Hey,
Here’s a tough one. We have the 120th anniversary coming up and I asked myself where do the custom guys, the real bikers, fit in and how will they be acknowledged. For decades the factory ignored us. At one time they came out of the closet and built the Wide Glide and from time to time they build models to suit guys who want to be cool, but can’t wrench for whatever reason.
The movie
Easy Rider spoke to many of us. I guess I am asking where do the Chrome Rebels fit into the history of Harley-Davidson and the current motorcycle culture. The choppers that folks said died a couple of times is back. In reality, Choppers never died. They just ducked underground for a spell. So, what does the chopper represent to you. Is it sex, drugs and rock and roll?
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.
Try Amsoil products. You could actually make money. Click for more info.--
The votes are all counted and the top six builders for 2023 have been selected! This year we have three Panheads, a Knuckle, a 1929 "D" Model, and believe it or not – a hand-built chopper powered by a helicopter engine (parts of it at least!). These builders have already put in tons of hours and have more to go before the big reveal.
In May, we’ll send our team to shoot videos and photos of each bike and builder in their home shops/garages. Once those videos and photos are complete voting will go live on or around June 20th and will close the morning of June 23rd while they are riding the treacherous Ortega Highway to Cook’s Corner where we will have all the bikes on display, and will announce the Champ around 9:00 pm or so.
There is no cover charge or entry fee to get in at Cook’s, and it’s a great way to get your Born Free weekend started!
Follow along to get tons of updates along the way: @biltwell_peoples_champ
You can get all the details here
www.Biltwellinc.com
Click for action.Our rights are under attack! I must call your attention to a new bill (HB 837) that was filed recently in the Florida Legislature. This bill, by the multi-billion-dollar insurance industry and corporate elites would strip away the rights of Floridians ... taking away our constitutional right to hold others accountable and responsible when they harm you, your family, or your business.
If the multi-billion dollar insurance industry were to put together a wish list of ways in which they would harm policy holders, while at the same time attacking our access to courts, it would read exactly like HB 837.
This bill seeks to take away our rights by reducing insurance company accountability to Insureds and claimants, expand insurance company profits, take away our rights to go to the doctors we choose and ultimately increase costs that will fall back on workers, taxpayers, and healthcare providers.
All this, while trying to claim that the bill “may indirectly lower the cost of insurance.” How many of you have ever seen your auto, motorcycle, home, health, or life insurance rates ever go down?
Please join me on Thursday as we RIDE FOR OUR RIGHTS to Tallahassee to attend the House Civil Justice Subcommittee meeting, this Friday, February 24, at 8:00 a.m., where this bill will be considered. I will be there, along with countless others, making sure that the voices of actual bikers and Floridians are heard.
Statement from the Florida Justice Association (FJA) President Curry Pajcic:
“Florida is under attack. The rights of every Floridian are under assault by insurance companies and corporate elites who think they can dictate which rights should be preserved and which can be tossed aside.”
Don’t let them tread on Florida!!!
--Dmac
JUST IN FROM THE DICE NEWS DESK—Issue 99 is coming.
NEWS FROM THE STATE OF DISARRAY--
Just wanted to share some good news. Patrick ‘Chappy’ Carver is our MRF State Rep for California. California is currently considering issuing permits for vehicles larger than 10,000 pounds to operate on state highways autonomously, with no driver in the cab.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRnYSaAY/
Shown here is a link to the testimony Chappy gave to the CA DMV recently.
Great work, Chappy! Keep it up!
--Mark Buckner
MRF
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GEORGIA GRUNDLE RUN--
Fri Sep 15 2023 at 07:00 am to Sep 17 2023 10:00 am
1211 Old Northcutt Rd, 1211 Old Northcutt Road, Ellijay, United States
NATIONAL ROADWAY SAFETY STRATEGY-- Is it a better mouse trap?
In January of 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, published the “National Roadway Safety Strategy,” (NRSS) which serves as the playbook for revamping our current roadway system. It spells out the following goals and corresponding implementation strategies for:
Safer People
Safer Roads
Safer Vehicles
Safer Speeds
Post-Crash Care
USDOT National Roadway Safety Strategy | US Department of Transportation
On Friday, February 3, while Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog was sleeping off his annual workday, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) issued a press release titled, “The Institute of Transportation Engineers Supports USDOT’s Call to Action.”
In this two-page document, very lengthy by most standards, the ITE announced its full support in “addressing the roadway safety crisis” and proudly proclaimed that they are part of an elite group of “First Movers,” those organizations and businesses that are “all in” in terms of leading the charge for change.
The press release goes on to define their support in the form of a delivery of a “wide range of products to support widespread adoption of the Safe System Approach.” Their products, more aptly called projects, take the form of education, training, and certification. Calling all traffic engineers!
What does all this mean, you ask?
Certainly, we are on the verge of sweeping change, as we move from a strategic national template for roadway safety to education, training, implementation, and safety messaging focusing on human “frailty.”
These changes are not cosmetic; they are systemic, far-reaching, and represent a huge undertaking. The National Roadway Safety Strategy is characterized as a collaboration between the Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the Operating Administrations (OAs): the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Truth be told, there are scads of other players exerting influence on this regulatory scrum, including social activist groups, Political Action Committees, and other special interests.
Proven Safety Countermeasures | FHWA (dot.gov)
The NRSS outlines numerous departmental actions and their corresponding targeted completion dates. I’ll highlight two critical components:
Safer Roads…
Modify the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD). The MUTCD, administered by the Federal Highway Administration, is a compilation of national standards for all traffic control devices, road markings, signage, and traffic signals. This would not be the first time the MUTCD has been modified, and we anticipate that these changes will, among other things, pave the way for more state autonomy (call it free rein) in implementing traffic regulations. (Thankfully we have at least one member who has intimate knowledge of the MUTCD, its evolution, and its unraveling, of which a whole book could be written.)
Safer Speeds…
Remove the 85th-percentile speed engineering study as a consideration in setting speed limits regardless of the type of roadway. What would replace the 85th percentile? The NRSS will provide “improved” information to set speed limits through a range of methodologies. Hmmm.
Rest assured, the NMA will be monitoring not only the implementation of the NRSS but also the political posturing and the marketing spin through campaigns such as “Speeding Wrecks Lives.”
Now, more than ever, we need your support!
Your rights are being taken away in the name of safety. To use Pete Buttigieg’s own words, “Zero is the only acceptable number of deaths and serious injuries on our roadways.” And they seemingly won’t stop until they reach this utopia.
On the USDOT website, they call out these priorities: equity, climate, safety, and transformation.
Clearly, there is a larger agenda. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
--By Stewart W. Price,
President of the National Motorists Association
Click to join.— Bandit’s Cantina Series, Episode 102
I'd trade Kalifornia's fucking governor times 100, for the great Governor of South Dakota! But nobody wants our douch bag asshole! So close to actuality, your story is scary, but extremely accurate here!
I know a young Longshoreman who is actually against any and all fossil fuel, even though that is the only thing that keeps his job, and his entire chosen industry viable!
We are screwed until these idiots finally get hungry enough to see the BIG PICTURE OF HOW THE WORLD WORKS!
Now, back to my oil change!
--Gail
"Thanks. We need scientific transparency. Until we have it, we get this Doomsday stuff. There are two major court battles happening now. One is against the EPA and the other in Europe.
Either one could begin to break the Doomsday mold. It's ridiculous. We just want the truth and sooner or later it will surface. Hang on!"
--Bandit
MIC AND SELF DRIVING CARS--
A Los Angeles Times story last week said that "Under pressure from federal safety regulators, Tesla on Thursday launched a recall to repair defects to the experimental Full Self-Driving software deployed on public roads....
To be delivered by over-the-air-software, the fix is intended to repair code that can cause FSD-equipped Teslas to run yellow lights, disobey speed limits and travel straight ahead from turn-only lanes. Recalled models make up about 10% of the 3.6 million vehicles that Tesla has sold to date globally....
The company has been under fire for years from critics who say using the software is a risk to public safety. YouTube is rife with videos showing FSD-equipped cars crossing double yellow lines head-on into oncoming traffic, mistaking railroad tracks for roadways, aiming cars into pedestrians in crosswalks, and more."
--MIC
MAJOR STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION—Take a few minutes to watch this video of a Tucker Carlson editorial.
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2023/02/18/tucker-carslon-the-climate-cult-has-grown-stronger/
It’s a step in the right direction.
--Bandit
FEATURE BIKE OF THE WEEK— The Street Chopper from Bob.
--Sam Burns
Bike Feature Editor
Bikernet.com™
Quick, Join Bandit's Cantina and support Bikernet Content.--
Bandit, may be old news to you but, Daytona News Journal just released news that Dirty Harry’s, Full Moon Saloon and Bank and Blues have been sold to CTO Realty Growth. The property has been leased to the current operators for a few months. This leaves only The Boothill Saloon, Froggy’s and Main Street Station as famed Daytona Main Street as true bikers bars.
--Dmac
THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET BOOK OF THE WEEK CLUB--
The best quality made soft book you can buy, packed with 172 photos and 58,000 words on 200 pages of premium gloss paper.
A true-life account of the life of the author, "Shovelhead Dave". At the time a young talented carpenter from Texas rides his 74 Harley Davidson AMF Chopper, seeking a new life and traveling across the USA. Dave recounts his days as a biker living on the road. His journey will make you laugh and cry at the ups and downs of how Shovelhead Dave meets fortune and misfortune. This story shows the transformation from a homeless biker tramp living in a tent to become known as the Chopper Hobo.
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Description
Dave recounts his days as a biker living on the road, entertaining several "Shovel" enthusiasts on social media. He tells his story to many people from all over the world. His followers have commented that his journeys should be a book and "Chopper Hobo" was born. This story is written in Dave's own words in a style that will captivate you and have you laughing your socks off with the fortunes and misfortunes of living a life as a biker. Through reading this book you can live through it, laugh, cry at the ups and downs of Shovelhead Dave meeting fortune and misfortune. This is his journey to become the homeless biker tramp living in a tent to being known as the Chopper Hobo.
About The Author
In 1973, Dave got his first motorbike and started his adventures on two wheels. He became a professional carpenter and an award-winning custom chopper builder with his bikes featured in magazines. Throughout his life, he has clocked up many miles on his '74 AMF Chopper on road trip adventures, capturing the moments in time with his camera. Dave continues to ride the same chopper 48 years later and still builds choppers in his spare time when he's not writing down his memories for the next memoirs to follow, "The Early Years"
ROYAL ENFIELD ON THE TRACK--
MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield Announces Two-Rider Team for 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Season
Johnny Lewis and Ryan Wells to contest Mission SuperTwins class aboard Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycles
Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, February 21, 2023) – Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team are prepared to take on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track championship. For Lewis, this marks his fourth year of competition with Royal Enfield, and the 2023 season marks another step forward as the MotoAnatomy team will now field a full-time two-man team in the premiere class, adding Ryan Wells to the roster.
Johnny Lewis and the MotoAnatomy team have made great strides in American Flat Track, introducing the Royal Enfield INT650 motorcycle into the world of competition. After spending several seasons in the Production Twins class developing the Royal Enfield Twins FT motorcycle, Lewis carded multiple podium finishes in the last two seasons, including a historic win at the Lima Half-Mile in 2021—a first-ever feat for Royal Enfield. Lewis is now confident that the Twins FT has the potential to be a serious contender in all formats of AFT racing: Short Track, Half-Mile, TT, and even the formidable Mile. Lewis and crew are ready to jump into the busy 18-round AFT Championship.
“This is going to be another historic season for Royal Enfield in American Flat Track,” said Johnny Lewis. “The Twins FT motorcycle is something we’ve spent a long time developing, and we’re now at a point where we have the confidence to go all in. We’re thrilled to bring on a second rider, as well. Ryan Wells is already a great addition to the MotoAnatomy team. We’re looking forward to kicking off the season at the Daytona Short Track.”
Ryan Wells is a force in AFT competition, and the 2016 GNC2 (Singles) champion ranks among the Singles’ class all-time winningest riders. The 2007 AMA Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year has been winning pro-level races for over a decade, and now brings his flat track expertise to Royal Enfield.
“Words can’t express my excitement to join the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team for 2023,” said Ryan Wells. “Finally rejoining the Mission SuperTwins class full time is long overdue for my personal goals and I’m glad it’s finally coming to fruition. Being able to work alongside Johnny Lewis, someone I’ve looked up to for so long, is really the icing on the cake. I thrive off of positivity and people chasing the same goals and Johnny and I really click in those ways. I’m very excited to get the ball rolling.”
The expanded Royal Enfield racing team will make its 2023 racing debut at the Progressive AFT season opener at Daytona Bike Week in Florida. Look for Johnny Lewis (#10) and Ryan Wells (#94) at the Daytona Short Track Doubleheader on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10.
Lewis, Wells and the MotoAnatomy Powered by Royal Enfield team will be joined at select rounds by the Royal Enfield BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. (BTR) program. The women of BTR will be contesting a schedule of four rounds within the Progressive American Flat Track schedule, starting with the Dallas Half-Mile on April 22. For more info visit BuildTrainRace.com.
2023 Progressive American Flat Track Racing Schedule
March 9 (Rnd 1) Daytona Short Track I - Daytona Beach, FL
March 10 (Rnd 2) Daytona Short Track II - Daytona Beach, FL
March 25 (Rnd 3) Senoia Short Track - Senoia, GA
April 1 (Rnd 4) Arizona Super TT - Chandler, AZ
April 22 (Rnd 5/ BTR Rnd 1) Dallas Half-Mile - Mesquite, TX
May 6 (Rnd 6/ BTR Rnd 2) Ventura Short Track - Ventura, CA
May 13 (Rnd 7) Sacramento Mile - Sacramento, CA
May 27 (Rnd 8) Red Mile - Lexington, KY
Jun 17 (Rnd 9) DuQuoin Mile - Du Quoin, IL
Jun 24 (Rnd 10) Lima Half-Mile - Lima, OH
July 1 (Rnd 11/ BTR Rnd 3) West Virginia Half Mile - Mineral Wells, WV
July 8 (Rnd 12) Orange County Half-Mile - Middletown, NY
July 22 (Rnd 13/ BTR Rnd 4) Bridgeport Half Mile, Swedesboro, NJ
July 30 (Rnd 14) SC2 Peoria TT - Peoria, IL
August 6 (Rnd 15) Buffalo Chip TT - Sturgis, SD
August 12 (Rnd 16) Castle Rock TT - Castle Rock, WA
September 2 (Rnd 17) Springfield Mile I - Springfield, IL
September 3 (Rnd 18) Springfield Mile II - Springfield, IL
For more on the 2023 Progressive American Flat Track Championship, visit
AmericanFlatTrack.com.
WANNARYD MOTORCYCLE NEWS--
18 x 5.5" Relay Chrome Wheel
*180 minutes CNC machine time approximately
*20 lbs lighter than stock 18" Wheels on average
Racelite Series by RYD Wheels
CONVERT TO 18 X 5.5" FAT FRONT WHEEL
*Widest Possible Tire Size
**Best Quality Tire Among 180's
***Significantly Better Ride
****Fits Touring & FL Softail Models
SUPER HOOLIGAN’S LIKE MISSION FOODS--
The 2023 Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship powered by Indian Motorcycles and brought to you by Roland Sands Design kicks off with Moto America in Daytona Beach, FL March 9-11th for four rounds of double headers across the country.
Get ready to experience the twisted, high-octane spectacle that is the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races. With defending champ Indian's FTR 1200 and the addition of the Harley Davidson Pan America, the stage is set to rekindle the 100-year rivalry between two great American motorcycle companies at America's most iconic venue, Daytona Beach. Add KTM, Ducati, BMW and the electric machines of Energica, and the stage is set for the world's first ICE vs. Electric motorcycle road race series.
The Mission Super Hooligan National Championship will feature four rounds of doubleheader races at some of the country's most iconic racetracks, starting with the opening round at Daytona International Speedway from March 9-11. Round 2 will be held at The Ridge in Washington State from June 23-25, Round 3 will be at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, California from July 7-9, and the final round will take place at Circuit of the Americas in Texas from September 8-10.
"We're thrilled to kick off the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races at Daytona Beach," said Roland Sands "This series will showcase hand-built race machines from a variety of manufacturers racing what OEM’s sell in dealers around the country, and we're looking forward to providing fans with an exciting and unforgettable experience that is purely Super Hooligan at the holy grail of racing."
Riders on custom-made high bar street bikes will tackle the high banks of Daytona Beach at 150 plus mph with only a flat number plate to protect them . . The rules? There aren’t many with naked Water Cooled, Air Cooled, and Electric Machines racing head-to-head for Super Hooligan Glory.
"The Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races is a unique opportunity to see the best hooligan riders from around the world compete in a high-stakes, high-energy event on custom-built Hooligan road racers," said Wayne Rainey, Moto America Partner. "We're looking forward to seeing the incredible talent and skill on display and providing fans with an unforgettable experience that only the Hooligans can bring. And there’s no better place to do it than the world center of racing at Daytona Beach"
“We are pleased to partner with Roland Sands and become the official title sponsor of the Roland Sands Design Super Hooligan National Championship,” said Juan Gonzalez, Mission Foods Chief Executive Officer. “It further expands our involvement with MotoAmerica, and I believe this new partnership will create exciting moments for both racers and fans.”
The Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championship is powered by Indian Motorcycles and sponsored by Motul Oils, Sucker Punch Pickles, Drag Specialties, SENA Communications, SDI Racing, and Dunlop Tires.
For more information on the Mission Foods Super Hooligan Races, please visit…
@superhooligans
www.rolandsands.com
www.superhooligan.com
