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

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Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials 2023, FIM Land Speed World Records and AMA Land Speed Grand Championship is Cancelled. Our assessment team has reviewed current Bonneville Salt Flat conditions since remnants of Hurricane Hilary and related storm systems delivered significant rain on the Bonneville Salt Flats during the past 24 hours. Although there is wind, it is not drying the area and is instead pushing the water around, making multiple small moving lakes to contend with. The mobile lakes are now making “high ground” a moving target to support track preparation, necessary repairs, and safe operations for all of our racers in time for the event to proceed.

Delvene Reber, Event Director/Owner “We put it all on the line every year and after the 2022 cancellation we were looking forward to an exceptional race surface and return of our amazing participants to twist the throttle and add their name to the record books. It is surprising and heart wrenching to be cancelling due to the impacts from Hurricane Hilary. We know that everyone wants an exceptional experience and we are looking forward to next year when we will bring world class FIM and AMA motorcycle land speed racing back to the Bonneville Salt Flats”

Current Conditions?

For many of you, the University of Utah webcam provides a great keyhole view to the salt from a few miles away from our typical track locations. Like you, we look at the camera and hope it’s indicating positive conditions across all of the Bonneville Salt Flats. As of Saturday August 19, coordinating with our partners in other organizations on the salt, we had identified several options for a great track, pits, and access roads with continued drying enabling workable salt. However, as of August 21st the remnants of Hurricane Hilary contributed to a series of factors that affected the ability to deliver a world class event. These factors include: 1” to ¼” of standing water over most locations; significant deep potholes that have formed; inability to prepare the course until salt is sufficiently dry; significant water at the access road that participants and spectators would need to drive through; as well as other factors. We conducted assessments in the morning after the rain and in the afternoon after significant winds that had the potential to dry portions of the site. Our assessment of the combined factors prevent us from preparing the site to the international racing standards required in the time available.

What happens next?

As an all volunteer operation, we appreciate your patience while we implement our cancellation procedures. We are onsite in Wendover and will be spending the rest of the week receiving ordered supplies and preparing resources for 2024.We will be in touch directly with participants this week with further information as well as information on our website https://bonnevillemst.com to answer any question that you have. This will provide further details on options to support the continuation of the event.

It’s difficult to have put in so much effort as racers and organizers. There are countless hours that go into making your motorcycles ready and we want to ensure you have the best platform every year to race. We appreciate, and understand, all of the hours that you have dedicated to reach your goals throughout this year, and for our international friends, the additional logistics that you overcome to reach us.

We are working together to help you achieve your Land Speed Racing goals and deliver a world class event. We also want to thank the volunteers for their contributions, the AMA and FIM organizations and support staff and our sponsors for their continued support of our sport.

Sincerely,
Delvene Reber
Event Manager/Owner
Deliciate Promotions LLC
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials

“We will roll out Wednesday morning. Micah McCloskey is our pilot. Cabana Dan, Lucky Luke and 45 John make up the team with commissioner Sharon watching our backs.”

–Bandit

Reminders and updates

We’re on our way down to Bonneville to get set up and ready for racers to arrive later in the week. While we’re in transit, and setting up, our response times to emails and phone calls will be a little longer.

Don’t forget to print your tickets!

When you registered your received an email with a link to print your tickets. Printing your tickets helps us at front gate to get you in quickly and through to set up your pit.

Pre-entry List is posted online

You can check out our pre-entered list on our website now at bonnevillemst.com

Pit set up when you arrive.

VIR pit set up opens from 10:00 am Friday. General participant access is Saturday from 9:30am. Please make sure to check in with a volunteer before you park and get set up!

Please also note, Pits are ONLY to be set up on the Mountain side of the blue line designating the front of the pit. This includes ALL equipment including open trailer doors (dropped trailer doors). No Parking or loading in track-side of the blue line. Thank you for your cooperation.

Salt Conditions

We’re keeping an eye on the Hilary storm system and understand there are concerns about the affect on Bonneville. Hilary will be going up the west side of the Sierra’s. We’ll be onsite to monitor if there is any effect on the salt. We’ll post salt conditions as appropriate to keep everyone informed of our setup and racing progress.

Dates to mark on your calendar:

August 25th – VIR Pit Entry and Registration 10am
August 26th – General Entry Pits (from 9:30am), Registration & Scruineering Open
August 27th- 31st – Racing
August 31st – Awards Party 8pm

Keep Posted to our Web & Social Media pages for updates!

BonnevilleMST.com

on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @bonnevillemst

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Get inspired by World’s Fastest Panhead book for upcoming Bonneville Salt Flats Land Speed records this season !!! Click to view the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop.

King Of The Baggers Is Headed To Europe Via New MotoAmerica Partnership

MotoAmerica is partnering with MotorSport Vision Racing, a major European racing promoter, to make it happen.

MotoAmerica announced a new partnership deal with MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), a major promotor of bike and car racing in Europe. It’s part of the larger MotorSport Vision company, which owns and operates five circuits in the UK: Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Snetterton, and Cadwell Park. MSVR also owns Spain’s Circuito de Navarra as of November 2022, and is the commercial rights holder and promoter of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

“The growth of the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers series has been phenomenal, and its popularity has brought a lot of new spectators to our championship and in turn a lot of those also become Superbike fans. Our relationship with MotorSport Vision Racing and Stuart Higgs makes them the perfect partner to help us get the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers to European race fans,” MotoAmerica president Wayne Rainey said in a statement.

According to the official MotoAmerica announcement, the terms of this agreement will see MSVR go through various stages to plan a King of the Baggers racing series at various venues across Europe. The venues and events are under consideration.

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To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events …check the free weekly newsletter.

Hey,

The next couple of weeks will be damn interesting. First, my major focus will be all about Bonneville. We will peel out next Wednesday and be on the Salt for a week, which will impact the news hopefully in a positive way.

The Bikernet News will be short and to the point. The next two weeks will be significant in more ways than one. You’ll see the Montana report below, but over the next two weeks you may see a response. I hope.

Let’s hit the news:

NEW ENFIELD BULLET 350 — All-New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Price Reveal on Sep 1, 2023

The homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer Royal Enfield has been grabbing all the headlines over the past few months, all thanks to the company’s upcoming Bullet 350. A lot of details have been revealed as the bike has been spotted multiple times during the testing phase.

Now, it has been reported that the brand is all set to announce the official price details on September 1.

Bullet 350 will be based on J-platform, and will feature a 349cc engine option, which will be smoother as compared to the existing model. It is the same unit that has been used in Classic, Meteor, and Hunter 350. The bike will produce a max power of 19 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque.

Full story at:
https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/news/all-new-royal-enfield-bullet-350-price-reveal-on-sep-1-2023/ar-AA1fg0Uq

Wayfarer’s note:
From the news reports, it seems the new Enfield Bullet 350 will be unrecognizable. It will be a completely different look and riding experience. It’s just unfair to still call it a Bullet because it has nothing left from it. The whole thing is a new model entirely from news reports gathered over the weeks and those who spied it testing on public roads.

–Wayfarer
Chief International Investigator
Bikernet.com™

REPORT FROM SPEED WEEK—

We didn’t set a record. Track was exceedingly rough. We managed one pass with Dennis driving and one with me at the wheel. On the return road I hit a huge pot hole going 96 mph and cracked the water tank. It took 45 minutes to get from the end of the road to our pits.

Every day the SCTA officials escorted us to the staging lane because it was so rough. We drug the bottom of the car daily. Time to get started for next year.

–Gary Maur

SAYING GOODBYE TO BILL BISH–

To all who knew him, the family wished to share this as Bill’s last NCOM Newsbytes column. You can use or share it as you wish. Ride Free. Love & Respect to all, the Bish Family

Bill’s last NCOM Column…

OBITUARY

William H Bish

September 29, 1957 – August 4, 2023

IN THE CARE OF
Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home

Family will receive friends to celebrate Bill’s life Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 4 PM – 8 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park OH 44126. Funeral Services 10 AM on Friday, August 18, 2023 at the Funeral Home with a procession following to the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273 where he will be interred with full military honors.

William H. “Bill” Bish, age 65, of Westlake, Ohio passed away with his loving wife by his side on Friday, August 4, 2023 due to medical procedural complications. Bill was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Clarence “Rusty” Bish and Margaret “Mitzi” Bish (nee Sorter), both deceased.

Dearly beloved husband of 27 years to Darlene R. Bish (nee Griggs), loving father of Rachelle Bish (Joey Zika), dearest brother of Beverly (Dave) Booker, dearest brother-in-law of Mickey (Bill, deceased) Griggs, dearest nephew of Aunt Jo McGlynn and Aunt Norma Morgan (deceased), dear uncle, cousin and friend of so very many.

Bill and Darlene were a team in everything they did together in life, truly adored one another, and had a deep, special love that comes only once in a lifetime. Within the family, the term ‘Beep-Beep’ became synonymous with the words ‘I Love You’. Bill’s family was his world.

Bill enhanced this world on September 29, 1957 at Still (Mercy) Hospital and was the charismatic, mischievous boy who could out-draw Marshall Dillon of Gunsmoke on TV with his BB gun, which was a sign of things to come.

Living his entire youth on 2nd Ave in Des Moines, he graduated from North High School in 1975 and joined the Marine Corps thereafter. That took him to San Diego CA, Memphis TN, Korea and Japan. Bill received many commendations, was a marksman on the shooting team, part of the Press Corps and reached the rank of E-5 Sargent during his tour. He was a proud Marine. He returned home in 1979 to go to Drake University, majoring in Journalism and Public Relations, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in 3 years. He also bought a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Upon his college graduation, Bill was recruited to work for the National Rifle Association (NRA) in Washington DC where he ran celebrity shooting competitions and even wrote quotes for President Ronald Reagan, among other writing and promotional duties. He then headed for the sunshine of Los Angeles, CA where he really got involved in the world of motorcycling. He worked for various motorcycle attorneys, including over two decades with the Law Offices of Richard Lester in California and the Law Offices of Ralph C. Buss in Ohio, and even multiple years with the infamous Easyriders Magazine, the superlative biker’s lifestyle guide of the time.

Bill found his passion in legislation and politics affecting the industry, working to protect motorcycling and individual freedom through his paid positions and various volunteer organizations. Along with many others, his efforts helped grow a grassroots movement that changed a notorious federal law in four short years, which was unheard of. He helped make bikers a political force to be reckoned with.

Bill was a true biker, putting hundreds of thousands of miles riding around almost every state in this country; a nation he loved, that he would fight for, and that he thought had the most beautiful landscape to see, especially from the seat of a motorcycle. He traversed the country many times, usually with Darlene on her bike and Rachelle in the sidecar, speaking at various biker rallies and seminars. He was a very inspiring, captivating speaker, bigger than life. That’s how he and Darlene met, at a Freedom Rally in Tennessee fighting for their rights. The two of them had an instant deep connection that was inexplicable, they were truly soulmates who found a love that was glorious. Their daughter Rachelle made his life complete and was the apple of his eye and he was so very proud of her.

Bill Bish was the former Executive Coordinator and current Public Relations Liaison of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists and Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (NCOM and AIM), former State Director of ABATE of California and Concerned Motorcycle Riders of Ohio (CMRO), member of ABATE of Ohio, Kentucky Motorcycle Association (KMA/KBA) and the American Motorcyclists Association (AMA), was on the original Steering Committee for the formation of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) in the 80s, among other positions, and had been politically active for over 40 years in bikers’ rights issues. He had four Silver Spoke Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in South Dakota, home of the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally.

After moving to Ohio in 2001 to be by Darlene’s family, the two of them got into the magazine business and eventually became owners/publishers of Ridin’ On Motorcycle Magazine in 2007. It quickly became the #1 regional publication of its type and they were very proud of it and a summer-long program Bill created in 2008 called the Ride ‘N’ Roll, both of which still continue today. He was such a prolific wordsmith and has had a news column that went out to a half a million people for over two decades. He wrote for various magazines, lawyers, doctors, politicians and even a President. But more so, Bill was a GOOD man, a great man. He touched so, so many people with his kindness, his motivating speeches, his resolute spirit and his amazing sense of humor. Bill was a man of the utmost integrity and a generous caring soul that thought of everyone else first before himself. He was larger than life and his presence will be felt forever. Please remember his big smile and zest for life to live each day to its fullest, as he did.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.CorriganCraciun.com for the Bish family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill Bish’s name/honor to the National Coalition of Motorcyclists or any Motorcycle Rights Organization.

FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK— sales@thegasbox.com

It’s a sharp 1949 Panhead.

216-505-0596

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

HOT NEWS FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING–

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MAJOR CLIMATE CASE–Montana Republicans lost Held v Montana

On August 14, 2023, Montana Republicans lost the Held v Montana (HvM) climate lawsuit, as I wrote they would since June 2022, based upon how AG Knudsen was failing to prepare to defeat HvM.

The judge did not make a biased decision, as AG Knudsen now claims. The judge properly used the evidence presented in the trial. The Supreme Court will agree with the judge.

Montana lost because Knudsen did not defend against the plaintiffs’ climate claims.

Worse, before the trial began on June 12, 2023, Assistant AG Michael Russell stipulated,

“for the purposes of trial, there is a scientific consensus that earth is warming as a direct result of human GHG emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.”

Knudsen gave away the farm. He caved on climate and gave the Democrats control of Montana’s mining, energy, economy, and education.

Knudsen’s stipulation reduced the trial to the issue of whether the Montana Constitution prevails over the legislature. But he presented no evidence that the legislature prevails over the Constitution. He could have asked a constitution expert to argue that point.

Knudsen used two witnesses from the State to describe how they processed applications for mining and energy production. But “how” Montana processes these applications does not prove the Constitution authorizes the process.

HvM makes unconstitutional the 2023 Republican bills SB 557 and HB 971 that the legislature intended to assure the legislature had power over the Constitution.

In 2011, my attorney Quentin Rhoades and I won this exact same lawsuit in 10 days on climate alone in Montana’s Supreme Court. The court’s decision set a Montana precedent that “climate science is not settled” enough to support the plaintiffs’ claims.

Knudsen did not reference this 2011 Montana Supreme Court decision and precedent to dismiss or defeat HvM as he should have.

Quentin and I won because we made logical arguments. Judges follow logic. Our 2011 win saved Montana billions of dollars per year. AG Knudsen reversed these savings.

HvM was on AG Knudsen’s desk when he took office in January 2021. All Knudsen had to do to defeat HvM was to contract with Quentin Rhoades since he already won the same lawsuit. Such a contract would have cost Montana less than Montana now will pay the plaintiffs for their attorney fees. And Montana would have won the attorney fees.

Quentin and I would have organized a dozen true climate experts who would have destroyed the plaintiffs’ pseudoscience, and saved Montana and America from the climate fraud.

As an example, the plaintiffs assume human CO2 emissions cause all the CO2 increase.

To justify that assumption, they claim the half-life for human CO2 in the atmosphere is hundreds or thousands of years while the half-life for natural CO2 is 2.4 years.

So, we ask the plaintiffs’ experts, “How is this possible when human and natural CO2 molecules are identical?”

Duh? Both human and natural CO2 have a half-life of 2.4 years according to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). And IPCC’s carbon cycle says human CO2 is only 8% of today’s atmosphere, not 33% as the plaintiffs’ experts assume.

Carbon-14 data show the percent of human CO2 in the atmosphere is about zero.

The COVID pandemic reduced human CO2 emissions by about 20% for a year. But the CO2 level continued to increase undisturbed by the dramatic decrease in human CO2 emissions, showing human CO2 does not control the CO2 level.

The bottom line is IPCC’s own data show nature, not human CO2, causes the CO2 increase. This negates all the plaintiffs damage claims. Checkmate.

There is much more evidence that the plaintiffs’ climate beliefs are delusions. This illustrates my point that HvM was easy to defeat on the science alone.

Knudsen should lose his law license because he did not ethically represent the defendants who are the people who voted for him.

HvM will go down in history as the trial where Montana Republicans censored climate truth and gave Democrats control of Montana’s mining, energy, economy, and education.

–Ed Berry, PhD, Theoretical Physics
Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM)
Author: Climate Miracle (Amazon)
Author, Speaker, Teacher, Expert Witness
100%-win record as expert witness.
Win your climate lawsuit with my Climate Team Six.

Oops, also included in my assignment list was a check list. Check the check list:

SALT TORPEDO CHECK LIST

• Check front end, and steering fasteners
• Check front wheels
• Check Tire pressure
• Check for fuel leaks
• Check fuel level
• Check oil level.
• Check rear chain, tire and axle
• Safety wire rear axle
• Check all pilot controls for lose fasteners and adjustments

That’s a start. We accomplished most of the above items and I’m hoping the Rieker’s Tilt switch will arrive today, it better. I’m still checking and tightening fasteners. About the time we check one challenging item off the list, we add three more.

Tomorrow afternoon, we will test load the Torpedo in the new trailer. Luke and I started loading the 5-Ball van yesterday. We will need lots of straps and bungie cords. I may need to modify a couple of wheel chocks for the front wheels.

The list goes on. We’re getting close. I received the tilt switch today. Maybe wire tomorrow.

–Bandit

[page break]

PANHEAD OF THE WEEK—SIKSIKA by CRO CUSTOMS’

1956 HARLEY PANHEAD

–from Bike EXIF

THE RING OF RINGS–From Bruno Zammit. These rings are available.

“You want a stainless steel or silver ring? Rhe price 200 usd in stainless steel and 350 usd in silver”
–Bruno

“I was inspired to reach out to Alex Epstein and suggest an, “I love Fossil Fuels,” ring.”
–Bandit

NEWS FROM THE BMW EMPIRE-–

BMW filed patents for a W3 engine in 2014. Their design used a separate crankshaft journal for each cylinder, and a balance shaft.

–from Jim Waggaman

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–

“You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality.”
— Ayn Rand
(paraphrased)

MEETING OF THE MINDS 2023 is Coming–

Listening, Making a Difference, and Moving Forward to Protect the Future of Motorcycling and Motorcyclists’ Rights!

The Meeting of the Minds conference is where it all began and it’s where motorcyclists’ rights advocates come to experience tailormade workshops addressing issues facing motorcyclists today. It’s where motorcyclists’ rights advocates can get up-to-date information on issues relating to the attacks against motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s annual Meeting of the Minds conference reflects that the MRF listens to our members, partner state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, and motorcycle clubs. MRF members and the motorcycling world know that the MRF is making a difference and moving forward – on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures — to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

The success of this year’s Bikers Inside the Beltway was the result of what the MRF shared at the Meeting of the Minds conferences. Keeping our members, partner SMROs, and motorcycle clubs informed and on point is what makes the Motorcycle Riders Foundation the foremost motorcyclists’ rights advocacy group in the nation.

Listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling, this year’s Meeting of the Minds features sixteen workshops and ten new presenters, plus a host of new topics added to the mix!

The Meeting of the Minds – presenters who live and breathe motorcyclists’ rights, topical workshops that have real-world applications for protecting the future of motorcycling– The Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

The burden of keeping the voice of motorcycling heard before Congress, regulatory agencies, and state legislatures is shouldered by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the five hundred activists who attend the Meeting of the Minds.

The Meeting of the Minds conference has always been about “bridging the gap,” whether the “gap” is miles or just differences of opinion. Recently inducted into the Sturgis Museum & Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame, moving forward to keep minds open and the gap narrow is what MRF “Club Dude” Russell Radke does. Guided by his faith and his years of experience in the motorcycle club world, Russell’s Meeting of the Minds presentations are not to be missed. This year he’ll be joined by Chris “Clutch” Ward for a double-team presentation at the MRF Sustaining Clubs Meeting and the workshop on Keeping the Bridges open between SMROs & Clubs.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation — Bikers Inside the Beltway, Meeting of the Minds –listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling & motorcyclists’ rights!

The Meeting of the Minds – September 21-24, Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindie Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Use the QR codes below to register and make reservations or call 717-939-7841 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2023 Meeting of the Minds.

Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds, Sept. 21-24, 2023.

Yours in Freedom,
–Fredric Harrell
MRF Director of Conferences & Events

P.S. Hotel rooms are available and going fast, confirm your plans now, register with the MRF, and use the QR codes to make hotel reservations early for the Meeting of the Minds 2023. Thank you.

THE WEED INVESTIGATION—

AG Jackley released draft explanation for initiated measure to legalize recreational marijuana

On Friday, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley released a draft ballot explanation for a proposed amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota.(MGN)

By Dakota News Now staff

Last Friday, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley released a draft ballot explanation for a proposed amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana in South Dakota.

The proposed measure would allow individuals 21 years or older to possess, grow, sell, ingest and distribute marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia. The measure would not affect laws dealing with hemp or the state’s medical marijuana program.

If approved, the measure would need to get 17,509 signatures to appear on the 2024 ballot.

The Attorney General does not take a position on the proposal, and the draft explanation is meant to educate voters on the purpose and effect of the proposed measure.

The public has until August 21 to provide comments on the draft explanation, with the final explanation being due to the Secretary of State by August 31.

Comments may be emailed to ATGballotcomments@state.sd.us or submitted via mail to the Attorney General’s Office at:

–Office of the Attorney General

ESPORTS RECOGNIZED– as multi-sports event by Indian government.

The esports industry will be governed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In a major boost for online gaming in India, the Indian government has officially recognized esports as a part of multi-sports events.

Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, amended the rules and ordered India’s Department of Sports, which falls under the ambit of India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, to act as the nodal agency for esports in the country.

https://hotaircoldlove.substack.com/p/giant-leap-for-couch-potatoes

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

PRISM GANG STURGIS REPORT—

We just got home from what may be the wettest Sturgis, ever! Although it rained on our Choppical Pool Party with Harley-Davidson, we still had an amazing time with everyone.

We embraced the weather on Saturday by turning the pool into a cold plunge. By Sunday, the sun decided to join us for Choppers Magazine’s Tiki Party where we had a great time watching Danger Dan on the mic for a kickstart competition!

SAN FRANSIKO EXPANDS ROBOTAXIS–

California regulators have voted to allow self-driving car companies Waymo and Cruise to launch 24/7 paid driverless services in San Francisco. The decision removes most limits on operating and charging for rides for the two companies and marks a step forward for the autonomous vehicle industry.

More than 40 companies, including Waymo and Cruise, have received permits to test their autonomous car services in San Francisco. Waymo, owned by Alphabet (Google), currently operates 250 autonomous vehicles, while Cruise, owned by General Motors, operates 100 during the day and 300 at night.

Officials in San Francisco have argued self-driving cars disrupt traffic, bus routes, and emergency scenes. Cruise said it recorded 177 incidents in which it had to retrieve a stalled robotaxi during roughly the first six months of this year, while Waymo said it recorded 58 such incidents during a similar timeframe.

–1440 Daily Digest

JOIN US AT THE SMOKEOUT RALLY–by Dennis Kirk

Burnouts, bikes, builders, bands, brews, and buds. The SmokeOut Rally in Salisbury, NC has it all and more.

For over two decades, the SmokeOut Rally has been bringing together likeminded riders in a celebration of custom motorcycle culture. Last year Dennis Kirk signed on as the Title Sponsor for the Rally and we enjoyed it so much that are back on for the ’23 Rally.

The ’23 SmokeOut Rally takes place from September 7th to September 10th for four days of events and shows. Each day of the rally features different events and shows to keep the party going.

Custom bike shows include a feature bike gallery, Perewitz Custom Paint Show, Dream Rides FXR Show, Ride In Custom bike show, and Led Sled Sportster Showdown. Racing action includes Mini Bike races with and without costumes and Old Time Dirt Drags.

Great music acts are featured every night of the rally. Other events include the popular Hammer’s Strongest Biker, Shadetree Biker Games, Wet T-Shirt contest, drive-in movies & bonfire, and bike blessings.

Sign Up for the SmokeOut Rally

The SmokeOut Rally has also set out to give back to the community. Last year, Paughco donated unfinished gas tanks that were then sent out to custom painters. Those tanks were then auctioned off at the rally and all the proceeds went to Meals on Wheels benefitting seniors in the Salidbury, NC and Spearfish, SD areas. The auction was a success and will once again be happening at this year’s rally. Be sure to check out these true pieces of motorcycle art and bid for a chance to take one home.

There are plenty of accommodations available for all styles of rally goers. For the pure rally experience, camping is available on site at the fairgrounds. Both tent and RV/camper sites are available. There are also plenty of hotels and other campgrounds around the area as well.

To see what the SmokeOut Rally is all about, check out the recap video from last year’s rally. You won’t want to miss this year’s event, so be sure to head over to their page to get your tickets and camp sites reserved.

KAWASAKI CELEBRATES 70 YEARS–

Even Kawasaki will have events for their anniversary soon.

And Burt Munro gets into the STURGIS Hall of Fame, finally.

Kawasaki Celebrates 70 Years Of Making Motorcycles

In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953.

There will be a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Burt Munro Inducted Into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame

Landspeed Racing Icon & Record-holder Immortalized for Lifetime Achievements.

An innovator, daredevil, and one of motorcycling’s greatest legends, Burt Munro is getting his respects from the Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame.

And of course, Chris Callen of Cycle Source media empire got inducted this year as well.

Read more at
https://blog.bikernet.com/burt-munro-inducted-into-sturgis-motorcycle-museum-hall-of-fame/

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–

“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”

NEWS FROM NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM— OPEN DAILY: 9am – 5pm

Until LAST DAY OPEN

Closed Permanently End of Day (5pm),

September 4, 2023

1929 Morgan Aero

An 1908 English engineer Harry Morgan began developing his first three-wheeler, aimed at trials competition for the 1909 season in Malvern, Worcestershire England. The core of his three-wheeled “cycle car” design, the Morgan Runabout, was a central steel tube running the length of the car, its power plant, a V-Twin sitting up front driving the rear wheel.

The “sliding pillar” suspension was noted as the earliest independent suspension used on a car. A swingarm mounted the chain driven rear wheel. As Morgan’s designs developed, some machines ran a pair of chains to the rear, each transferring a different final drive ratio providing a two-speed drive.

Clearly Morgan took some innovative approaches to developing his two passenger vehicle. Morgan’s home country, England, also levied lower road taxes on three-wheeled vehicles, and operator licensing was easier, a sales advantage many British manufacturers took advantage of.

Drum front brakes are used on the Aero now on display at the National Motorcycle Museum, but earliest Morgans had only a band type brake on the rear wheel. As for power-plants, since Morgan sourced other makers’ engines, he could offer range of performance. Engines available during the nearly five decades of manufacture include Matchless, Anzani, Blackburne, Blumfield, M.A.G, Precision, J.A.P. or J.A. Prestwich.

In the 1920s the Morgan continued to have success in racing and was so fast that at Brooklands it was required to start a lap behind four wheeled cars in the same class. Likewise, Morgans were dominant on the trials hills, where they won more medals and trophies than any other comparable machine. The rugged strength of the Morgan and its excellent traction meant that it always performed well on muddy tracks when taking part in British reliability trials.

About 30,000 machines were manufactured at Morgan’s plant in Malvern, England between 1909 and 1953, with a number of others being produced under license by Darmont Morgan in France. Four wheel Morgans came about in 1936 but production and updates of the classic three-wheeler continued. The three-wheeler was revived as a design around 2011 using S&S engines similar to Harley-Davidson’s design. Weight of the new machine was about 1200 pounds.

In most states in America the modern three-wheeler was classed as a motorcycle, and Polaris joined the market with a similar concept soon after, the Slingshot powered by a General Motors in-line four. The Morgan company, still operating in its early 20th Century factory complex is successfully manufacturing a range of four-wheeled cars but has announced development of a new three-wheeler powered by a 1.5 liter Ford “Dragon” engine sending power to the rear wheel via a Mazda five-speed transmission and a carbon-fiber reinforced belt. It’s said that engineers planned for this design to be easily adapted to electric motor power.

This fine 1929 Morgan Aero will be among hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of pieces of memorabilia offered in the John Parham Estate Collection Mecum Auction at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa, September 6 – 9, 2023. Watch for information on the Mecum Auctions website, Mecum.com For schedule information or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

NEWS FROM THE NASH KINGDOM—

CHECK OUT NASH MOTORCYCLE T’S & CAPS, TODAY!

NEW DESIGNS AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

[page break]

STORY COMING TO BIKERNET—

These two guys on this 45 flathead Servicar have a story to tell and it’s coming to Bikernet shortly from Panhead John.

–Bandit

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK—

“It is infinitely better to have a few good Men, than many indifferent ones.”
~ George Washington

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT—

New Details Leaked on Biden Administration’s Upcoming Background Check Power Grab

Last week, we reported on the Biden Administration’s treacherous move to defund scholastic archery, hunting, and marksmanship programs under an obscure provision of the Orwellian Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA).

The BSCA has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving for extreme and persecutory gun control, to the mortification of some of its more moderate supporters who thought they were voting for provisions aimed at reducing crime and increasing access to mental healthcare.

Now, details are emerging of Biden’s latest plans to leverage the sprawling, sinister act in his continued pursuit of civilian disarmament. This time the target is eliminating the age-old practice of noncommercial, private firearm sales.

–NRA

STORY COMING TO BIKERNET—

A little sneaky peek at a scoop I got outta Texas just now. Already asked permission to write it. Will keep you updated

–Amy Irene White

THE CENSORSHIP INVESTIGATION—

Facebook Censors Accurate Information Linking Wind Energy To Whale Deaths

Facebook also spreads misinformation by “FactCheck.com”, which relies entirely on debunked U.S. government sources

For the last 20 years, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that his social media company is the “digital equivalent of a town square,” committed to factual accuracy, and protecting the natural environment.

But now, Facebook is censoring accurate information about the relationship between industrial wind energy development and the increase in whale deaths off the East Coast.

Yesterday, Facebook and Instagram censored my post linking whale deaths to wind energy off the East Coast of the United States. The censorship came in the form of a “FactCheck.org” article from March 31, 2023, which relied entirely on U.S. government sources.

The censorship came on the exact same day that Public and Environmental Progress released a new documentary, “Thrown To The Wind,” which proves that the FactCheck.org article is false.

“Thrown To The Wind” presents powerful new scientific evidence that the wind industry is responsible for the increase in whale deaths and that U.S. government agencies are either covering up the evidence or have failed to do the research that is described in the film.

Facebook last year defended its censorship by saying its “fact-checks” are just “opinion” and thus immune from defamation lawsuits, like the one brought by former ABC News correspondent John Stossel.

–MICHAEL SHELLENBERGER
Public Substack

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SPORTSTER OF THE WEEK—From the Gas Box crew.

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

THE NEXT EVENT IN VENICE, CA— 3rd Sunday – Ride north to Agoura Hills

Hey everyone, it’s perfect riding weather! Come join us, as we ride north!

Tavern 101
28434 Roadside Dr.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

*Tavern 101 has asked us to park in the large furniture store parking lot next door.

9AM – Meet
10AM – Kick stands up!

All years, makes, and models are welcome!

Please remember…..
– We leave at 10am sharp!
– Be gassed up and ready to go.
– Please do not pass our Road Captains. They are there to lead and keep everyone together as a group.
– Keep this a safe and fun ride by staying aware of your fellow riders.

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

-VVMC

JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING FROM THE VETERANS AFFAIRS— NFL, NCAA Ticket Discounts

Veterans can access discounted NFL & NCAA tickets on ShopVCS.com. Not a member? Sign up for ShopVCS.com to verify your Veteran status and unlock deals on live sports. Plus, enjoy savings on theme parks, hotels, rental cars and more. Don’t book travel or entertainment without checking ShopVCS.com first!

HONDA CHOPPER OF THE WEEK—

Custom-built motorcycles by Venice Chopper. Chris Tragert – all original

Contact venicechoppers@gmail.com for inquiries.

–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™

From NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT—

Heat Pumps Not Good Enough for Chris Stark!

The head of the climate watchdog behind the planned boiler ban has admitted that he still has gas heating in his own home.

More than four years after claiming he was “keen” to convert to electric heating in his flat, Chris Stark, the chief executive of the Climate Change Committee, said he still has a gas boiler.

“I wish I didn’t,” added Mr Stark.

The Committee on Climate Change lobbied the Government to bring in a ban on the installation of gas boilers in new homes from 2025, with the sale of new gas boilers banned altogether from 2035 as a result of the committee’s recommendations.

The committee and Government hope that electric heat pumps can be installed instead in many homes.

Questioned by MPs about how the 2035 target could be met when heat pumps remain unaffordable for most people, Mr Stark admitted that he still had a gas boiler in his Glasgow flat.

He warned that the cost of heat pumps remained too high and said it was “very difficult” to install heat pumps in existing flats like his.

Appearing before the House of Commons environmental audit committee last month, Mr Stark said: “The capital cost of it is too high at the moment.

“It can be brought down, but that will not happen unless there is scale installation and scale production. That is one of the biggest barriers. There is not an installer community for heat pumps at the moment.”

He went on: “I have a gas boiler. I wish I didn’t, but I live in a flat and heat pumps are a very difficult thing to put in there.”

Mr Stark said his own boiler engineer was sceptical about the application of heat pumps.

“The gas boiler guy who comes round and fixes my gas boiler – it breaks very often – tells me they will never work,” he said.

“That is a problem – and he knows what I do. If we do not have an installer community out there selling the benefits of this, and if we do not have support for it to bring down the capital cost so that we see the benefits in their use – there are widespread benefits, there is a huge system benefit to using them as well – then it won’t work.”

Mr Stark also suggested that the Government should consider tax incentives to make running heat pumps more affordable.

“The one policy that would make this really sing is to have cheaper electricity,” he said.

–By Paul Homewood
WUWT

NEW FROM BDL-–

Better than ever, 2 of BDL’s most popular clutch upgrades. Both the Competitor Clutch model number CC-120-E shown at left and CC-120-BB with ball bearing pressure design provide serious riders with exceptional performance and long term reliability when compared to OEM and other conversions on the market.

The 2 kits are designed to fit directly into OEM clutch baskets on 1990-1997 Big Twins. Additionally the CC-120-BB and CC-120-E replace the factory clutch hub, clutch plates and pressure plate.

As with all BDL products they are proudly 100% made in the USA. You’ll find additional details at www.beltdrives.com. BDL drives, clutches and other premium components can be purchased through our site or from dealers worldwide.

BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—Demi Liu

–Sam Burns
Bike Feature Editor
Bikernet.com™

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON–

The Night Hawks Motorcycle Club was well established in the Los Angeles outlaw biker scene, but the rugged one-percenters all dreamed of becoming members of the legendary national club known as The Devils Own. Yet, how far would club members go to become heavy hitters? Danny Lonsdale and his bros discovered too late that flying a Devil’s patch meant selling their souls to a depraved world of drug-dealing, murder and betrayal. Framed for a murder he didn’t commit and double-crossed at every turn, Danny’s only hope for survival lay in the power of his fists, a hot rod Harley and a smoking gun.

Every page of OUTLAW JUSTICE brings you face-to-face with the raw and gritty double-barreled world of the outlaw biker, where treachery and deceit are the only markers on the road to hell.

–Bandit

EXCERPT OF THE WEEK—

I’m going to try to share an excerpt from the CO2 Coalition pamphlet each week. If you would like to inform your group, send me a note and I will ship a few out. Or check out the CO2 Coalition website and ask for some.

–Bandit
Bandit@Bikernet.com

Is Sea life Safe?

Except for some coastal areas where pollution is a problem, the world’s oceans are healthy environments for seal life. The biggest threat to sea life is over-fishing.

Some people are concerned about “ocean acidification” as CO2 levels rise. This is misleading because there is no possible scenario that would result in oceans becoming “acidic.” Reliable evidence shows that more CO2 will increase the productivity of marine life, just as it is improving the growth of plants on land.

–CO2 Coalition

 THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD—This week is a scramble for Bonneville preparations. I asked around and ended up at Taylord’s new, one-man shop in Spearfish. Luke mounted my new Mickey Thompson tires, but we didn’t know what the hell the speed ratings were. Mick Thompson tires are now owned and manufactured by Goodyear. They said we could go as fast as we want.

After riding my funky ’69 Panhead it was a blast to work on it, to take my mind off the Torpedo for a minute.

Rain is a major issue in Bonneville and it rained in the Badlands the other day and we experienced a double rainbow behind our new flagpole. We are keeping our fingers and toes crossed regarding Bonneville.

We snuck out to the Full Throttle Saloon, the world’s largest biker bar the other day to check the action. Rode past it on my way to SugarBear’s Chopper Flats a handful of miles beyond.

Everyone needs to see the Full Throttle Saloon. It’s amazing, the massive equipment, the bikes the whiskey, you name it. This joint is outrageous.

We had a pow-wow with the famous Mr. Bear, at 83 he has a burning desire to build a tribute to the history of the chopper. We will bring you reports about his efforts and progress.

Jeremiah reached out. He’s looking at vacation time. I told him to come to Bonneville.

In the meantime, think and ride free. It works.

–Bandit

Hey,

The next couple of weeks will be damn interesting. First, my major focus will be all about Bonneville. We will peel out next Wednesday and be on the Salt for a week, which will impact the news hopefully in a positive way.

The Bikernet News will be short and to the point. The next two weeks will be significant in more ways than one. You’ll see the Montana report, but over the next two weeks you may see a response. I hope.

Let’s hit the news.

In the meantime, think and ride free. It works.

–Bandit

CLICK HERE To read this week’s news only on Bikernet.com

Join Bandit’s Cantina and get exclusive coverage along with free Bikernet swag. Click to view.

Landspeed Racing Icon & Record-holder Immortalized for Lifetime Achievements

An innovator, daredevil, and one of motorcycling’s greatest legends, Burt Munro is getting his respects from the Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame.

Indian Motorcycle, the first motorcycle company in America, is commemorating the induction of Burt Munro into the prestigious Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. Revered as an icon in motorcycle racing and a holder of land speed records, Munro’s unyielding determination to etch his name into the record books has left an indelible mark on successive generations of riders.

Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle, emphasized that the history of motorcycles would be incomplete without the mention of Burt Munro. His narratives have influenced the identity of Indian Motorcycle, as it persistently emulates Burt’s spirit by pushing boundaries, fostering innovation, and paving novel pathways.

Originally from Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro developed an insatiable appetite for speed, encapsulated in his famous saying, “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” Over the course of decades, Munro dedicated himself to restoring and fine-tuning his 1920 Indian Scout within the confines of his garage. His relentless efforts culminated in setting three world records at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. An astonishing feat came in 1967, when Munro, at the age of 68, established a record of 184.087 mph for under-1,000cc motorcycles—a record that remains unbroken to this day.

Gary Gray, Vice President of Racing, Technology, and Service at Indian Motorcycle, says of Munro, “Burt is a legend. His accomplishments, through trials and tribulations, inspire our racing efforts today.” While it may be overdue, it’s quite an achievement for Burt to be enshrined into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, and we’re incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate Burt Munro not just today, but everyday.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame pays tribute to exceptional individuals who have made enduring contributions to the motorcycle community. This Hall of Fame celebrates forward-thinking pioneers, showcasing their remarkable achievements and unwavering ardor.

Among the esteemed inductees for the class of 2023 are the 1981 Des Nations Team USA, Burt Munro, Chris Callen, Jay Allen, Roland Sands, Russel Radke, and Scott Jacobs. Further information can be found at SturgisMuseum.com.

(Press Release)

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Get There Faster, Click & Get the Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter.

In September of 2023, Kawasaki Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary of making motorcycles, first making its forays into the motorcycle business in 1953. After the end of World War II, Kawasaki produced motorcycle engines under the name of “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Since then, Kawasaki has continued to Let the Good Times Roll and has strived to share “Fun to Ride” motorcycles with our customers around the world. Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in more than 90 countries and regions.

To commemorate Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year anniversary, a special exhibition will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California as well as Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan starting in September 2023. The display will focus on the history of the motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a major turning point in Kawasaki’s overseas strategy. It will be the first in a series of events to commemorate this special anniversary.

Working toward upholding our mission statement of “Working for the happiness and joy of all those whose lives Kawasaki touches,” Kawasaki aims to keep moving forward and growing into the future.

(Press Release)

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Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, events & lot of fun. Click here & take a test ride.

Tucker Dealer Update – August 14, 2023

Dear Tucker Powersports Dealer,

Today we are announcing that Tucker Powersports will be acquired by Turn 14 Distribution, one of the largest automotive aftermarket distributors in the United States. The purchase includes certain assets of Tucker and all of its private label brands, which include well known brands.

We know that this will have a positive impact on you and all of our customers.

Turn 14 Distribution is a sixteen-year-old national B2B-only distributor based outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have operations in four states, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, and Nevada, and have over five hundred employees across three distribution centers and two office locations.

The purchase of Tucker Powersports is Turn 14 Distribution’s entry into the powersports market, and with that comes more stability and growth for the market. They will apply many of the principles their company is founded on, including strong relationships with partners and employees, and leveraging its strengths in efficiency, focus, and excellence in serving all types of dealers.

For you, the customer, this means:

• Better access to more inventory.
• Reduced operating costs through better efficiency.
• Increased transparency.
• More tools to help you plan and operate your business.
• More customer service representatives.
• Optimized logistics.

Turn 14 Distribution has a well-earned reputation for listening to its customers and partners. They are known as the distributor who has embraced technology to ensure efficiency while maintaining a human-facing, customer-first mentality that comes from the core value, “our customers are royalty.”

In the short-term, your Tucker.com orders will be fulfilled by both Tucker and Turn 14 Distribution and in time you will be transitioned to the Turn 14 Distribution B2B website and provided with new login information. Please remember that this acquisition is a work in progress involving several moving parts.

Please be patient as our respective teams sort through the details.

To learn more about Turn 14 Distribution, please visit http://turn14.com/about.

For those of you that have been with us on Tucker Powersport’s fifty-six-year journey, we want to thank you all for your continued support and business. While this is a significant change, I am confident that we are leaving you and the industry we love, in good hands.

Sincerely,
Marc McAllister

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