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The Whacky Bikernet Weekly News for Cinco de Mayo, 2023

Hey, The world is completely whacked as we know. Today is the 30th anniversary of the World Wide Web. A country in Europe wants to ban farming. The Fed raised the interest rates again. California is trying to add a tax on how many miles you drive. I went to pick up my ’58 Chevy. As I rolled onto the freeway a wheel fell off. The same tow truck driver came to my rescue. Let’s hit the news. I know this day is going to be insane. Hang on. –Bandit

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

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Salt Torpedo Update: Trial Run

by Bandit with photos from Calamity Vickie

Outlaw Runs Outside the Notorious Buffalo Chip

I quickly made a desperate call to the Mayor of the town of Buffalo Chip. He knows everything about the Black Hills, the roads, the taxes, the politics, the sheriff, you name it. The Harley plant is rolling up to their 120th. The Sturgis Rally 85th is coming and the Chip is chipping away at 40 years rocking the rally.

The answer was positive. There are a lot of flat, straight, open roads in South Dakota. It included the frontage road beside the magnificent Chip. It goes 1.5 miles straight. It up-shifts to the north past the Sturgis airport. Then it’s a straight 4 miles until it slides onto a rough gravel surface.

I started to work with Woody. He suggested a meeting with the local sheriff, a new guy. I made photographic prints of the Salt Torpedo to share and we set a potential week for a meeting.

Click Here to read the latest adventure in the pursuit of yet another Bonneville Salt Flat record

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Motorcycle Awareness Month 2023

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and warmer weather means more motorcycles on the roads.

We want to Remind Motorists to Share the Road and Be Alert.

  • Always check your blind spots. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be even more difficult to spot while merging or changing lanes.
  • Be extra cautious when passing. Make sure to signal your intention to pass a motorcyclist.
  • Remember that motorcycles react more quickly than cars. Make sure that you maintain an adequate following distance behind motorcycles.
  • Be aware of the weather. Inclement weather has more drastic effects on motorcycle riders than on automobile drivers.
  • Help riders stay safe after dark by increasing your following distance, ensuring that your high beams are turned off when you notice an approaching motorcycle, and refraining from passing.
  • Stay in your lane. Motorcycles are legally entitled to their own lane of traffic. In no situation are you allowed to drive your automobile in the same lane and in close proximity to a motorcycle.
  • Inform motorcyclists of your intention to turn. Initiate your turn signal sooner for motorcycles.
  • Many vehicle accidents that involve both automobiles and motorcycles occur at intersections. Always follow the safety protocol for intersections every time that you approach one.
  • Watch for turning motorcycles. If you notice that a motorcycle is driving with an activated turn signal for an abnormal distance, increase your following distance so you have time to react whenever the rider decides to turn.
  • Take a second look at left turns. Before you cross a lane or lanes of traffic to turn left, take a second look for approaching motorcycles.
  • Motorcyclists should always wear protective gear and be sure to use a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet.

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit nhtsa.gov.

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SALT TORPEDO UPDATE, EPISODE 26

We were facing $10,000 to take the team to the Texas mile to make some trial passes, when my son called and spoke to me about financial reasoning. I paid attention and saved. Found out later there might be a Colorado Mile event by the Texas Mile folks in the near future.

I quickly made a desperate call to the Major of the town of Buffalo Chip. He knows everything about the Black Hills, the roads, the taxes, the politics, the sheriff, you name it. The Harley plant is rolling up to their 120th. The Sturgis Rally 85th is coming and the Chip is chipping away at 40 years rocking the rally.
 
 

The answer was positive. There are a lot of flat, straight, open roads in South Dakota. It included the frontage road beside the magnificent Chip. It goes 1.5 miles straight. It up-shifts to the north past the Sturgis airport. Then it’s a straight 4 miles until it slides onto a rough gravel surface.

I started to work with Woody. He suggested a meeting with the local sheriff, a new guy. I made photographic prints of the Salt Torpedo to share and we set a potential week for a meeting.

At the last minute we decided, I’m not saying who, to do it outlaw style and go for it on the remote, infrequently traversed back road. I started to coordinate the team for the end of April and prayed for clear weather. It snowed significantly previous week.

Micah, our esteemed Pilot in Auburn, California needed to study his schedule. He’s involved tuning TROG race bikes. Also, plans for the next cross-country Cannonball loomed.
 
 

 

Our team included Sturgis Museum and Hamster Cabana Dan, Micah “The Ugly” McCloskey, Sinner Irish Rich, 45-Trike John Martinesko, Luke from Switzerland, the Redhead and Calamity Vickie from Florida, currently facing felony charges.

It also involved the notorious Randy Cramer of Dakota V-Twin, who is also a Hamster and runs a U-Haul dealership in Spearfish, South Dakota. This was the third time I bugged him about trailers, made a reservation then cancelled. It started with Bonneville last year. It was rained out and we’re still waiting for the surface to clear. Then the Texas Mile…

Moving right along, we ordered an open 6 by 12 foot trailer. I learned a bunch in the process. I’m going shift away from rentals, although it was cheap, to look for an enclosed trailer purchase for Bonneville. The Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials originally developed by Dennis Manning and currently are produced by his family, including his daughter Delvine. They will take place from the 26th of August until the 31st.

It’s been cold around these parts and my 310 cranking amp batteries haven’t been up to the task. If we warmed up the shop and charged two of these batteries a jump seemed to do the trick. I’m going to investigate a slightly taller battery for more cranking amps. James Simonelli from Twin-Power and Shocker Batteries is helping out. He has all the info, stats and part numbers.

A few days before the run, we fired it and warmed it up. I noticed the shifting handle plate was loose. The battery seemed to jiggle like stripper dancing to a country music toon. I tightened it. The rear chain seemed loose. I made a long thin axle wrench and adjusted it, after checking to make sure it ran straight and true.

I previously built an S&S Carb anchor tab and clamp, recommended by Carl Pussar, famous bike builder and Hamster. In the process, I removed the electronic sensor ground strap. I carefully replaced it. I believed we were good to go, but nervous. This would be the handling acid test.

We reserved the trailer. John had a PT appointment in Spearfish and hauled the massive trailer, which including a 100-pound jack and emergency braking system. Luke rolled out of the hills to help and Friday we carefully loaded the Torpedo by lifting the nose of the trailer slightly. With rachet straps we tied it down.

After John’s cool looking SUV escaped the shop area, we hooked up the trailer to the 5-Ball Racing, Bikernet Van and pulled the rig to the top of the driveway. We loaded the van with a fuel can, tools. We checked the air pressure in the tires and filled the front two, to the proper pressure level.

“Don’t forget Duc tape, extra gas and bailing wire,” John added. We included a jack for lifting the trailer tongue, jumper cables, an extra charged battery and a loaded fuel can.

We covered the Salt Torpedo with a massive tarp. It could have snowed, rained or blew like crazy that night.

Micah’s flight was delayed several times. The last time until 10:30. Micah texted me as he boarded, “Pilot says closer to 10:00.” I peeled out at 9:00.

As soon as I rolled onto the winding Boulder Canyon I thought of Peter Fonda after I hit a deer in Wyoming. “Don’t ride at night,” he said.

I slowed slightly and peered into the night looking for stumbling deer who can’t decide whether to bolt across the highway or hold back.

Okay, I picked up our esteemed pilot and motored back into the hills. The next morning, we removed the tarp and fire wood logs holding it down and waited for a couple of team members to arrive. At 10:00 we moseyed down Boulder Canyon into Sturgis, out of Sturgis, east past Fort Meade, the VA facility to the Buffalo Chip Engine Bar. Meeting up with Robert Pandya, the Chip marketing guru, Cabana Dan and Irish rich, we were ready to rock.

I forgot to mention, Micah rode my 2014 Indian and scoped out our chosen road. He picked a staging spot in the middle of the 4-mile stretch. We unloaded, and struggled with jumping and firing the beast. Dan and rich jammed to the end of the Alkayia road, the gravel area and set up to watch for traffic.

We killed it a couple of times, shifting the wrong direction. The girls covered the action as we staged for the first run. So many things whistled through my mind as it fired and sounded like a locomotive on steroids. I forgot to remind Micah to take it easy. Plus, the wind whipped across the road from North to South at 45 mph. I held my breath as he pulled onto the asphalt ribbon and nailed it.

Like a bullet with wheels, it disappeared from sight. Long tenuous moment passed. Finally, with my heart lodged in my throat I could hear the distinct rumble in the distance.

Micah pulled off the asphalt onto the gravel and raised his gloved thumb high. “Handled like a dream,” Micah shouted.

“I clocked him at over 80 mph,” John said climbing out of his pace car.

I carefully studied every nut and bolt from front to back. I scribed indicators on the axle to see if anything shifted. Our Suspension Technology shocks did their job. No uncertain tire wear revealed anything but going straight.

We would have made additional passes. Micah finalized the decision process. “The wind prevented me from holding my lane,” That did it.

We loaded and hauled ass to the Knuckle Saloon to celebrate. Another magnificent day in the Black Hills. While munching on giant burgers we started a check-off list for Bonneville.

Scrutineering
Shifting Adjustment
Battery
Bolt down seat
Trailer
Tools
Check Motel Accommodations
Team
Install speedo
Sprockets, check and bring extras

Jets
Shave fiberglass about chain
 

Here’s Battery info from James:

A standard YTX-20L (Softail battery) is 7” wide, 3 ¼” deep, 6 ¼” tall. They are typically 310-320 CCA.

The only other thing that will fit in this space is a Lithium Ion battery designed to replace a standard YTX 20L. I’d defer you to Anti Gravity.

If it were my bike, I’d do this:

Get yourself a battery jump quick connector like this

Amazon.com: X-Haibei Pair 175 amp 2 Gauge Battery Quick Connector Gray, Jumper Cables Connect Disconnect Plug for Trailer : Automotive

Make it accessible outside. Use an external auto battery as an initial boost for the first start only or as you feel necessary.

Lithium Ion batteries can fail without warning. If weight is a factor, by all means go lithium.

It sounds like a YTX-20L is the largest you can fit in that envelope.

–James Simonelli

Should be one more report before we cut a dusty trail to the Salt Flats. Hang On!

–Bandit

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Jam and Vibe: Vehemence Of Evil

NEW FICTION: Featuring Jammer and Vibe, in rival gangs, with nothing in common except motorcycles!

One of their most lucrative businesses was drug trafficking. America had never been so addicted to substances galore and now it seemed pharmaceutical pills could be replaced by marijuana as well. Hey, there were breakfast brownies made of weed in cafes!

Why eat a cow-burger when you can eat “grass?”

You didn’t quit this club. The club just fired you with a Viking funeral. Exploding motorcycles was their retribution. An innovative death sentence, ahead of its time or earlier than exploding electric motorcycles.

Their conditioning and witnessing of daily violence was such that eventual loss of limb or life seemed like a dream—a fairy tale told by enemies.

Power does not exist if it’s not enforced and thus the immaterial comes into tangible existence. Then you “see” power, feel it and know it. Their fearsome reputation was not from use of firearms but bizarre deaths that would shock and traumatize the best of ER regulars.

Click Here to read this new and latest fiction only on Bikernet.com

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Harley-Davidson X350 showcased at Auto Shanghai 2023

* Smallest ever Harley-Davidson motorcycle
* Build in association with China-based QJ Motor
* Expected to be launched in India

The X 350 is Harley-Davidson’s smallest motorcycle ever, developed in association with its Chinese partner, QJ Motor. After it was globally revealed a few weeks back, the X 350 has recently been showcased at the Auto Shanghai 2023 in China.

The X 350 is unique yet handsome neo-retro offering with a design inspired by the iconic Harley-Davidson XR1200X. The bodywork comprises a round headlamp with a brushed aluminium bezel, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, an angular radiator cowl, and a stubby tail accommodating a single-piece seat.

Underbelly exhaust instead of a side-slung unit completes its aspirational design. It is launched in three colour options – Dazzling Black, Joyful Orange, and Bright Silver.

With a round semi-digital instrument cluster, a full-LED lighting system, and dual-channel ABS, it is powered by a high-revving, 353cc, inline twin-cylinder engine with liquid cooling and a six-speed gearbox. It churns out 36.2bhp and 31Nm of peak torque coming in at 7,000rpm. It gets 17-inch alloy wheels with upside-down forks and a monoshock.

X 350 weighs about 180 kg and gets a 13.5 litre feul tank.

In China, Harley-Davidson and QJ Motor have priced the X 350 at 33,388 CNY (approximately INR 3.94 lakh). Although it’s expected to come to Indian shores, the launch timeline is not known yet.

(with inputs from Anuj Mishra from www.MSN.com )

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Freestyle Motocross Icon Jeremy Stenberg on UNLEASHED Podcast

Monster Energy’s UNLEASHED Podcast Welcomes Freestyle Motocross Icon Jeremy Stenberg

41-Year-Old Pioneer and 17-Time X Games Medalist Joins Episode 09 of Season 03 of Sports Podcast

 CORONA, California – May 1, 2023 – One of the Founding Fathers of freestyle motocross joins the podcast! Monster Energy is proud to welcome Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg on Episode 9 of Season 3 of the sports and pop culture podcast UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny. In the exclusive interview, the 41-year-old Moto X pioneer and 17-time X Games medalist shares his lifelong passion for freestyle dirt bike riding.

Recorded at Studio M inside Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California, the one-hour episode was initially broadcast live on the Twitch platform on April 18, 2023. Today, fans have the chance to tune in to the official recording of the episode featuring the freestyle motocross veteran who left his mark on the sport as a top competitor and trick innovator.

“Dirt bikes are no joke. If you crash, you crash hard! It is what it is. It’s my job and the path I chose. I want to ride a dirt bike for the rest of my life. No matter how many of my friends get taken from me. I would rather die doing something I love than getting hit in a car accident,” said Stenberg on UNLEASHED.

For the full conversation with the influential FMX trailblazer, fans can now tune in to Episode 09, Season 03 of UNLEASHED. Released today, the new podcast is streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

In the world of freestyle motocross, Jeremy Stenberg needs no introduction. Raised on a steady diet of BMX and dirt bike riding, the California native found an outlet for his Tourette’s Syndrome in spectacular stunts. After turning pro in 1998, “Twitch” became a driving force in the progression of freestyle motocross and a figurehead for the young sport. After winning every notable Moto X competition in his day, including a staggering 17 X Games medals (including 6 gold), Stenberg paved a new way by filming influential video parts on real-life dirt terrain. Stop, look, and listen as the motocross trailblazer gives a first-hand account from the sport’s early days all the way to FMX becoming a billion-dollar industry and global spectacle – exclusively on UNLEASHED!

Hear the inside story in conversation with the two podcast hosts, Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Also joining the interview is acclaimed painter, model, and UFC ambassador Brittney Palmer. Tune in right here.

Getting into trouble was inevitable when Stenberg grew up in Southern California. Diagnosed with Tourette’s at age 8 and regularly taunted by his peers, he found an outlet in riding BMX bikes on dirt tracks. “I always tend to do it more when I get nervous or excited. I never thought about it on my bike,” said Stenberg on UNLEASHED.

In the days of VHS videos, one particular video series left a deep mark on young Stenberg: The ‘Crusty Demons Of Dirt’ franchise showed the new and exciting world of ‘freestyle’ motocross. “Crusty, for me, was one of the movies I would come home every day from school… pop it in and watch. Every video made me want to go out and ride BMX and ride dirt bikes.”

His proficiency for hoisting jumps on dirt bikes caught the eye of his first sponsor; a company partaking in the push to establish ‘freestyle’ motocross as its own sport. “I told my dad these guys want to pay me money to jump my bike, and he said: ‘No one’s going to pay you to jump your bike. You need to race to make money!” But when the first paycheck arrived, Stenberg’s father was convinced: “My dad went home and tore the race track down and built jumps. And I rode them every day!”

The rest is history: While still in school, Stenberg competed in pro events as the sport kept growing. But at some point, traveling to competitions interfered with Stenberg’s high school career, so he made a choice. “When I told my dad I quit school because they weren’t going to let me ride in a contest, he said: ‘I can’t tell you that you can’t quit. But if you quit, you better be the damn best at what you do!’ And that has stuck with me ever since.”

As part of a generation that expanded the physical limits of motocross tricks, Stenberg pioneered new maneuvers on dirt tracks without the aid of foam pits and other safety measures. The consequences were always tangible: “When you hit the ground, you hit the ground hard. You’re 35 feet in the air. And you have a 250-pound bike chasing you to tackle you if you don’t do the trick right.”

From 1998 onwards, Stenberg dominated the contest circuit alongside trailblazers Travis Pastrana, Mike Metzger, and Mad Mike Jones. Stenberg won every single top-shelf competition, racking up 17 X Games medals in the process. “Style always mattered. No matter what it is. Your street clothes. Everything you’re doing, it better be good,” said Twitch about the keys to his success. Speaking on his style, he said: “I want to say a lot of it was from riding BMX. I notice a lot of guys who ride BMX and ride Moto all have similar styles. You got to be smooth, you got to hit your marks perfect.”

At the height of his career, Twitch decided to step away from the contest arena. With support from Monster Energy as his sponsor, he continued to maintain his relevancy in the sport by filming groundbreaking videos and pushing the evolution of the sport. And like that, Twitch opened a path for future generations to build pro careers without contest results. “I feel good seeing guys like [Colby] Raha and Axell [Hodges] benefit from what I helped start,” said Stenberg.

Filmed in open terrain on dirt jumps built solely using shovels, video parts such as “Hillside O.G.” have become classics of the sport. “I think the longest I ever built a jump for was seven hours. And then we rode it,” said Stenberg, adding: “We always have to hide from the cops out there. We hide behind mountains.”

For a chance to see Twitch catch air, viewers can head to current tour stops of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The veteran enjoys showcasing his tricks alongside the new generation of FMX talent, including Monster Energy teammate Axell Hodges. “Whenever I ride, I gotta show these little bastards I still got it!”

Hungry for the full story? Visit the landing page to access Episode 09, Season 03 of the UNLEASHED with The Dingo and Danny Podcast featuring motocross icon Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg.

Episodes of UNLEASHED are filmed on a special set inside Studio M at Monster Energy headquarters in Corona, California. The podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Australian action sports personality Luke “The Dingo” Trembath and professional snowboarder Danny Kass. Known for their deep roots in action sports culture, the two starred in the beloved cult TV show ‘The Adventures of Danny and The Dingo’ on Fuel TV for five action-packed seasons in the early 2010s. Both hosts have walked the walk as pro snowboarders and possess the interview skills to find common ground with guests from any background – sports and pop culture. Always look out for new episodes dropping bi-weekly on Mondays.

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Jam and Vibe: Vehemence Of Evil

 

The roar of engines echoed through the streets of Austin as the Lone Rat Riders, an infamous motorcycle gang, thundered through the city. They were a tight-knit group of outlaws, feared and respected throughout Texas and Nevada. One percenters, they dabbled in successful criminal activities, including (but not limited to) drug trafficking, extortion, and racketeering. They made a name for themselves as the most brutal and financially influential motorcycle gang in the region.

The Lone Rat Riders led by their charismatic president, Jay “Jammer” Phillips ruled the streets. He was a tall, muscular man with a thick beard and pitch black eyes. He grew up on the streets, working his way up through the ranks of the gang with a combination of brute strength and cunning intelligence. A natural leader, he was respected by his compatriots and even admired by some common city folks he helped out for no damn reason.

Jammer had a keen sense of business, always looking for new ways to make money. Extremely eccentric, he would either brutalize or be benevolent for absolutely no profit nor pleasure. Since rising up the rank, he developed a network of informants throughout Texas and Nevada, who kept him appraised of the latest opportunities for criminal activity. These included ambulance chasing lawyers, 12-hour shift working nurses, ambitious politicians, tax-evading restaurateur businessmen desiring ways to launder cash, etc. He’d decide which ventures to pursue and assign the tasks to his most trusted lieutenants.

It was almost as if Jammer ran a small incorporation, which deluded itself behind the label of “social recreation club.”

One of their most lucrative businesses was drug trafficking. America had never been so addicted to substances galore and now it seemed pharmaceutical pills could be replaced by marijuana as well. Hey, there were breakfast brownies made of weed in cafes! Why eat a cow-burger when you can eat “grass?”

The Lone Rat Riders controlled a vast network of dealers and distributors. They managed a steady supply of methamphetamine and cocaine, which they transported in hollow handlebars of their motorcycles. The cash was alternatively stuffed into artistic battery cases, which were custom made like the rest of their motorcycles. Their team of lookouts were homeless panhandlers who would monitor the highways and alert them to any police presence. In return, the entire gamut of enablers were all rewarded with drugs and cash – the seemingly perpetual operation fed itself.

Jammer’s primary crew had developed a reputation for being ruthless when it came to protecting their territory. They had a code of honor, which was basically having the scales of justice forever tilted in their favor. Their biker group was branded a cult or as they might suggest, a legitimate religion…a philosophy they lived by.

You didn’t quit this club. The club just fired you with a Viking funeral. Exploding motorcycles was their retribution. An innovative death sentence, ahead of its time or earlier than exploding electric motorcycles.

The rest of the crew didn’t fear these things because their conditioning and witnessing of daily violence was such that eventual loss of limb or life seemed like a dream—a fairy tale told by enemies. Power does not exist if it’s not enforced and thus the immaterial comes into tangible existence. Then you “see” power, feel it and know it. Their fearsome reputation was not from use of firearms but bizarre deaths that would shock and traumatize the best of ER regulars.

Early in February 2018, Jammer received a tip from one of his informants about a rival gang encroaching on their turf. The gang, called the Desert Hawks, made inroads into the drug trade in Nevada. Jammer was not going to let them take over his territory.

“We can’t let these Desert Hawks fly free,” one of Jammer’s lieutenants said. “We need to establish the boundary cause they ain’t aware of one.”

Jammer nodded in agreement, “Let’s show them.” Their core team consisted of seasoned lifelong criminals. Subordinates knew proving their mettle meant performing creative death sentences. All their nemesis met strange deaths, which had to be ultimately ruled accidental deaths, unless some stiff-necked detective wanted to endure and track unsolved cases. 

The Lone Rat Riders plan of attack was always sending out one ‘scout’, followed by the ‘berserker’ and after that the ‘spectator’ who would emerge when the crime scene was already public knowledge.

Desert Hawks expected a conventional rat-pack attack, with most likely point of attack being their headquarters, warehouse and clubhouse. Desert Hawks had teams in shifts patrolling during nightfall and even during daytime when most of the bikers were out riding and getting shit done. They wanted to cover all corners and never rode in a group of less than seven men. Theirs was a conventional setup, only having experience dealing against other conventional one-percenters.

Beck “Vibe” Reeves, the Chief in charge of Desert Hawks was known to be handy with armed and unarmed combat. He trained as an athlete in rifle, wrestling and judo, aspiring to get into a top University. Pipped to be in the Olympics, his entire suburban dream home collapsed with the arrest of his father in a major corporate embezzling case. His mother drowned herself in alcohol and painkillers while his father’s entire assets were seized and auctioned. His father was sentenced to life imprisonment for refusal to co-operate with the cops – basically for not being a “rat!

Vibe hated that word and especially remembered the rat and roach filled motels he bounced around after turning eighteen, hence free from social service custody. The word reminded him of the stench of his past life. 

Business boomed in Nevada for Desert Hawks and they wanted to franchise into more Chapters. Vibe and a pack of eighteen bikers rode South, hoping to draw in young blood, who aspired to work hard to prove themselves. A unique thing about Desert Hawks was that they did come in more than one “color”. They had established chapters among Native Americans, Hispanics and now investigated Black recruits – each having their own legitimate Chapter with membership exclusive to their community.

Vibe would’ve gone into military or a federal agency if life was on the level. He read fiction novels to inspire himself. He once pulled off a heist at government dairy farm office after reading the fiction novel of prolific author James Hadley Chase. At another instance, he used a circus trained rhesus monkey to disable alarms and unlock a jewelery store, after reading the Tin Tin comic about a thieving magpie. Rhesus monkeys are, to some extent, smarter than magpies. Blame it on National Geographic magazine!

 “Bezerker”, who needed to earn his colors, was to ensure Desert Hawks death with destruction. How to make it look like an accident was brainstormed by Jammer’s lieutenants.

Most of the Desert Hawks hung out and lived at their headquarters, where they also stashed their loot. Things were relaxed with their boss away for business. Three strippers knocked on their door and asked if they needed any room service.

Already drunk and assuming the girls had the wrong address by mistake, they played along. Meanwhile, the scout had reported that the girls were in place. The strippers dressed as fire-fighters had hoses they dangled around the necks of the bikers, luring them into senselessness.

Unknown to the girls, the hoses leaked methane – an odorless, colorless flammable gas.

Someone lit a cigarette and the entire room exploded. The fire spread wide as the gas pumped profusely without the knowledge of the girls who were as much dead as their victims. Soon enough the headquarters was lit like a Christmas tree in California forest reserve, visible from various corners of the city. The intensity of the gas and fire ensured the “tools of the trade” burned entirely to ashes. It wasn’t an authentic firefighter hose after all.

The first salvo against Desert Hawks complete. Vibe saw the news on TV. He hesitated against his basic instinct to ride hard home. He was a petty bum compared to what was known about Jammer. Vibe closed his deal in Louisiana ensuring access to world’s fourth largest port in volume shipping, and campaigned for another Chapter in Florida. Vibe had numbers compared to the small tight-knit Lone Rat Riders. 

 The cops couldn’t care less if it was club-retaliation or just an accident. No one from the Desert Hawks suggested to the cops that “Hey, maybe the Lone Rat Riders did it,” while circumstantial evidence suggested faulty props by overambitious strippers and drunk biker-scum set the night on fire.
 

So it was, embers of hate sown deep into Vibe’s heart. A kindling desire to pick apart the Rats. For now, home was 1800 miles away and buried in warm rubble.

 

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Electric Motorcycles: A Comprehensive Guide

Electricmotorcycles have been making waves in the motorcycle industry in recent years,with more and more riders opting for eco-friendly and cost-effective electricalternatives to traditional gas-powered motorcycles. In this article, we willexplore the benefits of electric motorcycles, their technology, and the topmodels available in the market.
 

TheAdvantages of Electric Motorcycles

Environmentalresponsibility is one of the most important benefits of electric motorcycles.They emit zero emissions and are powered by clean energy, making them ideal forurban commuting and reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, electricmotorcycles are much quieter than gas-powered motorcycles, making them perfectfor those who prefer a noiseless ride.

Another significantbenefit of electric motorcycles is their efficiency. There’s no need to visitthe gas station, and the cost of charging is much lower than the cost offilling up a gas tank. This means that electric motorcycles are much cheaper tooperate in the long run. Additionally, electric motorcycles require lessmaintenance than gas-powered motorcycles, as they have fewer moving parts anddon’t require oil changes or other routine maintenance tasks.

 
 

ElectricMotorcycle Technology

Electricmotorcycles use rechargeable batteries to power their electric motors. Thesebatteries are usually made of lithium-ion, which is lightweight and efficient.The batteries are charged using a standard electric outlet or a chargingstation and can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight to fully charge.The range of an electric motorcycle depends on the size of the battery and thepower of the motor. Most electric motorcycles have a range of between 50 to 150miles on a single charge, which is perfect for daily commutes and short trips.

TopElectric Motorcycle Models

There are severalelectric motorcycle models available in the market today, each with its ownunique features and capabilities. Here are some of the top electric motorcyclemodels available:

Harley-DavidsonLiveWire

The Harley-DavidsonLiveWire is one of the most popular electric motorcycles on the market. It hasa power of 105hp (78kW) and a range of up to 235 kilometers on a single charge.The LiveWire is also equipped with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, which allowsriders to customize their riding experience.

Zero SR/F

The Zero SR/F isanother popular electric motorcycle that has a top speed of 200 kph and a rangeof up to 301 km on a single charge. This electric motorcycle is a class 3 levelpriced at $23,795.

Engergica Experia

The EngergicaExperia is Europe’s first-ever electric green Tourer motorcycle built with asleek and rugged design. With a 60kW/80Hp at 7000 rpm, this bike is pricedstarting at $23,750.

Maintainingan Electric Motorcycle

Maintaining anelectric motorcycle is much simpler than maintaining a gas-powered motorcycle.Electric motorcycles have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes orother routine maintenance tasks. However, it is still important to performregular checks on the battery and charging system and to keep the motorcycleclean and well-lubricated. 

One of theessential steps in maintaining your electric motorcycle is to keep the batterycharged. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electricmotorcycles, require regular charging to maintain their health and ensuremaximum range. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructionsregarding the charging cycle for your specific motorcycle. 

Another criticalcomponent to check is the charging system. It’s essential to make sure that thecharging system is working correctly and that the battery is charging at thecorrect rate. This will ensure that the battery is being charged efficientlyand that it will last for the longest possible time. 

It’s also importantto check the tires regularly for wear and tear and to ensure they are properlyinflated. Proper tire pressure is crucial to the motorcycle’s performance,handling, and range. Underinflated tires can cause the battery to work harder,reducing the motorcycle’s range and overall performance. 

Keeping yourelectric motorcycle clean is also essential to maintaining its performance andlongevity. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt and debris from damaging theelectrical components and other parts of the motorcycle. It is also importantto keep the motorcycle well-lubricated to prevent unnecessary wear and tear onthe moving parts.

 

ElectricMotorcycle alternatives

Electricmotorcycles have become so popular due to their environmental friendliness,high-performance capabilities, and low maintenance requirements. However, somepeople may prefer an alternative to electric motorcycles, either because ofcost or personal preference. This is where electric bikes come into play as anexcellent alternative to electric motorcycles. 

Electric bikes area great way to enjoy the benefits of electric-powered transportation withoutthe higher cost and larger size of electric motorcycles. They are also muchmore accessible, as they can be ridden without a special license, and can beused for everyday commuting, exercise, or leisure. 

One example of anaffordable electric bike brand that offers a range of models suitable fordifferent needs is Engwe Bikes. Their range includes the Engwe C20, EngweEngine Pro, and Engwe EP-2, which all provide an alternative to electricmotorcycles. 

The Engwe C20 is a folding electric bike that iseasy to store and transport. It has a 750W motor and a 48V battery, whichprovides enough power and range for everyday use. The C20 is an excellentoption for those looking for a compact and convenient electric bike that caneasily navigate through crowded city streets. 

The Engwe Engine Pro is a powerful electric bikethat boasts a 1000W motor and a 48V battery. It has a range of up to 50 milesand can reach speeds of up to 28mph, making it an excellent option for thoselooking for a high-performance electric bike. The Engine Pro is suitable forlonger commutes or leisurely rides on more challenging terrain. 

Finally, the Engwe EP-2 is a step-through electric bikethat is ideal for those who want a comfortable and easy-to-ride option. It hasa 750W motor and a 48V battery, providing a smooth and efficient ride. The EP-2is an excellent option for those looking for a stylish and practical electricbike that can be used for everyday commuting or leisurely rides.

Conclusion

To sum it up,maintaining an electric motorcycle is simpler than maintaining a gas-poweredmotorcycle, but it is still important to perform regular checks and follow themanufacturer’s instructions. Keeping the battery charged, checking the chargingsystem, checking the tires, and keeping the motorcycle clean and lubricated areall essential steps to ensure your electric motorcycle’s performance,longevity, and safety.

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EPA to Allow Summer Sales of E15

Friday, the Biden Administration issued an emergency waiver allowing for the sale of E15 from June 1st to September 15th. Restrictions on fuel volatility have limited the sale of E15 to the months outside of summer. This move by the Biden Administration is an attempt to appease lawmakers from corn producing states, who for years have lobbied for year-round use of the fuel. A similar emergency waiver was issued in 2022.

As always read your owner’s manual, know what you are putting in your bike, and be an educated consumer.

To read more about the decision click here.

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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