately, I want to make certain that corporations, no matter their size, treat Tennessee consumers fairly and honestly.” (RELATED: Jim Jordan Hits Major Financial Institutions With Subpoenas)

–NICK POPE

From the Daily Caller
Daily Caller News Foundation
from WUWT

BRAND NEW Bikernet Reader Comment!–

CASTING A FINNISH WINNER

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

Nagyon sz?p alkot?s. Sok munka van benne. Ezt m?r m?v?szet kateg?ri?ba kell sorolni.

–Dr Kr?n Istv?n
Budapest, XVII., Budapest, Hungary

Editor’s Note: Translation in English:
“Very nice creation. It’s a lot of work. This should be classified as art.”

HARLEY-DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES CONTINGENCY PROGRAMS FOR 2024 RACE SEASON—

More than $570,000 Available for Harley-Davidson Racers in American Flat Track and MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan Series

Harley-Davidson is boosting its support of racing competitors for the 2024 season with cash contingency programs totaling more than $570,000. This will be available for qualified H-D racers competing in select classes in the American Flat Track series, and the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Team will compete in the MotoAmerica Mission Foods King of the Baggers road racing series in 2024 with riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli aboard race modified Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. In addition, privateer teams racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the series can benefit from racing contingency and available racing parts for purchase.

Mission Foods King of the Baggers Contingency
The Mission Foods King of The Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with stock frames and a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags.

The 2024 King of The Baggers series is expanded to 16 races over eight doubleheader weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series. The series opens on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 7-9. Harley-Davidson will offer a $263,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods King of the Baggers series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $35,000 championship bonus.

Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Mission Foods Super Hooligan Contingency
New for 2024, Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship Brought To You By Roland Sands Design. The road racing series features 750cc-and-up high-bar race-prepared street bikes. Held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike series, the Super Hooligan Championship includes 10 races over five double-header weekends, beginning with two races at Daytona International Speedway March 7-9.

Harley-Davidson will offer a $123,000 cash contingency program for qualified Harley-Davidson racers competing in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan series, with a contingency payout from first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus. Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Progressive American Flat Track Contingency
Harley-Davidson will offer contingency opportunities for racers competing in the premier SuperTwins class on the 16-event 2024 Progressive American Flat Track series, the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Harley-Davidson has committed $185,000 in contingency funds for qualified SuperTwins class riders. Harley-Davidson contingency will pay first to 10th place and a $20,000 championship bonus.

The season opens March 7-8 with the Daytona Short Track double-header at Daytona International Speedway. Terms and conditions apply; please email contingencyracing@harley-davidson.com for full details, eligibility requirements and deadlines.

JUST STOP BREATHING—

Peer-Reviewed Study Says Human Breathing ‘Contributes to Global Warming’ – Finds ‘Human respiration has a net warming effect on the atmosphere’ – Published in PLOS ONE

The peer-reviewed study published Wednesday in the Public Library of Science’s journal PLOS One investigated greenhouse gas emissions of methane and nitrous oxide in human breath, which allegedly “contribute to global warming.”

In a recent study published in PLOS ONE, titled “Measurements of methane and nitrous oxide in human breath and the development of UK scale emissions,” researchers have embarked on a quest that epitomizes the absurdity of current climate change discourse. This study, focusing on the emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from human breath, is not only a glaring example of scientific overreach but also a worrying indicator of the lengths to which climate alarmism is willing to go.

The study’s objective to investigate emissions from human breath in the UK population is fundamentally flawed. It operates under the assumption that these emissions are significant enough to warrant detailed analysis and inclusion in national greenhouse gas inventories. This premise is laughable at best, considering the minuscule percentage these emissions contribute to the overall greenhouse gas emissions.

The methodology employed in the study is questionable. Collecting 328 breath samples from 104 volunteers hardly constitutes a representative sample of the UK population. Furthermore, the study’s reliance on such a small sample size to draw conclusions about national-scale emissions is a classic case of over-extrapolation.

The study’s findings that 31% of participants were methane producers and that all participants emitted nitrous oxide are presented without adequate context. These results are portrayed as significant, yet they fail to consider the broader environmental impact. The fact that these emissions are stated contribute a mere 0.05% and 0.1% to the UK’s total emissions of CH4 and N2O, respectively, well below any margin of error in “national inventories” renders these findings insignificant.

–Climate Depot
–WUWT

CHARLIE CHAN QUOTATION OF THE WEEK—

“Hasty Conclusions like gunpowder—Easy to Explode.”
–Charlie Chan

OFFICIAL BIKERNET TV SERIES REVIEW: Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t

There are now quite a few inspiring and motivating sports movies and TV series on OTT and if you enjoyed the success of such a theme, then you should explore your OTT menus to discover more. Don’t worry, we will help!

If you are a martial artist, you already know a few foreign language words. Now, maybe you are ready to take the leap to watch a foreign language TV series with English subtitles. Yes, not a movie–a TV show in Japanese language.

The recommendation for the week is from the hit Disney HotStar TV series titled “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t”

Check it out on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22187310/

Trailer at: https://youtu.be/ZJ_8EoxfyEI?si=Ar-PZ4gad1aDjCtY

In “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t” young Ryota Moriyama is a senior at Kyoritsu University, and receives a job offer at a first-rate company yet gets dumped by the girl he likes, Saki Nishino. His professor informs him that he does not have enough grades to graduate, and he needs to graduate for the cool job waiting for him.

Desperate, Ryota agrees to his professor’s one condition for getting enough grades for graduation–to join the sumo club and compete in at least one match. With only a single member, Honoka Oba, who is also the captain, the sumo club is on the brink of collapse. They have not had new members for the past two years, and if they do not compete as a team, they lose their 103-year old sumo club. In order to graduate, Ryota endures Honoka’s strict training methods and starts to recruit other members.

This TV Series is not just about sport, but sportsmanship and that is why we highly recommend it. You will be immersed in it and won’t worry about having to read the subtitles as the action (and emotion) unfolds.

Also, it is a must-watch for all female-instructors, students and parents of those girls aspiring to take up sports in school and more so in college.

Sports is not just talent and skills but also endurance, patience, persistence and the courage to face failures. In fact, life in general is about those same traits.

Character is many times more important and decisive than attitude.

“Sumo is a miracle of balance, a sport that allows someone small to defeat someone big.” ~ Saki Nishino (in TV series “Sumo Do, Sumo Don’t”)

The TV series is based upon the award-winning movie of the same name released in 1992.

Refer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105388/

If you enjoy any martial-arts genre movies, then you will definitely ‘get a kick’ out of this TV series.

FROM https://www.taijutsu.art/2023/12/review-sumo-do-sumo-dont.html

Wayfarer
Certified Review Specialists
Bikernet.com™

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY POLITICAL SCIENCE CLASS—

I became confused when I heard the word “Service” used with these agencies:

Internal Revenue ‘Service’
U.S. Postal ‘Service’
Telephone ‘Service’
Cable TV ‘Service’
Civil ‘Service’
State, City, County & Public ‘Service’

But today, I overheard two farmers talking, and one of them said he had hired a bull to ‘Service’ a few cows. BAM!!! It all came into focus. Now I understand what all those agencies are doing to us.

You are now as enlightened as I am!

–Sam Burns

ANOTHER 100-WORDER FROM THE LAST WINNER—

Sparks

He leaned hard right into the curve, pushing his hands down while keeping his head erect, doing 55 mph in a 35. He tried his best to force sparks to ignite from his exhaust pipes against the concrete on Highway 14 A, Boulder Canyon to Deadwood, SD. The Michelin tires held tight as the next curve approached. He rolled the throttle on, pushing to 70 mph on the last notorious bend before the straightaway. Sparks flew!

Yelling in exhilaration, he threw a fist in the air.

Glancing in his rearview mirror, red and blue flashing lights came into view.

Totally worth it.

–JJ Spain
www.mikesalasnovels.com

From scooters for the pooper scoopers to SUVs for the sound vehicles and VIPs, Honda has kept the Rose Parade running smoothly on New Year’s Day for the past 30 years as the iconic event’s “official vehicle” for 30 years. Honda also became the Rose Parade’s first-ever presenting sponsor in 2011. As presenting sponsor for 14 years, the Honda float leads the Rose Parade and showcases the annual event’s theme.

–DealerNews

VA NEWS DIRECT FROM THE GOVERNMENT— Free Songwriting, Music Streaming for Veterans

The CreatiVets songwriting program pairs Veterans with a hit songwriter and a Veteran mentor to create an original song based on the Veteran’s experience. Learn how to apply and access their free streaming, music and art classes.

“Check with the VA or the DAV. All retired vets should join the DAV. They have done so much for me and lots of brothers.” –Bandit

THROTTLE ADDICTION DEAL OF THE WEEK—

They are selling a complete line of classic flanders risers.

Throttle Addiction Flanders style risers are constructed from cast stainless steel and polished to a mirror shine. These require ½” X 20 TPI mounting bolts and work with 1″ handlebars.

Specs:
Stainless steel
2.5, 6-inch, or shorties, rise to bottom of handlebar clamping area
For 1-inch bars
Require ½ X 20 TPI bolts (not included)

CHRISTMAS CONTEST FROM ERIC HERRMANN–

Deal of the Day “45’s” There are five hidden 45’s in this painting. The Gun is the easy one as they get progressively harder to find.

Also available on paper & metal from $60.00 on my website… See more

Check it out at Eric’ website.

100-WORD FICTION ENTRY—Steven Sanner

The wind whipped across my face like a thousand cats shredding flesh. I thought of warmer conditions, but the falling 40 degree temps and fading light would not relent. Glad I invested in the horsehide coat. I wished for chaps to match.

On the other-hand, a warm feeling emerged in my chilled bones, when I reflected on the gratitude expressed by the fallen soldiers’ families for my gravesite, riding-escort duties. I will ride again, rain, shine, snow or freezing temps to help in the next Patriot Guard mission. It’s the least I can do to show thanks. I’m proud for the opportunity!

–Steven Sanner

“Putting a big ADV bike through its paces is an athletic endeavor, so a great fitting handlebar is essential,” said ProTaper Brand Manager Paul O’Brien. “This bar positions the rider’s hands a bit higher, which makes the stand-up position easier and it also fits really well when seated. Great materials and simple installation will make this a must-have for Pan America owners.”

The bar is based on ProTaper’s EVO line of products and is manufactured from 4mm, 7000-series aluminum alloy, which delivers superior tensile and yield strength. The finish is a high tech, shot peened, anodized finish with outstanding durability.

The Harley-Davidson Pan America motorcycle was introduced in 2021 and quickly, according to Harley-Davidson, became the top selling ADV bike in North America.

The design of the bars allows them to be an easy bolt on installation with no wiring or cable changes necessary. Suggested retail price for the ProTaper Pro-Am Bar (P/N 024050) is $96.42 at ProTaper retailers.

About ProTaper
Since 1991, ProTaper has led the way in premium control components. The brand delivers an exciting, innovative, and complete product line that fulfills the needs of professional racers and weekend riders alike. Through revolutionary ideas like the oversized 1?” handlebar and the Micro Handlebar Kit—the only control system purpose-built for youth riders, ProTaper transforms how riders experience their motorcycles. It’s no wonder that ProTaper has a long list of pro and amateur athletes relying on its products to help them win races.

‘TIS THE SEASON– At Canyon Star TV

For families who have lost everything in a disaster, securing a safe place to sleep means the world.

Canyon Star TV Adds New Holiday Favorites Including An Ozzie And Harriet Christmas, Petticoat Junction’s Cannonball Christmas, Howdy Doody’s Christmas, Holiday Affair, Christmas On Highway 101, Miracle On 34th Street, Red Skelton Christmas Classics, Santa Claus Story, Tale of Two Christmases, Christmas Is Magic, Jack Benny Christmas Show, Liberace Christmas Shows & More!

Also Featuring Border Crossings with Larry London, What’s My Line?, The Brighter Life Show, See The Unseen, The Weekend Free-For-All, Truck N Outdoors, Grace on Wednesday, and More

Available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Play, Android, and more!

“It is exciting to have a new outlet that is featuring our music and stories. Canyon Star TV is a platform that is growing fast and I hope you will check it out.” – William Lee Golden / The Oak Ridge Boys & The Goldens

“Canyon Star is the perfect home for the Country Star vibe. Me and all the Fabulous Superlatives feel right at home here.” – Marty Stuart

“Canyon Star TV is a great platform to get all of your entertainment from television shows, movies, and music videos. Be sure to check it out!” – Johnny Lee

Featuring an array of diverse and engaging shows catering to a wide range of interests, Canyon Star TV continues to add the highest level of family-friendly television programs.

Just in time for the holiday season, subscribers can enjoy thousands of hours of wholesome entertainment with everyone in their family without ever leaving home.

With classics such as An Ozzie And Harriet Christmas, Petticoat Junction’s Cannonball Christmas, Howdy Doody’s Christmas, Holiday Affair, Christmas On Highway 101, Miracle On 34th Street, Red Skelton Christmas Classics, Charles Dickens’s The Christmas Carol, Santa Claus Story, Tale of Two Christmases, Christmas Is Magic, Jack Benny Christmas Show, Liberace Christmas Shows and more, there is nothing left to do other than to sit back with family and enjoy this festive season.

“We hand-pick every show and make sure it fits our platform perfectly,” shares Joey Canyon, founder of Canyon Star TV. “Many of these shows and movies are a part of our childhoods and to be able to share them with future generations is a wonderful feeling! Canyon Star TV wishes each of you a VERY Merry Christmas.”

Canyon Star TV is excited to feature music videos from some of the hottest names in entertainment. While continuing to add Christmas entertainment, they are including a holiday music section which contains American Blonde’s “Kiss Me This Christmas,” Jess Kellie Adams’ “Under The Mistletoe,” Gary Morris’ “My Son,” Pam Rose’s “Ava Maria,” T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang’s “Christmas Without You,” Sherry Lynn’s “Christmas On My Mind,” and more!

To view Canyon Star TV’s new sizzle reel, visit website.
To sign up for free and for further information, visit CanyonStar.tv.

Thank you,
—Your Friends at the American Red Cross

FEMA REPORT–Motorcyclists Present Their Road Safety Wish List

When it comes to reducing casualties among motorcyclists, it is essential to get the riders’ views on road safety.

In the world of road safety, it is quite common that people talk about motorcyclists, but it is not common that we are talked with. To change this, motorcycle experts presented members of the road safety community with feasible solutions for road safety issues.

During the seminar ‘Reducing road deaths among motorcycle riders’, organized by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), motorcycle experts were given the opportunity to present their views to a large audience of over 240 members of the road safety community.

The scale of the problem is serious: over 45,000 users of powered two-wheelers lost their lives on European roads in the last ten years. And even with numerous road safety programmers in place, the deaths among motorcyclists are declining more slowly than among moped riders and other road users.

1578 motorcyclists from 30 countries replied to the survey.

36.3% of the motorcycles had Advanced Braking Systems, 12% had traction control.

35% of the riders did not use their brakes prior to crashing and of these, 46.8% had ABS brakes fitted.

Only half the riders on ABS-equipped motorcycles reported braking before they crashed compared to two-thirds of those on a motorcycle without ABS.

65% of riders admitted to hospital were traveling under 70 kph (44 mph).

Speed does not appear to have a strong effect on injury severity.

Road authorities must follow their own book of rules:

– Ensure predictable friction
– Ensure a smooth, clean road surface
– Ensure that there are no dangerous roadside objects
– Ensure run-off zones or ‘good for all’ guardrails
– Facilitate good visibility
– Let motorcyclists use bus lanes
– Create safe parking facilities

Enforcement should not just target speed violators but also target riders and drivers without a valid driving license.

Other important presentations: Martin Winkelbauer from the Austrian Road Safety Board KfV presented the results of research into motorcycle crash causation in curves and he showed how the number of motorcycle accidents in curves can be seriously reduced by applying road markings that ‘guide’ motorcyclist through a curve.

Kay Schulte from German road safety organization DVR explained the importance of a European Training Quality Label for high-quality post-license training programs.

Jessica Truong of the ‘Towards Zero Foundation’ made the case for Anti-lock Braking Systems on all powered two-wheelers (it is currently mandatory on all new motorcycles over 125cc).

Written by Wim Taal

NEWS FROM THE 5-BALL LEATHER CREW–

If you can’t reach Frankie, he’s constantly behind the gun creating ink art.

They have rebuilt our 5-Ball leather shirt with full collars and softer cowhide. And if you want a killer tattoo, reach out to Frankie, the master. Look up FiveBall on Instagram. Tell him I sent ya.

–Bandit

[page break]

MOTORBOOKS CALENDAR OFFER– HARLEY-DAVIDSON 2024

Subtitle16-Month 12×12 Wall Calendar – September 2023 through December 2024

Price $15.99 / £11.99

Enjoy 16 months of freedom machines from the world’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer with this stunning 12″ × 12″ wall calendar.

Produced in cooperation with Harley-Davidson, this officially licensed Motorbooks wall calendar features Harley-Davidson’s latest machines. Harley-Davidson 2024 showcases ravishing portraits of favorites like Fat Bob®, Softail®, Sportster S, bespoke CVO™ tourers, and the Pan America adventure bike.

This striking calendar also features a convenient page with the months of September, October, November, and December 2023 followed by individual pages for the months of 2024.

Harley-Davidson has reigned as America’s top motorcycle manufacturer for more than 120 years, and each month Harley-Davidson® 2024 reminds riders and fans why.

‘He wants me to build it again as a ‘70s chopper. I said I’m sick of this shit, but I will build you a killer chopper. I’m going to hard tail his frame and rake it to 40 degrees. I’m going with a 6-over Springer and a Weld-on hardtail. I just tore it down.

This time it will have a little modern touch with a 6- speed and Softail primary setup with a modern starter, but it will have the 69-72 look, like a Knuckle I built back then. I’m using a 3-gallon Sportster tank. I’m going to have the frame sandblasted and powder coated.

I just found him a perfect ‘03 anniversary low rider for $5500 to ride, while I build this thing. We got a lot of Shovelhead parts to sell. He is learning everything the hard way.

I’m building a ‘51 ford coupe with that ‘51 Cadillac motor from the hearse. I got some paint on the old rusty Ford and it drives now. I can see all the flaws so I will end up working the sides and painting them again but she runs.

–Bill May

THE FUTURE OF THE STURGIS RALLY, PART II—

As Predicted By A Real Biker – A Dystopian Future Of The Sturgis Rally

Where the Sturgis Rally is reduced to just sightseeing by urban tourists with live music, food vendors and children’s entertainment.

Credit: wayfarer@bikernet.com/Bikernet

Where it has nothing to do with bikers – just like those reenactments of the Old West and the Civil War for tourists.

Credit: wayfarer@bikernet.com/Bikernet

Where only the cops will have real motorcycles and guns, we’ll see something like a Macy’s parade, and a franchise model to get other cities to run Sturgis Rallies around the world. Can’t make it? Don’t worry, there will be virtual reality options to make it feel like you’re right there in the action.

Credit: wayfarer@bikernet.com/Bikernet

How do you see the future changing? Is it anything like Wayfarer’s at Bikernet.com? Tell us in the comments below.

Now that an actual biker has given their two cents, read on to see the future predicted as written by AI.

The Future of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Might Surprise You

Future Sturgis Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been an iconic destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers since 1981. Over the past few decades, the Rally has seen major improvements, provided countless unforgettable experiences and cemented its status as a mecca for motorcycle culture. As we peer into the crystal ball and attempt to envision the future, let’s explore what the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally might look like in 50 years.

Technological Advancements:
In 50 years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is likely to embrace a plethora of technological advancements. You can anticipate the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance the overall experience for visitors. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) may transport attendees to immersive virtual environments, allowing them to relive the rally’s historic moments or explore fantasy worlds on the fringes of their imaginations.

Autonomous vehicles might become the norm, allowing attendees to travel effortlessly around the city and beyond. Smart infrastructure will likely be in place, providing a seamless and interconnected experience for all attendees, from advanced ticketing systems to smart wristbands for entry, payments, and personalized recommendations for popular destinations, like the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

Expanded Entertainment and Experiences:
As the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally looks toward the future, the realm of entertainment is bound to undergo transformation. Music, which has always been a cornerstone of the rally, will likely evolve to include a diverse range of genres and performances by holographic and virtual artists. Imagine witnessing legendary musicians of the past resurrected on stage through holographic technology, captivating audiences with their timeless hits.

The Rally could feature more state-of-the-art performance venues, incorporating interactive elements and advanced audiovisual setups. Attendees may find themselves immersed in 360-degree audio experiences, transcending traditional concert settings. The inclusion of emerging technologies like haptic feedback suits could allow visitors to feel the music pulsating through their bodies.

Community and Global Reach:
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has fostered a close-knit community over the years, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world. In the next 50 years, you can anticipate the Rally expanding its global reach even further. With the advent of advanced communication technologies, attendees may be able to connect and interact with enthusiasts from different parts of the globe, creating a truly international community.

Virtual attendance could become a reality, enabling motorcycle lovers who are unable to physically be present at the Rally to participate remotely. Livestreams and virtual reality experiences might provide a front-row seat to concerts and events, transcending geographical boundaries.

Envisioning the future of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 50 years is a thrilling exercise that combines imagination and technological trends. While no one can predict the specifics with certainty, it is likely that the Rally will embrace emerging technologies and expand its global community.

Sincerely,
–Artificial Intelligence

FROM: https://sturgis.com/blogs/the-future-of-the-sturgis-motorcycle-rally-might-surprise-you/

NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION (MRF)–Six Advocates Step Up

Six long-time motorcyclist rights advocates and Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) members were recently selected as members of the ”Community of Practice” groups, updating federal motorcycle safety guidelines. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank these six bikers for volunteering their time on this project:

Ron Braaksma – Iowa
Vince Consiglio- Michigan
Jay Jackson – Indiana
Gary Klinker – Wisconsin
Ed Schetter – Ohio
Imre Szauter – New Hampshire

The primary focus of their work will be updating three documents: The National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (NAMS), Model National Standards for Entry-Level Motorcycle Rider Training (Content Standards), and Model National Administrative Standards for State Motorcycle Rider Training Programs (Administrative Standards).

Between January and September 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will hold monthly meetings with diverse stakeholders to update and modernize these key motorcycle policy documents. All motorcyclists are extremely fortunate that these six individuals will be able to share their extensive knowledge, experience and passion on issues that matter to all bikers.

We know that some state motorcyclist rights groups also have participants in the “Community of Practice” project and we applaud their involvement. Without a doubt, the work of these NHTSA-sponsored groups will be better because of their involvement.

We look forward to hearing more about their work in 2024!

–MRF

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–

Statistician Bjorn Lomborg: 4 billion people are dependent on fossil fertilizer for food – Without, 4 billion will starve to death – ‘It is time to call out the astoundingly destructive & misanthropic campaigners’ who want to ‘stop oil.’

–Bjorn Lomborg
Climate Depot

NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT— To clarify, the hand signed, numbered canvas print edition for this new “Basic Essentials” will come in the same sizes and prices as “You Don’t Say”.

** Image size 24 x 24, holiday price $925 framed

** Image size 30 x 30, holiday price $1,450 framed

** Image size 36 x 36, holiday price $2,250 framed

Shipping is additional.

Well, here’s a holiday surprise! David just did complete his second holiday piece for this year. Titled “Basic Essentials”, this timeless piece features “Johnny Cash”, an original paint Knucklehead.

“So many of the happiest people I’ve ever met do not own a ton of “stuff”. Seems I was quite happy in my twenties when I lived in a hotel and only had a ten speed for my transportation. This bike would’ve been a welcome edition thought! My friend Rod owns this gorgeous original paint Knuckle. It’s called Johnny Cash. How cool can you get! Many thanks to him for letting me immortalize it.”

As with his first holiday piece this year, “You Don’t Say”, the special holiday pricing on this new one is good through January 1st. Same sizes and prices as shown below. Please email me or text/call 303-913-4840 to place your order.

Thanks!

–Greg
UHL Studios

–J.J. Solari

–– Morano

Swedish Riders: Why Do We Still Have Wire Barriers Despite The Obvious Risks To Motorcyclists?

Swedish motorcyclists’ organisation SMC – a member of FEMA – asks the Swedish Transport Administration to include several recommendations regarding friction, railings and the inclusion of motorcyclists in the design of streets and roads to increase traffic safety for motorcyclists.

The Swedish Transport Administration’s rules for how roads and streets should be designed, VGU, are to be released in a new version by the summer of 2024.

In its consultation response, SMC was critical of several points, including the placement of protective devices half a meter from the roadway. A railing directly adjacent to the road gives no room for turning for either the cars or the motorbikes and is not a safe space for vehicles that have to stop for any reason. SMC regrets that wire barriers remain as an alternative protection device despite the obvious risks to motorcyclists, higher maintenance costs and the placement of dangerous objects along the carriageway such as posts that rust over time.

Dominique Faymonville, SMC’s Public Affairs Manager, said: “Guard rails with underslip protection for motorcyclists can be found in VGU 2024 and SMC is working with the Swedish Transport Administration and representatives from the industry to get a standardization in place in Sweden so that it will be easier for producers to know what requirements are set and to develop products that can be installed along our roads in Sweden. That is important work to improve our safety as motorcyclists.”

SMC also invites the Swedish Transport Administration to take a closer look at chapter 9 ‘Guidance before curves’ as well as the possibility of developing a new sign and introducing new road markings in blind left curves in the form of bars or ellipses. Several countries in the EU already have introduced these new road markings and the new signage with notables progress in road safety for motorcyclists and cyclists. SMC looks forward to developing a joint working group to get such a project in place shortly.

Source: SMC

Photography courtesy of SMC

DIFFERENT SPEED LIMITS FOR MOTORCYCLES REJECTED IN EUROPE—

Proposals to establish different speed limits for cars and motorcycles ánd differentiated speed limits for holders of A1, A2 and A motorcycle licenses were rejected during a vote in the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament.

Some of the proposed measures:

• Mandatory health checks on issuance and renewal of driving license
• Minimum two year probationary period for novice drivers
• Update of drivers skills to be better prepared for real driving situations
• Driving licenses to be uploaded on smartphones

Transport MEPs back a proposal to adapt driver training and testing to better prepare drivers for real driving situations and develop their risk awareness, in particular to vulnerable users such as pedestrians, cyclist, and users of e-scooters and e-bikes. Safe phone usage while driving, driving in snow and slippery conditions, blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, and vehicle use in relation to the environment and emissions should also be part of driver tests. To support the EU’s single market, MEPs are in favor of giving the possibility for drivers to get a digital driving license, available on a mobile phone and fully equivalent to the physical driver’s license.

Rapporteur Karima Delli MEP’s report included amendments to the proposal by the European Commission, trying to establish different speed limits for cars and motorcycles and differentiated speed limits for holders of A1, A2 and A motorcycle licenses, regardless of the general speed limits.

This would mean:

• The absolute maximum allowed speed for drivers under category A1 shall not exceed 90 km/h;
• The absolute maximum allowed speed for drivers under category A2 shall not exceed 100 km/h;
• The absolute maximum allowed speed for drivers under category A shall not exceed 110 km/h.

FEMA can now confirm that these amendments fell during the vote in the Transport and Tourism Committee and will not be part of the final TRAN report.

FEMA’s General Secretary Wim Taal: “This is a major victory for the European motorcyclists’ lobby. Different speeds for different license holders is the most ridiculous and dangerous proposal I have heard in a long time. This would not only discourage a lot of road users to switch to powered two-wheelers, it would also put motorcyclist in an unacceptable unsafe situation. A victory like this once again proves how important it is to have strong motorcyclists’ organizations throughout Europe.”

The draft position on the revision of EU driving rules will possibly be voted on by the full house of the European Parliament in January 2024 plenary session.

FLAT EARTH EXPOSED—1911, can’t be a south pole on a flat earth.

Norwegian Roald Amundsen becomes the first explorer to reach the South Pole, beating his British rival, Robert Falcon Scott. Amundsen, born in Borge, near Oslo, in 1872, was one of the great figures in polar exploration.

From grizzly dens in the Rockies to no-man’s-lands teeming with outlaws, 10 of the top names in Western fiction explore how the West was won. After these true trailblazers track down fugitives, battle natural disasters, and ride into danger, who among them will be left standing? Stories from Robert Vaughan, L.J. Martin, John Legg, and more!

I asked a supermarket employee where they kept the canned peaches. He said, “I’ll see,” & walked away. I asked another & he also said, “I’ll see,” & walked away. In the end, I gave up & found them myself, in Aisle C.

I told my physical therapist that I broke my arm in two (2) places. He told me to stop going to those places.

I put our scale in the bathroom corner & that’s where the little liar will stay until it apologizes.

When I was a kid, I used to watch the ‘Wizard of Oz’ & wonder how someone could talk if they didn’t have a brain. Then I got Facebook.

–El Waggs
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina

Bikernet 100-Word Fiction Contest

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx

Like Gearhead said, several good entries. The real winners are the readers who get to enjoy all of them.

–Rhys Ralston
South Daytona, FL

NEWEST MEME FROM BIKERS FOR TRUTH—

Bikers for Truth are dedicated to scientific and political truth. We are dedicated to the custom motorcycle industry and the freedom to ride and build any motorcycle you choose. We hope to further the truth and freedom through reporting, humor, billboards and t-shirts.

LATEST FROM THE S&S FACTORY–

Upgrade to the biggest bolt-in performance kit S&S makes for 1999-2017 Harley-Davidson® big twins (except 2006 Dyna models and 2017 touring models).

Get everything you need in one package. Contains an S&S 4” big bore cylinder kit S&S 585 cams, S&S Quickee Pushrods, and S&S Premium Hydraulic tappets to make the most of the added displacement. In addition, there’s an S&S TC3 cam support plate and TC3 oil pump to ensure consistent oil pressure and engine longevity.

Feast and festivities on my mind, I skipped lunch to dig into cranberry cooking. Not a spark of life in sight on Christmas Eve snow-covered streets!

Then out of nowhere, a bunch of kids from the neighborhood came dragging a large towing trolley.

“Where’d you get that thing?” I asked.

“Hey, Mr. Pete! ‘Twas lying outside the ol’ junkyard,” chirped one kid.

“Let’s put it to good use fellas, we got to repair and rebuild—not throw and waste this season.”

“Yay,” they yelled, helping me form and adorn an old truck tire into a joyous sleigh.

–by Wayfarer

CHRISTMAS CHEER GODDAMMIT—We’re having a blast in the Black Hills. Every day is packed with action, parties and meeting with brothers and sisters.

I attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Sturgis Veterans’ Cemetery after the Hamster party the night before at the Loud American in Sturgis.

Yesterday evening I slipped into Sturgis to work with Cabana Dan on installing his 1914 H-D twin engine into a freshly restored and painted roller. It’s always nerve wracking, but we handled it. I’m also working with him on an article about boring early tapered cylinders. Hang on.

Earlier in the afternoon I took my 1890 Krag rifle to Stoney’s Gun shop. He’s a master gunsmith and a Hamster. He’s going to dial it in. I received this custom enhanced Ruger, Outlaw 45 in 2006 through Barry Wardlaw. I’m going to deliver it to Stoney for a new grip. It was originally customized by the master Larry Crow.

Dan and his wife Leah recently scored a 1949 Sprint, which she will restore. It came with extra carbs. I got a kick out of this float bowl good for 10 miles.

I went to the Side-Hack for dinner the other night and ran across this banner outside. I’m going to try it. It’s mandatory…

Next year Bikernet will be 28 years old. Holy shit.

We worked with Tim from the Flat Earth Company to rebuild our dragons, which were crumbling. His art can look like wood, but wood won’t last. He paints on coated ¼-inch aluminum sheet. What a master…

Through Lee Clemens, the founder of Departure Custom Bikes in Richmond, we found a main-shaft for John’s transmission. John ordered a new main-shaft bearing. It’s hopefully ready to go together. I’ll bring you a report.

Have a helluva Christmas, goddammit!

–Bandit