Click Here to read this week’s news only on Bikernet.com

Hey,

The motorcycle industry has a problem, but it also has the solution—if the family sticks together. We are under attack, but we also have a family of supporters lead by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, which is now joined by NCOM, NCOCs, and the new IMA. Hell, maybe SEMA will step up.

I could give a tiny bit of credit to the Bikernet team, but you can help by joining the MRF or the IMA family quick. Just join and get your family of riders to join so we can help these guys do the tough work in Washington and in your state legislatures.

Let’s hit the news and you will learn more:

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.

BREAKING SEMA NEWS— U.S. House Subcommittee Passes REPAIR Act
Encourage your lawmakers to support the REPAIR Act:

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce passed H.R. 906, the REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair).

The SEMA-supported REPAIR Act is critical to protecting our ability to choose where our vehicles are serviced and do the work ourselves. The bill can now be considered by the Energy & Commerce Committee. SEMA is advocating for the committee to expand the REPAIR Act to protect our right to modify, and we need your help!

The REPAIR Act is a bipartisan bill that would ensure aftermarket parts businesses have access to the information and tools needed to produce and install parts that are used to maintain the cars, trucks, and SUVs we love. SEMA supports expanding the legislation to protect our right to modify. We are seeking changes to the bill to:

• Prevent vehicle manufacturers from employing any technological, legal, or cryptographic barriers that impede the ability of an aftermarket parts manufacturer or a vehicle repair facility to produce or install aftermarket parts and software that are custom or modify a vehicle.

• Amend the bill’s Cybersecurity provision to ensure that motor vehicle owners and their designees have access to cryptographic or technologically protected vehicle-generated data and safety-critical vehicle systems.

• Amend how the bill defines the term “critical repair information and tools” to include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) recalibrations necessary to return a vehicle to operational specifications.

As automotive technology continues to evolve, automotive enthusiasts and aftermarket businesses need access to the tools and information needed to modify and repair vehicles. SEMA is committed to protecting your right to these basic freedoms, but we need your help NOW!

Don’t wait—ask your U.S. Representative to protect the right to modify and repair vehicles now.

Use the SEMA website for an overview and lawmaker contact.

NEW ISSUE OF FULL THROTTLE—On Line Now!

NEW MAGAZINE IS NOW ONLINE

NOVEMBER 2023

FULL THROTTLE MAGAZINE

SERIES REVIEW OF THE WEEK—Shogun (February 2024) TV Series

Shogun is an upcoming American epic television series. It is based on the 1975 novel of the same name written by James Clavell. Shogun is announced to premiere on Hulu and FX. The novel was previously adapted into a 1980 television miniseries.

From Fox:
“Set in the 17th Century, the story is told from the perspective of British hero John Blackthorne, a sailor who rises from outsider to samurai, while being used as a pawn in Japanese leader Toranaga’s struggle to reach the top of the ruling chain, or Shogun.”

Shogun will follow ‘a collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female Samurai.’ Protagonist named John Blackthorne, is a risk-taking English sailor who ends up shipwrecked in Japan. Back then, Japan was a land whose unfamiliar culture ultimately redefines John. Another character named Lord Toranaga is a shrewd, powerful Daimyo (rank of ‘Lord’ in feudal Japan). Toranaga is at odds with his own dangerous, political rivals. Then there is Lady Mariko, a woman with invaluable skills but dishonorable family ties, who must prove her value and allegiance.

Principal photography for this TV series began on September 22, 2021, in Vancouver (Canada), and lasted until June 30, 2022, a full two months over the expected timeframe. The 10-episode limited series is produced by FX Productions.

Check out the official trailer released last weekend.
https://youtu.be/yAN5uspO_hk?si=9U02owZCV8lH4tmP

Source: https://www.TaiJutsu.art/

–Wayfarer
Media Investigator
Bikernet.com™

NEW FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES–
Introducing the Nash Co. belt, the newest addition to our line of dependable US made leather belts. Stamped with our “Nash Co.” logo and handcrafted from 100% full grain, thick 8 -10oz leather. Outfitted with brass or nickel hardware / buckle and your choice of brown, black, or natural leather.

Belts come slotted for traditional frame & prong style belt buckle or can be outfitted with your favorite plate style buckle too!

ALL U.S.A. MADE AND MATERIALS

BUFFALO CHIP ANNOUNCEMENT COMING–First 2024 Sturgis Rally Band Announcement Coming

(And it’s a Biggie)

Hang on. I’m waiting by the phone to get the news. I have it, and it will be posted momentarily on the Bikernet Blog.

NEW FROM FEULING—No more head breathers.

We are still digging into our 121 CVO VVT. This week we tackled the new breather system, and with the cylinder heads removed we got an up close look at the new pistons and more!
.
Check out our latest video and more on the FEULING YouTube Channel. Be sure to Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss out!

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE MRF–PURPOSE BUILT

During the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Meeting of the Minds this September several times I highlighted our partnerships with others motorcycling organizations and entities with an interest in motorcyclists’ rights and in protecting our way of life. It has taken years of good work by many to get to this point of having for the most part a united front, this has been an oft stated goal of the MRF since 2006.

It was over the top encouraging to see the room full of State Motorcyclists Rights Organizations (SMRO’s) who have strongly supported the MRF since the beginning and throughout our 39+ years in existence. Also in attendance were multiple Sustaining motorcycle clubs’ members representing themselves along with various Coalitions, Confederations, Alliances etc. that have significantly grown in involvement and influence in their legislative work with the MRF.

When tallying organizations’, we saw leadership from the National Council of Clubs (NCOC), the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), the National Council of Independent Riders (COIR), the Motorcycling Profiling Project (MPP), the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA), and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

Importantly, we had two Founders of the newly formed Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network (IMA) participate in an epic general session informational panel about the very real risks to our lifestyle. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has recently agreed to formally partner with the IMA and serve as their lobbying arm, their issues are our issues, so this is a great opportunity to involve another important segment in our community as we battle for our very existence.

When we look at the MRF’s 2024 Federal Legislative agenda you’ll see we are taking on the 40-year-old definition of a motorcycle, having an accessible fuel supply that our motorcycle engines require, preserving the choice of internal combustion engines, the Right to Repair and Right to Modify our motorcycles, the profiling of motorcyclists’, the genuine concern that Autonomous vehicles are a hazard to motorcyclists’, and establishing the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) that serves to educate federal organizations that oversee roadway design and related issues that affect motorcyclists’.

Plus, add the menacing impending additional EPA regulations, the California Air Resources Board draconian measures spreading to many other states.

Hang on for the end of life directives that the European motorcyclists rights organizations are fighting and that we in the United States have already been exposed in a program called “Cash for Clunkers”, fines being imposed on motorcycle parts manufacturers and those who install them.

Watch out for original equipment motorcycle manufacturers and their dealers no longer offering performance upgrades out of fear of suppression, the ramping up of fines, and negative publicity for their shareholders.

So, when I utter the words, this movement is now purpose built I mean it. It is going to take every single one of the groups and organizations mentioned above working closely together to survive the battle we’re in.

During the Meeting of the Minds, I repeated a quote from our Keynote speaker several times because it was so perfect. It came from the New Hampshire Speaker of the House, Sherman Packard.

Sherm said “We have to stay strong and united at this point in our history or we’ll have no future history.” Read this a few times, let it sink in, own it.

We must all dedicate ourselves and every organization we represent to remaining strong and united with the goal to keeping us free!

–Kirk Willard
President of the MRF

NEWS FROM THE FRONT–Hey

I am really Surprised how pro-Palestine the Universities and big cities are in the USA

Well did my fourth Rhodes visit last week

If I ever return to the US it will be in 2025, my 70th BD celebration.

I read your news every week. Love your stories from SD !!!

THE OLD SWEDE living on memories.

–The Sheriff
Sheriff World Wide Media Group
Sweden

“Yep, many of our colleges are anti-American.”–Bandit

Ronald Stein is an engineer, senior policy advisor on energy literacy for the Heartland Institute and CFACT, and co-author of the Pulitzer Prize nominated book “Clean Energy Exploitations.”

Historically, California has been successfully reducing in-state oil production over the decades and has increased crude oil imports from foreign countries from 5 percent in 1992 to more than 75 percent today to meet the California consumption demand.

 

California has more than 140 airports with huge fuel demands of more than 13 billion gallons of aviation fuel per year that includes these major airports:

9 International airports
41 Military airports

In addition, California has three of the largest shipping ports in America, with #1 Los Angeles. #2 Long Beach, and #7 Oakland. Ships arriving and departing from the shipping ports up and down the coast from San Diego to San Francisco require massive amounts of lower grade bunker fuels.

While California is pursuing the elimination of crude oil production, China has no intentions of abandoning its economic, military, or strategic ambitions – all of which rely on crude oil. Asia is the region with the greatest number of future petroleum refineries. As of 2021, there were 88 new facilities in planning or under construction in Asia.

The California Air Quality Management District (AQMD) policies have the potential to further reduce in-state refinery capacity, so the State can be more dependent on Asia for the fuels and petrochemical demands of the State.

Shockingly, Newsom has yet to inform the citizens of the State, and the citizens of America, as to how he expects the States’ airports, military, and shipping ports to continue operating without the fuels for planes and ships.

Read the whole tamale at WattsUpWithThat.com

I know this book has been out for a while but first chance I had to sit down and read it through.

You had sent along a copy of Salt Flat Motorcycle as a prize for the 100 word thing, Thank you.

I found it to be very good and in some-way put me, the reader, into the process. It condensed what I am sure was a very hectic and nerve wracking ordeal into a clear concise chronicle of what it took to get to the flats with that monster motorcycle.

What an adventure. Hats off to your crew and all those who helped and especially Valerie for her piloting skills.

Fun read!

–Rhys
Florida

“Thanks much,”–Bandit

[page break]

 

–Bandit

VETERANS DAY ACTION FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES— VETERANS DAY WEEKEND SALE !

STARTS FRIDAY, VETERANS DAY!

ALL HANDLEBARS – THE NASH CHOPPER AXES – LIGHTS OUT HAMMERS

BUY NOW

I read a recent report on the lack of Statin benefits and the proven impacts on cognitive functions, which lead to dementia.

I’m involved in my own clinical study. Add vitamin B-3 and D to my daily vitamins, exercise more and eat the following foods. Without Statins, I will check my Cholesterol levels in three months.

Avocado
Garlic
Almonds
Dark Chocolate
Apples
Walnuts
Oats and Oatmeal
Lentils
Nuts
Oily Fish
Salmon Legumes
Soy beans
Fruit
Olive Oil
Whole Grain
Eggs
Vegetables
Barley
Green Tea
Spinach

THE SHERIFF’S BLAST FROM THE PAST–

First photo Tom and Carol Fairbairn
He owned Bill Industries INVADER in SFV
Also started Zodiac in San Diego
He just turned 90!!!
I bought my first wheels from him October 1974…
My oldest friend in USA but you are close, Bandit

–Sheriff
Sheriff Media Group

QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

~ the Abbott in movie “Jackie Chan: Kung Fu Master” (2009)

–Wayfarer
Movie Reviewer
Bikernet.com™

BIKERNET BLOG COMMENT–

https://blog.bikernet.com/rhode-island-re-opens-comment-period-for-ice-ban/

Banning I.C. vehicles is really not the answer. I wonder how many people realize just how environmentally dirty current electric vehicles really are.

They may appear to be clean but the damage done by mining for lithium and the process of making batteries does more damage to the environment than the use of I.C, vehicles.

Until there is a true alternative to them, I think legislating them out of existence is a foolish move and is only politically motivated and pushed by those that want to make a profit from mining of lithium and the manufacture of batteries, just as ethanol fuel was pushed by the farming states/communities and later found that it did not help the environment and only created more problems

–Herbert King

BMW OF THE WEEK—1951, R51.

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com

LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—Tail Whip Basket weave for ’06-’17 Dynas

Taking the Kickflip one step further

If it’s more comfort for the passenger or just another platform to let your adventurous side explore, the whipped-up tail of the TailWhip will give you what you are looking for!

Available in Basket Weave, Double Diamond Stitch, Pleated Stitch, or anything your imagination comes up with

Driver Area 10.75″ Wide with 6″ of Back Support, Passenger Area 7″ Wide

Molded Marathon Foam

BikerTec Custom Cover

Highly detailed powder-coated steel carpeted base

Specs
Driver Seating:
10.75″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
7″ Wide

MSRP:
$548.00

Part Number:
LK-581BW [’06-’17] Dyna

NEWS FROM THE PRISM GANG–My Garage report with Brad Richards

The latest episode of My Garage was filmed in the desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico where we caught up with VP of Design and Creative Director of Motorcycles at Harley-Davidson, Brad Richards.

Brad’s garage doubles as his home office and houses a collection of bikes that span the generations of H-D.

It was fascinating listening to his thoughts on design and style while learning about his journey to get to where he is today. We hope you enjoy this episode.

GIFT NOTION FROM BRING A TRAILER–The BaT Limited Edition Chevy K10 Tow Rig and Trailer Combo is Here!

Last year’s die-cast BaT Ramp Truck model generated a ton of enthusiasm and sold out fast! This year, we’re upping the ante with our second limited-run, branded model truck—this time a 1972 Chevy K10 tow rig, complete with trailer (naturally).

This 1:18 scale workhorse is finished in orange and white two-tone and features a functional hitch ball, chrome wheels with off-road tires, and custom Bring a Trailer graphics. Removable trailer ramps keep your tiny race cars from bottoming out on the bookshelf.

Each truck is individually numbered, and supplies are limited—so order yours from our Gear Store before they’re gone!

www.BringaTrailer.com

MOVIE REVIEW: A movie about Jackie Chan that does not star Jackie Chan

“Jackie Chan: Kung Fu Master” (2009) — the Chinese title was actually “Looking for Jackie Chan” but rely on Western marketing gurus to ruin the good name of the movie as well as the well-known actor.

Yes, it does not star Jackie Chan at all. He is there in a brief guest appearance.

A 16-year-old kid in Indonesia admires Jackie Chan but cannot gain respect of his classmates due to poor grades in Chinese. He travels to Beijing to meet his idol and become his disciple, so that he can learn to beat-up his classmates. Will the arrogant, rude & ungrateful teenager learn anything?

He encounters three ladies who offer him three diverse lessons & experiences. Finally, the fourth lady is his grandma who manages to teach him something, though, via Jackie Chan. A very ideal movie for young kids & teenagers in all cultures. Timeless in its wisdom.

I don’t think people have watched the entire movie before giving it a poor rating on IMDB. They just saw it didn’t actually star Jackie Chan and decided to rate it badly.

Links:
Kung Fu Master: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478291/

Gorgeous: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0184526/

—Wayfarer
Official Movie Review Specialists
Bikernet.com

BIKERNENT 100-WORD FICTION CONTEST REPORT– October 2023

We are into the 7th month of this popular contest — a challenge to write fiction in 100 words or less– and win Bikernet swag and goodies.

October was the 6th month and we had contestants return to participate again. The contest can be addictive, especially once you know you can actually write a meaningful story within 100 words.

So delightfully, we announce that the winner for October is also the person who won this contest first-time around– back in May 2023 — so Congratulations to Steven Sanner.

He delivers action and emotion yet again on two-wheels with his latest entry “Long Rides.”

Check it out on Bikernet Blog at:
https://blog.bikernet.com/100-wfc-long-rides-by-steven-sanner/

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

See you on the Blog. Happy inking!

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog
BIKERNET.COM ™

BABE OF THE WEEK—Brooke Clemmer

–Sam Burns
Talent Scout
Bikernet.com™

Fighting terror is impossible. But you are supposed to think it’s something actually sensible and noble. All the while what it really is, is government and journalists being on the side of the enemy and calling you an idiot and priming you for your slaughter.

So far they’ve been right. Calling the enemy terror is like calling firearms a health crisis, calling oil as having something to do with fossils, calling hairspray and air conditioners a destroyer of the ozone layer, calling Jan 6th an insurgency, calling looting reparations, calling healthy people a threat to the sick, calling something a vaccine that does not come under the definition of a vaccine, calling you losing your job “keeping everyone safe,” calling carbon dioxide a “greenhouse gas that leaves footprints” when there is actually no such thing as a greenhouse gas much less one that leaves footprints, and then there’s the one about the earth actually being a greenhouse – which in reality is glass-enclosed building which is heated by trapped incoming infrared light radiation. Not by carbon dioxide heating up the interior.

You’ll notice no greenhouse in history has ever erupted into explosive flames due to “overheating.” However, in government-journalistland earth is a greenhouse. Earth will someday be declared by these two petri dishes of diseased souls as being Paradise once everyone on it is extinct.

Then the government “employees” and the journalists will buttfuck each other into Green Monkey Rectal Disease oblivion and Gaia will rejoice by masturbating her own Earthtwat with a mighty Redwood whilst singing the Peter, Paul and Mary songbook.

You see, government “employees” and journalist “reporters” get away with these “let’s see how fucked up these zombies are” experiments because so far, they haven’t hit the Pushback Zone. Because apparently there isn’t one. The zombies are, in fact, at this point, actually zombies. Stay listless my friend.

–J.J. Solari

At least join the MRF:

NEWS FROM THE VA–

Veteran Appreciation! Free Coffee, Meals and Big Discounts for Veterans

Businesses, organizations and communities are showing their appreciation for Veterans all month long.

Get free breakfast at Denny’s on Nov. 10, free coffee from Starbucks on Nov. 11, free dinner at Golden Corral on Nov. 13, 20% discount at Walgreens Nov. 10-13 and many other great offers and events!

BRAND NEW, OLD SHIT FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING—

FUEL TANK V, VL, VLD & VLH HARLEY DAVIDSON 1930-1936

Regular price$1,095.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

—www.competitiondistributing.com

FROM THE OLD GUYS FILES—

[page break]

THE INDEPENDENT MOTORCYCLE AFTERMARKET SOMETHING–

The face of the motorcycle industry changed drastically. Builders and shops are under-fire and severely regulated daily.

Enter the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the new Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network (IMA).

We (builders and shops) are facing extinction.

There is a war on Fossil Fuels or the Petroleum Industry, which is absurd. Everything comes from oil from bras to medicine.

There is a mass movement against Critical Thinking and true Science.

Many of the traditional Motorcycle Organizations have run from the legislative front.

There are only two groups in the country willing to fight and pay for lobbyists in Washington to stand for your freedoms, businesses and the right to build custom motorcycles and ride: The IMAN and the MRF

JOIN QUICK, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

Check this article below…

RGGI Halted in Pennsylvania–Carbon Tax Opposed by CO2 Coalition Stopped by Court

A proposed carbon tax — known as the Regional Greenhouse Initiative (RGGI) opposed by the CO2 Coalition has been killed by Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court.

In deciding a case that had been pending for months, the court found that former Gov. Tom Wolf’s unilateral action to have Pennsylvania join the RGGI regional consortium of states constituted a tax that required legislative approval and was in violation of Pennsylvania’s constitution. The current administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro has 30 days to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.

“We are gratified by the court’s decision and pleased to have been part of the widespread opposition to RGGI,” said Gregory Wrightstone, CO2 Coalition executive director. “Our analysis found RGGI to be unscientific, unnecessary, economically damaging and of no environmental benefit.

“RGGI, like all so-called green initiatives, is based on the false premise that emissions of carbon dioxide from human activity is overheating the planet. CO2 is in fact an essential plant food, and modern increases in atmospheric levels of the gas have contributed to record crop harvests and an overall greening of Earth. The decision to kill RGGI is a vote for benefiting humanity and a prospering economy.

CO2 Coalition findings of RGGI’s shortcomings were sent in a 2021 report to more than 400 Pennsylvania leaders in business, labor and government. Wrightstone and other CO2 coalition representatives testified against RGGI
in committee hearings in the Pennsylvania House and Senate and before the state Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

Others opposing RGGI included Power PA Jobs Alliance, an organization of business and labor groups, and Republican members of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Suits filed in Commonwealth Court by various parties, including members of the legislature and power plant owners, led to the court’s nullification of RGGI.

RGGI would have imposed a tax on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants that burn coal and natural gas to generate electricity, adding hundreds of millions of dollars to energy costs and destroying thousands of jobs in the state’s energy sector. The 2019 proposal of Gov. Wolf is believed to have accelerated the July closing of the state’s largest coal-fired power plant at Homer City and to have discouraged the development of new fossil fuel-fired generation in the state.

–CO2 Coalition

PANHEAD OF THE WEEK—1951 FL

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

DO NOT WRITE OFF THE ICE-ENGINES- technology development yet: Experts

Electric is largely seen as the future of the automotive industry. However, technical experts specializing in emissions and alternative fuel technologies believe that the internal combustion engine has more to give, thanks to new engineering and fuel policy developments. But there are some challenges to be met.

Full story at
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/do-not-write-off-ice-technology-development-yet-experts/104929109

–Wayfarer
International Investigator
Bikernet News Desk

NEWS FROM OUR SOUTH DAKOTA REPRESENTATIVE–Keeping America Safe

BIG Update

Nearly 55,000 veterans call South Dakota home. These veterans are our friends, family, and neighbors. They served to protect us and our country to help ensure freedom continues to ring. I’ve had the privilege to meet and thank many veterans through programs like the Honor Flight and the Vietnam War Commemoration. The Honor Flight Network is an organization that brings veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the war memorials created to honor their service and sacrifice. And the Vietnam War Commemoration is an organization I partner with to give Vietnam-era veterans a long-overdue welcome home. Over the past few years, I’ve had the honor to meet and thank nearly 900 Vietnam-era veterans for their service and hear their unique stories.

Each veteran’s story paints a picture of the brave sacrifice they made. I’m grateful for their service.

Meeting veterans on the Honor Flight in D.C.

Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphere understands how the border crisis affects South Dakota. Although our state isn’t near the southern border, illegal immigration has cost South Dakota taxpayers $56.9 million in 2023.

I’ve been an advocate for securing the southern border for years. The Biden Administration’s open border has created crises for governors, mayors, and law enforcement across America. Sheriff Lamphere and I talked about solutions, like HR 2 that passed the House with my support. It includes the strongest border policies ever seen in Congress. Now it’s time for the Senate to take action.

BIG News

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has started using public airports to house illegal immigrants. This is unsafe and is an improper use of our transportation and commerce hubs.

Individuals on the terrorist watch list have come across our southern border, along with illicit drugs and an increase of violent crime. Our airports are supposed to be safe and secure – but housing undocumented migrants does the opposite.

This week, I urged Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to block the continuation of this unsettling use of our public airports.

This is just another attempted band-aid on the Biden Administration’s failed border policies. Allowing unfettered entry into the U.S. through the southern border is a choice, and the Biden Administration continues to make the wrong one. We must address the root issue and put strong border security measures in place.

Right to Repair – You or the repair shop of your choice should have access to the tools, parts, and technology you need. However, manufacturers want to restrict your ability to service, maintain and repair your bike.

Right to Modify – The ability to modify and customize your bike is a fight the MRF has won before. In the 1990s the MRF defeated a proposal that would have limited modification to “color and chrome.” We continue to fight for consumers rights to modify products they buy how they see fit.

Renewable Fuels – The availability of fuel for use in motorcycles is under attack.The MRF fights for the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.

Internal Combustion Engines – Not only is the fuel we need under attack, but the engines that burn that fuel are being targeted.A push to ban the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines is happening right now!

We believe Americans should have the right to choose what kind of engine to buy not have the choice mandated by the government.

End of Life Directives – In Europe,“end of life directives” require vehicles over a certain age be turned in for destruction.

Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States.

The ability to own, collect, work on, and refurbish older motorcycles is a fundamental part of who we are as motorcyclists.

The MRF will battle any end-of-life directives in the U.S.

Protect the Motorcycle Ecosystem – Inde- pendent shops and manufacturers are a critical part of the motorcycle ecosystem.

They provide choice and competition in the marketplace.The MRF be- lieves to preserve the lifestyle and culture of motor- cycling, independent shops and manufacturers must be protected.

Join Today!

Motorcycle Riders Foundation PO Box 9090 – Peoria, IL 61612 202-546-0983
MRF.org/join

NEVER GIVE UP AND NEVER GIVE IN–

The second or the original front door on the Jackson house needed help. The fucker was a monster and solid wood, but Adrian added my porthole and some details. I’m waiting for the perfect weather to finish the detail painting.

We made a donation to the Bronze Sculptures being commissioned in Deadwood. On our plaque it will read, “In Memory of Buck Lovell.” I’m going to keep the bastard’s name alive…

I’m working on a story about lacing early wheels with Cabana Dan and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

I started to get a handle on the pain and I’m feeling human and mobile again. Woody and I took on the 2-mile hike to the top of Bear Butte mountain.

Woody blazed up the awkward path, but he’s done it before. That’s my excuse for lagging behind.

At one section of the 4,400 foot peak he pointed out the vast Buffalo Chip Empire. It’s massive and ready for the party to expand.

When we reached the top, I threatened to call Uber.

The Redhead loaded me down with protein bars, snacks and water. Woody wouldn’t have anything to do with anything. He just kept chugging away.

Working with Tim from Flat Earth paint on new Dragons for the Deadwood House. I’m also working with his son, Bill on some other house paint projects.

Cards are almost complete, with the help of Atomic Bob.

The VLXAFL Knucklehead project scrambled into satin black pieces and I found a local paint crew, Tim and Nikki to handle the 5-Ball colors.

I’m going to work on John’s mystic transmission this weekend. We ordered the sleeves for the countershaft, which said were for ’37-’76, but when John tried to order a box popped up and announced, “Not for 1960 Panheads.”

Ride free or die trying, goddammit!

–Bandit

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Blood, Sweat and Hate
by Wayfarer
with illustration by Wayfarer

Just a teen, spoon-fed on opinionated news, Jake’s restless energy glistened in his bloodshot eyes. His single mother nursed him with extreme sentiment through streaming news on TV and mobile apps. His friends considered him harmless—good grades, seldom in trouble at school and preferred computers to football.

Mother demanded few rules. Home by 9 pm!

So, tonight, no football practice, no cheerleaders, no stolen beer; tonight’s comments section on his favorite podcaster was a declaration of war.

He rode his scrambler Westward at dawn. Too dark an alley in afternoon. Angry, outnumbered and soon declared DOA.

* * *

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
6. for the month of October 2023: to be announced soon

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Rolling into Life
by Tony Heller
with illustration by Wayfarer

During the early spring up-date shakedown run, the rain-fed Kern River roared and sparkled, hugging the twisting two-lane road. Careening over the rocky river bed, the cascading water leapt from boulder to boulder, disappearing darkly in shoreline eddies, then reappearing in turbulent whirlpools. The full moon peeked in and out from behind the clouds playing sneaky games with my night vision, alternately illuminating the oncoming curves, then casting darkly ominous shadows on the next. With every sense on maximum alert for whatever might lay ahead, I rolled it on in full chopper-groove ALIVE as I’d ever felt.

* * *

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
6. for the month of October 2023: to be announced soon

There’s a reason we’re fucked. It’s because we’re stupid.

This is a bread package from our kitchen. This bread, as you can clearly see, supports digestive health. Three words stuck together that have absolutely no communication value. “Supports” means it doesn’t fuck up your digestive health. It won’t say to your digestive health, “Gut some bad news for ya, pardner: me and you are parting company. It’s via vietcong con dios, mi compadre puto. No more digestive supportage for you.” In other words…… there is no actual meaning to “supports digestive health.” It supports it.

That means, if it means anything, it doesn’t fuck it up. It doesn’t fuck-up the health of your digestive. Your digestive stays totally healthed and intact when you eat this. It means it’s compatible with digestive health. You’ll notice it doesn’t say “digestion” health. That would ALMOST have a meaning and could possibly be actionable in a contrived lawsuit. Because all this jibberjabber is about avoiding lawsuits for making false claims. But if you make NO claims and disguise your meaningless random-word-generator enough to where it SEEMS to be saying something……the American Moron Voter will go “(burp) Guess I’ll buy this! It will make me digest healthier and more powerfully and with support! Like a fuckin’ jockstrap! The balls of my digestives will be supported and hoisted into glory!!! Creeflo?

Quit fuckin’ the mule and give a listen!…… I gut a jockstrap on my digestive balls!!!”

The words, “supports digestive health,” you may have noticed, assuming you notice things, have an explosion of light behind them. This is to convince you that these three words are like unto a visitation from Jesus, filled with light and understanding and a mind-awakening revelation of truth. “Supports digestive health” isn’t just THERE, it’s there with Holy Ghost Illumination radiating from the vaults of The Most High and bursting through the firmament like a nova releasing its elements unto the stars to create new worlds and abundant life.

“Supports digestive health” is thus not only NOT meaningless drooling slobber, it is in fact granted a place in the celestial plasma-field of enlightenment, with yellow rays of abundant, life-giving sunlight, that gives life to all, bursting off the cellophane and into your heart and mind and transforming words idiotically-assembled with no context or even a reason for existing into suddenly becoming incentives to ACTION: the action being you pick up whatever this circular lump of air is and walk it over to the cashier and trade some money for it in digestive health supportedness and inclusivitosity journied sustaintanceness. Halleluia.

–J.J. Solari

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

Wild, Free & Alive
by Jeffrey
with illustration by Wayfarer

I woke up flat on my back in tall golden prairie grass, the sun warmed my face. My right arm felt like it was on fire, my neck hurt like hell, and breathing was difficult. Able to move my fingers and toes, I sat up placing my elbows on my knees. The tires on my Suzuki DR 650 were still spinning, the motor humming quietly. A white tail doe stood near my bike, she shook her head and stumbled off, both of us feeling the effects of the collision. After a few minutes, I straightened the handlebars and rode home.

* * *

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
6. for the month of October 2023: to be announced soon

Please help Tobey get his health and finances back

Hi, my name is Nicole and my dear friend Tobey is in a bad way. He is someone who spent his life racing and riding from Canada to Bonneville living life to the greatest glory of freedom and service to others unfortunately not planning for himself. Tobey is a welder by trade and an artist who is now suffering the effects of life long toxicity and heavy metal poisoning. He lives on a boat in Long Beach and is behind two months on rent and is to ill to work.

As a Canadian there are no services available to him and he needs immediate medical and financial assistance. If you ever wanted to meet Burt Munro Tobey is the closest thing you will find. When we met I wondered at the two starting dampeners he had on his modified Harley Sportster and watched him blow by younger faster bikes on the track at Buttonwillow.

Fearless and freedom come to mind when thinking of Tobey, someone who will come straight away if you need a friend or a ride or a hand building a project or co-creator. Always fashionable Tobey makes the open road and the open sea his home but needs some help to get back there.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/tobey-get-his-health-and-finances-back-on-track

* * * *

My generation partied and raised hell, but I was fortunate enough to be confronted with the fight for freedom and the processes. It made me more aware and attuned to the shit going on behind the party. It’s like sometimes you party, but sometimes you fight. Right now, we’re fighting.

Yesterday alone, I help a friend load 4 cords of firewood into his garage yesterday morning, found parts for his ’60 Panhead project, took his fork tubes to the machine shop to be shortened. Met with my Dragon painter and gave him a deposit on his work. I’ve discussed my knucklehead paint project with numerous sources. Looks like I might paint it myself. But then I need to prepare a portion of the shop for painting.

Well, for this minute, that’s all, but hang on. The projects never end. It was Halloween so we rolled into Sturgis to the Ugly MC headquarters for a party.

Have a fantastic Holiday Season.

Ride free,

–Bandit

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Hey,

As you know, I’ve pondered the issues, the war on smoke or fossil fuels for a while. I’ve studied the movement in our colleges to basically over-throw the government. Then last week I started to consider history. Hell, Greg Wrightstone from the CO2 Coalition just wrote a story about witches of the 1600s and the connection to this current mess. Maybe I’ll run a portion of it in the news.

Remember, after WWII the communism threat. Then the War in Vietnam. How about the Civil War. We’ve been through a bunch, and once more we are testing our freedom resolve. Then depending on your location in the country and heritage, you might take a different slant on any issue.

I’m originally from California and my father came from England as a small child after WWI. My mother was born in Kansas City, MO and migrated to California as a young adult, a serious child of the depression.

So, what’s it all mean? It means hope and resolve to me. My folks took a gamble on a better life, struggled and fought for it, moved half-way across the country and started over, fought in WWII and survived.

My generation partied and raised hell, but I was fortunate enough to be confronted with the fight for freedom and the processes. It made me more aware and attuned to the shit going on behind the party. It’s like sometimes you party, but sometimes you fight. Right now, we’re fighting.

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.

NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF LOWBROW–Forget burns, they’re no fun.

Do you have a hot ankle, calf, or knee?

Well, with Lowbrow’s cast aluminum heat shields, they are a thing of the past.

Our innovative, cast aluminum mounts are coped perfectly for 1-3/4″ exhausts. They also work great with 2″ (minor filing of mounts necessary) and 1-1/2″ exhausts as well.

The included stainless steel hose clamps hold the mounts in place on your exhaust.

The supplied stainless steel screws mount your 6″ or 12″ heat shield securely in place with no welding or fabrication required.

CHECK ‘EM OUT

HOT BIKE MAGAZINE REPORT–Rev up Your Style Game with the Hottest Custom Bikes of 2023

Get Your Hands on the Latest Hot Bike Vol. 3 2023 Magazine
Attention custom bike junkies! The wait is over. The latest edition of Hot Bike Vol. 3 2023 is finally here and ready to be delivered to your doorstep.

Featuring garage builder Kyle Ray Rice’s new FXR Chop on the cover, we’ve also got the latest from the industry’s finest, including Ken’s Factory, Nightfall Customs, Biltwell and more.

You’ll also get an exclusive look at the metal shaping basics from one of the best in the game, Cristian Sosa, and some not-to-be-missed tech tips from the one and only Danny “Motorwitch” Wilson.

Don’t wait, check ‘em out today and stay ahead of the game!

BIKERNET STAFFER COMMENT– Lost comment

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

“Since the dawn of civilization, no one ever needed any academic or any skills, talent, decency, personality, aptitude or any such factor to be in elected political office. It was always a popularity contest and in modern times, a social-media influencer can be President! Maybe an AI chatbot may win next time around.”

–Wayfarer
Under a rock at Pillar Peak

SHOP BIKE OF THE WEEK— Phil’s Speed Shop, Orange Califa.

I just finished this custom. I would like to get it featured, but I know magazines are struggling.

(714)771-6727

–Fast Phil

LATEST TOOL FROM JIMS MACHINE— Milwaukee-Eight Shifter Shaft Bushing Remover and Installer

In 2017, Harley-Davidson launched the Milwaukee-Eight powertrain. Included in this powertrain upgrade, the inner primary shifter shaft bushing was redesigned to a thin wall bushing.

Although this is a design improvement, over time, this bushing will wear causing free play in the shifter shaft. Ultimately, the shaft, lever and pedal vibrate when in use causing a rattle noise and loose shifter.

The shifter shaft bushing cannot be pressed through to remove it requiring this JIMS specialty tool. This new JIMS tool, JIMS Part No.5512, is designed to remove the old bushing with a unique knurled driver and receiver cup.

A new installation driver is included in the kit to correctly install a new shifter shaft bushing to the proper depth.

Once complete, the shift lever will function like new again.

Removing this bushing without a proper tool is challenging due to the bushings thin wall design which could result in costly damage to the inner primary. Removing the bushing with this new tool makes the replacement process easy and quick.

This tool is a must for any mechanic servicing aging Harley-Davidson® touring models. MSRP for the shifter shaft bushing remover and installer is $121.00. For more information, please contact us at (805) 482-6913, email us at sales@jimsusa.com, or visit www.jimsusa.com.

Cruising is coming back to California after city ordinances had banned the practice for decades.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 436 into law on Ocrober 13, and it will go into effect starting January 1, 2024. The bipartisan bill, one of about 100 that were recently signed into law by the governor, amends Section 21100 of the Vehicle Code to remove the section that allows the banning of cruising, and it also repeals Section 24008 of the Vehicle Code that targets lowered vehicles in particular. The relevant portion of the bill, which also addressed other aspects of vehicle code, reads as follows:

This bill would remove the authorization for a local authority to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or regulation regarding cruising.

Many of the anti-cruising ordinances passed in California were seen as discriminatory, specifically targeting lowriders. Cruising is typically a community event, and plenty of clubs will be taking advantage of the new changes to the vehicle code to get out and show off the custom cars and trucks they’re rightfully so proud of.

Plenty of those car clubs won’t have to wait until January 1, 2024, when the law goes into effect, as some cities have been working on removing cruising bans for years. Cruising had been banned in Salinas, Monterey County’s largest city, since 1992. That ban was lifted earlier this year, 31 years to the day after the ban was implemented, as the legislation was still making its way through California’s congress. Visit Alvarado Street in Monterey during Car Week and you can get a pretty good idea of what cruising looks like on the Central Coast. You can find lowriders, muscle cars, and custom pickups making a few passes in a loop of downtown, stealing some of the limelight from the exotics that invade town each year.

Cruising has been a big part of car culture for decades in cities and regions all across California, including Salinas, Los Angeles, and the Central Valley, which was immortalized in George Lucas’ American Graffiti, set in Modesto. We’re looking forward to 2024, when we can see more of these rolling sculptures hitting the road, and we’re sure that dozens of car clubs across the state are eager to put their best work on display.

This bill would repeal that prohibition.
Brandan Gillogly
Hagerty

“AH, but the Governor is also trying to ban old cars.” –Bandit

THE HALLOWEEN CONSENSUS–European witch hunts of the 15th to 17th centuries targeted witches that were thought to be responsible for epidemics and crop failures related to declining temperatures of the Little Ice Age.

A belief that evil humans were negatively affecting the climate and weather patterns was the “consensus” opinion of that time. How eerily similar is that notion to the current oft-repeated mantra that Man’s actions are controlling the climate and leading to catastrophic consequences?

The first extensive European witch hunts coincided with plunging temperatures as the continent transitioned away from the beneficial warmth of the Medieval Warm Period (850 to 1250 AD). Increasing cold that began in the 13th century ushered in nearly five centuries of advancing mountain glaciers and prolonged periods of rainy or cool weather. This time of naturally-driven climate change was accompanied by crop failure, hunger, rising prices, epidemics and mass depopulation.

Large systematic witch hunts began in the 1430s and were advanced later in the century by an Alsatian Dominican friar and papal Inquisitor named Heinrich Kramer. At Kramer’s urging, Pope Innocence VIII issued an encyclical enshrining the persecution and eradication of weather-changing witches through this papal edict. The worst of the Inquisition’s abuses and later systemic witch hunts were, in part, empowered by this decree.

This initial period of cooler temperatures and failing crops continued through the first couple of decades of the 16th century, when a slight warming was accompanied by improvements in harvests. Clearly, the pogrom against the weather-changing witches had been successful!

Unfortunately for the people of the Late Middle Ages, the forty years or so of slight warming gave ground to a more severe bout of cooling.

The summer of 1560 brought a return of coldness and wetness that led to severe decline in harvest, crop failure and increases in infant mortality and epidemics.

Bear in mind that this was an agrarian subsistence culture, nearly totally dependent on the yearly harvest to survive. One bad harvest could be tolerated, but back-to-back failures would cause horrific consequences and, indeed, they did.

Of course, the people’s misfortunes were attributed to weather-changing witches who had triggered the death-dealing weather, most often in the form of cold, rain, frost and devastating hailstorms. Horrific atrocities were alleged of the witches, including Franconian witches who “confessed” to flying through the air to spread an ointment made of children’s fat in order to cause a killing frost.

Across the continent of Europe, from the 15th to the 17th centuries there were likely many tens of thousands of supposed witches burnt at the stake, many of these old women living without husbands on the margins of society.

The worst of the witch hunts occurred during the bitter cold from 1560 to about 1680. The frenzy of killing culminated in the killing of 63 witches in the German territory of Wiesensteig in the year 1563 alone. Across Europe, though, the numbers of witches continued to increase and peaked at more than 500 per year in the mid-1600s. Most were burned at the stake; others were hung.

The end of the witch hunts and killings tie closely to the beginning of our current warming trend at the close of the 17th century. That warming trend started more than 300 years ago and continues in fits and starts to this day.

Gregory Wrightstone is a geologist and the Executive Director of the CO2 Coalition in Arlington Virginia. He is bestselling author of Inconvenient Facts: The Science that Al Gore doesn’t want you to know.

Celebrate 10 Years of the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show!

The Rave/Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI

Here for the racing?!

FLAT OUT FRIDAY February 23, 2024

Indoor flat track racing returns to the Fiserv Forum. Heart pounding action awaits when hundreds of racers descend upon Milwaukee this winter. Come in from the cold and cheer on our favorite sport, flat track! Tickets on sale NOW.

On the 1st of March 2023, the European Commission published the long-awaited proposal for a Fourth Driving License Directive (4DLD). It did not differ too much from the previous one. Some main changes were the introduction of a digital driving license, a probation period of at least two years for novice drivers, and a zero-tolerance rule on drink-driving. Allowing young people to take their test and commence accompanied driving of cars and lorries from the age of 17, adapting driver training and testing to better prepare drivers for the presence of vulnerable users on the road, and a more targeted assessment of medical fitness.

Perhaps more important for us is what was not in the proposal: nothing about trailers behind motorcycles which from the point of view from the European Commission is still illegal, nothing about riding a small motorcycle with a B license and additional training, nothing about abolition of a useless stepped accession to the A license.

We communicated our support for the proposed 4DLD and our disappointment about the missing elements to the European Commission and to the European Parliament Committee for Tourism and Transport (TRAN)…

The rapporteur and shadow-rapporteurs must now streamline all 793 amendments in just a few and bring them together in ‘compromise amendments’ on which first TRAN and later the plenary parliament can vote. The voting in TRAN is scheduled on 7 December 2023. Separate from the European Parliament, the EU member states are discussing the Commission proposal too in the Council. They will later vote upon the proposal from the Parliament and come with their own amendments.

Written by Dolf Willigers
FEMA

“Read the full report on the FEMA website.” –Bandit

–Sam Burns
Collector of Collectors
Bikernet.com™

Just like Ford’s “Edsel” model in the 1950s, Trump administration economist Steve Moore cautioned that electric vehicles (EVs) may be the auto market’s “next big flop.”

“Henry Ford’s son was named Edsel, and this was going to be the great car, all of the executives said, ‘This is the car everybody’s going to want to buy.’ Ford made 500,000 of these new sedan cars, but guess what?” Moore said on “Varney & Co.” Monday. “Nobody bothered to ask consumers whether they wanted the car.”

“And of course, the Edsel was one of the great flops of all time,” the economist continued. “I’m here to tell you, if these trends continue, we’re going to see the EV market become the next big flop because car buyers don’t want them.”

Moore’s comments come as the EV push at Ford and General Motors hit a speed bump that’s cutting into the automakers’ profits and causing them to reevaluate their electric plans amid a price war and supply chain challenges.

–Steve Moore
FOX NEWS

GAVIN NEWSOM HAMMERED FOR SHOWING OFF $160K CHINESE E.V. DURING CHINA TRIP: ‘SLAP IN THE FACE’

Ford noted in its earnings report released last week that its EV unit posted a quarterly loss before interest and taxes (EBIT) of $1.33 billion – an acceleration after a loss of $1.08 billion in the prior quarter. It added that it’s cutting production of its Mustang Mach-E while scaling back about $12 billion in planned investments in the EV segment, including delaying its second battery plant in Kentucky.

[page break]

Honda CR Electric has made an impressive beginning in All Japan Motocross Championship last weekend. It debuted at Round 8, competing against 450cc gas-powered motorcycles in the IA1 class. All Japan Motocross Championship was held at Saitama.

Team Honda HRC advisor and test rider Trey Canard rode the Honda CR Electric prototype as a wildcard entry, setting the second fastest time in the opening practice session. He qualified in fifth overall on Saturday.

Canard finished second in the first of three motos behind reigning champion Jay Wilson of Yamaha on race day. Together, the electric bike and Canard made their fastest single lap time at 1:37.195, which was the second overall behind Wilson’s 1:36.503.

Canard crashed out early in second and third motos. He got a holeshot on two out of the three races.

–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet.com™

NEW FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING—Check this out. A swingarm JD frame.

A brother said this might make it easier on Cannonball racers. What’s it say about the vintage market. Let’s see what happens.

–Bandit

VICTORY!– Orsted Abandons Whale-Killing Wind Energy Project

They said it couldn’t be stopped but we stopped it — thanks to supporters like you

For years, the Biden administration, environmentalists, and the wind industry have argued that the building of giant wind turbines along the East Coast was inevitable. Wind energy was already cheaper than fossil fuels, supporters claimed. And President Joe Biden made wind energy a significant priority and was photographed in a meeting with wind executives holding talking points touting its benefits.

But now, Danish wind energy company Orsted has cancelled its South New Jersey projects, Ocean Wind 1 and 2, in the face of rising public opposition, evidence that wind industry activities were killing whales, and worsening economics. Ocean Wind 1 and 2 would have sited more than 200 massive wind turbines just 15 miles away from the New Jersey shore.

Orsted’s stock has fallen 60% this year and the New York Times estimates it will have to write off $5.6 billion in investments in the two projects. “There’s really not a Plan B right now,” confessed Jeff Tittel, the former director of the Sierra Club’s New Jersey chapter. “It’s a political disaster.”

In reaction to Orsted’s decision, an investment analyst told the Telegraph of London, “The wind power sector has stalled, with virtually no companies in the industry now turning a profit.”

“These Green New Deal-style wind farms were bad for our economy, our environment, and would have been a complete disaster for hardworking middle-class families in South Jersey,” said Congressman Jefferson Van Drew. “From the beginning, these projects were all about lining the pockets of foreign-owned offshore wind companies. Orsted repeatedly asked for additional taxpayer funds and tax breaks while expecting ratepayers to absorb a massive increase in utility costs.”

— MICHAEL SHELLENBERGER
See the whole story on Public News

SUZUKI– 25th Anniversary Hayabusa

In 2024, Suzuki is celebrating 25th anniversary of Hayabusa with a limited edition model and a big party next week at the In-N-Out Burger Finals of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

While the industry and market focusses on more practical and economical middleweight twin-engines,and daily commute two-wheelers– Hayabusa still continues to exist.

DALLAS COWBOYS PARTNER WITH LEE GREENWOOD TO CHALLENGE AMERICA TO HONOR A VETERAN!

Cowboys Honor Veterans Nationwide on November 12th During “Salute To Service” Football Game

For the past two years, Lee Greenwood, known as America’s Patriot, has appeared and performed during the Dallas Cowboys Veterans Day weekend halftime show! Greenwood would perform his chart-topping, award-winning anthem “God Bless The USA,” and this coming Veteran’s Day will be no different.

In addition, as Greenwood continued to honor Veterans, he, along with The Dallas Cowboys will challenge America to “Adopt A Vet” and send them to enjoy a one-night-only concert experience entitled ‘An All-Star Salute To Lee Greenwood,’ and will feature performances by Gavin DeGraw, Scott Stapp (of Creed), Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Dustin Lynch, Tracy Lawrence, Jamey Johnson, Big & Rich, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Janie Fricke, Debby Boone, and so many more!

“I am honored to be invited back by the Dallas Cowboys to perform for their enthusiastic legion of fans,” says Greenwood. “This Veterans Day is special to me as we have also launched this theatrical concert event to honor those who served that might otherwise not get a chance to get out of their homes due to PTSD or just plainly lack of funds. To have the Cowboys step up and buy out a couple of theaters and now to challenge other NFL teams to do the same is remarkable. I hope other teams join the effort to support these Veterans!”

Anyone wanting to accept America’s Veteran Challenge can go to adoptavet.com and donate $50. That will send a Veteran and their guest to the concert experience, and the sponsor will receive the concert experience on DVD in the mail. Everyone wins! Will you accept the challenge? The goal is 50,000 veterans!

–Jeremy Westby

100-WORD FICTION SUBMISSION—The Deer Hunter

I woke up flat on my back in tall golden prairie grass, the sun warmed my face. My right arm felt like it was on fire, my neck hurt like hell and breathing was difficult. Able to move my fingers and toes, I sat up gingerly, The tires on my Suzuki DR 650 still spinning, the motor hummed quietly. A white tail doe stood near and shook her furry head. Who survived? First, the big animal stumbled off, feeling the effects of the collision.

I moved, stretched, straightened the handlebars and rode home.

 

HOT ROD OF THE WEEK—Hang on for this one.

–Sam Burn
Hot Rod Editor
Bikernet.com™

RIGHT TO REPAIR ACTION–Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Discusses the Right to Repair

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez runs a successful auto repair shop along with her husband, Dean, in Portland, Oregon. She’s also a freshman Democratic Congresswoman representing Washington’s 3rd District, across the Columbia River from Portland, which covers the southwestern corner of the state.

A fifth-generation Washingtonian, she campaigned on kitchen-table issues that include “right to repair,” the legislative initiative that empowers individuals and their preferred mechanics and technicians to perform their own repairs on everything from PCs to Priuses without having to rely solely on the OE manufacturer.

The state of Massachusetts enacted an automotive right-to-repair law in 2012, and grassroots support for a federal version has been steadily growing ever since.

As a freshman legislator, Gluesenkamp Perez may still be learning the ropes in DC, but she is already making her mark on the legislative process. She’s currently a co-sponsor of SEMA-supported House Resolution (H.R.) 906, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act.

–SEMA

FROM THE PAGES OF DICE MAGAZINE—Inside issue #101.

All up in the guts of issue 101 is a fantastic article with Jessop Cycles and his Born Free 14 Shovelhead.

Peep it on the DicE Blog.

SPORTSTER HISTORY LESSON–

SCIENTIFIC METHOD RESTORED– to Science Education in North Carolina

As a physicist, John Droz holds in high regard the Scientific Method, a 400-year-old approach to investigating reality. Rooted in Isaac Newton’s work, which included creation of the calculus, the Scientific Method has long underpinned examination of the physical world and technological advancement.

Quite understandable it is, then, that Droz, who holds degrees in mathematics and physics, was prompted to do some investigating of his own after learning that his state of North Carolina had abandoned the teaching of the Scientific Method for the promotion of a faddish theory of entirely unscientific inquiry.

“Upon reading a review of the North Carolina K-12 Science Standards, I was concerned that nowhere was the Scientific Method even mentioned,” says Droz, who retired at 34 as a successful investor and launched a 40-year career as a “citizen advocate” of wide-ranging pursuits.

Having a particular concern about the current state of critical thinking, Droz ultimately filed a written complaint with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

“They subsequently said that they had received some 14,000 inputs on the Science Standards, and apparently, I was the only one bringing up the issue,” said Droz, whose varied interests include climate science and election integrity.

The controversy had its beginnings in 2012 when a newly formulated Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) began nudging out the Scientific Method from much of public education. Politically inspired by progressive ideology and backed by the National Research Council, National Science Teachers Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the NGSS gained favor with the education bureaucracy of 45 states. The Scientific Method was replaced by something called “Science and Engineering Practices.”

Much of the public might not appreciate the implications of the Scientific Method’s fading from public education’s officialdom, but the loss is no less than a disaster to scientists and adherents of the traditional tenets of critical thinking.

The Scientific Method requires that questions be asked, observations made, and hypotheses formulated, tested, and proven or rejected. Conclusions are always subject to challenges with new evidence and insights.

The NGSS scraps this centuries-old process for computer models whose products are proof of nothing unless they are verified against real-world data and survive the challenges of new information. However, those criticizing the findings of this corruption of objective inquiry are often dismissed as “science deniers.”

Nowhere have the dangers of this travesty been more manifest than in climate science where a paganistic fervor has supplanted rigorous investigation and open debate. Challengers of the status quo are more likely to be met with ad hominem than data. Ideologically driven activists use flawed computer models to justify political actions like banning gas-powered cars, shutting down pipelines and spending trillions on “green” energy subsidies that provide no benefit to society.

In classrooms, students are encouraged by the NGSS to conform to politically correct views: Solar and wind energy are good. Fossil fuels are bad. Catastrophic global warming is the future. Carbon dioxide, a gas necessary for life itself, is pollution. Computer models that fail to predict weather days or months in the future can divine the behavior of the climate, Earth’s most complex system, in the next century. Questioning the most absurd of hypotheses is heresy.

Fortunately for North Carolina students, two members of the 18-person State Board of Education embraced Droz’s view that the Scientific Method should be restored to the state’s Science Standards, which it was in July. Droz said the support of the board members was instrumental in correcting the deficiency in state standards.

“I’m optimistic that the Department of Public Instruction will soon address my second major concern that the state Science Standards need more specificity regarding critical thinking,” says Droz. “It should be clear that there is an intimate connection between critical thinking analysis and the universal problem-solving procedure of the Scientific Method.”

John Droz’s example of standing for scientific integrity is an inspiration to the CO2 Coalition, of which he is a member. Determined to reverse the education establishment’s degradation of science teaching, the CO2 Coalition has created educational materials for students and educators.

The CO2 Learning Center’s books, videos and lesson plans are free for the asking. The cost of failing to repel the modern attack on rational thought is incalculable.

by Gregory Wrightstone
CO2 Coalition

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

Get the very best the rally has to offer! Don’t wait, get in on the action now. Why do we sell out every year? Because our guests all agree it’s one of the best values at the rally! Literally elevate yourself with our amazing balcony and VIP experiences.

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The Norwegian government has allocated money to a number of road safety projects, but motorcyclists are completely ignored. Motorcyclists’ organization NMCU is not amused…

In the state budget for 2024, the government ignores road safety work for motorcyclists again. NMCU – a member of FEMA – applied for funds to continue to carry out road safety work for motorcyclists, in line with the decisions of the National Transport Plan for which NMCU has been given responsibility. However, NMCU did not receive any funds, which it is very disappointed and surprised by.

“How are we to achieve results without effort? If the government should be in doubt, it is limited how much can be achieved without funds. Over several years, NMCU has had a close dialogue with the authorities?” says Ole Jørgen Dønnestad of NMCU’s central board. “The National Transport Plan 2022-2030 deals with road safety, where motorcyclists are also highlighted as a highly accident-prone group that must be worked on specifically.

It is very regrettable that the government deliberately fails to include NMCU in the state budget so that we would have had the opportunity to strengthen our intensive work for safer traffic conditions for motorcyclists in the country. In the National action plan for traffic safety on the road 2022–2025, NMCU alone or together with other actors is responsible for 7 of the measures mentioned. This is more than any of the other road safety organisations.”

“If you spend your entire budget on measures that do not target motorcyclists, and without allocating funds to the group that has the best expertise in motorcycling, and then complain that motorcyclists are not getting better, then it is something that is jarring, says Ole Jørgen Dønnestad of NMCU’s central board, “Road safety for motorcyclists should be included in the state budget.”

–Written by Wim Taal
FEMA

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SUPERIOR DARKNESS– Yamaha Announces All-New MT-09 SP

Following up the announcement of the exciting all-new 2024 MT-09, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to unveil the ultimate high-performance Hyper Naked middleweight, the all-new 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP.

Along with the same extensive list of upgrades seen on the class-leading MT-09, the new MT-09 SP takes the exceptional platform even further with a higher level of specification including upgraded suspension and brakes, track-focused technology and electronics, plus exclusive SP color scheme and finish for an unmatched Dark Side experience.

2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP
A Decade of the Dark Side of Japan

The introduction of the MT-09 marked a step away from conventional Japanese motorcycle design and introduced a bold, abstract new direction for Yamaha inspired by the unique urban motorcycle sub-culture found on the streets of Japan’s largest cities. Signifying an exciting new era, the MT-09 featured aggressive styling, a chassis designed for light, agile handling and a torque-laden CP3 engine to stimulate the senses.

Stripped of unnecessary bodywork, packed neatly into a compact aluminum frame and equipped with Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), the MT was the perfect blend of high performance, cutting-edge technology and purposeful functionality. The Dark Side of Japan was unleashed upon the world.

The heart of the new 2024 MT-09 SP remains Yamaha’s world-renowned 890cc DOHC CP3 engine, providing high-revving power, instant torque and a unique crossplane Triple soundtrack unlike anything else on the street, further enhanced through the addition of Acoustic Amplifier Grilles located on top of the newly designed fuel tank.

The potent CP3 is housed in a lightweight, compact controlled fill (CF) aluminum frame, contributing to the bike’s predictable handling and razor-sharp agility. Adding confidence and control is Yamaha’s advanced electronics suite, which includes a four-mode Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), front wheel Lift Control System (LIF), two-mode Brake Control System (BC), a new Back Slip Regulator (BSR) and SP-exclusive Engine Brake Management (EBM).

Finally, expanding on this winning MT-09 formula, a number of additional SP-exclusive features provide committed enthusiasts with the highest level of specification, resulting in the most advanced, most capable motorcycle in its class.

Exclusive R1M-Inspired SP Colors & Finish

Along with its aggressive next-generation MT styling, SP specification raises the bar with a striking and distinctive R1M-inspired colorway. Also featured is the SP’s hallmark polished and clear coated aluminum swingarm, making the new MT-09 SP’s exclusivity and special status immediately recognizable at a glance.

New Brembo Stylema Front Brake Calipers

New for 2024, the MT-09 SP now boasts premium-spec Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers paired with a Brembo radial master cylinder for the ultimate stopping power. The Stylema calipers feature a slimmer piston and brake pad area compared to conventional calipers, as well as being lighter, more rigid and offering enhanced control. In addition, larger-diameter pistons create more braking force, allowing MT-09 SP riders to experience a new level in braking performance.

Premium Fully Adjustable Suspension

Premium SP-exclusive suspension brings Supersport-level handling and precision to the Hyper Naked class. Top-spec KYB forks and Öhlins rear shock feature a higher spring rate offering outstanding stability during spirited riding. The DLC-coated, 41mm KYB forks offer full adjustability for preload, rebound, and high- and low-speed compression damping, allowing SP riders to fine-tune set-up to suit a variety of situations. Completing the MT-09 SP’s high-end suspension package, the Öhlins® shock is also fully adjustable, and comes equipped with a remote preload adjuster enabling quick and easy changes.

SP-Exclusive Track-Focused YRC Settings

MT-09 owners can customize their riding experience via new Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings, which allow the selection of engine power characteristics and electronic intervention levels. In addition to factory and custom settings available on the standard MT-09, SP specification adds four exclusive TRACK modes allowing for more specialized track settings including the option of choosing between two Engine Brake Management settings and the ability to turn rear ABS off. The on-track riding experience is further enhanced by a dedicated SP-exclusive TRACK theme for the MT-09 SP’s new five-inch full-color TFT display featuring a prominent lap timer.

New Smart Key System

Taking the next step in technological advancement, the 2024 MT-09 SP becomes the first Hyper Naked to incorporate Yamaha’s Smart Key System. When the smart key is within a specified range of the motorcycle, such as in your pocket, the engine can be started by turning a newly designed switch. The new system also features a lock and unlock function for the fuel tank cap for added convenience.

2024 MT-09 SP-Specific Features

• R1M-inspired colors and premium finish
• Polished and clear coated aluminum swingarm
• Premium Brembo® Stylema calipers
• Four customizable TRACK Yamaha Ride Control modes including option to turn rear-wheel ABS off
• New two-mode Engine Brake Management (EBM) System
• Exclusive TRACK display theme for the new, larger five-inch full-color TFT dash
• Fully adjustable, DLC-coated, 41mm KYB® front forks
• Fully adjustable Öhlins® rear shock
• Smart Key System with unique starter switch and fuel cap design

• Sharper, more compact looks including re-designed bi-functional LED headlight, fuel tank and tail section
• More engaged ergonomics including separated seat unit and two-position adjustable handlebar and footpegs
• Larger five-inch full color TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation
• Customizable riding experience via Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings
• Redesigned intake with Acoustic Amplifier Grilles
• Latest 890cc, three-cylinder, four-valve DOHC liquid-cooled, CP3 engine
• Six-axis IMU with full suite of lean sensitive rider aids
• New Back Slip Regulator
• Lightweight controlled fill aluminum die-cast frame
• Lightweight SpinForged wheels
• New third-generation quickshifter
• New Brembo radial master cylinder
• Cruise control
• New self-canceling turn signals
• Adjustable brake and clutch levers
• New under-seat USB Type C socket
• New Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires

The new 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP will be available in the SP-exclusive Liquid Metal/Raven color scheme, arriving to dealers in late spring 2024 for $12,299 MSRP.

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete Hyper Naked lineup, as well as other Yamaha products at: www.yamahamotorsports.com.

From the category of you can’t make this up, feels like an Easyriders bit, a leading European Transport Representative said in their push to make dirt bikes and adventure bikes all electric he proposed the solution to charging them out in the woods is that they could cut trees down, build charging stations using surplus diesel generators and haul fuel out in big trucks to deliver fuel to diesel run charging stations.

Not much different than Hardley-Davidson using huge diesel power stations in Deadwood to charge Livewires for demo rides.

–Kirk Willard
President
MRF

[photo 1228122]

 

The master Wayfarer created the art and produced these high-quality desk calendars, which we hope to use for Xmas presents.

We got started on Xmas stuff early this year, which is amazing. We kicked it off last year with plenty of time. Chopper Dave’s wife got sick and my spirit bell connection in China went to his Chinese New Year and didn’t come back. We blew right through Xmas.

The Redhead is rapidly becoming the soup master. Crispy date muffins in the morning and warm toasted sourdough bread and pea soup for dinner.

I’m working with Tim Petersen on new dragons for Deadwood. His magnificent signs are painted on ¼-inch PVC with sheets of aluminum sheet applied to both sides and sorta powder-coated white. He paints with automotive paints that last almost forever.

Here’s a piece of Tim’s original fine art. My neighbor, Luke owns it. The subject might be Pat our local mechanic.

Tim asked for some dragon samples… My grandson supplied them. Hang on.

It was Halloween so we rolled into Sturgis to the Ugly MC headquarters for a party.

Vinnie is going to sell a few motorcycles from his headquarters, but when I asked about the kidney belts he looked a little cross-eyed. “I might have something for Bandit,” he said and moved away.

I helped John move four cords of firewood into his garage. We are working on his 1960 Panhead roller project, and I stopped by to tell him about the fork slider felts I snatched from Charlie the master of Rust.

Fortunately, the Redhead hooked me up with a hearty Avocado omelet for breakfast.

The Panhead project is fraught with parts from various models. We discovered his fork tubes came from ’84-’99 models and were 4-inches over stock. I found a stock tube in my stash. So, we took the long tubes to Clauser Machine in Spearfish to be shortened.

I heard from Phil from Phil’s Speed Shop, rebuilding engines and building bikes for 38 years. He also builds compact ignitions systems and wiring billet boxes. I used one on my factory racer way back.

Tim, from Flat Earth Paint, mentioned above, convinced me to paint my VL Knucklehead frame. Everything is available right here in Sturgis, so I’m going to look into it starting with this DeVillis touch up gun. But I’m running into a space issue for a spray booth.

Tracy Lovell, who is the manager at Scott Jacob’s Gallery sold her Dyna, and Luke and I helped with the Kendon Trailer operation and loading. All went smooth and Serena made it back to Montana.

Dan started this build with a bare frame in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum last week. He got this far in a day. Nice piece. We will bring you more reports. We are going to work on a story lacing early bike wheels.

Hang on and have a fantastic Holiday Season.

Ride free,

–Bandit

In 2024, Suzuki is celebrating 25th anniversary of Hayabusa with a limited edition model and a big party next week at the In-N-Out Burger Finals of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

While the industry and market focusses on more practical and economical middleweight twin-engines,and daily commute two-wheelers– Hayabusa still continues to exist.

The first Hayabusa debuted in 1999, with nearly 300,000 units produced. Till date, people still remember and admire it as the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

The 25th Anniversary Edition Suzuki Hayabusa retails for $19,599. It is offered in a glass blaze orange and sparkle black paint scheme.

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