Let’s take a look at the numbers.

Of the 51,230 peer-reviewed papers on climate change published in 2020, Perga and colleagues found that only about 9% of them saw any media coverage, defined as a single mention in the paper’s Altimetric score. About 2%, or ~1,000 papers, saw more than 20 mentions in the media. These “mediatized” papers are the focus of Perga’s paper.

The 2% of papers most covered by the media are disproportionately focused:

• at the global and continental scales;

• on the end of the 21st century;

• on the natural sciences and health;

• and come primarily from just 6 journals (3 from Science journals, 2 from Nature and PNAS).

The biases are large. The paper reports that:

Overall, 56% of the top-100 mediatized papers on natural science report rate or magnitude of climate-driven changes at continental or global scales (40% being projections by the end-of-the-century), while those represent only 4% of the random paperset.

Reporting disproportionately deemphasized studies in the social and political sciences, economics, technology, engineering, energy and agriculture — these are all topics related to what might be done on climate change.

The authors conclude that as a result of these biases, news coverage is biased and the public is misinformed:

Thereby, a few articles get a lot of news mentions, limiting the diversity of information to which readers are exposed (Ortega, 2021). The selective sourcing of news media for high-profile journals and strong degree of co-mention in news outlets thereby come with a loss of disciplinary diversity of the research brought to public’s attention, with over-emphasis on natural science and health, while research findings produced on the social, economic, technological and energy-related aspects of climate change are curtailed back through the mediatization process. The selectivity is even found within the dominant natural science. Mediatized scientific publications are selectively concentrated on the worldwide magnitude of the current consequences of climate change, and projected risks by the end of the century for natural Earth components.

Indeed, the authors of the paper view themselves, alongside journalists, as collaborators in using communication to motivate “action”. Here is how they describe their work:

[C]limate communication research builds on social sciences to explore how and to what extent climate change is relayed and framed whilst developing optimized strategies and guidelines for transforming public engagement into actions.

Although they may look and behave like modern media organizations, they are advocacy groups, and have an explicit agenda; they’re looking for impact. That agenda may coincide with the news, and they may use traditional journalistic techniques to advance it, but in most cases the larger goal of this work is in service of some kind of policy change or other action, and not information or the public record per se.

Climate journalism wasn’t always dominated by an advocacy agenda. More than a decade ago, I along with colleagues Ursula Rick and Max Boykoff evaluated 20 years of media coverage of sea level rise. We found overall media reporting on sea level rise to be highly consistent with the scientific literature and the assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, summarized in the figures below.

 

We concluded, “accurate reporting on projections for sea level rise by 2100 demonstrates a bright spot at the interface of climate science and mass media.”

What has changed? I can think of a number of things:

• Journalism itself has changed dramatically, with resources for reporting shrinking;

• Reporting has shifted emphasis from news to opinion;

• Niche reporting tailored to reader interests has increased;

• Climate advocacy has increasingly focused on promoting extreme weather as climate change.

All of this favors what we might call reporting from the keyboard on climate, which would favor utilizing press releases from universities that promote studies in the top 6 journals, focused on projections of climate to 2100 at national or global scales, and linked to the event that just happened. Add in an advocacy orientation and we have the current climate beat — The stories, they write themselves.

 

A further complication, perhaps specific to climate, has been the influence of what has been called “balance as bias.” This idea holds that there is a single “correct” view of climate science, and divergences from this view are biased.

Academics have evaluated media reporting based on whether it reflects the “correct” view (good reporting) or challenges it (flawed reporting). The notion arose out of a perception several decades ago that climate skeptics received too much media attention, and gradually expanded to encompass any views outside a shared, preferred narrative of a group of academics, journalists and fellow travelers promoting climate advocacy.

 

Of course, science doesn’t work like this and it is entirely appropriate for experts to hold divergent views — in fact, that is how science gets done. The consequence however is that climate reporting typically includes no differences of opinion, rather, only voices friendly to the preferred narrative.

The “balance as bias” thesis has been wildly successful at eliminating certain voices from the legacy media. Ironically, the success of “balance as bias” thesis has itself contributed to profound biases in media reporting, and arguably allowed advocacy journalism on climate to proliferate unchecked.

 

Since 2020, the year explored in the data above, news media biases have gotten worse. Perga and colleagues report that in 2021 a non-peer reviewed pre-print asserting the “virtual impossibility” of the Pacific Northwest heatwave received 8 times the media coverage of the most-covered peer-reviewed paper of 2020. Climate science reporting apparently doesn’t even need science.

Make no mistake, there are excellent reporters out there doing good journalism on climate. For the average reader, however, telling the difference between biased or advocacy journalism to promote a narrative and reporting that accurately reflects the state of climate science and policy is almost impossible.

I welcome your comments. I’m blocked on Twitter by a number of reporters on the climate beat, so please share. Please click on that little heart at the top of this post and ReStack. I’d especially welcome the views of journalists on the climate beat on this post, which I am happy to publish. At THB, balance is not bias. — Roger Pielke Jr.

Follow on SubStack: https://rogerpielkejr.substack.com

Hey,

This is easy, if only we had some leaders with balls. You’ll be blown away. 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.

SUPPORT GOOD TIMES BANNERS— SGT Banners! 3×3′ and 3×2′ vinyl with metal grommets.

Get yours at
SUPPORTGOODTIMES.COM

NEWS FROM THE PRISM GANG—

Going to Sturgis? Join us, along with Harley-Davidson, for our Choppical Pool Party! The Choppical Pool Party is exactly as it sounds, a tropical themed pool party & chopper show that will feature the most unique and custom builds.

CALIFORNIA GUN NUT REPORT–California: Ask Public Safety Committees to Oppose Anti-Gun Bills

On June 27th, the Public Safety Committees will each hear anti-gun bills that have crossed over from the opposite chamber, including Senate Bill 2, to attempt to ignore the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Bruen case, which affirmed the right-to-carry. Please contact committee members and ask them to OPPOSE the anti-gun bills before them.

Assembly Public Safety Committee on June 27th, starting at 9:00AM
Senate Bill 2, among other things, creates new subjective criteria for the issuance of carry permits to allow authorities to arbitrarily deny applicants, restricts permit holders to carry only handguns registered to themselves, increases the requirements to apply for a permit, and increases “gun-free zones” where law-abiding citizens are left defenseless.

Senate Bill 368 mandates that licensed firearm dealers offer the service of storing firearms for safekeeping, prohibits firearm dealers from offering items in games of chance (such as by raffles), and expands prohibited persons categories for certain misdemeanor crimes.

Senate Bill 452 prohibits firearm dealers from selling or transferring any semi-automatic handgun after January 1st, 2027, unless the state certifies that it has microstamping.

In addition, it also prohibits replacing a microstamping component on such a handgun unless it is replaced with another “valid” microstamping component. In recent weeks, a federal court struck down the microstamping requirement, as well as other required features for handgun models to be placed on the California handgun roster.

While the attorney general has appealed the decision, he did not appeal the microstamping requirement. To read more about California’s microstamping law, please click here.?

Assembly Bill 732 goes above and beyond federal law in its requirement for individuals to relinquish their firearms upon conviction of a prohibiting offense. In addition, it creates a verification and enforcement procedure that can potentially violate the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Senate Public Safety Committee on June 27th starting at 8:30AM

Assembly Bill 733 prohibits state and local government entities from selling off surplus firearms, ammunition, and body armor. This prevents them from being good stewards of taxpayer money and prevents the public from buying these taxpayer funded items, which are lawful to own.

Assembly Bill 1089 expands California’s ban on private citizens and non-professional users making firearms with CNC milling machines, or possessing CNC milling machines that have the “primary” or “intended” function of manufacturing firearms, to also include 3D printers. This is simply another scheme to harass law-abiding hobbyists by preventing them from using modern manufacturing techniques for otherwise lawful purposes.

Assembly Bill 1420 broadens the grounds for firearm dealer inspections and punitive measures for technical violations. In addition, it requires that prospective firearm purchasers and recipients list their email address on the DROS forms.

–NRA

WILLIE’S BOOK LAUNCH PARTY–

Please mark your calendar for Monday, August 7 in Deadwood SD, where, from 6pm to 10pm, we’ll hold the Ride Free Book Launch Party in Outlaw Square.

There will be music and appearances by Karen and Bill Davidson, along with some special features about Willie G and his lifetime with Harley-Davidson. There will be hospitality for media offered in conjunction with the new Hard Rock Rocksino in Deadwood as well.

–Steve Piehl

TWO MORE REASONS TO PARTY AT THE CHIP— Announcing Two More Bands a Good Party Wouldn’t be Complete Without Below

(Plus When to Expect the Complete Lineup Announcement and the Limited-Edition Festival Poster and How to Stream the Event Free)

BUFFALO CHIP HOUSE BAND

BUCKCHERRY
Friday, Aug. 11, 2023

PUDDLE OF MUDD
Friday, Aug. 11, 2023

See These Sturgis Rally Bands & Entertainment Listed Below FREE with your Campground Admission Pass!

THE MAGNIFICENT INTERNAL COMBUSTION BILL OF RIGHTS–

Senate Bill 202 by Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is not really called the Internal Combustion Bill of Rights, but with so much federal and state legislation carrying the “bill of rights” label, it seems like maybe it ought to be.

SB 202, which passed the House on Tuesday and was sent back to the Senate to sign off on a relatively minor amendment, essentially guarantees the right of Oklahomans to use internal combustion engines and gas-fueled stoves — as long as the federal government doesn’t say otherwise.

Specifically, the bill says state and local governments cannot prohibit the use of such devices.

Such legislation might seem unnecessary, but House sponsor Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, said it is because “nationally, we have lost our ever-loving mind.”

Specific to SB 202, Echols was referring to efforts in some cities to ban or restrict internal combustion engines and the installation of new natural gas stoves, as well as furnaces and hot water tanks.

Fredric Harrell
Director, Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
P.O. Box 9090
Peoria, Illinois 61612

HAPPINESS EXPLAINED

“Your mind will always believe everything that you tell it. Feed it joy, feed it truth, feed it love.”

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too” ~ Anne Frank

“Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but from what’s happening inside you.”

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

GIVE ME PIZZA OR GIVE ME DEATH–

NYC Pizzerias versus Climate Change
Charles Rotter

There is a storm brewing in the New York City food scene, a storm born out of seemingly well-intentioned climate change regulations. Yet, the key question remains, is it a storm we need to weather?

According to a recent article from The Post, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed new rules targeting decades-old baking methods in pizzerias. Specifically, the department is cracking down on coal-and-wood-fired ovens, demanding a 75% reduction in carbon emissions. DEP spokesman Ted Timbers explains,

“All New Yorkers deserve to breathe healthy air and wood and coal-fired stoves are among the largest contributors of harmful pollutants in neighborhoods with poor air quality.”

While the desire for cleaner air is something we can all get behind, the overall impact of these regulations is questionable at best. A city official admitted that less than 100 restaurants would be affected by the mandate, leading us to ask, is it worth it?

How many pizza ovens will it take to make up on of Al Gore’s private jet rides?

–WUWT

SPEAKING OF SCIENCE, THIS JUST IN FROM A MICHAEL CRICHTON LECTURE–

I want to pause here and talk about this notion of consensus, and the rise of what has been called consensus science. I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled.

Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you’re being had.

Let’s be clear: the work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics. Science, on the contrary, requires only one investigator who happens to be right, which means that he or she has results that are verifiable by reference to the real world. In science consensus is irrelevant. What is relevant is reproducible results. The greatest scientists in history are great precisely because they broke with the consensus.

There is no such thing as consensus science. If it’s consensus, it isn’t science. If it’s science, it isn’t consensus. Period.

I say it is hugely relevant. Once you abandon strict adherence to what science tells us, once you start arranging the truth in a press conference, then anything is possible. In one context, maybe you will get some mobilization against nuclear war. But in another context, you get Lysenkoism. In another, you get Nazi euthanasia. The danger is always there, if you subvert science to political ends.

That is why it is so important for the future of science that the line between what science can say with certainty, and what it cannot, be drawn clearly—and defended.

In 1993, the EPA announced that second-hand smoke was “responsible for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths each year in nonsmoking adults,” and that it “impairs the respiratory health of hundreds of thousands of people.” In a 1994 pamphlet the EPA said that the eleven studies it based its decision on were not by themselves conclusive, and that they collectively assigned second-hand smoke a risk factor of 1.19. (For reference, a risk factor below 3.0 is too small for action by the EPA. or for publication in the New England Journal of Medicine, for example.) Furthermore, since there was no statistical association at the 95% confidence limits, the EPA lowered the limit to 90%. They then classified second-hand smoke as a Group-A Carcinogen.

This was openly fraudulent science, but it formed the basis for bans on smoking in restaurants, offices, and airports. California banned public smoking in 1995. Soon, no claim was too extreme. By 1998, the Christian Science Monitor was saying that “Second-hand smoke is the nation’s third-leading preventable cause of death.” The American Cancer Society announced that 53,000 people died each year of second-hand smoke. The evidence for this claim is nonexistent.

In 1998, a Federal judge held that the EPA had acted improperly, had “committed to a conclusion before research had begun,” and had “disregarded information and made findings on selective information.” The reaction of Carol Browner, head of the EPA was: “We stand by our science; there’s wide agreement. The American people certainly recognize that exposure to second hand smoke brings a whole host of health problems.” Again, note how the claim of consensus trumps science. In this case, it isn’t even a consensus of scientists that Browner evokes! It’s the consensus of the American people.

Meanwhile, ever-larger studies failed to confirm any association. A large, seven-country WHO study in 1998 found no association. Nor have well-controlled subsequent studies, to my knowledge. Yet we now read, for example, that second-hand smoke is a cause of breast cancer. At this point you can say pretty much anything you want about second-hand smoke.

–Michael Crichton

BUILDER OF THE WEEK–

Eugene Rousse, cycle builder at River Side Cycle located at 708 Mongrue Street – Luling, LA 70070 – (985)785-8474 – gene@riversidecycle.net

In the late ’90s, Harley made “Street Stalker” custom kits for ’96-’99 Fatboys. They came in 3 stages with Stage 3 including larger gas tanks, everything custom painted with all hardware to change your stock bike. H-D dealerships could install them without voiding the warranty.

Here’s Eugene’s sample above and Bandit’s by Bartels’ H-D.

–Sam Burns
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com™

RIDER DOWN–

The rider that was killed was a good friend and co- worker / he and I made the Sturgis trek in 2015. This report is just preliminary police report, we don’t have all the details, so let’s not jump to conclusions about the 17 year old driver.

Needless to say, our little group of riders is beyond heartbroken. The responding officers were from the Porter County Sheriff ‘s dept. I’m told the details are much more gruesome than what we read. This has been a rough week – we’ll talk again after this shock wears off. Take care –

–Doug White
dmw18613@gmail.com

SHORAI NEWS—

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Our upgraded platform brings you improved checkout features and expanded payment options, ensuring a seamless, convenient, and secure process for your power sports battery needs.

To make the most of this exciting upgrade, we kindly request your assistance in claiming your account on our new platform. In return we will send you a 20% discount coupon!

Due to technical reasons, we were unable to transfer account passwords from our previous platform. However, we’ve made it easy for you to reclaim your account and unlock exclusive benefits.

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–

THERE’S HOPE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for June 22, 2023 (click to view)

Bandit,
To turn a two axle trailer easier by hand crank the dolly down to raise the front axle off the ground and it should spin easier.
Good luck.

–Poppy
Windsor, CT

“Thanks much, I’ve also heard of a rolling platform for the nose of trailers.” –Bandit

NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET INTERNATIONAL NEWS DESK—

Powertrain technologies will keep evolving, but ICEs are here to stay

With certain technologies and government regulations in place, the powertrains will continue to evolve, experts said at the recently-concluded 4th Edition of ETAuto Tech Summit 2023.

New Delhi: With all the talk around electric vehicles (EVs), internal combustion engines (ICEs) are not going anywhere so soon. With certain technologies and government regulations in place, they continue to evolve, suggest experts at the recently concluded 4th Edition of ETAuto Tech Summit 2023.

Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata Motors said that the EVs will make a significant penetration in the upcoming years but ICEs have also come a long way and sit at the pinnacle of technology today. In terms of energy efficiency ICEs are one of the finest energy converters from pure energy to mechanical power.

“In the next decade, ICEs will continue to evolve till we reach net zero at the national level. This is owing to the government’s investment in alternative fuels, biofuels, and CNG. Going forward, the focus will be on creating a fuel agnostic engine. Till the net zero technologies become completely commercially affordable with respect to the charging infrastructure, the ICEs will continue even though they will taper down from where we are today,” he said.

Dr N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland, agreed. Further, talking about the alternative fuel technology, he said that unlike the diesel engines, one of the challenges from an OEM perspective is not just to get the technology ready, but the infrastructure.

According to him, hydrogen ICE provides potential opportunity and seems to make a viable option for large commercial vehicles. Even though critics have talked about the efficiency of hydrogen ICE being lower than fuel cells, I believe it makes sense considering the ecosystem of hydrogen ICE. There are challenges including storage, safety but they can be sought. Maybe in the next 3-4 years, the industry will have hydrogen ICE vehicles on the road. The first applications can be expected in areas where there’s limited vehicle movement going on, for example, large ports, or with customers who have a captive fleet.

Analysts suggest that even by 2030, industry will have a significant share of the ICE vehicles.

Sumeet Dhar, COO & CTO Electra EV, said, “The ease of converting ICE vehicles to an alternative fuel vehicle is a low hanging fuel; the ICE technology is not going away so easily. But the pace at which the development of EVs is happening will be much faster than what happened for ICEs.”

Dhar said that the mass adoption of EVs is not going to be easy owing to the current pace of technology, cost and infrastructure. The advances in EVs are going to happen in multiple ways.

About the changing dynamics of the OEM-supplier relationship, Praveen Mysore, Technical Director, Dassault Systemes India said that the spirit of collaboration between suppliers and OEMs is on the rise with new technologies. The component suppliers are now changing into integrated system suppliers.

“The partnership model is evolving because there is a heavy reliance on the supplier ecosystem. The suppliers come with deep expertise in their domains and OEMs always rely on that kind of expertise to contribute into the vehicle development process.”

Read full story: Economic Times (click here)

–Wayfarer
Editor: Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

[page break]

BORN FREE ACTION– Weather was perfect! Not scorching hot as in past events. Location hasn’t changed, which put you on winding Canyon roads to enjoy.

Coming from any direction you run in the groups of riders heading to the party.

Vendors represented top notch shops and parts manufacturers. Cold beer, and T-shirts. Live music on stage. Beautiful ladies. Motorcycle builders and riders!

Event run like a well-oiled machine. Staff has it down. Invited builders bike. Show with awesome bikes. And a chance to win a dynamite Panhead in the raffle.

–Zack
Undercover agent
Bikernet.com™

“The full stellar report is coming from Tileman James in the next couple of days.” –Bandit

CLASSIC QUANTUM FOR SALE–

I really appreciate your help.
I am retired, can’t ride anymore and really need to get this bike sold.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

–Michael
T:757-348-3677

NEW CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE AUCTION SITE— Classic Avenue, LLC, All rights reserved.

We can be reached at:
PO Box 904, Venice, California 90294
(424)265.0645
info@classicavenue.com

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE ALERT—They will ultimately ban everything. Letters Needed Now to Keep Competition OHVs on California Public Lands

The Motorcycle Industry Council is calling on all powersports companies to add their names, on their letterhead, to an MIC-drafted letter in support of legislation to allow continued use of competition-model OHVs on public lands in California.

“Without the passage of California Senate Bill 708 in the state assembly, the use of competition OHVs on public land in the state will be in jeopardy,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president at the MIC Government Relations Office. “We’re facing this threat because the state’s Red Sticker Program for competition OHVs was terminated by the California Air Resources Board in 2021.

A solution, SB-708, has passed the Senate but it’s currently being held up in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee. So we need immediate assistance from across the powersports industry to advance this important legislation and keep access open for these popular competition machines.”

Authored by State Senator Brian Jones, a longtime motorcycle advocate and rider himself, SB-708 would create “sanctioned event permits” – starting on January 1, 2025 – that would allow California residents to operate competition OHVs at sanctioned events.

The new event permit will help facility staff and law enforcement to quickly identify such vehicles at these sanctioned events held on public lands. SB-708 would also restore funds historically slated for important conservation and law enforcement efforts that were lost with the termination of the Red Sticker Program.

–MIC

CHOPPER HISTORY– Sonny barton Galloping Goose Prez 1966 bike

Buck Lovell
Lovell Photography & Design
B.L.A.B.B. (Buck Lovell’s American Biker Blog)
bucklovell@gmail.com / bucklovellsblog@gmail.com
(605) 490 2991

TRUTH SUCCESS–CO2 Coalition Assists in Rolling Back Carbon Taxation Scheme in Virginia

Last year, the CO2 Coalition published a comprehensive report on the effects of climate change in Virginia. The report was to provides the science to supporting initiatives in the state to terminate harmful regulations.

In 2022, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a repeal of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), but it failed narrowly in the Senate. In advance of the votes, we hand-delivered copies of the report to every delegate and senator.

In 2021, the newly elected governor, Glenn Youngkin, had pledged to remove the state from the economically crippling Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Unable to withdraw the state with an executive order, Gov. Youngkin is poised to fulfill his pledge by way of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board that recently voted to remove the Commonwealth of Virginia from RGGI, which is essentially a carbon tax.

The action will likely face legal challenges, but rest assured that the CO2 Coalition will be helping to kill RGGI, whether it be filing a court document, testifying in Richmond or initiating some other means of support.

–CO2 Coalition

BIKERNET READER COMMENT—

Spring has Sprung Bikernet Weekly News for June 15th, 2023 (click to view)

I read the article about Gloria Struck twice to fully digest it. So, Meter Maids kicked her out ‘cause she didn’t pay her dues? What kind of foolish administrative assistant who doesn’t know who Gloria is gets to make that call?

Gloria has to be one of, if not the only surviving Charter Member. I mean, when does a person earn Lifetime membership?

She’s been paying dues for over 70 years. I’ll pay her membership for a year. If every biker who knew Gloria offered that, she wouldn’t ever have to worry about dues again. Hey Meter Maids, REALLY?

–Mike Rapp

MIC Prevents New Motorcycle Catalytic Converter Requirement in California–

The MIC Government Relations Office worked with California state legislators to have motorcycles excluded in a new bill requiring engraving or etching on catalytic converters, among other anti-theft measures.

Drafted to clamp down on an epidemic of automotive catalytic converter thefts, Senate Bill 55 would have created a number of expensive problems for motorcycle manufacturers, dealers, and customers.

Writing to the bill’s sponsor, California State Senator Thomas Umberg, the MIC GRO stated that requiring motorcycle manufacturers to engrave or etch the vehicle identification number onto each catalytic converter would be a costly and burdensome task, and such theft is not a widespread problem for motorcycle owners.

Further, the letter stated that there was no safe harbor provision for vehicles already awaiting sale at dealerships, and the bill would have forced dealerships to purge their inventories. As written, the legislation was overly broad and would have captured new and used vehicles. It would have required catalytic converters from used vehicles to be removed and sent back to manufacturers for engraving.

Without the amendment secured through MIC efforts, SB-55 would have harmed California dealerships and cost the state revenue and jobs by encouraging customers to buy from nearby states.

–MIC

STUDENTS GEAR UP— for the 2023 Tiny Strider Chop-Off Competition at the Flying Piston Benefit Auction and Breakfast

During this year’s highly anticipated 83rd annual Sturgis Rally, six schools, including Pine Bush High School, are showcasing their industrial arts skills. They’re participating in the Tiny Strider Chop-Off Competition at Flying Piston Benefit Breakfast and Auction. The breakfast shindig is located in the Big Engine Bar at the Buffalo Chip.

The Flying Piston Benefit’s Tiny Strider Chop-Off Competition is an exciting opportunity for these creative students to explore their passion for fabrication, machining and design by customizing a tiny balance bike. Similar to renowned Harley customizers, these young enthusiasts will unleash their creativity on a stock Strider bike to transform it into a one-of-a-kind custom, showcasing their ingenuity and craftsmanship.

“Instructor Kenny Marshall and his students have put in well over 150 hours from the design through fabrication process,” explained Aaron Hopmayer, Pine Bush Principal. “Students used the equipment in the Pine Bush High School Gene Haas Innovation Center which includes Haas mills, waterjet, 3D printers, laser cutter, wood CNC, and other tools.”

The Flying Piston Benefit has teamed up with Pine Bush High School and five additional institutions to compete in the Tiny Bike Chop Off. The other schools and tech programs are Lakeville North High School in Minnesota, Helping with Horsepower in Ethan, SD, WyoTech in Laramie, WY, Mitchell Tech in Mitchell, SD and the Jessi Combs Foundation.

This competition provides an immersive experience for the students,” explained Marilyn Stemp, co-producer of the Flying Piston. “But really, in this competition, there are no losers, only winners!”

Once the custom bikes are completed, they will take center stage at the 9th Annual Flying Piston Benefit where they will be unveiled and auctioned online. Proceeds support All Kids Bike, teaching kids to ride bikes in kindergarten P.E. nationwide, and Motorcycle Missions, supporting vets with PTSD.

Enthusiasts can register for the auction at https://qtego.us/qlink/piston to bid online from anywhere. To buy tickets for the Builders Breakfast, held at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Crossroads on Sunday, August 6th and presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, go to https://www.tixr.com/groups/sturgisbuffalochip/events/sturgis-buffalo-chip-2023-60458.

Strider is changing the paradigm of how kids learn to ride through AllKidsBike, which seeks to teach every kid how to ride a bike in kindergarten P.E. class. www.AllKidsBike.org, www.Striderbikes.com

Event Hashtags:
#FlyingPistonBenefit
#PerformanceArt
#BuildersBreakfast

KELLERMANN Launches New Jetstream and Dayron Motorcycle Lighting Products

Kellermann, the worldwide leader in premium motorcycle lighting products, today announced the launch of its latest innovations – the Dayron and Jetstream lines.

On the heels of the company’s recent announcement of its exclusive distribution agreement with Tucker Powersports, these two products are the newest additions to Kellermann’s popular LED lighting products for motorcycles.

Building on the success of its super bright and compact Atto indicator, which established the Kellermann brand in the US market, the Jetstream and Dayron lines will be well received by motorcycle riders concerned about style and visibility.

Jetstream is a line of sequential lighting indicators that uses Kellermann’s innovative brake and turn signal technology. This allows for a smoother transition between turn signals, making it easier for riders to communicate their intentions to other drivers on the road. Styled after the wing of a jet fighter aircraft, the look is clean and streamlined.

The 16 high-power LED’s deliver tremendous visibility with a striking look. With fitments for almost every motorcycle, Jetstream products are available as a turn indicator or a 3-in-1 model that operates as a turn indicator, brake light and running light. Jetstream’s looks, fitment and adaptability will make it a must-have lighting accessory for any serious rider.

The Dayron is a ground-breaking daytime running light that provides a unique look and unparalleled safety on the road. With its cutting-edge design, the Dayron is the perfect addition for riders who want to be noticed. The unique design operates as a white daytime running light, ensuring the motorcycle’s visibility to surrounding vehicles, and, when activated, becomes an amber turn signal. The light uses an airflow-optimized casing and is available for several BMW models and Harley-Davidson’s Pan America.

The Dayron® daytime running light system is installed with the support of motorcycle-specific plug & play solutions. The integration into the onboard electronics of the motorcycle is done by the DRL device (Daytime Running Light Module). This intelligent DRL device controls the perfect coordination and communication of all components with the motorcycle’s onboard electronics..Additional fitments are continually being added.

Kellermann products are available at Tucker dealers across the United States. Style and fitment information is available at kellermann-online.com.

NUMBER ONE CROCKER BIG-TWIN– A restoration by Chuck Vernon

Wedge style cylinder heads mean this restoration is not correct. Chuck Vernon replaced the OE hemi style heads with the later generation wedge units produced by the Crocker aluminum foundry in Los Angeles. Contemporary aluminum alloys of 1936 were fragile to a fault and cracked easily under the heat and stress of a big-twin installation. At any rate you’re looking a very expensive murdercycle.

— Mr. Buck Lovell…. no longer a nice guy!

“Chuck asked Buck to test ride this classic and wouldn’t take no for an answer.” –Bandit

URGENT: Send a Letter to EPA Opposing Proposed Vehicle Emissions Standards
Encourage opposition from officials on these proposals:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed federal emissions standards for new motor vehicles model-years ’27 to ’32, which are intended to dramatically increase sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and will stifle fuel technology innovation.

The EPA estimates that 67% of new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. would be EVs by 2032 under its proposed standards. SEMA has serious concerns with this proposal, which aggressively seeks to lower carbon emissions under timelines that effectively make electric vehicles the only option for automakers to meet its requirements.

The proposal will reduce consumer choice for Americans looking to purchase new vehicles, and it will increase the cost of purchasing a new vehicle given the rising prices of EVs.

Officials Must Hear from You Right Away!
We need your help! Please sign a letter opposing the EPA’s proposal. Feel free to personalize the letter and explain how the agency’s push to an all-electric future will impact your interests.

–SEMA

INDIAN INVITES YOU TO THE NEXT BAGGER COMPETITION—

Join us for the next King of the Baggers Race in sunny California from July 7th – July 9th and receive owner exclusive discounted tickets! Use the following discount code when purchasing tickets online to receive 50% off: IMRG23

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS–Supporting Recreation, Opposition Mounts Against Bureau of Land Management Rule

A controversial proposed Public Lands Rule would prioritize rangeland conservation over other uses, including recreation, across the nearly 250 million acres that the Bureau of Land Management oversees. The proposed rule has a new July 5 deadline for public comment, according to the agency.

“Unfortunately, the rule would create a new definition of conservation,” said Duane Taylor, director of safe and responsible use programs for the MIC, the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. “It’s impossible to understand how a brand-new conservation leasing program will work, especially with a new definition that places conservation on par with other uses for the first time in history. These are foundational changes not envisioned by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and they warrant Congressional review and input.”

Many recreation groups have expressed significant concern about the proposed BLM rule and the MIC, ROHVA, and the SVIA submitted a joint letter in opposition.

Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman, chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, has vowed to block BLM efforts, recently moving six related bills through committee, including H.R. 3397, which received an MIC letter of support and would require the BLM director to withdraw the rule.

Westerman also indicated he would work with members of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations to block the rule through a spending bill if H.R. 3397 does not become law. On the other side of Congress, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso introduced a companion bill, S.1435, now referred to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Those who wish to provide comments about the proposed rule should visit the rule page on Regulations.gov.

–MIC

[page break]

TRIKE OF THE WEEK—Outlaw 120

–Sam Burns

EVs ARE GOING BACKWARD–Smaller and greener is the future

When you send a rocket into space, you run into a paradox: Around 90% of the weight of the rocket is the fuel that it needs to lift away from Earth. As the rocket accelerates, three things happen: The speed increases, the rocket gets farther away from Earth (and from the gravitational pull of the planet) and as the fuel burns off, the rocket weighs less and so can accelerate faster.

We face a similar problem in the world of EVs, with an obvious exception. Technically, car batteries get heavier as they are charged, but the difference is so small that you couldn’t measure it even with the most precise car scale. However, that doesn’t matter, because when you add more batteries to a car, it must always carry all those batteries. That’s a problem that’s growing bigger as cars themselves get bigger and heavier.

It turns out that batteries are quite heavy. The battery pack on a Tesla Model 3 weighs more than 450 kg (1,000 lbs). The Rivian truck’s battery weighs 800 kg (1,755 lbs). And if you buy an EV Hummer, the battery you’re dragging around weighs more than a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit at 1,300 kg (2,800 lbs).

Read full story at:
https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/14/why-are-they-getting-bigger/

“So, are we all gonna ride around on a tiny electric lawnmower and the rich neighbor on an electric golf cart ?” –Wayfarer

HISTORY FROM THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM—

1913 Sears DeLuxe Dreadnought Twin

The Sears DeLuxe Dreadnought was built to specifications and featured top quality components. Power came from a 9 horsepower inlet-over-exhaust V-Twin engine sourced from F.W. Spacke Machine Company of Indianapolis. This 70 cubic inch DeLuxe engine, shared by other manufacturers such as Dayton, Eagle, Minneapolis and Crawford carries Fred W. Spacke’s brand name, DeLuxe, cast into the crankcase. It had a reputation for power such that it was also fan-cooled and used in cycle-cars; very lightweight, narrow automobiles popular for a short time in the early 20th Century.

Chain final drive was to a single speed or optional two speed rear hub. It is said that Sears had their motorcycles made to price, and that they used known racing performance proven components instead of funding factory racing programs as their competitors did.

The name Dreadnought was adopted from the name of cutting edge battleships of the early 20th Century.

Sears, Roebuck, the once giant Chicago based chain of department stores, and mail order cataloger, first added a motorcycle to its offerings in 1912. Given that their catalog sales were the lifeline to remote, sparsely populated areas of America, their product had to be simple, tough and easily maintained, possibly by novices. The Sears DeLuxe Dreadnought Twin and its companion single were all of that.

Production of the Dreadnought lasted until 1916 when Sears stopped sales for unknown reasons. Post WWII, Sears, under their widely used Allstate brand, brought in mostly Gilera motorcycles and Vespa scooters from Italy, and Puch motorcycles, scooters and mopeds from Austria.

Powerfully marketed up to date product offerings from Japan are probably what made Sears give up motorcycle and scooter sales altogether in the late sixties. But around that time many of us spent our early years on Allstates of every shape and color.

The early Sears twins and singles are interesting and very rare. If Sears had morphed into an online marketing giant like Amazon, aside from trade laws, might we still be buying our motorcycles via catalogs, but of the online variety?

When you visit the National Motorcycle Museum you’ll find this Sears in the Hagerty Best of the Best Gallery. Nearby is a Curtiss, a Reading-Standard, a Thor, an early Husqvarna twin road bike and the rare original condition 1911 Flying Merkel racer.
Note: In the 1910s there were two Excelsior motorcycle manufacturers, and both were in Chicago. The maker of this Sears motorcycle is not the Ignatz Schwinn “Excelsior” that is bicycle and motorcycle associated, not the one called Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company, but rather Excelsior Cycle Company of North Sangamon Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Although this fine and rare Sears is not currently on display in the Museum, as it is touring with Mecum Auctions, it 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, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

SEMA-Supported Bill to Protect Vehicle Choice Heard in U.S. House Committee; Introduced in U.S. Senate

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Minerals Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,” a bill designed to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles.

Meantime, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), the Co-Chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus, introduced S. 2090, a Senate companion bill to H.R. 1435. SEMA strongly supports both bills, which prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing a waiver for regulations that would ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035. The bills are important to stopping California’s plan to ban new ICE vehicles, which requires the EPA to waive provisions in the Clean Air Act in order for the mandate to go into effect.

“SEMA believes that vehicle owners should not be directed toward a specific technology, but rather be allowed to choose the type of vehicle that best serves them,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola.

–SEMA

NEWS FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES–CELEBRATE AMERICA !!!!

40% OFF!!!!

INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND SALE

USE CODE: FREEDOM40

SALE JULY 1 – 4

BUY NOW

ANOTHER RESTRICTION ALERT–

EPA emissions proposal aren’t a fit for West Virginians–As the owner of Howell Automotive, I have seen firsthand the obstacles to business growth created by misguided government rules. I try to use my knowledge as a business owner to make changes that grow our state’s economy, and I have serious concerns about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to further restrict emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, particularly their possible implications for West Virginia.

The EPA’s proposed emissions standards for model years 2027-2032 would effectively ban gasoline and diesel vehicles, forcing consumers to go all electric. These rules will have far-reaching impacts for West Virginia consumers, as well as the decades old industry built around the internal combustion engine. This proposal, as drafted, will decisively, and unfairly, tilt the U.S. car and truck market toward electric vehicles over the next decade.

I have long been an advocate for legislation that prevents big government from interfering with the individual right to express oneself through your vehicle and the ability to choose the vehicle that is best suited to you, your family and your business. If these rules go into effect as drafted, EVs could soon be the only option for new car buyers.

The U.S. market and West Virginians, specifically, remain skeptical of new EV technology and the infrastructure ready to support it. In 2022, just 817 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were sold in our state. Similarly, according to a recent report by J.D. Power, concerns about charging issues and pricing, as well as confusion around federal tax credits, are prompting more shoppers to avoid purchasing EVs. These policies would severely reduce consumer choice and adversely impact the largely rural vehicle owners of our state.

It’s important for West Virginians to get involved. Let your federal legislators know how important vehicle choice and supporting innovation are to you. It’s not enough for them to say “they are with us.” They need to demonstrate legislative action for West Virginians to truly believe they are on our side.

Gary Howell, a Republican from Keyser, West Virginia, represents the 87th House of Delegates district.

–Times News Cumberland

BIG FIREWORKS ACTION–

For the past 24 years, the Independence Day Celebration at Irwindale Speedway has captivated SoCal…. This year we take it to the NEXT LEVEL!! Get your Tickets NOW for Irwindale Speedway’s Biggest Night!! The annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 1st!!

SoCal’s Best Fireworks Show meets Night of Destruction and the ARCA Menards Series Napa Auto Parts 150!! PLUS, a few SURPRISES along the way REMINDER: This Event has Sold Out prior to event day for FOUR YEARS STRAIGHT. So MAKE SURE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS ONLINE Tickets are $25 per Person for Ages 2 and Up. Age 1 and Under are Free with Lap Seat Only. Tickets are On Sale NOW at www.IrwindaleSpeedway.com

CLIMATE ALERT FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–Today We Died–Greta Thunberg

Five years ago a week ago.

Even the most generous interpretation, that by not ending fossil fuel use by this date we are locked into a destructive future, past the tipping points, and our inevitable doom, is as absurd as the non-generous interpretation of the above tweet, which is now deleted:

RECESSION ALERT– Says … Janet Yellen?

That’s Awkward: The Department of Commerce’s recent report on the economy showed that gross domestic income (GDI) shrank in the past six months. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen might finally have to confess that the country is in a recession, explains Heritage research fellow EJ Antoni.

“According to … Yellen’s own words from last year, the economy is back in recession,” writes Antoni.

“That’s no surprise to half of Americans who believe we’re currently in a recession, but the data refute President Joe Biden’s claim that the economy is ‘strong as hell,’” he says.

Oops.

Hard sell or Bad bargain ?
Investment and vehicle registrations dip in electric two-wheeler segment

INDIA: The overall round of funding deals in the industry also reduced year-on-year from January to June, with 26 in 2022 and only 13 in 2023 during the same period

With subsidy norms getting more stringent and a reduction in subsidies starting June 1, the electric two-wheeler sector witnessed a year-on-year dip in investments and a reduction in registrations of E-two-wheelers.

According to data sourced by businessline from Tracxn, a market intelligence and analytics platform, the electric two-wheeler industry received an investment of $427 million so far in 2023, compared to $796 million in investments during the same period in 2022.

Full story at:
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/investment-and-vehicle-registrations-dip-in-electric-two-wheeler-segment/article67008053.ece

Wayfarer’s Note: Does this mean, no customer actually wants this piece of crap technology unless it’s made dirt cheap through tax subsidies? If so, why? What was the attraction for the end-user except cheap subsidized vehicles? Does an Electric Vehicle have any utility at all ?

Keep in mind, India is the world’s largest two-wheeler market! Bigger than China!

–Wayfarer
Editor:Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page

HOLY SHIT—Stuff is scrambling in every direction.

My Paul Cox, Cycle Tech single chain primary drive arrived. May start assembly this weekend.

Buck Lovell, the master, shot my ’48 UL for a Choppers mag feature. Choppers mag is the only sheetfed Choppers mag on the market. It’s a bigger format than most mags and thicker paper. Check it out online. You won’t find one at 7-11.

I’m scrambling with work on the liner. With the help of Jared and Terry Components, I installed a jumper system and an ignition/battery cut-off switch.

Back at the Knuckle I need to test my oil bag with gasoline. I measured the straps for the oil bag and sent the seat pan and strap dimensions to Howard Knight for leather work.

I need to reach out to the crew at BMST to check on my registration.

In the meantime, ride fast and free forever, goddammit!

–Bandit

Huge Parade Of 1500 Bikes Led By King Of The Baggers Champion, Tyler O’Hara

Exclusive Challenger RR and Cutaway PowerPlus Engine Display

American Motorcycle Dealer “Approved” Budweis Custom Indian Motorcycle Show

King of the Baggers Race Team Present Replica Indian Challenger to Prize Draw Winner

The 2023 edition of the Indian Riders Fest 2023 (IRF23), held in České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic, June 9-11, proved to be the largest celebration of Indian Motorcycle owners in the world. With a record-breaking attendance of over 3000 people from 39 nationalities, this year’s event solidified its position as the most significant congregation of Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts globally.

One of the highlights of the festival was the huge Saturday parade ride, led by King of the Baggers Champion, Tyler O’Hara, where 1500 motorcycles took to the beautiful South Bohemian roads to be welcomed by waving and smiling onlookers along the entire 39 km route. Even with the event open to riders of all makes, nearly 1350 of the participating motorcycles were Indian Motorcycle models, topping last year’s number of 1200.

Making the parade possible, the organisers were supported by the local authorities with nearly 120 Police personnel and 26 mobile units helping to close junctions and hold traffic along the route for the parade to pass smoothly. In addition, six bus routes were cancelled or re-routed for the day to allow the riders to make their way to the Přemysl Otakar II square at the end of the parade. The final gathering providing a spectacular photo opportunity as the Indian Motorcycle Riders groups laid their flags in the centre of the historic square surrounded by their motorcycles.

“A huge thank you to all the riders, visitors and partners who came to the Indian Riders Fest 2023. We hope everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed the weekend festival. We would also like to express our gratitude to Indian Motorcycle and all the other IRF partners for their continued support, and a huge thank you to the IRF production team for making this event possible. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year at the very special 2024 ‘Back In Time’ Edition of the IRF,” said Jean-Marie Guyon, organiser of the IRF.

IRF23 created an unforgettable experience for attendees, showcasing the rich legacy of Indian Motorcycle and embracing the vibrant culture of motorcycling. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 2000 tickets sold in advance, to fill festival grounds with energy as 2500 motorcycles, including 1800 Indian Motorcycles, gathered in a celebration of motorcycling and its vibrant culture.

“Jean-Marie and his team have done it again. The IRF just keeps on growing and really has become a major destination event for riders from all over the world. The parade was stunning, it’s really moving to see so many riders joining together to celebrate our motorcycles, and to see the joy and support from the locals along the route was infectious. I know that Tyler, Jeremy, and our guests from the US were blown away by the event and the enthusiasm from everyone who attended,” said Grant Bester, Vice President International for Indian Motorcycle.

Adding to the excitement, the exclusive Challenger RR, number three of just 29 produced, plus a cutaway of the PowerPlus engine at the heart of the Challenger, were prominently displayed at the Indian Motorcycle booth, providing an up-close look at the cutting-edge engineering and craftsmanship that makes it an unrivalled force on the road and track.

In addition, as part of the festival, the American Motorcycle Dealer “Approved” Budweis Custom Indian Motorcycle Show featured a display of 32 exhilarating customised Indian Motorcycles across six classes, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of European custom bike builders and standing in a unique position as the only custom show to be 100 percent dedicated to Indian Motorcycles, past and present.

During the Saturday evening entertainment, Tyler O’Hara and Jeremy McWilliams, renowned motorcycle Indian Challenger and FTR racers, joined with Grant Bester and Gary Gray, Vice President of Racing, Technology and Service, on the main stage to present the grand prize Indian Challenger to one lucky prize draw winner.

Selected randomly from all the attendees who had entered the draw, Noah from Illertissen in Germany, was stunned to be presented with the unique race replica Indian Challenger that O’Hara had ridden in the parade earlier that day. Arriving at the festival on his Indian Scout after an eventful journey, Noah was nearly speechless at winning the one-off Indian Challenger signed by O’Hara, McWilliams and Gray.

“You know, we nearly didn’t make it here due to a tyre failure on my father’s trailer on the way down. It’s still there, we had to abandon it,” laughed Noah. “And now we get to leave with this amazing bike. It’s so crazy, I’m so happy.”

Alongside a variety of food and retail stalls, the audience were thrilled with heart-stopping performances from the Wall of Death, fearless stunt riders showcasing their exceptional skills and precision, exhilarating rodeo performances capturing the essence of the American West, live concerts, the genuine Indian Motorcycle apparel shop, and the Indian Motorcycle Roadshow truck offering test rides on the latest models.

The Indian Riders Fest has become an essential date for Indian Motorcycle riders, welcoming everyone regardless of motorcycle brand, anyone interested in planning on attending next year should mark their calendars for a great IRF24 summer weekend over June 14-16, 2024.

Refer: https://www.indianridersfest.eu/

Check out the video:

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Gear up to ride to your favorite Motorcycling Events – Click Here to view the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

Helly Guys, Gals, and Fans,

Yep, we are entering those long “dog days of summer” and we know you still haven’t touched that project in your garage…

Many of you have reached out about that bodywork and still haven’t pulled the trigger.

Just like every other business in the world, we are having a 4th of July special! This will be our last sale until Black Friday in November.

Sale lasts from 7/3-7/5!

You guys on our mailing list get special treatment.

Get an additional 10% off on top of the 20% discount that the regular commoners (non-subscribers of our newsletter) get!

Everyday folk will be using a 20% off code (7423), but you peeps should use code (7423+10) to get 30% off!

That’s a substantial discount! It could get you up to $300 off a fuel tank, or set of bodywork. It’s certainly worth doing….

Check out our website, find the parts you wants, give us a call and start saving!

Code: 7423+10

Call or email to take advantage of this sale today!

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Tell ’em Bikernet.com sent ya !!!

by Bandit

A brother just can’t get enough Amber trouble

The middle of June and riders were determined to cruise the Black Hills before the factory anniversary, but torrents of rain got the best of them.

It rained in the black hills like an automatic sprinkler system keeps the golf course greens magnificently verdant in a blistering Phoenix summer. It came relentlessly, religiously, adorned with god-like thunder and lightning, coupled to incessant tornado warnings, flash flood alerts and hail cautions. That didn’t stop the brothers or even the broads from ditching cities all over the country.

Latest Fiction from Bandit — click here to Read on Bikernet.com

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Get inside the Cantina to get more Action, click to view membership options.

Snake sat in the deepest corner of Deadwood, SD notorious Number 10 Saloon, wet to the bone. The middle of June and riders were determined to cruise the Black Hills before the factory anniversary, but torrents of rain got the best of them.

The girls knew the brothers were coming, tall, short, rich and poor riders directed their steel steeds across long unforgiving Wyoming roads like the Muddy Gap and over the Continental Divide. Brothers blasted through the California deserts, along Interstate 15 passing Las Vegas like escaping a burning inferno. They came from the East, from Colorado directly south and some hid in the hills between the hot spells dodging the sun under majestic tree limbs along winding two-lane roads.

Deadwood, a town of just 1200 allowed a couple of thousand folks to scramble and gamble every weekend. Nothing stopped them, snow, hail, rain or whatever to hang out on cobblestone streets, meander through 110-year-old buildings and dream of a simpler rugged past.

Snake wasn’t much different, just another rider with a slippery history working his way across the country. He lost his last job behind a redhead, the boss’s wife. Her magnificent green eyes were emerald pools of desire and treachery. She wasn’t about to let her connection to vast riches and security be exchanged for a button-tuck upholstered p-pad and an empty chained leather wallet. He slid out of Seattle and blasted east on his chopped Panhead.

Snake wasn’t all that and a bag of chips, a skinny white-boy with a dash of Hispanic and the long silken black hair to match. He held onto the traditional biker past wearing all-black from his old school engineer boots, his black Levis, black leather belt and old black vest, with one metal badge, a chromed mudflap girl pinned over a single pocket. He wore black leather gauntlets, a black scarf and an ebony-handle knife in a hand-sewn black leather sheath.

Girls took to him like they would to a rock star, his narrow hips moved like a man constantly fucking. He didn’t talk much. His dark eyes captured his voluptuous prey. He moved in close, listened intently, smoked Canadian cigarettes and waited. “Do you want to fuck?” He asked and the girls quit talking and undressed.

The most recent Redhead, a woman so delicious and ready for sex, she quickly got bored with hanging at the bar and roamed away from her crew of bikers to find the leather Snake coiled and waiting for her. He smelled of cigarette smoke and Jack Daniels and they soon hooked up. Busted, groping one another in the loosely lit parking lot beside the Slippery Steed Bar and Grill in Spearfish, SD, there was going to be trouble. A nosey woman from the biker clan returned inside to snitch them off. Snake moved fast. Dark clouds forced him to ride hard into the hills. He got a head start, but they came after him on hopped up M-8 baggers and Dynas.

Snake, cut a dusty trail, the back way along the winding, Jack Pine strewn, Spearfish Canyon, while the crew suited up for the chase. He pushed his Panhead hard on a narrow, steep, sometimes gravel surface along the highway leading to Cheyenne Crossing. His 80-inch, stroked Panhead rumbled against the steep incline into the hills. It was all old school, with Flanders Highbars, Paughco Pipes and a Paughco Sportster tank sans the classic tunnel for a tad more capacity. It held maybe enough petrol to afford his notorious escape into the cobblestone streets of Deadwood, if he was lucky.

He had no notion of his next plan. Usually, a girl held a safe haven from his shady exploits, but he couldn’t stay long. In this case Mother Nature might be his babe, as he left the steep winding asphalt for base, reddish, fine clay construction, and it started to rain. He pushed on when the hail came and he wrapped a scarf around his head and suddenly became a scared Taliban, escaping into the hills, but he wasn’t in search of a mountain cave. He sought the solace of a bar, a tumbler of whisker and the soft curves of a redhead.

He still wore shades as his narrow 21-inch Avon tire searched in the mud for a solid path and his stock springer front end sent surface messages to his rattling bars. The rear wheel was the standard 16-inch star-hub and a tough as nails Firestone tire. It lasted long but gave into to every road surface. He slid in the muddy curves of the construction zone, and the rain intensified, buckets being the optimum description.

He didn’t know whether the following riders would find Highway 85 into the hills more comfortable and a shorter route, or the group would experience abject fear of the impending storm and turn back. He kept going in the dark unable to enjoy the raging adjacent stream, the sheer stone cliffs, the tornado torn pine trees or the winding views. It was a black moonless night. The rain pounded the pavement. He could see only the Bate’s headlight reflection against water droplets the size of pool balls, a slice of broken yellow line and a spot of asphalt little larger than a single bed he wished he was in, but not alone.

Finally, rolling against the icy torrent he reached the highway junction and stopped, pulled his water-pepper shades aside, wiped his mud-splashed face with his black mudflap girl Bandana and peered into the darkness. He wanted a cigarette, but knew he needed to keep moving, before his old Joe Hunt magneto filled with rain water.

He slowed as he reached the outskirts of Lead, where the historic gold mine made scientific progress and life was slow and artsy. Then came Deadwood, a town of gambling, whores, cobblestone streets and violence.

He pulled up to the partially wooden sidewalk alone, no other bikes shared the historic roadway and he wondered as he dismounted. The rotund bouncer opened the thick oak door and Snake sloshed inside and stood under Wild Bill’s chair nailed above the door. Bill was shot in that chair with his back to the door. Snake learned and moved deep into the dark recesses of the saloon and sat so he could observe anyone coming in the front or the back.

Snake lit a cigarette, ordered a drink and stole a steak tip from an adjacent table.

He finished his first drink, borrowed more steak tips and lit another cigarette, when he heard a loud motorcycle pull up out front. Snake yanked his 10-inch Damascus steel blade from his damp sheath and laid it in front of him on the previously carved old wooden table. It took another minute, but finally the rider entered, soaked to the bone. The loan rider stood about his height, and slowly scanned the dark bar, while removing thick gloves and then started to unlatch an all-black full faced helmet. She shook her long amber waves loose and scanned the dark bar for a slithering Snake.

As she found him, a smile broke the smoke-filled din with the nut-shell strewn deck. Even wet to the core, her bright blue eyes sparkled and her ivories glistened. She unzipped her contoured leather jacket and milky cleavage sprang forth.

Snake stood, shoved the long blade into its leather home. He made eye contact and suddenly felt warm all over.

“They punked out in the hail,” she said, “I knew there was a party waiting, but not here. Let’s find a room.”

by The Bikernet Rogue Crew with Dmac

Budapest, Bikes, and the Bucket List …..
Hangin’ around the HD 120th Anniversary Festival in Budapest!

Have a look at this awesome photo feature report from Hungary– as the world celebrates 120 years of the most memorable motorcycle brand.

Click Here to view the celebrations only on Bikernet.com

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

A Ride To Remember
by Kolohe One

“Is that a Panhead motor?” she said. I smiled and nodded yes. “I sure love the old Panheads, the vibration and the ride are like no other motorbike I have ever known.”

Who was I not to share this truth? I motioned an open hand to the pillion and watched her gorgeous face light the night sky with gleeful emotion. We rode down warm canyons to a starlit sandy turnout. Holding her hand, assisting a dismount, I grabbed my bedroll and laid out a comfy spread. Watching her starlight twinkled eyes, I realized such moments are given only once in a lifetime.

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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 the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com

“DUNLOP APE HANGER CHALLENGE”…how long can u hang???

“Fauno”

Builder: PDF Motociclette – ITALY

1927 HD JD extremely powerful racing engine rebuilt to 8 valves
(original only 4 valves)

Frame & Chassis: Original HD JD modified by PDF Motociclette – 100% Hardtail

Paint Job/Art: PDF Motociclette

Technical Highlights – Completely handcrafted motorcycle with unique engine technology; built as a tribe to the historic specials that raced in hill climbing.

“Snow Drag”

Builder: H-D Banska Bystrica – SLOVAKIA

1202 cm3 – HD Evolution Sportster

Frame & Chassis: Sportster Roadster XL1200 CX MY2016

Paint Job/Art: Wrap

Technical Highlights: The first officially built HD in the snow. The motorcycle was built without interfering with the motorcycle frame. Getting back on the wheels takes about 4 hours. For the conversion, it was necessary to make a belt attachment and transfer the drive from the right side to the left side.

R-N Racing

120th Anniversary Street Glide

“History”

Bike Builder: VK Custom Works – Slovenia

Engine: HD Flathead 750cc air intake and exhaust system custom made by VK

Frame & Chassis: Custom made by VK Custom Works

Paint Job/Art: VK Custom Works

Technical Highlights: 335 cm long bike! 80% of this bike handmade in VK Custom Works workshop.

“Aluracer”

Bike Builder: Gigamachine Choppers – Hungary

Build Completed: 2014

Duration of Build: 6 months

Best Results: -AMD World Championship, 6th Place
Best results con’t
-Hungarian Motor Builder Championship (EMAT) 1st Place
-Customs of Slovakia – 1st Place

Saturday, June 24th H-D Street Parade –Thousands of motorcycles cruised along the Danube River, and through the streets of Budapest:

…and the winner was >>>Gerdas from the United Kingdom – who rode home on the 2023 Anniversary Edition Heritage Softail!!!

#HARLEY and PUSKAS Stadium – Budapest

WOLFMOTHER rocked out the house after Gerdas won the Heritage Softail! The band started jamming in 2004 in Sydney Australia, and includes Andrew Stockdale, Bobby Poulton, and Hamish Rosser.

Andrew Stockdale – Lead Singer /Guitar– Wolfmother

‘70s Customs

Grand Finale

Somewhere along the road, the heritage trip to
Hungary is now being checked off of the ‘ol bucket list!