Hey,
Another wonderful day in paradise. I joke about the adage from the India-based movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” Great flick: Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it’s not the end. Think about that anytime you’re in a jam. Think about it, when strange shit is happening in your hood, in the country or in the industry.
Harley seems to be struggling, but I look at it as a transition. And everything will be cool, when they come out of it. I’ve spoken to shop owners all over the country about the times. Here’s a good one. “We had a slow week when the Covid hit,” said Randy Aron of Cycle Visions in San Diego. “Ever since then we’ve been cooking.”
So, keep smiling, riding free and rockin’ the world. Let’s hit the news.
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, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
THE STURGIS COUNCIL OF GENERALS– had a vote last night. From one source the vote went down to 7 for and 2 against opening the rally gates. Another source told me the Council was reviewing five or maybe seven, hold it, could be nine opening options.
Rumor had it, they went for option three. The whole greasy enchilada played out on facebook they other night, so let us know if you heard anything else?
According to one reporter in the fields of South Dakota, the Council doesn’t really have much sway whether the rally rocks or not. At one time they attempted to control the name until the courts took it away from them this year. Now you can print any Sturgis 2020 T-shirt you like. Bottom line, the biker world is coming to Sturgis for the Rally and no one can stop them, except the Governor. From all accounts the Governor of South Dakota is very cool.
Here’s the latest from an inside source: Rally is on. Vendor licenses will be approved. There will be no City sponsored events but anything else can happen. And of course, the town of Buffalo Chip is hosting eight bands and is wide open.
So, be safe, be careful and healthy and promise not to bring any Covid to South Dakota. Some Bikernet staffers are heading out later this week.
–Bandit
AWESOME! Mike Harmon Racing recently and very proudly released the 47 Chevy Camaro paint scheme ThinBlueLine to be piloted by KyleWeatherman.
–Bob Clark
Suspension of INTERMOT 2020
Digital INTERMOT events at year’s end to keep motorcycle community informed of innovations and industry News
Classic trade fairs returning to the venue in Cologne beginning in autumn
Following extensive consultations, and in coordination with the conceptual sponsor, the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM), Koelnmesse GmbH has decided to suspend INTERMOT 2020 – an event it originally planned to host from 6 to 11 October 2020. A digital format for this is under preparation and will be implemented by year’s end. Regardless of the decision on INTERMOT, preparations for trade fairs scheduled for autumn 2020 at the venue in Cologne – such as spoga+gafa, DMEXCO and Orgatec – are proceeding as planned.
In contrast to trade fairs with a B2B orientation, major events such as INTERMOT draw tens of thousands of private visitors on all days of the trade fair; the hall space is limited and the time available is short. Spatial proximity and the shared experience of the trade fair form an integral part of the character of this event. At this point in time, the specifications currently in effect that have been issued by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), policy-makers and the public authorities cannot be met at major events.
With this in mind, after conferring with key players from the industry, and with a view to the health of exhibitors and visitors, Koelnmesse and the German Motorcycle Industry Association (IVM) have decided not to host this trade fair in 2020. ‘An event that depends on its appeal as an experience and event cannot be held in this form at this point in time and thus does not meet the expectations and needs of the industry. Our customers resources for 2021 are already under heavy strain as a result of the SARS/COVIC-19 crisis. As an important part of the motorcycle industry, however, and particularly in difficult times, we want to actively support our partners and are now working full steam on a digital format. With the digital INTERMOT news stream, we are creating a communication platform that will provide sustainable inspiration for the industry and the motorcycle community alike.
We can then turn our full focus to the event scheduled for 2022. In future, trade fairs such as INTERMOT will incorporate more hybrid elements – to supplement the on-site experience with added digital reach. All of the stakeholders involved now have plenty of time to prepare accordingly for the next INTERMOT in Cologne, and to make this the meeting place for the international motorcycle community once again’, explain Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse, and Reiner Brendicke, General Executive Manager of IVM, in a joint statement.
INTERMOT in the Social Web:
https://de-de.facebook.com/INTERMOT
https://www.instagram.com/intermot/
https://twitter.com/intermotcologne
https://www.youtube.com/user/intermotcologne
NEW ZEALAND Unplugged–
Bike Rider Magazine recently published an article by Andrea Tomba who joined us in February for the Kiwi Crusade tour with his fiancée, Tamara.
I have extracted a few quotes to give you an idea of what the article is about:
“We travelled to New Zealand to see the amazing landscape and people, however, as I linger over the pictures, I believe that what I took home is very different from what I expected.”
“An experience is something that we live first-hand, that we have direct contact with, and that, in my humble opinion, forms us as we become the result of our interpretation of our life’s experiences. It is something that we carry with us, that we build on, and that we often use to reflect on things in completely different realms.”
Read the full article on our website.
If you are in New Zealand then grab a copy (June Edition).
Cheers,
–Ben
Planet Chopper
4-22 Triton Dr, Rosedale
Auckland
New Zealand
A SLICE FROM THE GEARHEAD DIARIES– The wife and I were riding back from San Francisco down the 405. The new ‘78 Lowrider Shovel was running great. I had it only about 6 months. Just this side of Salinas that new Shovel lost power. I went from 80 to zip in no-time.
My wife asks me, “Now what?” I told her I have no idea. Me, being a new rider and all, I had no notion of what made this bike tick. I spent the next 40 years learning.
We sat on the side of the road, with the wife scratching my head about what to do. This is how brothers on the road use to be, we got cell phones and laptops nowadays.
A dude flys by and doubles back to ask me, if I needed any help. I said hell yea.
He had no idea about it just like me. He did offer to drive my wife into Fresno to the Harley dealership since the bike was still under warranty. The service package took care of a tow as long as you carried the warranty card, which I did, always.
While they split to the dealership I sat there waiting. You just did not leave a bike by the road back then or nowadays.
By the grace of the God of Harley and everything else, an old biker pulled over in his old ‘50s Ford pickup truck and ask if I needed help? I said hell yeah, again.
He asks me a few questions to diagnose the problem and I answer. No power to anywhere he says and goes hum. He found out that the lug had broken off on the hot side of the battery. He stripped the end of the wire where it broke, opened up the braided wire in the middle and stuck the battery bolt right through it. He bolted the lead to the battery, and we were fixed.
I put the key turned on the ignition and kicked the Harley to life. I gave him a few dollars for his time and thanked him. I went to turn around to turn off the bike, and when I turned back, he was gone. Where do you go out in the middle of nowhere, I ask you? The dude had to be the Harley Angel sent by God himself.
The wife and the other biker got back from town and I told them what had happened and they both were blown away. That started my learning process. It never ends.
— Gearhead
LE PERA SEAT OF THE WEEK—Classic Cobra for Softails–
Overview
Is there a seat style that offers more of the classic chopper style than the Cobra? We think not!
It will single handedly capture the heart and soul of the Softail. Simply put, the Cobra is one righteous around town, bar hoppin’, day cruiser seat.
Now available with our killer pleated stitch!
Rider seating area is 10″ wide. Passenger seating area is 7″ wide.
Specs
Driver Seating:
10″ Wide
Passenger Seating:
7″ Wide
MSRP:
$389.00
Part Number:
LK-070PT [’06-’17 200mm]
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY– Two Priests on Vacation
Two priests decided to go to Hawaii on vacation. They were determined to make this a real vacation by not wearing anything that would identify them as clergy. As soon as the plane landed they headed for a store and bought outrageous shorts, shirts, sandals, sunglasses.
Next morning they were at the beach, enjoying drinks, sunshine and the scenery when a topless blonde walked straight towards them. They couldn’t help but stare. As the blonde passed them she smiled and said, “Good Morning Fathers” then she passed on by.
Stunned, they wondered, how in the world did she know they were priests. So back to the store to buy even more outrageous outfits. Now in their new attire, they settled down in their chairs to enjoy the sunshine.
After a little while the same gorgeous topless blonde came walking toward them. Again she nodded at each of them saying “Good Morning Fathers” walking away.
One of the priests couldn’t stand it any longer and asked, “Young lady, we’re priests and proud of it but how in the world do you know we are priests dressed as we are?”
To which she replied…
“Father, it’s me, Sister Kathleen…”
–EL Waggs
Officially Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2015 Harley-Davidson® FXDB – Dyna® Street Bob for $11,995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8475401
2015 Harley-Davidson FXDB – Dyna Street Bob 103
Power comes from an air-cooled, Twin Cam 103 engine that delivers a maximum torque of 98.8 ft-lb at 3,000 rpm. As far as efficiency is concerned, the engine delivers an average fuel consumption of 43 mpg. The engine was carefully designed to work together with a modern Six-Speed Cruise Drive transmission that is perfectly suited for long journeys. For enhanced comfort the Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob is equipped with a slammed low rear suspension.The combination stop/tail/turn lighting and side-mounted license plate keep the chopped rear fender clean and smooth.
The Street Bob can be further personalized through our in-store parts department that allows customers to select options that personalize fit, function and style in more than 2,000 combinations. Add your touch to this bike. You will be starting with a Nice Dyna 103!!!
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:
Vivid Black paint is like new. Black powder console with chrome caps and gauge accents, Vivid Black 12″ T bars, black Avon grips, chrome mirrors and vivid black levers. Chrome blinkers and black quarter fairing with a tall blacked out windshield.
Chrome fork, black hi-reflective headlamp, crossties, lower legs on laced black rims. Chrome 2:2 exhaust. Chrome H-D logo stamped circular air cleaner. Black powder engine including rocker covers with a polished band, polished 103 timing cover, chrome horn cover, and polished 103 derby cover. 2-up seat with forward controls. Vivid black swing arm, battery case, oil bag, and fender supports.
Black powder chain guard, chrome adjustable shocks, and black drive sprocket with a polished rim. Hi-reflective chrome stop / turn / tail lights with side mounted LED lit license plate.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
**Open 7 days a week**
CLASSICS FROM BDL--The Belt Drive Limited EVBB-3T-4, was developed for big inch, big horsepower Shovel Head drivelines from 1970 – 1983 running 4-speed transmissions and rear chain drives.
This is BDL’s ball bearing version of the company’s legendary EVB-3T-4 drive. The conversions address inconsistent clutch adjustment and obnoxious oils leaks in one shot. No more floating basket to contend with and best of all no more unreliable clutch.
The 68-tooth basket and 45-tooth front pulley come with the BDL-138-38K belt providing a 1.511:1 gear ratio to help on the open road. This is a performance clutch kit incorporates the famous BDL ball bearing lock up assist pressure plate.
Tried and proven on thousands of machines over the past 5 years the new kit retails for $774.00.
LATEST FROM THE WIDE-OPEN BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–Some excellent new puns…
How does a lawyer sleep? First, he lies on one side, then he lies on the other.
There was a kidnapping at school yesterday. Don’t worry, though – he woke up.
He wasn’t originally going to get a brain transplant, but then he changed his mind.
Which country’s capital has the fastest-growing population? – Ireland. It’s Dublin every day.
A supercilious crook going downstairs? Oh you mean, a condescending con, descending.
Jill broke her finger today, but on the other hand, she was completely fine.
England doesn’t have a kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.
–Wayfarer
Chief Investigator
Bikernet.com™ News Bureau
India
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT--So I’ve worn Wolverine Durashock boots for 20+ years, they made one with a thick, straight cushion sole and then stopped a couple years ago. I’m struggling to find a replacement.
Today I found Bandit, the only EW width they had & they were used! Store let someone return them, the entire line was already $10 off, so I made ‘em give me another $20 too!
Figured a used Bandit was better than none.
–RFR
UPDATE: ALL THREE AMENDMENTS PASS COMMITTEE
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to update our members that all three of our high priority motorcyclist amendments have just passed with unanimous consent after being placed in a bipartisan en bloc vote during this morning’s hearing. After lengthy negotiations between both parties, each side agreed to put 18 amendments in a single en bloc vote to help speed up proceedings in the markup of H.R. 2, the INVEST in America Act.
The MRF wants to thank all of our members and partners for engaging with their member of Congress to ensure the priorities of motorcyclists were addressed during this process. We will send out a full release later today on the hearing but wanted to alert our members who have been following the hearing proceedings over the past two days.
About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.
Municipal Fines and Fees: A 50-State Survey of State Laws
By Dick Carpenter, Ricard Pochkhanawala and Mindy Menjou
Mildred Bryant is an 88-year-old resident of Pagedale, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. In 2015, Pagedale threatened Mildred with 12 municipal code violations for things like not having matching curtains or slats on her home’s windows.1 She was not alone. With just 3,000 residents in its one square mile, Pagedale wrote more than 32,000 citations between 2010 and 2016.2
The fines from those citations and related fees accounted for almost 25% of Pagedale’s revenue in some years and became, for several years, the city’s second-largest source of income.3 Tired of the abuse, Mildred and other Pagedale residents joined with the Institute for Justice to bring a federal class action lawsuit, which resulted in a groundbreaking consent decree intended to significantly reform the city’s laws and ticketing practices.
Among other reforms, the consent decree required Pagedale to repeal sections of its municipal code that made many harmless conditions illegal.
Policing is supposed to be about protecting and advancing public safety. Municipalities like Pagedale, those described below and others across the country distort that purpose when they use traffic and other code violations to raise revenue from fines and fees rather than solely to protect the public.
This is taxation by citation, and it is a phenomenon even some public officials have acknowledged. For example, James Tignanelli, president of the Police Officers Association of Michigan, has said, “When elected officials say, ‘We need more money,’ they can’t look to the department of public works to raise revenues, so where do they find it? Police departments.”
Sounding a similar note, Michael Reaves, then-chief of the Utica, Michigan, Police Department, explained, “When I first started in this job 30 years ago, police work was never about revenue enhancement, but if you’re a chief now, you have to look at whether your department produces revenues.”
Taxation by citation burst into the public consciousness in 2014 following the shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, another municipality in St. Louis County. After the shooting and the protests that ensued, the U.S. Department of Justice documented in a 2015 report how tensions in Ferguson long pre-dated Brown’s death and stemmed in significant part from the city’s aggressive use of its police and municipal court to raise revenue through code enforcement.
It found that for years before the unrest, Ferguson officials had urged the police chief and municipal court judge—both political appointees—to prioritize revenue maximization, working with them to meet significant budget increases using citation revenue.
In another example, the Atlanta suburb of Doraville, Georgia, is over 500 miles away from Missouri, but its fines and fees behavior is similar to that of Pagedale and Ferguson. In recent years, Doraville has budgeted for fines and fees to make up 17% to 30% of its revenue.
By comparison, the national median municipality with a population greater than 5,000 receives 0.9%. Doraville’s heavy reliance on citation revenue requires city police to find violations to generate those funds. By one account, Doraville issues citations of more than $800 per resident annually and upwards of 40 citations per day on average.
In recent years, media reports about abusive municipal fines and fees practices have proliferated, reflecting the phenomenon’s growth as well as increasing awareness of—and concern about—the issue. USA Today, for example, reported Montgomery, Alabama, collected almost $16 million in “fines and forfeitures” in 2013—more than five times what similarly sized Alabama cities collected.
The Phoenix New Times reported the Arizona municipal courts with the highest net incomes for fiscal year 2017: Tempe (pop. 185,000), with a net income of $4,007,735, followed by Scottsdale (pop. 250,000) at $3,023,437, Paradise Valley (pop. 15,000) at $2,642,200 and Tucson (pop. 535,000) at $1,097,690.12 A National Public Radio investigation found some cities’ fines and fees were so steep that people were often jailed not for an underlying offense but for failure to pay court debt, including late fees and penalties tacked on by courts due to missed payments.13 And in 2019, Governing magazine reported hundreds of municipalities nationwide are “addicted to fines.”
Despite increasing and significant attention to this issue, proposed solutions have been limited, often focusing on local political remedies, such as voting out municipal officials who engage in taxation by citation and adopting municipal-level legislative reforms, or very targeted state-level fixes, such as caps on the fines and fees revenue municipalities can keep.
Such proposals have their attractions, but they also suffer from serious inadequacies: Removing elected officials and adopting municipal-level reforms require a healthy political environment, but a healthy political environment is unlikely to give rise to taxation by citation in the first place.
And passing individual reforms at the state level fails to address the sprawl of unconnected laws that likely affect municipal fines and fees behavior. For example, in the 1990s, the Missouri General Assembly capped the annual revenue municipalities could keep from traffic tickets in an effort to curb speed traps. But because the law applied only to moving violations on federal and state roads, municipalities could and did continue to issue citations for nonmoving violations and other municipal code violations.
–from the NMA
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY IS OPEN FOR POST GRADUATE STUDIES--dilly
[ dil-ee ]
noun
Informal.
something or someone regarded as remarkable, unusual, etc.: a dilly of a movie.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF DILLY?
The noun and adjective dilly, like many slang terms, has an obscure etymology. One etymology is that dilly is an alteration of delightful or delicious; the suffix –y is either the native English adjective suffix –y (as in juicy), or the originally Scottish noun suffix –y (as in granny). Dilly was originally an Americanism, first appearing in print in the early 20th century.
HOW IS DILLY USED?
It would be a dilly of a painting.
SUSAN VREELAND, THE FOREST LOVER, 2004
The two big numbers, and they were dillies, were “La Toilette de la Cour” by Anthony Philip Heinrich, and Albert Gehring’s “The Soul of Chopin.”
HAROLD C. SCHONBERG, “TIDBITS OF FORGOTTEN MUSIC EVOKE AN AMERICAN PAST,” NEW YORK TIMES, MAY 25, 1973
–from Dictionary.com
New Studies Suggests Sea Levels Are Lower Today Than They Were Even During The Little Ice Age
by Kenneth Richard
New Studies Suggests Sea Levels Are Lower Today Than They Were Even During The Little Ice Age–Coastal history analyses increasingly suggest sea levels are lower today than at any time in the last 7000 years – even lower than the 1600s to 1800s.
Recently we compared cartology from the 17th to 19th centuries to direct aerial images of coastal positions today. Rather surprisingly, there seemed to be more land area below sea level a few hundred years ago.
For example, an 1802 nautical map of New York City and Long Island shows there may have been more open waters in this region during the Little Ice Age than in 2019.
Image Source: Amazon.com
Shoreline analysis from India also suggests the coasts were further inland during the 1600s than they are today (Mörner, 2017).
Image Source: Mörner, 2017
In another new study, the borehole sea level history for the Italian port city of Salerno reveals the coast was hundreds of meters further inland compared to today’s 7000 years ago. Even 300 years ago the coast was still much further inland (Amato et al., 2020).
Image Source: Amato et al., 2020
Citing previous studies, another new paper has today’s sea levels about 2 to 3 meters lower than they were 4000 to 5000 years ago along the coasts of Brazil (Martins et al., 2020). And, again, today’s relative sea levels seem to be the lowest of the record – lower than the Little Ice Age.
By: Admin – Climate Depot
Ohio Supreme Court Weighs Another Speed Camera Challenge
Speed camera company asks Ohio Supreme Court to block class action lawsuit against illegally issued photo tickets in Girard.
Marc Dann
The top judges in Ohio are poised to take up the issue of photo ticketing once again. On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court allowed former attorney general Marc E. Dann to bolster his legal team for a challenge to Girard’s use of cameras to enforce an illegally low speed limit. The state Court of Appeals granted the case class action status in April. Blue Line Solutions, the for-profit company that operates Girard’s automated ticketing machines, is demanding that the high court block the class action certification.
“This appeal presents a case of public and great general interest,” company attorney Robert S. Yallech wrote earlier this month.
Under state court rules, Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Andrew D. Logan has broad authority to certify a class action lawsuit. The only way to overturn such a decision is to prove that the judge abused his discretion — a high bar for the photo ticketing company.
From December 7, 2017, to January 7, 2018, Girard posted a lowered 55 MPH construction zone speed limit on a stretch of Interstate 80 where construction was already complete and the limit should have been 65 MPH. Motorist John Perfette paid the ticket after his 2011 Cadillac was photographed traveling 65 MPH a day before the incorrect sign came down. When he saw in the news that the speed limit had been improperly posted, he asked for a hearing to reopen the case in light of the new evidence. Girard refused.
The class action suit seeks refunds for everyone who was issued one of those $104 to $179 tickets during that period. Blue Line unsuccessfully insisted that people accused by the machine of traveling 75 MPH are not entitled to be part of the suit because they allegedly exceeded the proper 65 MPH speed limit by at least 10 MPH.
“We disagree that, even if the trial court were to determine that 65 MPH was the proper speed limit, class members traveling in excess of 75 MPH would not have suffered an injury-in-fact,” Judge Matt Lynch wrote for the unanimous Court of Appeals panel. “While we offer no opinion on the merits of the argument, the claim that the citations are invalid ‘ab initio’ is a sufficient demonstration of common evidence that all class members have allegedly suffered some injury.”
The appellate court rejected the rest of the speed camera company’s claim as premature and charged all costs for the appeal to the company. A copy of the Court of Appeals decision granting class action status is available in a 400k PDF file at the source link below.
Source: PDF File Black v. Girard (Court of Appeals, State of Ohio, 4/20/2020)
–from the Newspaper.com
NEWS FROM THE TWISTED ROAD-– L.A. Area Motorcycle Rider’s City Guide
Sunny California doesn’t get its idyllic stereotype for nothin’ — it’s always beautiful in this beachside city with jaw-dropping scenery. And, yes, it’s riding weather all year long! Even with the current state of affairs and the stay-at-home order, people can wear a face mask and go out for a ride during coronavirus assured that gas stations will still be open.
NEW FROM LOWBROW–
New grips exclusively from Lowbrow Customs
We are really excited about two new handlebar grip designs we have been working on since late last year.
AMF Grips and Champion Grips are coming soon and will be available for sale in July.
Made in the USA. Black or Natural Gum. $19.95.
Take a look, sign up for an in-stock notification and…
CHOOSE YOUR STYLE
AMF Grips & Champion Grips are U.S. Patent Pending.
HISTORY FROM THE MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF BUFFALO CHIP-– It was 1860 when, with only 39% of the popular vote, Abraham Lincoln, the first presidential candidate of the newly formed anti-slavery Republican Party, was elected to the office of President of the United States.
The Confederate States of America formed after the election and before Lincoln took office.
Due to multiple death threats, Lincoln was sneaked into Washington, DC under cover of darkness to take the oath of office on March 4, 1861.
The Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. This began the American Civil War about 5 weeks after anti-slavery Lincoln took the oath of office.
On January 1, 1863 President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and therein decreed all slaves to be freed.
On November 19, 1863 President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
President Lincoln drafted the 13th Amendment and, against substantial opposition, got it passed by the Senate on April 8, 1864 and the House on January 31, 1865.
President Lincoln was assassinated on April 15, 1865.
The Confederacy surrendered on November 6, 1865, ending the Civil War.
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified by a sufficient number of states on December 6, 1865. Slavery and involuntary servitude were legally abolished in the United States.
President Lincoln was succeeded by a Democrat, Andrew Johnson, who successfully opposed extending any protections to the former slaves when the seceded states were reintegrated into the Union.
The Klu Klux Klan operated as the military arm of the Democratic Party into the second half of the 20th Century. Many elected officials were members.
Brown v. Board of Education ruled racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional.
Arkansas Democratic Governor Orval Faubus, saying he feared a riot if and when 9 black students would arrive to attend school at Little Rock, ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the 9 from entering the school.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered Federal troops instead to protect the students and guarantee they made it to school. The kids were integrated into the school and no riot ensued, nor did the media raise a ruckus because a President had ordered Federal troops to prevent rioting.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 won popular support. President Johnson is quoted as having told a fellow Democrat politician something to the effect that, due to the support, “You know we’re gonna have to let this Nigger bill pass, don’t you? But I’ll have those Niggers voting Democrat for 200 years.”
Seems we’ve still a long way to go.
Rod Woodruff
Sturgis Buffalo Chip
–From Joe Teresi
[page break]
Red Line Synthetic Oil Announces Chain Lube with ShockProof Addition to Powersports Line–Red Line Synthetic Oil, a leader in the performance lubricant industry, today announced the newest addition to the company’s line of advanced powersports products, Chain Lube with ShockProof®.
The aerosol chain lube will be available for order beginning June 17, 2020 at Tucker and www.redlineoil.com.
Reapplying chain lubricant at regular intervals is necessary to extend the life of your drive chain and keep your bike performing at its best. Red Line’s new Chain Lube with ShockProof utilizes the latest innovation in chain lubricant technology. Combining unsurpassed anti-wear and corrosion protection for extended chain and sprocket life, along with an outer protective coating that will not attract dirt, sand or grit, Red Line’s Chain Lube with ShockProof is suitable for even the most extreme conditions riders find themselves in this summer. Additionally, the product provides reduced friction for better power transfer and is easy to clean.
Red Line’s Chain Lube with ShockProof is compatible with all ‘O,’ ‘X,’ ‘Z’ ring and roller chains for street, off-road, and racing use. With minimal fling-off when used as directed, riders can rest assured that their bikes are protected and will continue to look great after each ride.
“At Red Line, we’ve spent more than 40 years creating products that riders and racers count on to provide extremely high levels of performance and protection,” said Kit Szwarcburg, Marketing Director of Red Line Synthetic Oil. “We used our expertise to provide our customers with a superior chain lube that is easy-to-use and provides maximum performance on the street, trails or on the track.”
Red Line Synthetic Oil has engineered premium additives and lubricants for dirt bikes and motor racing applications since its founding in 1979. In 2007, the brand debuted its updated powersports line to support riders by providing them with the best oils and additives available on the market. Unrivaled in performance and protection, Red Line’s powersports products include engine oil, gear oil, RL-600 brake fluid and SuperCool with WaterWetter, a convenient, pre-mixed coolant that provides improved heat transfer and reduced operating temperatures, while reducing corrosion, electrolysis and rust.
For more info on Red Line Synthetic Oil, please visit www.redlineoil.com or follow Red Line Synthetic Oil on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
To find a dealer or order online, log on to www.redlineoil.com.
BILTWELL BIKE OF THE WEEK–
Can a Chopper Actually be Practical?
When Otto started planning this bike last year, he had a very defined idea in his head that was something like: “Keep all the junk that makes choppers fun to ride, but make it as bulletproof and reliable as possible.” An 80” S&S Evo motor is as good as it gets for reliability and power. Stuff one of those in a hand-made chromoly frame from Spartan George and it’s pretty hard to go wrong.
See all the Biltwell parts used on this bike here.
STURGIS NEWS FROM THE MASTER DAVID UHL–We were already planning on going to Sturgis in August, but the fact that the City of Sturgis announced yesterday that they are on board is great news indeed! We will be in our usual spot (in Deadwood) inside the Gold Dust Casino Aug. 6-16.
The lack of shows this year has given David Uhl plenty of time to paint. And he has taken full advantage! He is planning on having at least 2 Sturgis commemorative pieces this year for the 80th anniversary of the rally.
We are pleased to announce the release of the first Sturgis 2020 piece, titled “Antiquities” (details below). This piece will be limited to 80 prints in the smaller size and we are taking orders now.
“Antiquities”
David Uhl – Sturgis 2020
Absolutely beautiful lighting in this piece!
Each canvas print will come hand-signed by David and numbered with Certificate of Authenticity and commemorative Sturgis 80th Anniversary nameplate. Shipping will be included within the lower 48 United States on this one.
NOTE: We have heard from several international customers who cannot attend Sturgis this year. If you want this one unframed, we can accommodate you. Please email me for details.
** Image size 24×24, edition of 80 plus 10 Artist Proofs and 3 Hors d’ Commerce – $895 framed
** Image size 30×30, edition of 12 plus 5 Artist Proofs and 3 Hors d’ Commerce – $1,895 framed
** Additionally, David has agreed to sell the original oil. Please inquire to greg@uhlstudios.com.
Please respond to this email or call me at 303-913-4840 to confirm your order. Thanks for your time and have a great week!
–Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director
Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840
INCREDIBLE, THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN–
Today at the bank, an old lady asked me to help check her balance. So I pushed her over.
I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I’ve been tripping all day.
I told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised.
My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot. It got so bad, finally I had to take his bike away.
I’m so good at sleeping. I can do it with my eyes closed.
–Sam Burns
House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Highway Bill Hearing
Today is an exciting day for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the entire motorcycling community. At 10:00 a.m. today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will markup H.R. 2, the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America” Act (INVEST in America Act). Sometimes known as the Highway Bill or Transportation Bill, this piece of legislation must be reauthorized by Congress every four to six years. The current Highway Bill, “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” Act, also known as the FAST Act, expires on September 30, 2020.
The “markup” of the INVEST in America Act, is a formal process of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This allows all of its 60 plus members to offer amendments and changes to the bill before it heads to the House floor for a final vote.
The Transportation Committee is the largest in Congress and usually a place where bipartisanship is the rule, not the exception. Unfortunately, as has been the case in Washington over the past few years, partisanship has infiltrated the Transportation Committee. The INVEST in America Act was written solely by the Democrats who have the majority control of the House of Representatives. This has led to an unusual situation. Today, almost 300 amendments will be considered by the committee. Most of these will be introduced by Republicans, who are using this as an opportunity to promote their policy priorities.
As you know, we at the MRF like to say: “We don’t vote Republican, We don’t vote Democrat, We vote motorcyclist.” As today unfolds, there are four key areas, we at the MRF will be watching:
Motorcyclist Safety Funds
Motorcyclist Advisory Council
Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Motorcycle-Only Check Points / Profiling
Here’s a brief outline of what may transpire over the next several hours in Washington DC.
Motorcyclist Safety Funds: The INVEST in America Act as introduced would increase funds made available to states for motorcyclist safety by $1,473,285. This is an increase in the program of roughly 34% over current funding levels. Under this bill, the total amount available to states in the next fiscal year would be $5,761,785. While we at the MRF are happy to see Congress increase the funding level for state motorcyclists safety programs, this new $5.7 million amount still only equates to approximately $0.67 per motorcycle in the country.
Motorcyclist Advisory Council: The MRF has advocated for Gallagher Amendment #116 introduced by Congressmen Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin. This amendment would re-establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council and create dedicated seats at the table for motorcyclists’ rights groups and manufacturers. The MAC has existed for over a decade and allows federal policymakers, state highway officials, and motorcyclists to discuss the unique demands of riding a motorcycle and how roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can be built to better account for motorcyclists’ needs.
Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio, a rider himself, will offer Balderson Amendment #21. This two-part amendment focuses on autonomous vehicles and motorcycles. The first part requires that when the Department of Transportation conducts safety studies on autonomous vehicles, motorcycles must be considered as unique roadway users. For example, autonomous vehicle technology must account for factors like lane splitting, something unique that is only relevant to motorcycles. The second part ensures that a motorcycle safety group is included in the Department of Transportation working group on autonomous vehicle deployment. Once again, motorcyclists need a seat at the table, so our voices are heard.
Check Points / Profiling: The provisions passed in the FAST Act of 2015 regarding motorcycle-only checkpoints were not changed in this bill. This means that states and local governments will continue to be prohibited from using federal funds to establish motorcycle-only checkpoints. This federal provision complements the nearly 20 states who have outlawed motorcycle-only checkpoints in their states.
In addition to retaining the prohibition on funding motorcycle-only checkpoints, Congressman Balderson will offer amendment #25 that would prohibit using federal funds to profile and stop motorcycle operators or passengers, using as a factor, the apparel they are wearing or their mode of transportation. This amendment is consistent with our profiling resolution and would be an acknowledgment by Congress that motorcyclists should not be profiled because of what they wear or ride.
This markup is just the first step in a long journey that still requires the Senate to act and the President’s signature. As the day progresses, we will provide short updates on what is going on and how our priorities are faring. If you wish to follow along with today’s markup, the hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. eastern, and you can watch the live stream here.
Ride Safe and Ride Free,
The D.C. Team
MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK–
Riding through Monument Valley, AZ. 2006
Details: Limited Edition Print from an edition of 50. Photo ©2006 Michael Lichter.
BUSTER’S PICK OF THE WEEK—MB Leathers in San Pedro.
Buster is a social media master, who works full time for Saddlemen seats. He’s also helping around the Bikernet/5-Ball nerve center and he’s a major motorcycle enthusiast. He’s going to bring some of his connections to the Bikernet family. The first is Mario from MB leathers in San Pedro.
Here’s a teaser from Buster’s interview with Mario, which we will publish on Bikernet tomorrow.
When did you start leather work?
MB: I started leatherwork because I saw Indian Larry’s Grease Monkey bike in the Easyriders magazine. That was about 21 years ago. Larry’s seat was hand tooled seat by Paul Cox. I always played guitar and drew – so I was creative. But when I saw the leather seat, I was sold.
I asked a friend of mine who was a knife maker to give me some tools. I tried it and I HATED it, it was the hardest thing to do… Find out what happened tomorrow.
–Bandit
LIFE IS INCREDIBLE—I’m helping a brother build the Pandemic Panhead. It’s almost done, except for a generator. There was once a company that made caps for generators with the regulator inside the cap. Can’t find them.
My brother Adrian is working on the Deadwood Bikernet Headquarters and historic whorehouse. Suddenly, he wanted a newer Indian to ride, and we found one at Cycle Visions in San Diego. Mike Stevens hauled ass to Dago and checked it out. It was golden, so we bought it, and I had to arrange to have it shipped, by Haul Bikes to Deadwood.
We are now shipping six bikes to the Badlands. Holy shit. I’m headed out shortly with the 5-Ball racing van packed with whorehouse antiques and whiskey. Can’t wait. Hang on for more reports.
Get ready to ride and never stop, goddammit!
–Bandit
