by Frank Ball with photos by Meredith Devine

The Gang Setup the 5-Ball Headquarters on the Ruddy Surface of the Round-Up

Dustin Hill, my tattooed Biker brother from the gym rides a sic-ass Dyna with all the upgrades. He invited me and 5-Ball Racing Leathers to be a part of his motorcycle event deep in the heart of the Texas hill country, about an hour and half outside of Austin, Texas. Deemed The Texas Hills Cycle Show at the round up in Blanco, Texas. I rode my FXR chopper, Bandit “Pops” built, out there alone Friday night. I peeled through the back roads and hills. Man, this place was so cool, perfectly tucked away in thick green endless rolling hills and two-lane back roads of the Texas hill country.

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

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC

A Hundred
by Chris Dutcher

He hadn’t felt this good in a long time. Five year sentence he’d done forty-three months, seventeen days, five hours and fifty-eight minutes. But who’s counting…

The bike wanted to go a hundred, and he’d let it. The speedo had hovered right around the one-double zero for well over an hour, he must be on fumes.

Backing off the throttle was almost like after-sex. The engine rapped down like the engine brake on a semi, counting through the gears.

Everyone looked away when he pulled up to the pumps, which was fine with him. His face tingled. He laughed.

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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

Dustin Hill, my tattooed Biker brother from the gym rides a sic-ass Dyna with all the upgrades. He invited me and 5-Ball Racing Leathers to be a part of his motorcycle event deep in the heart of the Texas hill country, about an hour and half outside of Austin, Texas.

Deemed The Texas Hills Cycle Show at the round up in Blanco, Texas. I rode my FXR chopper, Bandit “Pops” built, out there alone Friday night. I peeled through the back roads and hills. Man, this place was so cool, perfectly tucked away in thick green endless rolling hills and two-lane back roads of the Texas hill country.

As I rode the chopper I was swept away into an old western spirit, twisting and turning through thick gorgeous nature that surrounded me at sunset. I was amazed how the FXR, stretched chopper with the girder front end handled so well. It still fed me an element of danger as the Evo engine and thunder header roared smoothly in the warm Texas heat, a perfect evening for riding.

As I pulled up to the round-up after a strong hour and half ride seemingly out in the middle of deserted Texas country, I felt the feeling of welcome. Rumbling inside the old wooden gates, I was greeted by my tattoo buddies Alex and James and my newest biker bro Johnny Mud.

Frankie Jr. could not make the event, so his sister Maxine bravely agreed to haul the 5-Ball Racing Leathers booth to the event.

Plastered across the back of the booth a mega size poster of Bandit himself made a legendary presence at the event!

With my daughter Maxine, Daren from Hawaii and many more friends, we roamed the isles of beautiful custom built motorcycles lining the top deck of the music venue. A magical Texas evening opened in the vast night sky, after we finished doing some 5-Ball business.

Later, we headed off to some joint in Blanco, a bar found again seemingly in the middle of nowhere, a decorated mid-century retro house, right out of a Marty Robin’s western ballad. We partied a bit with the 5-Ball ladies and left the five ball business in the hands of Maxine Ball.

We returned after a night of love under the Texas stars. Saturday we glowed and roamed the tumble-weed strewn grounds to check the vendors and hang with friends. I want to share a big shout out to those who attended. It was a good time and a perfect Texas biker adventure.

Here’s a few people Dustin would like to thank for sponsoring the Texas Hills Cycle Show and attending vendors:

Kara & Mario the owners of The Roundup. Cowboy Harley-Davidson, Campo Bravo Tequila & Waterloo Sparkling Water for being sponsors.

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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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.

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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…

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 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 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

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.

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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These carburetors are NOT for sale or use in the State of California

Parts are Available!

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.

Read more at:
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/fame-electric-two-wheeler-beneficiary-tally-slashed/100607868

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

[page break]

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

https://youtu.be/5MnPEeqmOfE

–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 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.

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