Half-Way Through the Year and Questions Continue…
Hey,
We are half-way through the year and folks want the new President to move faster on making America Great Again. Brothers want Harley-Davidson’s CEO gone yesterday, my grandson is opening another 5-Ball Tattoo shop on Melrose, his fiancé is pregnant and he’s moving the family and all his motorcycles to Hollywood, we are praying for a repaired and operational Sturgis Motorcycle Museum quick, and I would like to see Easyriders brand come alive again.
We are at a time in our history where everything is possible and nothing moves fast enough. Think about it. At one time you waited for a month to receive the next issue of Easyriders Magazine. Now you have all the action from websites, Podcasts, Instagram and Facebook by the minute.
Your phone is alive with text, calls, voicemails, the internet, take videos, sing songs, post to the world, chase girls. No wonder we stare at the damn thing all day. I dislike new movies. The characters are on their phones constantly.
I try to fight back. I don’t do emails on my phone. I don’t create videos. I stay away from the internet on my phone. When I sit down at my computer, I deal with the internet and emails. I try to stay calm and focused. Good luck with that…
Let’s hit the news:
The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Rogue, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.
CALIFA DICTATORS REPORT–— California Assembly Approves 50-65 Cent Gas Tax Increase Under Low Carbon Fuel Standard – Gas Prices Could Hit $8.44/Gallon in 2026 in the state
California Price at Pump Could Hit $8.44/Gallon in ’26 Due to Refinery Closures, Regulations
THE CENTER SQUARE—A new analysis has found California gasoline prices could rise to $8.44 per gallon by the end of 2026 after the pending closure of two refineries—one-fifth of the state’s refining capacity—and the onset of new state regulations.
California gas prices are already the nation’s highest, at $4.78 per gallon for regular-grade gasoline Tuesday, according to AAA.
The new study from University of Southern California professor Michael A. Mische examined California’s historical gas prices, oil supply, and refining capacity, and modeled the likely impact of refinery closures and costly new fossil fuel and refinery fees and regulations.
“The shutdown of the two California-based refineries could possibly place the Golden State in a precarious economic situation and create a gasoline deficit potentially ranging from 6.6 million to 13.1 million gallons a day, as defined by the shortfall between consumption and production,” wrote Mische. “Reductions in fuel supplies of this magnitude will resonate throughout multiple supply chains affecting production, costs, and prices across many industries, such as air travel, food delivery, agricultural production, manufacturing, electrical-power generation, distribution, groceries, and health care.”
“Based on current demand and consumption assumptions and estimates, the combined consequences of the 2025 Phillips 66 refinery closure and the April 2026 Valero refinery closure, together with the potential impact of legislative actions such as, but not limited to, the new [low-carbon fuel standard], increase in excise taxes, Cap and Trade, SBX1-2, and ABX2-1, the estimated average consumer price of regular gasoline could potentially increase by as much as 75% from the April 23, 2025, price of $4.816 to $7.348 to $8.435 a gallon by calendar-year end 2026,” continued Mische.
–from WUWT
NEW 5-BALL PRODUCTS IN THE EMPORIUM—We are running wild preparing for the 85th with a silver pin from Kenny and sweatshirts and coffee cups sporting wild Danial James art to celebrate the rally anniversary.
We might change the motorcycle in the above painting to be my VLXAFL Knuck. Hang on!
We debated this art above and will have a surprise for you in the Emporium during the rally. It’s a test and we want your input.
We will sell various versions of the above Sturgis Museum 85th art in the Emporium. And Law Tigers commissioned the piece below for their 85th Rally experience.
Here’s Danial’s first shot at a rally pin. Not bad, but it’s a work in progress.
Next week we will feature our 85th Sweatshirt art and get your thoughts. It’s all wild and fun.
–Bandit
LATEST FROM MORRIS MAGNETO–Single Magneto Belt Drive for Shovel and Evo
Our Single magneto belt drive setup provides easy starts and the reliability of magnetos just like is still used in aircraft today! Our design incorporates a patented timing lever for advancing and retarding the timing with the flip of a lever and not having to move the mags to do so. Simply flip the lever for timing adjustments for less kickback and then slide it back to the full advance setting when the bike fires up.
The belt provides zero backlash when compared to the typical gear drive mag setups to maintain a proper timing setting and hold it perfectly. We use only the best Morris Magneto for the mags and guts with rare earth rotors for maximum sparking power!
Unit comes with cam and pinion bushings installed, reamed, pinned, and ready to bolt on! Mag units ship out in one-two weeks after order is placed once mags and units are assembled. Will only fit Evo up to 99!! Please specify when ordering Shovel or Evo. Thanks!
WORKING DRAFT FROM COMMANDER ZIEN–working draft only
Potential News conference 10am either Wednesday June 11th, Thursday June 12th or Friday June 13th-?
At front of HARLEY-Davidson Museum or other place prominent in in Milwaukee area.
The earned media —newspaper, radio & TV discover the uniqueness & value of the motorcycle movement
Empowering cohesiveness, camaraderie .
— one page handouts, highlighting; the American Motorcycle Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation Harley Owner’s group,
— offer the media present or at any time “free motorcycle rides!” Thus feel the mystique & heritage of Harley & Indian .
— constructive feedback for the motorcycle industry- focusing on Harley & Indian.
—Sorry , much more to add . Am exhausted , over 450 miles today in unexpected heat –
–Dave Zien
Vfw Post 305 Service Officer/ former CmdrTown of Wheaton/ Chippewa County
Eau Claire Wi 54703
TEXAS GUN NUT REPORT–Texas Bill Would Put Local “Buybacks” Out of Business, Ending an Anti-gun Charade
As Texas House Bill 3053 heads to Governor Abbott’s desk, it is serving as a broader reminder to all states of the gun “buybacks” scam, only this time with a legislative solution to this anti-gun mainstay. Time and again, decades of research and examples of diversion to criminals city by city continue to prove these initiatives to be futile, if not counterproductive. Yet anti-gun propagandists, and well-meaning dupes who get roped into supporting them, continue to find “buybacks” irresistible in most states. Texas took seriously a new approach to what is now an old problem by running legislation to ensure that municipalities and counties cannot adopt or enforce any ordinance or measure that facilitates a gun buyback program, i.e., that taxpayer resources are not expended on gun control cheerleading events that lack any real public safety value.
All government-sponsored gun “buybacks” in Anytown, U.S.A., have the same inherent flaws. First, nearly all of these programs are implemented at a county or city level using significant taxpayer monies. These programs often offer cash, gift cards, or other incentives such as sporting event tickets for firearms under the guise of public safety. On their face alone, these programs appear illogical as a method to reduce gun violence. The “buyback” itself is largely anonymous by design, often under a “no questions asked” format. While that may, in theory, give a criminal opportunity to easily rid himself of an illegal firearm with a reduced risk of prosecution, most of the firearms turned in are old and inoperable, not the sorts or firearms usable in crimes.
Yet neither option is poised to enhance public safety. In the first, the trigger puller remains at large, only without potentially incriminating evidence and slightly enriched on the taxpayers’ dime. In the second, the buyback organizers serve as glorified garbage collectors.
Additionally, in most cases, the offered prices are less than the potential sale price of a firearm in good operating condition. In other reported cases, people were receiving large sums of money for items that were not even firearms; recall that New York was forced to change their buyback rules after a participant exploited the system by using a 3D printer to make parts in bulk that he exchanged for over $21,000 in gift cards.
Again, the most rigorous studies over the course of decades now show no empirical evidence to support that these initiatives have any anti-crime benefit even after utilizing millions of dollars. In Harris County, Texas, the county alone provided over $1 million dollars in taxpayer money specifically for gun “buyback” programs. These programs continue to raise questions about the relative effectiveness of each intervention when these notable sums and resources could and should have been redirected in a more meaningful way for citizen safety.
The gun owning community finds these programs cringeworthy; as well, the term “buyback” falsely suggests that the government had ownership of these firearms in the first place. NRA, in working to protect Second Amendment rights in all 50 states and their municipalities, knows all too well the necessity of guardrails to check the misuse of local government authority, and this is what Texas is ultimately seeking to do.
Local efforts like gun “buybacks” can have an enduring effect on establishing an official anti-gun orthodoxy, while serving as a socially engineered distraction to the honest conversations needed on real safety measures. States should be focusing on efforts that provide solutions, not merely attention, and what happens next in Texas is worth watching for all states.
If you are a gun nut supporter go to the NRA website and check the toy gun attack and more over-reach into your dental office. –Bandit
THE 5-BALL RACING BONNEVILLE REPORT–
This is a tough one. I just received notice about the 45 flathead Bonne Belle effort. Although the chassis is waiting and the bottom end is done, we still have massive work to do on the top end and cam chest. Another year will pass without this classic slipping onto the salt. Plus Andrew at Departure Bike Works in Richmond needs to build a custom two-into-one exhaust system.
Okay, the Salt Torpedo needs some work, but we could still make it, and I just received the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials Registration forms.
There’s another issue at play this year. Most of the brothers in this game are dying off. If we don’t make it this year, we may not get another chance. We just don’t know and perhaps can’t take the chance. It’s now or never hits home.
–Bandit
–Bandit
THE BIKERNET RIGID FRAME REPORT–
Classic rigid frame and more in demand than ever. If you’re going to build a chopper is needs to be carefully installed in a stock frame or die trying. Here’s the catch. Stock rigid frame are rare or are they? And now, more than ever you can have a frame looking totally classic without being stock.
Who are the players behind this trend? Some of the masters include John at Hardtail Chopper who can hit the foundry and give you almost anything you need to build a classic. One of the builders is Irish Rich from Shamrocks Customs in Sturgis. He can bring any frame back to life, or modify it to your specifications. And there’s Fab Kevin or Jeff Cochran who build classic chops to your specifications.
Watch for the full report on Bikernet next week.
WORD FROM THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE—The Power of Your Words.
My Word and Thoughts Have the Power to Create
“We must say that all thought is creative, according to the nature, impulse, emotion, or conviction behind the thought. Thought creates a mold in the subjective, in which the idea is accepted and poured, and sets power in motion in accordance with the thought.” – Ernest Holmes
Ernest Holmes also wrote, “We are chemists in the laboratory of the Infinite. What, then, shall we create?” These words remind us that we are constantly creating—consciously or subconsciously—through our thoughts, conversations, and beliefs.
If we want to change our lives, we must become acutely aware of what we are holding as truth. Thought is definite, dynamic, intelligent energy. It is creative and directed by the convictions we hold. A thought rooted in spiritual Truth has the power to dissolve any negative belief, neutralize fear, and transform doubt into faith.
Today, I stand guard over my mental and spiritual home, recognizing that my word is the activity of Spirit flowing through me. It cannot be denied. In effective prayer and affirmation, I consciously direct my thought as creative energy. I release the burden of needing to force outcomes, trusting instead that Spiritual Law responds with precision and clarity—just like the laws of nature.
Today’s Affirmation:
Today, I become aware of the creative power behind my words, my thoughts, and my beliefs. I choose to believe with absolute conviction that my word shall not return unto me void. I trust that Spiritual Law executes itself perfectly and without resistance.
My word penetrates every layer of doubt in my mind, casts out fear, removes obstacles, and clears the way for truth to unfold. I affirm faith, acceptance, and joyful expectancy. I know that every affirmative statement I make is already being fulfilled by the Law of Good.
Divine Intelligence operates through me—calmly, confidently, without confusion. I move forward with grace, progress with certainty, and reach outward with love. My path is Divinely lit, and my way is made clear.
I accept the gifts of Life for myself and for everyone. Spirit is right where I am. Spirit is what I am. I step into the consciousness of Divine wholeness, and I know that this perfect Reality is manifesting through me today.
I am grateful and excited to accept, expect, and manifest these Divine gifts—and I joyfully inspire others to do the same.
Thank you, Spirit. Thank you, Life.
And so it is.
Namaste’
5 Inspirational Questions for Reflection:
What thoughts or beliefs am I holding today that I know are shaping my experience—positively or negatively?
How can I consciously use my words today to create healing, abundance, or clarity?
Am I willing to trust that Spiritual Law is working on my behalf, even when I don’t see immediate results?
What would change in my life if I truly believed that my thoughts are powerful enough to shape my reality?
How can I use my words and beliefs to uplift someone else today?
–Yale Gelfant
CRANK & STROKER IS BACK–Still Built Tough. Still Built to Last.
This brand went dark for a while — not by design, but because I refused to cut corners when everything around me was falling apart.
When supply chains broke… when my personal life hit the wall… I shut it down.
Because Crank & Stroker was never about hype. It was about doing things right.
The kind of gear that fits, that lasts, and that tells a story without saying a word.
Now it’s back.
Leaner. Cleaner. Stronger.
I owe a lot to Bikernet.
Back in the day, Keith was the first to feature me.
That support meant more than I ever said. So it only makes sense that the first media outlet to back me then… gets the first word now.
Learn More on how Bikernets influence help launch Crank & Stroker…..
The Day Crank & Stroker Finally Got Noticed
https://crankandstroker.com/blogs/are-you-talkin-to-me/bikernet-crank-stroker
Let’s ride. Follow Crank & Stroker for the back story.
– Crank & Stroker Supply Co.
BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT CONTINUES–
TAKE ACTION Grassroots Spotlight: Youngsville Gun Club Leading the Charge for the Second Amendment in North Carolina
The fight to protect our Second Amendment rights is only as strong as the people on the ground—and in Youngsville, NC, that fight is alive and well, and very strong, thanks to the incredible “on the ground” efforts of the Youngsville Gun Club!
The NRA has a page devoted to various state freedom issues. If you go there and click, you can make your voice heard.
–Bandit
BROTHERS OF THE WHEEL REPORT TO THE MRF–
Root from Brothers of the Wheel has become very passionate about MRF and when I spoke there in January they seemed to really listen. Root is excited and proud to be doing this and that is huge. He and his brothers went with me in Washington, but I had Root do most of the talking with his representatives and he did a good job. I am so proud of him, he’s a great person and truly wants to do a good job.
Best,
Traci Beaurivage
President
New Hampshire Motorcyclists” Rights Organization
JIMS FAT6–Built-In Cruise Drive Replacement
After years of development, Camarillo, California based JIMS has updated its always popular and always reliable H-D replacement transmission program with the long-anticipated launch of its FAT6 transmission – “a rock solid, ‘bolt-in’ performance upgrade for the stock, O.E.M. six-speed transmission.
“Starting with our raw material, we designed our FAT6 gears to be manufactured from the best aerospace grade 9310 American steel available – 9310 steel is known for its high core strength, toughness, hardenability and high fatigue strength. From the dyno to the street, this transmission has gone through rigorous durability testing – JIMS Fat Gears have been tested up to 550 lbs of Torque.”
The gear teeth are straight cut and have been increased up to 53% in width, when compared to stock gears – for additional load capacity and strength.
These transmissions utilize JIMS quick shift ring technology minimizing the annoying “clunk” when shifting. A lightened, 1-piece, steel shift drum, combined with shift ring dogs and back cut gear pockets ensure that gears stay engaged. “They do not pop out of gear, causing a premature failure or sheering of gear teeth. The teeth are ground to a precise mating profile, resulting in a smooth ride with zero gear whine.”
For 2nd thru 6th JIMS chose gear ratios that are very similar to stock, with the final drive ratio remaining at 1:1. The shafts and gears are assembled into a JIMS 6061 billet aluminum BIG bearing trap door that reduces flex in high performance applications.
In both Twin Cam and Milwaukee Eight applications this bolt in transmission is compatible with the stock gear selector and require no modifications to the case or exhaust mount. JIMS says that the FAT6 is all about “mod-free strength, reliability, precise shifting and quiet running.”
–JIMS
www.jimsusa.com
LOCAL BRIEFING–Prosecutors drop Hells Angels charges
Prosecutors have dismissed the cases against four members of the Iron Range Hells Angels motorcycle club accused of serious crimes including rape, kidnapping and assault.
Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Chris Florey said the alleged victims “are either unwilling or unable to testify at trial and the state cannot prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt” without their cooperation.
The notices of dismissal were filed late Wednesday, less than two weeks before the first defendant, Paul Anthony Debelak, 39, of Eveleth, was set to face a Virginia jury.
Also charged in the case were Jerand Paul French, 40, of Eveleth; Jake Douglas Novaczyk, 47, of Inver Grove Heights; and Eric Anthony Newman, 50, of Gilman, Wis.
Defense attorneys had aggressively challenged the allegations, arguing that witness accounts and physical evidence did not support the claims. They contended investigators were eager to bring charges against the club and also accused agents of intimidating witnesses.
The cases stemmed from allegations that a woman was sexually assaulted and a man was abducted and beaten at the Hells Angels’ Eveleth clubhouse.
— Forum News Services
Pagesuite.com
WHEELS THROUGH TIME WEEKLY–
Dale’s Wheels Through Time will celebrate its 23rd-Anniversary Celebration from July 3rd to July 7th with a week full of history, horsepower, and thrills, and we want you to be a part of it! All week long, museum staff will be firing up rare motorcycles for your eyes and ears to enjoy. Many of these machines have not been run in years!
The museum will also host the American Motordrome Company’s “Wall of Death,” which will put on FREE thrill shows for visitors all week! The Wall of Death is a vintage live-action thrill show featuring a motor drome, a silo-shaped wooden cylinder 30 feet in diameter. Inside the drome, motorcycle daredevils travel along the vertical wall performing trick, fancy, and acrobatic riding. The show features antique Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles along with hand built 4-wheeled racing machines.
All of this would not be possible without your support of Wheels Through Time. Our annual raffle is one of the best ways to support the museum, and it gets you the chance to take home a stunning 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead!
AFT WEEKLY NEWS– Bauman Leads the Charge into Inaugural Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway
(Briar Bauman (3) races by the grandstands at Silver Dollar Speedway during round five; Photo: American Flat Track/Tim Lester)
Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will conclude its unprecedented run of six consecutive Short Tracks to open the 2025 campaign with the inaugural Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, on Saturday, June 7.
Missouri Loves Company
This weekend marks the Grand National Championship’s 20th visit to the “Show Me State,” although just its second in the last 20 years.
Previous stops were hosted by Wentzville, St. Louis, Sedalia, Joplin, and Odessa, with Wheatland now set to join that list.
An all-new racing venue known as Wheatland Raceway opened on the east side of town in 2001. Within five years, new ownership completely transformed the facility with a multi-million dollar renovation that resulted in Lucas Oil Speedway, aka, the “Diamond of Dirt Tracks.”
Featuring a pristine 3/8-mile clay oval, a 1.2-mile offroad track, and go-kart circuit, and the drag-boat friendly Lake Lucas – and top-notch facilities and amenities to boot – Lucas Oil Speedway represents a full half of Wheatland in terms of acreage and stands as a national powerhouse on the four-wheeled dirt track racing scene.
The addition of the world’s greatest two-wheeled dirt track racers only further cements the venue’s outstanding reputation.
Keep It Rollin’
The month-plus layoff between rounds may have come as a relief to some of the Mission AFT SuperTwins pilots, but title leader Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) would have likely preferred to keep lining up every week on end.
The Rick Ware Racing ace carries the momentum of three consecutive victories into Lucas Oil Speedway, making his achievement of claiming the Harley-Davidson XG750R’s first premier-class victory at Senoia’s Round 3 feel almost like a distant memory.
Prior to the start of the ‘25 season, among the top 15 riders on the Grand National Championship’s career win list, only Dick Mann, Kenny Roberts, and Bauman achieved that distinction with zero Harley-Davidson wins on their résumés.
The caveat for Roberts and Mann was that a substantial portion of their GNC race victories came on pavement, while for Bauman it was rising to prominence during an era of Indian dominance.
Bauman has exited that company three quick H-D-powered wins this season. However, he now trails only Roberts in terms of most career wins among riders with no XR750 victories.
While it still has a long way to go and an impossible mission before it to live up to the standard established by the XR, the XG750R is rolling along just fine at the moment, thank you.
Bauman’s mastery of the bike will face a new test this weekend as they prepare to do battle on unfamiliar grounds.
Inauguration Day
By contrast, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) may have welcomed the opportunity to reset and refocus. His ‘25 season has not gone poorly by any stretch of the imagination – he’s currently building upon a modern-era record of 18 consecutive podiums that has long since left every previous reunification era (2010-on) podium streak in the dust.
However, despite that week-after-week success, the heavy preseason favorite now finds himself in a double-digit deep points hole as the Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight arrives in Missouri.
Historically, Daniels has performed very well when the field is thrown into a new arena. Not quite to the level of former rival Jared Mees – but better than anyone else, and Mees is no longer in the picture.
Since Daniels stepped up to the premier class in 2022, the series has visited eight all-new venues while returning to a pair of others that it hadn’t been to in decades.
At those ten races, Mees led the way with six wins, while Daniels earned two victories. The remaining two wins were split by JD Beach and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R).
Meanwhile, Mees landed on the box in 90% of those outings, with Daniels was not far off at 70% (despite missing one he likely would have been favored at due to injury). Beach was third with podiums in five of the ten races, followed by Bauman at four.
The raw numbers suggest that Bauman has not been at the same level as his elite-caliber rivals at unfamiliar venues, however, over half of the time in question was spent developing the KTM, which proved something of a weekly rollercoaster ride regardless of locale.
Robinson, meanwhile, took two podiums in those ten races, a number equaled by Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke), another key player with a chance to step up to meet the opportunity presented by this weekend.
Fisher…
Absent from that list is Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke). That said, over the course of his career, Fisher has always been more likely to finish fourth, fifth, or sixth, than first, second, or third.
Or he always was, anyway.
However unlikely, Fisher has stepped his game up right from the jump in a transition from Indian to KTM that appeared daunting from the outside. As it stands, he’s already looking like a bigger threat on the Duke than he ever was on the FTR750.
He comes to Lucas Oil Speedway with two podiums and four top fours in five races. Last time out, he finished second – trailing only Bauman and ranking ahead of Daniels.
In terms of the points, he now sits third – trailing only Bauman and Daniels, and ranking ahead of Robinson, VDK, and everyone else.
As he’s been uniformly strong at pretty much every variety of Short Track presented thus far this season, there’s little reason to think he’ll be anything but at Wheatland.
Who else could compete for a podium this weekend? The standings point to James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07), Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp), and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), the riders who rank sixth through ninth, respectively.
They’ve all had their moments this season, and each one has a story supporting their efforts: Ott as a premier-class rookie, while Whale, Lowe, and Bromley have collectively shone a spotlight on the diversity of equipment currently enjoyed by the class in its first season as an all-production-based showcase.
Ticket Talk
General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are available for $40 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID.
There are multiple options to enjoy the facility’s 21 VIP Luxury Suites, starting with an Individual Suite ticket ($99), which includes a private outdoor box seat along with access to the indoor lounge.
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2025-lucas-oil-short-track-141381 to reserve your seats today.
A SPOT OF INSPIRATION AND UNDERSTANDING–
A motivational, useful and true Zen thought. It’s attributed to Zen Master Dogen, Kosho Uchyama Roshi.
THE POT IS ALWAYS BOILING
There will always be an infinity of things to do. We can never get our life or our business or our kitchen running exactly the way we want it to run. No matter how we envision it, it can’t be that way. Life is not predetermined to the point that we can get to some stage and see how it all works. What happens is that we have a better and better understanding of things, we have more and more clarity and ability to deal with things as they arise. But they keep arising endlessly. The empty sky is always creating new clouds. The pot is always boiling.
Rest and be Kind,
–Wayfarer
Trask Performance Announces Invitational Bike Show at Full Throttle Sturgis
Sturgis, SD – June 3, 2025 – Trask Performance, the name synonymous with performance-driven, custom American motorcycles, proudly invites you to experience the Trask Invitational Bike Show at Full Throttle Sturgis during the 85th Pappy Hoel Motorcycle Rally. Scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and hosted at the World’s Largest Biker Bar, this world-class invitational showcases the innovation and craftsmanship of high-performance custom American V-Twins.
The bar is set high as top-tier builders, rally attendees, and industry’s foremost leaders converge to showcase the world’s top performance V-Twins. The event will be an unforgettable gathering of high-dollar custom V-Twins, all rooted in the thrill of riding performance machines in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.
“This is more than just a show; it’s a showcase of the best of our industry. The energy and cool factor brought together under one roof is insane!” said Michael Ballard, owner of Full Throttle Sturgis. “It’s an event for fans, industry insiders, and media to experience the best in performance-built V-Twins.”
Event Highlights:
When: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Where: Full Throttle Sturgis, as part of the 85th Pappy Hoel Motorcycle Rally.
Schedule:
11:00 AM | Bike load-in begins
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Display & Judging
4:00 PM | Awards Ceremony
The Trask Invitational will feature three competitive bike classes, with entries judged by seasoned industry leaders, premier aftermarket brands, and key media representatives. Builders will have the chance to showcase their custom creations and compete for recognition that solidifies their place within the high-performance motorcycle community.
Nick Trask, founder of Trask Performance, and visionary in Harley-Davidson turbo systems and custom-built V-Twins, shared his excitement. He said, “This is a showcase of the best custom-performance motorcycles in the world. It’s our way of acknowledging the best builders and bikes in Sturgis, while giving fans an up-close and personal experience with these machines.”
Builders, This Is Your Chance:
Submissions for the Trask Invitational are now open! Builders have until Monday, July 14, 2025, to submit their registration forms and compete for the chance to showcase their skills to a global audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in one of the most renowned custom motorcycle competitions.
Register Your Build Now! Click The Link Here!
Join us at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to experience a world-class showcase of engineering mastery, performance culture, and industry innovation. Whether you’re a builder, a fan, or part of the industry, the Trask Invitational promises a front-row seat to the future of performance motorcycles.
BLACKROCK REMOVED FROM TEXAS BOYCOTT– after quitting climate groups
By Ross Kerber
(Reuters) – Texas on Tuesday removed BlackRock (BLK.N), opens new tab from a list of companies seen as boycotting the energy industry, a step the New York asset manager won only with steep cuts to its climate ambitions.
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said the decision reflected BlackRock’s retreats from industry climate groups like the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative. He also noted how the firm has lowered its support for shareholder environmental resolutions and backed a new Texas Stock Exchange.
Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here.
BlackRock “has acknowledged the real social and economic costs, both here in Texas and globally, that come from limiting investment in the oil and gas industry,” Hegar said in a statement.
The firm’s removal from the boycott list will make it easier for Texas state agencies and funds to do business with the top asset manager. It could also factor into BlackRock’s defense in a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over its environmental record.
BlackRock said it appreciated Hegar’s decision. “BlackRock is proud to help millions of Texans retire with dignity and, on behalf of clients, invests over $400 billion in corporations, local governments, energy infrastructure and other private assets throughout the state. These investments support the continued growth of the Texas economy,” the company said in a statement.
Hegar had added BlackRock and various European managers to his list in 2022 under a state law passed the prior year in response to Wall Street’s embrace, at the time, of environmental and social investment priorities.
Faced with political pressure that has intensified under President Donald Trump‘s administration, various BlackRock rivals have also left industry climate groups and cut back on their support for shareholder resolutions, which called for changes like emissions cuts or limits.
Democratic leaders and climate activists, opens new tab have accused the companies of going soft on their support for environmental matters they once touted.
–Climate Depot
DANIAL JAMES MEETS WITH THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM–They pow-wowed today about an Sturgis Museum T-shirt. I still haven’t received a report on the closed-door session.
This version comes directly from the raffle effort. We are still selling tickets online. Just head to www.SturgisMuseum.com for a chance to win this Danial James Original.
SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES ROCKS LACONIA– We’re hitting the road and heading to Laconia Motorcycle Week, June 14th–22nd! Stop by our booth at Hart’s of Meredith to check out our premium performance shocks in person, ask questions, and get expert suspension advice tailored to your ride. Whether you’re cruising in for the day or staying all week, we’d love to meet fellow riders and show you how our shocks can transform your motorcycle’s handling and comfort.
Want to schedule a shock install or setup consultation during the event? Reach out ahead of time, spots fill fast! See you in Laconia!
WE ALL NEED TO FEEL GOOD–
Sometimes a visit to Doc Feel good is just what the doctor ordered
Nobody knows You When You’re Down ( and out). Was written by pianist Jimmy Cox. First recorded during the Great Depression in 1929 by Bessie Smith. Title title speaks a great truth:).
Hard core Howling Wolf tune. He often wrote off of riffs played by his guitarist, whom he had fist fights with. Both of them lost a few teeth in the creative process. This one was written by Willie Dixon and is his last recording to hit the R&B charts.
I have played Slim Harpo’s King Bee since I was 16. Slim played alone with guitar and harmonica. He tended to change chords at spur of the moment times. When I was elected leader of The Wildflowers in L.A. , my first official act was teaching them how to play King Bee.
Here are a few jazz things. Skip ’em if you do not like this kind of stuff.
Centerpiece
It Ain’t Necessarily So
–Dan Sverdlin
HOT NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF BUFFALO CHIP–
Before You See the Man with the Tongue… KISS’ GENE SIMMONS
Sunday, Aug. 3
For the first time ever…
Saliva hits the Buffalo Chip Main Stage
Sunday, Aug. 3.
THE LOST INDIAN FOUR–Article from The Vintagent
Lost in the shuffle: that’s the only explanation for the lack of attention given the penultimate Indian four – dubbed the Model 44X – in the history books on Indian ‘motocycles’. Much better known is the post-war ‘Torque Four’, introduced in 1946 (but never manufactured), which is identified as part of the effort to streamline the manufacture of Indians under new owner Ralph B. Rogers. As the Torque Four was kin to the Indian singles and parallel twins produced under Rogers’ tenure (1945-53), it represented the ultimate expression of the modular manufacturing concept he championed.
The Torque Four is known to have been primarily the work of Indian designer George ‘Briggs’ Weaver, designed when he worked with the Torque Corporation during WW2, after leaving Indian during the war. What’s less known is that Weaver designed, alongside Indian owner E. Paul duPont, an earlier four, dubbed the 44X, starting in the late 1930s, that was intended to be produced along the same principals as the Torque Four and post-war Indian lightweight lineup: as a modular series of singles, twins, and fours that used common components for more inexpensive production. Thus, the original concept and prototypes for the modular Indian lineup was dreamed up by E. Paul duPont and his team in the 1930s, developed by Briggs Weaver, and ultimately produced under Rogers in the late 1940s.
As noted in the following statement from Stephen duPont, the design inspiration for these new modular Indians came from the Future, in the form of Triumph’s lightweight parallel twins and BMW’s innovative flat twins, which were purchased and examined by Indian in 1938. E. Paul duPont understood that the Indian lineup of heavy sidevalve V-twins was outdated, and that lighter machines with better performance would prove very popular. E. Paul duPont had purchased Indian in 1930 to save it (and his own significant investment in the company) from bankruptcy. Briggs Weaver had been the body stylist for duPont automobiles, but was hired as chief designer at Indian when duPont closed up his four-wheel production simultaneous with his purchase of Indian. Weaver radically transformed Indian designs, and created the most beautiful models of all; the Art Deco-inspired line of the mid-1930s, and the deep-skirted Indians of 1940, an iconic design that has forever after been associated with Indian.
–from Competition Distributing
IT NEVER ENDS AND THAT’S NOT BAD–
I generally love my list of projects, clicking them off and starting over.
We peeled off the freeway to try the Slash J chow in Piedmont. Jamming down the frontage road I picked up a bored police officer. “You were flying,” he said.
I told him the Redhead was hungry and he cut me loose. The food was amazing and Law Tigers represented.
I don’t believe these are real Cragar Mags. They have oval lug nut holes, and I’m missing the spare. I’ve kicked around option with Summit Racing and Coker Tires and wheels. My local guy recommended I go with cast aluminum American mags.
Here’s another recent conundrum. I have about a billion options for tires, wheels, sizes and finishes. I’m thinking about replacing all the wheels and keeping one for a spare. What do you think?
I’m working on the stands for the streamliner wheels with Ron Waldren. They will be the weekend project.
I fixed the brake line and the rear wheel spacing issue this week and injured my shoulder lifting weights. It’s off to emergency tomorrow to get to the bottom of it.
Here’s one of my favorite places on earth, my office. I can’t wait for coffee and the sunrise every morning. Hang on for another big day tomorrow.
Ride fast and free forever!
–Bandit
