Hey,

The Sturgis 84th Rally is over. The historic event is cooked, we had a blast and we experienced the action from a completely different prospective this year, like a lesson in the field and not in a classroom.

I bought the historic stone NCOM building, run by the Hells Angels for 40 years. But for the first time in 37 years of attending the Sturgis Rally, I spent most of the week in Downtown, mixing it up with the bros, Kenny the long-time club jeweller, tattoo artists, bike builders, Hamsters, museum staff and Dr. Hamster.



The good Doctor rode my Indian and I rode the 1969 Panhead and I will get into that later in the news. Speaking of the news, next week I will be on the road to Bonneville. The following week Thursday will be the final day of the BMST event, so who knows about the news.

Let’s hit it and see what happens next…



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.



The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.


CONGRESS RACES TO THE EXITS-- Last week, in a surprise move, the House of Representatives cancelled their last planned week of work in D.C. for the end of July. Representatives returned home for the August break a week early. Their departure, followed by the Senate leaving this week, means lawmakers will spend more than 40 straight days away from D.C. Both chambers are scheduled to return on September 9th.

While Congress normally takes a month-long August break, this nearly 7-week break is especially long. It is yet another sign of the dysfunction in our nation’s capitol. Lawmakers have chosen to head home, rest, campaign, and escape the gridlock in the halls of Congress.

While Congress may be on vacation, that doesn’t mean the work stops for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) here in D.C. The MRF team in D.C. will use this time to meet with congressional staff, expand our network of allies, and begin preparing for Meeting of the Minds in September.

For those of you around the country, there is no better time than August to engage your elected officials! Representatives and Senators will be crisscrossing their states and congressional districts participating in official and political events.

Find out their positions on our issues, introduce yourselves, and explain how the MRF represents you back in Washington, D.C. It’s often much easier to get an audience and have a frank conversation back home than in the shadow of the Capitol Dome. Let’s keep the pressure up, if we don’t do it, who will?

Ride Safe and Ride Free

--MRF

This stinks like this is a normal session, but it’s not. The Border is being invaded and the country is crumbling, and they go on vacation. Yikes!" --Bandit







BANDIT’S 5-BALL EMPORIUM POST RALLY REPORT—Kenny’s Jewellery will be on display year around and he is beginning to design special pieces for the 85th, for the western nature of Sturgis and for a broader biker audience.



He had Silverskull.com but it no longer works. I will try to help him expand his voice.



Our main artistic talent is Danial James, the fine artist who installed motorcycle, western, animal and hot rod art in the Emporium for the rally. Hang on for next year when we have special 85th Anniversary pieces, commissions, more shapely women and the west mixed with motorcycles. He’s an amazing talent and we are fortunate to have his creations on the walls of Bandit’s Emporium.



Crazy shit is happening daily. We just scored a wild array of old Fire Department antiques. A brother said we should have the cool shit in the basement. The first might be the Fire Room. We will post and display rare motorcycles, wild accessories and goofy metal art by Bandit. A couple of brothers raised their hands for a basement Cigar room. Hmmm...



The Michael Lichter print arrived and I install it into this amazing frame. It’s for sale in the Emporium. Some Western mixed with Motorcycle. What could be better.





The bros guarding the front door.

We were all there and the Redhead was featured on the local TV station.

Hang on,
--Bandit







THE STREET STURGIS TT RACE WAS A HIT--Beach Does the Dakota Double,

Neither pavement, dirt, rain, nor restart could prevent JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) from putting on yet another exhibition of all-around motorcycle mastery in Sunday’s Arrowhead Brass Sturgis TT presented by Rick Ware Racing & The CAT Rental Store, Round 13 of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

While inclement weather pushed the planned proceedings back several hours, the event proved every bit the spectacle that was promised once the world’s elite dirt trackers finally locked handlebars on the unique hybrid racetrack laid out in the Streets of Downtown Sturgis, South Dakota.

And while the combination of pavement turns, dirt jumps and switchbacks put the talents of even the greatest Mission AFT SuperTwins riders to the test, world-class dirt tracker/roadracer Beach looked to be in his natural environment.



Beach powered into the lead from pole and immediately threatened to sap all tension right from the race’s opening lap. However, despite Beach’s best efforts, reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) managed to inject the Main Event with an abundance of drama soon after.

The nine-time series king sank down the order at the light due to a poor launch, getting clipped and nearly taken out by Sammy Halbert (No. 69 OnlyFans/Martin Trucking Yamaha MT-07) as he was swallowed up by the pack. Trapped down in eighth early, Mees threw in a hard overtake on Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Sody Ent/OTBR Yamaha MT-07) entering the dirt section. That attempt resulted in contact, which knocked his opponent over and brought a stop to the race.

But the red flag only temporarily delayed Beach’s escape to victory. Peoria TT winner Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) got away well in second following the restart and hounded Beach for a time, but in time, the Estenson Racing substitute rider systemically eked away, one and two tenths per circulation, before finally working his way to a 1.715-second margin of victory.

The triumph was Beach’s second in the week, backing up his Tuesday night win at the Black Hills Half-Mile. It also increased his career TT wins total to nine, equal to Steve Eklund for third all-time and now training only Henry Wiles and Chris Carr. It also saw him set the new standard for wins at the most different TT courses at six.

“It’s been a great three rounds, but this round was amazing,” Beach said. “I’ve got to give it up to the whole fansbase. All of the fans were going crazy all day long, and so many people stuck it out despite all the rain. I think this race was awesome. And I’ve got to thank the Estenson Racing Monster team for letting me come out and do these three rounds to fill in for Dallas (Daniels). I’m bummed he’s not here because I know he would have given me a run for my money too, but it’s been a real good three races.”



Bauman, meanwhile, held on for second; this despite the late-race charge of Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750), who finally earned his first podium of the ‘24 season by finishing third after several near misses along the way.

Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) limped his way to fourth after injuring his foot in the Mission #2Fast#Tasty Challenge, colliding with the wall while harrying Beach for the win.

And for all the excitement, Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750) completed what must be considered a successful evening in fifth, as that result pulled him further clear of second-ranked (and tenth-placed) Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) in the title chase.

Meanwhile, Sammy Halbert (No. 69 OnlyFans/Martin Trucking Yamaha MT-07), Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing Indian FTR750) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) sandwiched between the championship leaders in sixth through ninth, respectively.

Mees’ advantage now sits at a healthy 22 points (251-229) with three rounds remaining, with Bauman closing in on second at 224.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) did his part in ensuring the historic nature of the Arrowhead Brass Sturgis TT. The double defending class champion earned his first career TT victory at the event, which upped his record-setting tally of wins to 21, completed his quest for a Singles Grand Slam, and moved that much closer to an unprecedented third Parts Unlimited AFT Singles crown.

Kopp figured to be in for a serious fight when rival (and experienced roadracer) Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) grabbed the holeshot. But rather than let that become a problem, Kopp executed an aggressive pass as the two transitioned onto the dirt section for the first time.

Once through, Kopp simply set sail at the front. Drane might have liked to formulate a plan to strike back at Kopp but was instead forced to worry about what was behind him as a pack of five riders closed in on his rear wheel – a group headed by an on-form Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction/P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R).

Drane and Santero then two carried their fight for second to the checkered flag as Bronson Pearce (No. 132 Scott Cason @ USA Mortgage Honda CRF450R), Chad Cose (No. 49 D&D Cycles/DG79 Husqvarna FC450), and Justin Anselmi (No. 115 Team TDR/Unsettled Racing Yamaha YZ450F) retreated from the podium battle even as Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R) marched his way forward.

Saathoff’s climb merely gave him a front-row seat from fourth to witness Santero pull off a final-lap acing of Drane in order secure his first career Progressive AFT podium with a runner-up result.

Supermoto specialist Pearce was right at home on the pavement-heavy circuit and it showed with a fifth-place finish just ahead of Cose, who finished sixth while sitting in for former teammate James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).

Rookie Anselmi took seventh followed by another first-year pilot in Evan Renshaw (No. 265 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). Olin Kissler (No. 40 JCM Construction KTM 450 SX-F) and Jared Lowe (No. 63 BigR/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) completed the top ten.

Kopp’s victory puts him in strong position to lock up a championship early for the third time. He now leads by 34 points over Saathoff and 40 over Drane as the series next heads to Springfield with the #1 plate both on his bike and in his sights.

He said, “It’s awesome to get a TT (win) finally. It took a lot of starts and a lot of days on TTs where we were fastest all day and just didn’t finish the job… We’re on track for a third championship and this break coming up is much needed.”

AFT AdventureTrackers™

As both hoped and expected, the AFT AdventureTrackers made a huge impression in the class’ eagerly awaited debut. Featuring near-stock Dual Adventure bikes piloted by riders from a diverse set of racing backgrounds – including dirt track, roadracing, enduro, Super Hooligan, and stunt – the AFT AdventureTrackers competitors treated fans to a one-of-a-kind demonstration that illustrated the full potential of the versatile machines.

And none did so as effectively as a pair of full-time flat trackers in Dan Bromley (No. 62 Sody Enterprises/Memphis Shades/Vinson Honda Africa Twin) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 1200).

The two ran off at the front, Bromley looking smooth and controlled while Halbert was all aggression and excitement. Halbert took the lead momentarily, but a bobble allowed Bromley right back through and once again in control.

However, any and all potential for last-lap fireworks was erased when Bromley momentarily lost power, handing first position – and ultimately the win – over to Halbert.

“It was actually quite easy for me to ride that Triumph, it worked so well,” Halbert said. “I’m just a little guy and that’s a big bike, but it’s so nice and easy to ride. I’m so stoked to get that win in the inaugural race for the class… It was a rad event.”



Five-time Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes (Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 1200) worked his way around four-time Daytona 200 winner Danny Eslick (No. 64 Saddlemen Race Development Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250) to secure second place as the two completed a star-studded podium.

Robby McLendon (No. 169 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 1200) and Kole King (No. 80 Triumph Racing/Triumph Indianapolis Triumph Tiger 1200) made it four Triumphs in the top five, followed by pre-race favorite Frankie Garcia (No. 14 Saddlemen Race Development Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), whose shot at the win stalled off the line.

Next Up:

The battle for the Grand National Championship will resume when Progressive AFT descends on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, for the Mission Springfield Mile I & II on August 31-September 1.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/springfield-i-and-ii-89223 to purchase your tickets today.

For those who can’t catch the action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of the on-track action, from the first practice to the victory podium, at https://flosports.link/aft.

The Arrowhead Brass Sturgis TT pre-race show will air on FS2 on Saturday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT), immediately followed by the race broadcast on FOX at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The complete two-hour pre-race and race package will then re-air on FS1 later that evening, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.






We draw on the Northern Indiana spirit of manufacturing to create a personal, unique, and relatable product. We utilize our global marketplace to source reliable, tried-and-true components. We build to order and sell directly to our riders, cultivating a connection with each and every owner.



JANUS MOTORCYCLES ARE FOR...

Riders who are looking for a closer connection with their machine, the road, and the passing landscape.

Riders who are looking for a machine that is designed for the kind of riding we most love to do: county-road joy rides, zipping through the city, windy roads, and riding a bike at its limit without risking life or limb.

Riders who value experience more than size or specification.

Riders who celebrate form and function.



Janus Motorcycles was a serious standout in the Sturgis crowd this year. Classy looking motorbikes, they reminded me of the Royal Enfield launch in Daytona 30 years ago, all historic and class. I wish them the same success.

--Bandit


THE HARLEY CORNER—During the rally a brother looked up Harley Motorcycle Sales over the last five years. Annual sales have dropped about 100,000 and each year gets smaller. Ah but see below. The government can help.

--Bandit

Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle business, LiveWire, is getting an $89 million boost to support a five-year project to increase production of zero-emissions motorcycles for its zero-emission motorcycle production plant in Pennsylvania.

The funding comes from the Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act. It will support Harley-Davidson’s efforts to scale up production and refine its electric motorcycles, including models under the Harley-Davidson and LiveWire brands.

The grant will enable the Milwaukee-based company to expand its 650,000-square-foot facility in York County, Pa., enhancing production capacity for electric motorcycles. LiveWire, Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle business, uses an entirely American supply chain and is the nation’s largest electric motorcycle manufacturer.

--AMA





BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT--
Next week, the California Senate and Assembly Appropriations committees will be holding public hearings on several anti-gun bills. With just weeks remaining of the 2024 session, it’s critical for all NRA members and Second Amendment supporters to contact committee members and urge their opposition to these bills!

On Monday, August 5th, the Assembly Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on the following bills:

Assembly Bill 1252 codifies the Office of Gun Violence Prevention created by Attorney General Bonta in 2022 and would additionally create a Commission to End Gun Violence within the Department of Justice. While proponents claim the purpose is to conduct “research”, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and newly established Commission will likely only serve to advocate for gun control policies using tax-payer dollars.

Assembly Bill 2917 expands upon California’s existing Gun Violence Protective Order to allow the court to also consider “threats” directed towards a group or location when deciding whether to issue the order. If issued, Gun Violence Protective Orders result in a five year firearm prohibition, subject to indefinite renewals. These so-called “red flag” orders deprive citizens of their fundamental rights and property without due process safeguards and a clear evidentiary basis.

On Wednesday, August 7th, the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 53.

Senate Bill 53 prohibits firearm possession in the home unless the firearms are stored in a locked box or safe that is approved by the Department of Justice and renders them inaccessible to anyone other than the owner. SB 53 ignores the U.S. Supreme Court decision in D.C v. Heller which argued that storage requirements that prevent gun owners from easily accessing their firearms are unconstitutional.

Again, we urge you to contact your legislators and urge them to OPPOSE these bills. Please continue to check your inbox and NRA-ILA for updates concerning your Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage.

NRA-ILA Grassroots
https://www.nrailafrontlines.com/







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ABATE of IILLINOIS--Summer Update

Questions? email: Legislative@abate-il.org

ABATE exists to fight for the Freedoms of riders, including the freedom to exist on roads in the future. While some may think driverless cars are way off in the future, the fact is they are here now and rapidly trying to expand and endangering motorcyclist's lives in the process.

- Josh "SKI" Witkowski, State Legislative Coordinator.

TESLA Promises Expansion of Motorcyclist Killing Technology

News Reports yesterday confirmed what motorcycle rights activists across the country had suspected. An April collision in Seattle is now the 5th motorcyclist to have have been killed by a Tesla driving in "Full Service Driving" which is Tesla's version of autonomous driving.

Unlike the previous four fatalities, the driver who was relying on Tesla's deeply flawed technology was arrested for vehicular homicide charges. Unfortunately, he has not been charged by the prosecutor officially at this time.

All 5 of these fatalities involved a Tesla running over the motorcyclist from behind while traveling at highway speeds, proving that the technology does not see motorcycles effectively.

Despite this obviously fatal flaw, Tesla intends on expanding the use of this technology to include a soon to be national network of driverless taxis. According to a newsletter published by Axios last week, Elon Musk thinks unsupervised full self-driving could be ready by the end of this year, and that he envisions turning customer owned cars, like the one in this Seattle incident, into a commercial robotaxi network like "Airbnb on wheels".

Can you imagine that? With a simple over the air software update, nearly 2.5 million cars will be equipped with a technology that doesn't safely see motorcyclists and will be driving without any supervision on the same roads we use.

And let’s not forget the bombshell Wall Street journal investigation into 222 different collisions caused by this technology that our friends at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation highlighted yesterday as well. The video investigation shows the flaws in Tesla's design and how Tesla often tries to hinder public scrutiny of their autopilot systems by claiming recorded videos of collisions as "proprietary information.

ABATE of Illinois will continue to work with our friends in Congress and in the Illinois Statehouse to try and stop the unsafe testing of this technology on public roadways. Our lives are not a field test!

Always See the latest at
abate-il.org/bills





QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!--

Devils Diciples MC 44th Anniversary

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Devils_Diciples_MC_44th_Anniversary.aspx

Anyone remember Shag Dog and the Newark Chapter of the DD?

-- Little Jim
skywatch@webspaceplayground.com
Newark, OH





END OF LIFE LAWS EXIST--Crazy man crazy.

A recent story revealed that China has a law on the books that requires all motorcycles older than 13 years to be scrapped, despite whether they're in good working order…

Source: RideApart.com
https://search.app/MXpAPMqyjgNYTX4N9