Hey,

This virus thing speaks at so many aspects of society, from fossil fuels, cars, homelessness and socialism. Kick it around. Folks out there would like to kill our cars and motorcycles. Think about how many more folks would have died if we were all forced to ride in public transportation, buses, subways and trains.

This problem doesn’t work for letting the homeless park rusting RVs or tents just anywhere they please. And remember when the socialist media said, “China is doing it right and we’re all wrong.”



Check this: A Department of Homeland Security analysis has concluded that China hid the early spread of the coronavirus so it could hoard medical equipment, keeping it from other countries that would have bought it if they had known of the danger that was coming their way from Wuhan.

Specifically, DHS found, with 95% statistical confidence, that changes to China's personal protective equipment import and export behavior were highly abnormal and not random.

Early warnings from China about the scale of the coronavirus outbreak and its threat of becoming a pandemic could have given other countries time to take actions that would have saved lives. It looks like the Chinese government deliberately misled the world so that it could stockpile crucial supplies.

For those of us who have been chronicling China's mendacity on the coronavirus for months, this revelation is not surprising. But it is certainly outrageous.

China's lies are piling up rapidly. It lied about the virus being capable of transmission between humans. It threw whistleblower doctors in prison. It refused to let the World Health Organization and other authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention see early data. It stopped tests and had test samples destroyed. It allowed its citizens to travel from Wuhan to other parts of the world, taking the disease with them, and then had the gall to complain when foreign nations (belatedly) restricted travel from China. The tyranny continues to restrict international scientific access to Wuhan, and it sells faulty coronavirus tests, masks, and protective equipment across the globe.

--Washington Examiner

So much for the socialist nation that doesn’t allow free speech.

It’s so interesting, and as I constantly tell questioning folks: Time will tell and shit will smell. Let’s hit the news and then go for a ride.



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.







HAL ROBINSON’S EX WANTS TO MAKE A HAL TRIBUTE BANDANA—We put her in touch with our Bandana manufacturer.
But she will need to clean up the shading. Shading doesn’t work for Bandana designs. It must have clean, sharp lines.



Like our Bikernet Bandana, but we still sell a few T-shirts with original Hal artwork featured.

--Bandit







BONNEVILLE TRACK AT RISK--
AMA Calls For Action

The land speed racetrack at Bonneville—once 13 miles long—is now less than 8 miles, due to salt erosion.

It is critically important that the U.S. Department of the Interior contribute funds toward a 10-year restoration program that will dramatically increase the amount of salt pumped onto Bonneville Salt Flats.

The AMA needs your help in urging Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to fund the Restore Bonneville program in 2020 from funds allocated by Congress.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, local company Intrepid Potash and the land speed racing community have identified a strategy and are collaborating to restore Bonneville. But without federal funding, the project cannot succeed.








COMP CAMS FOR M-8—We ran into Gene’s Speed Shop recently and then I spoke to the boss of Strictly Hawg, Charles. M-8s are getting stupid performance and and the performance doctors are loving them. They are a lot like the simple Evo but bigger and tougher. “I’m getting 145 HP and 133 pounds of Torque out of a 117-inch M-8,” Charles said.

He had a 107 and bored the barrels to 117 inch, added CP PISTONS, let the doctors at Branch Flowmeterics handle the headwork, installed the new, high flow, S&S Air Cleaner, used new DynoJet Power vision tuner, Comp Cam 248C, Barnett Clutch and Bassini Pipe.

Hang on for more reports.

--Bandit











SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES COMES TO 5-BALL RACING—They build custom shocks and worked with us on the Salt Torpedo. We went through several sets of shocks to come up with the perfect four shocks.

They are reaching out to custom builders all over the country to help them with projects and custom applications including Cole Rogers, of 295 Custom Fab, who manufacturers a custom girder.

If you have a special project that needs custom shocks, give Mike Alex a call at Suspension Technologies.

--Bandit





SMOKE OUT NEWS-- I guess by now everyone knows there is no SMOKE-OUT this year. Does anyone know if the rights to the event are being sold?

--Stealth




S&S TO THE RESCUE--There's a reason very few companies make a flywheel assembly for the M8, this was a tough one! Hundreds of hours of design and durability testing went into the project and we're finally happy with the results! ~ DZ




S&S has been building stroker cranks since the 50s and has it down to an absolute art. Their latest efforts are aimed at the Milwaukee Eight platform (2017 and newer big twins) and open up a whole new level of performance for these engines. Stronger, more durable, and trued to a spec others can only dream of, these new flywheel assemblies are the best of the best to build your high performance engine around.

Using a heat-treated 4140 material, each assembly is harder and 114% stronger than factory parts. S&S High Strength Connecting Rods are designed using Finite Element Analysis to eliminate weak spots and create a part that can handle substantially more power. Available in 4.375”, 4.5” and 4.625” stroke with tapered or high strength full-width wrist pin to accommodate even the most instance of builds.

Each of their flywheel assemblies are also available with or without the counterbalancer gear. We’re particularly interested in their 4.625” stroker crank and figure we could combine that with the S&S 128” Power Package and build a 131” monster! Take a look at the details on their site https://www.sscycle.com/feature/lower-end/flywheels-for-m8-models

--David Zemla




STRIDER BIKES GET KIDS TO RIDE--Let's get active for ALL kids' health.

Whether you walk, run, or bike, you can participate in this virtual event AND support bringing two wheels to schools across America when that school bell rings once again!

Between May 1 and May 31, choose a sunny day and complete a 7k! By going the EXTRA distance, you will get some good, old fashioned exercise, and directly support bringing the complete Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Program to schools on the All Kids Bike waitlist. Every $4,000 raised together as an active community moves a school off the waitlist, and teaches kids to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.

We suggest running/ walking/ biking/ hiking a 7k. WHY?

On average, kids under the age of 18 spend over 7 hours a day on an electronic device. We are on a mission to encourage children to spend more time with friends and family outside and being active! By embracing the 7k distance, you are going the extra mile for kids' health.

Not interested in a 7k? No worries! Choose the distance and activity of your choice -- it's all about getting active and having fun!

All participants will receive a swag bag complete with the All Kids Bike Spring 2020 Handlebar Hustle shirt, virtual race bib, and virtual finisher certificate.

Be sure to tag @AllKidsBike and #HandlebarHustle to show your support of getting bikes in schools!

All Kids Bike® is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. All Kids Bike is on a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class.







THE TEXAS WEATHER REPORT--Nice 111- mile early morning, pre-breakfast ride Conroe, Willis, Huntsville. Grandson in town so came back early.



Got all the parts to complete the mid-control replacement, trying to decide if I want to order another V&H Fuelpack 3 or try for a Thundermax setup?

She still needs so many things, front highway pegs once the controls are changed, front suspension upgrade, front fairing, want an FXRP but may just go smaller, rear chain conversion, Cams, and on and on and on!

--RFR





MICHAEL LICHTER PHOTO OF THE WEEK-- Chopper Dave Frestonchopp at his shop, in Hawaiian Gardens, CA. USA. Tuesday June 26, 2018.

Dave is known for cast aluminum fun parts and can make custom shit for any application on a chopper.

Photography ©2018 Michael Lichter.



If you are looking for a special builder shot or something from the last event you attended, check out his site. --Bandit



CHARLIE BRECHTEL AND THE DEACON JONES-- Thought you'd like to have this shot from a very special time.



Still traveling. Currently @ Spartan, Charlotte MI for chassis service. Idaho, June. Spearfish-Deadwood, July, CO, August. L.A., Sept. TX-TN Oct. FL winter/spring.

--Jeff Krause








BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY-- Just wanted to let you know that this year 7th May is celebrated as Birth Anniversary of Buddha.

It changes every year as per lunar calendar.

Many best wishes and peace to you on this Honored Day.

--Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com
International Editor
Bikernet News Desk, India





JAPAN REPORT FROM THE SHERIFF--VIBES JAPAN did a Corona Special
Yours truly took the moment of five second fame!



Stay safe SIR!

SHERIFF MEDIA GROUP
S-36030 LAMMHULT
SWEDEN




LIQUI MOLY PLANNING SESSION--
“They never come back”

LIQUI MOLY Managing Director Ernst Prost on the demands of the coming upswing

In today’s circular letter, Ernst Prost, Managing Director of the oil and additive specialist LIQUI MOLY, prepares his colleagues for the demands of the coming upswing. The service campaign of recent weeks will bear fruit and it is important to be prepared when sales figures pick up again.

--Peter





NEWS FROM THE VA--
Mission BBQ: free sandwiches for Veterans, military during Armed Forces Week

Mission BBQ will offer Veterans and active duty military a free sandwich in May on the following dates:
U.S. Army: 5/11
U.S. Marines: 5/12
U.S. Navy: 5/13
U.S. Air Force: 5/14
U.S. Coast Guard: 5/15
All branches: 5/16
Mission BBQ is also hiring Veterans.





AIMExpo Moves to January--
The struggling American International Motorcycle Expo is moving to January 21-23 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Previously scheduled for October, North America's final attempt at a powersports show is changing more than timing; the show will become a trade-only event and emerge as an integral part of the buying season.

Transitioning to the first quarter has been part of a desperate plan to save the AIMExpo.





FOUR WHEEL NEWS--Pickup trucks outsell cars for the first time, and it may not be temporary.

The Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado have been the best-selling light vehicles in America for a long time, but for the first time ever, the pickup truck segment as a whole outsold the car segment in the month of April, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

The difference was by a large margin, too, with pickups outselling cars by more than 17,000 units. Five years ago, cars outsold trucks by half a million units in a single month, according to Bloomberg.

State restrictions of certain businesses has led to more vehicle deliveries in middle America, where trucks are preferred, than the coastal states. Truck sales especially have been boosted by 0% financing for up to seven years, as well.

While some of this pendulum swing is attributable to effects of the coronavirus pandemic, it points to a larger trend that has seen pickup trucks evolve from workhorses to luxurious family haulers. At the same time, cars have diminished in the opinions of car shoppers.

This could have a lasting effect on the vehicles offered by automakers. In 2014, crossovers and SUVs overtook cars as America's vehicle of choice. They now account for nearly half of all new vehicles sold, with each automaker offering an average of five different crossovers/SUVs in their lineups. Automakers are cutting production of coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks to about two models per automaker on average.

The Detroit Three truckmakers—Ford, GM, and Fiat Chrysler—have led the charge, killing off once-popular compact and sedan models en masse. Ford killed the Fiesta, Focus, and Taurus, and now only sells the Mustang muscle car and the Fusion mid-size sedan, which is on the chopping block.

Pickups are more lucrative for automakers, and with dozens of configurations for each model, there is a truck for every preference, it seems. It's a lot easier to build one platform with interchangeable body styles and engine options than an entire car model. At least 50 different car models are still on sale, while there are only about a dozen truck models. Increasingly, full-size pickup trucks such as the best-selling Ford F-150 are complemented on either side by redesigned heavy-duty work trucks and smaller mid-size pickups such as the Ford Ranger.

Car lovers might encounter more trouble seeing down the road, literally and figuratively. With many factories preparing to open after weeks of closures, the truck inventory available on dealer lots is running low, The Detroit News reported. That means trucks are still in high demand, and likely will be again through the month of May, if not longer.

--NMA





FROM THE MASTER, DAVID UHL--We are pleased to announce the release of David Uhl's third and final piece in his Strange Days series. "Exiting the Curve" is set in our nation's capital as we begin to climb out of this situation we've been in.

"Exiting the Curve"


As with the first two in the series, we are offering prints on watercolor paper in two sizes at great prices. Each piece will be hand-signed by David Uhl, numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The prices below are for the unframed prints. Framing is an additional $200.

** Image size appx 14x18, edition of 30 prints, $95 unframed.

** Image size appx 18x24, edition of 6 prints, $325 unframed.

As promised, those who bought the first two pieces in the series have first right of refusal to add this new one (with matching edition numbers).

Please let me know if you have any questions, and have a great day!

Thanks, Greg





Reaper from Bob T.





THE INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT--How Cities Are Taking Advantage of the Coronavirus Shutdowns.

Empty streets are allowing construction crews to complete long-needed infrastructure projects at record speed.

RUSSELL BERMAN, The Atlantic

In normal times, it’s faster to walk along Seventh Street in downtown Los Angeles than to drive. The traffic is so constant—some 16,000 cars a day—that closing the street for repairs was virtually unthinkable. Aside from fixing dangerous potholes, officials in America’s most notoriously car-clogged city hadn’t repaved the cracked, uneven roadway in more than a decade and weren’t planning to do so anytime soon.


Then came the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting statewide lockdown, which cleared Los Angeles’s polluted air as well as its congested streets. California allowed construction to continue, and city officials seized an opportunity too serendipitous to pass up. Crews resurfaced a crucial half-mile stretch of Seventh Street in two days—less than half the time it would normally take, and without the traffic headache it would otherwise cause.

“It looks amazing now,” crowed Adel Hagekhalil, the executive director and general manager of Streets LA, the city agency responsible for the upkeep of Los Angeles’s 23,000-mile road network. Like a proud father, Hagekhalil texted me before-and-after photos of the Seventh Street project, and of heavily protected, socially distancing construction workers laying down fresh pavement on an otherwise deserted street in broad daylight.



It’s a rare—admittedly modest—bright spot amid the death and economic decay of the pandemic: In many parts of the country, the elusive Infrastructure Week is here at last. Cities and states are taking advantage of reduced air, train, and road traffic to speed up construction projects that either were under way or planned for the summer months.

Crews that are usually relegated to overnight hours are now working during the day as well. And instead of delays and cost overruns, they’re completing jobs ahead of schedule and, in many cases, significantly under budget.

“They can go a lot further, a lot faster, if they don’t have to be interrupted,” said Sean McGarvey, the president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, which comprises 14 unions in the construction industry. “They’re trying to make big gains while we’re in the situation that we’re in.”

In Los Angeles, the city has already moved on to resurfacing dozens of other heavily trafficked arteries, so that when residents finally emerge from their forced hibernation, they’ll be driving over new roads that are smoother and safer than they were before.

Florida officials announced that they would accelerate highway projects by as much as three months. New York’s Westchester County Airport, barely operating during the pandemic, is shutting down entirely to repave a runway it had planned to tackle later this year. It hopes to complete the project in just one month instead of four.

And in the Bay Area, California’s Department of Transportation had warned that a July project to replace a 70-year-old bridge deck traversed by nearly a quarter million cars a day would result in hour-long backups. Instead, it finished the job last week in half the scheduled time, and the cars still on the road had to wait just an extra 10 minutes to use a detour.

Leaders abroad are making a similar bid to turn a crisis into an opportunity. Officials in Jerusalem are speeding up infrastructure work across the city. And in Italy, a country ravaged by the coronavirus, workers have nearly completed the replacement for a Genoa bridge that killed 43 people when it collapsed two years ago. Italian officials hailed the project, on which construction continued during the pandemic, as a symbol of national resilience.


Not every American state is expediting infrastructure projects during the pandemic. Some have shut down most construction projects along with other nonessential businesses, and others are simply trying to keep work on schedule rather than speed it up. But because the construction industry already operates under strict safety regulations, with workers who usually wear masks and gloves, it will be one of the first sectors allowed to reopen in states where projects were halted.



The mini boom in construction is keeping paychecks and some economic activity going in certain areas, but health and safety remain a top concern for union officials. McGarvey, who is a member of President Trump’s advisory committee on reopening the economy, told me his members are still waiting for the administration to issue a temporary infectious-disease standard for construction. “It just hasn’t happened, and it’s wholly disappointing,” he said.

In lieu of formal federal protocols, the NATBU issued early guidance to its members and contractors for additional protective measures on projects, including setting up multiple entrances and exits to prevent bottlenecks and ensuring that job sites have running water so workers can frequently wash their hands. “Guys have gotten used to it,” McGarvey told me. "A few weeks ago, there were a lot of folks who weren't comfortable. Our absenteeism was high. But as our safety protocols got put in place, and people gained confidence that they were protected, that’s greatly subsided.”

However, he added, “human nature is human nature, and there are still folks that aren’t comfortable even with the proper protective equipment. And for those, we encourage them: If you’re not comfortable, don’t go to work. It’s a dangerous occupation to begin with, and we need you focused.”






5-BALL RACING REPORT—A new order is on its way to our headquarters. We are receiving orders for Bikernet Bandanas, which seem to be super popular right now. Wonder why?



With our new order, we will receive our redesigned Flat Out vest. It’s going to be a classic for years to come.

--Bandit











QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY--A crusty old biker out on a long summer ride in the country pulls up to a tavern in the middle of nowhere, parks his bike and walks inside. As he passes through the swinging doors, he sees a sign hanging over the bar:

> COLD BEER: $2.00

> HAMBURGER: $2.25

> CHEESEBURGER: $2.50

> CHICKEN SANDWICH: $3.50

> HAND JOB: $50.00

Checking his wallet to be sure he has the necessary payment, the old biker walks up to the bar and beckons to the exceptionally attractive female bartender who is serving drinks to a couple of sun-wrinkled farmers.

She glides down behind the bar to the old biker.

"Yes?" she inquires with a wide, knowing smile, "may I help you?"

The old biker leans over the bar and whispers, "I was wondering, Miss, are you the one who gives the hand-jobs?

She looks into his eyes with that wide smile and purrs "Why yes, yes, I sure am.”

The old biker leans closer and into her left ear whispers softly, "Well, you wash your hands real good now, young lady, cause I want a cheeseburger."

--from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™








SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK—1982-2000 FXR Profiler™ Seat

Saddlemen’s® classic slammed seat for two features narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height. Specially designed base allows the seat to drop down into the bike for the lowest riding position possible. Surprisingly comfortable, the Profiler was developed using Saddlemen’s® famous combination of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ in the driver's position, easing tailbone pressure and improving circulation for a smooth, comfortable ride.

Don’t accept anything less as you cannot buy a better seat. Winning show bike looks in a low, sleek seat plus top quality and innovative features, combined with comfort designed and engineered specifically for real riders– all great reasons to choose Saddlemen®.

The Profiler offers a great looking seat which provides a more comfortable ride that is noticeable from the moment you get on. Why?

Almost two decades ago, Saddlemen® was the innovator of SaddleGel™ for motorcycle seats, bringing over a gel technology widely used in medical applications. Now widely copied, but not duplicated, SaddleGel™ provides undisputable comfort.

Adding to the comfort is our unique SaddleHyde™ covering; a glove-soft, marine-grade material that has the right amount of stretch built in to make better use of the SaddleGel™ underneath (optional leather covers are also available- just call!).

Saddlemen® has engineered the perfect and only matched motorcycle seating foam that works in conjunction with SaddleGel™ and SaddleHyde™ for maximum riding distance and pleasure. Saddlemen’s® proprietary Black Magic™ foam with its high resilient properties maximizes your motorcycles suspension package by collapsing just enough to conform to the rider’s body shape. In turn it helps to equalize the pressure to allow good blood flow. Combined with our precisely engineered molding cavities, our 3 part system is carefully molded with a skin that resists penetration by rain or perspiration. All completed in house under the careful supervision of trained technicians to guarantee a perfectly contoured seat with every pour.

Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FXR (REQUIRES HD #52107-86)
Year Fitment: 1982-2000



Features:

Narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height.
Unique blend of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ eases tailbone pressure and improves circulation.
Supple SaddleHyde offers a combination of comfort, glove-soft leathery feel and weather-resistant, no-maintenance good looks.
The Profiler seat is available for most H-D models.
Designed and made in the U.S.A.