Hey,
Just when you thought the action might slow down due to the weather shift, the show series starts. The action slips indoors with new builds, shows, parties and the fun never stops.
Hang on as the action heats up.
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 and BorntoRide.com, Sturgis Museum.
GARAGE ITALIA CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF ITS HEADQUARTERS IN MILAN
Lapo Elkann opens the doors to Garage Italia in Piazzale Accursio, Milan. The new headquarters are in an iconic building, the former petrol station Agip Supercortemaggiore, restored by Michele De Lucchi’s aMDL studio. Passion, creativity, design and excellence meet in the creative hub of the Italian entrepreneur, including the bar and restaurant of Chef Carlo Cracco.
7th november – The story of Piazzale Accursio starts in the 1950s, during the Italian economic miracle. The fascinating building separates two streets leading the traveller of the day to magnificent destinations. This beautiful piece of architecture was later abandoned and left in decadence for years.
Now its doors open up again onto its new role thanks to Lapo Elkann and Garage Italia. A new location projects the journey towards creativity, now even more significant as a point of contact between one of the symbolic cities of contemporary Italy, Milan, and other capitals and cultures in Europe and worldwide.
“Milan has the responsibility and honour of representing the flag of Italian renaissance in the global panorama, interacting with other cultural and entrepreneurial centres in the world. This is why I wanted to make a space to share, create and taste the best of our country, putting Italian excellence from the sectors of creativity, design, motion and food under the same roof” – Lapo Elkann
Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Garage Italia will welcome enthusiasts of style and beauty at any moment of the day, from breakfast to after dinner, bringing a breath of fresh air into the life of the Portello neighbourhood. Its 1,700 sqm are distributed on two floors with a basement for service and staff rooms.
When Lapo Elkann saw this place, it had been abandoned for many years. He realised its great value so opened it up to all those with thecuriosity and will to see beyond what already exists.” – Michele De Lucchi
“Working on this project has been wonderfully exciting. Garage Italia is a magic container where fun, creativity, good cooking, passion and dreams coexist. The cuisine we propose is in the name of Made In Italy, with simple and accessible dishes, absolute quality and research of primary products. Everything starts from the greatness of Italian regional recipes, presented to the public in a more innovative and creative way by Chef Gabriele Faggionato under my direct supervision. On the menu, the names of the dishes recall the world of cars and motors, to create a fil rouge with the surrounding environment and Garage Italia.” – Chef Carlo Cracco
CUSTOM BUILD SAVES LIVES ON BIKERNET TRIKES, READER COMMENT–
Trikes for Disabled Riders
Comment on our Trikes for the disabled:
“you are design this physically challenged vehicle its very nice
I also handicapped and I am want this. What is the prize of this vehicle”
Thanks & regards
Vinayaka M “
vvinu1975@rediffmail.com / Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
Wayfarer answers:
Hi brother,
Stay strong. Major Trike manufacturers such as Polaris, Can-Am and Harley-Davidson are sure to tap India market soon enough.
These however are custom built trikes and too expensive as an import into India.
You may want to shop for Trike Kits and buy a trike kit from Paughco USA and have a local Indian mechanic put it together as a custom build trike for yourself. Of course as a fellow native I know there will be legal obstacles in registration for custom vehicles.
Stay tuned for more Trike News and brands coming into India and Asia right here on www.BikernetTrikes.com
–Ujjwal
Most Magnificent Editor
Bikernet Trikes
logrolling [lawg-roh-ling, log-]
noun
2. cronyism or mutual favoritism among writers, editors, or critics, as in the form of reciprocal flattering reviews; back scratching.
EXECUTIVE & REGULATORY UPDATES – Look for the MRF Logo in the Wall Street Journal, Plus, Submit Your Comments to NHTSA and MAC Stuff
This week, your MRF was asked to sign on to a letter that would highlight the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard or RFS. The letter will not only be sent to President Trump, but will also be run as full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Times after the President returns from his upcoming trip to Asia. Publication of the ad will be timed for maximum impact in publications, which the President reads.
The Motorcyclist Advisory Council is going to be the best thing since sliced bread, said no one ever. But it is moving forward, like it or not. This week I received the results from my FOIA (that’s the Freedom of Information Act) request back in September. I requested all internal government documents that dealt with the formation and selection of MAC Appointees.
As suspected, there was no smoking gun, but there were some stones that will need some effort to upturn. I’ll be in touch on that.
The first meeting of the MAC was also announced – it’s been scheduled for Tuesday, December 5 in Arlington, VA. Yours truly will be there, and I have asked to speak. I’ll also be circulating a sign on letter that I will ask to be entered into the record. I’d like to get as many signatures as possible so PLEASE consider signing on (and asking your friends, cousins, and neighbors to sign on too).
Though I can confirm that 9 out of 10 appointees do ride motorcycles, there is only ONE seat dedicated to a motorcycle organization.
The other nine can certainly speak to their individual experience riding, but are there to provide technical input. We really wanted more seats for national and state riders’ associations to bring a different perspective to the table and speak for the masses. That’s more or less what the sign on letter will say. Be on the lookout for that next week….
Give the Department of Transportation a piece of your mind. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently unveiled a document titled, “Vision for Safety 2.0” These guidelines update policies issued last fall concerning automated vehicles and discuss safety and performance rules for these types of vehicles, as well as the recommended role for state and federal policymakers.
Once again, the 36-page document FAILS TO MENTION MOTORCYCLISTS in any sort of meaningful way! And what scares me? One section of the document that has to do with object detection (ya know, the part we are most concerned about) discusses some of the things autonomous vehicles need to be aware of…like pedestrians…bicyclists…animals…but apparently not riders.
Let’s tell the head of NHTSA that these guidelines must be inclusive of all road users; especially motorcyclists!
You can comment by clicking here to sign a pre-drafted letter. We took the hard work out of it, so what are you waiting for??????
http://cqrcengage.com/mrf/app/take-action?engagementId=412574
SAIGON JAVA WARS– Only a few of the many, many different coffee shops. Don’t think I’ve seen one tea house. Had my obligatory bowl of Pho. Just as good in Westminster, CA I think. With my first glass of cumquat juice or weet sour lemonade flavor
Weather still cloudy so no hot sun. I think there is a tornado in the area somewhere
–Art Hall
with our infused THC lemonade in Oregon and shortly after that, California. As many of you are aware, finding the right partner has
been one of our greatest challenges. And our perseverance over the last four years will shortly pay off with our Dark Hudson Cherry
Lemonade available in the recreational and medicinal forms.
These guys have a couple of limited opportunities for investment. Contact Jeff, below for more information.
–Jeff Najar
919-450-5060
MY MADONNA
There’s just something about this Beemer. I keep coming back to it, but what is the draw? I guess I just really like classic. Yeah, that must be it.
–Sam
Somewhere along the Texas border
QUOTE OF THE WEEK FROM A BLUES SONG— I love the life I live and I live the life I love.
–Bandit
DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Win a Guitar Signed by
GEORGE THOROGOOD
and a $200 Shopping Spree
from Hot Leathers
Sign up to win in the
THE PERFECT STORM–
We never do anything nice and easy. We only do things nice and rough! Tina Turner
ABATE of Wisconsin continues to demonstrate why it is successful in achieving many of its goals.
Since its inception in 1974, ABATE of Wisconsin has always taken a proactive stance on matters affecting its membership and other motorcyclists in the state. Whether fighting for the right to choose on matters concerning personal safety, or pursuing legislative relief from laws that were detrimental or inequitable, ABATE has always taken the high ground to achieve victory.
In the ‘70s, it was repeal of the mandatory helmet law. In the ‘80s, ABATE challenged motorcycle confiscation problems. In the ‘90s, it was successful in overturning a Supreme Court ruling that punished injured riders for not wearing a helmet, even though there was no mandate for adult riders over 21 with a valid M endorsement. Recently, right of way violations against motorcyclists were on the rise and ABATE sought a just remedy through a comprehensive motorcycle bill, Act 466, that included sanctions and an education element for motorists who violated a rider’s right of way.
Through a quirk in legislative drafting of bills, many right of way violations were defined as something else, even though in essence they were still right of way violations. That loop-hole allowed many violators to escape from the sanctions imposed by Act 466. ABATE has been working to rectify that problem since 2006, without success. Even though both houses of the state legislature supported what ABATE was proposing, the bills continued to stall legislative session after legislative session.
Tired of wasting time and political capital through several consecutive sessions, ABATE took a bold step forward, reminiscent of huge protest rallies that brought 50,000 bikers to Madison, Wisconsin in 1977.
On October 12, over 100 ABATE members rode to the state Capitol to remind legislators that they did not appreciate lip service without legislative action. The defiance seemed to awaken in lawmakers the knowledge that ABATE wielded considerable clout and had been effectively working with the state to reduce injuries, alcohol related crashes, and unlicensed riders.
Very soon after ABATE’s storm had ceased, the Assembly voted to pass the new legislation expanding the definition of a right of way violation. The Senate still has to take up a vote, but ABATE received word that it was going to do just that before the sessions ends. Click on the link to read a little more about the Perfect Storm!
— Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
https://www.hupy.com/news/abate-of-wisconsin-storms-the-capitol.cfm
Reflection Foil black for BMW R 1200 RT, LC (2014-) & K 1600 GT/GTL —
This set of reflection foils (4 pieces) increases the signalling effect for the following traffic a lot. Your motorcycle is immediately much more visible which increases also your passive safety a lot. The black foils look unremarkably black during daylight, but reflect in a striking silver/white colour at night.
MEETING OF THE MINDS 2018–
My plans for the aftermarket – I’d like for them to have a presence at our Meeting of the Minds in 2018, which is being held in Denver.
We need to embrace the issues on the business side. To have a presence and even a speaking role to discuss what issues their regulatory staff are working against and how we as riders can help them.
Our MotM only has about 300-400 attendees but what isn’t widely known is that those few hundred people are the Executive Directors and Lobbyists for almost all of the major motorcycle rights organizations in the U.S.
It’s a good marketing opportunity to touch those who really matter and have a big voice. Plus I think there will continue to be issues (EPA, Emissions Regs, RPM Act) that we can and should be working together on.
Anyone can reach out to me at the MRF for more info.
-Megan
HARLEY DAY IN SAIGON– Sunday is the day the Harley guys meet up for coffee and camaraderie. First they gather at a coffee shop in the morning.
Next they enjoy reading the latest copies of quick throttle magazine.
Then they kick tired and check out their latest mods.
Then they move on to a group lunch that features lots of beer and good VN food.
I’ve known this group for about 8 years now. They have always been very hospitable and the best emissaries of their culture.
There is a typhoon in central Vietnam that has killed 27 people. It has only sent a little rain and cloudy days here. Now it moves on towards Thailand and I hope it doesn’t interfere with my flight back today Monday.
Condolences to the state of Texas. Damn world is going nuts.
–Art Hall
Supreme International Editor
Bikernet.com
ACTION ON THE SADDLEMEN FRONT–
Buster at Saddlemen checking in to remind folks we’re open 8am to 8pm EST for you seating and storage needs.
Also wanted to include some seats we did this week that were beyond exceptional. Thanks for all you do for the industry and to us guys on two wheels!
Buster Cates
P. 310.638.1222 x239
F. 310.761.1234
Nash Veterans Day Weekend Sale–
TODAY THROUGH SUNDAY 11/12/2017 Midnight
In honor of our Veterans and all that have served our beloved country. We extend a 20% discount to all Nash customers over this holiday weekend.
Use promo code : ” nashvets20 ” for 20% off all purchases on the Nash Motorcycles website. https://www.nashmotorcycle.com/
How Trump saved freedom and democracy from the Climate Industrial Complex– The U.S. was a problem for the green global governors because of that picky Constitution
Donald Trump as saviour not just of American democracy but global freedom? Although he doesn’t express it quite that strongly, this is one inevitable conclusion from Rupert Darwall’s tremendous new book, Green Tyranny: Exposing the Totalitarian Roots of the Climate Industrial Complex. That’s because Trump, by abandoning the Paris climate agreement, and reversing his predecessor’s attempts to bypass Congress on environmental matters, has heaved a mighty wrench into the European-based thrust to impose global bureaucratic “governance” under the pretext of saving the world from climate catastrophe.
Beyond all the blather about Trump’s presidency representing the triumph of redneck ignorance and deplorable racism — and whatever Trump’s personal shortcomings — Darwall notes that one of the main reasons for his victory was that the American left had abandoned working people in pursuit of identity politics and radical environmentalism. “From being the voice of working people,” writes Darwall, “the Democratic Party has become the political arm of the Climate Industrial Complex,” an unholy alliance of bureaucrats, NGOs, green corporate rent-seekers and Silicon Valley “oligarchs.” With additional funding (as they like to say on PBS) from a raft of mega-billion-dollar foundations built on capitalist success but seemingly dedicated to destroying capitalism.
Darwall wrote Green Tyranny as a sequel to his similarly incisive 2013 book, The Age of Global Warming, specifically to expand on the critical roots of environmental ideology and power-seeking in Europe — in particular Sweden and Germany. He also records how the issues of acid rain and “nuclear winter” were in many ways political trial runs for the great assault on freedom in the name of saving the world from climate change. In each case, a critical factor was the corruption of science by politicized scientists.
Soon, however, all the Eurolefties wound up on the same page. Their key strategy was, to paraphrase Leonard Cohen, first we take Berlin — and Bonn, and Stockholm, and Paris and London — then we’ll take Manhattan, and Sacramento, and Washington.
The U.S. was the overwhelming problem for the global governors because of its picky constitutional concerns about the separation of powers (significantly to counter potential tyranny) and the First Amendment (which is under attack in more areas than climate).
But then, in 2015, the U.S. electorate spoke up, refusing to kowtow to the social democratic Bourbons and their plans to deindustrialize America. That is one big reason why Donald Trump — the anti-tyrant! the voice of economic sanity! (at least in this case) — sits in the White House.
FROM SAM’S ARCHIVES–
Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1912, Dorothy Goulding aka ‘Dot Robinson’ is the daughter of famous sidecar manufacturer James Goulding.
In 1931 and now living in the U.S. she married Earl Robinson, a mechanic at the Goulding’s Harley Davidson dealership in Saginaw, Michigan. During this period they were both riding and winning in Endurance Run competitions and in 1935 they set two transcontinental records from New York to Los Angeles.
Dorothy ‘Dot’ Robinson also co-founded the Motor Maids of America in 1940, the first and oldest continuously operated women’s motorcycling organisation in North America, and served as it’s first President.
–Sam Burns
QUOTE FROM THE OPTIMIST GRAY MOUNTAIN— Promise yourself to forget the mistakes of the Past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
–Optimist Creed
SIGN THE PETITION, QUICK–
In 2015, Congress re-established the Motorcyclist Advisory Council in the Highway Bill to advise the Federal Highway Administration on “issues of concern to motorcyclists.” This important group would serve as the ONLY official forum on a national scale for motorcyclists to have an open dialogue with the Government. And yet, all but one individual selected was there to represent the technical aspects of the Council, including engineering, construction and traffic safety systems as well as roadway data.
Only one seat out of ten was designated for a national motorcycle riders’ association to alone speak to the riding experiences and concerns of more than 8.5 million motorcyclists in the U.S.
This is unacceptable, we must petition the government to add motorcyclists to the Council! By clicking and sharing the link below, you can sign a petition that will be submitted for the official record asking for 3 additional seats to be added to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council – 1 for a national motorcycle riders association for ON-STREET motorcycles and 2 for state/regional motorcycle riders associations.
Unlike 9 out of the 10 Council Members chosen, adding these 3 representatives who have the authority to speak on behalf of riders at large, will ensure this Council accomplishes what it sets out to do – be the voice of riders!
Together, let’s spread the word: #LetRidersSpeak
SIGN THE PETITION BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:
http://cqrcengage.com/mrf/app/sign-petition?4&engagementId=414594
–Megan J. Ekstrom
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Phone: (202) 725-5471
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– VIRGINS…………..
A young Chinese couple gets married. She’s a virgin. Truth be told, he is a virgin too, but she doesn’t know that.
On their wedding night, she cowers naked under the sheets as her husband undresses in the darkness. He climbs into bed next to her and tries to be reassuring.
“My darring,” he whispers, “I know dis you firss time and you berry flighten. I promise you, I give you anyting you want, I do anyting – juss anyting you want. You juss ask. Whatchu want?” he says, trying to sound experienced and worldly, which he hopes will impress her.
A thoughtful silence follows and he waits patiently and eagerly for her request. She eventually shyly whispers back, “I want to try someting I have hear about from odda girls… Numbaa 69.”
More thoughtful silence, this time from him. Eventually, in a puzzled tone he asks her…. “You want…… Garlic Chicken wif snow peas?”
–from El Waggs
Motoauct.com: Ready, Set, Launch –The World’s First Online Vintage Motorcycle Auction is Now Live
Free Listings to Registered Users for 60 Days
Bakersfield, CA (November 8, 2017) – Motoauct.com is the premiere auction site dedicated to vintage motorcycles. Founded by two vintage motorcycle enthusiasts who understand both auction platforms and the vintage motorcycle world, Motoauct.com is the first site of its kind.
Register. Buy. Sell. Socialize. Motoauct.com.
–Ken Conte
THE BIKERIDERS— Danny Lyons’ masterwork published in 1968. Danny joined The Chicago Outlaw Motorcycle Club in 1965, which led to the book— and the exhibit which opens Nov. 9, in Los Angeles at Fahey/ Klein Gallery on La Brea.
A rare event. The publication includes interviews w/ racers & outlaw bikers. Looks like Fahey/ Klein will have a few new boffo large prints from the book. Danny was one of the top documentary photographers of the ‘60s, ‘70s— a show not to be missed!
–Markus Cuff
Renowned Bikernet Feature Photographer
And photographer for Cycle Source, American Iron, Tattoo Magazine and Easyriders.
UNCLE MONKEY ON REAL-WORLD BIKE BUILDING– While television would have you believe that a complete, competitive motorcycle can be whipped up in a couple of weeks, a month at most that just simply doesn’t happen in the real world.
Builds stretch into months, even years if you are living paycheck to paycheck like many of us are. There simply isn’t some wealthy benefactor throwing tens of thousands of dollars your way.
Suppliers don’t readily hand out parts or put their company on hold to stitch up a custom one off seat just for you.
No you are at the mercy of the bank balance and UPS drivers. Often parts are back ordered, some simply have to be manufactured and you are just one of thousands of customers. Painting, powder coating, chroming all takes time. Paint alone usually takes three to four weeks, chrome takes me months and at least here is extremely costly. (The last set of custom drag pipes I had estimated to be rechromed because they were damaged in shipping came in at $1500).
All of this adds up in time. Throw in kids, the old lady and days riding, and you can see why some projects seem to stall out on the lifts.
The time it takes to build a bike means that sometimes motors are rebuilt and sit years before we give them a first kick. In the mean time we lift the motor in and out dozens of times, each time hoping not to scratch or damage the chrome or break a cooling fin. Warranties come and go while you work to finish the bike.
Thousands of parts all assembled, often without instructions, with the hope of building a complete, functioning, running motorcycle. The enthusiastic firing up to just see if it runs that we see on television is replaced with apprehension, often replaced with triple checking everything to make sure it is right, to make sure that we have the oil lines run properly, to make sure we added the oil to the tank and cases, fuel to the carb.
It is only in that moment when we straddle the bike on the lift. Even in that moment we are running down check lists in our head. The music from the stereo fades away, your buddy’s calls to fire it up already fades away.
A deep breath. You make sure the gas is turned on, pull the choke on the S&S carb and give a couple twists to the throttle before you swing the kickstart pedal out. You rotate it down slowing building compression until it is ready.
The late nights, the blood knuckles, Ramen noodle suppers, future flashes of rides, trophies all flash through your mind as you rise in one fluid motion and force the kick start down. Your heart jumps into your throat as it fires to life, filling the garage with assembly lube smoke, hope, and dreams.
–bad Uncle Monkey
25 Best Motorcycle Movies Ever!
Have you seen 21 Days under the Sky?
— Mike
Philadelphia, Pa
I’ll check with the master. He didn’t include Born to Ride either…—Bandit
BUDDHA HILL– You want Buddhas? We got them on Big Buddha Hill in Bangkok, Thailand. Tall. Short. Big. Small. Skinny. Fat. Laying. Sitting. Standing. You name it.
–Art Hall
Bikernet International Editor on the Road
ROYAL ENFIELD FINALLY STEPS UP TO BUILD A TWIN–
Watch the recording of the Live Webtelecast from Milan, Italy. Launch of Parallel Twin Engine of Enfield motorcycle.
These two new Enfield bikes are made to the highest specifications applicable in USA, Europe and Asia Pacific. They meet all the safety and quality standards matching the best anywhere on Earth. They meet the strictest emission rules. And the twin engine is ready to rock the highways and give you classic stride on your daily commute in the city.
Royal Enfield Interceptor is a 650cc parallel twin engine redesigned from the original 1960s Interceptor brand of Enfield. It is THE California Cool of motorcycles. Bright colors add to the summer of 69 memories of freedom, pleasure, beauty and rebellion.
The Cafe Racer culture was revived by Enfield with the Continental GT and now with the 650cc dual tone Continental GT you have a cafe racer to tour all the cafes in your state and across borders.
Really remarkable bikes and a huge step or rather a gigantic leap forward by Enfield Motorcycles. A Company making motorcycles since before Indian Motorcycles or Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever hit the road.
The chassis and engine are the same for Interceptor 650 and Continental 650. They weigh within 200 KGs. Lot of accessories tested and available.
These bikes will launch first in Europe and then rollout globally. Expected date to hit the market is April 2018. The engine is oil and air cooled. Real fun bikes for everyday folks for everyday riding. Not huge bulky hogs and not speed demons. Just a motorcycle for the gentleman who takes pride in class and comfort.
–Ujjwal Dey
Most Magnificent Editor
Bikernet Trikes
wayfarer@bikernet.com
IMS SHOW CALENDARS FREE–
Get geared up and buy your tickets now! Save $3 with promo code EM5POST18. Discount valid through November 15, 2017 at 11:00am PST.
Visit the Redemption Counter inside the IMS entrance and show this email (printed or on your mobile phone) to receive your FREE 2017-18 IMS Souvenir Calendar*
*While Supplies Last
LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK— LiL’ Nugget: For years we wanted the lowest slimmest seat we could find. Times have changed, but for some guys this is still the ultimate way to go. Who needs padding, let’s ride.
Overview
Designed to expose everything on your bike
Gives a spring mounted look
Frame mounted
A minimalistic form
Fitment
06-UP DYNA
08-UP TOURING
The Coolest New Motorcycles From EICMA 2017, November 08, 2017– ICYMI, manufacturers have been going crazy unveiling new production bikes and concepts at the EICMA show in Milan all week. My twitter and IG feeds have been overflowing with some gorgeous new machines. So, to save you some time (and some FOMO anxiety) I have rounded up my top five favorites.
#5: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650
I realize the first entry here is actually TWO bikes, but they’re pretty much the same bike. These are the first parallel-twin engine bikes Royal Enfield has produced in modern history. The Interceptor is a simpler roadster style while the Continental is a full-blown cafe racer. Both share the same engine and chassis.
#4 Ducati Scrambler 1100
The Scrambler has been a crowd favorite since Ducati decided to start making them again in 2015. For 2018, they’ve beefed up the power with a Monster 1100 evo engine. It comes in three styles, base model, special, and sport. All three continue the retro styling trend, which I love, but also come packed with safety features like the Bosch cornering ABS and traction control system. Plus, that duel underseat exhaust is just cool as hell.
#3 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
Can we see a trend developing here? This has to be the best nod to retro design I have seen to date. And you might think this is all style over substance, but underneath that beautiful teardrop tank and sumptuous fairing, lies a very good motorcycle. The Z900 was my favorite bike at the AIM Expo this year, so to see it get dressed in this gorgeous design really ticks all the boxes for me. I mean….just LOOK at it.
#2 KTM 790 Duke
Just when you thought it was going to be ALL cafe racers here comes the Duke. Burn outs should be no problem with the 799 cc parallel twin that churns out a heart-stopping 105 hp. And in true KTM fashion, this bike has all the electronic bells and whistles you could ask for.
#1 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
We were first teased about this beautiful concept in 2014. But with concept bikes, they rarely come to life with the same pizzaz or inspired look that makes them so exciting as concepts. Not in this case. The Vitpilen (translation: white arrow), stays so true to the original concept that we have to give it the number one spot. The Vitpilen will be powered by the same motor that runs the Husky Supermoto, which will give it 75 hp and it will be available in mid-2018.
Honorable Mention: Indian FTR1200 Concept
Indian took the race bike that dominated the American Flat Track circuit this year and slapped a headlight on it. The only reason this one doesn’t make the top five is because its still a concept. But my GOD I hope they put this thing in to production. It’s basically everything I wanted the Scout Bobber to be (and I love the Scout Bobber).
— By Michael C. Wilson
from Fusar.com
NON-STOP ACTION— But the question is how to handle constant activities. In my case, I might try to hide in Cuba.
But there’s always action on Bikernet. I’ll hit you with some special reports in the next couple of days and a report on my junk Panhead.
I’ll start on another Cantina Episode and Markus has another Girl of Bikernet to expose. James hit me up about another tech, replacing his Dyna drive belt with a Biker’s Choice chain.
Peter is working on another FXR feature. And I know I’m missing something, but we never give up.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
