Royal Enfield officially revealed the production Shotgun 650 to the world on 12-December-2023. After the limited edition Motoverse bike, the details of the model to be launched worldwide in 2024 has been revealed. It has the same 650cc engine as seen on the Super Meteor however it has a much higher ground clearance and a very dramatic design that would appeal to factory custom and modern-retro-bike enthusiasts alike. Check out the launch video and artwork below as well as a comparison with its pre-established sibling:

FEATURES	Royal Enfield Shotgun 650	Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Wheelbase	1,465mm (about 57.6 inches)	1,500mm (about 59 inches)
Ground clearance	140mm (about 5.5 inches)	135mm (about 5.3 inches)
Length	2,220mm (about 87.4 inches)	2,260mm (about 88.98 inches)
Width	820mm (about 32.2 inches)	890mm (about 35 inches)
Height	1,105mm (about 43.5 inches)	1,155mm (about 45.5 inches)
Seat height	795mm (about 31.2 inches)	740mm (about 29.1 inches)
Rake and trail	25.3 degrees and 101.4mm (about 4.09 inches)	27.6 degrees and 119.38mm (about 4.7 inches)
Fuel capacity	13.8 liters (about 3.6 gallons)	15.7 liters (about 4.15 gallons)
Curb weight	240 kilograms (about 529 pounds)	241 kilograms (about 531.3 pounds)

  LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON RECENT MODELS BY ROYAL ENFIELD IN COMMENTS BELOW

Hey,

This week came packed with surprises and major ups and downs. There’s serious talent in the Black Hills. It’s inspiring and challenging. I’ll get to it.

This coming year is going to be massive, inspiring and I hope kids all over the world will be told they’re living in the best of times and the bullshit is behind us.

Check the news, then hit another Christmas Party.

Ride Free Forever…

–Bandit

Click here to read this massive byte of news this week, only on Bikernet.com

* * * *

Confused about what to get your friends and family for Christmas? Ho, ho, ho….don’t be silly. Get to 5-Ball Racing Shop quick and checkout with a bag full of essential riding goodies. Click and Merry-up!

Below Illustration by Wayfarer, Editor Bikernet Blog

Hey,

There you have it. This week came packed with surprises and major ups and downs. I just received a report from Alex Epstein regarding the climate conference. Here’s one of his comments, “Sadly, many of these fossil fuel advocates think that it’s dangerous to be too outspoken about what I call the moral case for a fossil future.”

Open debate would end all the squabbling and fears. That’s what we requested from several potential leaders but have yet to run into a leader with the balls to ask for the truth. Major problem in the country right now, but it will be resolved. Check the news, then hit another Christmas Party.

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.

MERRY XMAS FROM THE CO2 COALITION

‘Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the town
The creatures were all celebrating
The warmth they had found

The trees were all prospering
The veggies — how merry!
They had such abundance
It was extraordinary!

Though stories were circling
Of climate alarm
The wise citizens knew
They were facing no harm

We are celebrating the Season
With dear friends, like you
As we give many thanks
For our beloved CO2

–Best Wishes from the CO2 Coalition

NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–The United State House of Representatives voted to give consumers the choice of what fuel source they feel is appropriate for their needs when purchasing a new vehicle.

ABATE of Wisconsin pushed for this same type of legislation in the State. The bill that was introduced by members of ABATE would have prevented any government, or agency, from banning the sale of vehicles or equipment based on its fuel source. Our bills in the state passed the Assembly and the Senate but was vetoed by Governor Evers. ABATE of Wisconsin, and the over 525,000 residents in the state with a motorcycle endorsement that ABATE represents, would like to thank the Motorcycle Riders Foundation for their efforts on this important issue.

Wisconsin’s elected officials in Washington DC voted along party lines as they did in Madison. While we were able to get all of the Republican members of Congress to vote in support of this, we were not able to convince any Democrat members to recognize how important consumer choice is in the State of Wisconsin. We will continue to work with our friends on both sides of the isle to develop an understanding of how this piece of legislation is not an anti-electric vehicle bill, but rather an opportunity for the residents in the state to choose a vehicle with a power source that they feel is appropriate for their needs, based on their own research and budget.

For more information go to abatewis.org or contact Steve Panten, ABATE Legislative Committee Chair at legis@abatewis.org.

House of Representatives Votes to Defend Internal Combustion Engines

Wednesday, the U.S. House Of Representatives passed H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 (CARS Act). The CARS Act is a bill designed to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from instituting emission standards that force manufacturers to produce more electric vehicles, thus limiting consumer choice.

The final vote on the bill was 221 to 197. 216 Republicans and 5 Democrats supported the bill, authored by Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, the co-chairman of the House Motorcycle Caucus.

After his introduction of the CARS Act, Representative Walberg said, “The Administration cannot continue to create regulations that limit consumer choice, hamper mobility, make vehicles more expensive for families, and cede America’s auto leadership and jobs to China.”

H.R. 4468 is the second bill in 2023, passed by the U.S. House, that pushes back against the attack on internal combustion engines. In September, the House passed H.R.1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. That bill limited individual states from making their own rules on emissions. Recently, California and like-minded states have been using a federal exemption to pass laws that would constrain the sale of internal combustion engines. H.R. 1435 would put a stop to that exemption.

The passage of the CARS Act shows that some members of Congress are concerned about the rush to eliminate the internal combustion engine. Thank you to all the members of the House who voted to protect consumer choice!

Both bills now await action by the U.S. Senate. If you have not already, click on both links below to support the Senate bills that aim to protect your right to choose the type of engine you want.

S. 3094 – Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023

S. 2090 – Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act

NEW/OLD FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING–New Motor Stands!
Available Now

MST-11-29 HARLEY JD MOTOR STAND. FITS HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORS 1911-1929
Regular price $120.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.

New Competition Distributing Dual version Motor Stand
These new stands will work with early and late model J-JD style cases
Made Here in house by Comp D
Fits 1911 – 1929 Harley Motors.

THE BIKERIDERS GET A RELEASE DATE–Austin Butler and Jodie Comer’s The Bikeriders is Coming—based on a book by Danny Lyon.

Synopsis: A Midwestern motorcycle club begins as a group of outsiders united by good times, rumbling bikes and respect for their strong, steady leader.

The film is inspired by the 1967 book of the same name by photographer Danny Lyon. The book documents the bike riders and their lifestyle across the US through a series of photographs. The Bikeriders is helmed by Jeff Nichols, who directed Matthew McConaughey in the 2012 film Mud.

New Regency is producing The Bikeriders along with Sarah Green and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, who are co-producing it under the banner of Tri-State. Set in the 1960s, The Bikeriders revolves around the Midwestern motorcycle club and the rise of biker culture, as seen through the eyes of the members of the club. As the club gathers more members, it evolves into a violent biker gang, thereby threatening the lifestyle of the original members.

On IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21454134/

Watch Trailer at: https://youtu.be/SolhWny1zF4?si=6I-wYX9wEjlI3UVo

Read full article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/hollywood/austin-butler-and-jodie-comer-s-the-bikeriders-gets-a-release-date/ar-AA1leND8

BEHIND THE BIKE– Triumph And Bajaj

The Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X have been turning heads ever since their introduction. Here’s how we got here.

Getting younger riders on bikes has been a subject of much hand-wringing in western motorcycle media for years at this point. In multiple Asian markets, you’ll find a wide swath of riders, from all ages and walks of life.

Founded in 1926, the Bajaj Group is now one of India’s largest manufacturers of two- and three-wheeled vehicles. In April 2023, as part of their agreement, Bajaj officially took over Triumph’s distribution in India, which is an arrangement that should also continue into the future. With its partnerships with KTM, Husqvarna, and now Triumph, it only stands to sell even more bikes in an ever-growing list of countries across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Four of the bikes from Bajaj-Triumph (two Speed 400s and two Scrambler 400s) are currently touring the US. The plan announced from the beginning has been to focus on creating multiple bikes in the 200 to 750cc range.

Read the detailed article at: https://www.rideapart.com/news/699671/triumph-bajaj-partnership-history-explainer/

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet.com News Bureau

GOVERNOR OF WYOMING DOESN’T HELP–Gov. Gordon’s 60 Minutes interview reveals troubling lack of knowledge

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has proposed taking the Cowboy State to negative net zero by building vast, industrial-scale wind projects and facilities to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it.

To date, the Governor has not provided cost estimates of such massive projects. Nor has he projected how much these proposals would add to the price of electricity for the state’s residents.

Appearing on CBS’s 60 Minutes recently, Gov. Gordon exposed a lack of knowledge about climate change and Wyoming. The governor is apparently unaware of some very important scientific facts that should drive the policy decisions:

• Heat waves peaked in Wyoming in the 1920s and 30s.
• Average maximum annual temperatures have been in decline for more than 80 years.
• Growing seasons are lengthening in the Cowboy State.
• Snowfall totals at six of the eight largest ski resorts in Wyoming are increasing.
• Reducing Wyoming’s CO2 emissions to zero would avert only 0.002 degrees (F) of warming by 2100.
• Increasing atmospheric CO2 is driving huge increases in grassland, forest and crop productivity.

These and many more climate facts reveal the governor’s notion of CO2 driving harmful and unprecedented warming in Wyoming to be mistaken.

Attempting to lessen the amount of atmospheric CO2 is not only foolish and wasteful but detrimental to the well-being of ecosystems and citizens of Wyoming.

–Gregory Wrightstone
Executive Director
CO2 Coalition
Arlington, VA 22209
571-970-3180

– John Ruskin

NEW FROM S&S–Complete 129″ and 132″ Big Bore and Cam Chest Kits!

The S&S Power Package is the ideal combination of performance and savings designed to transform your engine without breaking the bank. The latest kits combine our biggest big bore cylinders (4.32″) with matched cam/cam plate/oil pump and everything else a high performance cam chest needs to make big, reliable horsepower. Transform your 107″ to 129″ and your 114/117″ to a 132″ monster.

BIKERNET 100-WORD FICTION ENTRY– 911 Call

At work, I received a 911 text from my wife. I tried calling, no answer. I alerted my boss, grabbed my leather and ran to my old Road King. Fired up, I blasted down the road for the 20-mile ride to the house. Weaving in and out of traffic and pushing the limits I flew home.

Sliding to a stop I bolted through the front door. My wife trembling, pointed to the stairway. The puppy, his head sticking between the banister supports. I scrambled to free the little guy. To show his gratitude he peed.

Riding back, had to laugh. I’ll take those 911 calls anytime.

–Rhys
Daytona, Fl

NEWS FROM THE BAKER GEAR FACTORY–25% Off For 25 Years in the Industry

As we gear up to mark the end of an epic 25-year ride as BAKER Drivetrain, we’re taking a nostalgic pit stop to soak in our wild journey – the shifts, the grinds, and the soulful sounds of our gears.

From day one, we’ve been all about innovative drivetrain solutions and forging a brotherhood with our Gearhead community. As the odometer ticks toward the year’s end, we’re throwing a no-holds-barred celebration.

Grab your leathers and join the party because we’re offering 25% off select products* to celebrate 25 years of American-made gears. It’s our way of thanking you for rolling with us on this wild ride. Here’s to the road, the rumble, and the rebel spirit that keeps us cruising!

Celebrate 25 years with 25% off!

QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–If you dropped something when you were younger, you just picked it up.

When you’re older and you drop something, you stare at it for just a bit contemplating if you actually need it anymore.

I like to make lists. I also like to leave them lying on the kitchen counter, and then guess what’s on the list when I am at the store.

Ask your doctor if a drug with 32 pages of side effects is bad for you.

I relabeled all of the jars in my wife’s spice rack. I’m not in trouble yet, but the thyme is cumin.

I just read a book about marriage that says treat your wife like you treated her on your first date. So tonight, after dinner I’m dropping her off at her parent’s house.

The best way to get back on your feet is to miss two car payments.

I love bacon. Sometimes I eat it twice a day. It takes my mind off the terrible chest pains I keep getting.

As I watch this generation try to rewrite history, one thing I am sure of is that it will be misspelled and have no punctuation.

Driver: “What am I supposed to do with this speeding ticket?” Officer, “Keep it. When you collect four of them, you get a bicycle.”

–EL WAGGS
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina

100-WORD FICTION CONTEST NOVEMBER WINNER—We loved the play on the romantic song. The winning piece is Layla by Jeffery.

Layla
by Jeffrey
(illustration by Wayfarer)

My Harley rolled to a stop near the side door of where my girl works. I planted my feet to steady the bike as she jumped off the Fatboy. She kissed me on the cheek and disappeared into the building, it was 8 pm on a Friday.

I hate her job, even though that is where we met. Thinking of her working the pole and picking up dollars makes me ill.

Like a fool, I fell in love. Now I’m on my knees begging her please, won’t she ease my worried mind.

Me and Harley will be back at 2.

(publication dated 15-November-2023)
Inspired by the song Layla by Eric Clapton

DUCATI DIAVEL FOR BENTLEY— Exclusivity, performance and craftsmanship in a true two-wheeled work of art

• Bold inspires Bold: a numbered and limited edition of 500 units
• Inspired by the Batur, built on the technical base of the Diavel V4

Beyond the 500 units, Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner: a limited and numbered series of 50 motorbikes reserved for Bentley customers, with the opportunity to make the bike even more unique. Characterized by a completely new design, unique and refined components and a special dedicated livery.

Ducati Diavel for Bentley represents the first collaboration between the two brands
(Miami, 8 December 2023) Ducati and Bentley are proud to jointly announce a new, limited-edition motorcycle that celebrates the best of both iconic brands: the Ducati Diavel for Bentley. Born from a collaboration between the two manufacturers, the project links Ducati and Bentley with a vision of performance, craftsmanship and exclusivity.

On the sophisticated technical base of the high-performance and comfortable Diavel V4, Ducati has integrated characterizing elements of the Bentley Batur – of which only 18 examples will be handcrafted by Bentley – to create a motorcycle unique in terms of elegance and design.

The Diavel for Bentley will be created in a numbered series limited to 500 examples, plus an additional 50 even more special “Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner” motorbikes. The latter are reserved for Bentley customers, and include the personalization and individuality that is so intrinsic to the Batur on which the bikes are based.

The Inspriation – Bentley Batur
Batur is Bentley’s most powerful production car ever, with a 740 PS twin-turbo W12 engine. More than that, the Batur combines benchmark Bentley craftsmanship with sculptured, muscular bodywork that defines a new design DNA for Bentley which previews a new design direction for the brand.

Diavel for Bentley
The Centro Stile Ducati, in collaboration with Bentley designers, created a new design for this special motorbike, drawing inspiration from the Batur from which it takes the lines of the side view. The Scarab Green colour, sophisticated and refined and rich in metallic shades comes from the Bentley Mulliner palette and is used throughout the bodywork.

The decisive and aggressive lines of the Diavel V4 have also been profoundly revised through the technical components: many of the characteristic features of the Batur are taken up in different parts of the bike. The forged rims, designed and created for this motorbike, recall the shapes of those of the car and are painted in Dark Titanium Satin, leaving some machined surfaces visible.

Many of the bodywork components are made of high-quality carbon fibre (fenders, headlamp cover, engine, exhaust and radiator covers, radiator shrouds, side panels, tail piece).

The rider’s seat, in black Alcantara, is inspired by the interior of the car, with precision workmanship that reveals the underlying red fabric with the same to that of the Batur seats and with the Bentley logo embroidered on the rear pad. The dual outlet exhaust, with its cover, has been redesigned to harmonize with the refined lines of the bike.

Diavel for Bentley Mulliner
In addition to the 500 Diavel for Bentley examples, Ducati also offers a series of just 50 examples, called Diavel for Bentley Mulliner. The 50 Diavel for Bentley Mulliner motorbikes will be available exclusively to customers of Mulliner, who through direct collaboration with the designers of the Centro Stile Ducati, will be able to configure their Diavel for Bentley Mulliner with different colours for the saddle, front brake calipers, carbon fibre parts and rims. They will also be able to choose the same colour as their car for the bodywork parts or one of those from an exclusive palette selected by Mulliner’s designer for this special and highly exclusive series.

This joint project stems from Ducati and Bentley both being part of the Volkswagen Group’s “Progressive Brand Group”, which also includes Audi and Lamborghini.

ANTIQUE BIKE OF THE WEEK—

The Velocette KTT is a racing British motorcycle made by Velocette. The most significant variant of the Model K series of overhead camshaft Velocette motorcycles, the TT designation indicated the machine was intended for racing, and was an early example of a ‘production racer’ (although KTTs could be ordered as road-legal machines).[1]

The Velocette KTT was notable for having the first positive-stop foot gear change on a motorcycle, and the first with a swingarm rear suspension using separate shock absorber units.[2] The foot shift innovation significant improvement for racing, and quickly replaced the hand gear change lever, and became the standard for almost all motorcycles to this day.

Veloce’s swingarm suspension also had profound and lasting effects on the motorcycle industry and remains the standard for motorcycle rear suspension to this day.[2]

—from Wikipedia
–Sam Burns

MAJOR TESLA RECALL–Wednesday morning, Tesla announced a recall of more than two million vehicles over concerns its “Autopilot” system can be misused by drivers.

This announcement comes as part of a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into crashes by Tesla vehicles. As you may remember over the last few years, there have been high-profile incidents where Teslas, believed to be in Autopilot mode, collided with motorcycles, killing the motorcyclist.

In the recall notice NHTSA said, the investigation found Autopilot’s method of making sure that drivers are paying attention can be inadequate and can lead to “foreseeable misuse of the system.”

The stated objective of the recall is to “Incorporate additional controls and alerts to those already existing on affected vehicles to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged, which includes keeping their hands on the steering wheel and paying attention to the roadway.”

This recent recall announcement is a good time to remind ourselves what former NHTSA Senior Safety Advisor Missy Cummings said this summer, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

The MRF will continue fighting to ensure the safety of bikers is not ignored in the push to deploy this recent technology on our nation’s roadways.

As always, Ride Safe and Ride Free

[page break]

ANOTHER MAGNIFICENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
–Leo Buscaglia

STONED COLD COUNTRY DOCUMENTARY ON CREATION OF A 60TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE ALBUM TO THE ROLLING STONES
AVAILABLE NOW–

In celebration of The Rolling Stones’ 60th anniversary, Country’s biggest stars came together for Stoned Cold Country, released earlier this year, and a documentary of the album’s in-studio creation, available now via BMG. The documentary, available now to rent or purchase, takes fans behind-the-scenes and into the creation of this love letter to The Rolling Stones from Nashville.

Filled to the brim with reimagined versions of the legendary Rock band’s catalogue, producer Robert Deaton and BMG enlisted superstars Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Steve Earle, Elle King, Marcus King, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Elvie Shane, Koe Wetzel, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson & Zac Brown Band, sitting down with each to dive into the Stones influence on their individual careers.

All of these artists share the same spirit as The Rolling Stones – rule breakers and trailblazers. Music is in these artists’ make up, fame or no fame, each of them would be playing music even if they didn’t have a record deal. Stoned Cold Country also illustrates the recording process of each of these iconic songs with each artist.

Long fascinated by the The Rolling Stones – and specifically their Country roots – Deaton, long-standing executive producer of the CMA Awards, spent the past several years on a specific mission: namely to shine a light on the Stones’ influence not only on Country music at large, but more specifically on some of its most convention-busting contemporary artists.

Featuring 14 vibrant performances of classic Stones tracks, each recorded in some of the most-respected Nashville-area studios by an unmatched selection of the Country world’s most vital musicians, Stoned Cold Country is an absolute eruption of a tribute album that pays homage to Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the rest of the world’s most dangerous band’s most-celebrated tunes.

Doomed Movie Review of the Week:
A disaster waiting to be published

By now, our weekly news readers have somewhat awareness of the way “doom” is used to scare people into toeing the line and giving up their rights, freedoms, integrity to power-grabbing puppeteers.

Why not catch a break by seeking adventure and escape….within doom and disaster?

Everyone loves doomsday stories since the dawn of man and everyone loves disaster movies since the conception of summer blockbuster movies. Well, how about you conjoin the “sky is falling” with a “fallen hero now saves the world” for a mega doomsday disaster blockbuster idea?

Somebody made that mouthful of a movie and it’s spectacular. Titled “Moonfall” it is available for streaming if you didn’t catch it in IMAX theatres back in 2022. I mean, if the world is gonna end, why not enjoy the fireworks and go out with a bang, just like the big bang that created us (allegedly).

On IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5834426/

The science or pop-science (and conspiracy theories) in this movie is not good enough but not totally irritatingly ridiculous.

As you enjoy this movie, there will be a dozen and more scenes that will make you wonder, “Surely, I have seen that scene in some other movie”. Well, there are a lot of such moments and it’s almost like ripping off scenes of well-known movies, but maybe it is just my imagination (or is it my conspiracy theory?). Watch closely and let us know what movies you remember as you watch some of the scenes in this movie.

Overall, it’s a grand production. It is directed by blockbuster veteran Roland Emmerich, so you know it’s gonna be a thrilling movie even if your high school science teacher cusses you for believing anything in it. Hey, you ain’t in high school anymore, believe your own Hollywood dream.

BTW: On the subject of accurate science in movies, did you know the movie “Dante’s Peak” has accurate science on volcano eruption and its effect on a nearby town? It starred James Bond alumni Pierce Brosnan. That disaster movie is cited in schools teaching science behind volcanoes and its effects on the immediate surroundings. However it was a “disaster” at the box-office.

What would you do if this prophetic movie became a reality? Suppose you promised the moon to your bride, maybe now she can have it–splat on her living room! Imagine vacationing in Hawaii, under a full moon, with the backdrop of old dormant volcanoes and the vast ocean at your feet. Now recall all the disaster movies you know and imagine all that could go wrong. Yup, perfect reason for another shot of rum.

–Wayfarer
Mooning the maker
Editor: Bikernet Blog

GUN NUT REPORT–The Politics of Futility and the False Promise of the “Assault Weapons” Ban

Last week saw another episode in the dismal political theatre that surrounds gun control in America, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made a phony attempt to resurrect a failed, 30-year-old “assault weapons” ban in the Senate by unanimous consent.

Needless to say, no idea could be less universally embraced in politics today than the wisdom or necessity of bringing back a law that infringed on the rights of Americans without actually delivering on its promise of protecting the public. The stunt failed, as its proponents knew it would, thanks to the objection of pro-gun Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo).

–NRA

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–Bikernet 100-Word Fiction Contest

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

I would not want to be in your moccasins to make the pick for this month. The brothers got some good stories. I think they might be better than mine. Good luck at making your pick.

–Gearhead
Torrance, CA

DEAL OF THE CENTURY—I jammed to Sturgis before lunch the other day. I had shit to do including to see the boss of Sturgis Leather for some Knucklehead project straps. He did a magnificent job and I took off on other errands.

Long story short, it turned 5:00 and I hadn’t had lunch. About to hit Boulder Canyon in Sturgis for the winding trek back to the shop I swung into the Pizza Ranch log and jammed inside. “Just one slice of pizza,” I groveled to the counter girl.

“That’ll be $1.06,” she muttered and I almost fell over. There you have it. Feed the homeless. She even courteously offered to share news about the selection and point out the freshest offering. Amazing.

–Bandit

TUCKER CARLSON NETWORK NEWS–

Welcome to Tucker Carlson Network (TCN). We’re glad to have you on the team.

If ever there was a time when this country needed honest and fearless reporting on the stories that matter most, it’s now.

Our team has spent decades in the corporate media, so we know better than anyone: the corporate news industry is dead.

And they did it to themselves by lying over and over again.

They told you the COVID-19 vax was safe and effective. That was a lie.

They told you the Hunter Biden laptop story was a hoax. That was a lie.

They told you that Russia blew up its own pipeline, fueling the drumbeats of war. That was a lie.

Ultimately, they have lied themselves to death. No one trusts them anymore, and for good reason.

That’s why we decided to build something new — something better. We hope always to be worthy of your trust by telling you the truth. That is our sacred promise to you.

We’re thrilled to have you on board, and hope you enjoy streaming all of the exclusive content your membership unlocks.

All the best,
–Tucker Carlson

I signed up and hope he delivers. I want him to interview the new speaker, Mike Johnson. I want him to put Climate doom to the test. We’re burnin’ daylight.
–Bandit

NEWS FROM THE WORLD MOTORCYCLE MARKET—
Why Bajaj Auto is not stepping on the gas for EVs yet

Editor’s note: Bajaj is one of the leading two-wheeler companies in the world. Looking only at the Two-wheelers, Bajaj Auto actually stands as the fourth largest manufacturer, after Honda, Hero and Yamaha.

They found another success in a new collaboration with Triumph for mid-weight motorcycle segment. Bajaj is also a manufacturer of three-wheeled utility and commercial commuter vehicles which compete globally against Piaggio. In emerging economies, Bajaj Auto is the No. 1 or 2 in more than a dozen African markets.

From EconomicTimes:
Even as the EV megatrend progresses in India, led by two-wheelers, Bajaj Auto isn’t impressed enough to go all out in the emerging industry. Rather, it looks to place its eggs in different baskets. In this exclusive interview, Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, talks about the OEM’s strategies for EVs, a technology-agnostic product development approach, fundamentals for global growth, and the outlook for the Indian two-wheeler market this year, and the next.

See video interview at:
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/videos/why-bajaj-auto-is-not-stepping-on-the-gas-for-evs-yet/105816832

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet News Bureau

NEWS FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT–

 Quick update from the studio…

1 – Our production team continues to ship existing orders.

2 – Reminder that time is running out to order this year’s holiday piece, “You Don’t Say”. We’ll close this edition on January 1. You can see specifics below.

3 – wishing all a very Happy Holiday season! This year sure flew by!

In 2015, David started his Holiday Series with “Timber Titan”. Each year since, he has added a new piece to this collection.

We are pleased to announce the release of David’s 2023 Holiday piece, titled “You Don’t Say”.

The photos David used for reference were actually taken around 1999 during a visit to Harley-Davidson’s Juneau street location. The models are Elizabeth and Marie (who was the archivist at the time).

We will begin taking orders now and will close the edition on January 1, 2024. Each canvas print will come hand-signed and numbered with Certificate of Authenticity.

Edition specifics:

** 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

Please email me or call me at 303-913-4840 with any questions, or to place your order. Thanks for your time!

–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
David Uhl Fine Art
Uhl Studios

The Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket was created to protect the Right to Repair and Modify for Independent Bike Shops. Plus, we are fighting for the right to utilize Internal Combustion Engines for Custom Bike Builders. You may not feel threatened, but the EPA and other regulatory agencies are attacking several states, while looking to California as leader in green movement. They are demanding Zero internal combustion vehicles sold by 2035. Zero means Zero Freedoms.

They miss the point: More carbon dioxide will help everyone, including future generations of our families. CO2 is the essential food for land-based plants. –CO2 Coalition

The only way we can combat the lies is with the truth and numbers. That’s why we need you to join and build the coalition of riders with the MRF and demand the truth.

As part of the MRF we are able to take advantage of their lobbyists in Washington D.C. who can get us in the door. We are fighting the good fight, but we need your support today, please join the IMA, and trust me, they are coming, just ask your buddies in California.

–Bob Kay
Director

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.

GOOD Vs. BAD tank badges ’47-’50:

TOP: Taiwan repro crap AKA: “Genuine Harley-Davidson”. Note the lousy Cat-Eye, black lettering, and incorrect shape all the way around.

MIDDLE: Original OEM badge. A bit flattened out but you get the idea.

BOTTOM: Older repro with our “Distressed” treatment to match the bike. Ironically, H-D made the manufacturer of these nice repro badges “Cease and Desist” and began making the shitty version at the top.

–from El Waggs
Tech Editor
Bikernet.com™

Join us for a laid back cruise north, up to Neptune’s Net.

In the morning, we’ll be giving away a brand new Biltwell Helmet to one lucky participant. No tickets to purchase. You only have to be present to win!

Meet:
1625 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

Destination:
Neptune’s Net
42505 PCH
Malibu, CA 90265

9AM – Meet
10AM – Kick stands up!

All years, makes, and models are welcome!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram, or go to venicevintage.com for the latest updates on our events calendar.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support throughout the year!

-VVMC

“For he is a jolly old fool, who gives away his tools…” Jenny teased her hubby who desperately gifted his old parts and tools to anyone who spent time with him.

“I have one motorcycle and I love her and she has no use for heaps of junk piling up in my garage,” Grant explained.

“Well, how about repairing it first?” continued Jenny.

“I did.” He yanked off a canvas tarp to reveal a restored sidecar, “No excuse for you to not ride now honey!”

“You did all this for me?”

“I was talking to the dog!” teased Grant.

–Wayfarer

4-SPEED TRANSMISSION NEWS—The Main-shaft archives. There were four versions of the 4-speed transmissions main shafts as engines changed and electric starters emerged.

1936-1965 Knuckle and Pan era. Kicker only: 11.750 inches

1965-1969 Pan to kidney Shovelhead with electric start: 12 inches

1970-1984 Cone motor Shovelhead to Evo with alternators and electric start: 12.5 inches

1985- Belt rear drive Evos: 13.750 inches

AMAZING SEASON BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for December 7, 2023 —Click to read.

Your spaceship has a true Jules Verne vibe. Though way further south than you, we have pretty much the same critters except coyotes instead of mountain lions.

I’m happy y’all are settling in and enjoying your new digs. Merry Christmas and a Great New Year.

–Sam
TX

“Hell, they might try to ban propane. I need to camouflage our heating supply.” –Bandit

–Greg Wrightstone
CO2 Coalition

FAREED ZAKARIA’S STARK WARNING– to American universities

CNN’s Fareed Zakaria delivered a blistering takedown of American universities in which he pointed out that Americans were losing faith in institutions of higher learning which seemed hellbent more on “promoting political agendas than academic excellence”. He also pointed out that the lack of political diversity was also damaging the student body’s ability to analyze things.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/jew-genocide-row-fareed-zakaria-s-stark-warning-to-american-universities/ar-AA1lju8A

–Wayfarer
Bikers for Truth
501C3 in process

HEROES MOTORS PRESENTS THE ‘70S COLLECTION– 1972 HARLEY-DAVIDSON 750 XR

This factory-fresh 1972 Harley Davidson XR750 racer is one of only 100 machines built in 1972 and one of 200 built in total. Every authentic XR750 was hand built in the Harley-Davidson competition shop, and this machine, Serial No. 50, looks like it rolled out of the shop last week.

www.heroesmotors.com

Heroes Motors Malibu

[page break]

NRA executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre told Fox News Digital that the Second Amendment organization is proud “to support Robin and Chicks With Triggers in their efforts to empower women by enabling them to defend themselves.

See more at the NRA website

AUCTIONS ON CLASSIC AVENUE–Auctions Starting Today

Only 1,266 miles from new
1986 Ducati Mike 1000cc Hailwood Replica

Paul Adams restored
1939 Norton 490cc Model 30 International

Latest motorbikes in the showroom

Frame no. 009
1975 MV Agusta 750cc America

Exquisitely restored by Mark Francois
1975 BMW R90S
ClassicAvenue.com

BUY – SELL – CONSIGN – AUCTION

HO, HO, HO FROM BURLY BRAND–We know you’ve been good all year.

We’re here to reward some amazing discounts on all our motorcycle parts and accessories. From December 11th to December 26th, we’re running a two-week long Christmas Sale with savings on everything you need to ride in style and comfort after winter.

Put that Santa hat on, grab some eggnog and get ready to ride into the new year with Burly Brand.

Head to our website and be sure to use code: XMAS23 @ checkout to SAVE!

Don’t forget to follow us, tag us and share your bike and ride photos with us on social media using by #KEEPITCUSTOM.

Happy Holidays,
The Burly Brand Team

#KEEPITCUSTOM

Can you make a special gift to help us reach our $60,000 goal before time runs out? Your generous donation will go TWICE as far to provide essential support for veterans of all generations and their families, caregivers and survivors. That’s because, right now, generous friends of DAV are matching all gifts dollar-for-dollar!

The holiday season can be an especially difficult time of year for veterans with visible and invisible wounds of war. DAV provides veterans with a community of support — and a critical lifeline — during the holiday season and all year long.

But we can only do this work with YOU by our side. Please give now while your gift will go 2X as far to reach our goal and support our nation’s heroes.

Thank you for all you do for veterans.

–Barry A. Jesinoski
DAV National Adjutant/CEO

A new study confirmed previous reports that the electric vehicle (EV) industry is extensively connected to child labor in Africa.

The study, which was compiled by various think tanks, held that much of the cobalt used in EV batteries is sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

FOX News corroborated this finding, noting that last year, “the DRC produced nearly 70% of the world’s cobalt and is home to nearly half of known global reserves of the mineral.”

“There is no such thing as a clean supply chain of cobalt from [the DRC],” the researchers stated:

All is tainted by various degrees of abuse, including slavery, child labor, forced labor, debt bondage, human trafficking, hazardous and toxic working conditions, low wages, injury and death, and incalculable environmental harm.

Even monitoring the situation is impossible as conditions are adversarial at every turn, including aggressive security forces, intense surveillance, the remoteness of many mining areas, distrust of outsiders and the sheer scale of hundreds of thousands of people engaged in the feverish excavation of cobalt in medieval conditions.

FOX reported: “The Department of Labor’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs concluded that more than 40,000 children, including children as young as 6 years old, work in cobalt mines in the DRC.”

>> THE DARK SECRET BEHIND THE DRIVE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES <<

According to FOX, the study was conducted by The American Energy Institute (AEI), the Energy & Environment Legal Institute, the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Heartland Institute, the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, the International Climate Science Coalition, and Truth in Energy and Climate.

Reports detailing the alleged connection between EV batteries and African child labor have been surfacing for some time.

In April, CatholicVote’s Erika Ahern reported that in the Congo basin, “tens of thousands of children, along with hundreds of thousands of ‘artisanal workers’ … work for a pittance in dangerous, inhumane conditions, mining the minerals and metals required for EV production.”

“Rarely in history has the practice of preying on the weak been so severe, generated such profit, and touched the lives of so many,” observed modern abolitionist, author, and professor Siddharth Kara earlier that month.

“Every level of the chain is preying on some of the poorest and most heavily exploited people in the world,” he added. Kara has written extensively about human rights violations such as modern slavery and sex trafficking.

>> BLUE STATES EMBRACE CCP-LINKED EV BATTERY COMPANY <<

In addition to the link to child labor in Africa, reports have also hinted at a connection between EV battery production and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“The Democratic governors of Illinois and Michigan allowed a company with ties to the [CCP] to open factories producing batteries for [EVs] in their states,” CatholicVote reported last month.

CatholicVote co-founder and former ambassador Joseph Cella asked at the time: “Unlike other states, why do the governors of Michigan and Illinois spend their taxpayers’ money bringing in companies deeply tied to the Chinese Communist Party into their states?” Cella is a Michigan resident.

“Don’t they understand the clear and present danger this totalitarian regime presents?” he continued. “It’s a bipartisan issue.”

–Catholicvote

FROM BIKERNET BLOG–Polaris Slingshot shoots on ahead in 2024
Will Harley-Davidson enter autocycle segment?

Well, purists may say it is not a trike and hence branded and classified as an “autocycle” by NHTSA. Irrespective of your preference and riding experiences, Polaris Slignshot continues to be a bestseller in its category as an autocycle.

Slingshot has been so popular that the 2024 version will receive quite a few updates.

In fact, I would like to see if Harley-Davidson will enter the autocycle segment to keep its three-wheeled business busy among dealerships. Polaris so far, has no interest in the traditional trike. Whereas Can-Am Spyder has its own unique market, not directly competing against Slingshot. I would say Can-Am Spyder is a choice for those unhappy with a big and heavy V-Twin powered Harley-Davidson Freewheeler and its luxurious sibling Road Glide and Tri Glide Ultra.

H-D took a big gamble with Pan America and riders responded positively, at least initially. Even their return into India market with 440X, a small engine bike to compete against the local legend Royal Enfield, met with more bookings than they ever expected in this year, their 120th anniversary year. The recent India Bike Week saw custom built Harley-Davidson 440X showcased to the crowds which included one with a sidecar and a cafe-racer styled version.

Will Polaris Slingshot and Polaris Indian as a whole consider expanding to Asian markets with local manufacturing to rival Harley-Davidson’s aspirations in China and India depends mainly on opportunities offered in investment and capital expenditure by the local governments in those nations. The automotive sector is booming for both, the Asian Dragon and the Asian Tiger, and Elon Musk might just put up a Tesla plant in India since Chinese cars, motorcycles and EVs are not promising given the Chinese military ambitions at it’s neighbors borders. QUAD Summit for 2024 seems to be postponed as POTUS has a different schedule.

Meanwhile, have a look at Polaris Slingshot features for 2024 at Bikernet Blog

https://blog.bikernet.com/polaris-slingshot-shoots-on-ahead-in-2024/

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog

CLIMATE DOOM NEWS OF THE WEEK— Greens erupt as fossil fuel ‘phaseout’ is dropped from proposed climate deal

“COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure,” former U.S. Vice President Al Gore said. But organizers of the summit in Dubai urged nations to be flexible and compromise.

By Karl Mathiesen, Zia Weise and Sara Schonhardt

The prospect of a deal to end fossil fuels faded on Monday in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, when organizers of the U.N. climate summit released a draft proposal that merely suggested reducing them instead.

That outcome would fall far short of the demands that environmental groups, the U.S., the European Union and vulnerable island nations had laid out before the COP28 summit in Dubai, with some activists saying the talks would be a failure if they did not call for phasing out the production of coal, oil and natural gas.

The draft “really doesn’t meet the expectations of this COP in terms of the urgently needed transition to clean sources of energy and the phaseout of fossil fuels,” U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said during a fractious, closed-door meeting late Monday night and early Tuesday, which POLITICO listened to via an unsanctioned feed.

But representatives of other countries, including a bloc that includes China and India, said they would not accept any language proposing either a “phaseout” or “phase-down” of specific energy sources.

Negotiations at the Expo City campus on Dubai’s outskirts were expected to continue through the wee hours on Tuesday — the scheduled final day of the summit.

Earlier that evening, summit president Sultan al-Jaber urged the nearly 200 governments assembled to be flexible and make a deal. The “world is watching” after almost two weeks of discussion, said al-Jaber, who is also the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned oil company.

Protesters stood outside chanting: “This text is bullshit.”

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore unloaded on the proposal, saying in a statement that “COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure.”

–POLITICO

“Over the next 24 hours the whole process blew-up with the final resolution sorta watered down but similar to many of the other doomsday scenarios and a continued attack on fossil fuels.

What the fuck is the world without truth. We’ve gone back to the dark ages. But wait see the report below from the Daily Caller.”

–Bandit

Ultimately, it appears that Saudi Arabia, a leading member of OPEC+, got its way. The agreement does not call for a fossil fuel “phase out,” instead advocating for governments to accelerate the deployment of carbon removal technologies that could ostensibly prolong global reliance on fossil fuels, such as carbon capture and storage.

It remains to be seen whether or not the agreement’s signatories will actually follow through with the pledge’s stipulations. Lofty targets have been set at past UN climate conferences, only to be effectively ignored.

For example, at the 2021 summit, global leaders announced commitment to phasing down reliance on coal-fired power plants, but global coal demand is expected to remain at near-record levels in 2023, according to the International Energy Agency.

The White House did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

–Daily Caller

SPORTSTER OF THE WEEK— Iron Devil is the personal bike of Ben Ott built by Kustom Works by Thunderbike.

Thunderbike
Harley-Davidson®
Güterstraße 5
46499 Hamminkeln
Germany
Phone: 0049 2852 67770

–Sam Burns
Feature Biker Editor
Bikernet.com™

NEW DICE MAG AVAILABLE— Issue 102 is HERE and will be with subscribers very soon.

If you ain’t then make sure you is SUBSCRIBING.

“The Wait Is Over Brough Superior Has Officially Launched in USA!”

JOIN THE WAIT LIST

Experience the timeless elegance of the Brough Superior SS 100 at its exclusive launch in California. Be among the first to own this motorcycle icon.

The 2024 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Roadshow got off to an early start this month as President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard met with ABATE of Florida.

Hardtail shared the MRF legislative agenda including our work on Right to Repair, Autonomous Vehicles and Preservation of the Internal Combustion Engine. As part of the meeting, ABATE of Florida selected a new MRF Florida State Representative!

Expanding the MRF’s reach into Florida is critical to advancing our goals in Washington, D.C. The population of Florida has earned it twenty-eight (28) members in the U.S. House of Representatives, the third highest representation of any state. It also boasts over 600,000 registered motorcycles, ranking it third in the nation on that list as well.

Beyond its size, Florida has become a critical state in several political battles in this country. The willingness of Florida’s bikers to support the efforts of the MRF is a huge political win for all bikers. Thank you to ABATE of Florida for allowing the MRF to share the issues we are actively addressing. We anticipate building a strong and growing relationship.

While Florida was the kickoff of the upcoming roadshow, it will not stop there. MRF Board Member calendars are already filling up with events for the start of 2024. Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wisconsin are just a few places where you will see the MRF popping up. In the words of Willie Nelson, “On the road again, just can’t wait to get on the road again!”

NEWS FROM THE MIC– GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Vital Legislation Introduced to Protect Public Off-Highway Vehicle Access in Utah

Utah motorcyclist and U.S. House Representative John Curtis introduced the Historic Roadways Protection Act in November, legislation that would prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from finalizing or implementing new travel management plans in the state until pending litigation over historic roads is finalized. Utah Senator Mike Lee introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Motorized access to Utah’s outdoors is critical for local economies and for recreation opportunities,” Curtis said. “My legislation simply requires that we know all valid historic routes, which are critical to understand what areas can be accessed, before (the Bureau of Land Management) makes further travel management planning decisions.”

NEW VAHNA ISSUE AVAILABLE– The Winter 2023 issue is here!

132 pages of beautiful photography and stories of motorcycles, the places they take us, and the people who ride them. Printed on premium paper using a traditional offset printing process for the highest possible quality, with greater detail and color fidelity.

Your coffee table will thank you.

Lowbrow Tire Pressure Gauges work on Motorcycles, Cars, Bicycles, Wheelbarrows, you name it!

Throw that plastic, sliding ‘tire pressure gauge’ in the trash.

Tire pressure matters.

We are stoked on how these turned out, and know you will be, too.

FROM BIKERNET BLOG–Mahindra and Mahindra, along with others to invest USD 105 mn in Classic Legends

The bestselling ‘Scorpio’ car manufacturer will invest USD 105 million along with existing shareholders and new investors, Mahindra said in an exchange filing.This will be over the course of next two to three years.

Mahindra owns 60% of Classic Legends, which manufactures two-wheelers such as Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA.

This is while investments in premium motorcycle segment in India is heating up with Harley-Davidson and Triumph partnering domestic companies, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj respectively.

Classic Legends has so far not made any inroads into this segment that is still largely dominated by Eicher’s Royal Enfield motorcycles.

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog

Coalmont OHV Park Earns a Grant, Repairs Trails, and Fights Erosion in Tennessee
The team at the Coalmont OHV Park in Tennessee used its grant from the Right Rider Access Fund to rent an excavator for a month, buy fuel, and purchase drainage tunnels to stop erosion and repair damage on some of the area’s most-used trails.

“With the grant, we installed fifteen culverts and worked fifteen miles of trail, installing water bars, rolling dips, and silt traps,” said Roger Theurer, volunteer project coordinator/supervisor for heavy equipment trail maintenance at the park. “Our team at the Coalmont OHV Park and our enthusiasts are grateful for the RRAF grant. It allowed the repair of a large number of our trails, providing a much more enjoyable ride for our users and more environmentally friendly trails. The park has been open less than a year, and most of our trails are old logging and rock-harvesting roads that were eroding and rutted.”

The RRAF is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the MIC, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. Its mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands.

The RRAF is accepting grant applications until January 15 and staff members will review them through February 15.

–MIC

See the whole story at Dealer News

The Redhead is now a Chubby Chipmunk and works in the Chocolate Mines in Deadwood. Does that make any sense? Here’s her co-miner’s wife Christine turkey hunting north of Bear Butte outside the Buffalo Chip.

I reached out to Lee Clemens, the founder of Departure Bike Works. He confirmed that John’s scuffed 3rd gear was good to go. I sent him a shot of the slider.

I met Brad Hull, the master of Sturgis Leather, a very talented leather and metal worker. He offered to make my straps on the spot. The timing was perfect, so I hung out and watched as he explained every aspect of the seemingly simple operation. He hand-fitted each belt.

He picked each fastener, stitched the leather, and I watched how he made silver nickel conchos. He treats and shapes them, then has a handmade fixture for holding the fasteners while he solders them in place.

Bada bing, he completed three straps while we discussed his metal-art projects. Talented guy, he just turned 60 and plans to retire.

I’ve made some metal art pieces over the years. I just haven’t got off the dime here, and there’s serious talent in the Black Hills. It’s inspiring and challenging. I’ll get to it.

This coming year is going to be massive, inspiring and I hope kids all over the world will be told they’re living in the best of times and the bullshit is behind us.

Ride Free Forever…

–Bandit

Mahindra and Mahindra, along with others to invest USD 105 mn in Classic Legends

The bestselling ‘Scorpio’ car manufacturer will invest USD 105 million along with existing shareholders and new investors, Mahindra said in an exchange filing.This will be over the course of next two to three years.

Mahindra owns 60% of Classic Legends, which manufactures two-wheelers such as Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA.

This is while investments in premium motorcycle segment in India is heating up with Harley-Davidson and Triumph partnering domestic companies, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj respectively.

Classic Legends has so far not made any inroads into this segment that is still largely dominated by Eicher’s Royal Enfield motorcycles.

* * * *

Invest in freedom, check out the membership options for Bandit’s Bikernet; click to know more.

Well, purists may say it is not a trike and hence branded and classified as an “autocycle” by NHTSA. Irrespective of your preference and riding experiences, Polaris Slignshot continues to be a bestseller in its category as an autocycle.

Slingshot has been so popular that the 2024 version will receive quite a few updates.

In fact, I would like to see if Harley-Davidson will enter the autocycle segment to keep its three-wheeled business busy among dealerships. Polaris so far, has no interest in the traditional trike. Whereas Can-Am Spyder has its own unique market, not directly competing against Slingshot. I would say Can-Am Spyder is a choice for those unhappy with a big and heavy V-Twin powered Harley-Davidson Freewheeler and its luxurious sibling Road Glide and Tri Glide Ultra.

H-D took a big gamble with Pan America and riders responded positively, at least initially. Even their return into India market with 440X, a small engine bike to compete against the local legend Royal Enfield, met with more bookings than they ever expected in this year, their 120th anniversary year. The recent India Bike Week saw custom built Harley-Davidson 440X showcased to the crowds which included one with a sidecar and a cafe-racer styled version.

Will Polaris Slingshot and Polaris Indian as a whole consider expanding to Asian markets with local manufacturing to rival Harley-Davidson’s aspirations in China and India depends mainly on opportunities offered in investment and capital expenditure by the local governments in those nations. The automotive sector is booming for both, the Asian Dragon and the Asian Tiger, and Elon Musk might just put up a Tesla plant in India since Chinese cars, motorcycles and EVs are not promising given the Chinese military ambitions at it’s neighbors borders. QUAD Summit for 2024 seems to be postponed as POTUS has a different schedule.

Meanwhile, have a look at Polairs Slingshot features for 2024 at Bikernet Blog.

—–Wayfarer
Wayfarer @ Bikernet.com

Riding on your mind? CLICK FOR ACTION 

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

911 Call
by Rhys

At work, I received a 911 text from my wife. I tried calling, no answer. I alerted my boss, grabbed my leather and ran to my old Road King. Fired up, I blasted down the road for the 20-mile ride to the house. Weaving in and out of traffic and pushing the limits I flew home.

Sliding to a stop I bolted through the front door. My wife trembling, pointed to the stairway. The puppy, his head sticking between the banister supports. I scrambled to free the little guy. To show his gratitude he peed.

Riding back, had to laugh. I’ll take those 911 calls anytime.

* * *

Know past winners and read all entries ever published by visiting:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx

All you gotta do is subscribe to Bikernet’s free weekly newsletter and send in your entry to wayfarer@bikernet.com

It’s Day FOUR of the 12 Days of Giving for Veterans! Today is for the unsung heroes who share in the sacrifices veterans incurred in service — the families, caregivers and survivors of our nation’s veterans.

Through programs like DAV Caregivers Support, we offer tailored assistance and resources to friends, family members and loved ones who provide care to those who served. Because we believe the caregivers of our country’s veterans deserve their own support. But these essential programs are only possible with the help of people like YOU.

And right now, your donation to DAV will go even further to help fund our life-changing programs and services for our nation’s heroes and unsung heroes.

Give today and your gift will be MATCHED dollar-for-dollar to help reach our $60,000 goal! Your special gift will go 2X as far to provide critical support for all those who sacrificed for the freedoms we hold dear.

That’s one incredible gift to give our heroes this holiday season.

MATCH YOUR GIFT ? CLICK HERE !

* * * *

Tell ’em Bikernet.com sent ya

Mostly Early Harleys before Transmissions

by Bandit with photos by Weed

This piece speaks to so many things. This brother is retired, but he’s not turning the motorcycle flame down. When we started this series, he faced three restorations of 1913-’14 Harleys and one Excelsior-Henderson. I could be wrong. There could be a 4th. Since then, he’s scored more early bikes, sold bikes, restored Museum bikes and is currently trying to buy another JD-model V-twin.

Click here to read this amazing article only on Bikernet.com

* * * *

Our Dayrolls are all leather now, with four pockets including a tool flap. They are the best. Click for action.

This piece speaks to so many things. This brother is retired, but he’s not turning the motorcycle flame down. When we started this series, he faced three restorations of 1913-’14 Harleys and one Excelsior-Henderson. I could be wrong. There could be a 4th. Since then, he’s scored more early bikes, sold bikes, restored Museum bikes and is currently trying to buy another JD-model V-twin.

So, don’t mind me if I get crossed up from time to time. The other day Dan sent me shots of lacing and truing early wheels, so here we go. All early wheels are laced with the hub centered over the rims. All early motorcycle wheels came with clincher rims and tires, which are tough to mount and even tougher to install the tubes. All the early bikes had 28-inch in diameter rims.

All the early bikes came with 36 spokes until 1912 when Harley engines grew more powerful, so they switched to 40-spoke wheels. They’ve been the same ever since. Sure the rims changed and widened and the spoke thickness became more substantial.

Let me see if I can get this straight. Dan lays towels down and starts to connect the hub to the rim with spokes. While carefully watching the position of the nipples, he installs a spoke in the hub and counts four dimples over on the rim and installs it. If he was lacing a hummer wheel, it would be three-over.

If you wondered if you were doing it right check the length of the spoke sticking through the rim. If it’s way long or short, you’re off and need to correct.

He laced the inside group and then the outside group crossing four spokes of the inside group with each new spoke. He flipped the wheel over, did the inside group and handled the outside group of spokes before installing the wheel in the truing stand.

In the stand, he applied masking tape to the four, 90 degree corners. Then he started to tighten the nipples up and down and side to side while watching his truing gauge. He has the old cool tightening tools for the job. He can now lace a wheel in just about 10 minutes. Truing takes patience, bourbon and time.

Remember to check the length of the spoke sticking through the rim and nipple. If one is way off, you might have a problem.

Once close to completion, Dan punched each nipple from the outside because of the thickness of the paint. After final tightening and truing, he checked and ground any protruding spokes to prevent tire puncturing. He made sure all the surfaces were smooth and wiped clean before applying the rim strip.

His tolerance for early wheels, which are more forgiving is .060.

Here’s a sidebar story. Russell Mitchell was involved in a TV series. If the contestant could build a bike within 30 days from the ground up, he could keep it. Lacing wheels became the toughest hurdle to the competition. More guys lost because they couldn’t lace and true a wheel in time.

Here’s an adage direct from Dan, “If you can’t find a part—you make it!” Here’s a Magneto cable control sleeve he fabricated.

Okay, that’s it for this episode. Dan is currently restoring a ’13 and ’14 from the Mecum auction donated to a museum by E. J. Cole for Dan’s makeshift shop display. Tom Faber is building Bars for these rollers and with new paint for the tanks and fenders, they will be complete and ready for display.

See ya next time.

–Bandit

Moving to Sturgis is like moving to motorcycle nirvana in the Black Hills Region of South Dakota. It’s either Western or Two-Wheeled in this area. The wild life runs from Moose to Elk, to Knucklehead, flathead and 4-valve heads.

There are long distance riders, artists like Scott Jacobs and his entire family, to Antique Motorcycle Club guys, custom builders like Irish Rich and a master of all Cabana Dan. A Hamster and union retiree Dan builds drag bikes, customs, choppers, bobbers, long bikes and is now building, by chance three stock antiques in the 1913-1914 range. He’s a humble scraggly-bearded biker whose wife worked for the factory as a dealer rep and now is the executive director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

Dan, with vintage history, already built two of the most magnificent Peashooter, singles from the ‘20s and a 1914 restored Harley on display at the Sturgis Museum currently. He knows what he’s doing and where to find the shit. So, hang on. We are going to touch on his three current builds and then over the months ahead we will follow their progress, if we can stay in his good graces.

Let’s kick off with his 1914 H-D twin. It’s ready for paint and his first batch of nickel-plated pieces just arrived from D&J Plating in St. Paul. D&J handled everything except the tiny pieces. Dan met a family who plates antique handles and knobs for rare furniture. They offered to nickel his little fasteners and brackets, but when he stopped by with a mag wheel, they cringed. That chopper stuff scared the staff with notions of drugs and outlaws. He had to take the mag somewhere else.

In the case of the ’14 twin, he purchased the frame and the frontend from Dewey Rice EarlyHarley.com. He had the early H-D twin motor from an Ebay score. The frames in those days were very spindly and were often discarded, whereas the engines were used for water pumps and saved.

All three bikes are 1913-‘14 vintage for several reasons. The motocycle industry was flying at the time with new innovations and technology daily. For instance, the ’13 H-D was the first chain drive model, but still no transmissions.

They jumped from pedal start to two-speed rear hubs, low and high gear in ’14 to three speed transmissions in 1915. Floor boards were introduced in 1914. Before that you kept your feet on bicycle-style crank pedals. Early footboards were steel sans pads. The next year footboards came with holes for rivets to hold rubber pads in place.

“Gotta go,” Dan said to me and kicked me out of his shop buried in the hills behind a cemetery. “Going to meet with my painter.”

Later we shifted to his 1913 Excelsior-Henderson. ?“The older the better,” Dan said. The more the bikes developed the more complicated they became and the more parts are required. This will be another shiny restoration but a racer twin.

In this case he had to build the frontend from castings made in Illinois. Each piece had to be sweat brazed together and, in this case, controls were made operable with linkage and not cables like the Harleys. This motor is being used for mock-up and fitment.

He had complete clincher wheels, but he was carefully tearing them down, rebuilding the hubs and painting the hubs and rims, then Tim, an AMCA member in Spearfish, SD, will pinstripe them. He will then re-lace them with Buchannan stainless spokes.

Booted out of the shop hidden in the hills once more, we made a plan. For the final 1913 Harley twin we had a local pretend he needed neighborly help, then quizzed Dan with our pre-written list of questions. The neighbor knew nothing of early bikes but was a rider with an M-8 Softail. Remember what I said. Folks in these parts have horses, cows, goats or motorcycles.

Dan mentioned how much easier the older bikes are to build now, after his first 1913 single cylinder chain drive that is also currently on display in the museum. “I now have connections and know of manufacturers all over the world,” Dan said, but he wouldn’t give them up and shoved his neighbor out the door. “I’ve got shit to do.”

His final vintage project has a twin engine Dan found in Milwaukee, but it needs a rebuild. He has a single brake and brakes are another story, how they transformed from bicycle brakes to outside drum, and then inside drums, hydraulic and finally disc. He has a complete drum brake for this bike and if he decides to build an antique patina bike, this puppy will work like a champ just the way it is.

All these bikes used 28 by 2.5-inch diameter rims. The 28X3 configuration is considered a 22-inch rim. I’m confused, but getting there. If you go to the Coker tire web site you can search Clincher tires.

There’s more critical, early tire info at the Occhio Lungo website.

Dan called me one day about a racer he was building and needed a 1913 H-D engine. “I hang my denims on one,” I said. He darted over to my place to find a 1913 Single on top of my gun safe, holding my pants on a hook designed and mounted to the top motor-mount.

It didn’t work out for his project, but the next time I was in Dan’s secret shop he mentioned selling a patina race roller to someone for, well I won’t mention the price. I said I could put my engine in his roller and suddenly he offered me a “Killer Deal.”

I needed another motorcycle project like I needed a hole in my dented head, but I also needed an excuse to sneak into his shop from time to time and bring you updates on his exclusive projects. I offered to buy it. What a fuckin’ nut.

We moved it into the 5-Ball Racing shop and I took the ’13 single off the gun safe again for the final time, after trying to make a ’24 twin fit, but that’s another story.

Hang on as I attempt to sneak into Dan’s stellar shop to report on his vintage projects, another custom for his wife, Leah and score a piece or two for our ’13 racer project.

–Bandit

Sources:

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Coker Tires

Occhio Lungo