Hey,

I’ve been answering my letters with, “All the Best for Our Roaring ‘20s.” It’s sorta hitting home as a mantra for the future.

Think about what the 1920s represented. It was a wild time of growth and expansion, new music and women coming out of big full skirts. Prohibition started in 1920 to 1933, but folks still partied.



Prohibition was a move for more control over the people and their habits. I believe we’ve encountered the same movement over the last 20 years, Global Warming, Climate Change and Climate Crises. It was all about trying to control our lives, and I believe this year the truth will surface, and we’ll be freer again. It’s amazing.

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.








CANNONBALL ALERT--Motorcycle Cannonball releases its 2020 route, opens registration


Photos courtesy Motorcycle Cannonball.

Jason Sims, director of the Motorcycle Cannonball announced on Sunday that the route for the 2020 Cannonball will begin in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and end in South Padre Island, Texas, with stops along the way at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Additional overnight venues include Traverse City, Michigan; Maggie Valley, North Carolina; Arkadelphia, Arkansas; and Luckenbach, Texas.

The race will be open to pre-1930 motorcycles (produced in or before 1929) and, as in years past, there will be separate classifications for pre-1920 motorcycles; single-speed, single-cylinder bikes; single-speed, multi-cylinder bikes; and multiple-speed, multiple-cylinder entries. There is also a 90-year or older division broken down into three classes for bikes over 600cc, bikes below 600cc, and bikes 101cc or smaller. Although the September 2020 event is more than 18 months away, registration opened on December 18, 2018, ensuring ample time for entrants to prepare for this epic ride.




Bikes are to be presented in original state with only modern safety modifications. The original engine and transmission cases are required to pass initial inspection. Transmissions and carburetors must also be period-correct for the entered bikes. Bikes must have working headlight and taillamp, and two functioning mirrors. And they must be able to maintain a speed of 45 mph to enter.

Judging from the map accompanying the press release, the entrants will complete a minimum of 3,000 to 3,500 miles over 16 days by the time they reach the finish line.

Registration forms are already up on the MotorcycleCannonball.com website, however, the race is limited to 120 bikes and past participants will be given preference first, before new entrants are allowed to fill the field.

Stay tuned to the Motorcycle Cannonball Facebook page and Hemmings.com for further information as it becomes available. This race is not for the weak of heart or soft of buttocks either, so think about it long and hard before submitting an application. Many current entrants got started in the race by attending one of the previous race venues and talking to the staff, riders, and support crews. They can be a wealth of knowledge should you consider making the commitment.

--by Jim O'Clair
Hemmings.com





AMA National and Regional News--

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Office of United States Trade Representative has again proposed tariffs on motorcycles with an engine size between 500cc and 700cc, along with parts and accessories, imported from countries in the European Union, as part of a dispute over aircraft subsidies.

This proposal comes after the USTR announced in October that these motorcycles would not be subject to tariffs originally proposed in April. This continued targeting of the motorcycle community and industry only brings uncertainty and harm to American motorcyclists and the small businesses that support them.

The AMA is joining others in the motorcycling community to oppose the USTR's ill-conceived proposal. Motorcyclists should not be penalized with exorbitant tariffs because of an unrelated trade dispute. Any trade sanctions imposed as a result of this dispute should come from more closely related industries or products. You can make your voice heard on this issue by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/qspkcrc.


WASHINGTON, D.C. - Motorcyclists rode a little less in 2018 than in the year before, according to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Riders traveled 20.1 billion miles in 2018, down about 1 percent from 2017.

State News

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - State parks and recreation officials are closing part of the Oceano Dunes area to meet a Jan. 1 air quality requirement. About 48 acres of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area will be closed "to improve air quality conditions for nearby communities." A San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District standard goes into effect Jan. 1.

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors expressed their appreciation for Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. calling him "an indispensable steward of our forests." Crabtree will be retiring from the U.S. Forest Service on Jan. 6. Liz Berger, currently deputy forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest, has been selected to serve as acting forest supervisor for the Eldorado National Forest beginning in January.

DENVER - A series of listening sessions is scheduled to give OHV riders a chance to share their experiences and vision for off-highway recreation with the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S, Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council and the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition. More information is available at https://tinyurl.com/w5oefry. The sessions, organized by NOHVCC, are:

6-9 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Alamosa Family Recreation Center, 2222 Old Sanford Road, Alamosa, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Pueblo Convention Center, 320 Central Main St. Pueblo, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Colorado Springs Marriott, 5580 Tech Center Drive, Colorado Springs, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Vail, 2211 N. Frontage Road W., Vail, Colo.
6-9 p.m. Jan. 31 at Fay Myers Motorcycle World, 9700 E. Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village, Colo.
9 a.m.-Noon Feb. 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver-Thornton, 83 E. 120th Ave., Denver.
6-9 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Fort Collins Marriott, 350 E. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, Colo.

?SUCHES, Ga. - The U.S. Forest Service has released the environmental assessment for the Foothills Landscape Project, calling for three off-highway vehicle trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia to be closed. Those closings and the reclassification of 83.1 miles of Forest Service roads to reduce maintenance costs or implement seasonal access are part of a broad program intended to improve environmental conditions on 157,625 acres of the forest, but could impact the ability to ride. The assessment calls for the closing of parts of the Tibbs, Tatum Lead and Milma Creek ATV trails.

Seasonal access would be limited on 2.9 miles of the Muskrat Creek route starting at the Windy Gap trailhead. Finally, a rerouting is proposed on the Oakey Mountain OHV System. Riders can tell officials how they feel about this plan by following this link https://tinyurl.com/u8dpkou. The comment deadline is Jan. 10.

ALBANY, N.Y. - Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) vetoed a bill that could have lifted state restrictions on electric scooters and bicycles, but that also would have allowed local jurisdictions to regulate or ban them. Cuomo wanted the bill to include a helmet requirement, according to a report in the New York Post.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - About 157 new miles of all-terrain vehicle trails are planned for five projects funded by $647,300 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources ATV grant program. The projects include:

Cambria and Clearfield counties, Rock Run Recreation Inc., $121,300, to buy equipment to build and maintain about 140 miles of trail at Rock Run Recreation Area in Chest Township; Lawrence County, Mines and Meadows LLC, $390,600, to help buy about 213 acres in New Beaver Borough for the expansion of Mines and Meadows ATV Park; Luzerne County, Earth Conservancy, $62,000, for a feasibility study for an ATV facility in Newport Township;
Northumberland County, Northumberland County Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, $19,000, to develop about 4 miles of trail on the Western Reserve of the AOAA in Coal Township; and
Susquehanna and Wayne counties, Northeast Pennsylvania Sno Trails Inc., $54,400, to prepare a trail study for the development of about 13 miles of the former Ontario and Western Railroad corridor for ATV use.

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Beginning today, Jan. 1, residents must pass a basic knowledge and skills test to obtain a motorcycle learner's permit and pass advanced knowledge and skills tests to get a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's licenses. Those caught riding without an endorsement face a fine of $48 that can rise to $136 with fees and assessments. The new law also includes an additional penalty of $250. The new law also creates a for a subsidy program to help make rider training more affordable.

International News

ANTWERP - A 10-year-old ban on quads in the city will be lifted Jan. 17. The city enacted the ban on the use of quads in the developed area and on the unpaved roads outside in 2009.

Motorcycle Action Group Belgium opposed the ban and has been working since to get quad use restored. According to the MAG lawyer, Stefaan Claeys, the ban was annulled because a general ban is disproportionate and "there is no reasonable link of proportionality between this ban and the intended purpose." Claeys said that, "You cannot prohibit legal road users from using their vehicles to avoid the inconvenience caused by some of them. Those who cause a nuisance must be tackled by means of road traffic regulations, as is the case for all other road users."

BRADFORD, Ontario, Canada - Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney announced plans to allow off-highway vehicles easier access to roads, which would allow riders to connect to more trail networks across the province. "Tourism and local businesses in many municipalities-especially rural and northern-are anticipated to benefit when more off-road enthusiasts are able to connect to more trail networks and surrounding community attractions," said Prabmeet Sarkaria, associate minister of small business and red tape reduction.



Industry News

LOS ANGELES - The Petersen Automotive Museum has announced the promotion of Richard Varner to chairman of its board of directors. Having served as treasurer since 2013, Varner brings more than 40 years of experience as a respected business leader, car collector, vintage racer and professional motorsports series co-owner to his new role. A Wichita, Kansas native, Varner has been collecting and restoring automobiles and motorcycles for several years; his passion led to the formation of professional motorcycle road racing series, MotoAmerica. In addition to serving on the Petersen board of directors, Varner is the Chairman of the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation and a member of the Dean's Advisory Board at the University of Nebraska School of Business, his alma mater.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will be the new home of American author Robert M. Pirsig's 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle featured in his book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values. Pirsig's book, originally published by William Morrow in 1974, has sold more than 5 million copies and has been translated into 27 languages.

The inspiration for Zen stemmed from a monthlong road trip Pirsig (1928-2017) took with his 11-year-old son Chris in 1968. Stored for decades in the family's New England garage and recently mechanically restored, the motorcycle is a gift from Pirsig's widow, Wendy K. Pirsig.

In addition to the motorcycle, the gift includes Pirsig's leather jacket, maps, shop manual and other gear from the 1968 ride, together with a manuscript copy and signed first edition of the book. Pirsig's favorite toolboxes, with tools for maintaining his bike and other vehicles as well as tools he made himself, are also part of the donation.

PARIS, Texas - American motorcycle enthusiast Adam Sandoval set the Guinness World Record for largest parade of Harley-Davidson motorcycles by organizing 3,497 bikes on Oct. 5. Riders from 48 states and Canada participated in the event, which broke a 2010 record set by a group from Greece. In addition to the record achievement, more than $54,000 in registration proceeds were donated to Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit organization that teaches Veterans and First Responders how to build and fabricate motorcycles.



AMA News


PICKERINGTON, Ohio - The world of motorcycling has lost three staunch advocates with the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Ed Waldheim and Clark Collins and former AMA Board of Directors member Jim Viverito.

Waldheim was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007 for his ongoing dedication to the riding community and his tireless efforts to secure, maintain and expand off-road riding opportunities in his home state of California.

Collins' storied career as an advocate for off-road motorcycling includes helping found the BlueRibbon Coalition public land access group, building national and regional coalitions among trail users and helping get the federal Recreational Trails Program enacted into law. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Viverito served on the AMA Board of Directors from February 2010 to July 2016. His service on the AMHF Board, which is tasked with raising money to fund the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, began July 2014.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio - AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Dick Klamfoth passed away Dec. 13. He scored his 12 victories in AMA Grand National competition, three of which came in the Daytona 200 - in 1949, 1951 and 1952. He was the first rider to win the Daytona 200 three times and went on to be a motorcycle dealership owner and race promoter. Klamfoth was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio - Bradley Timm of Westerville, Ohio, was selected Dec. 6, as the winner of the two Honda motorcycles that were customized to celebrate the life of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Nicky Hayden, the late MotoGP World Champion. Maggie McNally-Bradshaw, chair of the American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors, selected the winning ticket in a drawing at the Hilton Downtown Columbus before the 2019 KTM AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio - Get your tickets and make your plans to be at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 10-12 for 2020 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. AMA members can purchase discounted tickets now at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets. AMA members save an additional $5 off the already discounted early bird pricing.

AMA members can also call (614) 856-1900 to order their tickets. A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days showcases classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous. Activities at the event include the AMA Vintage Grand Championship, which features road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and flat-track racing. In addition, North America's largest motorcycle swap meet is packed with parts, bikes and memorabilia from all eras.

Bike shows feature some of history's most beloved motorcycles. Attendees will be entertained by stunt shows, demo rides of current production bikes and live music, while seminars on numerous topics by noted motorcycling experts keep them informed. Non-AMA members and those reserving RV spaces must purchase tickets through Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

These tickets will be available in December online at midohio.com or by calling (419) 884-4000. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a family-friendly event. Admission is free for children under 12 accompanied by a ticketed adult. Free parking is also available on site.







SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK--2008-2020 FLHR, FLHT, FLHX & FLTR Explorer™ G-Tech Seat with Driver's Backrest

The Roadsofa™ is crafted specifically for riders that love lay down 500+ miles of the open road in a day. It is the ultimate long-distance touring seat for Harley-Davidson touring models. Standard features include rider and passenger Gelcore™ Technology, a split-cushion lumbar area designed to sit you into the Gelcore™ instead of hammocking your body onto the cover like most OEM and aftermarket seats on the market.

Upgrade options include driver’s backrest, extended reach profiles for the taller rider that needs that extra room, rider and passenger heated options, trunk pad covers and more.

Our Gelcore™ Technology (explained) is a guarded company secret that no other manufacturer can duplicate. Don't be fooled by other companies foam only, air and gel stories. Our Gelcore™ is formulated and manufactured in house and is engineered to dampen, divert, and deflect energy through a mechanical process resulting in a smooth, therapeutic ride.

• Designed and made in the U.S.A.

• SaddleGel™ in front and rear reduces tailbone pressure and increases circulation and comfort for both driver and passenger.

• Our tall lumbar support and wide driver saddle-support the back and legs for superior comfort, while the streamlined nose improves the rider's reach to the ground.

• The refined split-cushion design separates the seating surface from the lumbar support, reducing tailbone and back pressure from maximum long-range comfort.

• Every cover is constructed with driver and passenger molded memory foam G-Tech inserts that comply with the GelCore that reduces road shock and engine vibration.

• Hi/low seat heaters provide warmth, comfort, and the convenience that today's riders demand. (Available on some models)

• Matching passenger backrest / Tour-Pak pad cover completes the custom look. (Sold Separately)(for models that require)

• Models available with a built-in backrest that eliminate additional brackets that mount to the fender. (Does not accommodate Saddlemen or H-D fender-mounted Backrest)

Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FLHR, FLHT, FLHX & FLTR (TOURING MODELS)
Year Fitment: 2008-2020
3 points of contact
Comfort Overview (HD)
All Saddlemen Seats are made to order in our California Manufacturing Facility

Will not work w/ OEM or Saddlemen fender-mounted backrest

$708.00
Drag Specialties Part #: 0801-0820
Saddlemen Part #: 808-07B-03011
Availability: Built to Order
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Driver Heated Core Option
Passenger Heated Core Option







FROM QUICK THROTTLE MAGAZINE--We're excited to announce that the Colorado Motorcycle Expo is all set for 2020! It will be held February 1st and 2nd in the National Western Complex in downtown Denver.

Formerly known as the Colorado Motorcycle Show & Swap, the Expo has been held annually in Denver since 1978. After starting at the Adams County Fairgrounds, the Expo moved to the National Western Complex in the early 1980's, and it draws people from all over the country. Among motorcycle enthusiasts it has a large and loyal following with 20,000-25,000 people attending the event each year.

The 2020 Expo is especially exciting, because it marks the beginning of a new era with a new owner, Scott Schulz. Scott is a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and accomplished businessman. A North Dakota native, Scott considers himself a true Coloradan, having lived in the Greater Denver area for the past 26 years. When not preparing for the next Expo, you can find Scott either out riding (most likely the V-rod), in his garage restoring his classic Mustang and F100, or spending time with family and friends.

Scott's mantra for the 2020 Expo is "New Vision, Same Tradition." In order to ensure the Expo exceeds all expectations in 2020 and beyond, Scott is working full time on this event, spending as much time as possible in the motorcycle community, building relationships, and gathering and implementing feedback from vendors and attendees alike. He is committed to maintaining and improving upon the core elements that have made this an amazing event for the past 42 years. This means bringing together bikers and all who love motorcycles to buy and sell parts and motorcycle goods, display and view amazing motorcycles, and have one hell of a party!

The 2020 Expo has 3 main components: 1) The largest indoor motorcycle swap meet in the country, 2) The largest custom & antique motorcycle show in the Rocky Mountain Region, and 3) Live entertainment and other attractions, like live bands, on-site tattooing with competitions, wet T-shirt contest, used bike corral, and so much more. It's a fantastic event you won't want to miss, so go online to www.coloradomotorcycleexpo.com and purchase your tickets today!

--from Quick Throttle Magazine







MRF NEEDS STATE FREEDOM REPS-- 38 States Have “Active” Representatives
1 State (NJ) with a State Rep whose individual membership is expired
Current conversation with the State Leadership (including DAD and Duane)
OK has an active Assistant State Rep but 2 SSMROs who cannot agree on a State Rep
IL has a new State Rep – Dennis Yaeger

10 States + DC without Representation (most without SSMROs):
CT (State Executive asked to be the “interim” State Rep, but has refused the official title and is only partially communicative
DC
DE
FL
HI
MD (none since Shelly & Lenny moved)
MS (although DAD just reported they have re-upped as a SSMRO, so hopefully we can work together to get a State Rep appointed
MT
WA (continued bad taste following Glenyce, who has asked to be included in State Rep communications and continues to share it with the SMROs)
WV
WY







This Retro Custom Panhead Bobber is the 2020 National Motorcycle Museum Fundraiser Bike!--If YOU have dreamed of building and riding a custom Panhead with a big motor all the updates, here's your chance to WIN the bike of your dreams!

The hard work is done. The build components top notch. The custom fabrication, paint and assembly everything you would hope for as it was done in the J&P Cycles shop. The bike came out so well HOT BIKES featured the build in the May and June 2006 issue, and Corbin's RIDE ON TV show featured the build in 2006 as well. The Museum's drawing was held...

ONLINE DONATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE YET, BUT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DONATING FOR EARLY CHANCES AT THIS PAN - CALL 319-462-3925!







BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB-- The Complete Book of Ducati Motorcycles chronologically traces every Ducati motorcycle ever built. From the single-cylinder bikes of the '50s to the high-performance machines of today.

----------

Laid out in encyclopedia format, this book offers stunning photography and detailed insight from Ducati expert Ian Faloon. You don't have to be a Ducati aficionado to appreciate this impressive piece of literature. It's guaranteed to please any fan of motorcycles!

Shop Now
https://shop.revivalcycles.com/ducati-motorcycles-every-model-since-1946/?goal=0_47bab08116-7f6a7f43f8-108132645&mc_cid=7f6a7f43f8&mc_eid=0affa6ed24

--from Revival Cycles






LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK--2014 Harley-Davidson® FLHXS - Street Glide® Special for $14,995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8212319

2014 STREET GLIDE SPECIAL TOURING FLHXS w/Navigation

Inspired by the street but equipped for the open road, the Street Glide motorcycle represents touring with an attitude. It’s made to eat up the miles and strikes the perfect balance between custom touring style and long-haul functionality. The result: a bike that goes from 4-lane super slab to neon drenched strip and never misses a beat. If you don’t need it, it’s not here. If it you do, we make sure it doesn’t interrupt the immaculate lines. Also on the Street Glide will be hydraulic, halogen headlights, Boom! box 4.3 audio system, Bluetooth capability, with 25-watt per channel amplifier and a jukebox media compartment with USB connection and One-Touch access door. Let the High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine loose on the street, country road or mountains near you.



ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Great looking bike that is perfect for your next long trip!!! Mysterious Red Sunglo paint with red pin-stripe and raised logo is in excellent condition. (Only a couple scratch and chips [pictured] make this not quite pristine) Chrome console with black accent 'Street Glide', fat black/rubber grips, and tinted windshield. Painted inner fairing. Halogen headlamp, chrome lense blinkers, fork sleeve, polished lowers on Enforcer wheels.

Chrome engine guard, exhaust and ABS anti-lock braking system. Chrome engine covers including black accent 103 chrome air cleaner cover and cam with H-D logo cover. 2-up with Streamliner floorboards, brake pedal, and passenger pegs. 4 pt. docking hardware in place to add your own touch. Hi-reflective red lense stop / turn / tail and LED license plate light and fender tri-line. Ready for you to add your own touch!!!



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!!!

Only $14,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155


Looking forward!

Dan Leadbetter
Director of Marketing
Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155