Hey,
This is a day of Quandaries. A sorta, which way to turn day. I’m watching another lecture series with Dr. Peter Vishton phd. It’s on how our brain works and how we can change it.
Say you have a bad habit like snacking all day or smoking and you want help. Carry a note pad and every time you snack write it down. At the end of the day, read your notes. You are forcing your unconscious behavior into the conscience side.
He has a couple of lectures about obesity but they apply to many aspects of our lives. Clean your kitchen or straighten up your room or shop. This process relieves stress and makes you more comfortable and less likely to snack or stress.
And here are a couple of tips we can all use. Whatever you need to do today or tomorrow, hit the hardest project first. Save your energy for the tough one.
Many of these are counter-intuitive. If you have a major goal, try not to tell anyone, or as few as possible. You got me, but your brain starts to slip when you tell folks. I should pay attention to that one.
And finally, to avoid procrastinating when you are faced with a task, stop and don’t do anything for 20 minutes. Focus on it and let your mind get a handle on it. Interesting.
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. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUT_tj7q03g&feature=youtu.be
JIMS VIDEO OF THE WEEK–Milwaukee Eight Main Case Bearing Remover and Installer
The Milwaukee Eight engine uses a completely unique engine case main bearing. With this in mind, JIMS is proud to introduce a main bearing remover and installer designed just for the Milwaukee Eight®. High levels of precision and accuracy are necessary, so only the best in tools can be trusted.
With a retail price of $190.05 our tool not only removes the left and right main bearing without damaging the case, it also provides correct alignment and depth during installation.
For more information please call us at (805) 482-6913, email us at sales@jimsusa.com, or visit www.jimsusa.com.
E15 ALERT–Federal legislation would require proper labeling of E15 fuel and consumer education campaign
Contact your representative today to support H.R. 5855!
U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fl.) have introduced the “Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018” in the U.S. House (H.R. 5855). The American Motorcyclist Association supports this bill.
The AMA has repeatedly warned of the dangers of E15 (15 percent ethanol by volume) for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles because none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol. Inadvertent use of E15 in vehicles not designed for its use can damage fuel system and engine components and void manufacturer’s warranties.
This bipartisan legislation would require the EPA to revise the labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E15 and conduct a consumer education campaign to inform the public about the risks of improper use of E15 and the vehicles and equipment that are prohibited from using E15. To learn more and send a prewritten message to your representative, click the “take action” button below.
Take Action
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MAG GROUP BANKRUPTSY PUTS PRESSURE ON VENDORS–
Bankruptcy puts tremendous pressure on everyone involved. It would seem to be a cure for an ailing business, when financial times change or bad business decisions are made.
I just found out we won’t be going to Bonneville this year because of MAG group bankruptcy pressure on vendors. The MAG group consists of several companies including Biker’s Choice, Tucker Rockey, Performance Machine, J&P, Vance and Hines, Progressive Suspension and Burly Brand.
Many of these companies were forced to drop lots of advertising, such as Bikernet. But they were also forced to suspend payments to vendors such as Paughco to keep going.
Here’s the caveat. They need the vendors to continue to supply the goods or they would be toast or forced to reach out to overseas (cheap) vendors. They still need products to stay in business.
If you know of one of these vendors, try to support them. They are carrying the load.
Military holidays are synonymous with sunshine, barbeques, friends and family. We give thanks those who served on Veteran’s Day and honor the fallen soldiers on Memorial Day. But all too frequently those currently serving, specifically those overseas on active duty, are forgotten. Armed Forces Day pays tribute to men and women who currently serve in the U.S. military.
For this year’s Armed Forces Day, Indian Motorcycle and freestyle motocross icon Carey Hart partnered to honor and celebrate with our active soldiers. In a first-of-its-kind Armed Forces Day celebration, Hart’s military charity ride, the “Good Ride,” traveled overseas to U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Dubbed “Good Ride Salutes USAG Stuttgart powered by Indian Motorcycle,” the celebration hosted nearly 50 active troops on a wet and raining poker run throughout the beautiful Germany country side. Over 100 joined the BBQ celebration following the ride.
Not only is this Hart’s first time taking the Good Ride overseas, but this is the first time anyone has celebrated with active troops through one of the greatest American past times, motorcycling. For Hart, coordinating this ride with those active soldiers gave a special piece of “home” to those overseas. And after all, there’s no greater representation of freedom than riding motorcycles.
While Good Ride Salutes USAG Stuttgart included a ceremonial ride through Germany’s picturesque countryside and a family-friendly barbeque with live music, Indian Motorcycle ran a dealer-driven test ride promotion to raise money for the Infinite Hero Foundation, which is the primary beneficiary of Hart’s Good Ride Rally.
During the month of May, which is National Military Appreciation Month, Indian Motorcycle donated $20 per test ride, up to $30,000. Infinite Hero Foundation funds programs that drive innovation and accessibility of effective treatments for military heroes and their families dealing with service-related mental and physical injuries.
–Nikole
DAVID MANN ART FOR SALE—Check it out for some wild originals by Dave even before Easyriders. This is the only site featuring the Mann and his works by his wife Jacquie Mann.
https://www.davidmannstore.com/
EXCELSIOR-HENDERSON MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCES REPURCHASE OF ORIGINAL
PRODUCTION INVENTORY TO PRESERVE LEGACY OF ERA–
Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles announces the completion of the repurchase of
the largest remaining new-old-stock (NOS) original equipment manufacturer (OEM) inventory from the original production inventory for the 1999-2000 era proprietary motorcycles the company manufactured.
Combining this with the current inventory of parts and services, this will complete the availability of parts and service for current owners and future generations of owners. Excelsior-Henderson, as needed over
the years, has also resumed manufacturing of various parts and components to supplement the OEM inventory.
Excelsior-Henderson, tracing its roots to 1876, has a deep rich heritage as one of the original “Big 3” OEM motorcycle manufacturers along with Harley-Davidson and Indian during the early decades of motorcycling. Excelsior-Henderson’s heritage includes engineering and design innovations until ceasing production by owner Ignatz Schwinn of Chicago during the Great Depression.
In the 1990s, that engineering and design legacy was painstakingly carried forward with the rebirth of the brand and the development of a proprietary, new Super X motorcycle by the Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. The company produced nearly 2000 proprietary motorcycles featuring dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, closed-loop fuel injection, integrated cassette transmissions, anti-dive suspensions, and more.
Owners of the motorcycles today are just as fervent about the brand as the day they rode them off dealers’ lots.
“The motorcycles we produced have stood the test of time,” states Dan Hanlon, founder and principal of Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles. “The company has had its share of challenges, however we did
manufacture and distribute proprietary motorcycles that are known and owned worldwide, and it is important to preserve our era for the generation of the motorcycles we produced, just as the Schwinn organization preserved their era. Current and future generation owners and collectors are now assured there will be world-wide parts and knowledge available, perhaps forever. It is the right thing to do.”
The company will distribute the inventory through Atlantic Excelsior-Henderson, based in Elkton, VA, who are an authorized licensed service and sales center exclusively oriented toward Excelsior-Henderson motorcycles. Jamie and Marty Jones, proprietors of Atlantic EH, states, “This will ensure the Excelsior-Henderson motorcycle owners’ community, which includes owners from international countries, has access to the resources they need, and we are honored to carry this commitment forward.”
The company has a list of resources on its website, www.ExcelsiorHenderson.com and sponsors an international riding club, The Road Club.
Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles
952-873-7000
Info@ExcelsiorHenderson.com
THE LATEST AFTERMARKET NEWS—Ben Kudon is back and helping Primo-Rivera come back. His new company name is AmericanPrime Manufacturing, Inc.
Watch for many of the original Primo-Rivera products to resurface.
HOW TO HELP End Motorcycle Profiling In America–
If you believe that motorcycle profiling by law enforcement agencies is wrong and should not be tolerated, please use the link below contact your representatives in Congress and ask them to support the Motorcycle Profiling Resolution (H.Res.318 and S.Res.154).
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is working with the National Council of Clubs and the Motorcycle Profiling Project to call on our elected officials to end unconstitutional profiling of motorcyclists across our county. If your member of congress has signed on, you can still ask them to lean on their colleagues to support these resolutions.
TAKE ACTION NOW: Tell Congress that pulling over a motorcyclist because of his clothes, cut or bike is discriminatory
http://cqrcengage.com/mrf/app/write-a-letter?2&engagementId=444013
KALIMBAThe Spirit of Earth, Wind, and Fire–
California Tour!
Kalimba is joined by Sheldon Reynolds, original guitarist for Earth, Wind, and Fire, because as he puts it “out of 1000 other bands that I have heard play this material, Kalimba is the first band that gets it like it’s supposed to be played”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMmNTP9cfEA
BAND PROVIDES OWN BACKLINE AND LODGING!
Christopher Holloway
Music Zirconia Tribute Agency
–Christopher Holloway
Office: (858) 598-7311
Cell: (760) 883-0625
Web: mztributebands.com
Email: chris@mztributebands.com
CA Talent License #155441
BIKERNET’S LETTER TO THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD REGARDING NEW MOTORCYCLE RULES–I read and then re-read your article. It’s brilliant. Not only should ARB read this, but it should be read by as many freedom-loving Americans as possible.
I was just saying very similar things to Vicki last week as those sentiments you expressed in your article. I think two key statements in your piece are, 1. Zero Fatality contention is unattainable, but will cause never-ending regulation, and 2. Why are we following the lead of the EU?
I agree with your statements and quotes from authorities that the emission scare is a hoax, and that motorcycles play a miniscule part adding to the so-called Greenhouse effect.
Although Zero fatalities is a great marketing hook, it is not possible in the near or even distant future. Certainly we should always strive for the highest (best) outcome in our goals, but we should realize that we won’t reach that level.
Just like in the crash cases I work on, we make a huge demand for settlements (usually policy limits if the injuries justify that, and the available insurance can meet that demand), but in the end the results are often less than the original demand. So is it with this Zero initiative.
Why do we follow the EU in creating safety initiatives? We left Europe to escape to the new world for religious freedoms and for freedom from tyrannical monarchies.
The British Empire, France, and Spain subjugated their people while conducting wars over colonization. When our ancestors arrived in America, it was a new beginning of freedom.
Our forefathers fought the British to rid America of the King’s rule, taxes, regulations and the arbitrary search and seizure of their homes. The last straw was the “shot heard ‘round the world” when the British tried taking away everyone’s weapons.
The new Americans realized that once disarmed, they would have no way of protecting themselves or their property. That was the start of the revolution. Once a secured government was in place, the rules were written down, our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Sadly, many in today’s government think it an outdated document. We committed the same transgressions in those formative years that we were victims of in Europe. We colonized the country, driving the Native Americans almost into extinction. For their own good, we forced them to forget their language, customs and religion.
In return, we provided (or at least were supposed to) them with food and places to live. We all know how that turned out. From then on, “for the good of the whole” or for “public safety” we started to institute rules and regulations that far outreached any of the things King George forced on us.
Today, the mantra “if it saves just one life” and others continue to shape public opinion. We are slowly being programed to accept government regulation, believing it is for the good of all.
No more playgrounds with jungle gyms and swings, no more 3-wheel ATVs, no more small engine aircraft, no more horse and buggy, all for safety and the good of all. I see this Zero fatality initiative as another safety hoax, just like the climate change hoax. It’s a marketing tool to make people compliant and accept further regulation.
Where does this take us? In order to achieve Zero, the human element must be removed. There is a move to eliminate fossil fuels by 2025 in Europe and the U.S. Automakers target 2025 for total transformation into the electric vehicle age. Autonomous vehicle makers are racing forward in competition to see who can perfect the first fully autonomous cars (at the expense and safety of the public).
I don’t see a place for motorcycles in this autonomous future. Just like the horse and buggy, will motorcycles be removed from the roads for the safety of others? After all, as the AMA and MRF point out so eloquently in their response to the fact that motorcycles are not mentioned in the recent meetings on Auto-technologies, doesn’t that omission single an ominous future for our lifestyle?
I believe the climate scare, the move to automate driving, the intelligent highway system, and other advances in safety are another attempt at regulating unwanted lifestyles, industries and freedoms from all of us, “In the name of Safety.”
I wish you all the luck in the world in your attempts to sway the minds of those at ARB. I wish more people would consider your reminder that our forefathers charged us with securing our liberties ourselves, even to the point of overturning an unjust government if necessary.
Of course, that might explain the move to disarm us all, for safety reasons. Certainly, it couldn’t be that the government fears the people might revolt, could it?
–PAN
Tony Sanfelipo?
Motorcycle Marketing Specialist
Hupy and Abraham s.c.
RIDING FOR WARRIORS TO KICK-OFF FOURTH ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RIDE RAISING FUNDS FOR HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS–18-day ride will raise money to grant A Warrior’s Wishes for wounded veterans
Photo Caption: Air Force veteran Michael Nehlsen and Jeff Molesko during the 2017 Ride For Warriors in Nova Scotia.
For more photos, visit: https://bit.ly/2KXYFGN.
The Fourth Annual Riding For Warriors 18-day motorcycle ride will kick-off May 24 in Somerset County, New Jersey benefiting Hope For The Warriors and its A Warrior’s Wish program.
Celebrating 11 years of service, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family, and hope for veterans, service members and military families.
Through its first established program, A Warrior’s Wish, Hope For The Warriors fulfills a desire for a better quality of life or supports a quest for gratifying endeavors for those who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty.
For the fourth year, the ride will be led by Air Force veteran and Hillsborough-based Michael Nehlsen and sponsored by Union, New Jersey-based Hillmann Consulting. Again, joining Nehlsen on the more than 4,700-mile Southern journey is Jeff Molesko, also from Hillsborough.
The 18-day journey will take them south through Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, ending back home in New Jersey.
With a goal of $25,000, Nehlsen and Molesko are raising funds to sponsor the A Warrior’s Wish program. In addition they will honor all military members who have served, and on Memorial Day, will memoralize those who have died in action.
Nehlsen shares why he and Molesko embark on this ambitious journey each year.
“Jeff and I have been very fortunate in our lives and are very proud of our nations warriors and the sacrifices they have made for all of us,” said Nehlsen. “We look forward to giving back as much as we can through the A Warriors Wish program and to those who have served and gave so much. This is our way of saying ‘thank you for your service, you are appreciated and welcome home!’”
In three years, the proceeds from Riding For Warriors has sponsored 14 wishes through A Warrior’s Wish totaling more than $91,000 providing wounded veterans with woodworking and farm equipment, family trips, a saw mill, a horse trailer, a bass boat, four road bicycles and more.
“We’re excited and honored for Michael and Jeff to embark on the 2018 Riding For Warriors,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president of Hope For The Warriors. “Not only are both gentleman raising funds for deserving service members and veterans but they’re also raising awareness for Hope For The Warriors across 16 states.”
For more information on Riding For Warriors or to make a donation, visit hopeforthewarriors.org/Riding4Warriors2018.
For more information Hope For The Warriors or its A Warriors Wish program, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
BIKERNET READER COMMENT–
Glad to hear about the return of Joe Diffie. I love his song “Pickup Man”. I think of it as writing one of those wicked witty limericks and turning it into a song. And you can dance to it too.
–Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com
Bikernet India Bureau Chief
BIKERNET READER TECH ISSUE–
I have 127ci Evo and recently done a top end rebuild plus oil pump rebuild and replacement of keys for pump gears my problem is after putting it back together my oil pressure is very high (like blew the return tank line off the tank high) 40 to 50 psi at cold idle and 50 to 65 psi hot 2200 rpm.
The day after rebuild I was cleaning my little shop area and in the process of cleaning my work bench I found a small copper crush washer and stainless steel disk like shim about the size of a dime that has four holes in it.
Common sense tells me this disk has something to do with oil pressure regulation. I have removed my nose cone and oil pump and watched how to videos till my eyes crossed and have yet to see this part in a video nor have I been able to figure out where it goes.
If anyone know what it is or where it goes I would love to hear from them, I’m about to pull my hair out here and the ole isn’t happy with the riding time she’s missing. All ideas welcome.
–William Casper
casbobjr@gmail.com
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–I thought the Canadian Health Care was over rated! Maybe it is, but the Doctors aren’t!
A Muslim immigrant in Toronto went to the doctor and said, “I feel terrible.”
The doctor examined him and then said, “You need to pee and put your bowel movements in a bucket for a week, then throw in a dead fish and some rotten cabbage. Put a towel over your head and inhale the vapors for three days.”
The Muslim did this and then returned to the doctor two weeks later. He said, “I feel wonderful, what was wrong with me?”
The doctor replied, “You were Homesick.”
–from Sidehack Jerry
[page break]
BIKERNET COVERING THE MID-AMERICA FREEDOM RALLY THIS WEEKEND–
Dedicated Bikernet staff heading out for a little 12-hour putt to provide you the event coverage from Mid America Freedom Rally.
He’s currently broke down in Junction City, Kansas. Maybe his fuel pump. Before fuel pumps, we didn’t have these issues…
Stay tuned for the fun…
–David Campbell
Bikernet Correspondent on the Road
Earl’s Garage
VINTAGE RIDES RETURN–
There’s no such thing as a lone rider. Being a motorcyclist means being part of a family;
a generous, passionate and global one to boot. And when it comes to Royal Enfield, the family turns into a jovial bunch. To prove it to you, we designed a one-time trip around the stunning Karnataka region, culminating with the Royal Enfield Rider Mania festival in Goa. A unique chance to dive into the energic community that surrounds this mythical bike.
Introducing: GOA RIDER MANIA TOUR
680 miles. That all it takes to discover the mesmerizing beauty of Karnataka, a true motorcyclist’s dream. You’ll take your fierce wheels to scenic beaches and challenging sandy tracks, the lush Western Ghats mountains and vibrant jungles. And to add even more to this exploration, we’ll invite you to the feverish Rider Mania festival, the biggest Royal Enfield gathering in the world. You’ll see it all: races of all kinds, custom bike exhibitions, concerts and more.
An absolute must for every Royal Enfield enthusiast.
–Vintage Rides
At Tendance Roadster
(by appointment only)
98 rue Baudin
92300 LEVALLOIS-PERRET
contact@vintagerides.com
+339 70 44 01 30?
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM —Hall of Fame Highlight
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is featuring Hall of Fame Highlights of this year’s outstanding new group of inductees.
We took the opportunity to sit down with this year’s Hall of Fame inductees to talk with them about their career highlights and influences on the motorcycle industry over the years. We asked our inductees a handful of questions and this month we are highlighting flat track racer and main man behind the development of the Yamaha XS650 dirt tracker, Jack Hoel, here is what he had to say:
Jack Hoel
SMM: What does being a Hall of Famer mean to you?
JH: I am very flattered to be nominated and I thank the entire staff at the museum and everybody that made it possible. I have attended the breakfast for many years and it is an elite group of people and I am intimidated to be among so many people who have given so much to the motorcycle business. It is a great sport and it has attracted a lot of good people nationwide and worldwide. Again thank you for the opportunity.
SMM: What would you like to see in future Hall of Famers?
JH: I think the museum has done a good job so far, you’ve got a diverse bunch of people, they are not all racers and they are not all manufacturers, but they are a bunch of people who contribute to the motorcycle industry in many ways, they have all given up something for the motorcycle sport and help make it better for all of us. You have a good thing going here.
SMM: What got you started in the industry?
JH: As most people around here know, I was born into the business. My dad was a local dealer here (Sturgis) back in 1930s and was given credit for being the founder of the rally. I can remember back in the early days when everybody that had a motorcycle hung out at the motorcycle shop because you had to be a mechanic to own a motorcycle so I got know all of them and they decided to get together and start a rally in 1938 so like I said I guess I was born into it.
SMM: What would you like to see in the Museum?
JH: I am happy to see that year by year you keep adding stuff, new motorcycles and new areas of interest. One thing I thought in the past is that museums get rather stagnant so you got to keep things moving. I think one way to do that is to put up some big televisions down here at the museum and run some of the rally tapes, it would give a sense of movement to the museum and keep people occupied and give them something to look at.
SMM: What is your greatest achievement?
JH: As it relates to the motorcycle business and sport it has been a big part of my life. I raced and played around at my dad’s shop and later when I was in the Army stationed in Germany I raced over there and eventually in 1968 I became the German champion in the 500 cc class in grass track racing.
While I was in Germany I took the opportunity to fly over to the Isle of Man TT race, that was a once in a lifetime experience. It was much different than Sturgis, it is not as big as Sturgis but it is a beautiful track and experience.
Then I went to work for Yamaha, I started out as a traveling district manager and they moved me to several different states and eventually they offered me a job at the company headquarters in Los Angeles. A short time later they created a new department called the Technical Research Department and I was responsible for recommending new products and new models of stuff for North America.
So, I got to go to all the trade shows, and then they made me race manager and I went to all the race meets with our contracted riders and team mechanics. I made 7 different trips to Japan to the factory and at one point got Yamaha into the snowmobile business. I went to the northern island of Hokkaido and tested snowmobiles.
Then the DT1 250 was my first model that I recommended the factory manufacture and it was very successful and they were selling 50,000 of them in a year. From that time on I could do no wrong, they gave me all the support I needed.
We needed to get into the motorcycle market because of the 2 cycle pollution situation and we needed a 4 cycle machine for other purposes too so they asked me what to make and I recommended the XS 650 which came out in 1972 and to this day many of them are still running around the United States, they were a good machine.
I didn’t have anything to do with that, I merely recommended the outline of what we should have and the factory did all the mechanics and the engineering. They did a good job and as I said many of those machines are still running today. So I was very happy with that and I had many good years with Yamaha and it gave me a chance to travel, 7 trips to Japan, and they took me through all of the factories.
Including a kind of secretive time when Yamaha was making the Toyota 2000 GT sports car, it wasn’t top secret but there wasn’t an agreement between the two companies and they didn’t advertise the fact that Yamaha was making it at the time. They took me through the factory with the stipulation of no pictures but just that they took me through the factory was important.
I don’t know of any other American that has been taken through there but I saw the machine and they took me out to the test track and that was a real honor. In addition, I have been through all the factories including the piano factory, the boat factory, the snowmobile factory, motorcycle factory, the generator factory, everything.
AVON TYRE NEWS–Birchall brothers aiming for ‘seventh heaven’ at Isle of Man TT 2018
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR1XjNTmF-s
Six-times Isle of Man TT Sidecar race-winners Ben and Tom Birchall are aiming to take their seventh sidecar victory at this year’s Isle of Man TT.
The brothers have won all six of their TT trophies using Avon tyres, as well as multiple Sidecar World Championship titles and will take to the legendary 37.73-mile Isle of Man street circuit on Avon’s slick racing tyres again at this year’s event (May 26 – June 8).
Looking to beat their 117.119mph record lap time which they set last year, the duo is on the hunt for more TT glory in an LCR Honda outfit, equipped with the state-of-the-art Avon products.
With all 2017 TT podium places taken by Avon-shod outfits, the Wiltshire-based Avon brand is the dominant force in international sidecar racing.
Driver Ben Birchall, said:
“I don’t think there is a feeling in the world like going up to the start line at the TT. To be world champion is a great honour and a great achievement but, if I had to pick between the two, I’d pick the TT wins over that.
“It’s not something you can ever take for granted, being successful over there, but Tom and I are hungry for that seventh win and feel confident it’s something that we can achieve. We have all the ingredients we need for the win: teamwork, a competitive outfit and great tyres.”
Avon spokesperson, Steve Smith, added:
“The TT is a legendary event and the perfect place for Avon to show a truly global audience exactly what it is capable of. Over the years, we have built up a great relationship with all of the top competitors in the sidecar category and we look forward to supporting them again this year.”
The Birchall brothers will start their practice and qualifying sessions at the Isle of Man TT on Monday (May 28), with their first three-lap race on Saturday, June 2 and second race on Friday, June 8.
For further information on Avon Tyres, visit www.avon-tyres.co.uk.
–Andy Bothwell
MONSTER ENERGY– Pro Circuit Kawasaki Looking Forward To Home Race at Glen Helen
With the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team headquarters less than an hour away from Round 2 of the Pro Motocross series, the team is ready to make the most of familiar territory at Glen Helen Raceway. All three riders had shining moments at the opening round and now Joey Savatgy, Austin Forkner and Garrett Marchbanks are set to lineup this weekend in front of thousands of fans at the lone Southern California stop.
Savatgy knows a thing or two about being on the podium at Glen Helen, most recently he took second in Moto 1 last year. The four-year veteran of the team is hopeful he can find the speed to make it back to the podium again in 2018.
“Last week we knew we could have been better and I think we can make it happen this weekend,” said Savatgy. “We’ve tested at Glen Helen and know we have what we need in terms of the bike, so now it’s up to me to make it happen and get back on the podium.”
The No. 35 of Forkner was easy to spot at the opening of Moto 1 as he claimed the first holeshot of the season. If it wasn’t for hitting the bars and having to retire early, he likely would have claimed his first podium of the season. Forkner is out for redemption this weekend as he knows he has the speed to lead the pack.
“I’ve taken it a little easy this week after hitting my chest in the second moto,” said Forkner. “I got checked out and the doc said I’m good to go. I rode and now feel ready to make up for a tough weekend at Hangtown.”
Coming off a solid ride in his pro debut, Marchbanks is ready to showcase he’s just getting started. While a rookie season is a learning year for most, Marchbanks has the drive to keep getting better. This weekend he’s hoping to improve upon his 10th place result.
“We had a great start to the season and learned a lot,” said Marchbanks. “I’m really looking forward to making every moto count and Glen Helen is always a fun one to be so close to the team’s home base.”
The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders will participate in a Fan Appreciation night on Friday, May 25 from 6-7 p.m at Malcolm Smith Motorsports in Riverside, California.
Saturday’s race from Glen Helen Raceway will be broadcast on MAVTV and NBC Sports starting at 4 p.m. ET.
To find out more about Pro Circuit products, visit www.procircuit.com.
–Camilla Consonni
LATEST FROM BARE KNUCKLES–Just released from Bare Knuckle Choppers is this Swingarm Bearing Conversion Kit for all 1980-2001 FXR, FLT, and Touring motorcycles.
This complete kit upgrades your swingarm from its stock, antiquated configuration, to 4 double sealed ball bearings, and necessary spacers. The use of 4 double sealed ball bearings gives the rider a total of over 10,000 lbs dynamic load rating, and a static load rating of over 4000 lbs.
Also with the kit comes a new 4140 pivot shaft and lock nut. Gone are the stock cleve block assemblies and associated seals. You can say goodbye to the “stiction” and squishy performance, deteriorating rubber encased assemblies, and “rear steer” that these bikes have been plagued with for years.
The entire package is made in Bare Knuckle’s St. Louis, Missouri facility, and features only the finest US made bearings. This is the ONLY way to get every last bit of performance out of your rear suspension for your FXR, FLT, or Touring model. Available at SHOP.BAREKNUCKLECHOPPERS.COM.
–Nichole Grodski
Bare Knuckle Machine Co.
324 Main Street/ PO Box 251
Hawk Point, Missouri 63349
636-338-4661
“The government that governs the best, governs the least”
NEED HELP WITH VOTING–Tuesday, June 5th, is Primary Election Day! Your NRA Political Victory Fund has rated, and in some races, endorsed pro-gun/pro-hunting candidates for the upcoming primary election. The candidate ratings and endorsements can now be found on the NRA-PVF website. Before casting your vote in the Primary Election, please visit this site to learn who will best protect your Second Amendment rights and sporting heritage.
There has never been a time more important than this election cycle to make sure we elect pro-gun candidates. This is why we urge you to not only check NRA-PVF to find out where your candidates stand, but also to join us on the FrontLines™ and pledge to support and vote for NRA backed candidates. Be sure to have your family, friends and fellow Second Amendment supporters do the same. With everything that is at stake this year, your support this election cycle has never been more critical.
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2013 Harley-Davidson FLSTN – Softail Deluxe
Selling Price -$12,895.00
SPECIFICATIONS
California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock!!! We carry Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!!! Choose from over 200 bikes in our inventory. To view our current inventory, please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or call us at (714)-490-0155. EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available!!! **Open 7 days a week**
ABOUT THIS BIKE…..
2013 Harley-Davidson FLSTN – Softail Deluxe
One of the most confidence-inspiring Big Twins, the Softail Deluxe features an extremely low seat with “collapsing sides” pull back handlebar and riser, and easy-reach, extended kickstand. The powerful, counter-balanced Twin Cam 103 and a 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission are appreciated by many riders. Exquisite style details round out every other corner of this bike, from the clean front light bar, to the tombstone taillight, to the chrome grab rail and luggage rack, to the laced wheels and wide whitewall tires. The addition of the Security Package means rider have the ABS Anti-lock brakes, giving even more functionality to all this form.
This Excellent condition Softail Deluxe has only 14,178 miles!!!
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:
The super clean Pearl white and Hard candy red two-tone paint on this Softail Deluxe is absolutely astonishing with fresh details on the paint and finish, with the H-D nostalgic emblems and trim this bike is in Outstanding condition. This bike the Custom Dynamics front and rear chrome LED turn signal indicators with chrome accents from the horn cover to the chrome primary housing cover and the chrome oil tank. Passenger pegs added on with the two-up seat and luggage rack for both rider and passenger travel needs.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
**Open 7 days a week**
Only $12,895 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
SMOKE OUT ALERT– TONIGHT – LAST NIGHT FOR PRE-EVENT TICKETS
You can save enough on your ticket price for a year’s supply of Beard Pomade
The Smokeout Rally enters its 19th year.
So many good things are happening with this year’s event. It will be epic.
The Smoke out is the epicenter of the Chopper World. It has everything that you want: the ride-bike-bike show, music, drag racing, camping, Chop Off, Mini Bike Racing, freak show, beer, beards, more beer, beautiful women…
Go ahead and order your ticket today, you know you want to. It ends tonight, so you need to hurry – click here.
We need your help to promote SO19. Here is a link to the SO19 poster, would you post it to your social media pages? We would appreciate it. Here is the link to the poster.
– Edge
CLIMATE DEPOT ALERT–Media laments Trump/North Korea summit ‘could have a negative effect on global warming’ – Would increase coal exports
WASHINGTON DC — The media’s obsession with “global warming” has now reached a new level of absurdity as concerns are now being raised that a President Donald Trump summit with North Korea “could have a negative effect on global warming.” And the media is even portraying North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as more forward-thinking than Trump because Kim is “more in line with global thinking” on “climate change” and supports the UN Paris climate agreement.
E&E News reports that contrary to Kim, Trump “plans to withdraw the United States from [the UN Paris pact] despite an uproar from allies around the world.” The UK Guardian has also praised North Korea for being the ideal climate citizen state. See: 2014 UK Guardian: ‘North Korea: An Unlikely Champion in the Fight Against Climate Change’
The May 21, 2018 article in E&E News by Jean Chemnick, reports:
“The anticipated meeting between President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un could put the former real estate tycoon eye to eye with a reviled autocrat who appears more in line with global thinking on one issue: climate change. North Korea is a party to the Paris Agreement, the 2015 pact that Trump plans to withdraw the United States from despite an uproar from allies around the world.
That’s because if sanctions against North Korea are lifted, the hermit nation’s coal could flow onto the world market, with the bulk of it ending up in South Korea, Japan and China.
The E&E article notes that North Korea is making very impressive commitments to reduce it’s CO2 emissions and featured Kim hurling insults at Trump for not staying in the UN Paris agreement.
E&E News: North Korea — whose carbon emissions rank in the bottom half of nations worldwide — put forward a hefty commitment to cut its greenhouse gases 37.4 percent compared with 1990 levels. And as Trump was pulling the United States out of the agreement last June, Kim described Trump’s decision as “the height of egotism.’
Of course, it is not surprising that Kim supports the UN Paris agreement, which purports to control the climate of the earth. Kim believes he can control the weather:
See: 2017: North Korean media claims Kim Jong Un can control weather — According to North Korea’s state media, Kim Jong Un controlled the weather when he scaled a sacred mountain…The state media claimed that it was snowing because the mountain wanted to give a “warm welcome” to Kim Jong Un. According to the report, Mount Paektu wanted to “show joy at the appearance of the peerlessly illustrious commander who controls the nature.”
In addition, the E&E news article failed to present the most stunning image of North Korea’s dire energy poverty.
Shock Image: It’s Always ‘Earth Hour’ in North Korea: Electricity ‘is the difference between the Dark Age and the present age’
E&E News did note: “Most ordinary North Koreans live without power during the day, despite the country’s status as a net energy exporter. That energy poverty kept North Korea’s greenhouse gas emissions at 63.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2013, while South Korea put out 673.5 MtCO2e — more than 10 times as much.”
Related Links:
NY Times Warns Climate Change May Be ‘Greater Threat to Guam’ than N. Korea
–Marc Morano
Get the new best selling book, ‘The Politically Incorrect Guide To Climate Change’ By Marc Morano
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NEW HAND MADE BANDIT BELT BUCKLES FROM 5-BALL RACING–Artsy Wheel
This is a shot of one of my first belt buckles. It’s sorta abstract and whimsical or I was on drugs.
All belt buckles can be made in Small 1.5 inch diameter, Medium 2.5-inch, Large 3-inch and Extra Large 3.5-inch outside diameter sizes. Keep in mind as they get larger they are heavier.
Each buckle is hand made for the most part and you will be in a very small group of owners in the world, perhaps one or two, or at most a dozen. No two buckles are exactly the same.
BUILT BIKE FROM TEXAS—This scooter was discovered at a Texas swap meet and we liked the lines and detail, especially when we discovered someone built it from scratch.
–RFR
REVIEW FROM THE DESERT (regarding CARB Letter)–
Obviously an impassioned letter from an industry expert. I would address it Mary D. Nichols, the democrat, tree-hugging chair of CARB, rather than simply to “Hey.” I’d also talk up your industry experience and expertise to demonstrate you are indeed a credible source.
As with any emotionally charged issue, I believe we all have a tendency to throw everything at it, which can work against the singular point, which is to not apply more regulation and smog tests to motorcycles or outlaw combustion engines altogether.
Your message is a bit mixed. It begins, and rightly so, that further regulation or worse, enforcement of unrealistic “zero emissions,” would be a hardship that could destroy the [already floundering] motorcycle industry and that motorcycles represent an infinitesimal portion of air pollution, and that electric and hybrid vehicles of any kind are not pollution-free since electricity is made mostly by burning fossil fuels. I would go with the nearly immeasurable environmental impact + the harm to the industry, loss of jobs, tax revenue and other economic ripples.
I would recommend not quoting right-wingers like Morano, who was once called the “Climate Change Misinformer of the Year” and who called for “free-market solutions to environmental issues,” which got us into this mess in the first place. Think about that phrase for a minute—basically he advocates for no regulation, which is how guys like Carnegie and Vanderbilt manufactured obscene wealth at the expense of our air and waterways, as well as the health of their employees and families. Too many people think Morano is a crackpot with a Republican anti-environment agenda, surely including Nichols and most likely the rest of CARB.
I would steer clear of any debate about whether climate change is real or not. In the eyes of a likely democrat filled CARB (Nichols has long fought against global warming), whose board includes engineers and scientists, I believe they would probably stop reading your letter right there. It doesn’t matter what data and statistics you quote, you’re talking to a clean air organization that has already made up its mind about manmade global warming.
Arguments that we need more CO2, that CO2 is good for the planet and so on are not going to fly. There are other forums where you can make your case regarding the myths of man- and livestock-made climate change (even though some 99% of all scientists believe it’s a fact). Common sense tells us pollutants are probably not healthy, nor helping our atmosphere and the land and water beneath it.
So, I’d focus on the points that bikes already run quite lean, they represent a teeny tiny portion of air pollutants, and further regulation may cripple an entire industry already stressed with DOT and EPA rules, import tax burdens, and the growing costs of distribution.
BAKER GEARHEAD NEWS– This BAKER Gearhead Class is about Bleeding a Hydraulic Side Cover with Lurkin’ Lerg.
The BAKER Hydraulic Side Cover can be used as an upgrade to convert your bike from a mechanical cable style actuator, to the smooth action of a hydraulic. It has a slim design that adds the toughness of billet with the innovation of a BAKER product to your Big Twin.
We use a 1.5” diameter, double sealed, steel piston to work flawlessly with an 11/16” bore hydraulic master cylinder. It is designed to fit stock 5-speeds, stock 6-speeds, the BAKER DD5, DD6, OD6, DD7 and GrudgeBox.
We will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018 for Memorial Day.
We will proceed with normal business hours (8AM-7PM EST) on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
COMMENT FROM BIKERNET STAFF MEMBER—He wrote a review regarding a new Steve McQueen book and used a quote from the following poem:
It’s a reference to a Robert Burns poem A Mans a Man and all that.
1795
Type: Song
Tune: For a’ that.
Is there for honest Poverty
That hings his head, an’ a’ that;
The coward slave-we pass him by,
We dare be poor for a’ that!
For a’ that, an’ a’ that.
Our toils obscure an’ a’ that,
The rank is but the guinea’s stamp,
The Man’s the gowd for a’ that.
What though on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hoddin grey, an’ a that;
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine;
A Man’s a Man for a’ that:
For a’ that, and a’ that,
Their tinsel show, an’ a’ that;
The honest man, tho’ e’er sae poor,
Is king o’ men for a’ that.
Ye see yon birkie, ca’d a lord,
Wha struts, an’ stares, an’ a’ that;
Tho’ hundreds worship at his word,
He’s but a coof for a’ that:
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
His ribband, star, an’ a’ that:
The man o’ independent mind
He looks an’ laughs at a’ that.
A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an’ a’ that;
But an honest man’s abon his might,
Gude faith, he maunna fa’ that!
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
Their dignities an’ a’ that;
The pith o’ sense, an’ pride o’ worth,
Are higher rank than a’ that.
Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a’ that,)
That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an’ a’ that.
For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
It’s coming yet for a’ that,
That Man to Man, the world o’er,
Shall brothers be for a’ that.
–from David Campbell
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
Roger Chatelet (Ramjet)
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=1436
I knew Roger in the ’80s when I lived in Santa Maria. I was his neighbor. We did a lot of rides together, along with Vance Breese. Very unforgettable times. Roger has been missed.
— Ferd Schauman
ferdschauman@aol.com
Grove City , MN
DAVID’S BOOK REVIEW–McQueen’s Motorcycles
Racing and Riding with the King of Cool
By Matt Stone
Motorbooks – Quarto Publishing
So I try and tell you why I think you would like a book or not and why you might or might not want to pick up a copy for yourself. Well, this book sat on my desk a little longer than it should. Ya see, I’m not into celebrities, movie stars and all that. I think A Man’s A Man For A’ That, if your a fan of Burns. I believe a man is defined by his actions not what he does for a living or the status he has achieved or his fame and fortune. This book showed me the real side of Steve McQueen. Not being into celebrities I never looked into the man and what he accomplished. I was quite surprised. He wasn’t a playboy racecar driver but a down to earth motorhead…
–David Campbell
Read David’s full review on the home page of Bikernet.—Bandit
We’ve got a few books for you.–Bandit
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN–‘How long before I can get a haircut?’
The barber looked around the shop full of customers and said , ‘About 2 hours.’
The guy left. A few days later, the same guy stuck his head in the door and asked, ‘How long before I can get a haircut?’
The barber looked around at the shop and said, ‘About 3 hours..’
The guy left. A week later, the same guy stuck his head in the shop and asked, ‘How long before I can get a haircut?
The barber looked around the shop and said, ‘About an hour and a half ..
The guy left. The barber turned to his friend and said, ‘Hey, Tom, do me a favor, follow him and see where he goes. He keeps asking how long he has to wait for a haircut, but he never comes back.
‘A little while later, Tom returned to the shop, laughing hysterically.The barber asked, ‘So, where does he go when he leaves?’
Tom looked up, wiped the tears from his eyes and said,’Your house!’
–from Sidehack Jerry
10th Annual Biker Lobby Day Brings Riders to Washington, D.C.–
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week scores of riders from the motorcycle community traveled to Washington, D.C. to connect with elected officials from across the country in support of motorcyclists’ rights. Hosted by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the annual “Bikers Inside the Beltway” is the only advocacy day in the nation’s Capital hosted by riders, for riders.
Over 160 people participated in this year’s event; a 60% increase in the last two years. For many, it was their first time. “It was truly an honor to represent my Club,” said one attendee from a military motorcycle club, “[these are] such important issues that affect hundreds of thousands of riders,” he went on to say.
Thirty different states were represented in Washington, DC which resulted in direct contact with over 300 offices on Capitol Hill. Members of the MRF brought their bikes as well as their personal stories from back home to Capitol Hill and discussed issues critical to the 2018 legislative agenda. Among these included support for the anti-profiling measures in the House and Senate, concerns over ethanol and the lack of consumer education at the pump, as well as a push to bring the RPM Act and SELF-DRIVE Act to the floor for a vote.
Every meeting that was attended marked another critical step forward in building and maintaining relationships with congressional offices, and each meeting provided the opportunity to communicate directly with a wide array of lawmakers who are currently considering legislation that would affect the rights of motorcyclists.
Lawmakers and staff got a double dose of motorcycles on May 15; hosted in conjunction with Bikers Inside the Beltway was 2018’s first Congressional Motorcycle Caucus Event. Featuring rider education and training professional Stacey “Ax” Axmaker, a setup in the Rayburn House Office Building allowed attendees to experience a motorcycle ride via Virtual Reality Technology. Several elected officials participated along with dozens of staffers.
“This year’s Bikers Inside the Beltway was our most successful yet,” said Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Chairman and President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “Attendance, preparation and participation was phenomenal. Our elected officials knew that the bikers had come to town and with few exceptions, we were welcomed as a key stakeholder on issues that affect transportation, the environment and the entire rider community. The impact of this day is felt long after the bikes roll out of town.”
Ride With The Leaders by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
DUCATI RETURNS TO PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB TO COMPETE WITH RETURNING CHAMPION CARLIN DUNNE AND MIDDLEWEIGHT RECORD HOLDER CODIE VAHSHOLTZ
~ New Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak to Make Race Debut at 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb ~
Ducati has set its sights on taking back the course record at the 96th annual running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), set to take place June 24. The Ducati team record holder, Carlin Dunne, and current middleweight record holder, Codie Vahsholtz, make up the 2018 Spider Grips Ducati Pikes Peak team. This year’s race will also include the exciting introduction of the new Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak to the historic “Race to the Clouds.”
This will be a must-watch event for race fans and Ducatisti around the world. Ducati has secured six victories on the mountain since the company’s debut in 2008 and held the all-time course record from 2012 until 2017 a year in which Ducati was not part of the official race competition.
Dunne was the first motorcyclist ever to traverse the 4,720-foot Pikes Peak race course in less than 10 minutes (9:52.819), which was achieved on the game-changing Multistrada 1200 S in 2012.
This year marks Dunne’s return to Ducati’s racing team. In 2017, he led the Pikes Peak Squadra Alpina as part of the Race Smart program, which was created in 2016 by Ducati in partnership with the PPIHC. The program utilizes the experience of former champions to ensure all rookie motorcycle entrants have the highest level of preparation and knowledge prior to the sinuous course.
“After holding the course record for many years, we had decided to use our experience on the mountain to help support the safety of riders with the introduction of the Squadra Alpina program and keep the tradition of motorcycle racing on the mountain. Our efforts proved to be successful,” said Jason Chinnock, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati North America. “After 2017, when Dunne’s record was finally broken by a small margin, it inspired us to race again with the goal of reclaiming the title. The riders, team and new Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak are destined to be a force on the mountain.”
New to the team is rider, Codie Vahsholtz, a Colorado native who comes from a family of Pikes Peak champions but established a series victories of his own with the record time in 2017 for the Middleweight Division, the record time in 2015 for the Lightweight Division and in 2013 for the 250 Pro Class. With the 19 victories of his grandfather, Leonard Vahsholtz and the 23 wins of his father, Clint Vahsholtz, Codie carries on the family legacy with the most Pikes Peak victories of any family.
The “Race to the Clouds” takes place on Sunday, June 24. Over the span of 12.42 miles, racers partake in 156 turns to reach the 14,115-foot summit. The first PPIHC was held in 1916 and continues to be one of the world’s most challenging road races.
The debut of the Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak will showcase the versatility of the new, larger displacement Multistrada. The 1262 cc Ducati Testastretta DVT engine delivers 18% more torque in the mid-range and is paired with a redesigned chassis for increased stability. In addition, the motorcycle is fitted with a cutting-edge electronics package with distinct Riding Modes, Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Wheelie Control to improve control in all conditions on the mountain. A motorcycle built for sport adventure, the new Multistrada 1260 is available in the standard version, the Multistrada 1260 S and Multistrada Pikes Peak.
Ducati is partnering this year with Shell Advance, Brembo, Pirelli, Termignoni, Spider Grips, Ducati by Rizoma, Race Tech, Revl and Racing Cowboys for the Pikes Peak event.
ANTI-MOTORCYCLISTS —profiling bill passes Assembly Public Safety Committee 5-2
Assembly Bill 2972 passed out of the Public Safety Committee on April 10 on a 5-2 vote and is now expected to be heard by the full Assembly on April 19.
The bill, A.B. 2972, introduced by California Assemblymember Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and co-authored by Speaker Pro-Tem Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo), would prohibit law enforcement officers from using “the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle or motorcycle club-related clothing as a factor, without any individualized suspicion of the particular person, in deciding to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest, or search a person or vehicle, with or without legal basis under the California Constitution or the United States Constitution.”
Now is the time to ask your representative to support A.B. 2972. To contact them use the Take Action link.
The AMA Board of Directors has previously adopted a position statement condemning the practice of motorcyclist profiling. It reads: The American Motorcyclist Association has long advocated for the rights of motorcyclists and the motorcycling lifestyle. The AMA, in diligently scrutinizing government policies directed at motorcyclists, is concerned over motorcyclist profiling. This includes motorcycle-only checkpoints and what is a predisposition in many cases of law enforcement officers targeting motorcyclists solely because they are wearing motorcycle-related clothing.
In the past few years, a number of efforts have been undertaken to address these issues. For example, the states of Washington (S.B. 5242 in 2011) and Maryland (S.B. 233 in 2016) have passed legislation specifically forbidding the profiling of motorcyclists, and other states are considering similar legislation.
Additionally, California adopted Assembly Bill 1047 in 2012, specifically outlawing motorcycle-only checkpoints. Checkpoints are also restricted by state law or judicial action in: Alaska, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, New Hampshire, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The AMA strongly condemns the profiling of motorcyclists by government agencies and has long championed the undeniable fact that the vast majority of riders and enthusiasts are upstanding, law-abiding citizens. Motorcyclists and motorcycling enthusiasts represent the full range of Americans and should be judged on their specific behaviors and actions, not their chosen mode of transportation or association with others.
If you are not yet an AMA member, please join the AMA to help us fight efforts to restrict responsible motorized recreation. More members means more clout against our opponents, and your support will help us fight for your riding rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government.
To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
DO YOU SEE THE QUANDRY?—Life is sorta nuts, and I’m sorta twisted about a lot of it. I hope to start sending out my letter regarding the California Air Resources Board new motorcycle regs tomorrow.
I’m not a scientist. I’m not even a college grad. I’m just a grubby biker who can read. So much is going on and it doesn’t make any sense to me.
I saw a bike recently I had never seen before, a 1914 H-D twin with no transmission. Hopefully I can share it with you soon.
We have so much happening at Bikernet, I don’t know where to start. So, I’m going to do a set of weights, stretch and then pour a glass of whiskey and ponder my next move.
Hang on and Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
