Hey,

Life is nuts. Life is a wonderful place if you apply yourself. You’ll see in Monk Yale’s report. I ran into a stellar example on Monday at a Sturgis Community meeting about the potential races in town during the rally. Folks bitched about motorcycles and taxes.

“No Negative Waves,” is one of my favorite quotes from the movie, Kelly’s Heroes.

These folks completely missed the point in a very selfish way. Taxes have nothing to do with the rally but the government. And sure a bunch of grubby bikers roar through town for a week and then they're gone. But look what motorcycling has done for South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming since the ‘80s.

Look at what it does every year for the resident who rent out their homes and it pays their mortgage for the year, for business, well we will get into that. It's all good.

But I gotta tell you something. It’s tough to explain, but this region holds a special connection to the outlaw spirit, to freedom and America. Whether you came on foot, on a horse, a covered wagon, a train or a motorcycle you felt it. It’s still here and man o’ man it’s good to be here.

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, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.







STURGIS NEWS FLASH—The Sturgis TT Races from AMA Pro Racing and AFT Events are back, maybe.

A new proposal presented to the city council will be voted on this coming Monday. This time the track is being reduced to ¼ mile or one block near the Loud American on the final Sunday of the event. Many business owners applaud this race and perhaps extending the event.

This time around, the city will not be the major investor, but AFT is taking the risk. After costs are covered profits will be shared with the community. I will attend the City Council Meeting on Monday and report back on the details next week.



This has been a terrific lesson in business. Don’t run with the first deal. Be patient and let the truth and elements of the deal surface.

This is a much better deal for Sturgis, but you know the drill: The Devil is in the Details.

--Bandit





OPEN LETTER TO THE MRF FROM DAVE ZIEN--

Congratulations MRF for being the eyes, ears & powerful ally for Bikers! Your American Bikers Journal is indeed inspiring, but the letters to editor by Bandit & Rogue in the May/June, 2024 issue struck a nerve!

For bureaucrats, law making entities & the general public, has motorcycling lost its appeal & respect? Sometimes it seems fewer motorcycles are on the road, other than funerals & Saturday group rides.

How could anyone want to be in a cage breathing their own carbon dioxide, when they could enjoy the fresh air and the wind?

It used to be going to the newsstands to grab a copy of Easyriders was a highlight. There were dozens of motorcycle publications- now none!

Bikers can be our own worst enemy by not getting “deeply & personally“ involved in the political/ legislative process. We become so absorbed in our own egocentrism, loving the wind & freedom becomes euphoric - almost orgasmic.

WALKING THE TALK is why I entered the lawmaking arena, first elected in 1988 and then Senator in 1993. Sherman Packard then was elected in year 2,000. We were declared the first Freedom Fighters elected to state legislative office.

Since then the theme, "Making Bikers politicians, Making politicians Bikers," has been followed - but not nearly enough. Giving free motorcycle rides is one wonderful technique.

To be continued—

--Dave Zien
Vfw Post 305 Service Officer/ Cmdr
Eau Claire, Wi







TRIKES OF THE WEEK—









--Sam Burns
Trike Editor
Bikernet.com™







NEWS FROM THE KLOCKWERKS EMPIRE-- Indian Motorcycles: Amp it up with Klock Werks!

Why settle for ordinary when you can ride extraordinary?!

We kicked off our partnership with Indian® Motorcycles with a stunning Kustom Scout at the 2015 IMS Show and we've been full throttle ever since! From exciting collaborations with Jack Daniels® to creating unique, epic parts, our journey has been an exhilarating ride.

Each Klock Werks part is designed with passion and precision, crafted to enhance both the stability and style of your bike. Explore our extensive collection of upgrades specifically tailored for your Indian® Motorcycle.

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COMING SOON: The Wedge Fairing

Check the KlockWerks Website and tell them you saw them on Bikernet.com







LIMITED GOLD RUSH SPECIAL PACKAGES-- available exclusively on EasyridersEvents.com

Did you know *Gold Rush A* is basically VIP?!
Participants will be allowed to enter one day ahead of the rest of the campers without having to wait in line at the ticket trailer. Get a prime location and guaranteed electricity.

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AUG. 29-SEPT. 2
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General admission tickets go on sale May 28th at EasyridersEvents.com





MRF ROADSHOW STOPS--TALES in Texas

The MRF Roadshow went to Round Rock, Texas on May 4th for the Texas A.B.A.T.E. Legislative Education Seminar (TALES). The event started with a nice lunch provided by Texas A.B.A.T.E. at the American Legion. The main event was followed by presentations from 6 different speakers who addressed the crowd on a variety of topics related to freedom of the road. Texas is an extremely important state in the political arena and the MRF was very enthused to receive the invitation to attend the event.

Thank you to all who attended the event and a big thanks to all who made the event possible.

--MRF







STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM REPORT—

I just completed my Marketing Committee Report for May.



Marketing is a tough one since it includes so many factors:

• Website
• Social Media
• Advertising
• Products
• Events
• Signage
• Magazines
• Hall of Fame Breakfast
• PR
• .....The list goes on.

Fortunately we have a terrific team. We also have an active board and most are emersed in the motorcycle industry. The opportunities are just beginning to surface. Focus and follow-up is critical.



Website:
We have reworked the website and it’s now available for submissions. I am working with Rod at Robintek to create a submission form.

Any of the board or staff can suggest articles. Any new motorcycle entering the museum should be featured and shared.



Expansion Efforts:
We are considering an effort to create a documentary around the effort perhaps called, “Build the Museum.” I’m sure Chris Callen will air it on Grease and Gears TV. We need to shoot the interviews, create a logo, edit the footage and turn it over to Chris monthly.

Motorcycle art:
We have a magnificent stainless metal artist in Sturgis, with his art on almost every corner. Perhaps we can have him make two iconic pieces, one for the corner facing the intersection and one for the front of the building or to be used on top of the building, a wheel with wings. We also have Jeff Decker bronze art, which might be more appropriate to the museum.

There’s way more to report, but I’m burnin’ daylight.

--Bandit







American-Made BIKEMASTER MOTORCYCLE OIL--

Now Available at Motorcycle Dealerships Nationwide

BikeMaster, a top source for parts, tools and maintenance products for motorcycles, announced today that it has restocked its inventory of BikeMaster engine oil, which has been extremely popular with motorcycle owners. The depletion of inventory occurred during a time of high demand from dealers and consumers, while the company was changing inventory systems during its transition to ownership by Turn 14 Distribution.

“We are really happy that the BikeMaster engine oils are now in stock and available to riders,” said Aaron Whitney, Senior Brand Manager of BikeMaster. “Our products, especially our oils, are really popular with motorcycle owners that love to do their own maintenance. This is a great time of year to grab a BikeMaster filter and BikeMaster oil for a quick oil change before a busy summer of riding ahead."

BikeMaster oils are manufactured, blended, and bottled in the USA from 100% US-sourced components. The company’s oils meet or exceed the requirements of all the major brands of motorcycles from Europe and Asia.

"Our customers love choosing a top-quality oil from a reliable brand, especially because we offer it at a great price," continued Whitney. "BikeMaster oil uses a high quality, American base product, a specially formulated additive package and it is available in dealerships all across the country."

BikeMaster oils are available in multi-grade mineral-based oil (10W40), and a fully synthetic oil (10W40). The brand also offers a range of tools to make the job easy.

BikeMaster products are available at competitive prices across the country from Turn 14 Distribution’s dealer network.





BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!--'60s SATAN SLAVES

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/60s_SATAN_SLAVES.aspx

I rode with Satans Slaves back in the middle ‘70s. I was divorced, and I worked parttime at a little bike shop in Canoga Park, CA.

I would ride the canyons on the weekend and I ran into Slaves at the Rock Store. One of your members had a flat tire and I pointed it out and they thought I was talking about them littering. I had just gotten out of the Marines and wasn't too afraid of anything, so I said F-you do you want help with that tire or not. So, I fixed the tire for him and invited them to our shop and we all became friends. They called me Hillbilly cause they didn't even know where Nebraska was.

--Craig “Hillbilly” Paro
craigparo38@gmail.com
Lincoln, NE





PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO MODIFY IS PROTECTING OUR CULTURE--

There are many different aspects of modification to be considered. The Right to Modify is the basis of our culture considering young men coming back from WWII no longer wanted the full-fendered accessory-laden motorcycles. Personalization is what separates motorcycles from other modes of transportation. A new biker will start personalizing his or her bike immediately with different grips, pipes, intakes or whatever trim detail grabs them.

Performance modifications are popular because of the exhilaration you feel every time you blast down the Highway. Performance mods are the most threatened by local, state or national government agencies. The claim is our performance mods pollute and are too difficult to control, so the preference is to just ban them.

They would like to see performance bikes purchased only through franchise dealers i.e. the Dodge Demon. The main problem is the prohibitive cost of factory performance bike and eliminates the variety of personal performance choices. When it comes to customization and performance products, you can count on the styles of intakes and exhaust to be minimized due to increased costs of compliance.

The other threat to customization is the reduction in choices of paint, metal finishes and materials. The idea of being able to add a few accessories or build a custom bike from the ground up makes motorcycles more personal than cars.

I believe the biker culture we live today started at the end of World War II. The boys who left home to protect our way of life came back as men with an unrest that could only be satisfied by the open road.

Hence, the beginnings of the bobber/chopper style we still enjoy today. The first mods were simple; chopped fenders, abbreviated seats, higher handlebars, longer front ends and of course drag pipes.

Once most of the weight was reduced to make the bikes go faster then came internal engine components, most notably S&S who is still producing performance parts today. A distinct characteristic of this time was the freedom to do what you want, not to conform and most importantly not be controlled.

Our current political leadership doesn’t understand CO2 or the climate and wants to control everything. I know what’s best for me as opposed to some elitist in Washington D. C. We must hold strong now and demand scientific truth. Government agencies, including the EPA are reducing our ability to tune our bikes every day.

The IMA and MRF need your support to continue the battle to protect our rights. You can do nothing and ignore the signs of excess government intervention in our lives or join today and fight back!







SONG OF THE WEEK FROM AUSTRALIA—This would never be allowed in the USA, Canada or Europe!

Too bad because it's an excellent song reflecting the views of many Australians

https://www.youtube.com/embed/yZZlo0WZ_iU?rel=0

--Graeme Lowen
Sidecar editor
Bikernet.com™
New Zealand



AMRA Nitro Harleys Thundering into Fabulous Norwalk--PennGrade1 AMRA All-American motorcycle drag racing series pre-race advance

Event: PennGrade1 AMRA Ohio Nitro Nationals
When: May 17-19, 2024
Where: Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, USA

Those fan-favorite, thundering, flame-throwing Nitro Harley-Davidson motorcycles are returning to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, May 17-19. The PennGrade1 AMRA series rolls into the Disney World of Dragstrips for the Ohio Nitro Nationals—their first visit since last summer’s Night Under Fire.

“Top Fuel Harley is one of the most exciting classes drag racing offers,” said Summit Motorsports Park owner and world-renowned race promoter, Bill Bader Jr. “They belch header flames, they’re hanging the front wheel of the motorcycle down the track, the guys are wearing ballistic vests and risking their lives—it’s an amazing visceral experience!”

Jay “Bulldog” Turner added a Night Under Fire win last year to his extensive résumé, which includes NHRA and IHRA championships, a U.S. Nationals win, the North Carolina Drag Racing Hall of Fame, and the last AMRA win three weeks ago at Cecil County Dragway.

To get a Circle M Ranch/Dove Fuels Top Fuel win at Norwalk this week, Turner will have to vanquish some extremely tough competition. AMRA champ and Ohio hero Ryan Peery tops a list that includes Cecil County runner-up Jordan Peterson, AMRA’s own John “JT” Toth, two-time NHRA champ Tii Tharpe on his Spevco mount, and more.

Take away a gear and some cubic inches and you’ve got Nitro Funnybikes—every bit as loud and awesome as their big Top Fuel brothers. Champion Jim Doyle, Bad Apple Racing’s Cameron Gunter, No Problem Raceway winner Tadashi “Reggie” Saitou, second generation star Armon Furr, 2X-for-2024 runner-up Jason Leeper, and more will fling their Nitro Funnybikes down Norwalk’s 1320 for your enjoyment.

Hawaya Racing Pro Fuel are smaller and carbureted, but still fill the air with nitro power, smell and noise. Champion Sam White started his title defense with a win in Louisiana but settled for runner-up last time out. He’ll face Cecil County winner “Bad Apple Mary” Dangrow, Leeper, Jim “Bad Influence” Martin, Curt Sexton, Hot Rod Carlisle and more.

Gasoline is cool too, and AMRA will fill the lanes with gas-burners of all kinds.

Baggers are the rage and Zipper’s Performance Pro Bagger are the angriest of all—turbo and nitrous behemoths throwing everything available in the mechanical and technological world to make all-out quarter mile assaults. Jeremy Williamson, Rick Hunnicutt, Jeremy Justice, Matt Hillen and more are all expected to put Norwalk to the test.

Thundermax Street Bagger riders Keith Evans, Jason Crisp, Dave “Paco” Cartwright, Jeff Boudreaux and more are all expected to fight wheelies the whole 1320.

Outlaw Street bikes are like Pro Baggers without the bags. Charley Douglass, Tim Grindle and more are expected to launch their no-bar bikes to mind-blowing performances. Douglass also fields an Axtell Cylinders Hot Street bike, along with Joe Petersen and more.

Ditch the stock frame and strap on wheelie bars and you’ve got Pro Modified and Zippers Performance Modified. Kimberly “K-Charm” Deshields, Gary Douglass, Billy Doherty, Dave Doremus, Keith Carper, John Price, and more favor this type of racing.

Index classes are where the brass knuckles come out, and AMRA has them. Top Eliminator 9.30 index, Super Gas 9.90, Thundermax Street Eliminator 11.50, BK Electric Super Pro 10.30, and Pro Eliminator 10.90 feature studs like Donnie Huffman, Cody Hayworth, Chris Hoppe, Crank Lanktree, Monty Garrelts, John Shotts, Robert Alther, Josh Maikranz, Kenny Satterlee, Rick Miller, Heather Jendruch, Chris Phipps, Crosby Blair, Bill Grove, Charlie Ange, Bob Willis, William Quinn and more.

Many of these same riders will also enter Eliminator Dial-in bracket racing, and so can you. Want to try your own American-made V-Twin out on the quarter mile? Bring it along with your safety gear and send it!

AMRA’s Greg Baugh and John “JT” Toth look forward to welcoming the whole Harley-Davidson drag racing family to America’s Race Track, the Bader family’s fabulous Summit Motorsports Park.

Event Details
$25 per day, kids 12 and under are free
HOG and ABATE, $5 off with card
Racer only early track access on Thursday May 16, 2pm to 8pm
Friday: Test & Tune - 3pm to 8pm
Saturday: Qualifying begins at Noon
Sunday: Opening Ceremonies at Noon; Eliminations immediately following.

AMRA thanks PennGrade1 oil, Zipper's Performance, Hawaya Racing, Axtell Cylinders, BK Electric, Johnny Mancuso’s Circle M Ranch,