by Bandit, Rogue, Wayfarer, Laura, Barry Green, Sam Burns, the Redhead, Gearhead, El Waggs, the Sheriff, Steve Phiel, Bob T., Bill May and the rest of the gang
Hey,
This has been an amazing year. Absolutely don’t forget to vote. I’ve been hard at writing articles all week long and speaking to folks far and wide about everything from old gas tanks to flat track racing in the Odessa, MO.
We are living in ban times. Ban everything quick. The planet….
Hang on, the news is full of surprises. I’ve talked to industry leaders and plenty of voices from the past this week. We mentioned the Mystery Sled published in ER in the ‘70s. It was photographed for the feature by Jake.
Getting ready to kick off my next build with those cast iron levers as the controls and pegs. The antique foot warmer for an oil bag and Irish Rich already set up the old Peanut tank on the VL frame. Hang on for the first report.
I spoke to the factory this week about the history and design of gas tanks. Hang on for that story and it’s almost Halloween, so let’s hit the news.
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“The World is in turmoil and we need a solid code of the West, or Dharma. Let’s see how the news pans out and what might pop today. Hang on! Let’s hit it….”
— Bandit
Weekly News by Bandit, Wayfarer, Sam Burns, J.J. Solari, Bob T., Laura, Barry Green, the Redhead, Joe Smith, Steve Bauman, Steve Phiel and the rest of the gang.
“We are always more afraid than we wish to be, but we can always be braver than we expect”
~ Robert Jordan
“The best way out is always through.”
– Robert Frost
“We can only feel sorry for ourselves when our misfortunes are still supportable. Once this limit is crossed, the only way to bear the unbearable is to laugh at it.”
~ Marjane Satrapi
“We’ve faced a serious wave of content including the Indian Chief café racer feature, which is on the home page.
Barry sent me a squad of hot looking broads for the Cantina. Don’t forget to read Daytona Charlie. I want to dive into my next build and the first tech.
Halloween is coming up and we already have a terrific batch of Halloween girls coming your way from Barry Green.
Bandit is working with the factory, Markus Cuff and maybe Jon Kosmoski or Dave Perewitz on a story about gas tanks and paint.
Bill May, a longtime Bikernet Contributor and friend sent Bandit a “Why We Chop” story. Read the published ones for free, only at Bikernet.com
Bandit’s Books are now available on Amazon Kindle – find it by clicking here. Your own copy wherever you go. Featured below pic of Bandit’s first novel based on his own true experience of his stolen motorcycle and going after it. It’s finally reprinted and available for sale as an e-book and paperback.
Kawasaki is aiming for a smooth transition to EVs and doesn’t seem to be in a rush to make the switch
With its ICE-based motorcycles still going strong, Kawasaki has been rather slow in catching up with rivals in EV segment. The company has a long-term plan, wherein it aims to achieve a fully-electrified portfolio by 2035. It will include pure EVs as well as hybrid electric vehicles.
At INTERMOT 2022, Kawasaki has showcased a new EV prototype that appears to be of A1 specification (125 cc, 15 hp). It is the same model, as was showcased at Suzuka 8 Hours endurance racing event earlier this year in August. At the event, Kawasaki had also showcased a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Kawasaki electric two-wheelers could be launched in select markets such as US and Europe in 2023.
Kawasaki new EV prototype
Design and styling of Kawasaki EV prototype unveiled at Intermot 2022 is borrowed from Kawasaki’s Z range motorcycles. The EV prototype has a sinewy profile with aggressive front fascia, sculpted fuel tank, sharp body panels, exposed frame and split-seat design. It will be getting an all-LED setup. Riding stance seems fairly committed with low-set flat handlebar and slightly rear set foot pegs.
In terms of hardware, the EV prototype has standard telescopic forks at front and swingarm rear suspension. Alloy wheels have a trendy design and are shod with track-focused performance tyres. The bike has disc brakes at both ends. Sound note of this bike is close to the typical hum of an electric motor, as was revealed at Suzuka 8 Hours racing event.
While the EV prototype has a captivating profile, key details such as range, battery capacity, charging time, etc. are not available at this point of time. Kawasaki has done well to keep things tightly under wraps. Only the VIN information was revealed earlier, which showed that the prototype will generate 15 PS of max power. That should be good enough for some thrilling rides in an urban environment.
It is not certain if Kawasaki EV prototype will have a fixed or removable battery pack. The batteries are placed in the bike’s underbelly, encased by the frame from all sides. The battery pack should be accessible via the faux fuel tank lid.
Focus on ICE models
While it has started working on its electric and hybrid portfolio, Kawasaki has always maintained that its primary focus will be on ICE-based two-wheelers in the near future. That seems like a logical thing to do, as the company has global operations with a comprehensive range of ICE-based two-wheelers.
The capital investments involved, production platforms, human resource skilling, supply chain networks, etc. cannot be altered at short notice. Kawasaki’s 2035 target to achieve full electrification seems just right for enabling a smooth transition. The company has to ensure that its pure EVs and HEVs continue to offer the same level of performance and reliability, as associated with its current breed of ICE two-wheelers.
Kayleigh clinched the BTR Road Racing Championship with a thrilling win at Barber Motorsports Park by Royal Enfield Media Team
Fierce competition brought the battle down to the last round, but Kayleigh Buyck clinched the BTR Road Racing Championship with a thrilling win at Barber.
Kayleigh Buyck Crowned at Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. Barber Final
Jaycee Jones victorious again in BTR Flat Track Championship while Kayleigh Buyck brings home BTR Road Racing title with a win at the final round
Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. program was burning at both ends over the weekend with action in both Flat Track and Road Racing. The BTR Flat Track women took on the all-new American Flat Track venue for the Cedar Lake Short Track, the penultimate round of the season, while BTR Road Racing wrapped up the six-round championship at the Barber MotoAmerica round. In both cases, the race winners each earned their respective titles—Jaycee Jones in BTR Flat Track and Kayleigh Buyck in BTR Road Racing.
It’s an interesting day, week, month, year. Things a popping. Day before yesterday LiveWire went public. Today Porsche went public.
No messing around. Let’s hit the news…
Also: We are working on another compelling story from Amy Irene White. A couple of us are digging into the history of Brough Superior and BSA.
I’m hoping to meet with the new executive director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, Leah and discuss stories, features and museum expansion.
I need to seed the grass, save the trees, rock the world and finish a Chopper Charlie story I’m working on. Could be Winter is a factor.
In the meantime, ride fast and free forever! –Bandit
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I sense the weather changing in South Dakota. The first day of Fall was yesterday. Brothers all over are heading south to Arizona. Some of us will hang out in the Black hills for the winter and the Almanac says it’s going to be a tough one.
I’m looking forward to the snow, learning to operate our recently serviced snow blower and getting creative, when we can’t go outside.
In the meantime, ride fast and free forever. –Bandit
