WordPress CMS turns 20 years old on May 2023
By Wayfarer |
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Enter the 100-word fiction contest. Win cool swag. Send us a fiction story in 100 words or less. Email wayfarer @ bikernet.com
Baker’s Dozen Fight for Bikers
By Wayfarer |
On Tuesday, 13 members of the House of Representatives sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary of Pete Buttigieg seeking the formation of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). As you may remember, the MAC was first established by Congress in 2015 and renewed with passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.
Unfortunately, despite the requirement that the MAC be established within 90 days after the law is passed, DOT has failed to act. In the past, the MAC has provided a critical forum for policy makers, roadway engineers, and motorcyclists to discuss ways roadway and barrier design, construction and maintenance practices and intelligent transportation systems can better meet the safety needs of the nearly 9 million motorcyclists in this country.
One important part of the reestablished MAC, as outlined in the text of the law, is the expansion of membership seats. The inclusion of manufacturers, motorcyclist rights organizations and safety professionals will provide for a more expansive knowledge base and information sharing on the council. As prescribed in the law, the MAC will be required to submit biennial reports on their findings.
Establishment of the MAC was one of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s priorities during the recent Bikers Inside the Beltway event in D.C. Thank you to Rep. Gallagher for leading the letter and to the 12 other lawmakers listed below for supporting our efforts to seat the MAC.
Rep. Gallagher (WI)
Rep. Carsen (IN)
Rep. Finstad (MN)
Rep. Fitzgerald (WI)
Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA)
Rep. Grothman (WI)
Rep. Lee (NV)
Rep. Norman (SC)
Rep. Stauber (MN)
Rep. Steil (WI)
Rep. Tiffany (WI)
Rep. Van Orden (WI)
Rep. Wilson (SC)
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. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org
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Get There Faster, Click & Get the Bikernet.com Free Weekly Newsletter
THE SHOW WEEKEND BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for May 25, 2023
By Bandit |
Hey,
This is show weekend at the Black Hills Motorcycle Show at the Mountain Grand in Deadwood, SD. Jason Mook and his band of renowned have taken over the historically Rapid City Show. It died because of covid, but now it’s Saturday in historic Deadwood and brothers from far and wide are coming to see it.
Jason has a special partner in this chromed endeavor, Charlie. She is not only his wife, but a City Commissioner, a partner in the notorious number 10 saloon and the broad who runs the whiskey bar. Behind that brilliant smile are the fangs of outlaw business. It’s going to be a helluva weekend.
Let’s hit the news:
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
AS CALIFA CRUMBLES– Officials investigate mysterious disappearance of 30-Ton shipment of explosive chemicals in California.
Ammonium nitrate is commonly used as fertilizer but can also be used as an ingredient in homemade explosives
Approximately 61,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used as both fertilizer and an ingredient in explosives, went missing when it was shipped by rail from Wyoming to California last month, prompting officials to begin investigating the mysterious disappearance.
Ammonium nitrate was used in 1995 at an attack on the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The explosion killed 168 people and injured approximately 850.
On April 12, a railcar loaded with 30 tons of the chemical left Cheyenne, Wyoming. However, according to an incident report from Dyno Nobel, when the car arrived two weeks later at a rail stop in the Mojave Desert, it was completely empty.
Dyno Nobel, the company responsible for shipping the ammonium nitrate is a leader in commercial explosives and filed a report with the federal National Response Center (NRC) on May 10.
–fox news
PAT AND BROOK KENNEDY REPORT—
Great article on Pat and Brook Kennedy on Bikernet. 1st met them at Kennedy’s in Oceanside 1987. In 1988 I was with Rodent from Outlaw Biker at Yuma Prison Run. Met him at Pop’s Place.
Went to the fairgrounds and 1st thing Rodent see’s is a beautiful Softail chopper, asks me who that was. I told him Bill Kennedy and that bike was built by Pat, Bill’s brother. October 88 issue of Outlaw Biker came out and there were mostly pics of Pat, Mike and me. Couple of Pat’s choppers, his old Panhead and Bill’s Softtail. This was about the time the floodgates opened on Pat.
His craftsmanship and skill was published around the world. No credit to me, only to the fine people at Kennedy’s Custom Cycle.
Mike moved to Edmonton Ky. a few years ago, just sold off inventory and shut the doors on Kennedys due to health issues. Some 39 years having known this band of 3 brothers has been an honor.
Doc, now in Ringgold, Ga. In Stitches Upholstery, 31 Shadbone Ln. , Ringgold, Ga. 30736, phone 406-422-3194 kept my old Montana number when moved here.
WORDPRESS CMS turns 20 years old in May 2023.
The local WordPress community of bloggers, web-developers and hobbyists are hosting a meetup at Marriott hotel — sponsored by American web-hosting company BlueHost.com
I will be attending the event on Saturday May 27, 2023 from 3 pm to 5:30 pm and proudly representing Bikernet Blog which runs on WordPress.
https://www.meetup.com/wordpressmumbai/events/291183692/
I hope to showcase the fact that Bikernet’s pure vanilla blog using old school simplicity can also be effective in content delivery – because ultimately, a website it is not solely about design and graphics, but also about the “content” it publishes.
I will mention the success of Bikernet Blog reaching Top 25 Motorcycle Blogs milestone last year.
BlueHost is a partner endorsed by the official founders of WordPress and their team, powering over 2 million websites. Their features such as 1-click installation and superior customer service has made them popular with the netizens.
WordPress started in 2003 when Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg created a fork of b2/cafelog. The need for an elegant, well-architected personal publishing system was clear to them even then.
Today, WordPress is built on PHP and MySQL, and licensed under the GPLv2. It is also the platform of choice for over 43% of all sites across the web.
While all users may not be entirely happy with the Gutenberg Block Editor, but you gotta realize that WordPress is now a full-fledged Content Management System. An open-source one at that while competing with the best in the CMS business.
–Wayfarer
Bikernet Blog Editor
A BROTHER AND MENTOR DIED RECENTLY—
Ladd Terry became a very good friend after I left ER in 1999. With three PhDs, he was a font of knowledge and insight. He helped me renovate my home in San Pedro, dodge a bad relationship, build motorcycles and improve my writing skills. If you dig around Bikernet, you’ll find Dr. Nuttboy from time to time.
Rest in Peace Brother,
–Bandit
LATEST FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING–Gain the Edge with Our High-Quality Cam Gears Now In Stock!
Brand New J and JD Cams by LINK Engineering Made in the U.S.A
The bushings on this new cam have only been lightly reamed to allow it to slip onto the inspection fixture and may require final sizing before installation.
Below is an excerpt from page 20 of the Harley Davidson publication, “Motor Repair Manual for the Guidance of the Motorcycle Repair Man”, copyright 1918.
As it states, the running fit of both the cam followers as well as the cam on the pins is a “free running fit, which translates into 0.0005-inch loose. You, or your motor builder, may have to hone or ream the bushing for final fitment. If reaming, it’s advisable to do it on a decent drill press or a mill for accuracy.
You should also enter from the gear side to maintain concentricity of the gears pitch circle to the centerline of the hole. The pin in your particular motor may however be slightly worn in which sizing may not be necessary. If the cam slips on to the pin and spins freely with no bind as is, then re-sizing should not be necessary.
To Inspect, Adjust, or Replace Secondary and Roller Arm Studs
1. Inspect the studs to see whether or not they are loose or worn. To test either stud to see if it is loose, strike it lightly with a small hammer.
A loose stud can be felt and will make a dull thud when struck.
If a loose stud is found, tighten it securely as explained hereinafter.
2. If the stud is tight, inspect it for wear. Try the secondary gear on the secondary stud, and both inlet and exhaust roller arms on the roller arm stud for shake.
These parts are assembled with just a free running fit, the inside diameter of the roller arm bushing or the hole diameter of the secondary gear being .0005-inch larger than the diameter of its respective stud.
Secondary gear studs are ground to ½ inch diameter, while roller arm studs are ground to 7/16 inch diameter.
3. If the exhaust or inlet roller arm or the secondary gear clears its respective stud by more than 0015-inch, the studs or stud plate assembly, secondary gear, or the roller arm bushings should be replaced. Too much clearance at any of these places reduces valve lift and delays valve action, cutting down the efficiency of the motor and also making the motor extremely noisy.
CAM-001 HARLEY J & JD CAM GEAR 1917-1929 61 & 74-INCH
Regular price $395.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
THERE MAY BE HOPE FOR CLIMATE TRUTH—
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida ripped President Joe Biden Wednesday during a Fox News interview, saying that reversing the president’s energy policies was one of his top three priorities were he to be elected president.
“I have always rejected the politicization of the weather, and I think what we should be doing in the United States is focusing on being energy-independent and making sure that we are utilizing the resources… and oh, by the way, when you have market-based solutions and when you innovate, in Florida we have seen emissions go down dramatically in the last 10 years, but that is through market and innovation,” DeSantis told Fox News host Trey Gowdy.
“What Biden wants to do, he wants take us in a direction where we are like Germany where we don’t have a reliable power grid, where prices spike,” DeSantis said. “California for example, they have a tough time keeping the lights on, and yet they want to ban the internal combustion engine?”
–from Fox News
“Maybe there’s hope,”–Bandit
COMPETITIVE XDA Racers–Ready to Energize VMP
On June 2-4, 2023, the XDA takes Motorcycle Drag Racing to Virginia Motorsports Park for the 37th annual MTC Engineering Summer Nationals.
XDA racers are ready to energize this family-friendly event with the country’s fastest and quickest motorcycle drag racing action. In its sixth year under the rule of Tommy and Judy Franklin, VMP is like a fine wine that gets better year after year. With yearly facility upgrades and new additions, the Franklin’s are building a state-of-the-art facility that any racer or spectator would want to proudly call their home track.
VMP also features an impressive glass-like racing surface, and along with the XDA’s world-class track prep, the combo guarantees record-setting performances at every event.
Orient Express Racing Pro Street
Points Leader – Rodney Williford
The World’s fastest and quickest street tire motorcycles will assemble once again for the Orient Express Pro Street class. These 650+ horsepower motorcycles will WOW you every time they take to the track. Their performance numbers always impress as they run at speeds over 230mph in the quarter-mile in only 6 seconds.
Rodney Williford continues his third year of Pro Street domination to lead the championship chase after a season-opening win last month. Williford is a skilled rider; however, the class is full of motorcycles that could knock him out at any given time. He may have his combo figured out, but his competition is right on his back door. His reign will end, the question is, who will have that honor, and will it be one of the twenty-four bikes in next weekend’s field?
Pro Street racers are not only competing for a championship but also an invitation to the 27th annual Haltech World Cup Finals presented by Wiseco at Maryland International Raceway on November 1-5, 2023. Racers will be fighting for a top-ten finish in points for the chance to compete in front of over 50,000 fans in November and the $5,000 payout sponsored by Platinum General Services.
DME Racing Real Street
Points Leader – Courtlan Whiting
The DME Racing 7-second, 190mph Real Street class is designed for street-legal sportbikes with limited modifications and a hand clutch. Courtlan Whiting is holding on to the top spot in points for the first time in his career after taking his first-ever Real Street win at the season opener. That spot will be hard for him to hold onto with two class champions ready to draft around him. David Stewart and Mark Hylton sit in the second and third spots, and they both have plans for another championship this season.
HTP Performance Afterdark Underground
Saturday Night, the HTP Performance Afterdark Underground program will feature the “Running of the Bulls” Shootouts and all the Clocks Off racing you can handle!
The track surface will be tight Saturday night as Jason Miller, his #KillerMillerSpiller, and VMP’s Tyler Crossnoe along with Jimmy Bradshaw from Sticky Mafia doing their thing to set up another record-breaking track surface.
So grab your lunch money and head out to watch our five premier Shootout classes, Boosted Bulls (Turbo Bikes), APE Nitrous Bulls (Nitrous Bikes), 3 Sixty 5 Transport Monster Bulls (Heavyweights), Tommie’s Motorsports DMV Bulls (Up-And-Coming), and All Motor Bulls.
MaxxECU Pro Xtreme
Points Leader – Chris Cutsinger
Chris Cutsinger currently leads the MaxxECU Pro Xtreme class, featuring the World’s quickest Turbocharged, Supercharged, and Nitrous Injected big tire wheelie-bar motorcycles. After making his Pro Xtreme debut with XDA this year, international sensation Dale Leeks sits in the number two spot. After being unable to make the final at the last event due to a broken transmission, he will be ready to do what it takes for a win next weekend on his turbocharged Hayabusa.
MaxxECU Pro Xtreme is presented by Billy Vose Racing, Fast by Gast, Dunigan Racing, DME Racing, Grothus Dragbikes, Harley Haul, Rob Bush Motorsports, Robinson Industries, Schnitz Racing, Timblin Chassis, and Worldwide Bearings.
HTP Performance Super Stock
Points Leader – Mark Blake
Whoever has the best clutch hand of the weekend will own the stock wheelbase HTP Performance Super Stock class. The class features strict modification rules, stock wheelbase, stock motor, MR12 spec fuel, no air shifters, no dataloggers, and nowhere to hide. Mark Blake holds the reign, but there is a lot of talent in the class this year, and next weekend can be anyone’s win! Patrick Cooper ran a personal best of 8.907 and made it to the final at the last event. He will look for redemption, and the winner’s circle finish next weekend on his Gen3 Suzuki Hayabusa.
Vance & Hines 4.60
Points Leader – Darion Payne
The Vance & Hines 4.60 class is the World’s quickest 1/8th-mile sportsman index category featuring four-second passes in only 660 feet. Darion Payne leads this star-studded class, however, next weekend, fifty other competitors will be looking to take that honor from him. Brad Gleason qualified number one at the last event but got knocked out in the first round; he will be one of countless riders looking to learn from their mistakes in round two of this year’s five-race series.
The XDA will additionally hold competition in SIX additional sportsman classes featuring 1 Stop Speed 5.60 Index, Mickey Thompson Tires Top Sportsman, VooDoo Components Bracket Bash, MPS Racing Pro ET, Brock’s Performance Street ET, and the Friday night Hard Times Parts & Service Gambler’s race. XDA offers up a professional environment and $28,000 in guaranteed payouts for sportsman racers at each event.
Along with over 700 Professional and Sportsman motorcycle racers battling it out for over $90,000 in payouts, the MTC Summer Nationals will feature a vast vendor midway full of great deals on motorcycle parts, accessories, and apparel.
Make plans now to come out and watch or, better yet, #racewithXDA on June 2-4, 2023.
Visit xdaracing.com for event information, class rules, schedule, and more.
Class Entry List and Resources
XDA prides itself on having a close-knit group of racers. Below, you will find a list of racers attending this event and links to class-specific groups that you can access to talk to other racers and get your questions answered. Together we are strong.
XDA Facebook Groups
•XDA Racers – https://bit.ly/3feasis
•Pro Street – https://bit.ly/3fgZx7D
•Real Street – https://bit.ly/3hmHvm8
•Pro Xtreme – https://bit.ly/30AsBmu
•4.60 Index – https://bit.ly/2UADKA6
•Super Stock – https://bit.ly/3hlXsZN
•5.60 Index – https://bit.ly/3fjOBpZ
BIKE SHOP OF THE WEEK– Yoshi Kasaka
Garage Company
1301 W 130th St, Gardena, CA 90247.
Phone: 310 330 9933 Fax 310-330-9339
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com™
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLINT EASTWOOD–
Born on May 31, 1930, Clint Eastwood went on to vanquish all kinds of movie villains
Later this month, Clint Eastwood turns 93. The winner of four Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, he is a true American legend who made the transition from action hero to sensitive character actor in movies like The Bridges of Madison County, and Gran Torino.
But his finest moments came behind the camera as director of movies like Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River
Refer full article at
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/happy-birthday-clint-eastwood-10630551.html
— Wayfarer
WANT TO RIDE TO THE BASE CAMP–
Vintage Rides has teamed up with Bike Shed Motorcycle Company to curate a selection of adventures. The first of these tours is the Bike Shed Himalayan Scramble.
A few select spaces are available last minute and we are inviting our Vintages Riders community to take up this opportunity to experience the mighty Himalayas with like-minded adventurers from the Bike Shed community.
Where are they taking you?
The Bike Shed and Vintage Rides take you to two of the highest motorable passes in the world on a 14-day adventure into the incredible Ladakh region. From the heat and hustle of Delhi up through the heart of the Indus Valley, you’ll encounter ancient forts, traditional markets and unbelievable mountain vistas.
To the top of the world?
After a short flight from Delhi we begin the ride in Leh, setting off towards Kashmir following the majestic Indus River to the cliff top monastery of Lamayuru.Then heading north for a descent into the spectacular Nubra Valley and up through its gateway, the mythical Khardung La Pass (5602m/18,379ft).
Lastly, we hit the Changthang Plateau and the infinite beauty of Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes.
Push your limits and fill your lungs with the purest mountain air on this Himalayan scramble.
Feel free to contact Ben :
ben@vintagerides.travel
+44?? ??7?362 047 468
For any questions you may have regarding this tour.
FROM THE BIKERNET UNIVERSITY DOWN UNDER CAMPUS—
Do not correct a fool, or he will hate you; correct a wise man and he will appreciate you.
–Ray Russell
Senior Professor
Australia
BUFFALO CHIP MEMORIAL RIDE–
It took us a long time to discover where Buffalo Bill Cody’s best friend, Jonathan “Buffalo Chips”
White, was buried. I expected him to have been buried at the Fort Meade Cemetery with many of the horse cavalry troops who gave it all while helping to piece this Republic together.
It was quite a surprise to find his grave and an Official US Scout Memorial right at the battlefield where he lost his life to a bullet believed to have been sent his way by Chief American Horse.
American Horse was leading his people in a flight for freedom. Buffalo Chips was riding ahead of the 5th Cavalry and headed to Deadwood. The paths of these mortal enemies met just a few weeks after Greasy Grass (Custer’s Last Stand) about 88 miles north of the Buffalo Chip.
As fate would have it, it was the end of the trail for both men, killed by what turned out to be one of the last battles of the American Indian Wars.
The Slim Buttes Battle occurred on September 9th and 10th, 1876. It is an almost forgotten part of this nation’s history, a clash of two cultures. It was not that long ago and it happened right here. It was not a cowboy & Indian movie. Buffalo Chips is buried right there beside a monument thanking him for his service as a US Scout.
This ride to Buffalo Chips’ grave site began on Memorial Day, a day to celebrate peace and freedom while reflecting upon the many who sacrificed their very lives to create and preserve this Republic.
This ride is in memory of one specific man. As the mother of Marc Alan Lee, Navy Seal, has stated so well, “No man is truly dead until he’s been forgotten.”
September 10th seems a most appropriate day for a ride in remembrance of Jonathan “Buffalo Chips’” White. Riding north through beautiful country Buffalo Chips didn’t live to see, we’ll pass a couple of ghost towns, a bunch of pronghorn antelope, a few
dinosaurs, a stage stop or two and arrive at the historical marker that tells the tale.
The graves and Memorials, almost hidden on the hillside, are set just above the draw that was the site of the deadly violence.
The anniversary of that battle will be a great day for this memorial ride. I’ll be saddling up at 0900 on September 10th at the Big Engine here at the Buffalo Chip Campground.
I invite you to join me.
We’ll stop at a couple of pretty cool places along the way. Bring your own beverage, hardtack and jerky.
You can just show up for the ride. I’d be excited, though, to get a text that you’ll be joining us, rain or shine. 605.641.8490. Please meet me at 8:30 a.m. in front of my Buffalo Chip office. We’ll have coffee & snacks and then, rain or shine, it’ll be kickstands up at 0900 hours. I’m looking forward to another great Ride with you.
–Woody
[page break]
SA1NT EXPANDS MOTO DENIM COLLECTION WITH NEW ‘ENGINEERED’ LINE— DELIVERS CE AA RATING AT ENTRY-LEVEL PRICE POINT
Mad Protection, Incredible Value – SA1NT’s $199 ENGINEERED Riding Jean Combines Stylish Design with Next-Level Protection
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Mad Protection. Incredible Value. SA1NT, a leading Australian motorcycle apparel company and innovators of the world’s strongest single-layer denim, is expanding its moto denim collection with the introduction of an all-new, entry-level ‘ENGINEERED’ line. The ENGINEERED collection by SA1NT is 120% stronger than regular denim and delivers the same sleek, SA1NT style synonymous with its industry-leading, single-layer UNBREAKABLE line.
At $199, the ENGINEERED riding jean combines a stylish design with next-level protection. A CE AA rating means riders are well protected while an engineered stretch delivers all-day comfort on and off the bike. SA1NT’s ENGINEERED line comes standard with built-in hip and knee armor, providing high-grade abrasion and tear protection, and a reflective cuff for improved visibility among other motorists.
With the introduction of its new line, SA1NT has reengaged the North American market and has filled inventory at its Utah-based warehouse.
“We’re thankful to have refocused our business after challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Aidan Clarke, SA1NT Moto CEO. “We’ve doubled down on our moto range offering and have expanded from just a handful of moto jean styles, to now offering several CE-rated jackets that look like fashion, but heavily protect the rider if things go random. We don’t want style choices to compromise protection, and our SA1NT garments allow riders to look smart without giving up safety. We love to armor the risk takers.”
On top of an expanded moto denim offering, SA1NT has developed a range of base-layer compression products that were developed in medical grade hosiery factories. From arm sleeves that can reduce forearm pump and grip issues, to compression socks that improve circulation and minimize swelling.
For more information, visit saint.cc, or follow along on Facebook (@saintridefastridefree), Instagram (@saint.cc) and YouTube.
HAMSTER ENTERS GREAT RACE –
As rookies we did exceedingly well, actually ended up 21st place out of 67 cars. It’s a very different challenge from the Pan Americana in Mexico, not the same speed, but all the navigating and staying on time. Had a great time.
–Dr. Hamster
~ Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
–from Wayfarer
Bikernet Investigator
International News Desk
LATEST FROM SUPPORT GOOD TIMES—Bitchin ballcaps.
I was going to buy a bunch of these custom made for Xmas last year. I tried a friend instead for cast ones. I’m still waiting… These are billet and sharp.
VOLKSWAGEN’S MONSTER
The tale of the Canadian government’s vast subsidy to Volkswagen to seize the glittering opportunity to build a battery plant it didn’t want to build without our thirteen billion bucks just keeps getting worse.
Stellantis promptly demanded a similar pile of money for its EV plant in Windsor and with his usual nasty insouciance Prime Minister Trudeau promptly tried to throw Ontario Premier Doug Ford under the electric bus, having his deputy Chrystia Freeland say to solve the problem Ontario had to pay its “fair share.”
Ford fired back “what is our fair share?” as if everybody involved were doing math. But they’re not. They’re doing politics, in which as Brennus famously said, “Vae victis”.
https://climatediscussionnexus.com/2023/05/24/volkswagens-monster/
–Climate Discussion Nexus
SPECIAL EVENT ALERT—
May 27-28, 2023
Have you been considering Progressive Suspension for your motorcycle, but aren’t convinced you’ll be 100% satisfied? This is your opportunity to squash any doubt and feel the difference for yourself!
On May 27-28 at Red Rock Harley-Davidson, we will have our factory staff set up to let you try select Progressive Suspension shock models and feel the ride for yourself with no obligation to purchase.
We will also be set up with our famous semi-truck to perform factory monotube installations as well. Come down and see what you’ve been missing.
Location:
Red Rock Harley-Davidson
2260 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
CAFFEINE AND OCTANE CAR SHOW–Register Today for Our Atlanta Alumni Gathering!
Spaces are available at our Atlanta Alumni Gathering in the Caffeine and Octane car show and there’s still time to register! The event will be held on Sunday, June 4 from 9am-12pm and is free for all attendees.
Caffeine and Octane is a family-friendly, monthly car show held at the Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw, Georgia, with hundreds of vehicles on display. We’ll be right in the mix with a dedicated paddock reserved for BaT Alumni vehicles and community members.
Registration is required for members wishing to bring a vehicle to display in the BaT area. To attend with your car or motorcycle.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST
If you haven’t attended an Alumni Gathering in the past, these events are a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the BaT community—buyers, sellers, commenters, and viewers alike—to meet up in person and share stories, make friends, and admire some of the amazing cars that have come across the block on BaT over the years (check our 2022 Alumni Gathering coverage to get a taste).
–Bring a Trailer.com
NEWS FROM THE DOOMED CONTROL-FREAK STATE–California seeks U.S. approval to end gas-only new-vehicle sales by 2035
The California Air Resources Board, which approved the plan in August, asked the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to approve a waiver under the Clean Air Act to implement its new rules.
The state of California has asked the Biden administration to approve its plan to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
The Biden administration has repeatedly refused to endorse setting a date to phase-out the sale of gasoline-only vehicles.
Read the full skullduggery at:
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/california-seeks-us-approval-end-gas-only-new-vehicle-sales-by-2035-2023-05-23/
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER XL 1200V
URL: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=13874408
Stock# 13879
ONLY 11,244 MILES!
Nothing beats the look of a Sportster that looks like it came from the Old School days and with all its added features you can be rest assured you’ll have the power and look that turns heads everywhere you ride!
* 16-Inch Factory 47 Vicla Handlebars
* Chrome Custom Grips
* LED Headlights with Turnsignals
* Arlen Ness Beveled Inverted Series Air Cleaner
* Vance&Hines Mini Grenade Dual Exhaust
* Saddlemen Step Up Seat with White Lattice Stitch
* Sissy Bar for passengers or luggage
* 21-Inch Black Spoke Front Rim with Red Trim along with a 16-Inch Rear Rim
* White Wall Tires
This bike is only $11,995
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
MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY “FLAT” AS SALES SLIP—
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has released their 2022 Motorcycle Statistical Annual, a comprehensive collection of data about the motorcycle business in America, featuring detailed information on vehicle population, owner demographics, product use, sales, market share, manufacturers, distributors and dealerships nationwide.
“While 2022 is pretty much flat compared to 2021 and 2020, it still is a significant increase from 2019,” explains Buckner Nesheim, MIC Director of Research & Statistics. The industry’s reference book has been updated and the data indicates 2022 sales of new motorcycles and scooters decreased by -3.5% over the previous year, while ATVs decreased -12.7%.
“When we compare 2022 to 2019 sales, off-highway is up +36%, on-highway is up +4%, and scooters are up +12%,” notes Nesheim. “Dual sport (ADV) is a tremendous growth story. Sales in this category have increased every year since 2016 and more dual sport motorcycles were sold in 2022 than in any other year since we started collecting data in this category in 1990.”
MIC data for the full year 2022 show total powersports industry new model retail sales at -6.2% (733,537 units compared to 781,806 units in 2021). Domestic U.S. on-highway retail motorcycle sales were 297,174 units for the year (-5.4%); scooters at 22,181 units (-4.3%); dual sport models (ADV) were 72,643 units (+0.0%); off-highway motorcycles were -5.0% (145,216 units), with ATV retail sales -12.7% at 196,860 units.
–Bill Bish
Editor
NCOM
Read Bill’s whole tamale legislative report for May on Bikernet.
BRAND NEW Bikernet Reader Comment!–
How to build the 45 Magnum Engine
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/How_to_build_the_45_Magnum_Engine.aspx
Hi, would like to know if Duncan is still in business building motors. I have a 45 flathead engine and would like to build a magnum motor. What is his current number.
— Bob Marcuccelli
Stewartweldinc@att.net
GLEN ELLYN, il
There you have it:
408-307-4714
–Bandit
NEWS FROM BIKERNET’S INTERNATIONAL NEWS DESK–Nowhere to go and no place to ride
2.7 million two-wheelers in Mumbai, max density in India at 1,350 per km
The city, with the second highest density, is neighboring Pune with a two-wheeler population of 2.45 million and density of 1,112 bikes per km as on date.
In comparison, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Kolkata have bike density of less than 1,000 bikes per km.
Clearly, motorcycles and scooters reduce petrol consumption and greenhouse gases when compared to four-wheelers. It is not uncommon to see a large SUV with just one person driving to office.
I would say, two-wheelers are the best alternative to public transport for daily commute.
–Wayfarer
Lead Reporter
Bikernet International News Bureau
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME–Join us for the 2023 Hall of Fame Breakfast & Induction Ceremony
The Hall of Fame Breakfast is one of the can’t-miss events of the Sturgis Rally. The Breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. and the Induction Ceremony is at 9:00 a.m. at the Lodge in Deadwood, SD.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame honors the most influential people in the motorcycle industry, sport, and culture, to highlight their accomplishments and to promote the future of motorcycling.
Here are our 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees
1981 Team USA, winners of the Motocross Trophee Des Nations
Chris Callen
Jay Allen
Roland Sands
Scott Jacobs
Donnie Smith, Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Russell Radke, Freedom Fighter
Bert Munro, Kickstands Down
Join us as we celebrate their accomplishments and hear their stories.
A MOMENT WITH THE DOWN-UNDER BIKERNET MYSTIC–
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or a small act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
–Ray Russell
Senior Monk
Bikernet Thought Temple
Australia
REBUILDING THE NATIONAL MOTORISTS ASSOCIATION–
As we’ve gone through a leadership change, you may have felt like a passenger in the backseat going down an unfamiliar road in the dark. I certainly don’t want you to feel like that. But it’s on us/NMA to communicate clearly, concisely and timely. Let me hit the high beams on the road ahead…
As I’ve shared before, we are reinventing the NMA. This is a rebuild not an oil change.
We need a different structure and more capabilities to keep pace with the rapidly changing regulatory landscape. We are seeing trends such as automated enforcement proliferate and accelerate (speed cameras and red light cameras as one example).
Just this past week, SB23-200 in Colorado has been sent to Governor Polis for signing. This particular bill paves the way for expanded use of automated enforcement throughout the state.
In Texas, we mobilized efforts through our local activist Henry Stowe and Terri Hall of Texans United for Reform and Freedom (TURF) to track a wave of onerous bills that have been sent to Governor Abbott for signing, most notably SB-1663 which allows municipalities to arbitrary set speed limits without requiring traffic engineering studies. Wow.
What attracted people to the NMA decades ago – the repeal of the 55-mph national speed limit— was a big-bang event, but now it’s death by a thousand paper cuts.
It feels like a slow, painful death. Auto enforcement. Traffic calming. Tolling. Congestion taxes. The list goes on. Let’s not forget the systematic neutering of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) through an FHWA-driven committee, specifically the dilution of the 85th percentile as a time-tested scientific approach to setting speed limits. Note: The revised version of this key federal document is expected to be released this month.
Numerous members have raised questions, and valid concerns, about what the NMA is doing. What are the NMA priorities, you ask? Have we abandoned our roots in speed limits?
If we tried to fight on many fronts in the past, we’re going to move from a shotgun to a rifle. As an example, we have established criteria to guide our priorities. We ask ourselves these questions:
Q: What is the magnitude of the issue? How big of a threat is it to your freedom? Does it impede your ability to travel or is it just an incremental bite out of your pocketbook?
Q: If it’s a particular piece of legislation, could it set a precedent that might spread to other states if not challenged? What is the risk-reward?
Q: Where is the actual bill in its lifecycle and can we stop it or merely slow it down?
Q: Do we have a viable, effective position we can articulate? Or is our stance too complex, nuanced or convoluted?
Q: Last but not least, do we have the knowledge, tools and resources to win?
We need more activists!
Today we have X number of activists in a handful of states. I am amazed at how engaged these people are, what they have accomplished, and their level of dedication. Jay Beeber (our new Director of Policy & Research) and I are reaching out to meet with our activists. Going forward we are going to publicize our efforts in what will be called, “Victory Lane.”
To battle legislation, we need more boots on the ground. Please let us know if you’re interested in being an activists. We will arm you, train you, and support you!
P.S. As we continue to build out our infrastructure, staff, and systems to bring the fight to those who do not respect your rights, your freedom, and your lifestyle.
Now more than ever, we need donations to fund these investments for the future. Please give if you can!
We need to increase our speed!
–Stewart Price
NMA President
FONZIE RODE—SORTA
Is this our macho bad ass TV hero?
Lol
Henry Winkler Reveals He Rode Fonzie’s Iconic Motorcycle Only Once — and Crashed It
https://l.smartnews.com/p-NEP8A/8VHMcE
–Geno
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT—
There’s been a disturbance in the force, the brush area is smoother than it looks. Cut lines are closer to being a drawn marker line, then able to feel them. Not sure how much the missing section effects it? It spins great, just too worn to stay engaged and pops back out of the clutch basket and spins. New solenoid, multi-strand cables, old starter.
She’s old as the Hitachi failed between ‘79-’81 and I replaced it with the Prestolite.
–RFR
DICE ON THE MOVE–We were out in California & Utah all week with our friends Go & Masumi Takamine, Brat Style Custom Motorcycles.
A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF MOTORCYCLE HISTORY
Please contribute to the Daytona 200 Monument Hogslayer plaque honoring drag racer TC Christenson and John Gregory, the builder of the world famous Hogslayer dragster.
The Sunset Motors drag racing team from Kenosha, Wisconsin, commanded four world championships on their Norton double engine Hogslayer dragster in the 1970s.
This remarkable Hogslayer legend deserves to be celebrated for all time at the Daytona 200 Monument. Please donate to this very worthy cause to benefit motorcycle history.
–James Cutting
Independent Producer/Director/Screenwriter
THE EDGE LTD.
A Division of The Cutting Edge, Inc.
262.224.3777
edgeltdjc@gmail.com
Products at www.edgeltdproducts.com
772 Valley Forge Drive, Slinger, Wisconsin 53086
Producer of the 10th Anniversary “Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend”
“Walter: The Missing Link – Discovery of a Centennial Motorcycle” – www.walterdoc.com
MOTORCYCE RIDERS FOUNDATION REPORT–Bikers, Bikers Everywhere!
This week bikers from across the nation descended on Capitol Hill. The 2023 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) Bikers Inside the Beltway was the largest event in the 14-year history of the event! Motorcyclists from 34 states made the trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for issues that matter to the street rider.
The list of policy concerns was long! Issues include: right to repair, preserving the internal combustion engine, profiling of bikers, autonomous vehicles, ethanol mandates, the definition of a motorcycle, and the creation of a Motorcyclist Advisory Council within the Department of Transportation.
In just one day, all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators received an informational packet from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) explaining who we are, what we’ve done, and what we want.
Working with our State Motorcyclist Rights Organization (SMRO) partners, sustaining clubs and the National Council of Clubs we earned many important victories. In 2022 we saw the passage of an anti-profiling resolution, answers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on autonomous vehicles, and language requiring a report from the Department of Transportation on policies related to the targeting of bikers.
Perhaps the best part about Bikers Inside the Beltway is the buzz that occurs on Capitol Hill when hundreds of bikers roam the halls on Congress. They not only hear us, but they see us!
The MRF is committed to being your voice in Washington, D.C. We’ve had a presence in town since 1986 and we won’t leave until the job is done! We are, and will remain, the voice of the street rider in our nation’s capital.
Thank you to all the motorcyclists that attended the event! It’s never too early to start making plans for the next installment of Bikers Inside the Beltway in May 2024.
Check out some of the pictures of your fellow riders fighting for your rights in the halls of Congress.
–MRF
[page break]
BIKERNET IRON-PILE GYM REPORT–This below article is lengthy but I already did bits of it long before I read about it.
Short bursts of push-ups or pull-ups at any free moment or if I feel lethargy setting in or to shoo away boredom. They call it an “exercise snack”. That and brisk walking is how I look ten years younger than my peers of the same age.
Plus, I can stand on one foot forever. In Yoga as well as Wu-Shu pose.
After quitting smoking, I attempted 5 km runs in local events as well. I am not as fast as 6 km per hour, but I finish the 5 km run in 45 minutes — which is more than enough aerobic exercise for the day for me.
Easy Ways to Turn Back Fitness Clock after 40
https://www.taijutsu.art/2023/05/easy-ways-to-turn-back-fitness-clock.html
–Wayfarer
Fitness Guru
Bikernet.com™
WISDOM QUOTES–
“A man is great not because he hasn’t failed; a man is great because failure hasn’t stopped him.” ~ Confucius
“It is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ~ Aristotle
“If you feel pain, you’re alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you’re a human being.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
“To inspire people, don’t show them your superpowers. Show them theirs.”
“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” ~ Rabindranath Tagore
“Don’t promise when you’re happy. Don’t reply when you’re angry. And don’t decide when you’re sad.”
“You are not the darkness you endured, you are the light that refused to surrender.”
“Do what is necessary, not what is convenient. Pursue a meaningful life, not an easy one.”
–Wayfarer
Professional wandering mendicant
Bikernet.com™
BIKERNET BABE OF THE WEEK—Resky
–Sam Burns
Curvy Curator
Bikernet.com™
MAJOR CLASSIC FROM THE NMM—
George Hendee, a champion bicycle racer and bicycle manufacturer, and Carl Hedstrom, the maker of a bicycle racing “pacer”, met in the late 1890’s. Pooling their talents they began creating their first prototype for a production motorcycle in 1901. Together they created a refined machine, one of America’s first mass-produced motorcycles.
This specific Indian design related to the 1900 patented engine design of Emil Hafelfinger of New Jersey, a derivative of the French De Dion-Bouton design. Engines were produced by Aurora Automatic Machinery Company of Aurora, Illinois.
Read the whole story at the National Motorcycle Museum web site. This bike will be auctioned off soon.
This very early American motorcycle is graciously on loan to the National Motorcycle Museum from the John and Jill Parham Collection but will be among hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of pieces of memorabilia offered in the John Parham Estate Collection Mecum Auction, Lot 131, at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa, September 6 – 9, 2023.
Watch for information on the Mecum Auctions website, Mecum.com
For schedule information, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.
BIKERNET 100-word FICTION CONTEST—
It’s a challenge to write a story with a beginning, middle and end in 100 words. We will award monthly winners with a serious Bikernet Bling Bag and a signed book of your choosing. Give it a shot.
Here’s my first attempt…
Choices
The phone rang early. “Do you want it or not?” The temperamental voice demanded. It involved the sale of a 1945 Knucklehead, my dream ride.
I rolled over and touched the softest ass on the planet. She woke and twisted into my arms naked and wet. Her sapphire eyes blinked and we kissed. “Where are we going for our honeymoon?”
My phone blinked a text message. “Have you registered for school?” Dad. I rolled over and she climbed on top of me. As she pushed against my chest and stirred, I pondered the bobbed Harley and riding across Mexico.
–Bandit
KJAZZ BLUES BASH FEATURING–
MUD MORGANFIELD
JACKIE VENSON
SEAN LANE
Friday, September 8, 2023 at 8PM
Miracle Theatre in Inglewood
Join us for the KJazz Blues Bash on Friday, September 8th at 8pm at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood. Headlining is multi award-winning artist Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of blues legend Muddy Waters. Hosted by “The Wagman”, the KJazz Blues Bash also features singer-songwriter and guitarist Jackie Venson.
Opening the concert will be Sean Lane, who plays solo-acoustic Delta style blues and solo-electric Hill Country blues.
VIP tickets are sold out! GA tickets are available for $66-$88. Tickets are available now at jazzandblues.org.
URAL UPDATE–New Limited Caribbean Blue
Just Hit The Shores. Atlantic Shores.
This is a true story of a stunning metallic Caribbean Blue paint we developed for a limited edition that didn’t happen.
We love the color so much we decided to let it out and be in the world.
There are about 11 units that are going to be available for US and Canada between now and July.
Get hold of your dealer and secure yours.
NEWS FROM GREASY KULTURE–Perfect parallel twins, straight from the freezer!
OK, for a bit of fun we’re dipping into the vast Greasy Kulture archive and pulling out some of those bikes we wish we could feature again and again they’re so tight ‘n’ right! As always, we hope you enjoy these flashbacks and appreciate your support if you decide to invest in some back issues! Remember, once they’re gone (and some of these bikes come from sold out issues) they’re gone!
So, let’s look through some truly tasty Trumpets – are your favourites here?
There are some world-renowned builders – yeah, you’ll know who! – that have built more than one show-stopping Triumph, but in the interests of variety we decided to keep our shortlist to five different individuals.
Customizing Triumphs brings its own set of individual challenges: stock pre-uint rigid frames can look awful when used as the basis for a chopper, as can stock gas tanks. It takes a great eye and some fabricating ingenuity to really make these machines stand out for the right reasons and that the proportions work.
The main photo, above, is of Jared Weems’ ‘David Mann Triumph’, a beautifully flawless ’52 Speed Twin replicated painstakingly from Mann’s ‘Dog Gone Hot Dogs’ painting; we brought it to you in issue 78, sadly sold out. Jared built it for Born Free a few years back and it’s one of those bikes we dream of having in our garage; and here are a few more…
Check the whole line-up at Greasy Kulture.
TWO-WHEELERS to now run on blended ethanol fuel: Honda
In Uttar Pradesh State of India, two-wheelers being introduced now will be compatible with 20% blended ethanol fuel. Senior executives of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said that technology advancements have been made by the industry to handle the increased ethanol content in the fuel.
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT—The GROUP BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for May 18, 2023. — Read it by clicking here
Couple tubes of BBs will work on internal rust removal with a hint of lacquer thinner. Shake like hell, drain, clean grit off BBs repeat as needed.
–David E.
GET PAID to Write Climate Horror Stories
Have you ever wondered why you only read apocalyptic climate stories in the mainstream media? So, did I.
Here is one reason why:
Several liberal foundations ponied up $8 million and got at least 65 biased stories circulated worldwide with the AP brand for their money in just one year.
The AP reported that it would hire 20 new environmental writers with that money to create a “Climate SWAT Team” to promote climate alarm.
Funding was provided by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Quadrivium, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation in February 2022.
Read whole story at CO2Coalition.com
Quote of the Week
“Few people would enjoy a world in which
the Sierra Club had achieved all of its goals.”
–Simon Lack, investment manager and energy writer
WELCOME to the MRF Team in Illinois– Dellann Stutsman!
She is also a Road Captain with Leather & Lace MC. Along with being an ABATE of Illinois member too.
Welcome to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Team!
(“She is assistant club rep, and we are very please to have her, she is a go getter and we welcome her, knowing she will make a difference.”)
(“Russell Radke”)
So, she can still be an Assistant State Rep. if she wants to be, “the pay is still the same!”
(“Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Often, Ride Home!!”)
Beowulf M.C. LTD. 1976 – Life, H.O.G. 1983 – Life
A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, 1986, Freeport Chapter,
A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois FED-PAC Committee,
A.B.A.T.E. of Wisconsin, A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa,
A.M.A. Charter Life Member 25 years.
MRF member, 01/2008, MRF Illinois State Representative, 1/2020
Dennis “Cleaver” Yeager
14459 W. West Grove Rd.
Forreston, IL. 61030
815-238-6262 Cleaver1957@gmail.com
TRIKE CONVERSION KITS FOR SPORTSTER MODELS–
Paughco Trike Conversion Kits For Sportster Models
Turn your 1986-up Sportster into a trike, and enjoy all the benefits that having a third wheel provides. These conversion kits are very affordable, and can be installed in stages, if necessary. All of these components are designed to work seamlessly with each other.
• Mix and match swingarms and axle assemblies to cover all 1986–2015
Sportster models whether fitted with chain or belt final drive
• Uses wheels with GM/Chevy 5 x 4.75″ bolt pattern
(sold separately)
• No cutting of your frame is required
• Mount to existing swingarm and shock locations
• US-made Paughco axle assemblies with posi-traction non-slip differential
• Gloss black powdercoated axle assemblies and raw steel swingarms
• Axle assemblies include brake calipers and rotors
The Paughco crew makes everything you need to build a cool, chopped trike.
Electric cars more harmful than conventional, hybrid cars: IIT Kanpur study
A recent IIT Kanpur study suggested that electric vehicles are doing more harm to the environment. Battery Electric Cars (BEVs) emit 15-50 per cent more greenhouse gases in different categories than other vehicles, according to the study.
The manufacturing, use and scrapping of electric cars is producing 15 to 50 per cent more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than hybrid and conventional engine cars, according to the report by IIT Kanpur’s Engine Research Lab.
In the per kilometre analysis, the purchase, insurance and maintenance of electronic vehicles (EVs) are also costlier by 15-60 per cent. The study also showed that hybrid electric cars are the most eco-friendly.
The study was conducted by IIT Kanpur with the help of a Japanese organization on electric, hybrid and conventional cars. The study divided the cars into three categories — two foreign categories and one Indian category– to calculate the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the vehicles.
Read the full story at:
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/electric-cars-more-harmful-iit-study-ghg-emissions-2383340-2023-05-23
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
MORE FROM TEXAS–Got the replacement ready, and approved for one of two shows so far, so it may be Saturday before I finish. And random Nikki Lane
–RFR
YAMAHA OUTDOOR ACCESS INITIATIVE— Makes First-Quarter Grants Nationwide
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative listed its grants for the first quarter of 2023, supporting outdoor recreation projects and programs across the country, including efforts aimed at younger generations.
“Part of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative’s mission is to protect the future of outdoor recreation for everyone, as well as have them experiencing and appreciating it, so it was great to grant multiple applications this quarter that focused on getting kids active and outdoors,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha motorsports marketing manager. “Additionally, Yamaha is honored to accept the Public Lands Alliance’s Corporate Stewardship Award, which acknowledged the success of the Outdoor Access Initiative in promoting and defending access to public lands for motorized and outdoor recreation.”
The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative is continuing its support of All Kids Bike, getting students in public schools outside and helping teach them how to ride bicycles. The $100,000 OAI grant will support activations in elementary schools across America and help thousands of kids exercise and enjoy the outdoors while on two wheels.
Yamaha awarded 13 grants for the first quarter of 2023, totaling more than $288,000 in funding.
The deadline to apply for consideration in second-quarter funding is June 30. OHV riding clubs and other outdoor recreation organizations with nonprofit status should visit YamahaOAI.com to learn how to apply for a grant and review the submission guidelines. Yamaha stated that since 2008, its Outdoor Access Initiative has contributed more than $5 million to more than 450 projects across the country.
THE OLSEN FAMILY BIRTHDAY PARTY—
In Aberdeen, coupled with a Black Hills Chapter meeting of the AMCA for the antique Sturgis Run 2023. We drove the injured Charlie Rust and Rob from Sturgis to Aberdeen, 5 hours for the meeting of the minds, lunch and the family Birthday Party.
I might not have this exactly correct, but Matt Olsen’s Birthday, his son’s and his wife’s Birthday fall on sorta the same day.
On the way out we discussed everything from drug abuse to health issues and of course motorcycle experiences. Motorcycle stuff are made of dreams, racing and creativity. Rob owned a shop in Minneapolis for many years and had the opportunity to tour Jon Kosmalski’s shop where House of Kolor magic happened. It was a sight of mystic colors and textures to behold.
Well, if you ever have the chance to tour the Olsen compound you will encounter Knucklehead heaven from the antique architecture adorned homes, to the art and racing artifacts, to the collection of restored Knuckleheads, to the expanded and expanded shop fulla tools, knowledge, parts and pieces to make any Knucklehead shine again.
Okay, enough of that, here are three tips for Knucklehead restoration fans. I took Matt into his massive home basement containing a maze of rooms for welding, machining and wondered how the hell he got everything down to the basement. He built an elevator, of course, and not just a regular box but a lift large enough to carry any motorcycle or 8-foot long lathe.
Sequestered in the dark confines of the basement I asked if he saw considerable differences from Knuckles to Pans. He did not, and actually pointed out weak bronze valve guides in Panheads over iron strong guides in Knuckles.
He told me they generally shift their restorations from 6 to 12-volt and they worked with BDL to develop a primary belt drive for inside Knucklehead primaries. They save on lots of tedious adjustments and last.
Happy Birthday, Goddammit!
–Bandit
JUST THE BEGINNING—Of another wild week. I installed an ol’ school oil filter on the Dicey Knuck. Then I discovered, after I cut my braided line a new way of attaching the oil filter directly to the tank. Matt Olsen came up with it, and we will share it with you shortly.
Hang on for what we did with the muffler Charlie gave me. We couldn’t get the pipe out of it. I’m going to Silicone Bronze weld it directly to my pipe.
Billy Lane is headed to the races this weekend. He’s thinking about buying this cute little ’37 WLDR. We are working on a deal for a 1913 Harley twin engine.
Howard Knight made a new sheath for the massive knife Gearhead gave me for my BD. Had to give Gearhead credit on the back.
We are trying to come up with an exterior jump-start system for the Salt Torpedo. I’m not sure how this puppy works. May need a trip to Camping World.
The Show Weekend Bikernet Weekly News for May 25, 2023
By Wayfarer |
Click Here to Read this week’s news only on Bikernet.com
This is show weekend at the Black Hills Motorcycle Show at the Mountain Grand in Deadwood, SD. Jason Mook and his band of renowned have taken over the historically Rapid City Show.
Jason has a special partner in this chromed endeavor, Charlie. She is not only his wife, but a City Commissioner, a partner in the notorious number 10 saloon and the broad who runs the whiskey bar. Behind that brilliant smile are the fangs of outlaw business. It’s going to be a helluva weekend.
Billy Lane is headed to the races this weekend. He’s thinking about buying this cute little ’37 WLDR. We are working on a deal for a 1913 Harley twin engine.
It’s going to be action packed this weekend. Hang On!
Ride free forever!
–Bandit
* * * * * * * *
Get the inside scoop with plenty of extras — click to visit Bandit’s Cantina menu and membership options.
100 WFC: Rear View Mirrors by Wayfarer
By Wayfarer |
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
* * * *
REAR VIEW MIRRORS by Wayfarer
They come in pairs. You buy ’em in pairs. That’s how it is with motorcycle rear-view mirrors. You can’t just pick one out of the pile and use it. It’s a set, like my Mom’s cutlery – you break one, you can’t buy just one!
I should’ve attended the summer camp for off-road terrain. I was a prick. I could’ve paid attention to the neighbour’s kid showing off his skills. Thought he was a prick. Busted motorcycle, broken ego.
On the beaten track, I got beat. There is no looking back in life. Move onward!
* * * *
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: Been There Done That by Steven Sanner
By Wayfarer |
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
BEEN THERE DONE THAT by Steven Sanner
Well, I didn’t think it could happen to me. Everyone has had the feeling of deja vu at least once in their life. Some have had it more than once.
There I was, just sitting on my old ridged Shovel at the red traffic light, just enjoying the day when I got the feeling that I needed to get off the bike and run, and that’s what I did. I bailed off that thing like there was a rattlesnake under my ass. When I did there was a loud crash and I saw what was left of my bike flying through the intersection.
* * * *
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
NCOM Biker Newsbytes for May 2023
By Wayfarer |
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish
Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK —
- “COMING TOGETHER” WELCOMED AT NCOM CONVENTION
- AORA WOULD EXPAND MOTORIZED RECREATION
- MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY “FLAT” AS SALES SLIP
- MIC ADDS POPULAR “ADVENTURE BIKE” MARKET SEGMENT
- NHTSA REPORTS RISE IN MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES
- WHO PROMOTES HELMET USAGE WORLDWIDE
- ENHANCED DRIVERS LICENSES AVAILABLE IN OHIO
- MOTORCYCLE TRAINING GRADUATES EXEMPTED FROM SKILLS TEST IN KENTUCKY
- BIG-FOUR TO CONDUCT JOINT RESEARCH ON HYDROGEN MOTORCYCLES
Click Here to Read the NCOM news on Bikernet.com
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Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter
Weekly 100 word Fiction Contest
By Wayfarer |
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
Here is the first one, by Bandit himself!
Title: Choices or The Economy of Life
The phone rang early. “Do you want it or not?” The temperamental voice demanded. It involved the sale of a 1945 Knucklehead, my dream ride.
I rolled over and touched the softest ass on the planet. She woke and twisted into my arms naked and wet. Her sapphire eyes blinked and we kissed. “Where are we going for our honeymoon?”
My phone blinked a text message. “Have you registered for school?” Dad. I rolled over and she climbed on top of me. As she pushed against my chest and stirred, I pondered the bobbed Harley and riding across Mexico.
* * * *
Keep up ! Know all that matters in the motorcycle industry. Only via www.Bikernet.com
Royal Enfield aims to roll out uniquely differentiated electric bikes: CEO
By Wayfarer |
with inputs by PTI and https://economictimes.indiatimes.com
Iconic motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield is investing for development of differentiated electric motorcycles in India, said CEO B Govindarajan. Interestingly, the company is also creating a supplier ecosystem around its Chennai-based plant, funded by a capital expenditure of INR 10 billion in the current fiscal year.
Royal Enfield has commissioned a very capable team and has started commitment of very deep investments in terms of product development, product strategy and in the product testing and development area, he added.
Further, the CEO noted that the company has made a strategic investment in electric Stark Future EV company and now teams from both companies are working well.
“Currently, we have laid a robust long-term product and technology roadmap on electric vehicles and towards developing the supplier ecosystem – its our focus as of now,” Govindarajan noted.
When asked about network expansion in the domestic market, Govindarajan said the company currently has about 2,100 retail outlets across India, a mix of studio stores and dealership outlets.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
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March 20, 2003 Part 1
By Bandit |
Some cloudy days I sit down after compilling the news and ponder this brief intro. I wonder what the hell I should babble about. I don’t want to constantly discuss Bikernet or my rocky love life. On the otherhand it’s one of the blast parts of life. Sure it’s exagerated and I make an ordinary night into a wild party. Hell, I wish each night was packed full of wheelstands and women.
Instead of waking up to sex and chrome this morning I woke up early to check the Iraqi conflict. I couldn’t sleep. I don’t label it a War, for a couple of reason. Primarily I hope we can kick his ass in a week and our brothers and sisters can split for home.
I’m sick of the political retoric. With my fingers crossed behind my back, I stand tall in support of the brilliant men and women who made the decision to deal with Iraq, and the brave men and women that are there fighting. I hope their every assumption is dead-nuts-on and that the world will be a better place in a couple of weeks. Let’s get to the news:
“ODD” ACCIDENTS OUTNUMBER MOTORCYCLE FATALITIES According to the National Safety Council, more people were killed in “odd” accidents than on motorcycles in 1999, points out Joe “Cowboy” Dickey. “Of those who might have survived with a helmet, stair walkers led the list,” stated Cowboy, former State Coordinator for ABATE of Pennsylvania and a member of the NCOM Board of Directors.
Check these killers out:
* Bitten by a dog (25)
* Stung by a hornet, wasp, or bee (43)
* Scalded to death by hot tap water (51)
* Struck by lightning (64)
* Occupant of commercial bus or train (116)
* Drowned in a bathtub (320)
* Accidentally suffocated or strangled in bed (330)
* Fell off of a ladder (375)
* Fell down stairs or steps (1,421)
This is just the tip of the legislative new iceberg. Check the Bikernet Rights department for all the lastest news–The Bish Report.
SPEED CHANNEL TO FILM WILD HOG MUSIC FESTIVAL–The Speed Channel has announced that, Corbin’s Ride On will be filming the 3rd Annual Wild Hog Music Festival & Motorcycle Rally. Corbin’s Ride On is afast-paced, location-based show designed to capture the enthusiasm and excitement of the motorcycle lifestyle. Episodes contain coverage of events and rallies, featureson particular motorcycles, celebrities and collections as well as product/techsegments. The segment will air 9 times during the 2003 season highlighting the festival,motorcycle participants and Helena?s scenic landscapes.
The filming will also include the host of the series participating in the PokerRun as they ride throughout the delta. Corbin’s Ride On airs on Speed Channel?sTwo-Wheel Tuesday at 11:00 pm Eastern. The Wild Hog festival committee is honored thatthe Speed Channel chose the Wild Hog Music Festival to highlight from thousands of festivals throughout the country.
Normally when someone mentions Helena, Arkansas they usually conjure up the sounds of the blues and the King Biscuit Blues Festival, the Warfield MusicFestival or even gospel music and the Delta Cultural Center Gospel Festival. However on April 25, 26 and 27 you will again hear the sounds of the rolling thundercoming from thousands of motorcycles converging on this normally quiet sleepy deltariver town. They are returning to Helena for the 3rd Annual Wild Hog Music Festivaland Motorcycle Rally held in downtown Helena, better known to many as Arkansas? Music Festival Capital.
Registration information and the latest event particulars can be obtained atour website at www.wildhogmusic.org
A SITE NOT FOR EVERYONE–Check out the Henchmen’s World Web Site and hang on:
BIKERS BALL RAISES RECORD NUMBERS–Daytona Bike Week. “We all know rain hit Daytona hard this year”for all but one fabulous Florida sunny day on Thursday. I felt terrible for all of the vendors and bikers that came in from everywhere and worried that the VQ Bikers Ball would also take a big hit. But, amazingly, the event was the best ever since its first year in ’96 reporting a “NET” close to $150,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs! That is NET!
As always, the core riders set up at the Halifax Marina on their boats and motorhomes with the 24-hour security, hospitality and hang out hub. Lazy Days Motorhomes out of Sarasota hooked up a number of the builders who have built bikes for the charity including Billy Lane, Eddie Trotta, Paul Yaffe, and Kim Suter with their own motorhomes for the week. It turned the Bikers Ball “hub” into more of a “builders arena” especially during the off-hours.
The escorted day rides went off without a hitch (or rain!) as did the lap around the Daytona In’tl Speedway and the private party at The Wreck on Main Street. Bruce Rossmeyer, owner of the bar/restaurant, closed it down for the Bikers Ball for the third year and brought in Jason D. Williams from Nashville to entertain this guy is a current Jerry Lee Lewis and rocked the house with his rockabilly and wild style. Wild just doesn’t describe him at the Daytona Harley ? Camel party the night before he literally kicked the piano across the room on his last number and at our party at The Wreck jammed upside down, with his feet, fire and all no less never missing a beat on the piano.
The Friday night “Ball” itself moved to The Plaza Resort on the beach this year. I have to give credit to Tim Edmonson of American Ironhorse for taking me there last year and Steve Penland with the hotel for coming through with every promise where during Bike Week can you “valet”? Anyway, the venue could not have been better. All of the ViQe’ winners and top builders brought in bikes for the cocktail party and it was packed. More than 325 this year up from 225 last year. Not a question it will increase even more next year.As always, the live auction is a highlight and it had to have been one of the best ever. Hawaiian Tropic offered a “judging” position at their finals in Hawaii with three Tropic gals doing the selling (Paul Yaffee, Mr. Judge, won the bidding!), Playboy Magazine offered a breakfast and tour of Hugh’s Playboy mansion, World Tourer put up a ride through Europe, Harley-Davidson put in a twin-cam coffee table, Honda put up the first Rhune in the country which brought in $35k! ? the highlight though was the Choppers Inc., Billy Lane bike that he built entirely for the charity with a donated TP engine and Baker transmission. This brought in over $50k in a blink!Speaking of Billy given you’ve not been under a rock and heard of the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off later this year it is known Billy will be competing with Dave Perewit. At the live auction, here Billy bid $4500 for a fuel tank painted and signed by Perewitz! Though he got out-bid at $5k, if you want to talk respect and comradery, it was all too evident and cool as chit when the two shook hands out of respectthe newcomer and long-timer master-builder. That is what the Bikers Ball is really all about putting aside the ego’s and coming together for a great cause. Billy told me he was genuinely honored to be in the realm of Perewitz, Bourgett, Ness and the others if not for nothing but respect of them. It was cool moment that showed it.Bandit, thanks as always for your great support & congrats on such an awesome, informative site Bikernet.com! You were there at the beginning of this event and have always offered your support.
Thanks for all you do!! See you next year, okay?!
–Carrie Repp
carrie@1hd.com
LIFE AND TIMES OF BANDIT–A new version is about to hit the cantina. It’s all lies, but fun to read.
–Snake
LA CALENDAR SHOW UPDATE–LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Hostess Ashley Esqueda, Miss Los Angeles,makes the finalists on ABC TV’s ALL AMERICAN GIRL.
Hosting the 2003 Los Angels Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend on July19-20th will be beautiful Ashley Esqueda, a 20 year old universitystudent, 6 foot tall school basketball star, and Miss Los Angeles 2002.
Ashely entered and won the Calendar Girl pageant at the 2002 Show, andwas awarded a paid photo shoot for the 2004 FastDates.com Calendarswhich will premier at this year’s event. Ashley is presently appearingin ABC television’s new reality show All American Girl where she madethe cut into the top 15 finalists. Follow Ashley’s exploits on ABC TVeach Wednesday 10-11pm as she advances towards the finals.
The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend presented byPerformance Machine, Bikernet.com and Iron Works magazine and held at the Queen MaryEvent Park in Long Beach, CA, continues to grow every year as the mostpopular streetbike show in America catering to the custom, cruiser andsportbike markets. Always the 3rd weekend of July, the 12th Annual Showis scheduled for Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th, 2003.
HONDA RIDER EVENT–6th Annual Heartland Honda Red Riders Cruisin For Kids Poker Run held Sunday April 27, 2003, and an open house on Friday and Saturday April 25-26, 2003 . Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Arkansas. There will be a 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 Giveaway and cash prizes for the best poker hands.
It only cost $20 a hand which includes a t-shirt and a meal. Registration is at 8:30 A.M. at Heartland Honda in Springdale Arkansas (2021 W. Sunset Hwy. 412) ph. (479)751-7022 or toll free at 888-853-8468. You can pre-register at
–Rex Warr
BIKERNET SPONSORS BEST OF SHOW TROPHY FOR RUN FOR BREATH IN CHARLOTTE–I’m forwarding a message from your son and Mike’s cousin, Jose. He has some great ideas for trophies for the Run For Breath. If you aren’t careful he’s gonna show you up bad, so get off your old ass and get busy!
By the way, I heard something about your birthday coming up soon, and then I remembered your new March 20th holiday — any connection there??? I think I have it figured out! Whenever, happy birthday!!!
–Love and kisses,
Meanest
The word from Jose:How about if I cut a couple metal Iron crosses as a base, get my sun logo and weld it atop with a funky 1, 2 and 3 welded to it? Maybe paint them flat black, or metalflake (different colors) or just leave them outside to rust.Let me know…wadda ya’ think cousins……
I think this is becoming a very incestous family…
–Jose de Miguel Pullin Ball
CODE OF THE WEST REVEALED–Really like the site. I just have one question. What is the full Code of the West. I get bits and pieces of it, but am unsure of the whole Code. If you could provide some insight into this or point me in the right direction it would be appreciated.
–Keep riding forever,
Brad
Brad, we’ve launched the full code, (at least what we found in the desert). It’ll be revealed in the Cantina just after we dust off the iron chest and crack the lock.
SCREAMIN’ EAGLE DRAG TEAM RUNS STRONG AT GAINESVILLE–Hines Qualifies 10th; Wins First Two Rounds; Makes Semi-Finals and History
MILWAUKEE, WIS. – (March 16, 2003) The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines drag racing team qualified for the NHRA Pro Stock opener at Gainesville, Fla., then made a strong run through the Sunday rounds into the semi-finals. Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod rider Andrew Hines pulled the trigger on a 7.297 second/179.28 mph run in qualifying, the best performance by a V-Twin-powered motorcycle in the history of NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle racing.
Hines?s record-breaking run qualified the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod 10th, the first time the Screamin’ Eagle team has earned a trip to the Sunday show and the quickest time ever recorded by an NHRA Harley Pro Stock Bike.
GT Tonglet, aboard the second Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod, experienced mechanical problems and did not make the cut for Sunday’s show.
In Sunday’s first round, 19-year-old Hines had a 7.368 second/175.26 mph run, upsetting seventh-ranked Fred Collis aboard a Suzuki. Hines cruised through the second round when another veteran opponent, Craig Treble, the second ranked qualifier, left early and red-lighted his Suzuki, handing the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod a trip to the semi-finals. In the semi-final run, Hines beat Geno Scali’s third-ranked Suzuki off the line and was pulling away when he experienced a mechanical problem past half track, giving up the win and a spot in the final. Hines took fourth place in points for the event.
“We are so proud of the hard work and dedication of this team. We achieved the first of our goals, to qualify for the show and advance in the rounds. We know there’s a lot of work ahead to get to where we want to be. But today we made NHRA history, and we’re celebrating,” said Mike Kennedy, director of marketing Parts and Accessories.
BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR RUNS AFOUL OF FRENCH EBAY BIDDER– This is to a Ebay bidder in France,Who I gave the chance to bid, butwanted the shipping Free…. This is my Response…..
–Bob T.
francois
Fuck you French Asshole, I always knew you French Fuckers were Fuckedup. I was doing you a favor to bid. $5.00 shipping is the way it is, I donot ship Free, ’cause I do not accept out of country bids.
I am going to post your e-mail to everyone in The Great USA, How fuckedup you Frogs really are. You will learn fast about US Americans, if it wasn’t for us, you would still be eating German food, now you can go eat with Saddam..
Eat Shit Mutha Fucka
Fuck you Very Much
Bob T
USMC 67-71
Here’s the Original Message
Why didn’t you answer my questions about your shipping? Now it’s too late.You american dick head.
–Francois
BIKERNET ANIMAL HABITAT–A man and his wife were driving on a rainy evening when the lady spies aninjured skunk by the side of the road.
The man stops so that his wife can retrieve the injured animal. She getsinto the car and says, “The poor thing is freezing. Look at it shivering.”
The man says, “Put it between your legs to keep it warm.”
“What about the smell?” She asks.
He replies, “Hold its nose.”
–from Steve B.
Continued On Page 2