Hey,

This is turning into an interesting week. With the twitter and FBI resolutions, maybe truth and honesty will take center stage again.

I was going to call this the apathetic news, but that’s not true. The Group stands for the emergence of small but powerful groups in our society. As the population grows, we see small groups expand.

It goes along with our industry adage. Over the years folks claimed doom for motorcycling. We’ve had ups and downs, but the population continues to grow and more motorcyclists are born. But look at the industry as a whole. It’s made up of way more groups. There’s the bagger crowd, the touring guys, the chopper builders, the antique industry, the dirt racers, the drag racers and the Bonneville crew.

So, our society has also expanded. Some have been good and some groups very bad. We need to learn how to deal with both. Can't be complacent or apathetic now.

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.







THE TWITTER REPORT-- There has been another sighting of the regular complaint that climate scientists are being subject to hury comments on Twitter.

The Guardian reports a “huge” rise in abuse since Elon Musk took over the platform last year. “It’s mostly just people saying you are talking rubbish,” admits Professor Richard Betts from the Met Office, although the Guardian headlines its story with a “vicious abuse” charge. This would appear to be the same Guardian that apologized in 2019 for saying David Cameron felt only “privileged pain” upon the death of his handicapped young son.

The same newspaper that recently published George Monbiot’s belief that “taking out” pipelines, refineries, abattoirs, coal plants and SUVs is “morally justified“, and the same publication that has taken to printing racist cartoons aimed at its political opponents that would not have looked out of place in a Third Reich newspaper.

The Guardian reports that some of the U.K.’s top scientists are struggling to deal with this rise in abuse from “climate deniers”. They are fighting to make themselves heard over what is described as a “barrage of hostile comments”. Twitter employees who ensured ‘trusted’ content was prioritised have been sacked, while Right-wing culture warriors such as Jordan Peterson have been reinstated. The newspaper cites a recent survey from Global Witness which suggested prominent scientists were the most likely to face abuse.



One of those prominent scientists is UCL Geography Professor Mark Maslin, who received an ‘abusive’ tweet that referred to “a fairy tale about the big bad weather”. Another correspondent replied: “Great stories about BS science Mark. But I am tired of sci-fi.” Dr. Helen Muri, a Norwegian researcher, was sent a graph of Greenland ice core temperatures over the last 10,000 years suggesting current temperatures were at an all-time low. The writer asked in polite terms, “Any luck finding the climate crisis yet?”

Of course, there is abuse across social media, some of it not very pleasant. Nobody condones threats of violence, or indeed support for violent acts, and it should be removed from public discourse. But anyone who takes an inquiring view on the current mainstream narrative on issues such as climate change and Covid gets enormous amounts of abuse on a daily basis. Slightly less concern seems to be in evidence for all the hurty feelings this may be causing us (not that it is something that really fusses us).

What is happening of course is that the horrors of the collectivist Net Zero project are becoming increasingly apparent, as a widespread attack on almost all human activity is launched under the suggestion that the climate is breaking down. Until recently the ‘settled’ science promoting this view had a safe, largely uncontested space to prosper. But skepticism about the unproven hypothesis that humans operate the climate thermostat by burning fossil fuels is growing, with two recent polls showing that over 40% of people surveyed worldwide believe climate change is mainly due to natural causes. Far from coughing up the huge sums required to hit Net Zero, 4 in 10 Americans are not even prepared to pay more than two dimes a week to combat climate change…



The loss of Twitter as a ‘safe’ space for climate alarmists has been a bitter blow. It is not seemingly enough to exert considerable control over most other public platforms including social and mainstream media. Global Witness is of the view that if climate scientists are unable to do their work because of “stress and fear caused by harassment”, the critical evidence that undergirds climate action and solutions is put at risk. For his part, Maslin seems particularly disappointed, since he discloses that he held regular meetings with the platform’s Head of Sustainability to ensure ‘trusted’ information was pushed to the top. But the sustainability chief was sacked and Twitter “became the Wild West”, he laments.

It is reasonable for social media users to tell delicate activists like Maslin that there is really nothing to worry about from our climate. It’s just free speech, and it applies – in fact it is vital – in science and geography, as elsewhere. But it’s not just about science anymore. It is becoming apparent that Net Zero is being used as an attack on almost all human activity. Everything humans do to survive, from keeping warm to growing food, is being cast as an attack on Mother Earth.

Chris Morrison is the Daily Sceptic’s Environment Editor.
--WUWT





MOTODOFFO WINES NAMED-- Named the Official Wine of The Sturgis Buffalo Chip

Rallygoers will be able to meet the Doffo family and try the moto-inspired wines during the 2023 Sturgis Rally.

MotoDoffo Wines, a division of family-owned Doffo Winery located in Temecula, California, is proud to announce its partnership with the world-renowned Sturgis Buffalo Chip as its official wine provider. This marks the first ever partnership of its kind and will bring the wine tasting experience to the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts that flock to South Dakota each year for the legendary motorcycle rally.

A selection of MotoDoffo wines: 2020 Gran Tinto, 2020 Super Tinto and 2020 Sixty Six
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is the premier attraction during the world’s largest motorcycle rally that draws an estimated attendance of over 500,000 people annually. It is known for its impressive lineup of musical acts and special events that take place during its ten-day run each summer. MotoDoffo Wines will be offering tastings to patrons at Crossroads during the rally, and several wines will be available for purchase in the Buffalo Chip’s various bars and restaurants.

In addition to providing signature wines through the event, winery founder Marcelo Doffo, his daughters Samantha and Brigitte and son Damian, will be participating in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride and Biker Belles, and will be sharing tastings at its Motorcycles as Art Exhibit as well as its Industry Party.

Several of MotoDoffo's lineup of wines inspired by American v-twin motorcycles are already available for purchase on their website, including the Super Tinto, Gran Tinto and Sixty Six. More unique wines are on the way, including a special edition wine created in conjunction with The Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

For more information and to order online, visit www.motodoffo.com/wine. To learn more about MotoDoffo Wines, lifestyle apparel and motorcycle collection, or to make plans to visit the Temecula, California winery, visit www.motodoffo.com.





SEMA CEO’S EDITORIAL OPPOSING EPA GREENHOUSE GAS RULE--

We need your help to protect the automotive aftermarket industry and small businesses from the EPA's proposed greenhouse gas rule. SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola has written an editorial in the Washington Examiner opposing this rule, which would prioritize electric vehicles and put our industry at risk.

We urge you to share this important editorial with your network and on social media to help spread the word and raise awareness. Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the industry and small businesses in Virginia and across the country.

Please share this link to Mike Spagnola's editorial in the Washington Examiner: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/new-epa-emissions-proposal-puts-automotive-supply-chains-and-small-businesses-at-risk

--SEMA






THIS JUST IN FROM THE NAMZ ELECTRIC IVORY TOWER--

Let's get that back end more visible with our Perfect Plate Light illuminated license plate frames!

Sure, the name "Perfect Plate Light" is pretty bold and the only way you should ever feel confident to make such a statement is if it's true... and we feel it is. These are "the perfect" license plate frame, they not only secure your plate but they give you all the benefits LED lighting has to offer. An red running light, brake light, turn signals, white tag illumination and most importantly, SAFETY!

LLC-PPL-G: Our illuminated Perfect Plate Light™ License Plate Frame, Gloss Black, features RED running light, RED brake light, WHITE license plate light & RED turn signals. (Includes mounting hardware.)



(flat Perfect Plate Lights) When we came out with these in 2019, we knew we had a game changer. These little additions to the backside of your ride will definitely let everyone behind you know that you are there! Ultra-bright SMD LED's and completely sealed from the elements for a lifetime of worry-free operation. Will bolt onto any flat 7" x 4" flat backing plate and installs in minutes.

We offer fitments for virtually every Harley Davidson Model, to include Indian Models as well! Our flat Perfect Plate Lights also will work with our Turn Signal Eliminators to really clean up the back end yet still provide you with bright visibility you need to feel safe!







VERGE MOTORCYCLES LAUNCHES-- NEW LIMITED EDITION $87,000 ELECTRIC SIGNATURE SUPERBIKE DESIGNED BY TWO-TIME F1 CHAMPION MIKA HÄKKINEN

Finnish Superbike Manufacturer Creates 'Signature' Model Designed by Finnish Racing Legend Mika Häkkinen Limited to Just 100 Bikes

World-famous F1 legend and two-time World Champion Mika Häkkinen has designed the signature model of a new electric superbike in collaboration with Finnish electric superbike pioneer, Verge Motorcycles. Just one hundred Signature bikes will be manufactured.



“I know from experience what it takes to develop a vehicle that embodies speed, precision and elegance. I wanted to design the bike right down to the smallest detail rather than just picking the color. Each bike is numbered and features an exclusive signature. This electric superbike represents the future of riding and is a testament to a life lived to the fullest,” says Mika Häkkinen.

The luxury superbike designed with Mika Häkkinen combines a stylish and bold design with Verge’s unique technologies. Perfected down to the last detail, the model represents the most powerful and advanced electric superbike on the market with a range of 350 kilometers and a fast-charging time of just 35 minutes. In addition, it features an integrated rim motor inside the rear wheel, which is a patented and internationally awarded innovation developed by Verge.

This means that all of the power is transferred straight to the road and creates more space in the middle of the bike for the battery pack, while also lowering the bike’s center of gravity. This allows for low weight distribution, making handling the bike feel more nimble and light. The hubless design allows Verge to remove all moving parts like chains and cogwheels, leading to a streamlined design.



Based on the innovative Verge TS Pro performance platform, this new superbike embodies the same spirit of innovation, performance, and excellence that defined Häkkinen’s legendary career in motorsports. With sophisticated features like a hubless motor, instant torque, and fast charging capabilities, this platform represents the future of motorcycling technology. Capable of producing a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds, the special edition Verge Signature bikes also can reach a top speed of 200 km/hour, nearly 125 miles per hour. Offering an incredible 1000 nm of torque (more than 730 lb-ft), the special-edition Verge bike is balanced out by the company’s traction control system, ABS and customizable riding modes to keep the rider entirely in control at all times. Custom Brembo brakes help to increase stopping power, to further balance the incredible power harnessed within each superbike.

The Verge Signature is engineered from the highest quality materials in the world, incorporating carbon fiber fairings and a unique ceramic surface treatment that protects against scratches. A completely custom midnight suspension and pitch black shock absorbers combine with dark gray and silver surfaces to complete the exclusive livery detailing.

Mika Häkkinen and Verge Motorcycles teamed up at the beginning of 2023, when Häkkinen was appointed to the company’s Advisory Board. Häkkinen is also one of the investors in Verge Motorcycles. The Verge Signature model that Häkkinen and the company have designed represents two leaders in their respective fields joining to create something extraordinary.

The unique superbike designed by Häkkinen is available for purchase via the Verge Motorcycles online store. It can also be purchased from the new Verge Motorcycles flagship store in Monaco, which will open in connection with the Monaco Grand Prix and is the superbike manufacturer’s first physical shop and showroom. With a U.S. base of operations in San Francisco, California, Verge Motorcycles plans to open the company’s first U.S. dealership in the near future.

The retail price of the bike without taxes is 80,000 euros or around $87,000. For more information, please visit www.vergemotorcycles.com.





MRF REPORT—Traveling back from DC.

I am traveling back from our National Bikers Inside the Beltway lobbying event in Washington D.C.

We had constituents, from both MC's and ABATEs from right at 40 states, hit all 535 offices over the 3 days.

Pretty good response on RPM act being re-introduced, expect over 100 co-sponsors fairly quickly.

Excellent response on our 3rd round of right to repair, farmers are hand in hand with us fighting John Deere, while we battle Harley and Polaris, interesting that they don't want to modify our bikes or service anything a few years old, so it's about forcing people to buy new bikes that will never run right.

The Preservation of Choice bill (ICE) has massive Republican support, zero democratic support.

Much follow up in coming couple of weeks.

Looking for the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council launch.

--Kirk Willard
President







QUANTUM DEAL OF THE WEEK-- I have a 200 American Quantum with 1950 miles. He suggests it might be valuable to a collector and that you might know a Buyer. I just had the 3-hole service done and bike runs like a rocket.



I just turned 66 and can no longer ride for physical reasons and would like to sell the bike. Would you be able to suggest a good place/way to sell it? Thanks for any information you can provide.



--Michael Palmer
Madison, AL. 35758
T: 757-348-3677

"I suggested Bring a Trailer, online auction site." --Bandit





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