Hang On for the Wild Reports
Hey,
I’ve been an outspoken outlaw all my life. More than once, I’ve quit a great job because I didn’t like the direction of the ship. I jumped ship into a paddleboat and made my way into the future.
Well, I’m still here and fighting the system for a better, respectful and free future.
Let’s hit the news. It’s going to be good.
— Bandit
Hey,
I ponder the theme for the news every week. Sometimes it’s a no-brainer, sometimes a celebration. I’m headed to an AMCA banquet tonight hopefully on the funky 5-Ball Panhead.
My ’48 UL is still for sale. I put it on Hemming’s to check the vintage action.
Last weekend, rode in a Poker run out of Deadwood Custom Cycles to support a company training dogs for disabled vets. Riding the hills around Sturgis is like a tour through biker heaven, amazing.
Stay strong, free and involved.
Ride forever,
–Bandit
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Bandit woke the next morning with a start. Emotionally beat-up he struggled with depressing thoughts of the future. He couldn’t figure how society could be living in the best of times, yet some folks were making it the worst.
He showered and scrambled down stairs. The crew made their way quietly around the Cantina as if in a thoughtful daze.
“I’m working on some info for the pamphlet,” Margaret said and studied Bandit’s features. He wasn’t the type of guy to give up or even step back from a fight.
Bandit looked up and smiled. “We’re going to do something or die trying.”
Free swag plus online archive since 1996….
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
Kick…kick…kick
by Rhys
with artwork by Wayfarer
I walked out of the local watering hole and straddled my ol ’53 EL chop. Bare bones ride, motor, rigid frame. And gas tank.
Usually 2-3 prime kicks then ignition on and 1 or two and she fires. Went through the ritual. Nothing. Tried again….nothing. Kept kicking until dripping in sweat and onlookers chuckling.
Went back inside grabbed another cold one and stepped back outside.
What’s that wire hanging free. Damn it. A few kicks later in the wind.
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
Some 2018-2023 Harley Softails Could Have Breaking of Rear Shock Hardware. A fastener could break, causing the rear shock adjuster to loosen and increase the risk of a crash.
Harley-Daivdson announced the safety recall on 29 August 2023. They filed the same with US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
On motorcycles that have the faulty fitting, the fastener used on a particular style of rear shock adjuster may potentially fracture. If it breaks, the shock absorber may then make contact with the rear tire. This could increase the risk of tire damage, and potentially lead to a motorcycle crash.
Approximately 65,224 bikes may potentially be involved in this recall but not all of them may have this fault. Some of the models from 2018 to 2023 use the affected rear shock adjuster whereas some do not.
The motorcycles that were produced between June 28, 2017 and August 7, 2023 are potentially at risk. No VIN number ranges are specified in the official safety recall notice.
A warning sign that riders and passengers should look out for is any noise that seems to come from under the seat. When you remove the seat and find a loose shock adjuster, that may be another sign of faulty fastener. When shock adjuster makes contact with the rear tire, riders may notice unusual handling and/or atypical tire wear on the rear tire.
Since June 2023, a total of 33 Warranty Claims regarding this issue has been recorded. Softails made after 7 August 2023 do not have this problem. Related accessories from Harley-Davidson have also been separately recalled.
Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Additionally, owners may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 23V-591.
The motorcycle model years, models, and the number of bikes affected are:
| Model Year | Softail Model | Number of Bikes Affected |
| 2018 | FLDE | 2018 |
| 2018 | FLHC | 2917 |
| 2018 | FLHCS | 3504 |
| 2018 | FLHCS ANV | 898 |
| 2019 | FLDE | 1858 |
| 2019 | FLHC | 2078 |
| 2019 | FLHCS | 3384 |
| 2020 | FLHC | 1896 |
| 2020 | FLHCS | 3713 |
| 2020 | FXLRS | 7073 |
| 2021 | FLHC | 1865 |
| 2021 | FLHCS | 3134 |
| 2021 | FXLRS | 5811 |
| 2022 | FLHCS | 3957 |
| 2022 | FXLRS | 5186 |
I’m going to put the ’58 Chevy on the market and the ’48 UL. Since I’m not spending bank on the run to Bonneville, I’m buying more parts for the 1913 Board Track racer. I found some flywheels on Ebay and rods. Competition Distributing is now making pistons for the early bikes.
The funky Panhead survived its first 100-mile test run with only minor issues.
I remember Wolfman Jack saying to the girls, “Are your peaches sweet?” It’s the season and the local peaches are amazing and as big as softballs.
It’s never dull around here.
Ride Free!
–Bandit
Bandit is digging into this book and build from Dave and we will bring you a preview in tommorrow’s weekly Thursday News — the most comprehensive motorcycle news coverage on the planet.
I also stuck my last copy of Chopper Hobo in there for you. It is a small book, 200 pages with 176 photos, so it’s a fairly quick read. I ain’t meaning to load you up with all my gibberish, but I thought I’d put that one in for you cuz that way the Chopper Hobo Rises from the Ashes book makes more sense, instead of like walking into a theater in the middle of the movie.
I was homeless on the chopper for 18 months, from September 1981 to March 15 1983. But instead of being just a regular bum, I was more of the hobo type, cuz I worked when I could, while I rode acrost the western US of A. And I took lots of pictures back then and had a decent camera, a 1979 Canon AE-1 35 mm. And the best thing about that camera was I could always get 50 bucks for it in the pawn shops, hahaha. Hope you enjoy the books and as I pointed out before, your life was waaaaaaay more exciting than what I did, so I hope it don’t bore ya too much. Here’s my latest build, the 67 built during the covid shutdown, and this is the same 67 that is in the big book when it was Old Yellow
— David Pittman
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
Taking care of busyness
by Steven Sanner
There she lay. She had been there waiting for the touch of his hand for a long time. He had said she was the love of his life, but he hasn’t shown any interest in a long time. His excuses kept piling up, working long hours, too tired from work, family obligations….. a long list that seems to keep growing. He always had other priorities.
Today he finally walked in the door and went over to her, looking ashamed, but there was the gleam of want in his eye. He reached out and ran his hand along her seat, finally remembering what it was for, and said “Old girl, it’s time to get you running again” and he began the long awaited restoration of his beloved ‘63 Panhead.
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
100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC
Flat out for a flathead
by Rhys
Driving by an open garage on my way to the next job. Spotted what appeared to be an old flatty HD. I stopped and approached the person and asked if the bike was for sale. Yes it was. He quoted a price which was workable but being day before payday I didn’t have any cash in my pocket. I told him I’d be right back as I had the cash at home. Raced home grabbed the stash and made my way back. As I pulled up I saw the bike being loaded into a van.
Dollar short and a minute late.
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
Rogue, Kirk Willard and I and thousands of other guys have been fighting for motorcyclists’ rights for decades. We continue to fight, but lots of brothers and sisters don’t pay attention.
By now most folks are aware of the green movement and what it’s doing to the Fossil Fuel industry, hell even the meat industry. Their problem and their worst fear is that they are wrong. So, what did they do? They called anyone who didn’t agree a denier.
We’re grubby bikers, we deny everything and fuck you, if you don’t like it. So let’s cut to the chase. They are wrong and the movement to point out how wrong is growing. I’ve been pushing and looking for solutions for over a decade.
Recently, with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation at my back I came up with a congressional resolution. I was and is a fight for every kid on the planet, who needs to know the truth and who should know we are living in the Best off Times, not the worst.
This last week became incredibly significant. I can’t say it loud enough. Throughout this year we have tried to find someone who would shove our resolution in front of Congress and force a hearing. We finally found support with Senator Rounds office in South Dakota.
Week before last we faced a major setback. Montana lost a court case. It could impact the entire energy industry in Montana and send a very negative message across the country.
The problem with this entire effort is not the facts, the science or the truth, it’s guts. The world and politicians on both sides of the isle are being bullied and paid off. No one wants to step up and say, “Sorry, but we’re not doomed.”
So, what happened in the last couple of days. We had the debates and one guy shook the stage. Vivek had the balls to say on national albeit fading, television that Climate Doom is a hoax and must be addressed.
Then Rocky, the lobbyist from the MRF met with… I will let him tell the story.
Bandit,
Had drinks with staffers for Sen. Daines of Montana yesterday and mentioned the climate. Below is what they told me on the topic.
1. Yes, the state didn’t base their argument on the facts, but an approach to get the case dismissed. Could have been for a couple reasons.
2. Very unfavorable judge for the case. Based upon merits.
3. They are appealing the case. If they receive a more favorable judge then the case can be built on merit it deserves.
Think most importantly they knew exactly the case I was talking about. They think there is a bigger battlefield on this case and didn’t seem worried. I guess that is TBD.
–Rocky
I immediately let Dr. Ed Berry, a freedom fighting physicist in Montana know about this development. Here’s what Ed said, “I am working on an Amicus Brief to the Montana Supreme Court. I think I can persuade the court like I did in 2011.”
The scientists at the CO2 Coalition are also on the case.
Are you beginning to see why this turned into a major week?
Stay involved and Free,
–Bandit
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