The decision had been taken because of “intolerable abuse,” Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia said. A surprise announcement on Friday mentioned the cause as inconvenience to pedestrians. The violations are so many, doubling the number of enforcement officers overnight would not have solved the issue as per the minister. It is understood, private e-scooters will still be allowed, with incentives introduced to encourage people to buy their own. This decision makes Malta the first European country to ban rental scooters, although the French capital Paris took a similar decision after holding a referendum. Refer: https://blog.bikernet.com/paris-climate-accord-vs-paris-e-scooters/ Government earlier this year stated it will consider designated parking zones for the 5,000 scooters on the island, before banning them outright. The term e-scooter may be confusing– it is not the typical scooter such as a Vespa. Refer above images of an e-scooter.

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by Bandit with photos by Clint Schlegel

Outlaw Mini-Nationals, Nipple Blossom Festival

Freddie Cuba, a longtime custom bike builder of dubious renown grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, but bought a cabin 28 miles outside of town in Deweese in 1999. So get this, he flat-track raced for several years, but got disillusioned. His brother said something about driving hundreds of miles to race for a costly experience and said, “Fuck it, let’s build a track out by your cabin.”

There you have it, buck the system, build your own track and so, Freddie Cuba produced his own races in Deweese for 20 years and then moved.

Experience the motorcycling underbelly (and nipple) in this photo-feature article, click here.

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Freddie Cuba, a longtime custom bike builder of dubious renown grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, but bought a cabin 28 miles outside of town in Deweese in 1999. So get this, he flat-track raced for several years, but got disillusioned. His brother said something about driving hundreds of miles to race for a costly experience and said, “Fuck it, let’s build a track out by your cabin.”

His brother Junior cleared the land. “At times he had more imagination than I did,” Fred said. Junior built the beautiful track with his construction equipment.

There you have it, buck the system, build your own track and so, Freddie Cuba produced his own races in Deweese for 20 years and then moved.

Fred woke up one morning and said, “Why are we driving back and forth from Hastings to Deweese. Let’s move,” and they did. Since 2021 this has been Bev and Fred’s new home.

Here’s the critical component to Fred’s endeavor and I quote, “Boobs would be pointless without nipples,” Mr. Cuba said. “We started this in 1999 for me and my buddies to play and watch their kids grow. We saw dirty youngsters runnin’ around in diapers years ago and now watch them win races and carry the checkered flag around the track.”

He doesn’t charge a dime for racers or spectators.
They set up on Friday, race all day Saturday, and Sunday some guys flog the track practicing for the following year. “Monday, I lick my wounds,” Fred said.

Fred had a close fried Jerry Homes who was more than a friend. “He was a brother,” Fred added. “He was here from day one, telling me I had a good ideas or once in a while he would shout, ‘What the fuck are you thinking.’” Jerry passed away recently. The brothers rode backwards to dust the dirt with Jerry’s ashes.

Let’s see if I can get this straight. First, they let the go-carts race because they pack the track down for motorcycles. Then Big tire mini-bikes race followed by little tire Mini-bikes. There’s a 150cc class affording all small motorcycles to compete. There are age group competitions, team races and a flathead class or doodle-bugs.

The number 13 on the logo represents Gavin Garth’s racing number as a tribute. “He raced here last year and was looking forward to coming back,” Fred said, “but tragically lost his life in an automobile accident.”

Each year they look for whacky trophies and this year a local oil company threw away several hundred warning signs and they went to the dump, but Fred rescued ‘em. On the back it warns the winner that removal of this sign could cost ‘em a hefty $500 fine…

“The American flag on the t-shirt sleeve represents Kim Niederhouse,” Fred said. “We called him Pete. We went to school together from the 2nd grade. The flag we flew at the event was given to him on July 4th 1998.” As it turned out the Navy awarded it to him at his retirement gift from the USS Arizona. “He gave it to us to fly during the event,” Fred said. Pete passed away last spring.

The wonder woman was a TRUE wonder woman. Kathy Strong Morehead lost her fight with cancer this year. “She was my sweatheart in 2nd and 5th grade,” Fred quipped. “When I was in 7th grade, I fell off the back of a car and cracked by skull. Kathy (I called her Kate) came to see me in the hospital daily for a week. She was more like a sister to me than a friend.” She’ll be missed by everyone.

Wait, there’s something or someone very uplifting who added a race of gentlemen touch to this event, the flag girl Diva Weber. Her father builds rat rods and she knows exactly what to do with her body when it comes to events. More brothers will be back next year because Freddie kept asking Diva to jump higher.

Hang on for the free Twisted Nipple flat track racing event for 2024, which will be the 25th Anniversary. Be there, Be there, Be there.

–Bandit

TVS overtakes Yamaha’s Market capitalisation to become third-largest two-wheeler maker in the world.

The market capitalisation (Mcap) of Chennai-based (India) TVS Motor has surged 37% to $9.2 billion over the past six months, as per Bloomberg’s data. In contrast, Yamaha Motor saw an Mcap erosion of $1.6 billion from its August highs.

Only seventeen months ago, TVS Motor Company was less than half the size of Yamaha Motor Co. Now, it has overtaken the Japanese two-wheeler giant in terms of market valuation. Investors continue to bet on a revival in both domestic and export markets, and TVS seemed the horse of choice, symbolic of its logo.

BTW, Indian two-wheeler manufacturers make up four of the top five companies in the world.

Bajaj Auto tops the list with a Mcap of $19 billion, followed by Eicher Motors with an $11.5 billion Mcap. Hero MotoCorp ranks fifth with a market valuation close to $8 billion.

Additionally, TVS Motors has gained dominant position in EV scooters, and has managed to gain market share in every segment over the last few years. TVS makes the 310cc BMW engines and motorcycles sold in India. TVS also owns the Norton brand.

US-based Harley-Davidson ranked seventh with an Mcap of $4.3 billion, three Chinese manufacturers are featured among the top ten two-wheeler makers in the world.

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Be confident about the truth and freedom

It’s amazing in the Black Hills. I love the mornings. Got so many projects and so little time.

Think about it. We a living in the best of times from the standpoint of science, technology, communications and health (exception of Covid) but our leaders, elected officials are scared, bullied, bullies, control freaks and avoiding the truth.

Get this. The last two issues of the AMA magazine have not mentioned any legislative issues. Did they miss the SEMA report or have they been taken over? The new MIC (Motorcycle industry Council) report just came out. No legislative alerts. What’s going on?

If I was confident about anything it’s in the truth and freedom. Let’s hit the news.

–Bandit

Click here to read this Thursday’s Weekly News only on Bikernet.com

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Get Freedom, Get into Bandit’s Cantina…click to know more.

Hey,

Here’s what we’re up against from one source, SEMA:

Rhode Island Re-Opens Comment Period for Internal Combustion Engine Ban
UPDATE: Don’t Wait—Please Comment on New Mexico’s Proposed Clean Car Plan
New Jersey Set to Ban Internal Combustion Engines
Ask Your U.S. Representative to Support the CARS Act
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Bill to Stop California’s ICE Vehicle Ban
EPA Pursues New Emissions Standards to Spur Transition to Electric Vehicles
Ask Your U.S. Representative to Support the REPAIR Act
Ask Your U.S. Senators to Support the American Outdoor Recreation Act.

As you can see, we are under attack daily. It’s so interesting. Is the doom real or is it made up? If it’s made up, who is responsible and who has the guts to expose it.

I just had a meeting with a staffer from Senator Rounds office in South Dakota. I asked the most simplistic question. “Can we show kids all over the world and especially in the United States the truth?” Seems simple enough, but he told me the chances of the Senate placing that question on the floor for open debate were nil, nada, no-way.

Think about that. We a living in the best of times from the standpoint of science, technology, communications and health (except for Covid) but our leaders (that’s not an accurate descriptive term) elected officials are scared, bullied, bullies, control freaks and avoiding the truth.

Get this. The last two issues of the AMA magazine have not mentioned any legislative issues. Did they miss the SEMA report or have they been taken over? The new MIC (Motorcycle industry Council) report just came out. No legislative alerts. What’s going on? Let’s hit the news:

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

FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK–Raw Iron Choppers

jesse@rawironchoppers.com

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

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RHODE ISLAND RE-OPENS COMMENT PERIOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE BAN–DON’T DELAY!

Please contact the Department of Environmental Management of Air Resources immediately to voice your opposition:

Overview: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Air Resources announced the “Rhode Island’s Low-Emission and Zero-Emission Vehicle Programs” regulation. If enacted, the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks will be banned starting in 2035. Because of a technical issue, the comment period has been extended to October 30, 2023. If you previously submitted comments, we ask that you please do so again.

–SEMA

BIKERNET READER TECH QUESTION —S&S Hot Rod Pro Stock 160-Inch Engines

Can this S&S engine be detuned for street use?

–Larry Chiltton
ON, Canada

“If you have this engine, yes it could be detuned, but it would be a costly endeavor. If you are thinking about buying an S&S engine, you can order it in any configuration from mild to hot.” –Bandit

CHOPPERS MAGAZINE ALERT– Pre-Order Issue 13

New to Choppers Magazine. Don’t Miss Out. Chance of a Lifetime.

EDITORIAL: INHERIT DIRT AND ASHES–
A Prediction of a Western, the Frontier as the Future

We have all seen and heard or read enough Western fiction and non-fiction; now it all seems predictable.

However, have you instead considered it all as a prediction of things to come?

Well, it don’t need to be a Mad Max movie kinda future if everything’s gonna be electric and digital. Ultimately, we would have to seek the assistance of Mother Nature and its creatures — whether you ride a horse or a buffalo or a wild ostrich in that future is yet to be decided based on what skills and life-forms remain in such a decadent Earth.

Only a few things separate our planet as an inhabitable life-nurturing rock in space— and guess what, some corporates are trying hard to control and possess it all, so as to put your air & water on a tab you can’t afford.

The basic frontier country story is all the same. Same as back when people had no nations, no flags. You find a tolerable piece of land, try and make a lifestyle from the life on it, hope the water don’t run out and pray the sun ain’t the death star of old legends. Then come all the competition—fellow humans who want your piece of dirt or want to tax it to protect themselves from you ever becoming an unproductive neighbour.

As sure as night follows the day and history repeats itself, the future, the science fiction to be faced as fact, is frontier towns and ghost towns. Us all striving to survive, hoping to be the strongest, allowing the dead to feed the living.

Imagine, blood-sucking leeches sucking out water from you instead, as hackers steal your life-energy rather than your money or data? A futuristic bio-engineered leech? Maybe a water bank where you sell your body’s precious resource instead of blood or sperm!

A future more like a cartoon, a wild child’s play—as if the movie ‘Rango’ (2011) was a documentation of things past that will replay beyond sands everywhere in due time.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1192628/

Do governments already work on protection of water resources internationally or is it too much of a conspiracy theory regarding monitoring of political tides and corporate ties.

Quantum of Solace (2008) was a James Bond movie that considered water as the new precious natural resource to pursue. We have yet to see people, ordinary folks, those complaining about taxes to take some effort at saving and recycling this gift of life, becoming self-sufficient— they remain a fountain of bitter truth that springs forth conditioned, busy and insect-like humans that are born, consume, reproduce, infest their surroundings and die.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0830515/

My favorite superhero has worked on these issues and continues to strive for a sustainable human!

Bill Gates dares to drink which no billionaire has drunk before
This ingenious machine turns feces into drinking water— and may save lives. Why would anyone want to turn waste into drinking water and electricity?

FROM SubStack: Hot Air Cold Love
https://hotaircoldlove.substack.com/p/inherit-dirt-and-ashes

–Wayfarer
Editor in Chief
Bikernetblog.com™

“I don’t always go for Bill’s programs. He’s one guy who could put the Doomsday discussion on a national stage. We just want the truth.”

KNUCKLEHEAD OF THE WEEK–Atomic Custom

1946 Knuckle
Atomic Trent
406-980-1244
atomiccustom@gmail.com

–Sam Burns
Motorcycle Curator
Bikernet.com™

DICE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION : ONE YEAR

Sale Price:$14.95 Original Price:$19.95

ISSUE 101 is our CURRENT issue

‘Current’ subscriptions will start with issue 101, and will include; Issue 102, 103 & 104

‘Upcoming’ subscriptions will start with issue 102, and will include; Issue 103, 104 & 105

DicE is QUARTERLY! That means you get 4 Issues of DicE Magazine delivered direct to your sexy ass inbox. Digital subscribers get their copy emailed to them one week earlier than print issues!

**DISCLAIMER**
Digital Subscriptions are not an instant download, there is some processing time, usually it takes 7 days to update the list. After it has been updated you will receive an email with your personal digital subscription link.

Create your next night of fun and entertainment with tickets to a live event.

VetTix provides Veterans and service members with free tickets to hundreds of events, including sports, concerts, performing arts and family experiences nationwide.

TITANIUM ROTOR BOLTS ON SALE— ON SALE UNTIL END OF MONTH

Rotor Bolts,
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RACELITE SERIES from Wana-Ryd

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THE MAGNIFICENT BUFFALO CHIP RALLY RECAP–
YOU HELPED MAKE THE 2023 RALLY A ROARING SUCCESS

The 2023 Rally started with an unprecedented rainfall, but that certainly did not dampen the spirits of our attendees and sponsors. The Best Party Anywhere rocked on with big name acts and a busy amphitheater every night. Facility improvements in the amphitheater included a highly revised East Entrance sponsored by Progressive Insurance that led directly into a remodeled Motorcycles As Art and Softail complex. ?

Motorcycles As Art drew significant attention this year, as a surge in visitors encountered an exhibit meticulously arranged by Kevin Dunworth and Savannah Rose. The gallery celebrated motorcycle art masters like Michael Lichter, Ray Drea, David Uhl, and Scott Jacobs. Additionally, the introduction of an art purchasing option and a VIP bar serving MotoDoffo wines created a nightly audience that appreciated the experience.

Royal Enfield took advantage of the increased attention in the space by hosting the reveal of a custom Super Meteor 650 built by Roland Sands. The spectacle featured a smokey burnout in a crate as an epic crescendo for the assembled media, influencers, VIP guests and sponsors.

Progressive Insurance had teams seemingly everywhere with an amphitheater activation anchored by a very cool mobile Skee-Ball display and highly engaged product experts. Their efforts were seen throughout the campus with activation teams patrolling the campground and the free-for-everyone Crossroads at the Buffalo Chip.

Buzz-Balls joined us this year with a very successful sponsorship at Club Chip. The late-night party venue had guests partying well into the evening and was the hot-spot following the headlining concerts every night.

Speaking of concerts, the line-up was as broad and diverse as always. Kicking off the rally with ZZ Top, the week featured an amazing performance from Styx and the legendary biker soundtracks from George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Each night ended with a killer show from legendary bands like Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Limp Bizkit, and others. See the entire 2023 lineup here.

Following an epic Monster Wall Smash, Thursday night showcased the retro-spectacle of the Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular featuring Kyle Ives jumping a motorcycle over Blake Wallenda on a high-wire. This first-time ever event drew in even more motorcycle and music fans!

While Mother Nature tried to wash out some of the rally week, motorcycle and music fans proved that the show will go on. Buffalo Chip staff and sponsors proved their dedication to serving the tens of thousands of guests who flock to the rally and this legendary venue. When you have a party that’s become an American tradition for over four decades, even the forces of nature have to join in!

The Chip staff thank everyone for their support and creativity at this year’s event and are already planning for 2024, which marks both the 85th rally anniversary and the 45th Best Party Anywhere celebration!

WHAT’S NEXT?

 “The multi-year programs are what allows all of us to get to business and not be distracted by the annual contract discussions,” says Sturgis Buffalo Chip VP Jeff D’Entremont. “Our team comes up with creative solutions for any budget, and by spreading a commitment over years, our audience gains significant trust and allegiance with our partner brands. This party will continue for decades to come, so it only makes sense to plan ahead and make the most of it.”

In addition, there are some new plans regarding our Buffalo Chip Campground website and the expansion of camping availability for a significantly longer period than “just the rally”. This will expose sponsoring brands to a wider variety of guests, while increasing the value of the relationship.

[page break]

Triumph to end Thruxton’s production with new Final Edition

– Triumph celebrating 80th anniversary of the first Thruxton
– Final Edition pays homage to the Thruxton of the 1960s
– Based on the top-spec Thruxton RS

Triumph has unveiled the new Final Edition of its iconic café racer, the Thruxton. As the name suggests, it will mark the end of the motorcycle’s legendary run and celebrate the 80th anniversary of its first-ever iteration.

https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/other/triumph-to-end-thruxton-s-production-with-new-final-edition/ar-AA1irgFh

–Wayfarer

LIFE LESSONS—I think about the coffee I make every day and how I go through the sealed bag of magnificent Sturgis Coffee. As I come to the end of the bag, I plan to roll into Sturgis to buy a new supply, see the cute girl behind the counter. But this is about time and how it’s slipping away.

I look at my own existence and how my time is dwindling. I spoke to an older brother, an ex-Hells Angel the other day. He’s in his 80s and I asked him what he does daily. He said all his friends are gone. He watched over his mom until she passed. He’s not a veteran nor has a pension. He lives on Social Security and watches TV. He doesn’t have a motorcycle anymore.

I hooked him up with some riders nearby to Fresno, CA. I hope he will take advantage of the crew in Auburn, including Carlo and Emma Lujan who own the Indian Dealership.

The point is, the next time you open a new bag of your favorite coffee or a new tube of toothpaste, think about the time that passed and what you were doing during that delicate chunk of life.

I want to compliment many of the movers and shakers I know in the custom motorcycle industry including Rick Fairless, of Strokers Dallas and Paul Yaffe of the Bagger Nation in Phoenix. These are guys who make shit happen every day. If you’re one of them and never let a day pass without metalflake accomplishments, creating new, chromed bad-ass shit and constantly reaching out to friends, brothers, customers and enthusiasts daily, bravo. Never stop and never give up.

–Bandit

A FREEDOM FIGHTER ALERT–
Automakers finally blast Biden EPA plan to hike fuel efficiency rules – Would ‘boost avg vehicle price by $3,000…with absolutely no environmental or fuel savings benefits’

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) proposal was unreasonable and requested significant revisions.

The industry group argued the plan would boost average vehicle prices by $3,000 by 2032 because of penalties automakers would face for not complying, adding the figure “exceeds reason and will increase costs to the American consumer with absolutely no environmental or fuel savings benefits.”

By Marc Morano
Climate Depot

“Marc also wrote a book called the Great Reset. He basically points out how they are coming for everything we do and won’t stop until they have control of everything and destroy our country, because that’s the goal.”
–Bandit

BABE OF THE WEEK—

Monica Salvi (Monic) lives in Modena, Italy, originally from Barcelona, Spain. She is into motorcycle track racing and other outdoor sports such as swimming, diving, and freestyle skiing.

She enjoys car shows, aerobics, and astrology.

–Sam Burns
Babe Investigator
Bikernet.com™

UPDATE: DON’T WAIT—PLEASE COMMENT ON NEW MEXICO’S PROPOSED CLEAN CAR PLAN

New Mexico’s proposed automotive regulations could severely impact your ability to choose the vehicles you love. Act now to oppose this restrictive proposal, preserving your right to diverse automotive options.

DON’T DELAY! Make your voice heard by submitting comments to the state by November 13, 2023.

–SEMA

BIKERNET HISTORY LESSON–Simson-AWO 425 – 450 – 750

The origins of the company Simson go back to the year 1854 when the brothers Löb and Moses Simson bought one-third of a steelhammer works in Suhl, Germany. The production of carbon steel began and the firm Simson & Co. in 1856. Initially, weapons and bicycles were built. From 1908, vehicles were built including the Simson Supra racing car.

After World War I, Simson Suhl was the only German company that was allowed to produce machine guns. This explains why the company was forcibly removed shortly after the seizure of power by the Nazis. Hitler’s government forced the Jewish family Simson to flee the country in 1936. The company name was now Berlin-Suhler Waffen- und Fahrzeugwerke Simson & Co. (BSW).

After the Second World War, the works were largely dismantled and spent as a reparation payment in the Soviet Union. The production of hunting weapons, strollers and bicycles was started again.

In 1946 Simson & Co. Suhl, was incorporated into the Soviet joint stock company SAG Awtowelo (AWO). As of March 5, 1947, the company was named State Corporation “Awtowelo” Werk vorm. Simson & Co, Suhl.

In 1948, the Soviet Army Administration (SMAD) ordered the plant to build a 250cc, four-stroke, sidecar motorcycle. It was the overhead-valve AWO 425. Between 1949 and 1962 the Suhl factory produced more than 209,000 motorcycles designated Type 425 (4 meaning 4-stroke and 25 its capacity, 250cc).

Tanklogo 425

On May 1, 1952, the plant as a VEB vehicle and equipment made Simson Suhl a state-owned enterprise. In addition to the AWO 425 (from then on referred to as Simson type 425) were produced. A sports version was also developed.

Simson 425

In 1964, the production of the Simson 425 Sport was discontinued in favor of moped production. After the reunification of Germany, Simson was handled by the Treuhandanstalt and re-founded as Suhler Fahrzeugwerk GmbH. The Mokickba series have been modernized. After several near-bankruptcies, the company had to file for bankruptcy on June 28, 2002. The company was auctioned in 2003.

–text from b-cozz.com

–Sam Burns
Motorcycle Curator

THE GREEN THING— As I checked out at the store, the young cashier suggested to me I should bring my own shopping bags because plastic bags aren’t good for the environment. I apologized and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my day.”

“And that’s actually our problem now,” she responded. “Your generation simply didn’t care enough to keep our environment safe for future generations.”

She was right — our generation didn’t have this green thing in those days. Back then, we returned milk bottles, pop bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed, sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So, they really were recycled.

We refilled our writing pens with ink instead of buying brand-new ones, and we replaced razor blades instead of throwing away the whole razor when the blade got dull. But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

We used the stairs, because we didn’t have an escalator in every shop and office building. We walked to the grocery store instead of climbing into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

But the young lady was right. We didn’t have the green thing in those days.

We had one television or radio in the house — not a TV in every room. And the TV had a screen the size of a handkerchief — not the size of the county.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred things by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send by mail, we crushed up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the grass. We pushed a lawnmower that ran on muscle power. We worked, instead of working out at a health club, and running on electrically-powered treadmills.

But she’s right. We didn’t have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain or a tap when we were thirsty instead of buying water bottled in plastic, often in some other country. We accepted the fact that a lot of food was seasonal and we didn’t expect it to be flown in from parts of the world thousands of kilometers away.

We actually prepared meals that didn’t come out of a package, a tin or wrapped in plastic, and we could even wash our own vegetables and chop our own salads. But we didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people walked, or took a streetcar or bus, and kids walked to school or rode their bikes, instead of turning their mothers into a 24-hour Uber service. There was usually one electrical outlet in each room, not a bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized pocket device to receive a signal beamed from satellites in space just to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing back then?

Please send this on to another selfish old person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smart-ass youngster. We don’t like being old in the first place, so it doesn’t take much to piss us off – especially when it comes from tattooed, multiply-pierced know-it-alls who can’t make change without the cash register telling them how much.

–Sam Burns
History Buff
Bikernet.com™

TURN 14 DISTRIBUTION APPOINTS PRESIDENT OF OWNED BRANDS, ROBERT SCHUETZ

Turn 14 Distribution, the industry leader in performance parts distribution, announces the appointment of the President of Owned Brands, Robert Schuetz. Bob is an established leader within the performance aftermarket and OE industries. His resume includes world-renowned companies like Warn Industries Inc, Ohlins USA, and KW Automotive, NA, where he held executive leadership positions of Vice President and President within these organizations.

Bob will oversee the establishment, structure, development, and daily operations of our owned brands team with its headquarters in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. He will lead the product development, R&D, brand management, and marketing of the manufacturing brands Turn 14 Distribution acquired through Tucker Powersports purchase.

“I’m excited to be a part of the rebirth of the brands we’ve acquired from Tucker Powersports, and I look forward to earning the trust of our longstanding partners and internal team as we seek to maximize our potential in each respective marketplace,” said Bob Schuetz, Turn 14 Distribution President of Owned Brands.

“Bob has years of expertise and industry know-how to spearhead our manufacturing efforts with our brands as we move forward,” said Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution.

–Steve Piehl

[page break]

ANOTHER CLASSIC CUSTOM KNUCKLEHEAD OF THE WEEK—By Motorcycles Den.

Check out how he mounted the bars.

–Sam Burns

OPINION OF THE DAY—J.J. Solari steps into the ring…

I don’t mean to shock America’s motorcyclists but it’s not auto drivers’ job to stay out of your way. It’s your job to stay out of their way. They have no incentive to stay out of your way.

They’re not going to die and likely not even going to get hurt in the crash. All these mighty biker types demanding auto drivers suddenly up-end all their instincts and prejudices in order to grant motorcyclists their equal rights on the road: if you’re on a motorcycle you don’t have any rights on the road. You don’t even have any rights in the Constitution. But you THINK you have rights on the road.

You have the right to fucking DIE on the road. Those are your road-rights. The right to fucking die. Here’s your fucking rights on the road: “You have the right to get splattered into mist, high-flying smelly clothes, and thousands of airborne bone chips in a collision with a car or truck or train. This is your right.

This right shall not be dissolved or suspended or cancelled in any way, such as, for example, by ‘the right to live,’ nor by any subsequent or previous right you might imagine to exist, nor by any slogan you might dream up to proclaim your road rights that you have fancied to compose in a fit of crossdressing euphoria while drinking daiquiris with your ‘bros’.” Those are your rights on the fucking road.

You don’t want a car to hit your motorcycle? Stay off the fucking road. Or else strap explosives to yourself so that when YOU go maybe he’ll go too. All these mini Ocasios going around pretending their motorcycle-riding lives matter: they don’t matter to car drivers. You know whose lives matter to car drivers? Semi-drivers’ lives: car drivers NEVER turn left in front of a semi. You know why? Because they know they’re going to fucking die! The same reason they DO turn in front of motorcyclists: because they know they’re NOT going to fucking die.

Meanwhile you’re going around, all skipping and vibrating in hysteria “Oh, now, listen car driver person man dude guy: watch out for us ‘bikers.’ Look out for us now, omigawd. We’re fucking invisible and can appear out of nowhere and lately we have come to believe that it’s your job to be aware of us in our fucking invisibility and for you to also develop such a fondness for us and our ability to escape from every traffic tie up that you’re going to be trapped within that you spend your time on the road hoping for an opportunity to show us that you’re a responsible motorcycler-loving individual, anxious to show us that our lives matter and that ‘watching out’ for ‘bikers’ is your top priority when you get behind the wheel of your 5,000 pound Tesla that’s on automatic pilot.”

Ya know, as long as I’m on the fucking subject, there used to be before bikers, and by bikers I mean clubbed-up lunatics wearing the military helmets of the Wehrmacht….those types of bikers: those type of bikers had an attitude that sort of morphed into a slogan which was “Ride Hard Die Fast.”

In fact the Early-When-It-Was-Cool Easyriders Magazine ran a full page or maybe two-page view from the ground of a painting of a skinny total fucking crazed, probably multi-drug addled shirtless, dungaree’d renegade from every form of socially-acceptable nicety imaginable, on a chopped, basically part-less, Harley larger than himself, he’s holding onto it with one hand, the other hand had I think a fucking human skull in it, he’s in motorcycle boots, remember those? That’s his “protection” from mishaps on the highway, and from the debris chaos going on behind him he’s obviously going in excess of 100 miles an hour on who even knows if it’s a road and with no shock absorbers except for little useless springs under the “seat” and it’s all like in a faded blue paint like twilight-under-heatlamps, like eternity is about to fall onto this guy, not that he fucking cares, and arching over him and the bike are the words RIDE HARD – DIE FAST.

This of course was before Easyriders became popular and before it decided it wanted to turn into the people it was trying to avoid ever appealing to. And before ride hard die fast was changed into ride hard be nice, and ride hard drink Pepsi, and ride hard play fair, and ride hard go gay. But that’s a different lecture.

The point is: motorcycling is a fucking crap shoot. It’s not a pulpit for “educating” car drivers on their need to do the impossible: which would be to learn to love and admire and be mindful of motorcyclists. Who they fucking detest.

–J.J. Solari

QUOTE OF THE WEEK— The Climate of Fear: Youth Mental Health in the Throes of Climate Change

We live in an age of unparalleled wealth and comfort, where bogeyman must be created because they don’t actually exist.

–Charles Rotter
Watt Up with That

BRAND NEW 100-WORD FICTION SUBMISSION–I gave it the title “Long Rides” and created a few illustrations of a solitary rider.

Read it here:
https://blog.bikernet.com/100-wfc-long-rides-by-steven-sanner/

I used this image above which had best details and shows the rider coming along alone —instead of the other three images depicting him on his way on a road where no one is ahead for him to look forward to. Sorta subtle optimism.

The below image has a better landscape but has him sitting too high on the bike — yet, I like it because this one has him wearing a hat instead of a helmet– with a very Old West atmosphere!

But perceivably, all of ’em are very good. I’m an amateur illustrator now. Gotta celebrate with a ride.

–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernetblog.com™

VFW LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE GAMING LEAGUE FOR VETERANS—
The VFW aims to foster connections and combat veteran isolation

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural gaming league, Combat Tested Gaming. Working alongside veteran-owned KC Crew, this landmark initiative provides a new platform for service members and veterans to hone their gaming skills while building camaraderie with other members of the veteran community. Watch the promo.

An estimated 3 billion people globally will play video games this year, and the VFW recognizes the importance of providing diverse opportunities for veterans to foster connections and combat isolation in an inclusive and support environment. Combat Tested Gaming aims to fulfill this mission by bringing veterans together through esports.

VFW Combat Tested Gaming”Combat Tested Gaming is about more than gaming, it’s about leveraging social engagement and skill development opportunities to build a strong community of support,” said VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento. “Veterans find strength in unity, and this bold, new initiative harnesses the power of technology to connect them in a way that’s both fun and therapeutic.”

To kick off this exciting endeavor, Combat Tested Gaming’s debut season will feature leagues for popular competitive video games Call of Duty®: Warzone and Rocket League. League winners will go on to compete in the 2024 VFW National Gaming Championship that will be livestreamed at the 125th VFW National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, next July.

Combat Tested Gaming registration is completely free. The first league play registration closes Oct. 20, with weekly matches set to begin the week of Oct. 23. All matches will be streamed live to the VFW’s Twitch and YouTube accounts.

Whether you game solo or have a brigade of battle buddies, service members and veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to join Combat Tested Gaming for the chance to connect with their fellow veterans and experience the positive impact of esports.

For more information about Combat Tested Gaming leagues or to register, visit vfw.org/Gaming.

Originally introduced in 1986, the Transalp touts a rich heritage in the adventure category, where it is renowned for its ability to perform on the pavement and explore past the road’s end. Carrying this same ethos, the new-generation Transalp has been a hit in the European market over the past few months, and now U.S. customers will be able to enjoy this versatile, middleweight ADV platform.

–DealerNews

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FACTORY TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR 2024 MOTOAMERICA MISSON KING OF THE BAGGERS RACING SERIES

The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory racing team will compete in the 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers roadracing series with team riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli.

Kyle Wyman won seven races during the 2023 King of the Baggers season and finished third in the season championship. Kyle is the winningest racer in MotoAmerica King of the Baggers history, with 12 total race wins in the 24 events since the start of the series in the 2021 season, plus the 2021 season championship to his credit. And yet he’s hungrier than ever after signing a new two-year contract with Harley-Davidson.

“Riding for the Harley-Davidson Factory Team has been a dream, and I’m excited to be given the opportunity to continue for two more seasons,” said Kyle Wyman. “We’ve had a lot of success in the class, but we have come up short on the championship two years in a row. Our goal is to win back the title in 2024 and I look forward to getting started with testing in the coming months.”

James Rispoli, riding for Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson, won two races in the 2023 King of the Baggers season, plus he scored five second place finishes and three third place finishes for second overall in the championship. Rispoli, who was signed to a one-year contract with the factory team, has a long history of racing Harley-Davidson motorcycles dating back to racing an XR750 as a teenager, and earning the nickname “Hogspoli” after winning the American Flat Track Production Twins championship aboard a Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R in 2020. He also won back-to-back AMA Pro Racing Supersport championships in 2011-2012. Rispoli fulfills a lifelong dream by joining the Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® factory racing team.

“I am stoked to have signed with Factory Harley Davidson. It has been a dream of mine to be a factory rider ever since I was a little kid,” said James Rispoli. “Taking confidence and consistency paired with the backing of the factory, I know we are going to be a big threat in 2024. I am very excited to get to work.”

Rispoli replaces 2023 factory Harley-Davidson rider Travis Wyman. “I want to thank Travis Wyman for his three seasons aboard the factory Harley-Davidson Road Glide, and at all times being a consummate teammate,” said Jason Kehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Racing. “Travis joined this program mid-season in 2021 and has been invaluable in not only the development of our motorcycle, but also in building a factory racing program. Travis has been one of the fastest riders to ever race a Harley-Davidson, and we look forward to his continued contributions to our brand and to this program. We welcome James to the factory team after earning his seat riding in the King of the Bagger series the past two seasons. James’ brings with him an unrelenting desire to win for Harley-Davidson. With James now aboard, we focus on Daytona in March of 2024, kicking off the largest, most demanding, and fastest King of the Baggers season to date.”

The King of the Baggers series offers exciting competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles prepared for competition and equipped with a fairing/windscreen and saddlebags. The 2024 season will see the King of the Baggers series expanded to 16 races over eight double-header weekends held in conjunction with the MotoAmerica Superbike Series.

One hundred and thirty-eight public intellectuals and journalists demand governments dismantle the Censorship Industrial Complex.

In March of this year, two of us, Matt and Michael, testified to Congress about the existence of a Censorship Industrial Complex comprised of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Big Tech companies working together to suppress disfavored views and disfavored people.

At that hearing and ever since, elected members of Congress, the mainstream news media, and the NGOs have argued that there is no Censorship Complex, just people doing research into and trying to correct misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.

But now, a group of 138 scholars, public intellectuals, and journalists from across the political spectrum have issued a strong call warning the public of the Censorship Industrial Complex and urging governments to dismantle it in the name of the “first liberty,” freedom of speech. It’s called The Westminster Declaration.

–MICHAEL SHELLENBERGER, MATT TAIBBI, ANDREW LOWENTHAL, LEIGHTON WOODHOUSE, AND ALEX GUTENTAG

(PUBLIC Substack)

A recent study from S&P Global Mobility found that half of electric vehicle owners would buy an internal combustion engine vehicle as either a replacement for their current car or as a second vehicle. The top three arguments for why these drivers would switch back are pricing, EVs not being compatible with current infrastructure, and fears that EVs might leave them stranded on long-range trips.

If you’re looking to cover the rise of electric vehicles, and what needs to be done at the government and industry levels to ease the transition for consumers, Bill Klehm, CEO of eMobillity solutions provider eBliss, is available for interview and commentary.

With over two decades of leadership experience in the transportation and automotive industries, Bill can discuss the burgeoning industry, and how it fits into a more sustainable future.

Bill was an early collaborator at CarFax and the Fallbrook CEO who oversaw the development and launch of the NuVinci Continuously Variable Transmission—the first viable replacement for geared systems since the bicycle was invented over 200 years ago.

While at Ford Motor Company, Bill led the strategy that grew the customer service division to over $1 billion in a three-year period, and during Visteon’s successful IPO from Ford, Bill’s tenure as President grew the business from $80m to $280m. A well-regarded business and thought leader, Bill’s expertise has been featured in Hardball: Are You Playing to Play or Playing to Win, Wired, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, among other publications.

–Adam Romero
Ericho Communications

“Hmmm, maybe we should interview Bill. What do you think?”
–Bandit

Working with Atomic Bob. It’s getting that time of the year for a Xmas.

My VLXAFL is coming apart for final welding, powder and paint.

It’s amazing in the Black Hills. I love the mornings.

The ’58 Belair is still for sale and I’m still dailing in a couple of mechanical issues.

Correction from last week. This was Freddie’s 24th annual Twisted Nipple races, which I hope to cover tomorrow on Bikernet.

Remember the director of the Biker Build-offs, Hugh King (on the right). The King is now a student of Buddhism in downtown Los Angeles. I have his chopper, built by the greats and it’s in the Sturgis Museum.

I sent my engine sprocket spacers back to Tech Cycle. Billy is going to cut the big one down to 1.5 inch. That should do the trick.

We are looking for a Springer front brake to use on an early glide front end. We may have an inexpensive option with Fab Kevin.

So many projects and so little time. Ride fast and free forever.

–Bandit

This 1950 Mercury Eight coupe was modified under previous ownership by Bo Huff Customs of Carbon County, Utah. The car is finished in black with orange accents over black leather upholstery, and power is from a replacement 396ci V8 paired with a replacement four-speed automatic transmission. Additional modifications include a chopped roof with a tan canvas cover, a replacement grille and bumpers, shaved trim and door handles, and stacked headlights as well as a hydraulically adjustable suspension system, four-wheel powered disc brakes, and Vintage Air climate control. The current owner acquired the car in 2012, and subsequent service involved replacing the spark plugs and changing the oil. This modified Mercury Eight is offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a South Carolina title in the current owner’s name listing the car as a Mercury 505.

BID ON IT NOW: Less than 4 hours left

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1950-mercury-custom-2/

Tell ’em Bikernt.com sent ya !!

The body was shaved and tunneled with a chopped roof, stacked headlights, and frenched taillights before being refinished in black with orange side stripes under prior ownership. Additional modifications include a tan canvas roof cover, spotlights, and decorative side pipes. The grille was reportedly sourced from a 1953 DeSoto, while the split bumpers are from a 1956 Pontiac. The left rocker panel is dented, crazing is visible in the paint, and scratches are present on the body panels.

Chrome-finished steel wheels wear polished hub caps and are wrapped in Coker classic wide whitewall tires that show age. Stopping power is from four-wheel powered disc brakes with red-finished calipers. The car has been channeled over the chassis, and equipment includes front and rear suspension components that were reportedly sourced from a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and are hydraulically adjustable.

The cabin houses swiveling front bucket seats and a rear bench that were reupholstered in black leather under prior ownership. A color-coordinated headliner, door panels, and carpets have been fitted, and cedar wood trim accents the center console and armrests. Additional features include Vintage Air climate control, power windows and locks, a glove box, sound-damping material, and a Jensen cassette stereo. The dome lamp lens is stained.

The four-spoke woodgrain steering wheel is mounted on a tilt-adjustable powered steering column, and center-mounted instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer as well as gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The six-digit odometer shows 272 miles, approximately 25 of which were added by the seller. Total mileage is unknown.

The 396ci V8 was installed under prior ownership and is equipped with a finned Hilborn-style air intake, a Holley carburetor, Mickey Thompson valve covers, and an aluminum radiator. Service under current ownership included changing the oil and replacing the spark plugs.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a replacement four-speed automatic transmission. Corrosion is visible on the underside, and additional underbody photos are presented in the gallery below.

Magazine articles featuring the car are included in the sale.

The South Carolina title carries an Exempt brand, and a reproduction VIN tag is affixed to the firewall.

396-Powered 1950 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom

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Get the gear– get riding— its still sunny in your heart and soul.
Have a look at 5-Ball Racing Shop: https://5-ballgarage.com/

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Long Rides
by Steven Sanner
with illustration by Wayfarer

After over 40 years of her by my side, she is gone. You always hear how tough real bikers are. Seldom will you see them cry. That’s because the wind drys the tears while we ride to clear our heads and handle the emotions. We use the rain, and the water drops in the shower to mingle and mix with the tears that no one sees. We know that the emotions and pain prove we are still alive, and accept the strength that comes from it. I may seem like a tough old emotionless bastard, but excuse me if I have to go for a long lonely ride.

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Read all the entries at:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx

Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to wayfarer@bikernet.com

WINNERS SO FAR:
1. for the month of May 2023: “Been There Done That” by Steven Sanner
2. for the month of June 2023: “A Hundred” by Chris Dutcher
3. for the month of July 2023: “First Time” by Rhys
4. for the month of August 2023: “Hilary” by Gearhead
5. for the month of September 2023: “Mountain” by Koz Mraz

It’s non-stop from LA to Sturgis to Bonneville, Deadwood, Bikes and Books…
by Bandit

The shop was finished and we experienced our first real winter in the Black Hills. The redhead slid off the driveway in her Subaru and it took two pickups, chains and an excavator to pull her back onto the concrete, and we don’t live on a hill…

This has been a tremendously meaningful year. Wild accomplishments, projects, violence, setbacks, death and creative inspirations. I feel so incredibly blessed to have this experience in the Black Hills.

I was working on my third Knucklehead chopper tech, and something dawned on me. I just turned 75 and beheld all the cool stuff I can do this year. I can build a modern S&S Knucklehead in a modified vintage frame with an old stock XA front end, including old and new parts. Then I can build a 1913 H-D board-track racer, because vintage shit is being manufactured all over the world. I can write another book, go to Bonneville with the Salt Torpedo, build metal art, work on my home in Sturgis, drive a lowered ’58 Chevy, learn the history of South Dakota and write cool articles on Bikernet every day! What could be better…

Click here to read this report from Bandit, only on Bikernet.com

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Royal Enfield is now offering an opportunity for buyers to get assured resale value for the purchase of their new motorcycle. This is made possible with Enfield’s new ‘Assured Buyback Program’. The two-wheeler giant has partnered with OTO Capital for the buyback program, promising guaranteed buyback value of up to 77 percent depending on customer’s selected tenure.

Flexible purchase tenures spanning from 1-3 years are on offer, ensuring customers up to 45 percent lower EMIs with guaranteed buyback value as per the ownership period. OTO Capital is offering a cashback incentive at the end of the tenure in a first-of-its-kind initiative.

Enfield is calling it a seamless ownership experience.

Customers have the option to either trade in their existing motorcycle for a new RE offering or return their motorcycle when their choice of tenure ends. Apart from this, lower EMIs will translate to a lower cost of ownership for customers.

Commenting on the launch, B Govindarajan, CEO – Royal Enfield, said, “At Royal Enfield, we always prioritise the customer. Right from the stage of motorcycle conception and development, all the way to designing in-store and in-use consumer experiences, we always endeavour to create what consumers want. The Assured Buyback Program shows our commitment to making motorcycle ownership more seamless, more accessible and more fun for potential riders. Offering a first-of-its-kind, innovative solution, this programme is designed as a promise to consumers for complete peace of mind, so they can absolutely enjoy a pure motorcycling experience with Royal Enfield.”

For now, Royal Enfield Assured Buyback Program will be available in 12 cities including Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Ahmedabad, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. This scheme will later extend to other cities in the future.

Refer: https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/finance/assured-buyback/

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