Hey,

Michael Smith posted this on facebook yesterday:

When I served in the Army, my life was in the hands of black, brown, red, yellow and white toned people. We were friends, we were combatants, we were Soldiers, and we had each others’ 6 when the hammer slammed the anvil. We trained, we sweated, and we bled together. We came together from all parts of the country; we came together from all religions. We were a society unto ourselves.

We worked as a team, a well oiled machine. We fought for our brothers through thick and thin. We protected each other, that was what we did. The only color we saw was Army Green.....


RACISM IS NEVER OK and should never be tolerated. Looting is Never OK and should never be tolerated!

I’m hoping law enforcement will find out who is causing the looting and violence and bring them all to justice. I have a feeling, but let’s see what they discover. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy. Let’s hit the news.


The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.






2020 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Postponed, New Date To Be Determined
Annual celebration of America's motorcycling heritage benefits the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Mid-Ohio), working closely with state and local health authorities, are postponing AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, scheduled for July 10-12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, in accordance with the state's "Responsible RestartOhio" guidelines for holding public events amid the coronavirus pandemic. New dates for the event later in 2020 have not been finalized.

"Unfortunately, event restrictions in place under order of the Ohio Department of Health prohibit many traditional elements of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days that our competitors and fans have come to enjoy," said AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter. "The social interaction and camaraderie are an integral component that we love about this event. The multi-day swap meet, the camping, in-field activities, the crowds, not to mention the organic fun of the event, are impossible in light of the current situation."

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course President Craig Rust added: "We are disappointed, but this is the right decision. Mid-Ohio will continue to work closely with the AMA, as well as our state and local health officials, to monitor the ongoing coronavirus situation and identify when AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be rescheduled for 2020. We ask for everyone's patience, and we will announce a new date as soon as possible."



Previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date.

Established in 1990 and held at Mid-Ohio for the past 24 years, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is hailed as an annual celebration of America's motorcycling heritage, welcoming thousands of enthusiasts and hundreds of vendors for bike shows, racing, seminars, the country's largest motorcycle swap meet and more.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. For the latest news about the event, visit www.vintagemotorcycledays.com or www.facebook.com/AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, tells the stories and preserves the history of motorcycling's legends and heroes. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/.






2020 POWERSPORTS SALES are Up --

Year-to-date powersports sales are better than they were in the past three years.

In last week's opening webinar for the MIC Symposium Series, MIC President and CEO Erik Pritchard showcased a chart with combined new-unit retail sales for powersports vehicles among most of the leading brands, plotting the first four months of each year from 2016 to 2020.

"In the first four months of 2020, it's the second-best performance only to 2016, in the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of really high unemployment," Pritchard said. "And so, if you feel like your company's been having a good, sort of surprising first four months, you're not alone. If your dealership has had a surprisingly good four months, you're not alone."

--MIC





VA EXPANDS SERVICES in Phases--VA medical facilities are expanding services to Veterans in phases, while continuing safety measures such as screenings, face coverings, and distancing. In VA's Moving Forward Together plan, full services may not be immediately available, but Veterans' clinical needs will be taken into account. Virtual care options are also available for your convenience.

--VA





NEW DUFFEL ON THE MARKET--
My name is Jack and I'm with Watershed Drybags (https://www.drybags.com/). I'm reaching out to introduce you to one of our duffels that will take your preparedness to the next level and is one of the trustiest options out there for any tour or travel.


Our Yukon Duffel (https://www.drybags.com/product/yukon/) is a 100% submersible waterproof drybag used and trusted by the Navy SEALS. It's specs and materials feature Radio-Frequency welded seams (instead of traditionally stitched or glued seams), completely ensuring that no leaks or punctures are possible whatsoever.




Another major feature is the Zip-Dry closure system, which makes our gear an absolute hit with the SEALS. Ditch those finicky zippers that are prone to splitting and breaking, costing an unnecessary trip to the repair shop. Watershed Zip-Dry closure locks shut like a freezer bag with airtight and watertight strength that can withstand up to 300 feet of underwater pressure! This is the bag you want to keep all your belongings safe and dry, and it's spacious enough to fit all your touring essentials.




--Jack Carballo







U.S. House of Representatives Introduces Highway Reauthorization Legislation--

Washington, D.C. — Today the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released its Highway Reauthorization bill titled, “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act.’’

The 864-page bill outlines the priorities of the Democratic majority in the House, focusing on everything from carbon emissions to road safety programs. The draft bill would authorize $319 billion for highways, $105 billion for transit, $5 billion for highway safety, $5 billion for motor carrier safety, and $60 billion for rail.

We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are currently reviewing the text and changes to the current statute that would follow if this bill becomes law. The MRF is committed to protecting the rights of motorcyclists in any federal transportation legislation.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) focuses on a few key areas such as the protection of motorcyclists from law enforcement profiling, ensuring that motorcycle safety funds sent to states remain available, the continuation of a Federal Motorcyclist Advisory Council, protection of motorcycles during the deployment of autonomous vehicles, and a continued ban on lobbying by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can read our entire 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Priorities here.

A preliminary review of this bill indicates that some of these areas are addressed in the House bill. Where our priorities are not addressed, we will seek inclusion during the mark up of the bill through the amendment process. We will also continue to advocate that our priorities are included in any Senate transportation bill.

Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, President of the MRF, stated: “While I am pleased that Congress is beginning the process of a Highway Reauthorization bill, I am troubled by the fact this bill was written solely by one party. We, as motorcyclists, do not believe that the safety of riders is a partisan issue. We will continue to educate lawmakers about our priorities and will remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms and safety.”


For more information about the INVEST in America Act, you can click here.



Interesting: Any infrastructure bill should be wrapped around the goal to provide new, improved and additional infrastructure for a growing population. This effort is already 30 years behind schedule.--Bandit






QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY—No Mask, No Service…

MERGERS FOR 2020



For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks. Watch for these consolidations in 2020:

1. Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush Company and W. R. Grace Co. will merge and become: Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.



2. Polygram Records, Warner Bros. and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.



3. 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.



4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa.




5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP.



6. Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.



7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants.



8. Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!

--from Sam Burns
Certified Official Librarian
Bad Joke Library
Bandit’s Cantina™







BRAND NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT--HOUSTON BIKE NIGHT SANS THE REDHEAD



https://www.bikernet.com/pages/HOUSTON_BIKE_NIGHT_SANS_THE_REDHEAD.aspx


Great article! Good to see events like these coming to life. Here in Charlotte, absolutely nothing goes on as far as bikes are concerned. Very sad, it used to be a motorcycle city. I may move, in about 18 months? Later!



--Stealth
Charlotte, NC





5-BALL RACING HISTORY--A little bit of history from the man himself for your News day.

Here’s an original acrylic painting of our first 5-Ball Racing logo. It’s sorta taken from the 13 Palms Chop N Grind racing team. They came up with something similar, but then stopped using it. I asked them it they would mind if I did a version of it for 5-Ball. They made me a deal for the fin of a ’59 Cadillac, a fifth of whiskey and a vial of southern crude. Chris Kallas and I went to work on our version of the 5-Ball Racing Logo. He’s a quiet master and now lives in Sedona. He still rides a restored ’65 Panhead, I believe.
--Bandit

--from Buster Cates
Social Media Manager
Bikernet.com™







Twin Power Introduces Drive Chain

Fort Worth TX – June 4, 2020 - Twin Power, known for its high-quality parts and accessories designed for the American V-Twin enthusiast, is proud to introduce drive chain to its product line.

"We’re excited to add drive chain to the Twin Power line. With today’s emphasis on performance, our 530 Severe-Duty Z- Ring chain fits the bill,” said James Simonelli, brand manager for Twin Power. “It is perfectly suited for hot rod usage with highly modified engines. For stock replacement on classic V-Twins, we offer our 530 Heavy-Duty Solid Roller chain. Both chains are offered in 120 link cut -to- fit lengths and cover a wide range of applications. making them easy for a dealer to stock. The price point offers great value."

The 530 Severe-Duty Z-Ring chain provides the ultimate strength for performance applications, with a tensile strength of 11,200 lbs. High-strength alloy steel, seamless bushings and rollers and over-sized four-point riveted pins ensure higher strength and increased breaking resistance. High-quality seal rings protect the internal components and provide a lower rolling resistance than O or X- rings, while special factory injected grease offers protection against stretch. The attractive gold finish compliments any ride and a rivet style master link is included. Retail price is $179.95 (P/N 435236)

The 530 Heavy-Duty Solid Roller chain is the perfect replacement for classic V-Twins, with a tensile strength of 7700 lbs. High-strength alloy steel, seamless bushings and rollers and over-sized four-point riveted pins ensure long life and high strength. A natural finish and clip style master link provide and O.E.M. look and easy installation. Retail price is $39.95 (P/N 435235)

Twin Power products are distributed exclusively in the United States by Tucker Powersports. See your local Tucker V-Twin dealer for more info about Twin Power products.








AMCA NEWS-- Remember when practicing safe sex was the new thing. Today, its practicing social distancing. Many chapters have started venturing out while adhering to their current restrictions.

This was the first gathering of the Comstock Chapter at The Hub Coffee Roasters in Reno, NV. County guidelines, in early May, required no more than ten people in small gathering.

These baby steps have now scene all 50 states ease restrictions including restaurants and now for the first time in two months we can have sit down meals that do not include a car at our favorite establishments.

As the summer is finally setting in on what seem to be a very long winter, we all anticipate returning back to an adjusted lifestyle but one that includes riding and hanging our with our friends.


Rod Serling Twilight Zone moment here. Imagine if you will, a place in the universe where the value of an old motorcycle is the reverse of its displacement. We all know the kind of cash Knuckle Heads and Chiefs can generate. I was shocked, shocked I say (clutching pearls) to see some of these eye watering prices associated with the small displacement bikes. Once relegated to the back 40 after a lifetime of serious
thrashing and abuse of high schoolers, they are getting serious attention and likewise, serious cash.

Case in point,

Exhibit #1 - A humble 1968 Honda CL90 has been refined and cared for by its current series of owners is at auction cresting $5,000.00 with another 6 hours to close. See - 1968 Honda CL90

Exhibit #2 This 1966 Suzuki B105P Bearcat 120. A modest bike with a lot to be modest about is a high bid of $2,500.00 with a like 6 hours to close. At - 1966 Suzuki B105P Bearcat 120

Exhibit #3 - 1971 Honda CT70H 4 speed. Desirable and pimped out you might offer and you are correct. How about separating with $4,570.00 with 5 hours to auction close? Visit - 1971 Honda CT70H

My premise is - we are in that parallel universe, Planet C if you will, where the little ones are getting popular again and are worth your attention. Many of you already have those bikes as you have fessed up already but most are not operational. This is the time to move the cardboard boxes and old woodworking equipment out of the way and drag that tiny two-wheeler out into the light of day. To date, we have counted 26 of the diminutive two wheelers in the club.

Unfortunately, only about a half dozen have transferred to main event - running status. And that number is an assumptive conclusion that includes “ran when parked” and “it usually can be started”. Veterans of the cold storage wars.

This is where Rod Sterling would encourage you to pour a pan full of EvapoRust, clutch that WD40 shooter and start twisting wrenches.

Queue the creepy music. Fade to black. Roll the credits. Bring up the house lights.

--George Canavan
2020 President Comstock Chapter AMCA




Special Note to those interested in participating on the Yellowstone Road Run: Greetings from Billings, Montana. As of right now we are optimistic that we will be proceeding with our Yellowstone Chapter “Ride the Big Sky” Road Run in July.



Our deadline to make the final decision is June 15. Montana is in Phase 2 of reopening the state, so there may still be social distancing restrictions that we have to address. Or all restrictions could be lifted by then. Registration for the run closed on June 1st.



We anticipate there could be a few openings as we get closer to the date. If you are still interested in registering we would be happy to add your name to a waiting list and register you as openings become available. Please contact Ed or Beth Heiliger at heiliger@bresnan.net or Beth at 406-698-3011.






NEW BARS FROM HARDTAILCHOPPERS.COM--Got some new bars I just started making . 1” Nite Crawlers . Chrome or powdercoat. With or without dimples .



Made to order 2-week turnaround . Pictured bars have 12-degree pullback. I also make them with a 20-degree pullback. Length of these are 28-inch total.

Customer can choose all dimensions. DOM tubing .120 wall thickness. Any questions, call 360-750-6780 or hit my website www.hardtailchoppers.com



List price $300 Each plus $25 shipping in USA

Hope you can find a corner of the news for my new bars.



Oh yeah, also offered in a 5-piece do it yourself kit. Cut tubes to your specs $145 shipped In USA for a kit .

-- John Grant
www.hardtailchoppers.com








QUOTE OF THE WEEK-- When I found out my toaster wasn't water-proof I was shocked.

--Sam Burns




LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK-- 2016 Harley-Davidson® FLSTN - Softail® Deluxe for $15,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8530482

2016 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe FLSTN

This bike has ONLY 14,779 miles!!!

There may not be another more classically styled motorcycle from The Motor Company than the 2016 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe. And it is truly an wonderful motorcycle to ride. One thing’s for sure about the FLSTN Softail Deluxe: It isn’t subtle.

Chromed and polished parts abound on this boulevard bomber, and when you factor in the wide whitewall tires and paint job, you roll up on nothing short of an eye-catching custom cruiser. This bike’s styling hits you like a jackhammer. Indeed, this bike will never go unnoticed when pulling into parking lots or gas stations. Eyes stared, curious minds inquired, and wannabe Harley riders cast coveting glances at the red FLSTN. The Softail Deluxe is that kind of bike.



ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Mysterious Red Sunglo/Velocity Red Sunglo with Medium Red and Pale Gold pinstripe looks like new! Chrome console with a black face. Chrome bars with 4" curved riser, mirrors, polished levers, Nacelle, daymaker headlamp and passing lamps, blinkers, all with thick visors. Chrome fork shroud, polished lower legs, on laced chrome rims with chrome hub and whitewall tires.

Chrome 2:2 exhaust with fishtails and ABS anti lock braking system. Wide solo seat with pillion, passenger handles, floorboards, big H-D metal brake pedal, extended kickstand, and luggage rack. Stretched hard side bags. Black motor with chrome engine covers including black accent 103 air cover, cam with black accent 'Twin Cam' logo, trans cover with 'six speed', and '103' derby cover.

Chrome chain guard, fender supports, horn cover, vivid black swing arm, black drive sprocket with polished rim, and a hi-reflective tombstone taillight. Whitewalls are almost new and crying for miles, very sweet Deluxe with a great price and low miles!!!

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100-point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!



EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

**Open 7 Days a Week**

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!