Out tribute to Daytona Bike Week...
I was on a Shop Talk Pod Cast recently with Chris Callen, two shop owners and Kirk Willard, the president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The two shop owners had never heard of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
We brought up issues killing our industry and last week I discussed a way to save the motorcycle industry and basically humanity. Did we experience overwhelming response? Nope?
Why is that? We’re busy. We are bombarded constantly by TV, radio, internet, social media you name it. Shop owners struggle with day to day operations, including doing the job, accounting, marketing, maintenance and customer service. Then there’s the fun aspect. So, who has time to be involved in the government, or motorcycle rights?
I believe most folks just raise their hands in despair and try to go with the flow. Plus, there’s been a major movement telling us not to question their facts or motives, just fucking bend and step aside. I have a feeling that’s coming to an end and folks are going to step up. Let’s see. Time will tell and shit will smell.
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.
HANG ON FOR THIS--
Federal Agency Advances Gas Stove Proposal From Commissioner Who Floated Ban
A U.S. agency has advanced a request for information on gas stove hazards after it was filed by a commissioner who has floated banning the stoves.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on March 1 it is seeking information from the public “on chronic chemical hazards from gas ranges.”
The commission released a draft public notice on the request for information, but has not released the final notice. The final one should be published in the Federal Register next week, a commission spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email.
Members of the public are being told they’re welcome to submit comments on how many U.S. homes have gas ranges, how the commission should evaluate risks related to gas stove usage, and what information should be part of labels with warnings about hazards on stoves, among other aspects of the issue.
The commission is also requesting “proposed solutions to those hazards.”
The vote to approve publication of the notice was 3–1, a commission spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email. Commissioners Mary Boyle, Richard Trumka Jr., and Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric voted in favor, while Commissioner Peter Feldman voted against.
Trumka, a Biden appointee, floated a ban on gas stoves in January.
“Any option is on the table. Products that can’t be made safe can be banned,” he told Bloomberg at the time.
Trumka also wrote in an internal memorandum that “the need for gas stove regulation has reached a boiling point” and that the commission “has the responsibility to ban consumer products that emit hazardous substances, particularly, when those emissions harm children, under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.”
“There is sufficient information available for CPSC to issue an NPR in FY 2023 proposing to ban gas stoves in homes,” Trumka also wrote. NPR stands for notice of proposed rulemaking.
The White House and Hoehn-Saric later said they weren’t in favor of banning gas stoves. Some lawmakers have introduced bills that would block the CPSC from banning gas stoves.
The approved request for information (RFI) “does not constitute or propose any regulatory action or ban,” Hoehn-Saric said in a statement this week. “The chronic hazards that can arise from toxic emissions should be studied and that is what we are doing with this RFI. I welcome the public’s input and data during the comment period.”
The RFI was initiated by Trumka during an October 2022 meeting.
--Epoch Times
If it's up to California, they won't have crops. Hang On!--Bandit
CYCLE SOURCE FOUNDER RIDES #69—At Billy Lanes Sons of Speed banked race track at Bike Week.
“I did 28 second laps this year, won a couple of heats and made the mains. Figured I earned a tattoo,” Chris Callen said. He reported in from Willie’s Chopper Show jammed with customs and even a rider sporting a Deadwood shirt.
--Bandit
Click for all the info...—Harley Financials and growth prospects for 2023
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Harley_Financials_and_Growth_Prospects_for_2023.aspx
A few comments on Harley financials and growth. I remember when Harley had the partnership with Buell and how that turned out. I’m curious to see if history repeats itself with the Livewire brand. How long will the company stay committed to it? And I’m not completely opposed to the idea of electric motorcycles, but issues such as range still need to be worked out.
As for the idea of Chinese Harleys, that does make sense if they want to make a larger dent in the Asian/ Indian market. Also, I have been surprised to learn about how many motorcycle manufactures in Europe have ties to China. I still would like to see a smaller displacement, less expensive Harley sold here in the states.
I had sticker shock when I visited the local dealer a couple of months ago with my son. We later went down the block to the local Triumph dealer. The pricing on the different bikes were more reasonable for new riders. My current bike is a 2016 Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone which I find is a good size for me now. It’s also quirky like the older Harley’s I rode, but with some modern refinements.
--Jim Weed
San Diego, CA
ARTIST OF THE WEEK-- Adrian Cune. And his Softail.
--Sam Burns
Art Curator
Bikernet.com™
THE NET ZERO FAILURE--Carbon dioxide release reaches a record high. Increases in air travel, coal use spur warnings
NEW YORK – Communities around the world emitted more carbon dioxide in 2022 than in any other year on records dating to 1900, a result of air travel rebounding from the pandemic and more cities turning to coal as a low-cost source of power.
Emissions of the climate-warming gas that were caused by energy production grew 0.9% to reach 36.8 gigatons in 2022, the International Energy Agency reported Thursday…
--Cathy Bussewitz
ASSOCIATED PRESS
"Of course, she goes onto saying how we’re doomed and how we must ban everything tomorrow. Actually we need more CO2 in the atmosphere, naturally and through the use of fossil fuels." --Bandit
NASH MOTORCYCLE NEWS—Leather belts are available and more.
Motorcycle Kidney Belt with Old or Regular Hardware Finishes -- Regular price $155.00
Our version of the kidney belt is designed around how they were made back in the day. Now with new hardware options in Old Brass or Old Nickel to get that already worn in look.
The Nash Kidney belts are the perfect solution to supporting your lower back, abdomen, and kidneys when riding any distance. Not just for those that may need extra back support; these belts help you extend your riding time no matter how fit you are!
These belts are handmade from high quality local leather and come in black or natural leather. The straps on the belt are sewn and riveted on for extra strength.
Click for action.
Round 2 gets started in the only lawsuit that can derail the Biden EPA’s PM2.5 railroad. Read the opening brief of appellants Stan Young and Tony Cox.
[ORAL ARGUMENT NOT YET SCHEDULED]
No. 22-5305
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT
S. STANLEY YOUNG, ET AL.,
Plaintiffs-Appellants,
v.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, ET AL.,
Defendants-Appellees.
1
INTRODUCTION
On his first day in office, President Biden issued an executive order directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider its 2020 rule retaining the air-quality standard for particulate matter (fine particles like dust and soot)—a process that could end up imposing billions of dollars on regulated industries.
There was just one problem:
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to consider—and explain any disagreement with—the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee’s policy recommendations in revising this standard. 42 U.S.C. § 7607(d)(3)(C).
And during the prior administration, the Committee had concluded that the science did not support strengthening the standard.
The new EPA Administrator decided that he could not risk that happening again. He therefore promptly fired all seven members of the Committee and restocked it with six academics who have received a total of more than $126 million in EPA grants and a statutorily required state official, all of whom agree that the particulate-matter standard should be strengthened. The newly reconstituted Committee then unanimously recommended that EPA make the standard more stringent, and the Agency proposed a rule that would do so.
USCA Case #22-5305 Document #1987098 Filed: 02/22/2023 Page 11 of 86
In reconstituting the Committee in this manner, EPA contravened the law twice over, with each violation requiring vacatur of the Agency’s selection of the new members.
First, the Agency defied the fair-balance requirement in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (the Act), which compels agencies to ensure that “the membership” of any advisory committee they create is “fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed by the advisory committee.” 5 U.S.C. app. 2 § 5(b)(2), (c).
Here, the Committee is not fairly balanced in terms of viewpoint because it is packed with EPA-funded academics who agree with EPA’s policy goals but lacks a single member representing the industry’s viewpoint that stronger regulations are unnecessary. Given this lack of viewpoint diversity, those directly affected by air-quality standards have no voice on the Committee.
Second, in its haste to create a Committee that would bless the adoption of a stricter standard, EPA failed basic requirements of reasoned ddecision-making, thus violating the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) as well. In establishing the new Committee, the Agency failed to explain how it was fairly balanced. Instead, EPA relied on improper considerations—the race and sex of its new appointees—to guide its decision-making rather than the Act’s requirement of viewpoint diversity.
USCA Case #22-5305 Document #1987098 Filed: 02/22/2023 Page 12 of 86
--Steve Milloy
From
JunkScience.com
DAYTONA ACTION FROM THE MASTER OF LIGHT-- Happy to report that the weather here in Daytona is perfect! And the crowds are building...
Today, I am presenting David Uhl's second Daytona Commemorative piece for this year, titled "Course is Clear". As with his first Daytona piece for 2023 ("Pondering Ponce" below), this one will only be available at the Rally pricing through Sunday March 12th.
"Course is Clear"
David Uhl
2023 Daytona Commemorative
David's take on this new piece - - "The vintage beach racing scene I painted my daughter Bella into was conceived with Matt Walksler at the Wheels Through Time Museum. Bella posed with Matt’s Delphine blue knucklehead in a matching pickup. To me her stoic look fits the (raffle bike) time frame of the old Daytona 200. She inspects down the finish line making sure the course is clear, at least that’s what I envisioned. Looks like a bit of a windy day, got a little crazy with my brushwork."
We are now taking orders for the signed and numbered canvas prints, which are available at special Rally pricing through the end of the Bike Week (March 12th).
These Fine Art prints will come framed and will include a Certificate of Authenticity and a special commemorative nameplate, stamping each piece as a 2023 Daytona Bike Week commemorative. We will also include shipping within the contiguous 48 United States for orders placed by March 12th.
** Image size appx 24x18, $925 framed
** Image size appx 32x24, $1,895 framed
** Image size appx 40x30, $2,895 framed
NOTE: Please contact me about unframed orders.
As always, edition numbers will be assigned as orders are taken and matching numbers are available for those who are adding to their Daytona Series pieces.
Please let me know if you'd like to add one or both of the new Daytona Commemorative pieces to your collection.
--Greg
303-913-4840
Click to see the studio.--This was my first attempt a metal flake paint job. It came out damn good. Marshall, the owner, is real happy. I rode the thing today. It handles well and that ‘93 is running fine.
--Bill May
SEMA and PRI Raising Awareness for Race Track Responsibility--
Racing operators, promoters, officials, parts manufacturers and related professionals gathered at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, to help educate legislators about the positive impact the industry makes on the local and state economy. Representatives included professionals from the entire spectrum of motorsports—dirt tracks, road courses, paved ovals, drag racing and more—along with PRI, SEMA, Summit Point Motorsports Park and GNCC Motocross.
--SEMA
E-BIKES HAVE A PROBLEM--- How e-bikes are exploding and killing people
- What's causing these electric bikes to catch on fire and explode
Over the last few years, e-bikes have killed at least 11 people and injured at least 251 in New York City alone, all from fires that sparked from malfunctioning lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
Why are these fires happening?
New York City has had more of these fires than anywhere else in the country because it is so densely populated, and many delivery workers use electric bikes as an easy way to get around.
However, these bikes often need to be charged at home overnight, and many of them have, unfortunately, been designed with cheap and poorly-made batteries that end up exploding and causing these deadly fires.
The thing about lithium-ion batteries is that the fires they cause differ from normal fires, which is why they have killed so many.
The flames spread much faster and will catch any combustible item within seconds. The batteries cannot be extinguished with water or foam because it can cause a reaction and increase the fire.
Firefighters must use extinguishers explicitly designed for lithium battery fires which contain dry powder, which absorbs the heat and smothers the fire. Compounding the problem with these fires is that they release toxic gases, which pose an extra level of danger.
In New York, Councilman Robert Holden has introduced legislation that would ban electric scooters and electric bikes until further safeguards are in place. However, this is just one form of legislation.
Many politicians in New York are working on proposals that would help decrease the fires without having to completely take the bikes away from delivery workers, such as a bill that would legally make people have to charge their batteries outside their homes.
Also, the New York City fire department has banned e-mobility devices at its headquarters and trained firefighters to respond to lithium-ion battery fires. It is also educating fire departments around the country about the risk.
In late November, the FDNY required landlords in the city to distribute a safety bulletin in residential buildings warning tenants about the potential dangers of charging electric bikes.
E-bike owners should also avoid using a charger that was not designed for the battery or buying batteries from secondhand stores.
And remember to avoid charging the battery in a place where it might block a fire escape, like a front door or a window.
--Fox News
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE & JACK DANIEL’S CELEBRATE AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH OLD NO. 7-INSPIRED, LIMITED-EDITION INDIAN CHIEF BOBBER DARK HORSE
Only 177 Available Globally, First Motorcycle Ever to Feature Old No. 7 Whiskey Mixed within Bike’s Super Graphite Paint
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, and Jack Daniel’s, America’s first registered distillery, have once again partnered for a celebration of American craftsmanship with the creation of the 2023 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse. The seventh limited-edition offering from the two iconic American brands, and developed in partnership with Klock Werkssm Kustom Cycles, the latest model draws its inspiration from Jack Daniel’s legendary Old No. 7-Tennessee Whiskey.
Hand painted and highly exclusive, Indian Motorcycle will produce only 177 units for global distribution. Building upon the Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse’s mechanical style, where its steel-tube frame and powerful Thunderstroke 116 motor take center stage, the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse includes several fine-touch details that make the bike truly one of a kind. The bike features Jack Daniel’s branding throughout, and, for the first time ever, real Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7® whiskey mixed directly within the bike’s Super Graphite Metallic paint.
“The Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is yet another powerful and dynamic representation of the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that is core to both of our brands,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “This time, we decided to pay homage to Jack Daniel’s iconic Old No. 7 – the most iconic of Jack Daniel’s whiskeys – pairing it with the Chief Bobber Dark Horse. Both products are timeless American originals that share a combination of no-nonsense simplicity and premium quality.”
With a mean attitude and old-school muscle, the 2023 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse features several design elements that make this bike truly exclusive. Jack Daniel’s branding will be found throughout the bike including the front and rear fenders, stamped on its solo seat, and on a Montana Silversmiths Badge with each bike’s unique serial number. For ultimate exclusivity, Jack Daniel’s® signature can be found on the rear fender and etched into the exhaust. The 2023 Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse touts a tank with a single Indian Motorcycle Script “I” along both sides. The Thunderstroke 116 engine features non-machined highlighted cylinders and heads, Cloud Silver painted rockers and pushrod tubes – giving it a throwback style that delivers a raw metal look.
Starting at $24,499, the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is exclusively available through Indian Motorcycle dealerships. The order window opens March 14, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will close once all bikes are sold. The Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in March 2023. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting
IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
