Death

John’s 1960 Panhead 4-Speed Rebuild

General Posts / By

by Bandit, John, Frank R.I.P. and Lee Clemens with photos by Weed We Started with Box of Parts and Pieces A friend, the notorious Deadwood John, called recently about his 1960 Panhead roller project, sort of a basket case on wheels. The engine still remained in the frame and a glide front end was in place, but not much else. He wrote to Ron the shop owner in Alaska and said, “What about the transmission?” Ron who ran this shop for 40 years was an old friend. Semi-retired he was willing to help with all aspects of the build, so he sent John a box of transmission parts. John tried to hand it to his engine rebuilder who rightfully turned him down. I’ve been around 4-speed transmissions for 50 years and rebuilt one in 1971. Kinda fucked it up but made it right. Click here to read this photo feature Tech only on Bikernet.com * * * * See more Tech and Tricks at our dedicated Tech Department with feature articles and photos. Click here and start rebuilding.

John’s 1960 Panhead 4-Speed Rebuild Read More »

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data

General Posts / By

This month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its annual report, Traffic Safety Facts 2021: A Compilation of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Data. The 225-page report contains information on crash types, causes and participants involved. Remember that while we are nearing the end of 2023, this report is 2021 data. NHTSA spent nearly two years compiling these figures before releasing the report. The data on motorcyclist fatalities is especially troubling. According to the report, in 2021, motorcyclists made up 13.8% of all nationwide traffic fatalities, with 5,932 motorcyclists killed on our nation’s roadways. That is the highest number since data collection began in 1975. In comparison, the pre-Covid year of 2019 saw 5,044 bikers killed. The number of those injured on motorcycles reported in 2021 was 82,686, which is fewer than the all-time high of 104,442 in 2016. This total injury count represents 3.3% of the 2.5 million people injured in all motor vehicle crashes. It is important to note that 2021 showed a substantial increase in motorcycles registered. The data also shows an increase in vehicle miles traveled by bikers. NHTSA data shows 9.8 million registered motorcycles with approximately 19.6 billion miles traveled in 2021. Those increases mean that while the total number of fatalities and injuries went up, fortunately, the rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles went down. Here are other takeaways: Riders accounted for 95% of deaths, while 5% were motorcycle passengers. 57% of fatalities occurred by collision with another vehicle, 26% resulted from a collision with a fixed object, 4% collision with a non-fixed object, while 13% of fatalities occurred without a collision. 34% of fatalities involved a rider impaired by alcohol. That number is in line with the 31% of alcohol-related fatalities nationwide. Riders were wearing helmets in 59% of fatalities, while riders were

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data Read More »

100 WFC: A Last Milestone by Steven Sanner

General Posts / By

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC A Last Milestone by Steven Sanner with illustration by Wayfarer The wind whipped across my face like a thousand cats shredding flesh. I thought of warmer conditions, but the falling 40-degree temps and fading light would not relent. I’m glad I invested in the horsehide coat; I wished for chaps to match. Then, a warm feeling kindled deep within me, remembering the gratitude expressed by the family of the fallen soldier for having been a riding escort to the gravesite…enough to get me back home. I will be riding again—rain, shine, snow, or freezing temps—to make it to the next patriot Guard mission. It’s the least I could do to give thanks. (publication dated 19-December-2023) * * * Know past winners and read all entries ever published by visiting: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx All you gotta do is subscribe to Bikernet’s free weekly newsletter and send in your entry to wayfarer@bikernet.com

100 WFC: A Last Milestone by Steven Sanner Read More »

100 WFC: Long Rides by Steven Sanner

General Posts / By

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC Long Rides by Steven Sanner with illustration by Wayfarer After over 40 years of her by my side, she is gone. You always hear how tough real bikers are. Seldom will you see them cry. That’s because the wind drys the tears while we ride to clear our heads and handle the emotions. We use the rain, and the water drops in the shower to mingle and mix with the tears that no one sees. We know that the emotions and pain prove we are still alive, and accept the strength that comes from it. I may seem like a tough old emotionless bastard, but excuse me if I have to go for a long lonely ride. * * * Read all the entries at: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to wayfarer@bikernet.com WINNERS SO FAR: 1. for the month of May 2023: “Been There Done That” by Steven Sanner 2. for the month of June 2023: “A Hundred” by Chris Dutcher 3. for the month of July 2023: “First Time” by Rhys 4. for the month of August 2023: “Hilary” by Gearhead 5. for the month of September 2023: “Mountain” by Koz Mraz

100 WFC: Long Rides by Steven Sanner Read More »

Old Bikers Never Die

General Posts / By

by Amy Irene White They Just Smoke More Weed Last night I was sittin’ in my chair, window shopping chrome for my new hardtail Sportster, as my old back beat a steady rhythm of pain through my body… and I got a message from the sister of one of my old riding buddies. My heart thudded loudly as I stared for a minute at the first few words she typed… ‘Hey I keep forgetting to tell you that my brother Ron…’ I was terrified to click on it and read the end of that sentence. Finally, I worked up the nerve to open it, and thankfully she was just telling me he was in a nursing home here in town. Click here to read this anecdote from Amy only on Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * * * * *

Old Bikers Never Die Read More »

Deadly Attachment: new biker fiction

General Posts / By

by Ujjwal Dey with illustrations by Wayfarer Love Triumphs Where Fate Falters As a handyman, Richard had little to offer than stained clothes and bleached hands. He had worked odd jobs so often and so many, the obvious thing to do was to list himself on classifieds for any small home-repairs. Decidedly, he climbed out into the cold night to the back alley where he had chained his Triumph Bonneville. Few had chopped a Triumph since it was such a collectible. Click here to read a romance that never ends, only on Bikernet.com * * * *

Deadly Attachment: new biker fiction Read More »

100 WFC: Shallow Grave

General Posts / By

100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC Shallow Grave by Rhys (illustration by Wayfarer) Gary finished his Triumph chopper metal flake gold with helmet to match. Out for a shakedown run. Cruising back roads all seemed good, until a truck rounded the bend on the wrong side. Both rider and bike slid off the road. Gary awoke in the ditch his bike several feet away. In incredible deep pain, a bone protruded through his jeans. He yanked off his helmet and flung it up onto the road hoping a passerby would see it. A car stopped. The driver snatched the lid and left. Did he hear Gary’s screams? The DWP crew found Gary’s lifeless body a week later. * * * * * * * * Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to the editor wayfarer@bikernet.com WINNERS SO FAR: 1. for the month of May 2023: “Been There Done That” by Steven Sanner 2. for the month of June 2023: “A Hundred” by Chris Dutcher 3. for the month of July 2023: “First Time” by Rhys 4. for the month of August 2023: “Hilary” by Gearhead

100 WFC: Shallow Grave Read More »

Mexican Run

General Posts / By

Inspired by Marty Robbin’s Son by Bandit with photos from Sam Burns A divorced rider, Marty, with a hot rod Dyna and a pocket fulla cash rode out of LA for the last time. Sad to the bone he stopped in Coachella Valley for a Date shake but drank six beers in a biker bar. His Dyna barked and stumbled into a gas station for refueling. He paid cash at the counter and lifted the high-test nozzle. His heart crushed after his 15-year relationship crumbled, when the love of his life fucked her boss. CLICK HERE to read this Action & Romance Adventure only on Bikernet.com * * * * This piece was inspired by a Marty Robbins song from 1959 titled “About El Paso” * * * *

Mexican Run Read More »

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for July 2023

General Posts / By

Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish This week in the news: U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL PROTECTING ‘MULTIPLE-USE’ LAND NATIONAL FUNDING FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION VERMONT CLOSES “BASKET CASE” REGISTRATION LOOPHOLE MIC WARNS OF BILLS THAT “WILL HINDER THE POWERSPORTS INDUSTRY” HELP TO PRESERVE VEHICLE CHOICE FIGHT FOR YOUR “RIGHT TO REPAIR” and lots more Click Here to read this month’s NCOM Newsbytes on Bikernet.com ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE). * * * * * * * * All the Motorcycling News you need to use to stay on Two-Wheels – get updated with free Bikernet Blog Weekly Newsletter. Click & Start !!!

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for July 2023 Read More »

Scroll to Top