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Indian Electric Two-Wheelers

 
While lot has been published and reported on Harley-Davidson’s electric adventures including Serial 1 electric bicycles and of course LiveWire becoming a separate company, few have awareness of the electric offerings from Indian Motorcycle within Polaris Industries. This electric bicycle is very competitive in features and pricing. Let’s have a look.
 
 
eFTR Hooligan 1.2 priced at $3,999 is an electric bicycle by Indian Motorcycle and SUPER73®. They have partnered to bring adventurers, fun-seekers and motorcyclists together with the eFTR Hooligan 1.2 electric bike.

The eFTR Hooligan 1.2 combines a trusted electric powertrain from SUPER73® with moto-inspired styling from Indian Motorcycle. It’s designed for recreational sport use or urban transportation.

Best thing is like all bicycles, no motorcycle license is required from its riders.

The eFTR Hooligan 1.2 touts several premium features, including a durable aluminum chassis, 20 in. wheels, disc brakes, and an inverted front fork.

Its 960-watt removable battery delivers more than 40 miles of range at 20 mph in throttle-only operation and more than 75 miles of range when using ECO pedal assist mode.
 
 

In addition, Off-Road Mode delivers up to 2000 watts of power and throttle speeds above 28 mph. Riders can select from several ride modes via the SUPER73® mobile app.

Specifications are:
•One eFTR Hooligan 1.2 electric bike with battery and charger (North America 120-volt compatible)
•ECO pedal assist mode offers 75 miles of range*
•Throttle-only operation offers 40 miles of range*
•Off-Road Mode delivers throttle speeds above 28 mph
•A custom seat, mid moto-style bars, a gold chain, and a relocated battery that features Indian Motorcycle branding
•Aggressive tire tread pattern, inverted front forks, and an FTR-inspired LED headlight and wind deflector
•Product Weight: 73 lbs. (33 kg.)
•Total Length: 68.3 in. (1735 mm.)
•Seat Height: 31.0 in. (787 mm.)
•Front Tire: GRZLY 20 in. x 4.5 in.
•Rear Tire: GRZLY 20 in. x 5 in.
•Charge Time: With 3A Charger (6-7 hours); With Optional 5A Charger (3-4 hours)Weight Capacity 325 lb. (147 kg.)
 
 
 
eFTR Jr is the bestselling electric two-wheeler from Indian Motorcycle electric lineup. Priced at $849, it is something you can actually plan to gift to a child for Christmas or special celebrations.

However, please do note that this is an off-road only vehicle.
If you live near outdoor recreational areas then you can enquire if this bike is allowed for kid’s to practice. Surprisingly, even though this is designed for off-road use only, the sales of this model seems higher than the electric bicycle (eFTR Hooligan 1.2).

Its aesthetics makes it desirable to kids.

Maybe it’s a bestseller simply because no major motorcycle brand has launched an electric two-wheeler specifically for kids.
 
 

Young riders can enjoy the exciting Flat Track racing experience on this eFTR Jr that features an electric motor, rechargeable battery, and authentic FTR750 Flat Track race bike styling.

Designed for use by riders ages 8 and up and up to 175 pounds (79 kg), this electric bike delivers a top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) in high speed mode, and its battery provides up to 140 minutes of continuous use in low speed mode.
 
 

This bike has a rugged steel frame, folding metal footpegs, chain drive, an adjustable riser-style handlebar, twist throttle, and hand-operated dual-disc brake. It also has FTR graphics for an authentic look.

Specifications are:
•One eFTR Jr electric bike for youth
•Youngsters can share the exciting Flat Track racing experience on this eFTR Jr that features authentic Indian Motorcycle Racing FTR750 Flat Track race bike styling
•Electric motor delivers top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) in high speed mode
•Rechargeable battery provides power for up to 140 minutes of continuous use in low speed mode (up to 12 hours to full recharge)
•Intended for use by riders 8 years and up and up to 175 pounds (79 kg)
•Rugged steel frame, folding metal footpegs, and adjustable riser-style handlebar
•Twist throttle, chain drive, and hand-operated dual-disc brake
•Product Weight: 110 Ibs
•Length: 51″, Seat Height: 23.2″, Wheelbase: 36.3″
•Weight Capacity 175 pounds (79 kg)

Important, please note: Not to be ridden on the street around cars. Check and respect your local laws.
 
 

eFTR Mini is the third electric variant bearing Indian name, livery and badge. Priced at $529 it’s the smallest and suitable to the toddler who has mastered the pedal-power and can balance themself on motorized version of the bicycle.

Unlike the other two models, this one is offered in two different colors. The second one being a ‘pretty in pink’ version. Considering this is the tiniest of the three and is painted pink, its almost stereotype and sexist which should nicely condition your daughter to be a Barbie instead of Batgirl !!!
 
 

Sorry if it offends you, but telling your daughter she is weak and tiny is just stupid.

Other than that, this eFTR Mini is the ideal way to introduce youngsters to the joy of motorsports while supervising adults enjoy the peace of mind of managing the bike’s maximum power.

This electric mini bike features colors and styling of the title-winning flat track race bikes – including a champion’s No. 1 plate.

This bike has a speed switch a supervising adult can adjust between top speeds of 14 mph (high) and 10 mph (low). It also has: a twist grip throttle, durable steel tube frame, speed mode switch, rear brake for confidence-inspiring control, and a long-range battery.
 
 

This bike is for riders age 8 and up, and maximum rider weight for this bike is 140 lb.

Specifications are:
•The ideal electric mini bike to introduce youngsters to motorsports
•Has colors and styling of full-sized championship flat track race bikes
•Speed switch lets supervising adult set top speed at 14 mph (high) or 10 mph (low)
•Twist grip throttle and durable steel tube frame
•Rear brakes offer confidence-inspiring control
•Long-range rechargeable battery
•Rated for riders age 8 and up; maximum rider weight is 140 lbs
•43.8″ L x 18.4″ H, and 30.9″ Wheelbase
•Weight: 48 lbs
 
 
For all the three electric variants, as with all electric vehicles, their battery range estimates depend on conditions such as rider weight, speed, temperature, wind, tire pressure, terrain, incline, etc. Mileage may vary.
 
Also, as with any vehicle, if you are in California, the laws (and freedoms?) are not what it is in other 49 States of America.

So get out and get going or get ‘electrified’ if it makes you feel more in ‘control’ of your vehicle / child / yourself.

Reference and images:
 
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Happy 75th to da Bandit

Wishing Keith ‘Bandit’ Ball a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Birthday from the Bikernet Crew.

The Grand Supreme Editor of vast Bikernet Empire comprising News, Features, Tech, Freedom & Rights Legislation, Novels, Reviews, Event Coverage, Women on Two-Wheels, Biker Artwork, Leathers, Handbanged Choppers, Bonneville Racing, Charity, Veterans’ Support, et al takes another turn around the Sun today.

At 75 years young, Bandit is just getting fired up and ready to find new adventures.

Hold on tight, the Thursday Weekly News is in the shop today.

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Indian Electric Two-Wheelers

Competitive in features, pricing and target audience

eFTR Hooligan 1.2 priced at $3,999 is an electric bicycle by Indian Motorcycle and SUPER73®. They have partnered to bring adventurers, fun-seekers and motorcyclists together with the eFTR Hooligan 1.2 electric bike.

While lot has been published and reported on Harley-Davidson’s electric adventures including Serial 1 electric bicycles and of course LiveWire becoming a separate company, few have awareness of the electric offerings from Indian Motorcycle within Polaris Industries.

Plus the eFTR Jr and eFTR Mini are targeted at kids with very lucrative prices.

Read this overview of electric offerings from Indian Motorcycle Company by clicking here

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Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, & lot of fun. Click here & take a test ride.

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Sons of Speed 2023 gets massive attendance

by Rogue – Misled – Christy

Sons of Speed 2023 has started Bike Week Off With Record Attendance

Sons of Speed has always been an enjoyable event for me to attend and cover. I really like that people have taken the time to keep these classic motorcycles running and even more to the point, actually racing them. This event is exploding.

I am not the only one who feels that way, the event was packed. Attendance was up and so were the new classes and number of riders racing.

Click here to read the wonderful photo feature report only on Bikernet.com

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

 

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Motorcycle Riders Foundation: Coalitions Rejuvenated

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2023 legislative agenda includes a diverse set of issues that strike at the core of who we are as bikers.

Historically, the MRF has fought many battles to defend individuals and the aftermarket motorcycle businesses’ rights to customize and repair motorcycles. Our successful defense against the EPA’s “Color and Chrome” only initiative and the regulations/enforcement related to it helped define the MRF and what we stand for to this day.

The MRF has long supported the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), which would ensure that modifying motor vehicles into racing vehicles used for competition would not violate the Clean Air Act. We anticipate an updated version of the RPM Act will be introduced this Spring. The MRF and our partners will work diligently for passage of this commonsense piece of legislation. Importantly, some of these parts and technology we are looking to protect are used in the EPA allowances for one-per-lifetime custom bikes and Tier 1 eligible motorcycles we fought for two decades ago.

The MRF agenda also strongly supports the desire to protect a consumer’s right to repair, and ownership of data related to their vehicles. A recently introduced bill, H.R. 906 The Repair Act, helps protect consumers’ ability to utilize independent repair shops and aftermarket parts to work on vehicles, including motorcycles.

These issues are becoming increasingly important and drawing the attention of the aftermarket industry and bike customizers. The EPA has restarted a campaign of increased enforcement and it is threatening shops and individuals with legal action.

MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard recently appeared on Cycle Source Magazines “Shop Talk” radio show to discuss these issues and this week traveled to Daytona Bike Week to join independent motorcycle shop owners and others in the aftermarket industry to discuss the many issues facing this industry. The meeting was hosted by Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine and moderated by industry icon Bob Kay. Hardtail had this to say about the meeting, “It was encouraging to see both the level of concern and willingness in this group to engage in our efforts and educate other players in the aftermarket industry.”

The MRF won’t tackle these challenges alone, we are aggressively looking to put back together our coalition that was so effective in past battles. In the past the coalition included, the aftermarket industry, media and print publications, other custom vehicle organizations, and other motorcyclists’ rights groups. Lastly, our Master Mechanic and technical expert Dave “Dad” Dwyer is looking to schedule a meeting with the EPA in Detroit to discuss our growing concerns.

These are challenging issues, but with your continued support and the help of other like-minded advocates we will fight to defend the rights and freedoms we cherish.

Dawn Riba
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Communications Director

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Riding Free since 1996

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Indian Motorcycle Racing Leads National Championship

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING LEADS MISSION® SUPER HOOLIGAN® NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOLLOWING SEASON OPENER AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

 2022 Super Hooligan® Champion Tyler O’Hara Takes Early Points Lead Following Back-to-Back Wins At Daytona Doubleheader

 Indian Motorcycle Racing Comes Away with Podium Finish in Mission® King of the Baggers,

O’Hara Ranks Fifth In Season Standings with 21 Points, McWilliams Eighth with 19

 MINNEAPOLIS (MARCH 14, 2023) – Following an offseason that expanded the competitive landscape with new manufacturers lining up for the MotoAmerica® Mission® Super Hooligan® National Championship (SHNC), it was Indian Motorcycle Racing and its factory team claiming the top two spots on the leaderboard, following the season-opening doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. Piloting a pair of S&S®-built Progressive® Mission® Foods Indian FTRs, reigning SHNC champion Tyler O’Hara and teammate Jeremy McWilliams each left Daytona with a pair of podiums, including back-to-back victories for O’Hara and third and second-place finishes for McWilliams.

On Friday, March 10, O’Hara strategically tailed RSD Indian FTR privateer Bobby Fong for nearly the entire six-lap race. Waiting for the final lap to strike, O’Hara was able to carry more speed through the chicane and go up and around the outside of Fong to capture the season’s first win by .0064 seconds. McWilliams rounded out the podium to complete the Indian FTR podium sweep.

“Bobby was running fast all weekend and gapped me for a period until I was able to make up some ground. The lapper through the chicane definitely played a big role as I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to draft pass him on the finish,” said O’Hara. “But what  a fun race, and for Indian Motorcycle to sweep the podium just shows how impressive this Indian FTR really is.”

Race 2 on Saturday, March 11, was filled with plenty of action. After an early crash caused a red-flag restart, it was a five-rider group at the front of the pack. Pushing hard in the group, KTM rider Andy DeBrino lost his front end and laid his bike down, while Fong encountered a technical issue – making it a three-rider run for first between Harley-Davidson rider Corey West, O’Hara and McWilliams. While West ultimately crossed the finish line first, a post-race bike inspection found an illegal air intake that resulted in a disqualification – awarding O’Hara his second win of the weekend and earning McWilliams a second-place finish.

In the MotoAmerica® Mission® King of the Baggers (KOTB) class, O’Hara reached the podium with a third-place finish in Race 1. While the Indian Challenger had been running fast all weekend, even clocking the weekend’s fastest speed on a bagger at 182 mph, both O’Hara and McWilliams suffered technical issues in Race 2. Indian Motorcycle Racing concluded the opening rounds at Daytona with O’Hara in fifth (21 points) and McWilliams in eighth (19 points) on the season’s leaderboard.

“Our issues this weekend were specifically with our tires, MotoAmerica is a spec tire series, we are only given one choice for tires for Daytona and they failed with our higher speeds after four laps, but our new bikes are performing incredibly well, with a significantly higher level of both handling and power, as evidenced by both our riders registering speeds of more than 180 mph throughout the weekend,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “At the end of the day, the performance of our Indian Challengers, coupled with our success in the Super Hooligan class has us feeling extremely optimistic and incredibly motivated heading into the second round in Atlanta.”

The 2023 KOTB and SHNC seasons continue with Road Atlanta April 21-23. For more information visit MotoAmerica.com.

Indian Motorcycle Racing is presented by Progressive Insurance®, Mission® Foods and Medallia®, with additional support from Indian Motorcycle Motor Oil, S&S®, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties®, Performance Finance, and J&P Cycles®.

For information about Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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SONS OF SPEED 2023

Sons of Speed has always been an enjoyable event for me to attend and cover. I really like that people have taken the time to keep these classic motorcycles running and even more to the point, actually racing them. This event is exploding

  I am not the only one who feels that way, the event was packed. Attendance was up and so were the new classes and number of riders racing.

 

Races have several different classes for types of engines.

 
One example is the 45 Class has now grown to 36 racers.
 
 
 
Sons of Speed debuted in 2015 and has now become a highlight of Daytona’s annual Bike Week motorcycle rally. Racers include expert motorcycle restorers, motorcycle industry notables, Harley-Davidson dealers and professional racers. Riders and viewers know that the challenge is not just winning the race, it’s making sure that the motorcycle, which may be 70 to 100 years old, makes it to the finish line.
 
 
 
 
 AERIAL VIDEO OF EVENT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfNG48LwU6o

 

 
 

I ended up in Shelly Rossmeyer’s Pit watching Berry Wardlaw, Chuck Kennedy and Rebel Glover keep her bike running in top condition. Prior to the race Shelly’s bike went to Berry’s shop Accurate Engineering in Dothan, Alabama for tuning and runs on the new racing dyno he recently installed. They found some problems, when running on the dyno, fixed them and the end result is her bike ran the best it has ever performed.

While the races are the big thing, it was also a time to see friends and get to spend some time with them and catch up

 
 
 

Chris Callen, the emperor of Cycle Source was in the pits next to us. He’s gone from helping with the races to working the pits and this year entered a bike. He ran 28 second laps and won a couple of heats and made the main event. He’ll be back. 

Jody Perewitz was good to see. as well as her dad Dave.
 
 

 
 
 
 

In the final race of the day Moonshiner Josh Owens crashed coming out of turn 3 and received serious injuries and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance.

At the time of this writing he is recovering. Friend and brother racer Freddie Bollwage reported on his condition.

Josh has two broken legs, both kneecaps, ankle, broken neck and lower back injury. He had surgery and is alert and doing well considering the extent of his injuries. There was no head trauma or internal bleeding.

Freddie thanked everyone for their prayers. Please keep them coming.

There will be a Go Fund Me set up in the near future to help with the hospital expenses and recovery. We will keep you informed as we get more information,

New this year was also NASCAR’s Kyle Petty doing a show for Northern Tool + Equipment. Twin Power also had a set up there as well as some new sponsors
 
 

https://www.facebook.com/thesonsofspeed/

I’ll be back next year, can’t miss it!

 
–Rogue 

 

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Five Motorcycles for Daily City Commute

Despite rising inflation in 2023, there are still cool new motorcycles under $5,000

  • 2023 Honda Monkey: $4,249

  • 2023 Honda Rebel 300: $4,749

  • 2023 Kawasaki KLX230: $4,999

  • 2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350: $4,799

  • 2023 Yamaha MT-03: $4,999

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Bikers Meet The Old West In New Adventure Fiction

by K. Randall “Bandit” Ball

The city from Laguna to Irvine and El Toro closed in on Trabuco Canyon like a concrete plaque. But Cook’s still resided in the last remaining unencumbered scrub hills. Bruno tied off his helmet to his TT bars and kicked up dust in the ground-shale parking lot to the door. It was wide, thick planks and swung open with a rusting creak. Dark inside the Four Tops played Only the Lonely from the neon jute box.

But something foreboding filled the air. Straight ahead was the bar and a number of club members scrambling around something or someone on the floor.

Click here to read the latest biker fiction from the master of the genre only at Bikernet.com

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Visit Bandit’s Cantina for entire novels, click here.

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Bruno is Coming

Editor’s Note: We are having some fun with the notion that bikers may become the cowboys of the future. So, we took liberties with a movie from 1974 with Burt Lancaster, called Valdez is Coming. Watch for the final chapter in April 2023.

Bruno rode a Sportster like the wind caught fire. He rode hard and fast as if every Orange County law enforcement agency was after his fat ass. Not much to look at, his round features and big smile said a lot about the man and his continence. He slid to a stop in front of Cook’s Corner in the Irvine Hills, on a Saturday night.
Cook’s Corner was a rustic biker bar with worn pine panelling, a sagging front porch and a neon Schlitz sign hung in the dusty window.

The city from Laguna to Irvine and El Toro closed in on Trabuco Canyon like a concrete plague. Cook’s resided in the last remaining unencumbered scrub hills. Bruno tied his helmet to his bars and stepped up to the entrance. The door cried in pain as he pushed it open. The inside smelled of sawdust, tobacco smoke, and beer. The Four Tops’ “Only the Lonely” played on the juke. Straight ahead was the bar. In between, six Comancheros  M/C members kicked the shit out of someone on the floor.

Other patrons pretended not to notice. Four Comancheros at a table watched like officers on the bridge of a ship.
A young woman with long black hair wearing a denim vest wept at a table in the corner, her face buried between trembling hands.

“What the fuck?” Bruno approached the melee on the slat floor scattered with cigarette butts, peanut shells and dust. He yanked one rider from the rat pack to see a black motorcyclists on the wooden deck bloodied and desperately trying to protect himself.

Bruno tossed the young skinny patch-holder aside and suddenly the fight stopped. The brothers stood in unison and stared at Bruno.

“That’s enough,” Bruno said. “Let the kid go.”

A big Hispanic with massive arms stepped up. Meaner than cat shit, he glared at Bruno and spit on the deck. “What the fuck is it to you? He stole a club bike. He pays.”

Bruno looked down at the battered kid on the deck, who shook his head tearfully through blood and spit and muttered, “I never stole a motorcycle.”

Bruno looked back at Pablo the club VP with tattoos running up his neck and one on his temple. “Did you get the bike back?”

“That’s none of your fucking business puto,” Pablo snapped as nasty as a stepped on rattlesnake.

“Pick him up,” Pablo ordered and the brothers hauled the black rider to his feet.

“I ride a sport bike,” the rider said through bloody teeth under a crushed nose.

Pablo spun in the direction of the young man in the darkened bar. He pulled a shiny 12-inch, straight blade and buried it into the abdomen of the kid just below his ribs and twisted the blade. The African American youngster gasped and stared wide-eyed. Pablo wiped the bloody knife on the kid’s t-shirt as he took his last breath. “Drop him, let’s ride.”

Pablo stepped up, the knife reflecting from the dim barroom lights and neon. He wasn’t much taller than Bruno, but big and buffed. “That was your fault, don’t interrupt,” he muttered his voice low and gravely.

Bruno watched the knife. He was too close, but the big man put it away and then shoved Bruno hard. Bruno stumbled and knocked over a table as he hit the deck. Before he could get to his feet, he was surrounded by Comanchero brothers some reaching for weapons.

A tall white member sporting a Prez patch sewn over his leather vest pocket, stepped through the crowd and put his arm around Pablo as he stared down at the redheaded white boy. “You don’t want to mess with my brothers. As you can see, if some sonuvabitch steals one of our bikes, we don’t fuck around. Let’s ride brothers. Nobody messes with the Comancheros.”

Bruno quickly jumped to his feet as the members jammed to the parking lot, fired up their bikes and rode out. He made his way to the bar and ordered a Jack on the Rocks as the young girl dove to the side of her boyfriend weeping and holding him in her slender arms.

Bruno took his drink to her table, sat and watched for a moment. Other patrons tried to console the young girl. The bartender called 911. Bruno didn’t want to be there when the cops arrived.

Shaken, he downed the whiskey, stood and headed for the door. Outside, he unhooked his helmet and suddenly the girl was as his side. Mexican, she had warm features and he studied her for the first time. Under the vague, distant, parking lot lights, her features glowed like a camp fire, beautiful, partially because of her pregnancy. He look down at her stomach.

“What am I going to do now?” Sheila said and ran her slender hand over her baby bump. “He never stole anything. It’s my fault. My ex was a Comanchero.”

Bruno ran a gloved hand over his face and looked around the lot as if searching for directions or answers. “Get on,” he said and jumped on his motorcycle. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

Bruno had to think, and the best place to accomplish that was in the saddle, cutting a dusty trail to nowhere.

They rolled through the canyon, onto 10 freeway, turning off on the highway leading into 13 Palms and the desert. He pulled up to a small concrete block house in the middle of no place and a Hispanic brother came out of the pad. “Ola, what the hell are you doing here?”

Bruno scowled. The two went inside and the girl sat at Diego’s dining room table. “Family?” Bruno asked her.

“I can’t go there,” Sheila said. “The Comancheros threatened my people. There’s no place to go.”

Diego’s wife brought chips and salsa, tea for the girl and whiskey for the men.

“What happened,” Diego asked.

“I can’t tell you,” Bruno said, “and neither can she. The less you know the better. Can she spend the night?”

Diego looked at his wife and she nodded. She wouldn’t say no to a young Hispanic pregnant woman.

Diego walked Bruno back to his racy-looking Sportster. “I’ve got to figure something out,” Bruno said.

“We’ll be here,” Diego responded, nodded and patted Bruno on the shoulder. They rode together back in the early chopper, Long Beach days. Bruno did Vietnam service time and rode with a couple of Port of LA clubs. He straddled his bike and rode into the night over the curvy pass and onto the freeway toward Los Angeles. All along the way he thought about the girl and her predicament.

The next day as the early-morning sun danced along the desert sands, the performance Sportster slide to a stop in front of Diego’s miniscule pad. Bruno jumped out of the saddle and barged into their front door.

Diego, his lovely wife Maria and Sheila sat at sort of a rickety wooden picnic table. They called it their dining room table, the only table in the two-room cinderblock pad. They dug into huevos rancheros, juice and coffee.

“Who’s the father?” Bruno blurted. “Was it the dead kid or the clubber’s.”

Sheila swallowed hard and followed the gulp with a swig of freshly squeezed orange juice. “The dead kid, goddammit,” she muttered.

“Then the bastards owe you,” Bruno spat and grabbed a tortilla off the plate, rolled it and stuffed it in his mouth. He snatched her cup of joe and washed it down. “Let’s go.”

“She’s not going anywhere,” Diego barked, unusual for him.

“Si,” said Maria, the resilience strong in one word.

“She’s pregnant,” Diego confirmed. If you’ve got a problem with them. It’s on you.”

Bruno looked at the girl, at Diego and Maria. “I’ll be back,” he said and bolted for the door.

Diego turned to Sheila, “He has a big heart.”

Bruno gassed up and hit the freeway. A soft-traffic Sunday, he peeled through mild congestion like a snake through weeds until he leaned onto the 605 freeway heading east toward no-mans’ land on the outskirts of Duarte, California, an industrial wasteland. Rolling off the freeway onto a wide boulevard he peeled passed manufacturing block buildings until he rolled up to the front of the Comancheros club house.

He continued past the chain-link fence surrounding the compound until he found a coffee shop where he parked his Sportster and made his way back to the compound on foot. Brothers patted him down and allowed him entrance into the asphalt grounds containing a small two-bedroom clapboard home and a large tin and steel industrial building. Old school industry surrounded by newer buildings in stages, stucco, block and finally concrete tilt-up structures.

He made his way through lines of choppers, Dynas and baggers to the front porch. As he approached the wooden slat deck Pablo burst out of the front door. ?“What the fuck do you want, except to die like that black punk?” He demanded.

“I want to talk to your boss,” Bruno said. Rapidly he was being surrounded by members of the club, all carrying some level of weaponry.

“You’ll talk to me or die trying,” Pablo said. A snarky bastard with a large fuzzy head of hair and a long jet-black fu man chu mustache, he ground his teeth and spit. With 20-inch arms and a 46-inch chest the imposing figure made an evil statement and Bruno knew what the sonuvabitch was capable of. “What the fuck do you want?”

“That kid didn’t steal a club bike and you know it,” Bruno snapped and stared at the club monster. “The girl was the problem and now she’s pregnant. What the fuck are you going to do about that, leave her on the streets?”

The ragged wooden-framed screen door on the bungalow burst open and out stepped the tall wavy-haired white guy carrying a cup of steamy hot coffee. “What’s up?”

Pablo stepped aside. “This punk came back.”

“Just want to know what you guys can do for the pregnant girl?” Bruno asked.

The club prez stepped up to the porch railing post and leaned against the 6 by 6-inch wooden post. He sipped his coffee. “What do you suggest?”

“I will put up a grand, if you will,” Bruno said.

“Why would you do that?” The prez said looking into his cup. “What has she done for you?” He snickered as if sexual favors passed between the two. Others grinned.

“Nothing,” Bruno said. “She’s pregnant and needs help, that’s all.”

“The bitch gets nothing from my club,” the prez said and smirked. “Unless she wants to come around and take care of the brothers.” He laughed a haunting tone and threw his remaining coffee at Bruno. “Don’t come around here anymore, if you know what’s good for you.” The prez nodded to Pablo. “Show him to the gate.”

Pablo singled-out two of his Lieutenants to assist Bruno to the gate.

“Just a grand to help the girl out…” Bruno said the coffee dripping off his vest. He pulled a black and orange bandana out of his back pocket and wiped his face and bright red mustache. His eyes frowning, he was struck by an aluminum baseball bat from behind. He dropped to one knee but recovered quickly and got to his feet. Another brother shoved him toward the gate and he stumbled.

Bruno turned to face his assailants and Pablo. He had only 25 feet to the wire gate, but he wouldn’t run. Another bother approached with a 4-foot two-by-four and pulled back for a swing. Bruno turned, stepped up to Pablo and grabbed his black leather and spun him as a barrier from the wooden plank. It hit Pablo and the brother froze. The massive weight-lifter wasn’t fazed.

“Just a grand muthafucker,” Bruno said gnashing his teeth as his eyes made direct contact with the VP. He shoved him hard into the other brothers, but more kept coming.

He fought off two more, but the bats were coming hard and fast and a machete barely missed his hand as he reached for the gate. It smacked the galvanized post with an eerie clang. Another bat hit his other hand while pushing the gate open and Bruno stumbled out the gate and fell in the sandy dirt at the road’s edge.

The members pulled the gate closed abruptly as Pablo approached. “Next time you won’t leave in one piece, punk.”

Bruno got to his feet and turned toward Pablo. “How about $500. That’s my final offer,” he said clutching his bruised hand and smiled, turned and walked away. “Good for today only.” He waved his arm and walked away.

Pablo and the brothers stared in disbelief. “What’s with this guy?” Pablo muttered grinding his teeth.
Quick, read the next and final chapter: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=15246 

Illustration by Jon Towle R.I.P.

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