Weekly News

Hey, I often say we’re living is strange times. They are actually super-strange. It started with Helmet Laws in the ‘70s. The government just couldn’t allow freedom so Joan Claybrook came up with the Public Burden Theory. Accidents cost the public, quick pass a law. Some brothers still won’t go for the pay for insurance […]

Hey, The news is packed with motorcycle action and amazing thought-provoking info. You would think I’d scramble out of bed and grab a cup of Joe only to find two news items, but it never happens. I collect news items starting Sunday afternoon, immediately after the Bandit’s Cantina Sunday Post. And before I know it

Hey, I drug my ass to a Wilmington Neighborhood council community meeting last night to support our Waterfront effort. A buddy of mine is pushing hard for a better waterfront for this community on the Port of Los Angeles. The Port fucked up in a couple of ways. And the people of Wilmington should have

Hey, That’s one of the always interesting aspects of life, it’s never dormant, but constantly changing. Hell, new parts are changing, the industry changes, technology changes and the Climate is changing naturally, constantly, whether we like it or not. Hang on for the news:   The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies

Hey, This is not funny. I attended a California Air Resources Board meeting regarding new rule making for motorcycles. (I attended one of these meetings a few years ago.) Every manufacturer of motorcycles was there including Triump sitting beside me and Kawasaki and Honda behind me. At the last meeting I attended, CARB guys dictated

Hey, This news may seem a bit confusing. Folks are constantly asking why magazines are failing. You can help me with this question. Is it that we are bombarded daily with social media, internet and phone stuff to an extreme point? We don’t have time to really read an article or a book?  Maybe there’s

Hey, If you get a chance, read my Daytona Report. It basically says our industry is alive and well. It actually goes beyond that. Our industry is bigger and better than ever, it’s just expanding like crazy and we need to adjust. Daytona was an eye-opener for me and the numbers were reportedly slightly down,

Hey, On the flight back I caught a cold. I thought I had it under control until Tuesday night. It kicked my ass… I couldn’t sleep. Wednesday was supposed to be devoted to writing the Indian Roadmaster review and Daytona Bike Week, but I was down for the count. Small bursts of energy were used

Hey, We are facing interesting times. There’s more motorcycle fun on the horizon than ever before, more events and more racing, Hell it’s even cleaner, and more family oriented. On the other hand we are constantly challenged. Magazines and newspapers are struggling. Now web sites are struggling with increased competition and social media. Shit, I

Hey, Exciting times at Bikernet. Daytona Bike Week is just around the corner. It’s the 40th Anniversary of the Hamsters, now with about 300 members worldwide, some 60 critters are headed to Daytona where it all started. We started an Instagram campaign this week with my Son Frank, and Grandson Frankie and went from 100

Hey, Life is amazing and changing constantly. Motorcycling is struggling but it won’t struggle for long. There are new TV shows, internet shows and movies in the wing. Just what we need. You’ll see in this report how the climate debate is changing. But there’s something we need to get a handle on, regulation. We

Hey, Bandit is still out of the country. Literally on the other side of the world soaking in their summer weather. I am not sure about you but I have been working my ass off, I always try to be that way. I try to squeeze every bit of work, love, freedom, joy and fun

Hey, Hot action everywhere. Robert Pandya should add events to his study list. There are more events on the Calendar for 2018 than ever before. The David Mann Chopperfest in Ventura, California on Super Bowl Sunday was bigger than ever. Easyriders Columbus finals are coming up. Builders recently flew to Japan for Mooneyes. The Colorado

Hey, This will be a week of reflection and panic over Harley’s Quarterly Report, the Kansas Plant shutdown and the State of the Union Speech. Two things at play here. One is the nature of our media now, since everything is in real-time and negativity seems to be the order of the day. So, most

Hey, I told you life was nuts. I watched a senate hearing last night on C-span about regulation and autonomous vehicles. What an oxymoron. These guys were complaining about regulation ahead of technology, which is sort of impossible. How can you regulate something that hasn’t been developed? They’ll find a way. So, they want to

Hey, It’s the middle of January in a new year. This is the time to center on our goals for this year and make a move. There’s so much discussion going around about our industry, but much of the problem goes way beyond it. Did you know that Al Gore’s films has been aired in

  Hey, This is a year to think out of the box. I just watched a George Clooney movie, “Michael Clayton,” which I enjoyed tremendously. So many movies follow the same story line, like Bright. I’m losing interest. The bad guy kills everyone but the good guy throughout the movie. He’s cunning and ruthless and

Hey, This happens every year. I start with a pared down goals short list for the next year, like I’m going to kick back and ride more. Then shit starts to pile up or float to the surface. Opportunities arise and doors open. For instance, one of my mom’s best friends, Nancy Davis, told me

Hey, Tomorrow is Christmas a wonderful celebration. But I’m excited about next year. We need roll back onto the salt. I need to find a trailer. I need to haul ass back to Paughco and pick up the Salt Torpedo. I need to rework the shop to make room for the 5-Ball streamlined trike. I’m

Hey, I want to wish everyone a very merry Xmas. Like so many businesses in our industry, our budgets have been cut and we weren’t able to send out as many cards to our contributors as we did in the past. Nevertheless our thoughts are with you and we appreciate all of you and all

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

Hey,   Bandit is still in Cuba. I am here with the rest of the Bikernet crew holding down Bikernet Headquarters. Making sure this machine stays well oiled and is going strong upon his return. I thought I’d speak to Bandit for a moment in the language he has become accustomed (Cuban colloquialisms and Spanish)

Hey, The holiday spirit is high this year. We were hit with pre-Thanksgiving deals, Black Friday offers, Cyber Monday attractions and all-new giving Tuesday specials. Wow! According to the Wall Street Journal retail sales over the Thanksgiving weekend weren’t bad, although most stores curbed their orders this year. Actually they don’t know. They’re just guessing…

  Hey, In this harried world this is the week to give thanks and to think about your year and those who have helped out. I piss and moan about the government and regulations, and I contend they don’t get the mantra, Freedom. But on the other hand America is wonderful, full of resources, friends,