Hey,

I got to thinking the other day. Bikernet and being a member of Bandit’s Cantina makes you a member of a radical, freedom fighter group. I’ve often been pointed at by other agencies as a notorious helmet law fighter, a freedom fighter, a gun owner and supporter, a veteran, and a climate denier. Of course, there's also the girls and whiskey! 



That puts you in an elite group of people who don’t believe in doomsday because your wife drives an SUV. It places you squarely with folks who don’t want to torture the entire population with laws that might save one life or kill another. It puts you in a group who believes in the freedom to build whatever you want, to take risks with your life, to protect yourself and your family and to ride with the wind. Sounds good to me. 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 the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.






AMERICAN BIKER OF CHARLOTTE-- Come on in and visit us for bragging rights to an exclusive Limited Edition Indian Motorcycle T-shirt.

While supplies last. Bring a motorcycle t-shirt to swap out with this new one.
All traded t-shirts will be donated to a charity of our choice.





BIKERNET Facebook Page Wildfire Fuell of Buell
- Wayfarer chews the heated popcorn for you

Erik Buell's new venture, an electric motorcycle branded "Fuell" was our top trending story on Bikernet Facebook Page and Bikernet Blog.

https://www.facebook.com/bikernetbiker

https://blog.bikernet.com/erik-buell-launches-electric-motorcycle-brand/

On Facebook over 10,000+ users viewed it with 700+ engagements including clicks, likes, sharing, comments and more - all within just 24 hours of posting the story to Facebook. The new electric bike by Erik Buell is catching on like wild-fire with haters and admirers both sharing, commenting and reading it on - Facebook Page and Bikernet Blog.



Traditional motorcycle business success of Erik Buell suggests he is being taken seriously when he has turned ELECTRIC. Lot of Wall Street and Silicon Valley investors throwing money at electric vehicles.

Fuell is a 125cc equivalent promising 125 miles per charge with top speed of 20mph to 28mph. It is expected to retail at MSRP $10,995.

Facebook users branded it a lowly commuter vehicle suitable to compete in European markets with the Vespa and other mopeds in the Eastern hemisphere.

While a few Facebook users are glad Erik Buell is back in motorcycle business, others rightly comment that he was never good at aesthetics and makes ugly vehicles.

The brand name "Fuell" for an "electric" bike that has top speed of 20mph itself is subject to much ridicule in social media.



Facebook users commented that Erik Buell's Fuell will kill the overpriced Harley-Davidson LiveWire costing more than $30,000. Harley's electric effort just like their petrol engine is a premium segment motorcycling business - not catering to the masses who just want to reach office during rush hour everyday. Although, Harley-Davidson is aspiring to capture the masses with its Street 750 and then further with Street 500 - especially in the damned Eastern Hemisphere.

Erik Buell's Fuell is more likely to replace mopeds and scooters and those who can't afford the true leaders of electric motorcycles such as ZERO Motorcycles which have ruled the technolgy and racing since it was started in 2006 by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, in Santa Cruz, California, USA.

In 2012, Brandon Miller set a Bonneville Land Speed Record on a Zero S ZF6 model. He achieved an average speed of 101.652 mph over a one-mile course. This beat the previous record for modified production motorcycles weighing less than 150 kilograms by over 23 mph.



SO THIS IS FOR REAL - not just social-media bickering. You are going to see more electric motorcycles fighting it out on Bonneville Salt Flats. Maybe electric Flat Track Racing is next.

Pretty bikes or not, Erik Buell has launched Fuell bikes and intends to build his unique line of electric bikes for the millennials who apparently killed the motorcycle industry.

Japanese bike manufacturers are seemingly very silent in the media on this electric Silcion Valley boom. European companies are very much into the electric tech especially on four-wheeled vehicles. California of course where the AI and the angel investors merge into the silicon god of greed - is the vortex where zero emission madness is driving normal regular folks out of business under the futuristic dream forced down everyone's throats without due diligence or freedom of choice.

Of course, clean air is important but then it is already achievable with petrol engines of today. Batteries and microchips on a billion mobile phones are itself destroying most of the planet - imagine the billion batteries on these electric cars and motorcycles - and the use and throw policy of the modern manufacturers of computers and mobile phones applicable on all on-road vehicles.

Keep it simple, we are still driving on Earth not intergalactic space. Simplicity is the Soul of all engineering and management. Automation is required for some, for others - it is a hindrance, an obstacle.

We build, weld and customize. We restore and re-use and swap parts. We are not crazy. We care. We are Bikers.

Love from the gray mountain,
--Ujjwal Dey
Bureau News Chief
Bikernet News Desk India
wayfarer@bikernet.com




GOTH GIRL PASSES—We are sad to report the distant and dark Goth girl has passed into the ether where all creative thoughts are free and life will begin again.



She and Kristina were goofing around, man that young lady could play the piano! Still haven’t figured out what happened?--RFR


We will miss her.

--Bandit
Photos courtesy of RFR




BUFFALO MOTORAMA The Largest Indoor Custom Car and Bike Show this side of New York--March 29-31, 2019 - Buffalo Convention Center

Just over 3 weeks until the 2019 Buffalo Motorama - March 29-31, 2019

On March 29-31, 2019 the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo New York will host the BIGGEST and BEST indoor custom car and bike show this side of New York.
2019 Marks our 9th 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 716-222-2590 for more information




"CODE YELLOW!"--The Nordschleife „YELLOW ALERT!“ 24-hour watch

„Code Yellow!“ This is the motto of the new Nordschleife „YELLOW ALERT!“ wrist watch with 24-hour face.

The matte black timepiece made in Germany captivates with its sporty design and bright yellow watch face. What is more: Contrary to a conventional watch, the black numerals don’t just show 12, but all 24 hours in the day!

This also makes the Nordschleife® „YELLOW ALERT!“ 24-hour watch the perfect companion for the annual 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. The black Nordschleife® 1927 Logo commemorates the inauguration of the legendary roller coaster circuit in the Eifel.

The new timepiece is an eye-catcher par excellence and thanks to its 24-hour movement offers lots of food for discussion. While the sweep of the minute hand is identical to that of a conventional watch, the hour hand’s familiar positions indicate different hours of the day. For example, the position of the hands that would indicate 9am on a standard watch would reveal that it is precisely 6pm on the Nordschleife® „YELLOW ALERT!“ 24-hour watch.

A Swiss movement ensures the watch keeps time with quartz precision. It is housed in a robust, electronically blackened XL-sized stainless-steel case with a diameter of 43 millimeters and black leather strap.

The Nordschleife® „YELLOW ALERT!“ 24-hour wristwatch sells for 129 euro exclusively at www.nordschleife.us.




HANG ON! California lawmakers considering cryptocurrency alternatives to “Duffel bags and suitcases full of cash” flooding tax offices

 

A bill introduced by California lawmakers a little more than a week ago proposes that the state investigate cryptocurrency as a means of collecting taxes from the state’s booming, legal cannabis industry.

The bill, known as AB-953, was introduced just days after California State Treasurer, Fiona Ma, testified before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services that her state’s tax collection agencies were being forced to deal with “duffel bags” and “suitcases” full of cash being dropped off at their offices from cannabis-related business owners.

Ma testified (PDF) that “Duffel bags and sometimes suitcases of cash would arrive quarterly,” from cannabis business owners, noting that she participated in educational tours in Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties, also known as the Emerald Triangle - where legal outdoor harvest can generate nearly half a billion dollars annually in revenue. In her testimony, Ma noted that some business owners “had to drive up to 350 miles” with massive quantities of cash in order to pay their taxes.

The situation is brought on by the fact that California state law, like other states that have legalized medicinal or recreational use of cannabis, is in conflict with federal law, which bans its cultivation and sale. And because, as Ma noted in her testimony, “federally regulated banks and financial institutions risk severe penalties if they inadvertently aid and abet - no matter how remotely - activities the federal government deems illegal,” cannabis-related businesses lack access to mainstream financial and banking services.



AB-953, introduced to the California legislature by Assembly members Ting and McCarty, looks to cut down or eliminate the need for California’s legal cannabis growers, dispensaries, and other related businesses to stockpile and transport these massive amounts of currency to state tax authorities by allowing these business to pay their taxes and other compliance obligations in cryptocurrency that would be authorized by the state. Califronia has not collected as much as they should have -- precisely as a result of the fact that it is all in cash and untraceable.

Jay Lindberg, founder of the cannabis-focused blockchain startup Cangea, believes his company’s cryptocurrency, known as CNG, along with the company’s cannabis-focused financial, supply chain, and compliance solution known as CanPass™ is the solution to California’s cannabis cash problem and says he and his company will be vying for California lawmakers’ attention as the bill makes its way through the legislature. “We have precisely the solution that lawmakers are looking for in AB-953, and we’re hoping for the opportunity to share our offering and expertise as lawmakers debate this important bill,” Lindberg says.

Lindberg also believes that his solution would enable CA sales tax collection to happen in real-time -- during the precise time of sale. This could also facilitate both automation of sales-tax compliance and transparency between business and government.

Mr. Lindberg is also accepting opportunities to speak with the media about this important topic. Potential topics include how large sums of cash as they currently exist in the cannabis industry pose a potential risk to public safety and potentially jeopardize the integrity of the financial system; why traditional financial institutions are unable to serve the needs of the cannabis industry; the challenges posed to businesses forced to operate completely in cash; why lawmakers are finally considering cryptocurrency to solve the state’s cannabis cash problem; and how such a move could reinforce the state’s legal cannabis industry’s sovereignty from federal law through the use of its own currency on the Cangea and CanPass platform.

We’re doing interviews on a first-come, first-serve basis, and we’d like to get you connected with Mr. Lindberg as soon as it makes sense. Is there a time yet this week that would work?

--Darren Shuster
Media Representative
Cangea
818-745-6508




MONSTER ENERGY Pro Circuit Kawasaki Determined To Keep Streak Alive in Daytona

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner and Martin Davalos head to Daytona International Speedway this weekend for a round unlike any other on the supercross circuit. Inside the famed superspeedway, Forkner looks to collect a fourth win on the season, while Davalos has his sights set on keeping his top-10 streak alive. In total, the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders have led 149 of 195 laps (76%) this season, claiming seven out of nine wins.


After a third-place finish at the east/west showdown, Forkner is eager to get back to the top step of the podium. He’s led 91 out of 101 total laps and is focused on improving that percentage in Daytona. The mix of supercross and motocross styles on the Daytona track will favor Forkner who’s also had success outdoors during his young professional career. Last year, Forkner adapted well to the track, finishing third.

“I enjoyed mixing up the track style at Daytona last year,” said Forkner. “We’ve had a lot of different things thrown into the season with a Triple Crown, a showdown and now we get to go outside to a different style track. It would be nice to keep up the streak for the team.”


Davalos has now earned three-straight top 10 finishes and isn’t looking to stop anytime soon. Last year, Davalos enjoyed a fifth-place ride inside Daytona International Speedway. Now that he’s back to 100 percent he’s hoping to make it another solid finish in 2019.

“I always like going to Daytona and getting a little feel for the outdoors,” said Davalos. “It’s also close enough to home that I sometimes have that boost of seeing people that I know come out. I feel like I’ve been riding good but know I can do much better than my results show. I hope that changes this weekend.”


The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki riders will be signing autographs on Friday, March 8 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Kawasaki Display in the vendor area of Daytona International Speedway.

Saturday’s race from Daytona International Speedway will be broadcast live on NBC Sports starting on Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET.





BENNETT’S PERFORMANCE TAKES HOME A CHICAGO WIN-- Custom Harley-Davidson winner Eric Bennet of Bennett’s Performance Inc. took home $2,000 and prizes with a 1977 Harley-Davidson frame. The water-cooled engine was the front engine out of the Jammer Streamliner that set the AMA record at 276.376 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in October 1978.







DAYTONA BIKE WEEK ALERT--Motorcycle Profiling is Official Daytona PD Policy

 

Video footage obtained by the MPP from the North Florida Council of Clubs confirms that motorcycle profiling is not only widespread in Daytona Beach, but it is also o?cial law enforcement policy.

In the words of Daytona PD Chief Craig Capri, “If you wear your colors [in Daytona Beach], you’re going to get stopped.” This o?cial policy is unconstitutional and exposes the entire Daytona PD to civil liability. This video evidence also justifies a cost-free legislative solution in the form of a simple prohibition against motorcycle profiling combined with relief for victims.



Chief Capri’s Statement Proves Unconstitutional Practices Are Policy

Without any other evidence, Chief Capri’s Statement alone proves that the Daytona PD profiles motorcycle club members as a matter of policy. This o?cial policy irrefutably violates the 1st, 4th, and 14th Amendments to the US Constitution.

Federal courts have confirmed that motorcycle club colors are protected by the 1st Amendment. To punish an individual through seizure in the form of a profiling stop anyone “who wears the insignia of [a 1% motorcycle club], without regard to or knowledge of that individual’s specific intent to engage in the alleged violent activities committed by other members, is antithetical to the basic principles enshrined in the First Amendment and repugnant to the fundamental doctrine of personal guilt that is a hallmark of American jurisprudence. see Coles v. Carlini 162 F.Supp.3d 380 (2015).

Chief Capri’s statement also violates the 14th Amendment because it represents Selective Enforcement of the law. Capri’s statement proves that the strategy to use tra?c stops as a way to punish those exercising their rights of expression and association is premeditated and selective. In terms of the 4th Amendment, any minor tra?c pretext used to stop a club member in Daytona Beach should be presumed invalid.



Exposure To Civil Liability

Motorcycle profiling as a matter of policy implicates the entire Daytona PD at an organizational level. Independent of individual o?cers and incidents, each profiling stop exposes the Daytona PD as an entity to civil liability. Chief Capri is the highest authority at the Daytona PD and clearly articulates a policy of discrimination and Selective Enforcement. 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 provides:

“Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or Territory or the District of Columbia, subjects, or causes to be subjected, any citizen of the United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the Constitution and laws, shall be liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress.“



An Epidemic in Florida

The National Motorcycle Profiling Survey validates Florida’s profiling epidemic. The 2018 NMPS lists Florida as one of the top motorcycle profiling concerns in America. According to the 2018 NMPS, 65% of Florida survey participants reported being the victims of motorcycle profiling at least once since 2012. These survey statistics are 99% reliable with less than a 2% margin of error. (See NMPS Executive Summary 2018).

Despite promises, Daytona PD has failed to address motorcycle profiling

There is a long history and pattern of evidence establishing that motorcycle profiling is engrained in the Daytona Beach PD. And the Daytona PD has made empty promises when caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

While attending the 2017 Biketoberfest rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, members of the Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club (IHMC) were the target of blatant profiling and discrimination at the hands of the Daytona Beach PD. The incident, caught on videotape as a result of quick thinking, is irrefutable. The impact on civil liberties motivated the combined e?orts of the North Florida Council of Clubs, the National Council of Clubs, and the Motorcycle Profiling Project to immediately respond with a formal complaint and public record requests. These inquiries, based on the video, sparked an investigation into the actions of the o?cers involved and a review of Daytona PD policies regarding motorcycle clubs, said a source inside of Chief Craig Capri’s o?ce. As a result of the State Attorney’s inquiry, a curriculum was supposed to be constructed and all Daytona PD o?cers were to be re- trained relating to motorcycle profiling.

Unfortunately, almost 2 years later, motorcycle profiling is alive and well in Daytona Beach. As articulated, motorcycle profiling is still o?cial policy.

A Legislative Solution

Motorcycle profiling is a legitimate national policy discussion. In December, the US Senate unanimously approved S.Res.154 which directs all states to follow the lead of Washington State and Maryland by legislatively addressing and condemning the practice of motorcycle profiling. A prohibition combined with injunctive and actual relief for victims is a simple solution with no fiscal impact. A legislative prohibition would immediately increase exposure to the issue therefore reducing incidents of profiling.

--Motorcycle Profiling Project

 

BILLY LANE PREPS FOR SONS OF SPEED RACES—The shop is bustling with activity. Wrenches are flying and parts are surfacing to make the event the best ever.









--photos from Barry Wardlaw
Mechanic on the spot
Choppers Inc.
Sons of Speed
Accurate Engineering