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Read More California Unification Rally Draws 3,000 to State Capitol
By Wayfarer |
On May 21,2023, over 3,000 motorcyclists gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento to talk biker’s rights, and to send a message to the state legislature that a change in how California deals with issues important to riders is needed. Speakers from the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of California, ABATE of California, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the National Council of Clubs (NCOC) and other groups took to the podium to stress the importance of all riders – as well as other consumer advocates including those in the automotive industry – coming together to present a unified front. Rally organizer and MRF State Representative ‘Chappy’ Patrick Carver and his team of volunteers did yeoman’s work in organizing the event. Chappy is also the President and lobbyist for the MMA of California and works closely with the MRF on legislative issues being addressed in Congress. Numerous long-time California activists, including ABATE lobbyists Jim Lombardo and Bobby T, ABATE officers David ‘D-Man’ Seiler, Chuck Pedersen, and MMA/ABATE Liaison Dave Battles were on hand as well.
For California riders, a major concern continues to be the issue of being unfairly profiled by law enforcement. Following a concerted, years-long effort by motorcycle clubs from around the country, the NCOC, the MRF, state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and thousands of independent riders, anti-profiling resolutions have now been passed in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with bi-partisan support. On a local level, five states have passed standalone anti-profiling laws. California and other states are working to have similar legislation enacted.
Other topics of discussion at the rally included protecting the rights of consumers to repair their machines, the unrealistic rush to outlaw internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles, ongoing issues associated with unregulated self-driving autonomous vehicles, and the appropriate labeling and availability of E10 or lower petroleum fuels.
MRF Executive Director Mark Buckner addressed the rally, emphasizing the importance of the challenges and opportunities facing riders today. Buckner discussed MRF’s recent Bikers Inside the Beltway lobbying campaign in Washington, D.C., highlighting the issues discussed with members of Congress and their staff. Those issues included ongoing efforts to end unfair profiling; H.R. 906, the Repair Act, seeking to stop manufacturers from limiting the ability of consumers and independent shops to repair products; H.R, 1435, the Preserving Choices in Vehicle Purchases Act, seeking to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent a ban on internal combustion engines; ensuring that Congress and executive branch agencies including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide appropriate oversight regarding self-driving vehicles; ensuring that consumers will continue to be able to purchase E10 and lower ethanol fuels at a reasonable price; and building strong, bi-partisan motorcycle caucuses made up of motorcycle-friendly legislators in Washington, D.C.
Overall, the California Unification Rally was a resounding success, with unity and opportunity the messages of the day.
About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit http://mrf.org/
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Part 4: Cabana Dan’s Early Projects
By Wayfarer |
by Bandit with photos from Weed and Cabana Dan
1914 H-D Twin Engine Rebuild and the 1912 Single Venture
It’s Memorial Day 2023. There’s a jammin’ bike show happening in Deadwood. Dan’s hands are full with Sturgis Museum projects. I’m trying like hell to understand Outlaw Justice, my second book and proof reading each page for reprinting. I’m also building a Knucklehead chop and searching for a 1913 twin engine.
Click here to read this photo feature article only on Bikernet.com
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Part 4: Cabana Dan’s Early Projects
By Bandit |
It’s Memorial Day 2023. There’s a jammin’ bike show happening in Deadwood. Dan’s hands are full with Sturgis Museum projects. I’m trying like hell to understand Outlaw Justice, my second book and proof reading each page for reprinting. I’m also building a Knucklehead chop and searching for a 1913 twin engine.
Spring hit the Black Hills like color film smacked photography. Suddenly we’ve gone from 20 degrees to 80 and life is emerald green and brilliant. “I’m not a green guy,” Irish rich said of Charlie’s ’73 Corvette color. I know, that doesn’t make any sense at all…
Cutting to the chase, I’m running behind on this episode because of a myriad of other projects and interruptions. I was able to sneak into the hills over-looking the Buffalo Chip and Dan’s shop recently to grab some shots and kick around the 1914 H-D twin engine rebuild.
It’s amazing how some of these engines survived or weren’t used much. Dan’s waiting on pistons and boring cylinders is critical. How do you bore a cylinder so it’s tighter at the top than the bottom? You got me, but I believe I understand the concept.
Originally, they ran cast-iron Pistons, which don’t swell as much as aluminum pistons, hence the tapered bore. But wait, if you run aluminum pistons, you can bore the cylinders straight and run tighter tolerances. “I don’t have any idea how the factory taper-bored cylinders,” Dan said. He took his cylinders to Lonnie Isam’s shop. Lonnie Sr. has a specific J-model boring table and tooling. Dan honed the freshly bored cylinders and set the piston ring gaps.
Billy Lane told me he’s running Knucklehead pistons in some of his early bikes, but it mean new rods and larger wrist pins. Dan lapped the rods, but the piston pin bushings were fine.
He’s using 741 Indian lower end bearing races and H-D bearings, because the races are readily available from Lonnie or Todd at Jerry Greer’s Indian in Deadwood. Actually 45-flathead military bearings will do the trick and they are available. Dan trued the flywheels and the case bushing on the pinion side was good, amazing and over 108 years old.
The source for many early engine parts is Competition Distributing where his piston pins came from, but there’s an issue. To reproduce parts for early engines is a challenge. How can anyone invest in parts for very low volume engines, say 1000 and 500 are gone. So you stumble into your local casting facility and ask for 100, or even 500 of one part and they laugh you out of the shop…
Dan cleaned the cases. He’s an accomplished cast aluminum welder and can fix almost any case. Then he bead-blasted the cases and Burr bench tumbled them for a new-stock finish. He uses Yama bond sealant for sealed surfaces and plans to ride this beautiful restoration, but not far.
Pocket intake valves are available from Competition Distributing, but you gotta be specific about the models. They were nicknamed pocket valves because you could carry a spare in your oily denims pocket. Something to watch for: Two pocket valve-styles were available: F-models stood for Fast and had different rocker-arm geometry than the A-models, which were the race specific engines. In those days the letter fell at the end of the numbers stamped into the cases. If you found an engine without a model letter, it was the standard, stock engine configuration.
The cams were all the same for ’14 J-engines. The fast or race engines were juiced with different rocker arm geometry and larger intake manifolds. He’s running a rebuilt Bosch manifold. After WWI the Bosch patents fell into different hands. Some Bosch mags have Germany under the name on the brass tag, others have England or even Made in USA.
Some guys are running standard Joe Hunt or Morris Magnetos attached to an adapter plate.
While in the master’s shop and he wasn’t looking, I took shots of his 1912 single project. Amazing, but this bike will be constructed primarily with re-production parts. The frame came from Dewey Early Harley parts and the bars and front end were manufactured recently in Texas.
There were two models in ’12, the 8-XA which has a clutch on the rear wheel. The 8-A had only the belt tensioner to drive it. Up until 1913 the wheels had only 36 spokes. In ’13 they were changed to 40-spoke wheels. Even the wheels will be new on this puppy. Only the engine will be original. Replacement clutches are available from Sweden.
The tanks came from Antique Moto Smith in Texas, the rims also were made in Texas. Dan laced the wheels and machined the spacers. Look at those tiny rockers from Competition Distributing. Keep in mind, that the new stuff is much more precision than original sand-casted and rough machined components. Even tooling today and of course, CNC machines are very precise compared to old lathes ran by hand.
Next, we will bring you the final install of the newly rebuilt ’14 twin, and maybe a start-up video. I learned that my own ’13 twin racer will not have a clutch, because it will be a crank and ride-off the center-stand to the race. Hang on!
100 WFC: Rocking & Rolling
By Wayfarer |
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
Rocking & Rolling
by Steven Sanner
The roar of the crash echoed in my ear as I rolled onto the shoulder of the road, along with the unshakable feeling that I had done this before, I knew I had to keep the momentum of the roll going to get clear. As I put my weight into the roll, the dual rear wheels of the semi passed by my nose.
But the feeling (or was it the knowing) that I had done all this before had me jump to my feet with one motion and I unthinkingly ran TOWARD the commotion. I knew there was something I had to do.
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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
100 WFC: The Break-In
By Wayfarer |
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
The Break-In
by Bandit
A thug broke into the shop. Rebuilding an old Linkert in the back, I heard a noise and then a scream.
I scrambled towards the retail area, but how was I going to defend myself? I reached for my buck knife, a chrome-moly fork tube, the .38 in the drawer, a yard-long Crescent wrench, the cutoff wheel and or…
The young addict wasn’t interested in the mechanic wielding heavy instruments, just enough cash to buy another high. He turned toward his escape, leaving the young female clerk in a pool of blood. Was I to kill, maim, punish, enable or wait, harm reduction?
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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
THE BIG QUESTION BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for June 1, 2023
By Bandit |
Hey,
Here’s the lastest from Marc Morano:
Climate Lockdowns Begin: France bans short-haul flights in favor of train travel ‘to cut carbon emissions.’
Marc Morano comment on banning short airline flights: “You were warned! This is what a climate lockdown looks like. This is what the Great Reset looks like. The climate agenda demands you give up airline travel, car travel, cheap reliable energy, and plentiful food. Net Zero goals are now dictating vehicle shortages to force more people into mass transit.
They’re going after your freedom of movement; they’re going after private car ownership, they’re going after everything it means to be a free person and turning it over to the administrative state.”
I listened to an open town hall with Rep. Dusty Johnson in South Dakota last night. He discussed the slippery debt-ceiling bill debate. A couple of times energy was discussed and even a pipeline effort that’s still seemingly moving forward.
I know I’m just a grubby biker, but you would think someone would go after the core argument for taking over the country with constant regs until, humanity is gone and only chubby chipmunks are allowed to eat nuts. Hello?
Let’s hit the news. I’m going to send my resolution to Dusty. It only takes one solid leader to demand the truth.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum..jpg)
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE— Racing and Reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees Win Big at Dallas Half-Mile
- Mees Captures Second Win of the Season,
- Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson Finishes Third
Under the lights of the Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas, the 2023 American Flat Track (AFT) action continued, where Indian Motorcycle Racing and reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees secured their second win of the season. Taking third and reaching the podium for the second time this season was Indian Motorcycle privateer Brandon Robinson.
Piloting his Indian FTR750, Mees took the hole shot off the line during Saturday night’s Main event. After falling back to fourth and chasing a pack of three riders, Mees was able to stay close and make a move past the group along the outside. Once there, the eight-time champion locked in and kept his lead until the checkered flag.
“This was a classic bounce back performance by Jared, as he knows each and every race is critical to the season standings as he continues to chip away and push for his record-tying ninth championship,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “It’s great to see Robinson grind out a podium finish. He’s one of the sport’s most talented riders, and we’d expect to see plenty more top finishes from him and his team this season.”
For Robinson, consistency was key as he started near the back of the pack, but steadily improved his positioning throughout the race. One-by-one, Robinson edged his way into third place with two laps to go and would finish in this position.
Mees’s second win of the season places him squarely in second on the leaderboard with 96 total points – 17 points off the lead. The 2023 AFT season will continue on Saturday, May 6, at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
BAKER DRIVETRAIN ANNIVERSARY–Celebrating 25 Years of American Made Gears
We are celebrating 25 years as BAKER Drivetrain!
In 1998, Lisa and Bert Baker took a huge leap of faith, with their lack of business experience and money, and started BAKER Drivetrain. What lead Bert to design the first 6-speed transmission? Read the whole BAKER Drivetrain story below.
SPEAKING OF ANNIVERSARIES— Pirelli Celebrates 20 Years Alongside WorldSBK at Misano
A Collaboration with a Record Duration, Based on Technological Innovation with a Direct Impact on Road Tire Development
2.9 Million Race Kilometers Covered by Pirelli Tires, Equal to Almost Eight Times the Distance from Earth to the Moon
On the occasion of the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna round at Misano, Round 5 of the 2023 season, Pirelli will celebrate 20 years as Sole Tire Supplier for all the classes of the FIM Superbike World Championship.
This successful partnership, between Pirelli and the top two wheel production-based championship, which began in 2004 and to date has no equal in terms of duration, within international motorsport. It also represents the first example of control tire in the history of top motorsport competitions, later adopted by many other championships.
In approaching this championship, Pirelli has decided to respect its basic philosophy, i.e. the very strong and direct link with production-based motorcycles and products. This is why the tire range is not made up of prototypes but of standard production products that can be purchased by all motorcyclists on the market. And from this choice the Italian tire company has made a strong point and a corporate strategy that it wanted to summarize in the now historic motto, “We sell what we race, we race what we sell” to indicate precisely how the same tires used by professional riders are also on sale on the market. In other words, a direct transfer of technology from the track to the road.
It has been 20 years of technological innovation. Pirelli was the first to introduce colors to distinguish the compounds by applying colored labels on the shoulder of the tires. In 2013, once more the first company in history to do so, Pirelli abandoned 16.5-inch tires in motorcycle competitions in favor of the new 17-inch tires, a size more widespread on the road among motorcyclists. Five years later, in 2018, there was the transition to larger sizes, 125/70 front and 200/65 rear. More recently, Pirelli has introduced new solutions in very soft compounds such as the rear SCX and SCQ capable of offering riders even higher performance and, most recently, also a new soft SC0 solution at the front. All innovations that over the years have set new standards not only in the racing field but also on the wider market.
The DIABLO Superbike and DIABLO Supercorsa tires, developed by Pirelli for the classes of the production-based championship, boast unique achievements after 20 years of racing: in the World Championship they have been used successfully by 1,438 riders, they have competed in 1,105 races for a total of 18,891 laps and 2.9 million race kilometers, equal to almost eight times the distance that separates the Earth from the Moon. Tires that have been developed with the collaboration of some of the greatest motorcycling champions who have made the history of WorldSBK, among these 11 have won at least one world title in the premier class with Pirelli: James Toseland, Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss, Ben Spies, Max Biaggi, Carlos Checa, Tom Sykes, Sylvain Guintoli, Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu and reigning world champion Álvaro Bautista.
Giorgio Barbier, Motorcycle Racing Director Pirelli
“Motorsport is part of our DNA and with the Superbike World Championship we have managed to combine the world of the track with that of the road: those who choose a Pirelli motorcycle tire must know that they are not simply buying a round black tire but the result of 20 years of experience and constant technological development that Pirelli has carried forward in this championship thanks also to the collaboration of Dorna, the FIM, the riders and the teams. We are therefore proud to be able to celebrate this important milestone but while we retrace with our memories what we have done in the past, our gaze is already projected towards the future, towards new challenges, to write new chapters of this beautiful story”.
YAMAHA Motor Corporation, USA —Proudly Displays Iconic YZ Model Motocross Bikes at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2023
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is very proud to return to the Quail Motorcycle Gathering for 2023, this year showcasing a collection of iconic YZ motocross models from its history courtesy of Terry Good’s International Motocross Museum. “Yamaha began racing literally weeks after its very first production motorcycle rolled off the assembly line in Japan in 1955 and as such, all forms of racing activity can be found deep within the DNA of our Company,” said Bob Starr, Corporate communications Manager. “Motocross bikes, specifically the YZ product line, have been absolutely dominant for many years including winning both the AMA Supercross and Outdoor Championships in 2022 and we’re very proud to showcase just a small part of this important Yamaha history defining our spirit of challenge at the Quail in 2023.”
One of the bikes on display will be a 1979 0W40 works bike, ridden by the one and only Bob “Hurricane” Hannah to both the 1979 AMA 250 Outdoor National and SX Championships.
LATEST FROM AMERICAN PRIME–Inexpensive Performance!!
The CV (constant velocity) carburetor was standard equipment on many Harley’s from the late ‘80’s to the late ‘90’s. It was also available as a performance upgrade with a larger venturi.
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McLAREN TO GO SLOW– on complete shift to electric cars
McLaren, the well-known Formula One constructor, has launched its new product Artura’ in India. It is an ICE-electric hybrid. But the company is still sceptical about going for a full-fledged electric car because of the weight factor. Light weight is McLaren’s USP. “When the technology advances into some more stages to make the batteries lighter, I think we will see what we’re able to do,” Paul Harris, Managing Director – APAC and China, McLaren Automotive, told ETAuto in an exclusive interview. The company has no immediate plan to make an SUV either, he said.
Read the full story at:
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/passenger-vehicle/mclaren-to-go-slow-on-complete-shift-to-electric-cars/100527236
COOL RIDE OF THE WEEK—
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY MAJOR LESSON OF THE DAY–
“The difference between a tyranny and a democracy is a tyranny creates a trillion billion laws to keep you enslaved and a democracy creates a trillion billion laws to keep you free.”
–J.J. Solari
BIKERNET BUSINESS ALERT– Companies are taking away your ability to actually own the stuff you buy
Companies are using sneaky software and legal tricks to make you endlessly pay for stuff you already bought
See full story at:
https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/companies-are-radically-redefining-what-it-means-to-own-something/articleshow/100330098.cms
Editor’s note: Now imagine all of that happening with your “convenient” and “connected” electric vehicle. Is that the future you want for yourself and your family? Sign away your rights to be devoid of any privacy and property?
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
RECENT BIKERNET READER COMMENT–A Tribute to Sex and Sinwu
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/A_Tribute_to_Sex_and_Sinwu.aspx
Good story and exactly right about Asian women. Their men don’t appreciate them. They have always had women like that so they take them for granted. I’m looking for a nice Asian lady right now. We are just a couple of old romantics.
–Bill May
OVER 150 U.S. HOUSE MEMBERS— Oppose EPA-Proposed Emissions Standards
Lawmakers have banded together to show their support of the aftermarket industry and the future of internal combustion engine (ICE) innovations.
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and 150 House Republican members sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging him to rescind the agency’s proposed emissions standards for light, medium-duty vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.
Check Sema for more: Texas, Maryland, Okla
–SEMA
BIKERNET READER COMMENT–
Did you ever write a book about the two friends, Chance and his friend, cannot remember his name. If you did, please let me know where I can buy one, and if you have made any new books. Thanks for your time.
— Nef Juarez
Bodycountnj@gmail.com
Hey Neff,
“Yes, I did write a couple of books about Chance. The first one was about Chance and his pal, Vince.”
Here’s the link: https://5-ballgarage.com/collections/books
–Bandit
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES–for Electric Vehicles fraudulently claimed by companies
Companies Gave False Info: Probe
A probe conducted by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) found multiple companies relying on imports for key parts such as electric motors, controllers and onboard chargers. The ministry of heavy industries has cut the number of FAME-II beneficiary two-wheelers from some 989,000 to just under 564,000.
Nearly every second electric two-wheeler sold under the Centre’s ambitious INR 100-Billion electric vehicle promotion scheme was based on false localisation claims, an investigation has found, said people with knowledge of the matter. This has prompted the government to slash its official sales tally, they said.
Editor’s Note: This is what happens when customer is intimidated into buying into things with doomsday propaganda and ban deadline threats. There was a carrot and a stick and the corporate scum get the carrots while average citizen gets the shit end of the stick.
This is significant because India is the biggest market for two-wheelers, larger than neighboring China. Western nations need to check how much of their tax subsidies actually benefit anyone other than the Wall Street investor.
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
ROCK N ROLLA STEAMPUNK PIN-UP ILLUSTRATION–BID NOW at the COMICLINK AUCTION
The COMICLINK Auction is going on NOW, and it’s your chance to bid on original Monte Moore art!
Monte’s variant cover for TMNT #100 and his pin-up piece “Rock n Rolla” have BOTH been selected to be available in the current ComicLink auction. The auction runs for the next 13 days, and you can click on either of the pictures or links above to get your bids in NOW!
MAVARTS.com
for pop-culture art, and Maverick Arts Studio Publications
TheArtofMonteMoore.com
for Western Cinema Art, Western and Wildlife Fine Art
BIKERNET 100-Word Fiction CONTEST—This popped onto the scene for two reasons: First it was a challenge for writers to tell a story in 100 words. Second, we are addressing the notion that folks don’t read anything over 100 words.
Here’s my latest:
The Break-In
A thug broke into the shop. Rebuilding an old Linkert in the back, I heard a noise and then a scream.
I scrambled towards the retail area, but how was I going to defend myself? I reached for my buck knife, a chrome-moly fork tube, the .38 in the drawer, a yard-long Crescent wrench, the cutoff wheel and or…
The young addict wasn’t interested in the mechanic wielding heavy instruments, just enough cash to buy another high. He turned toward his escape, leaving the young female clerk in a pool of blood. Was I to kill, maim, punish, enable or wait, harm reduction?
–Bandit
NEW FROM THE PAGES OF VAHNA– The Hustler
BECKY GOEBEL: MAKE YOUR OWN LUCK
Words by Kirsten Midura
Photography by John Ryan Hebert
It was late summer in Vancouver, British Columbia. Throughout the country, Robin Thicke’s chart-topper “Blurred Lines” blasted from car radios, Iron Man 3 was sweeping box offices, and a hot new social media platform, Instagram, had begun bringing slick photography to the masses.
In the northern part of town, inside a dim lecture hall at Capilano University, sophomore Becky Goebel sat slumped in her chair. She listened to her business professor drone on, but her mind wandered to her clapped-out 1984 Suzuki GS 450 parked outside. She had purchased it only to avoid paying campus parking fees, but still she relished her time spent riding with the guys, popping wheelies and standing on seats as she cruised around town.
Becky’s daydream was brought to a jarring halt by the crude vibration of the cell phone in her pocket. Again and again it buzzed, drawing unwelcome stares from her classmates and professor alike. Scrambling to silence it, Becky caught a glimpse of the screen. A deluge of Instagram notifications flooded her phone for an instant, then her phone went dead.
Read the whole story on Vahna.com
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JUNE IS JUMPING–at the Harley-Davidson Museum
“Mama Tried” exhibit opening June 17, celebrate papas on June 18, go old-school at Wild Ones on June 24 and the H-D® Factory Outlet Summer Sale returns June 1 – 4. Why aren’t you here already?
Yes, the party 120 years in the making is just around the corner, but the Harley-Davidson Museum isn’t waiting for July to set off some fireworks. “Mama Tried: Bringing it Together” opens this month! This special exhibit focuses on the builders, the racers and their fans who gather over a bike or a brew during the annual winter showcase. A riot of bikes awaits you beginning June 17: outrageous custom bikes, lovingly restored vintage machines, and one rare as hen’s teeth – a 1929 FHAC with FLXI Sidecar Factory Racer. Don’t come alone; bring your crew. That’s what Mama Tried is about, after all. Please email Tim McCormick to secure your spot for a tour on the media preview day, Friday, June 16.
And while Mama is in the title of this new exhibit, don’t think we forgot about dear ole Dad in June. Celebrate Father’s Day (Sunday, June 18) on the H-D Museum™ campus where Pops gets free admission to the H-D Museum and MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant offers up a sizzling deal where Dads and Grandads can score a free grill special including a Usinger’s hot dog or bratwurst served with potato salad and coleslaw when you purchase a beverage! Check out Division BMX Stunt Shows in the plaza & go up against dad with lawn games like giant Connect Four, corn hole, tumbling tower and more on our sun-splashed patio.
On June 24, throw it back with Wild Ones: Vintage Motorcycle Rally. Come celebrate Harley-Davidson’s unrivaled history and heritage with a vintage 1940s-style motorcycle rally on the H-D Museum campus. In partnership with The Knucklehead Company’s Annual Reunion, this family-friendly fête will feature an antique motorcycle ride-in show, boonie bike races and the AMCA Badger Heritage Chapter will host authentic motorcycle field games with proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. Be sure to check out the celebration for the 75th Anniversary of the Panhead and see the timeline of Panheads presented by the Classic Panheads Pandemonium Ride!
5-BALL RACING ATTENDS SHOW IN TEXAS—The gang set up the 5-Ball Headquarters booth on the ruddy surface of the Austin, Texas show last weekend.
Son Frank Ball the tattoo master from All Saints Tattoo in Austin rode the stretched FXR with a girder I built out through the winding hills and had a blast.
Granddaughter and knockout Maxine hauled out the 5-Ball leather inventory and set up shop. You can read the whole story on Bikernet in the next couple of days.
–Bandit
CHARLIE BRECHTAL LIVES—
Watch it while you can
–Rogue
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2019 Harley Davidson FXBRS Breakout
URL: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=13840107
Stock# 13860
Only 3089 Miles!
No bike has a meaner look than this 2019 Harley Davidson FXBRS Breakout 114 Cruiser! Especially one that is painted all black!
Low miles, clean paintjob, and the sound of rolling thunder will have you wanting this bike as your own!
* 14-Inch Meathook Apehanger Handlebars
* 21-Inch Vivid Black Front Rim and an 18-Inch Rear Rim
* Freedom Performance Dual Sharp Curve Downsweep Exhaust
* LED Headlight, LED Front Turn Signals, LED Rear Taillights
* Cleaned and Polished
* Carbon Fiber Stage 1 Air Cleaner
* Digital Riser Top Gauge Clamp
* Only 3089 Miles!
* Screaming Eagle tuner
* 114 Cubic Inch Engine with a Deep Powerful Sound
This bike is only $19,995
Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!
Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING
Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.
NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.
Huge selection of Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!
We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory,
Please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/
–Richard Allstun
Marketing Director
Lifestyle Cycles
714.490.0155
KLANG
For all the follies of public policy and politics, there is a slow, powerful undercurrent of sanity. Including that it seems the German government has had it with destructive, narcissistic climate stunts.
First “German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday sharply criticized climate activists as ‘nutty’ for drastic protests such as blocking streets or gluing themselves to famous paintings in museums.” Then on Wednesday, that is May 24, police swooped on 15 sites across the country and arrested a number of members of Letzte Generation for committing crimes and fundraising to commit more crimes.
Even the local Green party has had it with these clowns. And about time too. As Bloomberg warned bluntly, “Europe’s Economic Engine Is Breaking Down/ Germany is at risk of a long, slow decline – with consequences for the whole of the EU”. Perhaps the long slow reckoning has begun.
–climate discussion nexus
BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB–
Just found out there is a Book about Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride completing 10 years.
A decade of dapper they call it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0760379734/
Would Bandit wear corporate formals for DGR event? Tie and suspenders?
Visit the Bikernet Blog Recap of DGR 2023
https://blog.bikernet.com/gentlemans-ride-recap/
–Wayfarer
REPORT FROM EL WAGGS— Just pulling into the Historic Santa Maria Inn for The 42nd West Coast Cruisin Nationals.
And who should start trying to pull me over but none other than Eric ‘Ponch’ Estrada
–Jim Waggaman
BABE RIDER OF THE WEEK—Francesca Cuccaro.
–Sam Burns
Babe Curator
Bikernet.com™
ELECTRIC BANNED–
The Norwegian shipping company, Havila Kystruten, has banned electric, hybrid, and hydrogen cars from its ferries. After a risk analysis, it was concluded that the risk to the safety of the shipping fleet was too significant.
If a vehicle catches fire, the fire can no longer be extinguished.
The risks for ships from the transport of Electric cars (EV) have been discussed since the “Felicity Ace” sank off the Azores, Portugal, last February. E-vehicles on board had caught fire. The fire could not be extinguished. Finally, the colossal ship sank with thousands of electric cars, including Porsche and Bentley “green” vehicles.
Capt. Rahul Khanna, global head of marine consulting at Allianz (AGCS), a marine insurance specialist, explains that the problem with EVs is that lithium-ion batteries in the cars can actually propagate the fire, igniting more vigorously as compared to conventional cars. A single vehicle fire could prove catastrophic.
E-cars are a danger for ship passengers
According to a report by the TradeWinds shipping news service, Havila’s Chief executive Bent Martini said the risk analysis showed that the fire in an electric car required a particularly complex rescue operation. The crew on board could not afford this.
Passengers would also be at risk. This is different for vehicles with combustion engines. A possible fire is usually easy to fight by the ship’s crew.
After the sinking of the “Felicity Ace,” Greenpeace also warned against e-cars on ships: “In general, electronic components and especially electric vehicles pose a risk for every transport.”
–from El Waggs
LOWBROW IS HIRING–
Spread the word, Lowbrow is looking for a few people to join the crew!
We are known for our unique parts, shipping super-fast and for our World Famous Customer Service.
Connecting with and taking care of everyone who reaches out to us is what we do.
We focus on making real human connections and solving problems–
19 years in (!!!) and going strong.
We are hiring for warehouse associate, customer service, and motorcycle technician positions currently.
Lowbrow is located in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and the positions are in-person.
Get all the info and apply at lowbrowcustoms.com/hiring
BAKER DRIVETRAIN DEALER OF THE MONTH— Bodigon’s H-D Motorcycles
Bodigon’s H-D Motorcycles has been customizing performance Harleys since 2019. This family-owned business believes in using the highest quality parts in the market and really values each and every customer. They strive for 100% customer satisfaction and will go to any extreme to make that happen.
ANOTHER GODDAMN ANNIVERSARY–45 years Honda CBX
The “CBX – MADE FOR SPEED SINCE 1978” anniversary shirt
The Honda CBX turns 45 this year. On this occasion, CBX1000.us offers the new “CBX – MADE FOR SPEED SINCE 1978” anniversary shirt for all riders and fans of this legendary six-cylinder motorcycle.
The high-quality black T-shirt with white print on the chest is offered in sizes M to 3XL.
The T-shirt can be ordered exclusively online at www.CBX1000.us starting at 27.50 euros.
For more information, please contact us at media@bikemediapool.com!
EUROPEAN Guidelines on anti-tampering rules for motorcycle exhaust silencers—
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) shares the concerns of citizens, politicians and regulators regarding the impact of noise in daily life. Sound emissions of motorcycles have been regulated in the EU, with maximum permitted levels defined since the 1990s, through European type approval requirements.
As part of the solution to address these concerns, ACEM has recently developed a set of guidelines in cooperation with key aftermarket exhaust industry players. The aim of these guidelines is to avoid diverging, non-effective interpretations of anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers, in particular for non-original equipment that may be alternatively fitted on motorcycles over their lifetime. The document notably clarifies technical requirements to ensure robustness of fixing solutions for silencing baffles and dB-killers, to prevent their easy removal.
Following an informal endorsement by authorities at EU level, the guidelines were supported by government experts at UNECE, the world forum on vehicle regulations.
Dissemination activities are now being launched by the motorcycle sector, with the involvement of ACEM member vehicle manufacturers, industry national associations and aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, seeking to raise the awareness of all stakeholders – including type approval authorities, market surveillance authorities and users.
Commenting on the initiative, Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said:
“This initiative bringing together the expertise of recognized players in the motorcycle sector addresses one of the main causes of motorcycle noise in the streets. Approved silencers with too easily removable baffles or dB-Killers are today still present on the market, which may result in unacceptably high levels of noise on the road.
Putting forward state of the art solutions, the guidelines will help type approval authorities towards a more harmonized assessment of conformity to anti-tampering rules for exhaust silencers. The call is now on all stakeholders to apply them without delay.”
For sound level and anti-tampering rules of motorcycle exhaust silencers, the EU type approval framework Regulation 168/2013 mandates the application of UNECE Regulations no. 92 (aftermarket silencers) and no. 41 (original motorcycle). These Regulations were developed and are maintained by the Working Party Noise and Tyres (GRBP), under the World Forum for the harmonization of vehicle regulations (WP.29), operating within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
In December 2022, ACEM presented the guidelines to national type approval authorities at a stakeholder meeting organised by the European Commission. Following an informal approval by authorities at EU level, the International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA) introduced the guidelines in February 2023 at GRBP, the world forum on sound level of vehicles. A final document is expected be adopted at next GRBP session in September 2023.
About the initiative
This initiative has been jointly developed within the motorcycle sector, by the following actors:
· The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) and its members (ACEM website).
· The International Motorcycle Manufacturers’ Association (IMMA website).
· Motorcycle exhaust manufacturers Akrapovic, Arrow, Giannelli, Lafranconi, LeoVince, MIVV and SC project.
Thomas Vercammen
ACEM Technical Manager
+32 (0) 22 30 97 32
HANG ON, SHIT IS HAPPENING FAST—I actually started to Silicon Bronze weld, or is it considered brazing. It’s very cool.
With parts and pieces we built this whacky system. I wonder how the bike will run?
After the bronze and barbecue paint it began to look sort cool. I’m still waiting on the primary drive elements from Paul Cox, so we can perform final alignment.
I’m still working on my rust removal article. I’m close but need a batch of BBs to finalize the test on this Paughco oil tank.
The Dicey Knuck drew some attention at the show last weekend.
We are working on final elements, including finding a trailer for our run to Bonneville in the blistering August sun.
Billy Lane at the races last weekend, a classic shot. On his CAC peashooter. Too bad, some of the bros crashed. All the best in their recovery.
I started on my ignition box for my Knuck bike project. It will contain the ignition switch and two circuit breakers. Need to find a cool high/low beam switch.
Got some good news from Brian at Departure Bike Works, in Richmond. It’s about the Bonne Belle, my 45 flathead, Bonneville project. The wheels are Sportster and the cases wouldn’t mate. They are making progress. They build engines for Billy Lane and Jody Perewitz. This puppy will be too cool.
It’s never dull around here. Stay strong and involved in the fight to ride free.
–Bandit
The Big Question Bikernet Weekly News for June 1, 2023
By Wayfarer |
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
Follow Bikernet.com Weekly News, every Thursday — know your market, know your industry, know motorcyclists.
Click Here for this week’s news only on Bikernet.com
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Daytona Edition of the Flying Piston Benefit
By Jeffery Najar |
Each year, I produce the Daytona edition of the Flying Piston Benefit Builder Breakfast and online silent auction with industry maven, Marilyn Stemp.
This year it was a tale of 2 rides, the cold one and the hot one. The cold ride is where all the trouble happened and, well, I’m still thawing out.
I left for my Daytona adventure early Thursday afternoon with icy rain dogging me. I got as far as Richmond, KY, before the rain seeped through the layers and I couldn’t stop shaking more than the Harley. My Aerostitch insulated deerskin gloves worked surprisingly well until they got soaked. I like these gloves, but they are not impervious to water.
I got up at 5AM on Friday and headed South. I then met up with Edge and Bear at a McDonald’s outside Columbia, SC. We motored down to Brunswick, GA and got in a little after dark. I had 12 hours in the saddle and was ready for a break.
Saturday was another early morning, as we were heading to New Smyrna Speedway for Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed race.
We hit the Georgia/Florida line during a morning rain shower when my clutch cable snapped. I was in the middle lane when I lost power and coasted to the side of the road. I whipped out my phone and dialed my go-to-AAA service for a tow.
Yikes, what a disappointment. The first lady I spoke with couldn’t hear me or I her. I asked her to speak up. She counters with, “get in your car where it’s quiet.” I told her about the horse I rode in on. She gets frustrated and hangs up.
So, I’m standing in the rain with sheets of water cascading down and call AAA again. This time they spoke up and wanted to know what city I’m calling from. They didn’t seem to understand that some areas don’t have cities. I know this because this is the second time I’ve used them, and both times they were adamant that I give them a city. I’m thinking now that no one actually uses them while traveling, only if they are in a city. I get a flat bed 3 hours later with a driver who has never towed a motorcycle. How is that possible in Florida?
They tow me to Adamec Harley-Davidson dealership. This is Bike Week and you can imagine they are busy. The good news is, it is warm. The bad news, they tell me my ape hangers are not stock and don’t have a cable to fit my bike. Ouch!
I think, of course, my ape hangers aren’t stock. It took Hank Thibodeau of Widowmaker Custom Design & Repair weeks to talk me into these things. He measured it and made them for a custom fit. And I am glad he did, as it has doubled my riding experience.
When I asked how long it would take to order a clutch cable they said Tuesday. Four days for a part? They must not of heard about the Internet.
While we are waiting around, we all do my second favorite activity of the trip. And that is looking at all the Harleys in the dealership. It’s interesting to see how guys change their views. When I first met Edge he was a custom Chopper, Softail, Sportster guy. Since he joined the Hamsters he is a Bagger, Chopper, Softail, Sportster guy. I have to admit, a 26 inch front wheel custom bagger has my attention.
Back to the dilemma—after deliberations with a mechanic, they used a longer clutch cable and make do. Great, and I am back on the road by 6PM. I have to say these guys really came through in the clutch and I’m exceedingly grateful!
I throw a leg over the Nightster and head to the Days Inn in Palm Coast to meet up with the weekend team. We’ve added Ralph Bellini, and Bruce Seigal. Bear and Edge are ex-Green Beret and Ralph is an ex- Maintenance Warrant officer. These guys are smart, focused, capable, and jokesters.
After dinner, we are walking back to the Days Inn and stop in front of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream parlor. Ralph is undecided about which ice cream to buy, so the Florida beauty with eyes of porcelain and blue behind the counter offers him a taste. He tries Black Raspberry Sherbet, Blueberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Cobbler, and Almond Divinity. These flavors weren’t exactly what he wanted, so he tries Banana Chocolate Chip, Banana Cream Pie, and Black Cherry. The girl’s freckles are becoming more pronounced and her face is turning a light shade of red and is showing her impatience when she asks Ralph to make up his mind. “Well, I’m full now. I think I’ll pass.”
After watching this, I almost spit out my ice cream. As we turn to leave, Edge slips up to the counter and slides the honey a 20 spot and sez keep the change.
On Sunday, Marilyn Stemp and I set up banners, secure the tables, and set up the art in the green room at Teddy Morse’s Harley-Davidson. We staged the event the night before.
The Flying Piston Benefit has three featured art categories. They include the customized electric bikes sponsored by Stacyc. These are tiny bikes that were sent to and customized by Cory Ness, Bill Dodge, Jordan Lessig, and Jim Lynch/Gina Woods.
The second category is the Art On Deck presented by Gnarly Magazine competition which are custom-painted skate decks. And the last category is the Drink the Art presented by BIG FRIG, which are custom painted BIG FRIG tumblers/growlers.
On a bright and sunny Daytona Beach Monday, the event kicks off. I arrive at 6:20 AM to see Marilyn and Woody of the Buffalo Chip moving tables. Edge, Bear, Ralph and others jump in to get the show ready to go. The coffee shows up and then 6 dozen Donnie’s Donuts. Ron Harris of Chop Docs rolls in with breakfast sandwiches from Giuseppe’s NY Pizza Pasta Express.
It takes a village of bikers to make the Flying Piston run.
Headlining the event includes custom builder Bill Dodge of Blings Cycles and artist Curt Green of Bare Bones Leather. In addition, we had one of the originals daredevils, Doug Danger. He hung out and signed books.
I love these events as you never know who will show up. Rusty Wallace and his son Steve came in on their outrageous baggers built from their shop, Southern Country Customs. Athena “Chickie” Ransom a.k.a. “The Vagabond Chickie” came through. She has the Rock and Roller cross with the ex-MMA actress Gina Carano vibe going for her. She’ll also be our headline builder in Sturgis later this year.
Masha, a Ukrainian artist, won the online Gnarly Magazine competition, for her 1964 slammed Buick Riviera. She won $200.
The Peoples Choice award went to Curt Green of Bare Bones Leather for his leather wrapped skate deck and Mike Richardson of Rebel Soul Studio for his BIG FRIG Growler nicknamed Zombie Juice. They both won a case of stainless steel tumblers from BIG FRIG.
The most fun I had at the auction was poking the Bear. I’m still not sure if he is entirely happy with me. The last couple of years he lost out on the silent auction, so he is in hyper-vigilant mode to make sure he gets what he wants. He’s eyeing these pieces of art from artists from Ukraine, England, Hawaii, and the continental US. And these artists are talented.
I’m eavesdropping on Bear to hear what he is bidding on. I’m also working with Jason Hallman, the EMCEE, to promote the items to the crowd. I think you know where this is going. Bear is bidding on a skate deck is designed by Colorado native Mari Geolfos of @aireffexcustompaint. It is five minutes before the bidding closes and Bear has the winning bid. He isn’t in a bidding war with anyone. It looks like the closing minutes will tick away and Bear will get his skate deck. That is until the EMCEE picks up the skate deck, at my prompting, and ask the crowd for bids on this particular item. Bear lost the item in the last seconds. He’s spitting mad and stops talking when I come around.
Bear is good natured about the loss with everyone but me and he is joking with the guy who did win the deck when he comes to pick it up. None of us recognize the guy who won the deck at this point. Bear tells the new guy, whose name is Teddy, that he stole the deck from him on the closing bell. They both have a laugh but Teddy tells Bear to take the skate deck. “It’s yours man, I want you to have it. I am just here trying to support this charity.”
Even if he hadn’t done that, just talking to the guy, we all conclude he is a likable guy. Then we find out this Teddy is actually Teddy Morse who now owns the whole place, formerly known as Destination Daytona. Fourteen foot high signs saying Teddy Morse’s Harley Davidson are scattered around but we didn’t do the math and that is another laugh. And then of course we had to take a picture.
Needless to say, Bear is a little less cranky after this turn of events.
The charity breakfast and silent auction are the centerpiece of the Flying Piston Benefit. The breakfast is an opportunity for attendees to network with industry leaders and custom motorcycle builders, while the silent auction features a range of custom motorcycle parts, accessories, and memorabilia.
The auction is done and it’s time on Tuesday morning to get moving. I head to CVS down from the Daytona Speedway for bandages. For the event, I bought some Converse Chucks 70 because they have a lot of cushion, I can’t walk on regular Chucks because they are so hard. After a half day on the Chucks 70 I can’t walk at all. The balls of my feet are volcano sore. I’ve got blisters on my heel and a cut on the ankle.
Ahhh, these CVS bandages are good.
I’m invited to the Hamsters’ lunch at Porkies Landing in Georgetown, FL and point the bike West to meet these exclusive riding rodents. It felt wonderful to be in 85 degrees and rolling through Florida on ribbons of asphalt that are smooth as glass. This area outside of Daytona had a distinctive 1950’s feel to it. I roll into the parking lot and I’m greeted with a sea of custom bikes. It’s easy to find my table, I just follow the yellow shirts.
As we are eating, Bruce leans into me and sez, “You know, you remind me of my grandson.” Why is that? Is it because of my rugged good looks? “No.” My intelligence? “No.” My table manners? “No.” So, what is it? “Your bandages. He sports just as many as you do…”
During my ride, I had burned my hand on the engine, inexplicably punctured my pinky, scraped the back of my hand and had 2 hang nails. That all happened after the cable snapped.
After lunch, Bruce heads South, and Ralph, Edge, Bear and I head North to the Okefenokee Swamp. We arrive at sunset and are greeted by two very cool structures for our sleeping accommodations. One is a caboose and the other one is a train engineer shack and both came with Airbnb status.
What we didn’t know but what we soon found out is that this town of Folkston, GA is known for trains. Ralph asked Bear, “how late do the trains run?” He responded, “Nothing past midnight, I’m sure.”
It’s a national train watching spot and as many as 60 trains pass every day. And as soon as we went to bed, the big trains start up.
Since we were 50 yards from the tracks and sleeping in a caboose with springs, the whole caboose would move as the trains went by. I’m not talking about small trains. These suckers were miles long.
The first night was fitful. I awoke a half dozen times, bouncing on the bed, hearing the train whistle past. The second night, I slept the night through and dreamt of trains.
On Wednesday the gang headed into Okefenokee Swamp and took a boat ride to hear swamp stories. Okefenokee in Native American is “land of trembling earth”. It refers to the swamp’s unstable ground, which can shake or tremble underfoot.
The swamp is about the size of Delaware and the water is black and so pure you can drink from it. On our boat tour, we saw 18 alligators of some 15,000 alligators that call the swamp home. We also saw a few turtles and a couple of raptors. I found the scenery to be quite stunning with the tall cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating an eerie and enchanting atmosphere.
One fun fact. Henry Ford used Spanish moss as seat stuffing for his cars to give him a competitive advantage. As it turns out, when he first starting using the moss, you would immediately know who was driving a Ford. They would scratch their butt because Spanish moss is full of chiggers. And ol’ Henry failed to de-chigger his moss. And that is how the term, working-out-the-bugs came about.
In the evening, we sat around the campfire telling stories. There are a lot of things you learn on the road.
Bear mentioned how he conducted a popular and highly secret scientific study called the nipple matrix. It turns out the researchers were vitally interested (him) in the correlation between eyebrow color and nipple color. They would engage the female subject to guess their nipple color. The study covered months of research in multiple countries. Their results were over 99% correct even though nipple color is determined by several factors, including genetics, skin tone, and hormonal changes. I don’t have the time here to go through the entire study and the intricacies of the research, but I will leave you with one universal result. Redheads have the lightest nipple color and are always a light pink.
I will say after hearing about the research, I can’t help but look at females a little differently.
I got to say some guys have that Huck Finn knack for getting woman to undress. Whenever I employ my brother to shoot photography for an event or a product shoot with a model, woman would always be in fewer clothes at the end of the shoot than when they began the shoot. If I couldn’t find him, I could always locate him by finding the best looking woman in the room. Always.
Since alligators were on our mind, I heard the story about a guy rescuing a baby alligator. He kept it in his basement. It grew up with a terrible disposition. It was so bad that it took over the entire basement and he had to feed it from the top of the stairs. He would open the basement door and throw down chicken. And what made him despondent was the alligator had no appreciation for his good work. He knew he had a gator problem when it charged up the stairs during feeding time. To make a long story short, the alligator got Ambien and slept his gator sleep until the van stopped in South Carolina and then was released.
Honestly, I’m not sure I believe this one. But if you live in South Carolina and you are missing any chickens, I may have an answer for you.
Friday morning I was up early and raring to go. I’d planned on staying with Edge Friday night but I determined if I kept riding, I could keep the 35 degree riding at a minimum.
During the ride, I had developed a significant amount of pain in my back and right forearm. I used CBD from HOKO Holistics and it worked like a champ reducing the sharp points.
Edge and Bear peel off in Columbia, SC. I motored on to Knoxville, TN and shut it down for the night when the rain hit and the wind started blowing. I was up at 10AM the next morning to get as much warmth as possible. My heart skipped a beat when the engine stumbled and didn’t start. I really didn’t want another AAA adventure. Then I remembered that I’m running a lithium battery and you need to charge it first by bumping the starter to wake it up.
The last three hours were in 37 degree weather during a cold slate rain. By staying in the saddle, I’d missed even colder weather, more rain, and probably an extra day on two wheels. I finally roll into my driveway and shut the bike off. I grab my gear with claw-like hands and stiff leg it into the house with a feeling of relief and satisfaction.
I reflected that no matter what you do; it takes a lot of people to do it. You can’t have an event without volunteers. Mandy and Sandy Rossmeyer, Edge, Bear, Ralph Bellini, Joan Catalino, Woody Woodruff, Steve Piehl, Ron Harris, Jessica Shine, and many more helped and made it run smooth.
None of this could have happened without presenting sponsors: Stacyc, Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Baker Drivetrain, Motorcycle Safety Lawyers, Strider Bikes, and host Teddy Morse’s Daytona H-D. Their contributions made the event possible, allowing proceeds of over $10,000 to fund All Kids Bike programs at local elementary schools. This program of the Strider Education Foundation puts bike-riding instruction in kindergarten PE classes nationwide.
And my last thought to close out the 2023 Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast is Mandy Rossmeyer. Mandy confirmed her participation in the 2024 Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast in Daytona. And Mandy, I am thanking you in advance.
P.S. I was asked what I learned from the trip to Daytona Beach. It gave me pause. The thing that came to mind is that rain suits from Walmart should be considered disposable.
Gentleman’s Ride Recap
By Wayfarer |
This Time Last Week Gentlefolk Across the Globe Put Their Best Wheels Forward At the DGR 2023
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is where dapper look and noble cause go hand in hand. This annual event is a true gift from the motorcycling community to the world at large. We loved to see many Ural riders participate across the globe.
Watch video recap from DGR Coimbra, Portugal here and more captures from around the world in the updated blog post.
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Gear up to ride to your favorite Motorcycling Events – Click Here to view the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop
Harley dual sport motorcycle: The Carducci SC3 Adventure
By Wayfarer |
Jim Carducci is an engineer with a passion for dual sport motorcycles and the Harley Sportster motor. So he’s put the two together and created the Carducci Dual Sport SC3 Adventure.
It’s not quite as improbable as it sounds, and the amount of engineering on the finished product is quite remarkable. But the question remains: why? “I had a vision of how I could somehow transform a Sportster into a viable dual sport motorcycle,” says Jim. “Others have built variations of the idea, but none suited my eye. And few were truly capable off-road dual sport bikes.”
Read the full story at: https://www.bikeexif.com/dual-sport-motorcycle