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5-Ball VL,XA,FL Knucklehead build, Part 3

By General Posts

by Bandit with photos by Weed

I’m facing a number of challenges. I’ve also faced some pressure lately and I don’t like to associate pressure or stress with building motorcycles. Hell, I moved to motorcycle Nirvana in the Black Hills to duck the bullshit California riders face daily.

I thought I could just tinker in the shop in Sturgis for hours unencumbered, without anxiety or worry, especially in the winter. I don’t have a deadline for this bike, what gives? Hell, I don’t know. I started to lean on myself to get shit done, so that’s why I’m writing about it, so I face the music and stop. Okay, did it work?

Goddammit, this puppy is going to be cool or I’ll die trying, right. Hang on for the next episode.

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NCOM Biker Newsbytes for February 2023

By General Posts


Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish

Click Here to read the February 2023 NCOM News on Bikernet.com

  • YAMAHA PLEDGES 10 MILLION YEN TO TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
  • HONDA SHOOTS FOR THE MOON
  • EUROPEAN UNION PROPOSES DIGITAL DRIVING LICENSES
  • SKILLS CRISIS OVER LACK OF YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING IN MOTORCYCLING
  • MOTORCYCLE HELMET MARKET EXPECTED TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY
  • CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION COULD INVOKE DONOR-CYCLISTS
  • RIDER SAVED BY SMARTWATCH AFTER FALL FROM CLIFF ON HIS MOTORCYCLE
  • JAY LENO SUFFERS SERIOUS MOTORCYCLE CRASH
  • SAFETY INSTITUTE BACKS CAT-ASTROPHIC ROAD RULES
  • NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE
  • SAVE THE DATE – 38TH ANNUAL NCOM CONVENTION IN ARIZONA

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) News provides updates on motorcycle industry, market, legislation, rights of bikers, motorcyclists in USA, and motorcycle news from around the world.

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Bandit’s Cantina Episode 102

By General Posts

by Bandit
with illustrations by George Fleming and Dick Allen

On a rainstorm washed Saturday morning in the Cantina Bandit stormed down the stairs. “Margaret, where the fuck are you?”

Margaret stocked the Bar every Saturday morning like clockwork, but orders faded. Bandit wasn’t buying as much booze recently.

The bar still filled up, but booze prices hadn’t subsided since Covid. “Yes boss, what’s up?” she said in her usual cheerful voice. Her smile and sparkling eyes would rescue a sinking ship.

“Fuck,” Bandit said. “The bastards doubled our rent.”

Click Here to read the latest episode of Bandit’s Cantina The Series.

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What We Know About the 2023 Harley-Davidson X350 and X350RA

By General Posts

by Dennis Chung from https://www.motorcycle.com

Streetbike for Asia and a Riding Academy bike for the US

Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan. 18 announcement, we managed to get our hands on some information confirming more details of the Chinese-built models.

The X350 is the product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors that was first announced in 2019. After some regulatory delays, the QJ-built X350 is finally close to production as a small-displacement model for Asian markets. The X350 and an X350RA variant appeared in Vehicle Information Number data submitted by QJ to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as we recently reported, Harley-Davidson included the X350RA in its 2023 model year VIN information.

Following the Jan. 18 announcement, Motorcycle.com has secured a copy of the X350RA’s official owner’s manual, plus a single image of the model, with clear proof it is intended for use for Harley-Davidson’s Riding Academy. We’ve also briefly got a look at the official parts catalog, confirming some of the differences between X350 and X350RA.

The image above briefly appeared on Harley-Davidson’s Service Information Portal, showing a roadster with neutral riding ergonomics and, tellingly, bright orange bars bolted on to either side of the radiator.

The owner’s manual includes an illustration of the X350RA from the rider’s perspective, and it offers another view of the radiator guards. The added protection further confirms our suspicions that the “RA” version of the X350 is intended for the Riding Academy.

The owner’s manual further confirms some specifications of the X350RA. The bike is powered by an eight-valve liquid-cooled Parallel-Twin engine displacing 353cc. The engine isn’t entirely new but a larger version of the engine employed by the QJ-built Benelli 302S. The X350’s 45.2 mm stroke is the same as the Benelli’s, but its 70.5 mm cylinder bore is larger than the 302S’ 65.0 mm. The X350’s 11.9:1 compression ratio is just slightly off the 12:1 ratio of the Benelli 302S.

The X350 reportedly claims an output of 36 hp, but the Harley-Davidson VIN information confirms the X350RA will only claim 23 hp. An executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board further confirms that the RA model has been restricted, as it certifies the X350 and X350RA alongside a “derating removed” version of the RA which would presumably offer its full power output.

The owner’s manual further confirms the X350RA will have a circular instrument module with an analog speedometer and a small digital screen displaying mileage, time or engine speed.

The manual provides instructions for adjusting the damping on the inverted fork and rear shock. Also present are ABS and dual petal-shaped disc brakes, which is a bit of a surprise as many of Harley-Davidson’s larger, more powerful models still only use a single front disc brake.

The X350RA runs on 17-inch wheels, front and back. Pirelli supplies its Angel CT tires with a 110/70-17 up front and a 150/60-17 at the rear. From the parts catalog, we can confirm the non-RA model will have larger tires, with a 120/70-17 up front and 160/60-17 at the rear.

According to the owner’s manual, the X350RA claims a running weight of 440 pounds,with its 3.6-gallon fuel tank at 90% capacity. We expect the non-RA model to come in a bit lighter as it lacks the protective bars. The X350RA also has a 55.5-inch wheelbase, 5.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 30-inch seat height.

We don’t expect to have much longer to wait before Harley-Davidson officially announces the X350 and X350RA. While we thought there was a chance it would have been part of the Jan. 18 announcement, we can see how a small-displacement Chinese-manufactured Riding Academy model would stick out in an event focused on Harley-Davidson’s 120th anniversary. Harley-Davidson likely has a coordinated launch plan with Qianjiang for both the X350 and X350RA

Babes in the Dirt Track Day Feb 5th

By General Posts

Track Day x February 5th @ Fox Raceway

We are so excited to finally bring back our annual track day at our home track, Fox Raceway in Pala, CA. This event is for the entire fam and there is no event sign up or extra cost to attend other than the track fee you pay upon arrival if riding. But hey.. we got so many deets, let’s go ahead and dive into it

Want more info on the track and camping options? Tap HERE

Fox Raceway opens at 8AM and first ladies only moto starts at 9:00AM sharp on the vet track. At the top of the hour, ladies only (15+ up) will have 30 min motos on the vet track which will flow like this…

Regulated Ladies Only Moto Times on Vet Track

  • 9AM-9:30AM
  • 10:00AM-10:30AM
  • 11:00AM-11:30AM
  • 12PM-12:30PM
  • 1PM-1:30PM
  • 2PM-2:30PM
  • 3PM-3:30PM

In between those times above, anyone can ride the track (including dads and dudes). Rider under 15 & true beginners who are learning the clutch and brake should stay on the kids track only.

Track Fees

  • Rider fee at gate $20 for 65cc and under & $30 for 85cc and bigger
  • Spectators are free

Fun Stuff

  • Free Husqvarna demos on the 2023 models (can you smell the 2 stroke?!) for the ladies on a private husky only track (85, 125, 250s)
  • AEO Powersports on site checking your sag and high fiving
  • Free Husqvarna x Stacyc demos for all kids (bring your own gear + helmet etc.) in a private secure area
  • Free USMCA coaching on site provided by Husqvarna for the ladies that are new to moto (perfect for ladies who have never ridden before or have had limited seat time)
  • Free USMCA coaching for the kids on the closed Stacyc area
  • Hospitality + snacks and coffee provided by Fox Racing crew
  • Free Motion boot demos from Fox Racing
  • 805 hospitality area, come properly chill with us!
  • Babes in the Dirt hanging and riding along with you
  • Professional photos of you ripping
  • Bring the entire fam, we want everyone to enjoy a day ripping!

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Tell ’em Bikernet.com Sent Ya !!! Sign up for info on more fun events and bike shows, click here.