Non-stop since the first of last week!
Hey,
In Sturgis, excitement crackled like a live wire. Riders flocked for freedom, cash in hand! The JackPine Gypsies TT Races were just hours away, and Randy Hayward’s wild awards show promised to shake the dust off. History, camaraderie, and adrenaline fueled this epic rally like never before!
What did it? What sparked the action? Even the City of Sturgis rested tentatively on the sidelines waiting to see what might happen and it did, three-fold.
What could have cause more brothers and sisters to find the cash and ride out. Was it the economy, was it the search for pure freedom and wild open roads. Was it the search for motorcycling history, the wildest custom motorcycles, being seen ripping through the hills, the races, the art, the whiskey or the escape.
I want to know. The rally is still unfolding. The JackPine Gypsies TT Races are happening Friday night. Randy Hayward’s show and awards are bursting from the dust of the Full Throttle tomorrow. The Hamster sparkling ride to the city is happening today along with a legislative conference on the back roads of Whitewood this afternoon.
Let’s hit the news!
The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Rogue, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew.
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.
BANDIT KICKSTARTS EASYRIDERS MAGAZINE IN 2026
That’s correct. The 5-Ball and Bikernet crew stepped up to relaunch Easyriders Magazine. “Hell, if President Trump can save America and Freedom worldwide at 78 years old, the least I could do would be to make Easyriders Magazine great again at 77,” said Keith “Bandit” Ball. “Now, we just need someone to step up and save Harley-Davidson so we can all ride free into the sunset.”
HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND MOTOGP ANNOUNCE NEW GLOBAL RACING SERIES LAUNCHING IN 2026–
New Harley-Davidson championship series will race at six MotoGP weekends, pairing one of the world’s most iconic brands with the most exciting sport on Earth.
Harley-Davidson and MotoGP are launching a new global racing championship featuring Harley-Davidson bagger motorcycles, debuting in 2026. The twelve-race series will race at six Grands Prix across Europe and North America, with riders battling it out on race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide motorcycles in two races per round.
The machines – engineered by Harley-Davidson Factory® Racing and built for head-to-head competition – weigh approximately 280 kilograms (617 pounds) and produce over 200 horsepower and 245 Nm (180 lb-ft) of raw torque, reaching speeds over 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). Every bike will be identical, ensuring close competition. The grid is expected to comprise six to eight teams, each fielding two riders –supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.
“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions. Harley-Davidson has been pioneering performance on and off the road since our beginnings over 120 years ago. Most recently, we’ve showcased performance through our racing at the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series and through performance differentiated product such as our new CVO RR motorcycle and our CVO Road Glide ST. We’ve seen how performance has resonated with riders and fans, and we know that they’re keen for more,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “With this new series, we’re excited to bring a new form of racing to the world stage. Not only is this a bold and new chapter for our brand, celebrating our heritage while pushing into the future, but it will add an amazing spectacle to the greatest motorcycle show in the world.”
“This collaboration with Harley-Davidson is an exciting opportunity for both parties,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports. “We offer a truly international platform for Harley-Davidson to expand their global reach, and Harley-Davidson is perfectly placed to join us in bringing our sport to new audiences as we team up with one of the most iconic lifestyle brands in the US. This partnership has big potential for both our strategies and will deliver a real spectacle for fans, bringing a completely new flavour to the Grand Prix weekends where the series will compete.”
More details, including the calendar and how fans will be able to watch and stay up to date, will be revealed soon. Those looking to join the growing field or explore sponsorship and media opportunities can contact factoryracing@harley-davidson.com.
Motorcycle legislation updates and news 4/18/25
—–Karen Leonard: karen01@stny.rr.com
ARIZONA -update
SB1107: Motorcycle safety fund continuation
Status:
04/16/2025: House -Majority Caucus -passed. Minority Caucus -passed.
04/14/2025: House -Rules Committee -Constitutional and in proper form. Vote: 8-0. Put on Consent Calendar.
Bill text: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/GetDocumentPdf/523291
COLORADO -update
SB187: Sunset Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Program
Concerning the continuation of the motorcycle operator safety training program in the office of the chief of the state patrol in the department of public safety, and, in connection therewith, implementing the sunset review recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies.
Status:
04/14/2025: House – Introduced in House and assigned to Transportation, Housing and Local Government
04/14/2025: Senate -Third Reading Passed – No Amendments
04/11/2025: Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended – Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole. Second Reading Special Order – Passed – No Amendments
Bill text: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_187_ren.pdf
HAWAII -updates
HB1162/SB1481: DOT; Motorcycle Instruction Permits; Basic Motorcycle Rider Course; Enclosed State Certified Training Range
Status:
Assembly:
4/17/2025: Senate -Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chairs; Rhoads Co-Chair; Elefante, DeCorte.
4/15/2025: Senate -Received notice of appointment of House conferees
4/14/2025: House -House Conferees Appointed: Kila, Poepoe Co-Chairs; Muraoka.
Bill text: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/HB1162_SD1_.pdf
SB1216: Mufflers; Exhaust System; Motorcycle; Moped; Motor Vehicle; Certificate of Inspection; Motor Vehicle Repair; Penalties
Status:
4/16/2025: House -Received notice of Senate conferees
4/16/2025: Senate -Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chairs; Rhoads Co-Chair; Moriwaki.
4/15/2025: Senate -Received notice of appointment of House conferees
4/14/2025: House -House Conferees Appointed: Kila, Tarnas Co-Chairs; Grandinetti, Muraoka.
Bill text: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB1216_SD1_.pdf
ILLINOIS -update
HB2980/SB2075: Cycle rider safety -various
Status:
Assembly:
4/14/2025: Senate -Arrive in Senate. Placed on Calendar Order of First Reading. First Reading. Referred to Assignments
Senate:
4/17/2025: House -Assigned to Transportation: Vehicles and Safety
Bill text: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/HB/PDF/10400HB2980lv.pdf
KANSAS -law
HB2031: Providing that driving school instructors and motorcycle instructors may possess a driver’s license or motorcycle driver’s license from any state.
Status:
Apr 10, 2025: Approved by Governor on Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Bill text: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/hb2031_enrolled.pdf
MONTANA -update
SB264: Eliminate a defense to the vehicle noise statute
Status:
04/12/25: Senate -Returned from Enrolling
04/11/25: House -Third Reading Concurred. Vote: 52-47
04/10/25: House -Second Reading Concurred. Vote: 73-27
Bill text: https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0244?open_tab=bill
NEW YORK -new
S7465: Replaces each instance of the word accident with the word crash in relation to vehicle and traffic law
Status:
04/17/2025: Introduced and referred to Transportation Committee
Bill text: https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2025/S7465
OKLAHOMA -update
HB1021: Motor vehicles; deleting limitation on the height of motorcycle handlebars; effective date.
Status:
04/14/2025: Senate -Placed on General Order
04/14/2025: Senate – Reported Do Pass Aeronautics and Transportation committee; CR filed
Bill text: https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20ENGR/hB/HB1021%20ENGR.PDF
HB1022: Motor vehicles; failure to yield; requiring payment of fee for certain convictions; modifying fee; effective date.
Status:
04/10/2025: Senate – Placed on General Order
Bill text: https://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2025-26%20ENGR/hB/HB1022%20ENGR.PDF
OREGON -update
HB2671: Relating to highly automated vehicles; prescribing an effective date. The Act permits the testing of automated vehicles on highways of this state. Directs ODOT to adopt rules to carry out the Act. (Flesch Readability Score: 66.4).
Status:
4-22: Joint Committee on Transportation hearing. 5 pm, HR F
Bill text: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB2671/Introduced
SB159: Authorizes the Department of Transportation to issue qualifying owners veterans’ recognition registration plates for use on mopeds and motorcycles.
Status:
4-15: House -Referred to Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans.
Bill text: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB159/Introduced
RHODE ISLAND -update
SB540: Allows lane filtering, the act of passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles proceeding in the same direction, for motorcycles at low speeds
04/10/2025: Judiciary Committee hearing held
Bill text: http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/SenateText25/S0540.pdf
TEXAS -update
HB3861/SB296: Relating to driving safety or motorcycle operator training course dismissal.
Status:
Senate:
04/17/2025: House -Read first time and referred to Transportation Committee
04/14/2025: House -received from the Senate
Bill text: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/HB03861I.pdf#navpanes=0
HB4904: Relating to civil liability of property owners relating to motorcycle training courses.
Status:
04/16/2025: Considered in Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee. Committee substitute considered. Left pending in Committee
Bill text: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/HB04904I.pdf#navpanes=0
WEST VIRGINIA -update
HB2752: Relating to motorcycle safety.
§17C-15-44.
d) A person operating a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped shall, while facing forward, sit astride a permanent operator’s seat attached to the vehicle, or stand astride the vehicle with both feet on the vehicle’s footpegs or pedals
Status:
04/15/25: sent to Governor
Bill text: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2025_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb2752%20sub1%20eng.pdf
SB617: Discouraging gang activity
Status:
04/14/25: sent to Governor
Committee substitute:
“Gang” means any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its activities the commission of one or more criminal acts, and whose members, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in criminal activity.
Delegate Akers moved to amend the committee substitute by striking out the title and substituting therefor a new title, to read as follows:
S. B. 617 — “A Bill to amend and reenact §61-13-1, §61-13-2, and §61-13-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to organized criminal enterprises; amending the findings to include gangs and gang activity; creating a definition of gang; adding gang activity to offenses punishable by this section; adding certain qualifying offenses to be subject to the Anti-Organized Criminal Enterprise Act; clarifying that certain offenses are separate and distinct crimes; creating criminal penalties; and making technical corrections.”
Bill text: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2025_SESSIONS/RS/bills/sb617%20sub1.pdf
–MRF
AFT TT RACES COMING–
There’s no time to rest at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With the dirt barely settled following this week’s dramatic Short Track doubleheader, the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, resumes tomorrow with the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday, August 8.
As a result, there’s been almost no time for the tension to dissipate after the intensity of an already red-hot Grand National Championship battle was ratcheted up significantly at the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II.
It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s… Super TT!
By definition, TTs tend to spice things up by adding a righthand corner and a jump in contrast to the series’ more conventional oval races. A “Super TT” uses that base as a starting point and adds from there.
Friday’s race marks the fourth race in Progressive AFT history to get the Super TT moniker. The three prior – the 2019 Arizona Super TT, 2021 Atlanta Super TT, and 2023 Arizona Super TT – set themselves apart by adding either extra jumps or rights or via the inclusion of pavement sections.
A couple of other TTs could have easily been adorned with the “Super” prefix (think the DAYTONA TT that incorporated the track’s high banks or last year’s Sturgis TT, which wove through downtown), so we won’t attempt to get overly scientific with our labeling. But just understand that it means this week’s track will not feature a run-of-the-mill layout by anyone’s definition.
Pavement sections, multiple righthanders, and a wide variety of corner radii will put the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers to the test.
All three prior Super TTs were won by JD Beach, who ranks as among history’s greatest TTers with an ideal blend of flat track and roadracing expertise.
While Beach will be an observer this time around, Super TTs also happen to be right in the wheelhouse of this year’s Mission AFT SuperTwins title fighters.
But really, what tracks aren’t?
Of course, the field also includes the sport’s all-time winningest TT rider. Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-06) boasts 19 career TT wins, albeit the vast majority coming at Peoria and the most recent of those seven years back. But Wiles was on the Mission AFT SuperTwins podium earlier this season and finished 4th in the 2023 Castle Rock TT, so there’s plenty of evidence to suggest he could be a player come Friday.
While not generally considered a TT standout, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) did finish fourth in last year’s Sturgis TT.
A similar caveat can be made regarding Tuesday winner Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R). TTs have long been considered the weak point in his otherwise championship-caliber game, however, Robinson has steadily improved in the discipline over the years to the point that he managed to break into the top five at last year’s race in Peoria.
And don’t forget about Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), a pair of riders who demonstrated strong TT skills prior to stepping up to the premier-class ranks.
AFT Singles Presented by KICKER
AFT AdventureTrackers
Don’t look now, but the 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers championship race that only just left the starting blocks and is already halfway complete.
The title fight now comes down to two decisive TTs.
That’s good news for co-championship leader Dan Bromley (No. 62 Big Momma and Daddy Deep Pockets Suzuki V-Strom 1050) – a fine TTer – and even better news for the rider he’s tied with, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 WFOracingonline.com/Öhlins Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), who stands as among the best TT riders to come up through the ranks in recent memory.
Despite their credentials, this is unlikely to be a two-rider show. The AFT AdventureTrackers field is loaded with certified and potential TT aces.
Right on their heels is third-ranked Austin Luczak (No. 188 Memphis Shades/Black Hills Powersports Honda Africa Twin), who backed up an impressive fourth on Monday by scoring his first-career Progressive AFT podium in third on Tuesday.
And as already stated, no one has won more TTs in the sport’s history than Henry Wiles (No. 911 Walter Bros. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), while Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) has proven he has the goods as well.
Meanwhile, Danny Eslick (No. 164 Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250) and Brandon Paasch (No. 196 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) might just have an edge on pavement and on the brakes due to their extensive roadracing backgrounds.
However it shakes out, with the spotlight shining down on 500+ pounds of versatile big-bore Dual Adventure equipment, it’s destined to be very interesting and highly entertaining.
There Ain’t No Party Like a Sturgis Party…
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has already delivered, and Friday’s action at the track will only add to what’s been an incredible week of festivities.
Once again, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will host a Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night. Friday’s spectators will also be treated to big-screen coverage of all the race action, DJ’d music to maintain the energy all day and night, numerous vendors, designated motorcycle parking, a variety of food and beverage options, and fireworks.
BONNEVILLE BOOK UPDATE–
Sorry for the delayed reply, I did not remember it was part of the mail chimp lecture release…
Sold out in LA at the SAE gig and had a 10 member panel of record setting marvels help answer audience questions. 104 year old Ed Iskenderian showed up and honored me by staying the entire 3 hours asking a VERY probing question that EVERY panel member answered.
Got four books of each, but have more if you want them. Thankfully, they are modestly priced and easy to slip into a saddle bag.
Do you want them autographed? Personalized in any way?
Hubby has restored a 1985 RZ350 Yamaha, a Kenny Roberts tribute bike. The damn thing looks like a piece of Tiffany jewelry. He is pouring in fluids for the first time and there is a bit vulgarity launching every so often. I stay away until he thoroughly flustered and then stick my nose into the morass and help. The brake line bleeding is a nightmare.
I KNOW he wants to take part in a Sturgis event someday. I could give my LSR presentation, but weight it heavy with the biker if you thought it would help the museum.
Have you heard the miserable news about Speed Demon and Chris Raschke? The salt is starting to kill even the best of the best. I’m working at a federal level to put the BLM out of Bonneville business. One highly successful and respected bike racer publicly called it quits and will no longer race. He is not alone. There is a gathering storm.
Speedy Regards,
–Louise
Hey Louise,
Thanks for getting back to me. I will discuss your presentation with the museum staff. Looking forward to your books and your BLM fight.
–Bandit
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE’S GARY GRAY HONORED WITH INDUCTION INTO
THE STURGIS HALL OF FAME
Indian Motorcycle Vice President of Product Technology, Racing and Service Celebrated for Distinguished Career, Highlighted by Influential Motorcycle Innovation and 11 Racing Championships
In a momentous recognition of achievement and influence, Gary Gray – Vice President of Product Technology, Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle – has been inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. Honored for his exceptional contributions to motorcycling, the induction highlights Gray’s decorated career marked by leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the industry.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Gray has made lasting contributions to the industry through his work at Indian Motorcycle and Victory Motorcycles. Specializing in engineering and product development, his expertise and passion have seamlessly combined tradition with innovation, playing a key role in revitalizing and sustaining iconic brands. His leadership in both racing and technology has helped redefine the modern motorcycle landscape.
“Gary’s contributions, not just to Indian Motorcycle but to the entire industry, have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “His leadership, innovative vision, technical expertise, and relentless dedication have not only elevated our products and our brand, but have truly shaped how millions of people experience the sport of motorcycling. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with him and deeply grateful for the lasting legacy he continues to build.”
For the past eight years, Gray has served as Indian Motorcycle’s Vice President of Product Technology, Racing and Service. Gray played a pivotal role in Indian Motorcycle’s return to racing – spearheading the development of American Flat Track’s most dominant race machine, the Indian FTR750. During his tenure, he led the brand to eight consecutive American Flat Track (AFT) premier-class championships, three King of the Baggers titles, and multiple land speed records.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized alongside some of the most iconic and influential figures in motorcycling,” said Gray. “To be included in the Hall of Fame is deeply humbling and one of the proudest moments of my career. I’ve dedicated my life to this industry because I believe in the power of motorcycling to inspire, connect, and push the limits of what’s possible. I look forward to many more years of driving innovation, championing the sport, and giving back to the community that has given me so much.”
Prior to Gray’s racing endeavors, he served as Indian Motorcycle product director, launching the 2014 Indian Chief, Chieftain and Roadmaster – the brand’s first models since relaunching under its parent company, Polaris Inc. Gray was an instrumental piece to the design and development of the Thunderstroke engine, an air-cooled powertrain still powering several baggers and touring models in the Indian Motorcycle lineup today. Gray also helped launch the next-generation Indian Scout and its 999cc, liquid-cooled motor.
As a founding team member of Victory Motorcycles, Gray shaped the brand’s rise in the American market. From 2005-2011, Gray served as engineering program manager and product manager for Victory Motorcycles – leading all engineering project teams designing Victory Motorcycles. From 1994-2004, Gray held multiple positions, including engineering program leader, project engineer, and manufacturing engineer.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame proudly honor the remarkable individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the motorcycle community. With profound respect and appreciation, the Hall of Fame celebrates visionary pioneers for their extraordinary achievements. Their passion and dedication continue to inspire future generations to embrace the camaraderie, adventure, and freedom at the core of motorcycling.
For information about Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
CLIMATE DOOM DECLARATION–Chris Martz: 2000th Signatory of the World Climate Declaration
We’re proud to welcome Chris Martz, a U.S.-based meteorologist, columnist, and independent researcher, as the 2000th signatory of the World Climate Declaration. His work is rooted in data, not ideology — making him a strong voice for climate realism.
Martz shares Clintel’s view that there is no climate emergency, offering compelling arguments:
“Claims of an existential crisis don’t hold up,” he says, pointing to a doubling of life expectancy, record-low poverty and malnutrition, and a 96.2% drop in weather-related deaths despite global population growth.
He also emphasizes adaptation over alarm:
“We have the technology to adapt to almost anything on the climate front,” he asserts, citing innovations like advanced sea walls in Europe.
We’re thrilled to have Chris stand with us and thousands of others calling for honest climate science.
–Clintel
VA offers yearlong community care authorizations for 30 services
The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced it will improve Veterans’ access to health care by extending the length of new VA community care authorizations to one year for 30 standardized types of care.
The change means Veterans referred by VA to community care for eligible standardized types of care will receive 12 full months of uninterrupted treatment at VA expense before having to obtain a VA reauthorization.
Veterans will benefit from uninterrupted access to essential specialty services, allowing them to focus more on their health and less on navigating administrative requirements. Community providers will be empowered to manage care with fewer administrative barriers and greater flexibility.
Prior to the change announced today, some VA community care specialty referrals were reevaluated every 90 to 180 days, increasing the likelihood of interrupted or delayed care.
“No Veteran should have their health care disrupted by red tape,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “This change means better continuity of care, which leads to better health outcomes. It also improves convenience for Veterans and cuts administrative work for VA staff and community care partners.”
With today’s announcement, VA is now offering year-long community care authorizations for the following standardized types of care:
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Neurology and Otology
- Otolaryngology or ENT
- Gastroenterology
- Urogynecology
- Addiction Psychiatry Outpatient
- Family & Couples Psychotherapy Outpatient
- Mental Health Outpatient
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Nutrition Intervention Services
- Oncology and Hematology
- Neuro-Ophthalmology
- Oculoplastic
- Eye Care Examination
- Optometry Routine
- Orthopedic Hand
- Orthopedic General
- Orthopedic Spine
- Pain Management
- Podiatry
- Podiatry DS
- Addiction Medicine Outpatient
- Pulmonary
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
- Rheumatology
- Sleep Medicine
- Urology
Veterans are encouraged to contact their local VA Medical Center Community Care Office for questions to see how these new updates may affect their care.
NEW H-D CEO REPORT–
There’s a new name rolling in at Harley-Davidson: Artie Starrs. He’s taking over as CEO this October.
And yeah—we hear you—another exec. from outside the motorcycle world (Topgolf, Pizza Hut). But before you count him out, know this: he’s stepping in with a promise to bring Harley back to the riders. The real ones. The ones in the garages, on the streets, and at the track.
He’s talking about:
New affordable bikes—finally something that won’t break the bank
Stronger support for dealers—not just corporate lip service
Refocusing on riders instead of investors
Holding onto Harley’s soul, not selling it off in pieces
If Artie Starrs wants to understand this brand, he should be with us September 18–20 at the Sin City Bagger Showdown. Vegas is where the thunder lives. Riders from all over are coming in hot—custom builds, burnouts, bagger racing, and that rowdy, gritty energy you can’t fake.
This isn’t a boardroom. This is the blacktop. This is BRL. This is Lifestyle Cycles. This is what Harley really looks like when it’s alive and wide open.
Sin City is where Harley’s future meets its roots.
So will the new CEO ride with the people? Or keep steering from the office?
Time’s gonna tell. But we hope to see him in Sept.
In the meantime—see you in Vegas.
Sin City Bagger Showdown | Sept. 18–20
It’s gonna be fast, loud, and full of attitude. Just the way we like it.
–Lifestyle Cycles
WORDMONGER LIVES–
One of the first important items slipping back into Easyriders Magazine will be the Wordmonger Letters column. Here’s a sample:
You’re personally buying “Easyriders,” meaning you could make radical decisions and that others wouldn’t, who are constantly trying to make everything safer, less scary and marketing it into the ground?
Print-and-ink is trying to make a comeback. People, especially the 20-year old group are sick of the digital-induced sensory anemia and they’re starting to put down the screens and look for actual analog, tactile experiences again. In other word, done right, that magazine could lead the charge of rebirthing the beauty of “print-and -ink.”
–Agent Zebra
QUOTE OF THE WEEK–
“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.”
—Samuel Johnson
MUST READ–
New Report Destroys the Climate Narrative– Last week, the Department of Energy issued a report that is a must-read for all receiving this newsletter: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/DOE_Critical_Review_of_Impacts_of_GHG_Emissions_on_the_US_Climate_July_2025.pdf
A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate.
Before you go any further, please download the PDF and save it for future use.
The report fully aligns with the CO2 Coalition’s many analyses and was written by five respected scientists: John Christy, David Legates, Steve Koonin, Judith Curry and CO2 Coalition member Roy Spencer.
DOE Summary of Report
Reviews scientific certainties and uncertainties in how anthropogenic emissions of CO2 and other GHGs have affected, or will affect, the nation’s climate, extreme weather events and metrics of societal well-being.
Assesses the near-term impacts of elevated concentrations of CO2, including enhanced plant growth and reduced ocean alkalinity.
Evaluates data and projections regarding long-term impacts of elevated concentrations of CO2, including estimates of future warming.
Finds that claims of increased frequency or intensity of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts are not supported by U.S. historical data.
Asserts that CO2-induced warming appears to be less damaging economically than commonly believed, and that aggressive mitigation policies could prove more detrimental than beneficial.
Finds that U.S. policy actions are expected to have undetectably small direct impacts on the global climate and any effects will emerge only with long delays.
Having had a short victory dance, we are back to work doing what we do, providing the truth about the many benefits of carbon dioxide.
THERE HAD TO BE A GIRL–This week has been wild beyond my crazed, fiction-based imagination.
From the unveiling of Danial James 85th anniversary print, commissioned by Ari from Law Tigers, we had a jammed house.
This rally has something for everyone. Some brothers stay at the chip. Hell, it’s non-stop with shows, stunts and rock stars non-stop.
There’s every type of bike and activity to follow. Some folks come out, find a place to hang out, like downtown and just watch the action from on the edge of their seats.
The Full Throttle has gone insane with action, bands, the Michael Lichter shows, stunts and Randy Hayward’s shows tomorrow. Some riders stay at the steel and dirt grounds for the entire rally, drink Full Throttle Whiskey and ponder the iron future.
Can we bring Easyriders back. Hell yes, we can make it strong, dynamic, entertaining and resilient once more.
I’m trying to get the whole family involved in this endeavor.
Ride Free and Safe goddammit
