Hey,
I’m confused about many things and Cuba didn’t help. I had guides who loved Fidel or were forced to love Fidel. I had guides who knew doctors who couldn’t feed their families.
But it’s Christmas and so much in Cuba is representative of America. Our old cars are displayed on every tourist gift. You can feel America and freedom all over the country. It’s as if you can never stop people from dreaming and hoping Freedom will return.
I was also told the Trump changes to travel were insignificant, but because our media made a big deal out of it, less folks are attempting to travel there.
I watched the Spector James Bond movie last night. You need to check the last line of the movie. James returns to Q’s garage and Q says,”What are you doing here.”
James replies, “I just need one thing.” The next scene shows him riding away in the original, restored Aston Martin. I wish our congress got it. It’s not about saving the planet 24/7. We need our cool cars and choppers to survive.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown and BorntoRide.com, Sturgis Museum.
WORLD’S FIRST Compact OBD Diagnostic Tool for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Selected for the 2017 Hot 100 Parts & Accessories List by American Motorcycle Dealer Magazine
Smart Vehicle Diagnostics’ Motorscan smartphone On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) wireless tool for Harley-Davidson motorcycles has entered the prestigious “AMD HOT 100 Parts & Accessories” list by American Motorcycle Dealer magazine.
Smart Vehicle Diagnostics LLC, a creator of unique diagnostic tools for automobiles, trucks and powersports vehicles, today announced its product’s selection for the 2017 Hot 100 Parts and Accessories list by American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD) magazine. AMD magazine is one of the leading trade journals in the motorcycle industry that addresses Harley-Davidson dealers and professionals in North America and Europe.
Every year, it selects the most innovative and outstanding products for inclusion in its “AMD HOT 100 Parts & Accessories” list. Smart Vehicle Diagnostics’ Motorscan® smartphone On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) wireless tool for Harley-Davidson motorcycles has entered this prestigious list in 2017.
“We are honored that our new product was named to the ‘Hot 100’ list by one of the industry’s most authoritative publications,” said Alex Leonov, Managing Partner at Smart Vehicle Diagnostics LLC. “We created the world’s first compact OBD diagnostic tool for motorcycles, so that bike riders could take advantage of OBD diagnostic technology and monitor their bike’s health on demand.
Alex Leonov added: “The tool is a real win-win for both Harley owners and dealers. If I’m on the road, far from the dealership I usually go to, and the Check Engine light comes on, I’ll get the diagnostic report and email it to my mechanic at the dealership. If the issue is serious, I may have to go to a place nearby to take care of it, but with this tool I will avoid being taken advantage of and upsold on repairs I don’t need.
Motorscan not only saves money for bike owners, it’s a great tool for dealers to stay connected to their customers and build long-term relationships.”
The Motorscan Bluetooth adapter plugs into a motorcycle’s diagnostic port and can remain attached indefinitely. Using the Motorscan app, a bike owner can read trouble codes and conditions with detailed descriptions, clear the Check Engine light, access various bike systems, from the electronic control unit (ECU) to the dashboard, see live data parameters, look up the VIN number, view virtual gauges, and more. Bike owners can easily save diagnostic reports and email them to any mechanic with a touch of a button. Motorscan doesn’t interfere with system performance and can be used on multiple motorcycles.
There are two types of adapters available. The MSDKHD4 4-pin adapter is compatible with older models with Delphi engine control units and 4-pin J1850 OBD connectors. The MSDKHD6 6-pin adapter works with most of the newer CAN-Bus Harley-Davidson bikes with 6-pin OBD connectors. The tool covers most Harley-Davidson models from 2001 and up. You can check a motorcycle’s compatibility at https://motorscantools.com.
The Motorscan smartphone app is available for Android or iOS devices. Motorscan smartphone diagnostics adapters for Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available at https://motorscantools.com for $199.99 each with free shipping.
CHOPPERFEST CANCELED DUE TO FIRES— In Ventura, CA, but rescheduled for February 4, 2018.
The Chopperfest family regrets to inform you that we must announce the postponement of The 14th Annual David Mann Chopperfest scheduled to take place at the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 10th.
The City of Ventura is devastated by the Thomas Fire that has wreaked havoc in our beloved city. In order to keep staff, residents, patrons, fire crews and first responders safe we have made this tough decision.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we look forward to greeting all of you when we resume the event on Sunday, February 4th, 2018.
We would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” for your continued support for this local family owned and operated event.
A portion of proceeds from the rescheduled 14th Annual David Mann Chopperfest will benefit the victims of this unfortunate natural disaster. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected. We will honor advance tickets purchased, bike show entries, and vendor fees. If you’re unable to join us on February 4, please contact me for reimbursement.
Please share this announcement, as we do not want to inconvenience anyone who is planning on attending this Sunday.
–Quick Throttle Magazine
LUCKY DEVIL RECOGNIZES XMAS—AMAZING– Please check out our Store page to see the latest Lucky Devil Propaganda!
https://teespring.com/stores/lucky-devil-metal-works
Merry Christmas!!
–Kent & Holly
RENOWNED MICHAEL LICHTER BUILDS ULTIMATE BIKER PHOTOGRAPHY WEB SITE— You might find yourself.
The ALL NEW Michael Lichter Photography website dedicated to custom motorcycles and the biker culture is now live. After more than 20 years online, this is our first total website re-design.
There are hundreds of bike features and loads of events including lots of new content from the past few years. New features include a search function, a “lightbox” to store images you like, and plenty of ways to share photos. 6”x9” and 8”x12” framable prints are available for purchase through the site as well as my limited edition prints.
New (and old) content is being added every week, so keep checking back! www.lichterphoto.com
–Shannon Kerr
Studio Assistant
Michael Lichter Photography, LLC
Boulder, CO 80304 USA
NOW OPEN, THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, ‘Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.’
‘Yes,’ the class said.
‘Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn’t run into my feet?’
A little fellow shouted, ‘Cause your feet ain’t empty.’
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride Announces Ten Starting Locations for 2020 Ride– Three West Coast cities and seven other starting locations highlight the ride into Washington D.C.
The Suffragettes Centennial Motorcycle Ride (SCMR2020) is announcing the ten cities that will be the starting points for the ride into Washington, D.C. honoring the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Constitutional Amendment. The female and couple-centric ride will start open registrations in 2018 for ten different routes that will all converge into Washington, D.C. in August of 2020 to celebrate American women’s right to vote in elections and honor the Suffragette movement that led the charge.
The primary route will start in San Francisco CA, with Los Angeles CA and Portland OR being the other full cross-country routes that will each take approximately three weeks. Other cities that will be starting points for shorter routes include Denver CO, Milwaukee WI, Dallas TX, Atlanta GA, New York NY, and Orlando FL. The New York and Orlando routes will curve west before merging into the primary east-bound trunk into D.C.
Several of the self-guided tours will incorporate adventure bike appropriate sections as well. “My passion for the past decade has been adventure riding,” says Alisa Clickenger, SCMR2020 co-producer. “Given the stunning beauty and remote areas of the country, and the many new full-size and exciting ‘light ADV’ models being introduced to the market, we know that there will be an interest in these beautiful touring opportunities with newfound sisters.”
Each route will all have unique stops and historical features relating to the Suffrage Movement, historical women in motorcycling, and of course the 19th US Constitutional Amendment. The epic beauty of the country will reveal itself as each individual tour group merges with others as they head East, with entertaining secondary meet-ups in cities such as Sturgis SD, St. Louis MO, Raleigh SC and Columbus OH. Final routes and timings will be confirmed in 2018 following extensive scouting by the SCMR2020 team.
SCMR2020 was envisioned to inspire women to choose to ride in an epic journey alongside other women and couples who aspire to challenge themselves as well as to respect and honor history. Riders and future riders can sign up for an email list at www.centennialride.com (please enable pop-up windows). Interested organizations, potential sponsors and media can connect via info@centennialride.com.
Ongoing news, rider training links, route maps, stories and features about inspiring female riders will be added to the website in the coming months.
BIKERNET BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB– CarTech Books Releases
“1,001 Harley-Davidson Facts”
The ultimate book for any Harley rider!
The name Harley-Davidson is nearly synonymous with motorcycling in most parts of the world and the 115-year story of the famed American manufacturer plays a huge role in modern global history. There’s more to the legendary brand than the chrome, leather, and unique sound it’s known for today.
As you can imagine, over the course of more than 100 years, The Harley-Davidson Motor Company has seen prosperous times as well as lean times, changes in focus and direction, evolution and revolution. All of that leads to a lot of company history and trivia. Author Tyler Greenblatt has compiled 1,001 Harley-Davidson facts into this single volume, with subjects ranging from the historic powertrains to pop culture to Harley-Davidson as a company and manufacturer.
Whether you ride everyday, just casually, or don’t even ride at all, you’re sure to find something of interest in this book. Impress your friends and family in that next conversation about Harleys!
Table of Contents
“1,001 Harley-Davidson Facts” is laid out into eight chapters covering the eight major eras of Harley-Davidson motorcycles: Early Era up to 1915, 1916-1929 F-Head Era, 1929-1941 Pre-War Flathead Era, 1936-1947 Knucklehead Era, 1948-1965 Panhead Era, 1966-1984 Shovelhead Era, 1984-1998 Evolution Era, 1999-2016 Twin Cam Era.
Each chapter gets further broken down evenly into facts about The Motor Company, The Chassis, The Powertrain, People and Pop Culture, and Military, Police, and Racing. Information spans from highly technical to barely motorcycle-related, making it a great read for anyone. This book will keep Harley-Davidson enthusiasts entertained for hours and makes a great gift for Harley riders who are usually so tough to shop for!
These are great. I need to order another one. It’s terrific for new guys to learn, for old guys to check and for older guys who need to work on their memories.–Bandit
DAV ALERT–
Lee Greenwood Partners with DAV to Thank Veterans–We asked why you’re thankful for the veteran in your life. Check out some of the amazing entries we received, set to the song “God Bless the USA” by our friend Lee Greenwood.
DAV thanks country music powerhouse Lee Greenwood for joining forces with us to help spread the word about the importance of thanking our veterans for the sacrifices they’ve made to keep our country safe.
You can make your own personalized tribute video for the veteran in your life by visiting www.DAV.org/ThankAVet , and then share it on social media using the hashtag #ThankAVet. It only takes a few minutes.
We are grateful to our partner, Military.com for supporting this program.
Operation Gratitude Celebrates Two Millionth Care Package– Dedicates Milestone Event to local First Responders and Deployed Troops
As California Highway Patrol lights and sirens heralded the moment, more than 2,100 Operation Gratitude Volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life cheered the production of the organization’s Two Millionth Care Package.
Patriotic citizens from surrounding areas gathered for the milestone event that was dedicated in honor of the thousands of First Responders who are still in harm’s way battling the fires throughout Southern California. Supporters across the country tuned in online to view a live stream of the event.
Volunteers assembling Care Kits for First Responders and Deployed Troops.
Energetic volunteers from civic and religious organizations, schools, local businesses, scout troops, and clubs assembled 10,000 Entertainment Care Kits and 100 Holiday Care Packages, stuffed 575 Battalion Buddies for children of Deployed Troops, made 4,588 Paracord Survival Bracelets, and wrote thousands of handwritten letters of encouragement and support.
They were joined by 100-year-old WWII Veteran Steve Politis who assembled the 1,999,999th Care Package and Green Beret Bob Pennington, who was one of the original 12 Green Berets, aka The Horse Soldiers, who went into Afghanistan on horseback to bring down the Taliban following September 11, 2001.
This milestone event commemorated nearly 15 years since Founder Carolyn Blashek started sending Care Packages from her dining room table in Encino, California.
“In March of 2003, I met a Soldier returning to the war zone. He had lost his entire family and believed no one would care if he never returned home,” Blashek recalled to the crowd. “But I knew that was not true. I knew Americans care.”
WWII Veteran and Operation Gratitude volunteer Steve Politis builds a milestone Care Package.
Ten years later, in December 2013, Blashek and two Operation Gratitude Board Members, Martha “Marty” Martin and Sue Pollard, delivered the One Millionth Care Package in a secret mission to an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman. That special Care Package, received by a Navy Corpsman, included keys to a Ford 150 pickup truck donated by 5-Hour Energy.
“Today, only four years since our One Millionth Care Package delivery, we have over 2,000 volunteers here today and 350,000 nationwide volunteers who have donated 25 million hours of service,” Blashek said to the crowd. “You have produced the Two Millionth Care Package and countless smiles on the faces of all who serve.”
“I would like to acknowledge what Carolyn has built, from her dining room table to the Two Millionth Care Package. I am honored to follow in her footsteps and lead the next chapter of Operation Gratitude,” said Kevin Schmiegel, the new CEO of Operation Gratitude. Addressing the volunteers, he continued, “As a 20-year Marine, I can tell you that what you are doing is making a difference. I have seen it firsthand in the eyes and the smiles of Deployed Troops who received care packages. I can also tell you as a father of an enlisted Marine, what you are doing is important.”
Founder Carolyn Blashek spoke to the crowd of volunteers, “You have produced the Two Millionth Care Package and countless smiles on the faces of all who serve.”
In a surprise announcement to a cheering crowd, Blashek and Schmiegel presented the three milestone Care Packages to Marines from 3rd Marines, 5th Battalion who recently returned from a deployment overseas and, unbeknownst to the crowd, attended the Operation Gratitude event.
All three Care Packages contained the signature items for which Operation Gratitude is known: snacks, entertainment items, hygiene supplies, handmade scarves and paracord survival bracelets, plus letters of support from people nationwide.
Adding to the excitement of the occasion, the Marines and the volunteers together learned of the additional special items that Operation Gratitude’s partners wanted to share with the package recipients.
LCpl Grant York received the 1,999,999th Care Package, containing a Wireless Sound System donated by Yamaha. “Operation Gratitude packages really do mean a lot to us on deployment,” he told the crowd. “It’s a nice surprise for the guys who don’t get anything from home.”
Receiving the 2,000,000th Care Package, which contained a pair of Super Bowl Tickets, courtesy of Mars Foods, was LCpl Hayden Grote. When asked whom he might take with him to the game in February, Lance Corporal Grote said without hesitation, “My dad. I’m going to call him right now and he’s going to be excited to spend this time together with me.”
The 2,000,0001st Care Package contained a NASCAR experience to the Charlotte 600, also donated by Mars Foods, and was received by LCpl Luke Blair.
As part of the presentation, the Target Corporation donated $500 gift cards to 60 additional Marines who recently returned from deployment overseas, and a $10 gift card to every volunteer in attendance. In addition, Mars Foods committed to donating an additional $2,000,000 in products to Operation Gratitude over the next 13 months.
In a touching moment, Carolyn Blashek concluded the event by asking Kevin Schmiegel to join her on the stage. Blashek conducted a civilian version of a Change of Command Ceremony, presenting Schmiegel with the Operation Gratitude Flag and pledging her support for his new leadership.
BANDIT IS F.I.C.K.L.E. BIKERNET NEWS for December 7 2017
Well done, a lot of work while the old guy goofs off in a tropical paradise.
Betta bring back some cool stuff Bandit!
— Doc Robinson
[page break]
BIG SHOW MINNEAPOLIS RESULTS–
Results from the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, MN Edition.
For pictures, results and additional bikeshow updates, click here.
MOD RETRO
Matt Anderson of Gilby’s Street Dept. built a 1982 Harley Davidson FXRS with left handed side draft Weber carb, two rear heads, RC Nitro Wheels, S&S 4.5 inch flywheels built to 94ci Shovelhead. Additional features include Jody Perewitz Mustang Seat, Rick Doss rear fender and Klock Werks front fender.
Winner – #1800 – Matt Anderson ,Gilby’s Street Dept. – 1982 Harley Davidson FXRS
Runner-up – #1200 – Chris Rotondo, Breanne Allen, The Moto Collective – Named Sage, 1972 Honda CL350.
Click here for all the results
$70,000 National Championship
First and second position in each class have qualified for the $70,000 National Championship Show in Chicago.
Next Up
Cleveland, OH
January 26-28, 2017
Click here for details
ENTER YOUR BIKE TODAY
QUESTIONS – Call me direct – 919-450-5060
– Jeff Najar, Biker Pros Partner
WHY ULTIMATE BUILDER
Benefits:
A large enthusiast crowd
Outstanding social media push
Great sponsors & prizes
Builder Interviews
Meet the media
Great Networking opportunities
We have four paying classes including:
FreeStyle
MOD Harley
MOD Retro
MOD Custom
Join the competition – Enter today We are looking forward to seeing you!
WHEN YOU ENTER YOU RECEIVE
2 Passes for the weekend
Your bike positioned on the Red Carpet
IMS Platter for your Literature and Business Cards
Meet Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine
COME OUT & HAVE SOME FUN!
THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY GIFT SHOP— Divorced Barbie Doll
Coming towards Christmas a father gets out of work and on his way home he suddenly remembers that it’s his daughter asked Santa for a Barbie for Christmas.
He pulls over to a toy shop and asks the sales person, ‘How much for one of those Barbie’s in the display window?’
The salesperson answers, ‘Which one do you mean, Sir? We have: Work Out Barbie for $19.95, Shopping Barbie for $19.95, Beach Barbie for $19.95, Disco Barbie for $19.95, Ballerina Barbie for $19.95, Astronaut Barbie for $19.95, Skater Barbie for $19.95, and Divorced Barbie for $265.95’.
The amazed father asks: ‘It ‘s what?! Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.95 and the others only $19.95?’
The annoyed salesperson rolls her eyes, sighs, and answers: ‘Sir…Divorced Barbie comes with: Ken’s car, Ken’s house, Ken’s boat, Ken’s furniture, Ken’s computer, one of Ken’s friends, and a key chain made with Ken’s balls.
— from: “Doc” Jeff & Tony C
NEWS FROM THE TOWN OF CHOPPER–
In case you missed it we got Dice Digital Issue 76 ready for download! As always it’s packed with more bikes you can shake a stick at, videos, and even direct Instagram links to all the builders.
There’s still time to get DVDs, downloads, shirts, everything in time for the holidays. Sale ends Dec 10th!
Click here to see our BEST SELLERS
Click here to see our NEWEST TITLES
Please pass the word on these promotions so we can keep supporting our filmmakers to make more films for us all to enjoy. Thanks guys!
Stay independent.
–Zack and Scott and the Choppertown gang
~Happy Holidays from Choppertown~
BIKERNET HISTORY LESSON– René Gillet Type G 750cc, France, 1937. Perhaps the most comfortable motorcycle of the early 1930s. No wonder that the French gendarmerie loved René Gillet Type G so much.
–Sam Burns
BIKERNET PUBLIC WARNING– If a man talks dirty to a woman it’s sexual harassment. If a woman talks dirty to a man its 3.99 a minute…
–That’s life now
BIKERNET READER RANT– WHAT IN HELL IS GOING ON IN THE COMMIE STATE OF CAL? MAYBE WE SHOULD CUT THEM OFF AND LET THEM BE THEIR OWN LITTLE ISLAND OF NUT JOBS. I MEAN LET AN ILLEAGAL ALIAN walk after murdering that girl,.I am still trying to figure out what happened too my country, while I was gone.
I didn’t understand the hippies, the draft dodgers, the protesters. Enough bitching. I think I will get the Pan out and let it do the thinking.
–Have a great day
–AJ
ULTIMATE TRIKE TRANSAXLE FROM RANCHO PERFORMANCE– Recognized throughout the industry as the leader in transaxle technology, RANCHO PERFORMANCE TRANSAXLES’ latest version of their legendary PRO-STREET transaxle is arguably the finest high performance street transaxle on the market.
The perfect gearbox for your VW powered trike project, they feature the very finest in components and craftsmanship. Every Rancho Pro Street is specifically designed and built to meet and exceed the requirements of each individual customer.
Features common to the PRO-STREET are 4-Spider Super Diff, Heavy Duty Aluminum Side Cover, Welded 3-4 Hubs, Steel Shift Forks, Hardened Keys and Welded T/O Shaft. Rancho provides one-on-one support with a veteran transaxle technician to assist customers in choosing the proper package and provide valuable follow up assistance.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in a rugged, reliable, high performance STREET transaxle assembly at a realistic price this box does it all. Available in PRO-SWING and PRO-IRS models, RANCHO’S PRO STREET carries a base retail price of $995.00 exchange.
For complete details call 714-680-6737 or go to www.ranchoperformancetrans.com
5-BALL RACING GARAGE ORDER– Hey Bandit, I received the book When Bikers meet Humans that you sent. It was delivered on 11/24/17. Thanks again.
You are a man of your word. I don’t know how the hell you keep up with it all.
Thanks,
–Dave
We need to fix some aspects of the shop and include “When Bikers Meet Humans” by J.J. Solari. If you order any one of my books and want the Solari book just note it in the comments. This book contains all of J.J.’s classics from Easyriders.–Bandit
THE MRF ETHANOL UPDATE–
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has backed off a previous proposal that would have reduced the federal biofuels mandate. Late last week the EPA finalized a rule that instead would hold steady the quotas on renewable fuels (like ethanol) under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for 2018.
Earlier this year, the EPA proposed changes to the RFS, which, for the first time, would NOT call for an increase in conventional ethanol and instead proposed to LOWER the required volume of cellulosic biofuel by 73 million gallons. HOWEVER, ethanol producers and lawmakers from corn states urged the EPA to back off its earlier proposal to trim the mandate. Reportedly, President Trump, who ran on a platform of supporting the RFS, personally asked EPA head Scott Pruitt not to reduce the biofuels standard.
Unfortunately, the EPA’s final ruling does nothing to address consumer concerns over the effects of higher blends of ethanol on motorcycles and other small engines. We’ll continue to try and make headway legislatively, asking for common sense changes to protect the integrity of our bikes.
Until then, Ride Free & LOOK BEFORE YOU PUMP!
Megan J. Ekstrom
Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Arlington, VA 22202
www.mrf.org
FROM BUTLER MAPS– Stop riding boring roads!
Thanks to Butler Maps and Rever you can easily find and ride the most scenic and dramatic motorcycle roads in the country.
For nearly a decade, Butler Maps has encouraged us to unfold its waterproof tear resistant maps, search for “gold” and point towards adventure. When you plan a ride with REVER Premium and follow the gold, red, and orange highlighted roads, you’re guaranteed to experience the best twisties, vistas, and landmarks the U.S. (and Germany) has to offer.
This holiday season, we’ve partnered with Butler Maps to help you fill your panniers with all the planning tools you need to make 2018 the best motorcycling year possible.
Rubber side down,
Your friends at REVER
Rever Moto, Inc.
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.
The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
The little girl said, ‘When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah.
‘The teacher asked, ‘What if Jonah went to hell?’
The little girl replied, ‘Then you ask him.’
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
GUN NUT REPORT–
Thanks to NRA-ILA supporters like you, we won a HUGE VICTORY last week when the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) PASSED the U.S. House of Representatives.
This bill is the most far-reaching expansion of self-defense rights in modern American history.
Your strong and generous support of NRA-ILA made this victory possible. Every gun owner in America has YOU to thank.
But the House is only the first step. Now, you and I must regroup and launch a massive effort to PUSH National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity through the U.S. Senate.
This fight is going to be an all-out war. The entire gun-ban lobby has mobilized and made stopping this bill their number one priority.
Anti-gun Senators are vowing to use every procedural trick in the book to bury H.R. 38 in the Senate and make sure it never sees the light of day.
Michael Bloomberg pledged to spend $25 million to defeat this bill in the Senate.
And the gun-hating media is spreading lie after lie about National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity and running smear campaigns against any Senator who supports it.
We need to hammer our way through their anti-gun blockade. To do that, I need your immediate and generous support for NRA-ILA right now.
We need to ramp up our television, radio, and online advertisements NOW. We need to overload the Capitol Hill switchboard with phone calls NOW. We need to rally every gun owner in America NOW.
That’s why I’m asking you to take these IMMEDIATE actions:
ACTION 1: Please call your United States Senators at 202-224-3121 and tell them to PASS National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity. Tell them any American who can legally carry a concealed firearm in one state should be able to do so in every other state.
ACTION 2: Please make an urgent contribution to NRA-ILA right now and give us the financial firepower we need to make them feel the heat and push this bill through the Senate. Your contributions will fund our media campaign and grassroots effort to pressure the Senate into passing National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity.
Let me be clear, Keith. This is going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight. But with YOUR support, we absolutely CAN win.
National Right-To-Carry Reciprocity CAN pass the Senate and become the law of the land. But it’s ONLY going to happen if you and I make it happen.
Your leadership today is critical. Every dollar you contribute right now will help NRA-ILA fight this battle. We will not rest until the Senate has passed this bill and President Trump signs it into law.
Please stand and fight with me and NRA-ILA now.
Thank you!
–Chris W. Cox
Executive Director
NRA-ILA
GIFTS FROM GENUINE MOTORWORKS– Ladie’s First.
Get her the gift she will not forget (or want to return!) These quality items will surely set the bar high for the holiday season!
Red Wing Engineer Boot – $350
Tres Noir Ultra Lux Sunglasses – $100
Authentic Mexican Serape Blanket – $38
Orox Merces Leather Saddle Bag – $280
Genuine Motorworks Lightning Tee -$32
Red Wing Leather Zipper pouch – $65
Red Wing 6″ Moc Toe Boot – $290
Mad Squirrel Leather Bracelet – $12
Gifts for Him
Iron and Resin Red Wood Shirt – $105
Centennial Trading Leather Belt- $55
Thorogood 6″ Moc-Toe Boots -$180
Genuine Workwear Cotton Knit Hat- $32
Genuine Motorworks Globe Tee- $32
Biltwell Checker Moto Goggles- $45
Tres Noir Upstart Sunglasses- $100
For your Favorite Motorcycle Enthusiast
For Him or Her….
Authentic Mexican Serape Blanket- $38
Dice Magazine Issue 75- $10
Red Wing Leather Gloves-$85
Fox River Outlander 3-pack Socks-$30
Kd Riding glasses-$12
Genuine Motorworks Cordory Hat-$32
Shoei RF-SR Helmet- $400
FOR INDIAN FROM JOKER MACHINE– INDIAN STEERING STEM NUT
Fits 2014-up Indian models.
CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminum.
Available in hard black or clear anodize and chrome plated finishes.
Machined hex for easy installation.
Made in the USA
I really dig that use of a dresser front fender bumper to make the fender struts for the rear, I will be using that sometime in the future for sure.
The exhaust is great. This bike takes me back to my younger bike fabbing days…Can’t help but wonder if that Linkert will be big enuf.
–Tom K
spunupairhead@msn.com
Ogden, UT
Thanks Tom. That fender rail from Harley is not strong. The rear fender supported itself and didn’t need struts, so this worked. I helped out the strength issue with the large washers, gussets and the taillight bracket from Lowbrow.
The pipes worked out terrifically thanks to Rick Krost’s muffler from U.S. Choppers. Regarding the Linkert. I can remove the venturi insert and help, but so far it’s perfect. I’m still breaking it in, so no speed runs yet.
–Bandit
TEXAS EVENT NEWS– Just under 4 months until the 2018 Buffalo Motorama!
On March 29-31, 2018 the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, NY will host the BIGGEST and BEST indoor custom car and bike show in Western New York.
2018 marks our 8th year showcasing some of the best vehicles from across the country, vendors, and something for the entire family to enjoy.
For up-to-date information on the show, sponsor/vendor information, features, and more, visit our website: www.BuffaloMotorama.com
Like our Facebook page to be eligible for prizes and contests: www.facebook.com/buffalomotorama
Contact Joe at show@buffalomotorama.com or 716-390-6848 for more information.
Paul Yaffe Featured Builder for Art of the Ride Exhibit at Phoenix Airport Museum
Paul Yaffe, one of the most famous and renowned custom motorcycle builders in the world, is the featured builder in Art of the Ride, a motorcycle-themed exhibit at the Phoenix Airport Museum running until the end of May 2018.
The exhibit will feature two of Paul’s most-famous, spectacular builds: The Copper Chopper and Prodigy.
“I never would have thought my tinkering with motorcycles would lead to the kind of recognition I’ve received,” said Paul Yaffe. “But I’ve just followed my passion for bikes, and this is where it’s led me. I’m gratified and grateful to be featured in this great show.”
[page break]
UNCLE MONKEY ON TWO SIDES OF LIFE’S COIN– Like everything in life people usually fall into two opposing factions. Android or Apple, Toilet paper over and under, shows the diversity of our cultures.
For many riders they are the cookie cutter guys. Content with what other have done before, tried and trusted is their default position. They ride the stock looking black Electra Glide or Road King – accessories are limited to what Harley has to offer and only Harley.
Black vest, dealer t-shirt, and Willie G clothing. It seeps to the rest of their lives. The same beige SUV that five other people on the block drive, Taco Tuesdays and Meatloaf Mondays, sex on Wednesday after the Late Show and the rest stamped out of the same cloth.
On the other side are the guys who stock drives them nuts. A bike is just a starting platform. Stretched bags and tanks laid over big tires with pounding sound systems. Nothing is left the way it came from the factory. Sure they might buy a dealer t-shirt but they cut the sleeves off (instead of buying one premade).
A blank vest is just a starting canvas for badges and pins. Ball caps are spray painted and chewed on by the dog before they are fit to be worn. They are thinking outside of the box pushing design and innovation. Life is all about making something unique, something different from everyone else. They want to stand out in a crowd, not blend into the back ground.
For as ying-yang as they are they actually feed off of each other. The new look of new bikes evolves from the custom guys. New, yet familiar keeps the cookie cutter guys satisfied with the status quo yet pushing the others to keep moving, keep creating. When everyone is doing the same the custom guy does a 180 and heads in a new direction.
Everyone copying his bagger so he builds a low buck bobber, or maybe converts his Dyna to a scrambler. That is because life, nature, is about balance, finding equilibrium between two extremes. So whether you are the guy with the office anniversary Harley doo-rag or the guy with steam punk top hat with a old doll head breathing assembly standing the in the front row, there is a place for you in this world.
-bad Uncle Monkey
Industry Mourns ‘On Any Sunday’ Filmmaker Bruce Brown– Legendary filmmaker Bruce Brown, who produced the classic motorcycling movie “On Any Sunday,” died Sunday, Dec. 10. He was 80.
Mr. Brown’s early acclaim resulted from his groundbreaking surfing movie, “Endless Summer,” which was released in 1966. “On Any Sunday,” released in 1971, helped spur the explosive growth of motorcycling in the 1970s.
“I think many people changed their minds about motorcyclists after watching the movie,” Mr. Brown once said.
“On Any Sunday” earned Mr. Brown an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary in 1971.
–Babcox Media
Carlos Maldadnado from Staten Island, New York says:
I think what your doing is totally awesome, I’m disable and I love to ride.!!!!! I had an aneurysm in the brain and a stroke followed about 27 yrs ago. Now I’m 56 yrs old and time is not on my side.. So keep it going..RIDE HARD..!!!!!!
CMDM7A@AOL.COM
Wayfarer@Bikernet.com says:
Thank You for your kind words. Keep Riding. Best Wishes on the Festive Season and have a wonderful New Year. Let us know if we can ever help.
Best Wishes,
–UD
Most Magnificent Editor
Bikernet Trikes
BIKERNET BAD JOKE IRISH DIVISION–
Ya simply don’t mess around with an Irish police officer. He’ll outsmart you, every time!!
A London lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by an Irish cop. He thinks that he is smarter than the cop because he is a lawyer from LONDON and is certain that he has a better education then any Irish cop. He decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the Irish cop’s expense!
Irish cop says, “License and registration, please.”
London Lawyer says, “What for?”
Irish cop says, “Ye didnae come to a complete stop at the stop sign.”
London Lawyer says, “I slowed down, and no one was coming.”
Irish cop says, “Ye still didnae come to a complete stop. License and registration, please”
London Lawyer says, “What’s the difference?”
Irish cop says, “The difference is, ye huvte come to complete stop, that’s the law. License and registration, please!”
London Lawyer says, “If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I’ll give you my license and registration and you give me the ticket. If not, you let me go and don’t give me the ticket.”
Irish cop says, “Sounds fair. Exit your vehicle, sir.”
The London Lawyer exits his vehicle.
The Irish cop takes out his baton and starts beating the living shit out of the lawyer and says, “Daeye want me to stop or just slow down? “
–from Joe Smith
INDIAN SUPPORTS ABBOTT HOUSE– Recently, Abbott House partnered with Helping with Horsepower, working with 40 girls ages seven to seventeen to transform an Indian Scout and raise funds to support trauma therapy and counseling at Abbott House.
Your donation goes directly to Abbott House children to provide more trauma therapy sessions for them and it gives you a chance to win this beautiful bike.
The Transcontinental Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run is COMING IN 2018–
According to Sims, this remarkable endurance ride for pre-1929 antique motorcycles will get underway in Portland, Maine on Saturday, September 8 and will include riders from around the world. With 100 entries from 32 states and 10 countries, this extraordinary event will indeed be watched world wide as motorcyclists on all marques tackle an arduous coast-to-coast route across America.
From the lighthouses of Portland, Maine to the snowcapped mountains Portland, Oregon, the entire route will include less than 10-miles of interstate roadways. A week into travel, riders will have a day of rest, repairs, and some festivities in the motorcycling mecca of Sturgis, South Dakota on September 17.
After a total of some 3,649 miles, the ride is slated to conclude on Sunday, September 23 in Portland, Oregon.
During the MCR event, participants will ride vintage pre-1929 motorcycles such as Henderson, Indian, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Norton, Excelsior, BSA, Thor and others. Among the more remarkable marques will be a Brough Superior, an Ace and an American Single.
A 1926 Rudge is also expected to line up in Maine, as will a Reading Standard and an Ariel. This is the fifth biannual transcontinental Cannonball, and as with runs of the past, the event is a timed test of both the rider’s endurance and the roadworthiness of their respective vintage machines as they navigate America’s back roads through some of the most scenic areas of the country.
“This route is going to be a challenge, we’ve never taken such a northerly route. The terrain combined with the range in ages of the bikes is going to make for an interesting run,” Sims shared. “We’ll cover some of the best riding areas in the country. It’s going to be a difficult trip and we’ll have a lot of long days and hard riding.”
Sims said that, while he and MCR Course Master John Classen are still working out the final details, it’s clear that the second week of the event will be grueling as riders make their way along the Rockies and into the Pacific Northwest region.
Throughout the run, according to Classen, the spectacular scenery will awe participants as they pilot their time machines along several picturesque national parks, monuments and museums.
The 2018 Motorcycle Cannonball Run’s roster includes new riders from South Africa, New Zealand and England as well as returning rider Ciro Nisi from Italy, Harry Verkuil from Scotland and Juergen Ullerich from Germany.
World traveling rider personality Doug Wothke is returning, as will Cris and Pat Simmons, Victor Boocock and several other United States riders. Southern California bike builder Shinya Kimura will also be at the starting line. He is the only rider who has navigated all five runs on the same 1915 Indian motorcycle.
Each entrant has their own amazing story to tell and is anxious to tackle this year’s route through 13 states to arrive at the Grand Finish in Portland, Oregon.
Complete information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, including route details and some rider profiles, is available at www.motorcyclecannonball.com.
HANG ON FOR ANOTHER SPIRITUAL JOKE FROM THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY– A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing.
She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work.
As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.
The girl replied, ‘I’m drawing God.’
The teacher paused and said, ‘But no one knows what God looks like.’
Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, ‘They will in a minute.’
–from Rogue and Sidehack Jerry
TACO TUESDAY NOW ON SUNDAY, SUNDAY POST for December 3, 2017
Hey thanks for the fun videos.
Cameron
Spring Creek, NV
LATEST FROM BIKER’S CHOICE– NEW! J&M Rokker Series
XXR 5×7 in. Speaker
Upgrade Kit
The most powerful speaker available for your Harley® Bagger audio system.
Best $266.01 • Retail $379.99
–from Rogue
Supreme Commander
Editor
Bikernet Baggers
MRF REPORTS, RIDING FREE FROM DC–
Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway
Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.
NEWS FROM THE HILL – An Alphabet Soup of Acronyms: AVs, RPM, & RFS This Week
“We’re close”…were the words spoken to me by an unnamed staffer on Capitol Hill this week during a meeting on the autonomous vehicles legislation.
Your MRF has been doing a slew of meetings to reiterate the point that motorcycles MUST be included in any legislation as it relates to the safety of autonomous vehicles.
We’ve made headway in the Senate bill, but have more work to do in the House version. Behind the scenes there are a couple of Democratic senators that are holding up activity on the bill; Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) whose offices tell me they want more time to discuss safety, privacy and cybersecurity issues. Fair enough!
Still though, staffers are hopeful the Senate version of the bill (which includes language the MRF pushed for) will be taken up for a vote before Christmas. If so, the House and Senate will then have to reconcile the differences between their own versions. Tick-tock….
Ahead of a Thursday meeting this week between Trump and other senior officials about ethanol policy, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott formally asked for a Renewable Fuel Standard waiver from Pruitt. What does this mean? Well, it would mean that Texas would not have to comply with the ethanol blending quotas set forth by the EPA.
It begs the question – can other states do this too? “The time is ripe for EPA to grant substantive relief from the unique, adverse impacts the RFS program is having on the state of Texas,” Governor Abbott wrote in a letter. This uproar comes after the recent announcement from the EPA that they had finalized a rule that instead would hold steady the quotas on renewable fuels (like ethanol) under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) for 2018.
You’ll recall that earlier this year, the EPA proposed changes to the RFS which, for the first time, would NOT call for an increase in conventional ethanol and instead proposed to LOWER the required volume of cellulosic biofuel by 73 million gallons. HOWEVER, ethanol producers and lawmakers from corn states urged the EPA to back off its earlier proposal to trim the mandate.
Reportedly, President Trump, who ran on a platform of supporting the RFS, personally asked EPA head Scott Pruitt not to reduce the biofuels standard. So now, concerned states are looking for ways to get around the RFS requirements…hence Texas’s request for a waiver. Though temporary, it could be a potential state-led solution as Congress continues to debate over what to do over ethanol…
Holding on to the coattails of recent Senate activity, the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee passed the RPM Act without amendment earlier this week by a margin of 33-20, with affirmative votes from all of the committee Republicans and three Democrats: Schrader (OR), Loebsack (IA), and Ruiz (CA).
The Senate version of the RPM Act went through a similar exercise a couple of weeks ago. NOW that those procedural hurdles have cleared, the next step is to get leadership (that’s Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky and House Speaker Paul Ryan from Wisconsin) to bring the bills up for a vote. Look for a Call to Action from the MRF shortly after the holidays to help spur this action.
EXECUTIVE & REGULATORY UPDATES – Riders Across the Nation Flex Their Muscles on MAC
This week, in one of the worst examples of government bureaucracy to date, the first meeting of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council was convened. If you don’t know what that is then you must have missed (or ignored) the dozens of emails and Calls to Action notices that have gone out over the last 3 weeks.
The “MAC” is the ONLY official forum on a national scale for motorcyclists to have an open dialogue with the Government to discuss concerns like road and barrier design, the emergence of autonomous vehicles and other areas of the nation’s highways and infrastructure which impact motorcyclists in a unique way.
And though my 7-year-old kid realizes that you’ll have to include ACTUAL motorcycle riders representing ACTUAL on-street motorcycle associations to have this conversation, the federal government does not. Despite your MRF telling them…despite Members of Congress telling them…..despite riders across the country telling them…over and over again.
Maybe the 333rd time is the charm? During the meeting your MRF requested to deliver oral remarks and so I did. To the full Committee. And government officials. And to back up my oral argument, I also delivered a petition with over 5,200 signatories that DEMANDED additional seats be added to the MAC for STATE and NATIONAL motorcycle riders’ associations.
And while I don’t know what the outcome will be, I do know that this petition has gone to the highest levels of the Department of Transportation. And I have it on good authority that the MRF has made waves within the Department over this MAC nonsense. I’ll rest better when those waves turn into action. Until then, I am going to keep up the fight. I hope you will too.
STATE NEWS – A Win in Wisconsin
Last week, Governor Walker of Wisconsin signed a new law addressing right-of-way violations. Wisconsin Act 105 expands the list of rules of the road violations for which the State requires the offender’s attendance at a mandatory right-of-way course. It also increases penalties for right-of-way violations. As anyone who rides knows, right-of-way violations can cause catastrophic and fatal damage to motorcyclists.
Many states are working hard to make these types of violations carry hefty penalties in an effort to address the safety of motorcyclists. Congrats to ABATE of Wisconsin for making riders safer all over the Badger State. If your state is looking for a blue print on how to make headway in your own legislature on right-of-way violations, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the powers that be over at ABATE of Wisconsin.
RIDE FREE-
–Megan Ekstrom
Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Relations
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
NEW FROM LOWBROW– We started with 100, and as of a moment ago there are only 75 of these hand-cast, USA-made Lowbrow ornaments left!
Get yours free with the purchase of any gas tank or rear fender. Also, be sure to check out the Lowbrow Holiday Gift Guide for ideas, or forward the link to your lady (or your mom) so you get something you actually want this year.
To get ourselves in the holiday spirit we took a ride out to the house from the Christmas Story movie. The leg lamp looks great in the Lowbrow showroom.
–Tyler & the entire crew at Lowbrow
PS – We have extended our shipping deal through the end of the year, US orders $39.95 & up ship free!*
AUSTRALIAN CLUB NEWS– Bikers arrested for wearing ‘colors’ in South Australian hotel
Friday, 08 December 2017
Laws that prohibit people from wearing club colors in licensed venues in South Australia have been used by police to conduct raids and arrest 12 members of the Rebels motorcycle club. Police said 12 members of the club dressed in club vests or colors were among 30 Rebels seen at a Murray Mallee hotel east of Adelaide six weeks ago. They were on their way to Tasmania for a gathering involving Rebels members from across Australia.
A local police officer found them there, approached them and moved the group on. Serious and Organized Crime Branch police conducted raids across metropolitan Adelaide on Wednesday, resulting in the arrests and the seizure of 10 sets of colors and a Rebels T-shirt.
Amendments to South Australia’s Liquor Licensing Act in 2015 made it an offence to wear anything associated with declared criminal organizations in licensed venues. It can incur a maximum penalty of $25,000 for a first offence, $50,000 or six months’ imprisonment for a second offence, or 18 months’ imprisonment for third or subsequent offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Fitzgerald said violence in licensed premises had reduced in SA since the amendments were made. “Since the introduction of tough new laws in 2015, it has made it illegal for them to wear their gang paraphernalia in our pubs, clubs and restaurants and made people in South Australia feel safe,” he said. “They know the laws and we made a point of reminding them before they left to travel to Tasmania.”
The 12 men were charged with entering and remaining in a licensed premises while wearing a prohibited item and were bailed to appear in the Murray Bridge Magistrates Court at a later date.
JOIN US THIS SATURDAY 10 AM CDT…
Sure to be an entertaining, educational good time.
1590 AM WCGO- http://1590wcgo.com/
FB LIVE: facebook.com/open-road-radio
Twitchtv.com/The Open Road channel…
so many people/topics in the Motorcycle Industry to discuss/feature Plz leave a reply of who/what you’d like to see featured on upcoming shows…THX!
–Gina Woods
Queen of the Open Road Radio Show
HAPPY HOLIDAYS— I mean it and so does La La, Ben, Rogue, Paul, Bob T., Wayfarer (in India), Sam Burns, Barry, Mike and Vickie Pullen, Markus Cuff, Peter Linney, Jeremiah, Tileman James, Bernard, Derrel, Micheal Lichter, and the whole crew.
We have more wild content headed your way daily. We are planning wild shit for 2018, and we will never stop building or riding free.
All the best for the holidays,
–Bandit
