Hey,
Interesting times in the motorcycle world. I wrote a book in the ‘90s about the future and banning motorcycles. It’s already happening. There’s a plot. We need to step up and fight for freedom.
I’m also discovering much more to the climate change equation, what can be done and what is happening naturally. The planet’s climate change will happen whether all motorcycles in the world are gone or not.
We are also going to publish the FEMA (Europe) report on traffic and mobility. Motorcycles are proven to be King, but is anyone listening. Here’s a start:
I’ll find more. In the meantime join your local motorcycle rights association, and the Bikernet Weekly News is Sponsored in Part by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (yes, you can join), Choppertown, Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader News, and Las Vegas Bike Fest.
PANHEAD OF THE WEEK– Love this Pan.
Belongs to Boomer, a friend of mine at the gym. Owned for something like 40 years and rides it to and from Big Bear and other mountain hot spots to Orange county and LA several times a week. Hard ass MF for sure.
A true biker at heart. Oh when its warm the jacket doubles as a seat cushion.
–Bob Clark
NEWS FROM CHOPPERTOWN– This week we have ALL FOURTEEN Vintage Torque movies on sale. Click below to download them all for just $49.99 this week – that’s more than 60% off. Thanks as always and have a great weekend!
These hot rod movies cover rides from the low buck to the high and Kustom. Sorry – NO Billet and NO Trailer Queens. The rides you see on this video are DRIVEN. That is what cars are for… in case you forgot. So sit back and relax and get educated on the scene that has been around for 50 years.
Stay Independent
–Zack and Scott
CLOSE OUTS FROM SHORAI–
Close out pricing on the remaining stock of a limited production run. Once these are gone we will not be producing them ever again. CLOSE OUT PRICE $159.95
One of the most reliable methods of testing the voltage under load performance of the Shorai LFX battery is with an adjustable carbon pile load tester. The tester uses carbon stacks to simulate the draw a battery experiences under starting conditions. A battery with good starting performance will show a higher voltage measurement under load.
Most Carbon pile load testers modify the amount of resistance by twisting a knob that is connected to a threaded post. Rotating the knob clockwise will compress the carbon discs together to lower the circuit resistance and permits higher current flow. Unscrewing the knob counterclockwise will reduce the number of carbon discs that are in the stack which increases the circuit resistance to lower the flow of the current (Amps). If the knob is unscrewed completely, it will disconnect the circuit, and result in no current flow.
Before testing the voltage under load, your battery must be fully charged to 14.4V. This voltage can easily be achieved by using a balance type charger like the Shorai BMS01. If the battery has been deeply discharged below a resting voltage of 12.86V (~20% SOC), it is important to balance charge the battery before load testing. If the LFX battery is over-discharged, it can be recovered by cycling the battery between the load test and a slow charge saturation/cell balance process.
The Battery Council International testing protocol states that a battery should be loaded with 1/2 of its rated CCA for a period of 15 seconds. For example, the Shorai LFX14L2-BS12 battery has a CCA rating of 210 Amps, so it should be tested at 105 Amps for 15 seconds. During the test, Current and voltage levels of the battery are measured. The battery passes the voltage under load test if the voltage remains above 9.6 volts at 50 degrees F or higher. Lithium battery performance will increase as the case becomes warmer. In colder temperatures, a second load test will deliver a better representation of how the battery will perform under starting conditions.
When testing a Shorai LFX battery, it is important to take appropriate safety measures:
1. Always wear safety glasses and protective clothing.
2. Testing should take place away from flammable materials.
3. The testing area should be in an open space with good ventilation and/or an exhaust fan.
4. In the case of a load tester or battery malfunction, pouring a bucket of sand over the test area will control a thermal event.
5. Stop testing if the test battery’s temperature exceeds 140 degrees F, or if the voltage drops below 9.6V.
VICTORY FOR FREDRIC AASBO IN CANADA– Rockstar Energy Drink / Nexen Tire SR by Toyota tC tops Round 5 podium
Fredric Aasbo topped the podium in Canada this weekend and, with three rounds remaining in the 2016 Formula Drift season, the defending champion is in a close fight for the points lead.
“To win here today, it took everything I’ve learned over these years, the best crew in the business, and our Rockstar Energy Drink / Nexen Tire SR by Toyota tC — which is a pretty fantastic creation,” said Aasbo. “It feels like we’ve been struggling over the past few events, but now we’re back.”
Aasbo was an early favorite among the enthusiastic fans that packed the Montreal area Autodrome St-Eustache for Round 5 of the Formula Drift Championship. Although it was the first full points race for the series at the Canadian venue, Aasbo won there last season on the way to the World Championship. He didn’t disappoint on his return.
A strong qualifying score earned Aasbo a bye run in first round competition and he battled past Pat Goodin in the Top 16 and Matt Coffman in the Great 8. The Final 4 between Aasbo and Odi Bakchis was close enough to split the judges, but Aasbo advanced to face down two-time champion Chris Forsberg for the event win.
The longtime rivals made for thrilling competition and fans let loose with thunderous applause as the two champions drifted inches from each other under the lights. With a powerful lead and flawless chase, it was Aasbo who took the battle and the event win — his second this year.
“The drivers put on such a good show here in Canada,” said team owner Stephan Papadakis. “As the competition got into the Top 4, everyone was so close in ability and car setup that they really put on a clinic in how world class drifting is done.”
As the season heads into the home stretch, a battle of champions has emerged at the top of the standings. Defending champ Aasbo is a slim three points behind 2010 title winner Vaughn Gittin Jr. and 27 points ahead of two-time champion Chris Forsberg. And all three are eager to win another series crown. “This is going to be one of the most crazy championship chases of all time,” said Aasbo. “It’s going to be one heck of a show all the way to Irwindale.”
Next, teams travel to Monroe, Washington, August 5-6, for Throwdown at Evergreen Speedway. The championship then travels to Fort Worth, Texas, September 9-10, before wrapping up the year with the California season ender at Irwindale Speedway October 7 and 8.
Drifting is a high-skill, high-powered motorsport with an emphasis on car control skill. Drivers compete in knockout heats on a closed course, sliding sideways in trials judged on speed and style. With origins in Japan, it is one of the fastest growing forms of motorsport in the world.
In 2016, the series again offers live and on-demand online coverage on the Formula Drift Livestream with 360,000 views recorded during the Montreal event. Formula Drift also returns this season to CBS Sports Network for 20 half-hour television programs. The fast-paced action featuring bracketed head-to-head match-ups anchors the coverage.
Defending champion Fredric Aasbo returns to Papadakis Racing in 2016 for his sixth season with the team.
A two-time Nordic Drifting champion (2007, 2008), Aasbo made his U.S. debut at a global drifting invitational in 2008 and turned heads when he won the 2010 Formula Drift Rookie of the Year title.
DAVE MANN PASSES– it has been reported by a call from Ed Martin to Tiffany this morning that former MRF Board member, long time and former ABATE of KS State
Coordinator, and Mid South Mile Founder passed away last night.
This is amazing. David Mann from chopper artistic fame also lived and died in Kansas. I was caught off guard. Both were major contributors to the motorcycle industry.
–Bandit
RESPECT IS A TWO-WAY STREET– Something has to change. In a day and age when traffic stops become literal life-and-death episodes, or at least become the spark that can set off a tinderbox of protest and violence, the interactions between police and motorists need to be examined more closely.
Jim Walker, perhaps the NMA’s most prolific member in lobbying for reform of traffic laws and how those regulations are enforced, recently posted the following letter to a state law enforcement agency. He has not received a formal response yet – it has only been a few days – but we are hopeful that his common-sense recommendation will pick up support from that as well as other police departments. You can be sure that Jim and the NMA will continue to spread the word.
Jim’s letter:
Think how both the public and the police officers would benefit if “lightning struck” and magically almost every posted speed limit on a collector, arterial, trunk line, and freeway were instantly corrected to the nearest 5 mph interval to the 85th percentile speeds so that almost every main road would have a speed limit no more than 2 mph away from the actual 85th speeds. (There might be a very small percentage of exceptions for truly unusual situations, but each one should require substantial written engineering justification by police and licensed professional engineers willing to document and sign off on the reasons.)
Police officers would have drastically fewer exposures to traffic stops, some of which become very dangerous.
The predatory 5 or 10 over speeding tickets issued for revenue in speed traps would virtually cease to exist.
The public would no longer automatically see traffic officers as those sworn to “stop and collect,” and would begin to regain respect for them as officers who are sworn to “serve and protect” — an evil change that started in the 1970s with the 55 mph National Maximum Speed Limit.
The vicious circle of unjustified tickets for revenue, warrants for nonpayment, and what amounts to a “debtor’s prison” of suspended licenses for poor people would be drastically reduced.
The entire relationship of police and citizens would change for the better, most notably in the cities with large percentages of disadvantaged and often minority citizens.
There will always be criminals, including a very small percentage of genuinely bad officers.
But drastically reducing unnecessary interactions between police and citizens might help begin a healing process that is becoming desperately needed.
–NMA
National Motorists Association
BDL BLACK OUT 2-INCH OPEN DRIVE FOR SHOVELHEADS– Just released by Belt Drives LTD. these new BLACK 2-inch OPEN DRIVES are specifically designed for owners of 1970 to 1978 Shovelheads.
The stunning appearance is a real crowd stopper and compliments the superior performance and reliability BDL drive are known for.
These are total packages and in addition to the legendary 2-inch belt and new guard, each kit includes BDL’s smooth-as-silk, Ball Bearing Lock-Up pressure plate and propriety Kevlar clutch.
The Shovelhead kit with its unique side guard, rear clutch cover and mini-starter housing, clutch assembly, application specific belt and drive components will be a focal point on any scooter.
More importantly it will provide years of precise, exceptionally smooth, primary drive and clutch performance. For additional information contact Belt Drives LTD at 714-693-1313 or catch them on the Web at www.beltdrives.com.
HUPY AND ABRAHAM AND BIKERNET TO SPONSOR VICKI’S CANNONBALL RUN—Vicki Sanfelipo acts as the road guardian emergency pace vehicle for the cross-country Cannonball run. She will blog on Bikernet daily Cannonball reports. Michael Hupy and Bikernet stepped up to help her be there for Cannonball riders.
“There are currently 19 people riding antique Indian Motorcycles,” said Vicki. “The winner of the 2014 Cannonball rode an Indian.”
http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/rider-profiles
The riders gather in Atlantic City NJ on September 8th. We leave from the Boardwalk on Sept. 10th. The ride tries to stay off of main highways and will take 15 days, ending in Carlsbad, CA on September 25th. There are 100 riders and bikes must be at least 100 years old.
Riders are from:
USA
South Africa
Australia
United Kingdom
Germany
Poland
Scotland
Canada
England
Italy
–Vicki Sanfelipo, RN/EMT
Executive Director ASM/Road Guardians (Bystander Assistance Programs) www.roadguardians.org
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.
His father said he’d make a deal with his son, “You bring your grades up
From a C to a B average, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut.
Then we’ll talk about the car.”
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer
And they agreed on it.
After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up
And I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m
Disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”
The boy said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve
Noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the
Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there’s even strong
Evidence that Jesus had long hair.”
“Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”
–Ray Russell
Australia
BIKERNET SOON TO COVER THE DEUS LA MACHINA– Went over to Deus again on Sunday for an event and found out Julian
is still in Colorado racing off-road event.
He’ll be back later this week and I’ll
catch up with the latest from him.
Here’s one of the Indian Larry bike’s currently at Deus.
In the meantime, here’s a feature about the
recent Beverly Hills Concours d’Elegance….
a posh mix of cars and bikes…and
this story/event not published anywhere as yet…
so first at Bikernet.
–Paul Garson
Supreme Senior of the Vintage Realm
You’ll see it soon on Bikernet.–Bandit
TESLA DISASTER– Autopilot Warning May Not Help Tesla in Crash Defense – Interview Available with Civil Law Attorney
Joshua Brown’s death in Florida was the first involving Tesla’s semi-autonomous technology, triggering chatter in legal circles about who was liable for the crash and prompting a probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as the National Transportation Safety Board, which typically devotes its attention to mishaps involving planes and trains.
In a court case, lawyers for accident victims or their families would have other lines of attack if Tesla blames accidents on drivers failing to heed warnings. They could assert that Tesla’s software is defective because it doesn’t do enough to make sure drivers are paying attention.
Attorneys could also argue that, in Brown’s case for example, the car should have recognized the tractor-trailer as an obstacle, or that Tesla could have easily updated its system to address such a foreseeable problem.
Story Link: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2016/07/18/420328.htm
WHITEWALL NATIONALS IN PEDRO—
I got there mid afternoon just after the fire marshals closed the event. Seems as though a few cars had moved around or out of the warehouse and caused the closure. The parking lot was also used for display. It was a big show.
There were still lots of cars and motorcycles. Some 64 bikes had actually registered for the competition.
This was a counterculture event in my estimation featuring low riders – suede chopped and channeled rods – rat rods and customs.
Vendors of course offering merchandise relevant to the era.
Bikernet supported Eddie’s Whitewall National last weekend, but we couldn’t make it with some bikes.
Looked like a good time in a terrific San Pedro facility, next to the Brewery, only a few feet from the water. The weather was perfect, the girls were hot and we were packing for the Sturgis run.
I hope we can make it next year.
–Wrench and the gang with photos by Art Hall
YOSHIMURA SUZUKI NEWS– Check out Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing’s James Stewart and his return to racing at the eighth round of the 2016 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Millville, MN.
Team Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Yoshimura R&D, Suzuki Motor of America, Dunlop, Motorex, Showa, Renthal, Vortex, Shorai, RG3, Elf Racing Fuels, Seven, Hinson Clutch Components, Matrix, Works Connection, GET, Excel, NGK, D.I.D., Twin Air, Moto Tassinari, Roy’s Cyclery, Guts Racing Products, Mechanix Wear, Kokusan Denki, N-Style, Ogio and SoCal Supertrucks.
To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
For more information, visit www.suzuki.com
–Jake Klingensmith
Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing PR
5-BALL LEATHER BUILDING OUR BIKER LIBRARY– ABOUT BIKER: An Action Adventure Book
True stories of riding the highways of America and Europe on a Harley-Davidson chopper in the ‘70s. Lot’s of humor and a true look at what the outlaw biker world was like in that era. Author Bob Bitchin knows clubs and the biker lifestyle, you can smell the oil and hear the Harley thumping!
About the Author – Bob Bitchin was the editor of three of the most popular motorcycle magazines of the ‘70s, and the creator of Biker, Biker Lifestyle and Tattoo magazines, as well as Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine.
He was also the national director of the US Helmet Law Protest in 1979, which brought over 100,000 bikers to the streets to protest the helmet laws.
Details at http://5ballracinggarage.com/product/biker-an-action-adventure-book-by-bob-bitchin/
[page break]
RESPONSE TO OREGON FISH AND WILDLIFE– Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sends a letter to a home/landowner asking for permission to access a creek on their property to document the decline in a certain species of unheard of frogs.
Letter From Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife:
Dear Landowner:
ODFW Staff will be conducting surveys for foothill yellow-legged frogs & other amphibians over the next few months. As part of this research we would like to survey the creek on your property. I am writing this letter to request your permission to access your property.
Recent research indicates that foothill yellow-legged frogs have declined significantly in recent years and are no longer found at half their historic sites. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated and will help contribute to the conservation of this important species.
Please fill out the attached postage-paid postcard and let us know if you are willing to let us cross your property or not.
If you have any concerns about this project please give us a call. We would love to talk with you about our research.
Sincerely
Steve Niemela
Conservation Strategy Implementation Biologist
********RESPONSE FROM LANDOWNERS: ******** Dear Mr. Niemela:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding accessing our property to survey for the yellow-legged frog. We may be able to help you out with this matter.
We have divided our 2.26 acres into 75 equal survey units with a draw tag for each unit. Application fees are $8.00 per unit after you purchase the “Frog Survey License” ($120.00 resident/$180.00 Non-Resident). You will also need to obtain a “Frog Habitat” parking permit ($10.00 per vehicle).
You will also need an “Invasive Species” stamp ($15.00 for the first vehicle and $5.00 for each add’l vehicle). You will also want to register at the Check Station to have your vehicle inspected for non-native plant life prior to entering our property.
There is also a Day Use fee, $5.00 per vehicle.
If you are successful in the Draw you will be notified two weeks in advance so you can make necessary plans and purchase your “Creek Habitat” stamp. ($18.00 Resident / $140.00 Non-Resident).
Survey units open between 8am and 3pm but you cannot commence survey until 9am and must cease all survey activity by 1pm.
Survey Gear can only include a net with a 2 inches in diameter made of 100% organic cotton netting with no longer than an 18-inch handle, non-weighted and no deeper than 6 inches from net frame to bottom of net. Handles can only be made of BPA-free plastics or wooden handles.
After 1pm you can use a net with a 3-inch diameter if you purchase the“Frog Net Endorsement” ($75.00 Resident / $250 Non-Resident). Any frogs captured that are released will need to be released with an approved release device back into the environment unharmed.
As of June 1, we are offering draw tags for our “Premium Survey” units and application is again only $8.00 per application. However, all fees can be waived if you can verify “Native Indian Tribal rights and status.
You will also need to provide evidence of successful completion of “Frog Surveys and You” comprehensive course on frog identification, safe handling practices, and self-defense strategies for frog attacks.
This course is offered online through an accredited program for a nominal fee of $750.00.
Please let us know if we can be of assistance to you. Otherwise, we decline your access to our property but appreciate your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Larry & Amanda Anderson.
BIKERS FOR TRUMP– Wanted to make you aware of the following piece. The story has been picked up by several major news outlets. It looks like this Christopher Cox is the leader of the movement from what I can tell? Wondering if anyone is familiar with him?
I don’t want to incite a political debate here, but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the Trump/Pence ticket is becoming more and more affiliated with motorcyclists.
Between Trump’s appearance and Rolling Thunder, Pence’s time on a bike in Indiana and now this, the political strategist in me wonders if it is not something we should capitalize on?
Of course I say this with trepidation – the press release that went out on Friday highlighting that Governor Pence was a motorcyclist resulted in a couple of pieces of hate mail accusing me of ‘pimping’ Donald Trump. To be honest, I am not exactly what you would call a Trump fan, but I am a fan of motorcyclists and motorcycle rights. Am wondering if we can work this angle to our advantage?
Just food for thought.
-Megan
Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
www.mrf.org
JIMS TOOL OF THE WEEK– JIMS No. 900 Main Drive Gear & Bearing Removal / Installation Kit.
JIMS No. 900 Cruise Drive Main Drive Gear & Bearing Removal / Installation Kit is necessary to remove and install the main drive gear and double row ball bearing in all H-D Cruise Drive 6-speed Transmissions.
Kit contains all tools for proper service of main drive gear and bearing without risk of damage to the case.
JIMS No. 900 is made in the USA, features JIMS lifetime tool warranty, and has a suggested retail price of $307.80.
HUNGRY GHOST MONTH– How to Ward off Hungry Ghosts
The Chinese believe the gate of the Chinese Hell will be opened on the first day of Chinese 7th Lunar month at early midnight every year.
The suffering spirits from the Hell are let loose for one month’s “vacation” to return to their homes to see their families and enjoy grand feasts. Elaborate rituals are performed during this month to “feed” and appease the Ghosts, especially the homeless ones.
Therefore, the 7th lunar month is also known as the Hungry Ghost Month to the Chinese. In 2016 it runs from 3rd to 31st August.
This month can be very dangerous to those of us on Earth. It is advised that we should use extra care at night during the month of the Hungry Ghost. One must use extra caution to avoid misfortune caused by a disruption in chi energy during this time and one way is to welcome in more yang than yin energy. One easy way to do that is by wearing bright colors instead of dark ones.
Make sure you wear or carry a powerful amulet throughout the month and observe certain taboos. Avoid renovation, moving into a new house, wedding, birthday celebrations or surgery. Do not stay out late, travel at night or go for a swim in the late evening. Be alert to where you drive, be careful walking on busy streets, and using any form of travel.
When billions of wandering spirits roam the earth, the chances of accidents, mishaps and robberies increases by many-fold. Wear an Om Mani Padme Hum bracelet or Jade Kwan Kung Pendant with Oriental Necklace, or carry a Golden Guru Rinpoche Keychain or White Umbrella Goddess Mirror Keychain.
I’ve been looking at this problem. My answer is to solid mount the engine, add the rate of the front end to 28.
I rode solid mounted bikes for 50 years, from Norton, Indian, most of them English bikes, go back to when Harley was solid mounted. Start from there. I have a machined
parts that replace the rubber isolators, to make it a solid mount.
Please contact me, very interested.
–Rick
keywestpirate54@gmail.com
Spring hill, FL
Rick
I can understand the frustration people get from issues with rubber mounted
engines and drivetrain But I Do Not Agree with going back to the old days of
rigid mounted engines.
There were issues with them as well with parts vibrating loose and breaking.
The rubber mounted engine makes for a much smoother ride and the wobble
that comes from some can easily be fixed.
Adding a stabilizer like the True Track usually solves the problem and if
you want to go a step further changing the swingarm bushing to Spherical
bearings from Custom Cycle Engineering prevents the twisting movement in the rubber bushings. Those will
definitely help.
–Rogue
Superior Editor Bikernet Baggers
Melbourne, FL
Indians are all solid mount and stable as hell.—Bandit
TWO NEW MOTORBOOKS TO BE REVIEWED BY BIKERNET HISTORIAN EXPERT– Did your copy of Indian Motorcycle: American’s First Motorcycle Company arrive yet? Author Darwin Holmstrom worked closely with Indian to dig deep into their archive and tell the real story behind this iconic motorcycle.
I think your audience would LOVE this book!
I would certainly appreciate hearing what your plans are.
— Nichole Schiele
Motorbooks, Zenith Press
Senior Marketing Manager
I reviewed the new coffee table Indian History book by Darwin Holmstrom, which is an impressive piece. Then we received the new Harley-Davidson history book from Motorbooks. Without even opening it, I placed both books carefully in a secure carton and shipped it to our resident historian, Don Whalen.
We will report on what grade Don gives each book. Hang on.
–Bandit
AUCTION BIKE OF THE WEEK– 1948 Ariel Square Four Motorcycle With Sidecar. Two famous British motorcycling names are joined together in this uncommonly stylish post-war motorcycle-sidecar outfit certain to gather attention wherever it is seen and enjoyed.
The Ariel Square Four was one of the most glamorous and best known of British motorcycles and has been described as “the smoothest British motorcycle of all time.”
The Square Four was designed and brought to Ariel in 1928 by Edward Turner – who later became an industry legend at Triumph. The innovative four-cylinder design mounts two cylinder blocks with parallel crankshafts turning in opposite directions on a crankcase located transversely in the frame, together with single overhead camshafts on each pair of cylinders.
The Ariel Square Four was introduced as 500 cc in 1930 at the Olympia Motorcycle Show and enlarged to 600 cc two years later. A new 1,000 cc Square Four was introduced at Olympia in November 1935, producing 38 hp at 5,800 rpm.
What has been described at ‘instant’ throttle response, smooth acceleration, reliability and compact packaging make Ariel 1,000 cc Square Fours highly desirable today and particularly well suited to pulling a sidecar. The Watsonian sidecar in this outfit was also manufactured by one of the most venerable names in British motorcycling; now the oldest sidecar manufacturer in the world more than a century later.
Watsonian was founded in 1912 to produce a clever folding sidecar that could pass through narrow spaces. Throughout the pre-war years, Watsonian maintained a position as a premier builder of elegantly styled open and closed sidecars as well as “Speed” models intended for racing.
The early post-war years were a boom time for British motorcycle and sidecar manufacturers, filling the need for inexpensive transportation for a cash-strapped nation still rebuilding itself following WWII. By the mid-1950s, nearly 140,000 sidecar outfits were registered on British roads. Half of them were built by Watsonian – who also built Sidecar World Championship-winning outfits in 1949, 1950, 1951 and 1954.
The Ariel-Watsonian outfit offered here is a unique combination of pre-war design and post-war execution. The vehicle is offered in very good original condition after being part of a private Seattle, Washington collection since the 1980s.
The black frame has been repainted and retains the original black seat as well as original trim, badges and hardware, including an RAC disc mounted at the rear wheel.
The finish shows nicks and chips as to be expected, with a pleasing amount of patina. The Watsonian sidecar is simply a delight, finished in forest green and seating two passengers in tandem, front-to-rear, with access by a hinged door on the curb side. The interior is upholstered in a saddle colored weatherproof material.
Unexpected comforts include plexiglass windows for full weather protection, a large canvas sunroof that rolls open from the front of the sidecar, a ‘locker’ incorporated into the rear of the car, plus a polished rack mounted on the roof for small pieces. A tailored satchel in the interior appears to be intended to transport a dog in comfort. The art deco style sidecar fender and wheel cover complete the coquettish design.
This very original and well cared-for motorcycle-sidecar outfit is completely sorted, runs and drives well. No words might better describe the experience than these used in promotion of the Ariel Square Four motorcycle, promising: “Good performance and comfort with a genuinely refined feel”. Sure to be welcomed anywhere.
$42,500
Stock number 5662
For immediate assistance please call us at +1-314-524-6000 or please fill out the following form and a member of our team will contact you.
MICHIGAN CITY MAKES IT EASIER TO TICKET LOUD MOTORCYCLES–
Royal Oak, Michigan is making it easier for police to ticket revving motorcycles, noisy cars and loud music. City Commissioners recently approved a new ordinance making it a civil infraction with a fine of up to $100 for vehicles to emit music, vibrations or noise that can be heard from 50 feet away or more.
The Police Chief requested the ordinance amendment under the city’s disorderly conduct code that covers disturbing the peace and noise. Previously, such violations were a criminal misdemeanor, which have a higher burden of proof for police.
The new measure adopted July 13, 2016 makes the noise violations a civil infraction with no criminal penalties and a lesser burden of proof to make violations stand up in court. With noise tickets being handled as criminal misdemeanors and requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt, police have had a challenge stopping violators.
“It’s above a seat belt violation but below a moving violation,” said the Chief of the civil infraction penalty, adding that the new local law will help police address public noise problems from motorcycles and other vehicles with after-market upgrades and louder mufflers.
Officers writing tickets for noise violations before the new change in the ordinance had to carry devices to measure decibel levels at the time the violations happened. Under the new measure, the City Attorney said it would be sufficient for officers to use the patrol vehicle cameras and outside microphones when issuing noise violations.
–Bill Bish
NCOM
This is just one of the items in Bill’s monthly legislative report. The full report will be published tomorrow on Bikernet.
–Bandit
BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS RESTORATION NOTION— Regarding Gearhead’s plan:
That is a super good plan and we know it works because we’ve been doing it for the last few years. It’s pumped in as Brine and then the water evaporates off.
It is helping and it is starting to build the salt back up but it’s a very slow process, as it has been depleted for many, many, many, decades.
It does look really good this year and it looks like we have about half an inch to an inch more salt than usual, so it is a good sign.
The crystals actually grow through Dry and wet Cycles. So we know that we have a solid base out there, and I think we can turn this around in time and keep racing.
Stay tuned, the only thing that’s Stopping us now are water levels, and if we have too much. I got a good vibe this year!
Come on out to the Bonneville motorcycle speed trials!!!
–Bill Woods
I thought I was grasping at straws on the Salt Flats restoration. I am glad it is getting better for racing. I have been a big fan of Bonneville since a friend of mine was part of the old Jammer crew. I think it was back in the ‘70s.
–Gearhead
NG1 TECHNOLOGIES NAMED GRAY LINE ALLIED PARTNER– Cleantech Company Brings its Signature Offering to Gray Line Licensees
Gray Line Worldwide, the world’s largest provider of sightseeing tours, selects cleantech innovator NG1 Technologies as an Allied Partner to bring TechFlo Exhaust, NG1’s aftermarket exhaust system, to Gray Line licensees.
As an Allied Partner, NG1 joins a select group of brands whose products and services are available to Gray Line licensees, providing these companies with access to the advanced fuel savings of NG1 TechFlo Exhaust.
Through the partnership, NG1 TechFlo Exhaust will be introduced to key decision makers from a broad range of companies. Gray Line licensees are currently installing NG1TechFlo Exhaust systems at select locations across the U.S., with plans to roll out the product to all U.S. locations in the coming months and eventually international sites.
NG1 TechFlo Exhaust uses an advanced application of fluid dynamics to enhance the efficiency of diesel engine fleets. The system provides an average of 10 percent fuel savings, while also improving torque and horsepower and lowering emissions and sound pollution. NG1 TechFlo Exhaust will be featured as the newest addition to the Gray Line family and sponsor in September at the company’s annual convention, being held this year in Reykjavik, Iceland.
For more information on the company and its solutions, visit www.ng1techflo.com.
For more information please visit www.grayline.com.
NGI is also developing motorcycle exhaust. Hang on.—Bandit
THE SONS OF ARTHRITIS Quest Begins–
Being retired and over-the-hill, you realize that life’s too short not to investigate things like a good ghost story. You shouldn’t believe in ghosts, but you’ll get to spend a few days on your new bike investigating this adventure. It’ll allow you to wear your Hydrocodone Chapter biker gear from Sons of Arthritis, defiantly telling the living and nonliving alike that nothing is gonna ruin this trip.
Samuel “Screamer” Reksnys
Samuel Reksnys. His last name means “Screamer” in Lithuanian. Samuel was a daredevil who rode at breakneck speeds in his quest for fun and excitement. He took a trophy home from WWII with him, a German soldier’s helmet. He wore it for his rides through the hills until an accident caused his death in 1955.
There’s No Such Things As Ghosts, Right?
You’re heading home, disappointed you haven’t seen anything, when all of a sudden another motorcycle is quickly gaining ground. Soon, the other bike is right behind you and is attempting to pass on the inside. You give way, forced to negotiate the corner from the middle of the road. You quickly glance right and what you see next makes causes your heart to sink… The Screamer, Samuel Reksnys,is right next to you! Not a lick of skin on his skull, he wears the same German helmet as when he was alive. His mouth is agape as if he’s screaming with joy, yet he makes no sound. He leans into the apex and hits it perfectly, then disappears into thin air.
Samuel Reksnys’ Spirit Lives On
OLD FARTS SUPPORT
SONS OF ARTHRITIS
www.sonsofarthritis.com
UNCLE MONKEY ON OLD BLUE–
Old Blue lets out a soft whimper as thunder rolls across the clouds. You flip up your welding helmet as Blue moves to the front of the garage, circles a couple of times before settling back to sleep by the Knuckle cases.
Outside the rolled up door the alley is bathed in orange light. Another rumble. As the sizzle of hot metal melts away you smell rain in the air. Looking out the once blue sky is now a bright orange as a storm tumbles across the sky. It’s gonna be a big one.
The first few brisk breezes rustle the tall grass by the fence. Old Blue is indifferent to your curiosity. A three foot high dust devil sweeps around the corner dancing with the loose papers and parts wrappers before dissolving into the shadows. You fetch a drink from the counter – the beer’s warm, the coffee is cold. You fetch the bottle of Jack tucked in behind the parts catalog and pull the rolling stool to the door opening.
Old Blue wonders up, lets out a big yawn and a shiver. A few kicks at his ear and satisfied that you are okay returns to his spot by the cases. A few more gusts, a few more pages ruffled. The first heavy drops thud into the hard packed soil kicking up little dust clouds quickly swept away by an increasing wind.
The rumbling is pretty constant now. Over the tree line you can see the energy flashing back and forth across the cloud. You wheel the stool over so you can lean against the doorframe. Rushed voices hurry to collect the wash from the line. A cat demands admittance. Jim is busy placing heavy rocks on the lids of the garbage cans. The dirt is spotted like a jaguar as the first flashes connect to the ground.
You pull the ionized air into your lungs. The sun darts behind dark clouds casting blueness over the land. The hard rain forming a solid wall slowly creeps across yards and gardens. The wind whips now. The drops pick up the tempo. You list street names as the rain crosses each, First Street, Elm Street, and there it is hitting Bobby’s yard. You wonder if he closed his patio doors in time.
Oak Street is hit and then Third. You watch as the rain marches up one side and down the other of your neighbors slopped roof. It hesitates in the middle of the alley almost waiting for permission to enter. You nod if for no other reason than your amusement. It hits the edge of the garage hard stirring Blue from his sleep. He watches as the curtain of rain closes across the open doorway. The drops just missing your worn boots.
The wind heaves buckets of rain onto the ground. The neighbor’s cat darts across the mud to your shelter. Inside he sits beside you washing the wetness away. The old lady vibrates in your shirt pocket. Power’s out and the boss is sending everyone home. You tell her to pick up a six-pack and some Chinese. Date night is coming early this week.
-bad Uncle Monkey
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JACK IS BACK, JOIN THE CANTINA QUICK– The Cantina is loaded, LOADED with rally pics, bikes, girls, people and so much more.
More pics than you will get anywhere & not one is on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
So, stop on in, it’s well worth the price of admission!
–JACK MCINTYRE
Magnificent certified official Bikernet Photographer
All powerful Bandit’s Cantina Co-Editor
“OLD-STF” PAUGHCO BRASS PUSH ROD TUBE CLIPS– Straight from their “OLD-STF” line of unique replacement H-D accessories, these very cool pushrod tube keepers from Paughco are just the ticket for giving that Old School Chopper or Bobber’s engine an edgy-hardcore look.
Made from solid brass the clips are offered in both Knurled and 3 or 4 Hole designs. Guaranteed for a perfect fit they are sold in sets of 4 to fit these applications: 1940 thru 1947 Knuckleheads, 1970 thru 1984 Shovelheads and 1984 thru 1999 EVO engines P/N STF440, 4-hole style $47.95 and P/N STFK40 Knurled $72.95.
Applications for 1948 thru 1965 Panheads and 1957 thru 1985 Sportster engines P/N STF348, 3-hole style $47.95 and STFK48 Knurled $72.95.
Available from Paughco dealers worldwide, on line at www.paughco.com or call 775-246-5738
GARAGE ITALIA CUSTOMS GOES TO LOS ANGELES–
Three years have passed since the first edition of Piston Head: Artists Engage The Automobile. The cars displayed in the exhibition, organised for the first time by Venus Over Manhattan in Miami on December 8th 2013, are transformed into sculptures by modern and contemporary artists. Today, 2016, the Venus art gallery in Los Angeles (601 South Anderson Street) is ready to host the second edition, taking place next July 30th.
Lapo Elkann enthusiastically accepted the invitation to participate in the event with the creations of the Garage Italia Customs “artists” team. Collector Adam Lindemann, owner of the Venus Gallery, has been his friend for a long time and they share the great passion for art and cars.
Lapo Elkann adds, “I am happy that Garage Italia Customs and its creations have a role in VENUS’ exhibition alongside world-class artists. Adam Lindemann and I share a passion for the incredible artistry, beauty and power of the automobile. The VENUS exhibition gives Garage Italia Customs the rare opportunity to evolve beyond its unique cars and focus on the potential for innovation that still exists within the space.”
Garage Italia Customs will hence show the exclusive one-off Alfa Romeo 4C Hokusai and the BMW i8 Futurism Edition, unveiled in Italy last may.
–Roberto Corona
+39 335.5267246
rc@garageitaliacustoms.com
QUICK, KEEP THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN– Women are like phones: They like to be held, talked to, and touched often.
But push the wrong button and your ass is disconnected.
The doctor, after an examination, sighed and said, ‘I’ve got some bad news. You have cancer, and you’d best put your affairs in order.’
The woman was shocked, but managed to compose herself and walk into the waiting room where her daughter had been waiting.
‘Well, daughter, we women celebrate when things are good, and we celebrate when things don’t go so well. In this case, things aren’t well. I have cancer. So, let’s head to the club and have a martini.’
After 3 or 4 martinis, the two were feeling a little less somber. There were some laughs and more martinis. They were eventually approached by some of the woman’s old friends, who were curious as to what the two were celebrating. The woman told her friends they were drinking to her impending end, ‘I’ve been diagnosed with AIDS.’
The friends were aghast, gave the woman their condolences and beat a hasty retreat. After the friends left, the woman’s daughter leaned over and whispered, ‘Momma, I thought you said you were dying of cancer, and you just told your friends you were dying of AIDS! Why did you do that?’
‘Because I don’t want any of those bitches sleeping with your father after I’m gone
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
CYCLE SOURCE MAGAZINE MAKES HISTORY– Just a short time away and we are going to make some cool history in Sturgis. Not only has Harley-Davidson taken advice on expanding classes for their portion of the RIDE-IN show, they are also allowing some of the top names in the Custom Industry to present awards as well.
AWARDS: We will be providing all awards for the editor’s for this show. This is to keep confusion to a minimum, if you are planning to bring your own, there will be one there as well as to not have any mistakes.
Also, we have created a FaceBook Event Page based off of the existing Editor’s Choice Page. On it there is a complete list of classes so people can see that everyone has a shot at a trophy, from street customs all the way up to radical even Asian and European customs. This is a show for everyone!.
You can share the link for the EVENT PAGE here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1592251634407131/
You can share the link for the EDITOR’S CHOCIE PAGE here: https://www.facebook.com/EditorsChoiceShowSeries/?fref=ts
–Chris Callen
Editor In Chief
Cycle Source Magazine
www.cyclesource.com
Cycle Source on Facebook
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE MASTER SOMEWHERE IN TEXAS– I chased the sunset towards Austin…it got away. So I chased the moon back.
–RFR
REPORT FROM THE FXR WORLD– It’s that time of year again! Are you ready for it?
Here is your personal invitation to join us at the “4th Annual FXR’s of California” Event.
Make this Motorcycle Event part of your NorCal 2016 Destination!
Meet new & old riders attending the event looking for FXR/Dyna motorcycle parts, accessories and services that will enhance their biker lifestyle.
Raffles with awesome Prizes
Wheelie Contest
Family Friendly, No pets
** All tickets, vendor and sponsor applications and information can be found on
our website at FXRS of California
5-BALL RACING REPORT– Special Ops Vest: Genuine Riding Leathers
Not every vest can replace a back pack. But the (13 Pocket) Special Ops Vest comes close with secure storage, 7 pockets inside and 6 pockets outside. The 2 conceal and carry pockets are nestled deep inside the milled Buffalo leather out shell.
The vest comes with heavy duty gun metal grey zipper front, bound leather neck trim (nothing flapping in the wind) and double needle seam construction.
EXTERIOR FEATURES:
(2) chest Pockets (zip closure)
(2) Zip waist pockets
(2) waist flap pockets (snap closure) & side snap adjustment.
SPECIAL OPS VEST – Mens Motorcycle Leather Vests
INTERIOR FEATURES:
(2) Gun pockets with quick snap
(2) Zip pockets
(2) coin pockets
100% cotton black/white plaid lining.
1 Media Pocket
The details are right here –http://5ballracinggarage.com/product/special-ops-vest/
NEW EUROPEAN RULES– For Motorcycle Gear
The European Parliament decided today that motorcycle gear is protective clothing that will have to meet European standards.
Until now only protective (motorcycle) gloves, boots and impact protectors were seen as protective gear and had to meet certain standards. Today the European parliament decided to include all motorcycle gear in the new protective personal equipment (PPE) regulation.
This means, that in a few years’ time all motorcycle gear that is sold in Europe has to meet the same safety standards. They will have to provide a minimum amount of protection against abrasion and impact.
Just like with boots and gloves now, there must be a label inside the gear that confirms that the gear meets the European standards and what level of protection is provided. Also information about maintenance, storage and use must be given to the buyer.
The exact standards and when all motorcycle gear in the shops must meet them are not known yet. It might even take some years. FEMA will inform the riders of all new developments.
This new regulation does not mean that riders are obliged to wear only approved clothing. This regulation is about selling approved protective clothing and not about wearing it. As far as we know the European Commission has no plans to make the wear of approved motorcycle gear mandatory.
FEMA’s General Secretary Dolf Willigers commented: “When all motorcycle gear meets the standard you know what amount of protection you can expect. This is consumer protection we don’t have now. Of course the new standards will have to meet the needs of the riders, but with the information we have now I have all confidence that this will be the case. As long as the European authorities will not use these standards to force riders to wear only approved motorcycle gear, and we will see to it that this will not happen, standardization of motorcycle gear is a good thing for riders.”
Helmets and visors are outside the scope of this regulation: they are covered by UN ECE Regulation no. 22.
–Wim Taal
FEMA
Located in the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest, The Evergreen State is slated to bring near perfect outdoor weather for fans and riders in attendance. For the first time since the opening round of the season, riders will face a much harder dark clay-based soil, ultimately making the all-new SCOPRION™ MX32™ PRO mid-hard the pre-race favorite for managing the slippery terrain.
Leading the way for Pirelli-supported riders is Justin Barcia who experienced success with the MX32 PRO just one year ago at the Washougal National by winning the opening 450 Class moto and placing second overall aboard his Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha. “Bam Bam” has been inching closer to the front-runners with each round of the championship and is looking forward to lining up at one of his favorite stops on the circuit this weekend. He currently sits fourth place in the championship standings.
For the second consecutive week, the BTO Sports/WPS/KTM team placed all three of its riders inside of the 450 Class top-10 this past weekend at Millville. It’s no secret that Andrew Short began the season underprepared due to injuries, but the longtime veteran has caught fire and is fresh off of a season-best seventh place overall. As a former winner of the Washougal National in the 250 Class and 4-time 450 Class podium finisher, his sights will be set on another solid finish.
Much like Short, standout Rookie Benny Bloss has shown flashes of brilliance the past several races, including career-best finishes and back-to-back top-10’s in the talented 450 Class field. Like many of the championships stops, he will line up for the first time in his career at Washougal on Saturday. Justin Brayton is on a mission to record his first top five of the season and with multiple top fives at the iconic facility throughout his career, this could be the weekend he finally puts it together.
Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti got back on track last weekend by finishing inside of the 450 Class top-10. The New Yorker had an impressive fifth place finish at Washougal in 2015, filling him with the confidence to do it again. JGRMX teammate Weston Peick suffered a scary crash during last weekends Millville National, but announced earlier this week that he plans to fight through the pain and race this weekend.
The Motorcycle Superstore Suzuki team continues to make its presence felt in the highly competitive 250 Class field, which is led by Kyle Cunningham consistently placing himself inside of the top-15. Jimmy Albertson is almost back to full strength with his health and is beginning to find his form by scoring points at the past several races.
The opening motos from the Washougal National kick off on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 1pm PT and can be viewed on MAV TV, while second motos will air at 3:30pm PT on NBC Sports. Check local listings for channel information.
To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit click here.
2016 AMA Pro Motocross Schedule
Washougal National – July 23
Unadilla National – August 13
Budds Creek National – August 20
Ironman National – August 27
noun
1. a type of novel concerned with the education, development, and maturing of a young protagonist.
Quotes
Great Expectations is the only bildungsroman of its day that one may call a tragicomedy; it goes on long enough (and is written with sufficient retrospective) for Pip to learn that life is one too.
— Jerome Meckier, Dickens’s Great Expectations: Misnar’s Pavilion versus Cinderella, 2002
Origin of Bildungsroman
Bildungsroman is of German origin. Its first element, Bildung, means “formation” and its second element, Roman, means “novel.”
NEW FROM LEPERA SERPENT INLAY— More and more another major custom touch to any bike is the seat. LePera offers a multitude of options from metalflake to button tuck, to exotic inlays. Just call them and kick off the creative process.
Overview
All of our stitch patterns and inlays are crafted by hand – no computers!
The Serpent Inlay shown features embossed purple gator on our Silhouette Solo with leather seating MSRP $483.00
More material options can be found here.
Please contact your local dealer or contact us for custom pricing.
Pricing
Embossed Inlay MSRP :
Starting at $170 + std seat price
Genuine Exotic Inlay MSRP :
Starting at $493 + std seat price
PERSONALIZE YOUR DUCATI with the brand new Scrambler configurator–
Possibility to personalize a Scrambler even via a mobile device
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), July 21 2016 – The new Ducati Scrambler configurator is now live at: Configurator.scramblerducati.com.
The platform allows for the personalization of all six versions at any time and even via a mobile device. From the Scrambler Icon, to the Sixty2. From the Urban Enduro, to the Full Throttle, the Classic and the Flack Track Pro, all of the bikes in the Scrambler range can be viewed and made even more unique and distinctive.
The Scrambler configurator is one of the many projects falling under the Ducati Brand Unit that promotes “self-expression”, the concept that characterises the Scrambler universe. All such projects are designed to give room to creativity, expanding the brand using unconventional and increasingly innovative channels.
In terms of motorcycle personalization, the new Ducati Scrambler configurator offers the possibility to choose from more than 60 accessories: original tank covers and three different Scrambler logos; Racing accessories to emphasise the bike’s sport spirit; six different seats; Enduro accessories for rugged protection when off-road; and much more. All of the images available in the configurator are provided in High Definition, ensuring true to life representation.
The platform offers eleven views of the bike, including side, three-quarter, rear, front, from above and from the riding position. Even the setting can be personalized. The Ducati Scrambler configurator can also be used to choose trendy and practical apparel from the latest collection dedicated to the brand. In order to ensure safety, comfort and style, Scrambler apparel include jackets, trousers, gloves, footwear, t-shirts, glasses and even helmets and goggles, all useful and fun.
There is also the ‘Hop on your motorbike’ option, an additional function that lets the customer share a configuration with his/her closest Ducati Scrambler dealer and receive useful feedback in real time. The configurator also allows for via social media sharing.
This is one of the first steps of Digital Transformation to be implemented by Ducati and results are proving to be significant and competitive. We would like a Ducatista to be a Ducatista not only when riding but everywhere, at all times, and this becomes possible when the Ducati experience also incorporates all the new digital tools”.
To follow Scrambler Ducati activities on social networks, click on twitter.com/scramblerducati, facebook.com/scramblerducati, instagram.com/scramblerducati and youtube.com/c/scramblerducati-official.
* Available for iOS, soon available for Android devices. Tasteofjoy.scramblerducati.com/
AMY WHITE COVERS THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION– I came here (Cleveland) hoping to take beautiful photos of thousands or even dozens of bikers at the convention, or see them stand down the liberal asssholes…
I found.. Crickets. No bikers are here standing up to anyone. No bikers were walking with the pubs when they came out of the convention hall last night. Two reporters from Fox and three from the Washington Post all said the same thing…maybe fifty showed Monday and they hadn’t seen them since…
Apparently there’s also a pissing contest of one group calling the other group fakes. The visiting cops are doing what the bikers claim to be doing. I’m sorry to report this back to you all, but you sent me here to find out and this is what I found out.
–Amy
IS IT HOT ENOUGH?— I love what I do. I dig custom bikes, all of them from big wheel baggers to crazy board track customs. I love working here every day–it’s a blast.
It’s never, ever dull. There’s always something new flying at us. It could be as simple as a new tech, the latest Uncle Monkey writings, a reader comment that helps one of our sponsors, to something super exciting like Vickie Sanfelipo covering the Cannonball cross-country rally. Indian might step up and she may ride a 2017 model as the emergency back-up vehicle.
Just last week we had an informed discussion about our streamlined trike effort. The frame is coming together at the Paughco Factory.
Howard Knight is building this seat for his bagger and you will see an amazing tech about his craft.
I get to work with talented artists like Atomic Bob and David Uhl. Hell, we may be working with a Vice Presidential candidate.
Just never know what might happen next. Just today, I received word from the city. My old building is good to go. I can stay. I’ve got to thank a fellow Hamster, Dominick Rubalcava for his help with this issue.
No matter what, can’t ever give up.
Ride Free Forever,
–Bandit
