Hey,
This virus thing speaks at so many aspects of society, from fossil fuels, cars, homelessness and socialism. Kick it around. Folks out there would like to kill our cars and motorcycles. Think about how many more folks would have died if we were all forced to ride in public transportation, buses, subways and trains.
This problem doesn’t work for letting the homeless park rusting RVs or tents just anywhere they please. And remember when the socialist media said, “China is doing it right and we’re all wrong.”
Check this: A Department of Homeland Security analysis has concluded that China hid the early spread of the coronavirus so it could hoard medical equipment, keeping it from other countries that would have bought it if they had known of the danger that was coming their way from Wuhan.
Specifically, DHS found, with 95% statistical confidence, that changes to China’s personal protective equipment import and export behavior were highly abnormal and not random.
Early warnings from China about the scale of the coronavirus outbreak and its threat of becoming a pandemic could have given other countries time to take actions that would have saved lives. It looks like the Chinese government deliberately misled the world so that it could stockpile crucial supplies.
For those of us who have been chronicling China’s mendacity on the coronavirus for months, this revelation is not surprising. But it is certainly outrageous.
China’s lies are piling up rapidly. It lied about the virus being capable of transmission between humans. It threw whistleblower doctors in prison. It refused to let the World Health Organization and other authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention see early data. It stopped tests and had test samples destroyed. It allowed its citizens to travel from Wuhan to other parts of the world, taking the disease with them, and then had the gall to complain when foreign nations (belatedly) restricted travel from China. The tyranny continues to restrict international scientific access to Wuhan, and it sells faulty coronavirus tests, masks, and protective equipment across the globe.
–Washington Examiner
So much for the socialist nation that doesn’t allow free speech.
It’s so interesting, and as I constantly tell questioning folks: Time will tell and shit will smell. Let’s hit the news and then go for a ride.
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.
HAL ROBINSON’S EX WANTS TO MAKE A HAL TRIBUTE BANDANA—We put her in touch with our Bandana manufacturer.
But she will need to clean up the shading. Shading doesn’t work for Bandana designs. It must have clean, sharp lines.
Like our Bikernet Bandana, but we still sell a few T-shirts with original Hal artwork featured.
–Bandit
BONNEVILLE TRACK AT RISK–
AMA Calls For Action
The land speed racetrack at Bonneville—once 13 miles long—is now less than 8 miles, due to salt erosion.
It is critically important that the U.S. Department of the Interior contribute funds toward a 10-year restoration program that will dramatically increase the amount of salt pumped onto Bonneville Salt Flats.
The AMA needs your help in urging Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to fund the Restore Bonneville program in 2020 from funds allocated by Congress.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, local company Intrepid Potash and the land speed racing community have identified a strategy and are collaborating to restore Bonneville. But without federal funding, the project cannot succeed.
COMP CAMS FOR M-8—We ran into Gene’s Speed Shop recently and then I spoke to the boss of Strictly Hawg, Charles. M-8s are getting stupid performance and and the performance doctors are loving them. They are a lot like the simple Evo but bigger and tougher. “I’m getting 145 HP and 133 pounds of Torque out of a 117-inch M-8,” Charles said.
He had a 107 and bored the barrels to 117 inch, added CP PISTONS, let the doctors at Branch Flowmeterics handle the headwork, installed the new, high flow, S&S Air Cleaner, used new DynoJet Power vision tuner, Comp Cam 248C, Barnett Clutch and Bassini Pipe.
Hang on for more reports.
–Bandit
SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES COMES TO 5-BALL RACING—They build custom shocks and worked with us on the Salt Torpedo. We went through several sets of shocks to come up with the perfect four shocks.
They are reaching out to custom builders all over the country to help them with projects and custom applications including Cole Rogers, of 295 Custom Fab, who manufacturers a custom girder.
If you have a special project that needs custom shocks, give Mike Alex a call at Suspension Technologies.
–Bandit
SMOKE OUT NEWS– I guess by now everyone knows there is no SMOKE-OUT this year. Does anyone know if the rights to the event are being sold?
–Stealth
S&S TO THE RESCUE–There’s a reason very few companies make a flywheel assembly for the M8, this was a tough one! Hundreds of hours of design and durability testing went into the project and we’re finally happy with the results! ~ DZ
S&S has been building stroker cranks since the 50s and has it down to an absolute art. Their latest efforts are aimed at the Milwaukee Eight platform (2017 and newer big twins) and open up a whole new level of performance for these engines. Stronger, more durable, and trued to a spec others can only dream of, these new flywheel assemblies are the best of the best to build your high performance engine around.
Using a heat-treated 4140 material, each assembly is harder and 114% stronger than factory parts. S&S High Strength Connecting Rods are designed using Finite Element Analysis to eliminate weak spots and create a part that can handle substantially more power. Available in 4.375”, 4.5” and 4.625” stroke with tapered or high strength full-width wrist pin to accommodate even the most instance of builds.
Each of their flywheel assemblies are also available with or without the counterbalancer gear. We’re particularly interested in their 4.625” stroker crank and figure we could combine that with the S&S 128” Power Package and build a 131” monster! Take a look at the details on their site https://www.sscycle.com/feature/lower-end/flywheels-for-m8-models
–David Zemla
STRIDER BIKES GET KIDS TO RIDE–Let’s get active for ALL kids’ health.
Whether you walk, run, or bike, you can participate in this virtual event AND support bringing two wheels to schools across America when that school bell rings once again!
Between May 1 and May 31, choose a sunny day and complete a 7k! By going the EXTRA distance, you will get some good, old fashioned exercise, and directly support bringing the complete Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Program to schools on the All Kids Bike waitlist. Every $4,000 raised together as an active community moves a school off the waitlist, and teaches kids to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.
We suggest running/ walking/ biking/ hiking a 7k. WHY?
On average, kids under the age of 18 spend over 7 hours a day on an electronic device. We are on a mission to encourage children to spend more time with friends and family outside and being active! By embracing the 7k distance, you are going the extra mile for kids’ health.
Not interested in a 7k? No worries! Choose the distance and activity of your choice — it’s all about getting active and having fun!
All participants will receive a swag bag complete with the All Kids Bike Spring 2020 Handlebar Hustle shirt, virtual race bib, and virtual finisher certificate.
Be sure to tag @AllKidsBike and #HandlebarHustle to show your support of getting bikes in schools!
All Kids Bike® is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. All Kids Bike is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.
THE TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–Nice 111- mile early morning, pre-breakfast ride Conroe, Willis, Huntsville. Grandson in town so came back early.
Got all the parts to complete the mid-control replacement, trying to decide if I want to order another V&H Fuelpack 3 or try for a Thundermax setup?
She still needs so many things, front highway pegs once the controls are changed, front suspension upgrade, front fairing, want an FXRP but may just go smaller, rear chain conversion, Cams, and on and on and on!
–RFR
MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK– Chopper Dave Frestonchopp at his shop, in Hawaiian Gardens, CA. USA. Tuesday June 26, 2018.
Dave is known for cast aluminum fun parts and can make custom shit for any application on a chopper.
Photography ©2018 Michael Lichter.
If you are looking for a special builder shot or something from the last event you attended, check out his site. –Bandit
CHARLIE BRECHTEL AND THE DEACON JONES– Thought you’d like to have this shot from a very special time.
Still traveling. Currently @ Spartan, Charlotte MI for chassis service. Idaho, June. Spearfish-Deadwood, July, CO, August. L.A., Sept. TX-TN Oct. FL winter/spring.
–Jeff Krause
BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY– Just wanted to let you know that this year 7th May is celebrated as Birth Anniversary of Buddha.
It changes every year as per lunar calendar.
Many best wishes and peace to you on this Honored Day.
–Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com
International Editor
Bikernet News Desk, India
JAPAN REPORT FROM THE SHERIFF–VIBES JAPAN did a Corona Special
Yours truly took the moment of five second fame!
Stay safe SIR!
SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP
S-36030 LAMMHULT
SWEDEN
LIQUI MOLY PLANNING SESSION–
“They never come back”
LIQUI MOLY Managing Director Ernst Prost on the demands of the coming upswing
In today’s circular letter, Ernst Prost, Managing Director of the oil and additive specialist LIQUI MOLY, prepares his colleagues for the demands of the coming upswing. The service campaign of recent weeks will bear fruit and it is important to be prepared when sales figures pick up again.
–Peter
NEWS FROM THE VA–
Mission BBQ: free sandwiches for Veterans, military during Armed Forces Week
Mission BBQ will offer Veterans and active duty military a free sandwich in May on the following dates:
U.S. Army: 5/11
U.S. Marines: 5/12
U.S. Navy: 5/13
U.S. Air Force: 5/14
U.S. Coast Guard: 5/15
All branches: 5/16
Mission BBQ is also hiring Veterans.
AIMExpo Moves to January–
The struggling American International Motorcycle Expo is moving to January 21-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Previously scheduled for October, North America’s final attempt at a powersports show is changing more than timing; the show will become a trade-only event and emerge as an integral part of the buying season.
Transitioning to the first quarter has been part of a desperate plan to save the AIMExpo.
FOUR WHEEL NEWS--Pickup trucks outsell cars for the first time, and it may not be temporary.
The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado have been the best-selling light vehicles in America for a long time, but for the first time ever, the pickup truck segment as a whole outsold the car segment in the month of April, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
The difference was by a large margin, too, with pickups outselling cars by more than 17,000 units. Five years ago, cars outsold trucks by half a million units in a single month, according to Bloomberg.
State restrictions of certain businesses has led to more vehicle deliveries in middle America, where trucks are preferred, than the coastal states. Truck sales especially have been boosted by 0% financing for up to seven years, as well.
While some of this pendulum swing is attributable to effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it points to a larger trend that has seen pickup trucks evolve from workhorses to luxurious family haulers. At the same time, cars have diminished in the opinions of car shoppers.
This could have a lasting effect on the vehicles offered by automakers. In 2014, crossovers and SUVs overtook cars as America’s vehicle of choice. They now account for nearly half of all new vehicles sold, with each automaker offering an average of five different crossovers/SUVs in their lineups. Automakers are cutting production of coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks to about two models per automaker on average.
The Detroit Three truckmakers—Ford, GM, and Fiat Chrysler—have led the charge, killing off once-popular compact and sedan models en masse. Ford killed the Fiesta, Focus, and Taurus, and now only sells the Mustang muscle car and the Fusion mid-size sedan, which is on the chopping block.
Pickups are more lucrative for automakers, and with dozens of configurations for each model, there is a truck for every preference, it seems. It’s a lot easier to build one platform with interchangeable body styles and engine options than an entire car model. At least 50 different car models are still on sale, while there are only about a dozen truck models. Increasingly, full-size pickup trucks such as the best-selling Ford F-150 are complemented on either side by redesigned heavy-duty work trucks and smaller mid-size pickups such as the Ford Ranger.
Car lovers might encounter more trouble seeing down the road, literally and figuratively. With many factories preparing to open after weeks of closures, the truck inventory available on dealer lots is running low, The Detroit News reported. That means trucks are still in high demand, and likely will be again through the month of May, if not longer.
–NMA
FROM THE MASTER, DAVID UHL--We are pleased to announce the release of David Uhl’s third and final piece in his Strange Days series. “Exiting the Curve” is set in our nation’s capital as we begin to climb out of this situation we’ve been in.
“Exiting the Curve”
As with the first two in the series, we are offering prints on watercolor paper in two sizes at great prices. Each piece will be hand-signed by David Uhl, numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The prices below are for the unframed prints. Framing is an additional $200.
** Image size appx 14×18, edition of 30 prints, $95 unframed.
** Image size appx 18×24, edition of 6 prints, $325 unframed.
As promised, those who bought the first two pieces in the series have first right of refusal to add this new one (with matching edition numbers).
Please let me know if you have any questions, and have a great day!
Thanks, Greg
Reaper from Bob T.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT–How Cities Are Taking Advantage of the Coronavirus Shutdowns.
Empty streets are allowing construction crews to complete long-needed infrastructure projects at record speed.
RUSSELL BERMAN, The Atlantic
In normal times, it’s faster to walk along Seventh Street in downtown Los Angeles than to drive. The traffic is so constant—some 16,000 cars a day—that closing the street for repairs was virtually unthinkable. Aside from fixing dangerous potholes, officials in America’s most notoriously car-clogged city hadn’t repaved the cracked, uneven roadway in more than a decade and weren’t planning to do so anytime soon.
Then came the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting statewide lockdown, which cleared Los Angeles’s polluted air as well as its congested streets. California allowed construction to continue, and city officials seized an opportunity too serendipitous to pass up. Crews resurfaced a crucial half-mile stretch of Seventh Street in two days—less than half the time it would normally take, and without the traffic headache it would otherwise cause.
“It looks amazing now,” crowed Adel Hagekhalil, the executive director and general manager of Streets LA, the city agency responsible for the upkeep of Los Angeles’s 23,000-mile road network. Like a proud father, Hagekhalil texted me before-and-after photos of the Seventh Street project, and of heavily protected, socially distancing construction workers laying down fresh pavement on an otherwise deserted street in broad daylight.
It’s a rare—admittedly modest—bright spot amid the death and economic decay of the pandemic: In many parts of the country, the elusive Infrastructure Week is here at last. Cities and states are taking advantage of reduced air, train, and road traffic to speed up construction projects that either were under way or planned for the summer months.
Crews that are usually relegated to overnight hours are now working during the day as well. And instead of delays and cost overruns, they’re completing jobs ahead of schedule and, in many cases, significantly under budget.
“They can go a lot further, a lot faster, if they don’t have to be interrupted,” said Sean McGarvey, the president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, which comprises 14 unions in the construction industry. “They’re trying to make big gains while we’re in the situation that we’re in.”
In Los Angeles, the city has already moved on to resurfacing dozens of other heavily trafficked arteries, so that when residents finally emerge from their forced hibernation, they’ll be driving over new roads that are smoother and safer than they were before.
Florida officials announced that they would accelerate highway projects by as much as three months. New York’s Westchester County Airport, barely operating during the pandemic, is shutting down entirely to repave a runway it had planned to tackle later this year. It hopes to complete the project in just one month instead of four.
And in the Bay Area, California’s Department of Transportation had warned that a July project to replace a 70-year-old bridge deck traversed by nearly a quarter million cars a day would result in hour-long backups. Instead, it finished the job last week in half the scheduled time, and the cars still on the road had to wait just an extra 10 minutes to use a detour.
Leaders abroad are making a similar bid to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Officials in Jerusalem are speeding up infrastructure work across the city. And in Italy, a country ravaged by the coronavirus, workers have nearly completed the replacement for a Genoa bridge that killed 43 people when it collapsed two years ago. Italian officials hailed the project, on which construction continued during the pandemic, as a symbol of national resilience.
Not every American state is expediting infrastructure projects during the pandemic. Some have shut down most construction projects along with other nonessential businesses, and others are simply trying to keep work on schedule rather than speed it up. But because the construction industry already operates under strict safety regulations, with workers who usually wear masks and gloves, it will be one of the first sectors allowed to reopen in states where projects were halted.
The mini boom in construction is keeping paychecks and some economic activity going in certain areas, but health and safety remain a top concern for union officials. McGarvey, who is a member of President Trump’s advisory committee on reopening the economy, told me his members are still waiting for the administration to issue a temporary infectious-disease standard for construction. “It just hasn’t happened, and it’s wholly disappointing,” he said.
In lieu of formal federal protocols, the NATBU issued early guidance to its members and contractors for additional protective measures on projects, including setting up multiple entrances and exits to prevent bottlenecks and ensuring that job sites have running water so workers can frequently wash their hands. “Guys have gotten used to it,” McGarvey told me. “A few weeks ago, there were a lot of folks who weren’t comfortable. Our absenteeism was high. But as our safety protocols got put in place, and people gained confidence that they were protected, that’s greatly subsided.”
However, he added, “human nature is human nature, and there are still folks that aren’t comfortable even with the proper protective equipment. And for those, we encourage them: If you’re not comfortable, don’t go to work. It’s a dangerous occupation to begin with, and we need you focused.”
5-BALL RACING REPORT—A new order is on its way to our headquarters. We are receiving orders for Bikernet Bandanas, which seem to be super popular right now. Wonder why?
With our new order, we will receive our redesigned Flat Out vest. It’s going to be a classic for years to come.
–Bandit
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QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–A crusty old biker out on a long summer ride in the country pulls up to a tavern in the middle of nowhere, parks his bike and walks inside. As he passes through the swinging doors, he sees a sign hanging over the bar:
> COLD BEER: $2.00
> HAMBURGER: $2.25
> CHEESEBURGER: $2.50
> CHICKEN SANDWICH: $3.50
> HAND JOB: $50.00
Checking his wallet to be sure he has the necessary payment, the old biker walks up to the bar and beckons to the exceptionally attractive female bartender who is serving drinks to a couple of sun-wrinkled farmers.
She glides down behind the bar to the old biker.
“Yes?” she inquires with a wide, knowing smile, “may I help you?”
The old biker leans over the bar and whispers, “I was wondering, Miss, are you the one who gives the hand-jobs?
She looks into his eyes with that wide smile and purrs “Why yes, yes, I sure am.”
The old biker leans closer and into her left ear whispers softly, “Well, you wash your hands real good now, young lady, cause I want a cheeseburger.”
–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK—1982-2000 FXR Profiler™ Seat
Saddlemen’s® classic slammed seat for two features narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height. Specially designed base allows the seat to drop down into the bike for the lowest riding position possible. Surprisingly comfortable, the Profiler was developed using Saddlemen’s® famous combination of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ in the driver’s position, easing tailbone pressure and improving circulation for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Don’t accept anything less as you cannot buy a better seat. Winning show bike looks in a low, sleek seat plus top quality and innovative features, combined with comfort designed and engineered specifically for real riders– all great reasons to choose Saddlemen®.
The Profiler offers a great looking seat which provides a more comfortable ride that is noticeable from the moment you get on. Why?
Almost two decades ago, Saddlemen® was the innovator of SaddleGel™ for motorcycle seats, bringing over a gel technology widely used in medical applications. Now widely copied, but not duplicated, SaddleGel™ provides undisputable comfort.
Adding to the comfort is our unique SaddleHyde™ covering; a glove-soft, marine-grade material that has the right amount of stretch built in to make better use of the SaddleGel™ underneath (optional leather covers are also available- just call!).
Saddlemen® has engineered the perfect and only matched motorcycle seating foam that works in conjunction with SaddleGel™ and SaddleHyde™ for maximum riding distance and pleasure. Saddlemen’s® proprietary Black Magic™ foam with its high resilient properties maximizes your motorcycles suspension package by collapsing just enough to conform to the rider’s body shape. In turn it helps to equalize the pressure to allow good blood flow. Combined with our precisely engineered molding cavities, our 3 part system is carefully molded with a skin that resists penetration by rain or perspiration. All completed in house under the careful supervision of trained technicians to guarantee a perfectly contoured seat with every pour.
Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXR (REQUIRES HD #52107-86)
Year Fitment: 1982-2000
Features:
Narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height.
Unique blend of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ eases tailbone pressure and improves circulation.
Supple SaddleHyde offers a combination of comfort, glove-soft leathery feel and weather-resistant, no-maintenance good looks.
The Profiler seat is available for most H-D models.
Designed and made in the U.S.A.
[page break]
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK-–
2008 Harley-Davidson® FXSTB – Night Train for $9,995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8057877
2008 Harley Davidson FXSTBI Softail Night Train
The sinister FXSTB Night Train features an all-black powertrain with wrinkle-black trim on the engine covers and air cleaner, oil tank and rear fender supports, and a black fuel tank console. The raked-out FX front end and narrow 21-inch laced front wheel contrast with a meaty 200 mm rear tire on a slotted cast disc covered with a wide bobtail fender. Drag bars and forward foot controls create an aggressive posture for the rider. This one is blacked out beautifully and has some nice extras with only 20,000 miles on an 08!
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Crimson Red Sunglo paint is sweet with the black out looks like new minus a tank scratch. Raised tank logos and Black console with leather strap. Black machined grips, chrome pullback bars on 8″ riser, black mirrors, chrome headlamp, blinkers, polished lowers on laced skinny 21″ chrome rims.
Deep throaty Vance & Hines shorty 2:2 black exhaust. Vance & Hines black air cleaner. Black powder 96ci engine including cam with gloss black H-D logo, rocker covers, horn / coil / derby covers. Black powder oil tank, primary, chain guard, fender supports, and black drive sprocket. Vivid black swing arm with solid polished and holed 200mm rear wheels with a polished rim.
Bobtail fender, 2-up seat with forward controls, passenger pegs, brake pedal, toe shifter, and passenger pegs. A pigtail. Tires almost new and more… Sweet looking bike…
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 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!!!
**Open 7 Days a Week**
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
Only $9,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
Harley-Davidson Dealerships Ranked #1 in 2020 for Responding to Website Customers, Reports Pied Piper PSI®
2020 Pied Piper PSI – Motorcycle / UTV Internet Lead Effectiveness Industry Study (USA) – Ranking by Brand
The study was completed before the appearance of the coronavirus pandemic, but in the aftermath of the pandemic dealer response to website customers has become even more critical.
Pied Piper submitted customer inquiries through the individual websites of 6,012 dealerships between July 2019 and February 2020, asking a question about a vehicle in inventory, and providing a customer name, email address and local telephone number. Pied Piper then evaluated how the dealerships responded by email, telephone and text message over the next 24 hours.
Twenty different measurements generate dealership Internet Lead Effectiveness ® (ILE ® ) scores, which range from zero to 100. 13% of dealerships nationwide scored above 70, demonstrating an extensive and effective website-response process, while 36% of dealerships scored below 30, showing failure to personally respond in any way to their website customers.
The study found widespread industrywide improvement from 2019 to 2020, with the industry average ILE score increasing from 33 to 42. Brands which led the industry in improvement over the past year were Indian, Harley-Davidson, Polaris and Yamaha. Only three of thirty-three brands failed to increase their score from 2019: Club Car (Ingersoll Rand), Cub Cadet (MTD Products) and Arctic Cat (Textron).
Nearly all of today’s customers first use their smart phone to shop before ever visiting a dealership in person. Pied Piper finds that most dealers today understand that responding to web customers is critical to sales success, but there is still plenty of variation in dealership behaviors.
Go to www.piedpiperpsi.com.
A LOWBROW CLASSIC–39mm Fork Shrouds by Lowbrow Customs
39mm Fork Shrouds for Harley-Davidsons were inspired by MCM-brand chrome fork shrouds. These were found on vintage Triumph and BSA motorcycles starting back in the 1950’s.
Lowbrow’s Fork Shrouds clean up the look of any motorcycle and add custom flair, all while being easy to install (check out the install video and follow along!).
They fit Harley Sportsters 1987 to current as well as certain Dyna models, or any other bike with a 39mm narrow glide front end.
KNIFE OF THE WEEK—This is a Korbin, hooked blade knife from RMJ Tactical.
The tough scabbard is constructed of kydex and the knife snaps securely in and out of place. A slight twist of the knife begins to pull down first will help the knife to pop free for action.
BILL HAYES TURNS 70 AND YOU CAN PARTY WITH HIM–
I’m as shocked as you are, but it’s true: The youngest man I know is turning THE BIG 7-0!! And though we’re staying “safer at home” this year, we can’t let this milestone slip by un-commemorated.
So…we’re turning quarantine into quarantinis, COVID into CO-VIDEO, and Home into Homemade Lemonade by hosting a VIRTUAL PARTY.
The great news is that since this will be the most inexpensive party we’ve ever thrown with the largest venue ever (Zoom), we have no limitations to our guest list! And EVERYONE who knows and loves Bill can attend from around the country, and even the world, without having to travel! J
Here are all the details:
DATE & TIME:
Date: May 8, 2020
Time: 2:30 pm PDT – 9 pm PDT
NOTE: We’re getting an early start so East Coasters can join in, too! You can drop in for a brief hello, or hang out as long as you want. Or you can drop in more than once. You may want to schedule your visit at time that allows you to participate in the festivities below.
We will be recording this event for posterity, so you’ll be a part of a special memento. Therefore, you may want to brush your hair, and wear pants.
No pressure, but if you’d like to prepare any kind of special message or performance for the video, we’ll give you the (virtual) floor!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Toasts: To ensure that Bill is abundantly “toasted, we’ll do an official toast to the birthday boy every half hour (on the hour/half-hour).
Tidbits: Throughout the party, Bill will relate a tidbit or tale from each year of his life. Doing the math, if he spends 10 minutes on each story, it will take….11.5 hours! So we’ll try to have him stick to the highlights.
Live Song Performances @ 3:30 & 7:00 PDT: We have of course written one of our legendary parody songs for this occasion, and (thankfully for you all) it will be performed by the one and only Debbie Goodman, accompanied by her husband, Preston. This is a treat you don’t want to miss!
Singing of Happy Birthday @ 5:30 pm PDT: (Replete with a blowing out of candles, with a fire extinguisher at the ready!)
HOW TO JOIN US:
Click on the link below (and as shown in the “location” field above). It will open your browser and, if you haven’t used Zoom before, it will ask for your permission to download the required software. Next, you’ll be directed to the meeting page, where you can click “Join the Meeting.” Be sure to join with both audio and video.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81118094454
GROUP GIFT:
Especially at this time when many are struggling to keep afloat, your virtual presence is more than present enough!
But since some have asked, Bill has indicated that all he wants is to get his motorcycle into “fighting shape” and go out for a ride. His wish is even more poignant now, since this is one of the few fun outside activities currently permitted!
Specifically, in addition to mechanical service, he’d love to spruce up the bike with a new Harley-Davidson “Badlander” seat and leather saddlebags (as shown in the cover image).
If you wish to contribute to BILL’s BIKE FUND, any amount large or small, you can contact me or add to the fund via my PayPal link:
https://www.paypal.me/JenniferThomasHayes
Please email or text me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you all online!!!
–Jennifer
P.S. You can RSVP, just show up, or join our Facebook event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/239103330508552/
THE FINANCIAL REPORT–Polaris Q1 2020 – Sales Rev -6%, Indian & Slingshot +7% at $127m
Polaris Industries, Minnesota, has reported 2020 Q1 sales revenue down by -6% to $1,405m, but in a market where Q1 North American retail sales are reported as down in the high-single digit percent, Indian Motorcycle retail sales were up low-single digit percent.
Motorcycles segment sales at Polaris, including PG&A, totaled $127m, up +7% compared to the first quarter of 2019, driven by increased sales of both Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot models. Sector gross profit for the first quarter of 2020 was a loss of $1m compared to a profit of $4m in the first quarter of 2019.
North American consumer retail sales for Indian Motorcycle increased low-single digit percent during the first quarter of 2020 in a weak mid to heavyweight two-wheel motorcycle industry that was down high-teens percent. North American consumer retail sales for Polaris’ Motorcycle segment, including both Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot, increased low-single digit percent during the first quarter of 2020, while the North American motorcycle industry retail sales for mid to heavyweight motorcycles, including three-wheel vehicles, was down mid-teens percent in the first quarter of 2020.
Polaris manufacturing plants have restarted production at select locations, based on orders in hand, anticipated future demand and supply chain parts availability – it would appear that at the time of reporting only the Polaris plant at Monterey, Mexico, was still waiting to be able to confirm re-opening.
Like many, given the unprecedented economic uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company had already withdrawn its full year 2020 guidance (on March 23); however, also like many, Polaris’ performance differed markedly between the first eight to ten weeks of the quarter and what came in March, especially the second half of March.
CEO Scott Wine said: “We opened 2020 on an upswing, with retail demand significantly outpacing our expectations, but the abrupt impact of COVID-19 in mid-March drastically altered our momentum.
“Since then we have honed our focus to four goals which will guide us through this crisis: the safety of our employees; the viability of Polaris; the strength of our dealer network and stewardship for our shareholders and other stakeholders.
“Through fast action and bold decisions, we enhanced workplace safety and realigned our operations to match evolving demand trends. We also moved aggressively to optimize our cost structure, preserve liquidity, and augment our financial strength and flexibility; we are actively supporting our dealers as they find innovative ways to serve customers and reignite demand.
“We expect the COVID-19 pandemic, and its corresponding shock to the economy, to be a substantial challenge for the global economy and our business through the remainder of the year and possibly longer.
“Nevertheless, I am confident in our dedicated and hard-working Polaris team’s ability to navigate through this unprecedented environment and emerge a better, stronger and more agile business. Regardless of the headwinds we face, our commitment to be a customer-centric, highly efficient growth company remains unchanged – we believe this vision will propel our business forward and further solidify our position as the global leader in Powersports.”
Off-Road Vehicles (“ORV”) and Snowmobiles segment sales, including PG&A, totaled $824m for the first quarter of 2020, down -5%; PG&A sales for ORV and Snowmobiles combined increased +7% in Q1. Sector gross profit decreased -16 percent to $202m in the first quarter of 2020.
ORV wholegood sales for Q1 were -7%; Polaris North American ORV retail sales were down high-single digit percent for the quarter, with both side-by-side vehicles and ATV vehicles down high-single digit percent. The North American ORV industry was approximately flat compared to the first quarter last year.
Q1 snowmobile wholegood sales were $6m compared to $13m for Q1 2019; Polaris snowmobile retail sales were down mid-teens percent during the first quarter of 2020 and down low-single digit percent for the twelve-month season ending March 2020. Q1 North American industry retail was down nearly -30% and down high-single digit percent for the season ending March 2020.
The rapid decline in retail demand over the last two weeks of March 2020 “significantly impacted sales and gross profit for Q1; sales were adversely impacted by approximately $125m in the quarter, while gross profit was impacted by approximately $50m compared to previous company expectations.”
The company reported a Q1 net loss of $5m, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared with net income of $48m, or $0.78 per diluted share, for Q1 2019. First quarter reported net loss was $0.09 per share; adjusted net income for the same period was $0.22 per share.
The company entered into an incremental $300m 364-day unsecured term-loan facility on April 9, 2020, further increasing its liquidity position. Cash on hand at April 23, 2020 was $475m along with $250m currently available under the company’s revolving line of credit.
Gross profit decreased -17% to $293m for Q1; reported gross profit margin was 20.8% percent of sales for Q1, down 272 basis points compared to 23.6% of sales for Q1 2019. Operating expenses increased +6% for Q1 to $307m, or 21.9% of sales. Operating expenses in dollars and as a percent of sales increased primarily due to incurred expenses for ongoing investment in research and development and strategic projects before the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact demand.
Income from Financial Services was $20m for Q1 (+5%) primarily due to a change in retail financing programs. Interest expense was $16m for Q1 due to lower average daily debt levels and lower interest rates.
Global Adjacent Markets segment sales, including PG&A, decreased -6% to $98m in Q1; Aftermarket segment sales decreased -8% to $202m; Boats segment sales decreased -16% to $155m. Overall Parts, Garments and Accessories (“PG&A”) sales were +7% for Q1; international sales to customers outside of North America, including PG&A, were -11% at $182m.
Net cash used for operating activities was $71m for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $38m for the same period in 2019. Total debt at March 31, 2020, including finance lease obligations and notes payable, was $2,164m. The company’s debt-to-total capital ratio was 68 percent at March 31, 2020 compared to 71 percent at March 31, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents were $424m at March 31, 2020, up from $151m at March 31, 2019.
KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN--Did I invite you to the Barbeque? Then why are you all up in my grill?
What do you get when you drop 16 candles on your favorite actor?
John Bar-B-Cusack.
What do zombies like to eat at barbeques? HALLOWEENies!
What do leprechauns love to barbecue?
Short ribs!
Why did he skeleton go to the barbecue? To get another rib.
What do you call a group of men waiting for a haircut? A barbercue.
Why can’t Mexicans have a barbeque? The beans keep falling through the grill.
Why did the skeleton go to a BBQ? For the spare ribs.
How do you know your at a Chinese Barbeque? The hot dogs are real.
–from Jokes4US
NEW FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES–Creepsters Handlebars (New!)
Universal Fit
Regular price$140.00
Creepsters are perfect for adding a little evil flare to your front end and giving your bike an awesomely uncanny look.
Made from one inch steel tubing with reinforced corners for extra added strength. Available in black, chrome, copper plating, and raw finishes. Made in the USA. Available in sizes 12, 14 and 16″. 11″ base, 30″ grip to grip, 5″ pullback.
If you’re ordering one of our sticky throttles, we can cut and prep your bars so they’re ready and the throttle is in when you get them as an additional option.
*If adding a Cable Kit to your order, please specify at checkout what bars you are currently running & also what type of bike you have.*
https://nashmotorcycle.com/collections/handlebars/products/creepsters
Öhlins Racing TTX GP Supersport Shock Absorber– Now Available for 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 Motorcycles
Upplands Väsby, Sweden, May 7, 2020 – The Öhlins® TTX® GP rear shock absorber, featuring an array of leading-edge technologies preferred by championship riders in MotoGP, SBK and BSB competition, is now available for the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 twin-cylinder superbike.
“Upgrading to the TTX GP shock brings the V2 to an entirely new level of agility, performance and rider satisfaction,” said Andrew Notman, two-wheel sales, marketing and product management, Öhlins.
The latest twin-tube TTX GP shock offers a wide range of precise, hand-adjustable compression and rebound settings to address rider preferences and varying track conditions. The latest adjustable needle with improved guidance and enhanced flow restriction characteristics further enhances compression and rebound damping, while a new 36mm solid piston and next-generation piston band boost traction and feedback for superior control.
The TTX GP shock also helps improve weight transfer as compared to the V2’s original equipment shock, providing a more consistent tire contact patch, enhanced control and improved tire wear and performance.
To learn more about the TTX GP shock absorber and other industry-leading Öhlins Racing products, please visit www.ohlins.com.
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Five Republican governors: Our states stayed open in the covid-19 pandemic. Here’s why our approach worked.– By Mark Gordon, Pete Ricketts, Asa Hutchinson, Kim Reynolds and Mike Parson
Mark Gordon is governor of Wyoming. Pete Ricketts is governor of Nebraska. Asa Hutchinson is governor of Arkansas. Kim Reynolds is governor of Iowa. Mike Parson is governor of Missouri. They are all Republicans.
The diversity of the 50 states is what makes our nation’s economy great, and each state’s response to the novel coronavirus is as diverse as the pandemic’s impact on each of us. Here in the country’s heartland, decisions have been made based on sound medical and social science, positioning our states to thrive individually as our economies reopen.
While our specific approaches may differ, we have all kept our states “open for business” and delivered food and other goods Americans need during this pandemic. Our collective experience ensures that our contribution toward reopening our nation’s economy is stable, safe and durable. Restarting our economy is not a race to be won but a cooperative effort. Our approach has created a model for success that can be applied throughout the country.
When emergencies hit, our tradition has been to plan and manage in consultation with community partners. Just as our states worked together to power through historic flooding last year, we applied that same will to overcome the threat posed by the coronavirus. In early March, as coronavirus cases hit the coasts and even before New York City had closed its schools, our states were putting plans in place for temporary business closures and virtual learning for K-12 students.
The Plains states have managed this emergency exceptionally well by many measures. Our states have simultaneously ranked low in terms of infection rates and deaths. We protected our health-care systems by allowing retired physicians and nurses to return to practice, and at no point have our hospitals been at risk of being overwhelmed.
There is no universal approach to navigating this pandemic that would work perfectly for every state. By contrast, our states’ experiences offer collective proof that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to address unique circumstances. When shaping our state plans, each of us has relied on our own public health teams, informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other national experts.
We knew it was critical, even as the coronavirus has spread, that our state economies keep moving. Agriculture, energy and manufacturing are the backbone of the Midwest and Great Plains. Our beef, pork and poultry feed the world. Our oil, ethanol, coal and wind fuel the country’s businesses.
Like other states, we did have to close pieces of our economies temporarily. To meet this challenge, our states moved quickly to cut red tape and allow private employers to pivot to new business models. Successes include restaurants selling food packaged for commercial use and loosened regulations for day care to expand access to child care for our workforces.
The relationships our community bankers have built with businesses over the years helped our region lead the nation for the amount of eligible payroll funding enrolled in the Paycheck Protection Program. All of this helped mitigate the job losses that are drowning unemployment benefits systems nationwide.
Private-sector businesses in our states, as elsewhere, stepped up to fill gaps for key products that have been in short supply. Distilleries and ethanol plants teamed up with community partners to produce hand sanitizer. Wyoming and Utah have partnered with industry to manufacture swabs and other supplies necessary for transporting coronavirus tests to laboratories. Missouri has created a marketplace where in-state manufacturers can pair with in-state providers to meet demands for personal protective equipment.
As we move into the next phase of managing the pandemic and consider President Trump’s guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” we are applying our propensity for planning to reopen the segments of our economies that temporarily closed. Each of us has identified triggers for when regions of our states and sectors of our economies should reopen, based on metrics tailored to our unique circumstances.
As we navigate this new phase, we are sharing expertise and best practices on how to safely reopen restaurants, churches, gyms and other businesses while continuing to slow the spread of infection.
Arkansas has announced conditions to restart elective surgeries. Iowa has deployed strike teams to conduct proactive surveillance testing of essential employees in areas where virus activity is high. Nebraska has drawn on its world-renowned infectious disease experts to create safety standards for meat-processing facilities.
We are all using expanded testing, rigorous contact tracing and strong pipelines for PPE to keep people safe in the coming months. Getting this job done the right way will be key to slowing the spread of the coronavirus and protecting our nation’s health-care system in the long run.
The core reasons our states are open for business are the tenacity, grit and heart of our residents. Their clear-eyed, common-sense approach helped keep our states on track and have set us up to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever. We look forward to leading the way.
–from the Washington Post
NEVER DULL—As this bullshit continues, more controversies surface. But what the hell. It’s cool to take a break from life once in a while. It freshens our approach and makes us appreciate how good we have had it for just at 100 years since the Spanish Flu.
Life is amazing, and I won’t go into what I’m up to at this moment. It’s too nuts and too many aspects are in a state of flux. Next week I’ll have a solid report on the Pandemic project and I should have one on the Salt Torpedo.
I started another Chance Hogan book. The Redhead blessed the second chapter. I’m going to work with Alyssa on posting the first two chapters to get your input. I’ve started Chapter 3. I need to change some names to protect the guilty. Hang on.
And remember, this too shall pass…
–Bandit
