Hey,
I get a kick out of life right now. We are scrambling into the rally and shit is hopping like rabbits in a field startled by a coyote. There’s a party every day, bike shows, Pool Parties and rides. We scramble to get shit done, stuff shipped and Danial James is kicking ass with his art in the Emporium.
Next door Ken of Two Chin’s trikes is talking turbo trikes and they are a big deal this week. But he also has a 91-year-old dad who needs help and is currently receiving a pacemaker in Rapid City. They threatened to pull all his teeth and he fought back.
We are working on the Easyriders Experience and it sorta came together. We secured our parking area and detailed the back of the building.
The Easyriders staff is flying, riding, and trucking to the rally. Someone asked on a radio show about the rally and a brother called it Spring Break for older guys, but I corrected him. Yep, it’s like spring break for every biker in the world. The parties, rides and shows are non-stop. And the girls are coming to town to collect the tips.
We had a ribbon cutting ceremony in Two Chin’s Turbo Trikes building. One of the folks from the Chamber hollered at me to jump into the photo with the new Mayor. Not sure what the ribbon cutting was for, the rally or Two Chin’s
It can’t be all good, right? Yeah, someone complained about the cops, who are trying to wrangle a flurry of visitors. Some want them to be ambassadors and not just enforcers.
Thought the Billy Bike was ready to rock, and I was going to ride it to town. I did ride it, but it sumped oil, like a sick pig puking. I couldn’t ride it to town. Get this: I’m taking it off the lift and the rear wheel jammed. I put it back and checked to see if it was in gear, nope. Had to be the rear brake, but none of the linkage was tight. I jacked it up and moved the wheel, when suddenly this appeared. I’d been looking for that puppy…
Let’s hit the news.
The Bikernet Weekly News was created by our non-stop, never give up staff: The Redhead, Wayfarer, LA Laura, Viscous Vickie, Danial James, Freak Show Team, Sturgis Prospect Kendra, Paul Davis, Agent Zebra and Berry Wardlaw.
GEORGE CHRISTIE’S NEW BOOK–Bandit is mentioned.
Seventies, Keith Bandit ball and I go back many decades. Both Keith and I were former Los Angeles Hells Angels. Our friendship goes way back before those times. He was as friend and we put on many miles together.
He was the early editor and is now the owner of Easyriders Magazine. He’s been a brother and a friend for over 55 years.
–George Christie
RALLY LAWSUIT–Bike went down outside of Keystone, South Dakota, causing other riders to lose control, lawsuits allege
A California company that supplies aftermarket motorcycle parts is being blamed for causing a fatal accident during last year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
That accident caused a chain reaction of other accidents, according to lawsuits filed against Performance Machine, which does business as Progressive Suspension.
The series of events started when Robert “Bob” Amerson and his girlfriend, Jennifer Sanford, brought Amerson’s 2019 Harley Davidson Road Glide Special to the rally by trailer from their home in Meridian, Idaho, according to a lawsuit filed by Sanford.
On Aug. 1, 2025, Amerson and Sanford road the bike to the Harley Davidson dealership in Sturgis. Progressive Suspension was a vendor at the rally and had a tent at the dealership. Amerson bought a new suspension kit from the company, which company technicians installed. The kit included new components installed on the bike’s front forks, replacing the original parts.
“To install the kit, Performance Machine removed the entire front end of the motorcycle, including removing the original fork pipes from the fork brackets and other front-end components,” Sanford’s lawsuit says.
First responders busy responding to accidents on second full day of Rally
The next day, Amerson and Sanford were riding with friends. The group had been out for about 30 minutes. The riders were westbound on Highway 16A when they came to a sweeping right curve. As Amerson maneuvered through the curve, the bike began to wobble, according to the lawsuit.
“The motorcycle then unexpectedly tipped and fell on its right side, slid across the center line into the eastbound lane, and struck three motorcycles in a different group traveling eastbound,” Sanford’s lawsuit says. The crash was caught on video.
Amerson and Sanford were thrown from the bike into the oncoming traffic. Amerson sustained fatal injuries.
Three other bikers in the eastbound group have filed separate lawsuits against the company. John Bianco and James and Melody Bardsley claim they were injured because of the accident. The three are residents of Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Following the accident, a licensed engineer inspected Amerson’s bike. The engineer concluded that the installation had been faulty. The left fork pipe was misaligned with the top surface bracket, as evidenced by markings and discoloration that showed the fork moving in the clamp. The bolts were allegedly not tightened correctly.
“The inspection concluded that the wobble, loss of control, and collisions were caused by the loose front forks that Performance Machine failed to properly install,” the lawsuits allege.
Reached by The Dakota Scout Thursday, the company declined to comment.
The lawsuits accuse the company of negligence and product liability. They were filed in federal court.
Sanford is represented by Derek Nelsen and Eric Preheim of Fuller, Williamson, Nelsen & Preheim in Sioux Falls. Bianco is represented by Tyler Haigh of Evans Haigh & Arndt in Sioux Falls, and the Bardsleys are represented by Michael Bornitz of the Cutler Law Firm in Sioux Falls.
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim® 107 for Sale
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BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–Urge Your Senators to Confirm Todd Blanche!
Earlier today, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary advanced President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Attorney General of the United States, Todd Blanche. His nomination now heads to the full Senate, where a confirmation vote could occur as early as this week.
As the Attorney General, Acting Attorney General Blanche would be tasked with managing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and acting as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. This position has a profound impact not only on public safety and the administration of justice, but also on the adherence of the government to the Constitution and the trust of Americans to the rule of law. Acting Attorney General Blanche is uniquely qualified for this role due to his distinguished career in public service.
During his tenure as a public servant, Acting Attorney General Blanche has demonstrated not only a profound respect for the rule of law, but has also played a crucial role in reversing many of the draconian actions imposed on law-abiding gun owners during the Biden-Harris Administration.
Under his guidance, the DOJ has worked to implement regulatory reform through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Further, the DOJ has created a Second Amendment Section within the Civil Rights Division. These actions clearly demonstrate the commitment of Acting Attorney General Blanche and President Trump to protect the rights of American gun owners and prioritize enforcement against violent criminals and illegal gun traffickers.
The NRA is proud to stand with Acting Attorney General Blanche and we encourage all NRA members and gun owners across the country to take action in support of his confirmation.
Please use the link below to contact your Senators and urge them to support Todd Blanche for Attorney General.
Get ready to meet the bold, beautiful, and badass women competing for the title of Miss Buffalo Chip 2026! The International Bikini Team brings the heat to the Wolfman Jack Stage every night of the rally, where contestants will battle it out in three exciting rounds of the world-famous Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant. Cheer on your favorites, soak up the energy, and see who earns a spot on the road to the crown.
RACING ACTION COMING TO STURGIS--Reigning champion Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) arrives at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with yet another record in his sights as the KICKER AFT Singles competitors prepare for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, Round 12 of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, on Saturday, August 8.
Drane Storm
Estenson Racing Yamaha ace Drane has proven a nigh-unstoppable force as of late, racking up five consecutive victories. That run of success has vaulted him into some truly rarified air as the Australian continues to make his case for consideration as the greatest rider in KICKER AFT Singles history.
The numbers are increasingly on his side. Drane now boasts the most career wins and the most consecutive podiums, among many other achievements of significance. Now he enters Saturday’s race at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, needing just one more victory to claim a share of the longest win streak in class history.
Despite all that, he might not even be the pre-race favorite this week.
Drane has won a lot of races at a lot of different venues. Not only does he have more overall victories than anyone else, he has the most Mile wins, the second most Short Track wins, and the third most Half-Mile wins.
However, of those 26 wins just one has come at a TT. Granted, it came at the series’ most recent, the 2025 Peoria TT, a triumph that made him just the sixth to ever complete the KICKER AFT Singles Grand Slam.
Despite having enjoyed just a single TT win, Drane’s background as a standout roadracer certainly has the makeup to excel at TTs, and he has regularly demonstrated the pace to do so.
While it’s fair to point out that the relative infrequency of the discipline on the calendar has presented him with a limited number of opportunities to change the narrative, it also makes for a refreshing change of pace to be able to position Drane as the underdog following a lengthy reign as the resident overdog.
The Rider to Chase
The rider arguably most in need of a huge week in Sturgis also happens to be the one who just so happened to enjoy a huge week in Sturgis one year ago.
Long-time Drane foil Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) powered to victory in last year’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT to round out a spectacular 1-2-1 week.
Despite having racked up eight podiums en route to a clear second-place ranking this season, Saathoff is still seeking his first victory of ‘26.
With more than a full race’s padding on third-ranked Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Saathoff is primed to let it hang out at a track he’s previously conquered with hopes of finally bringing Drane’s win streak to an end.
Vindicated
Last year’s Super TT was also a monumental one for Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F) – albeit more in hindsight than in action.
Pfanders was credited with third, marking his first career Progressive AFT podium. However, it didn’t involve a trip to the podium, as he crossed the line in fourth and was only elevated to the position after Aidan RoosEvans was DQ’d from second.
While likely not how he envisioned his first podium, Pfanders more than made up for it when he took his maiden KICKER AFT Singles victory at the DAYTONA double season opener earlier this year.
He’s also well set up to stand upon the box in Sturgis this year, having rediscovered his form following a mid-season dip. The OTB Racing pilot has reeled in consecutive finishes of fifth, fifth, and sixth and appears ready to capitalize at a track he’s done well at in the past.
Bounce Back Candidate
While Pfanders has gotten his season back on the track, preseason title hopeful Trevor Brunner (No. 21 KMA Racing/March Equipment Yamaha YZ450F) is looking for a turnaround of his own.
Brunner – among the most decorated riders the class has ever known – came out swinging in ‘26, claiming four podiums over the season’s first five races, including a victory at the Senoia ST.
However, he’s now mired in an uncharacteristic slump that’s seen him finish eighth or lower six races running. Brunner is obviously capable of much more, and perhaps the Super TT is exactly what he needs to re-unlock his potential.
He’s tied with Saathoff for most TT wins among active riders (two). One more would vault him into a tie for third all-time while giving him a much-needed boost in confidence.
Puncher’s Chance
While Drane has made it unlikely-bordering-on-impossible as of late, the KICKER AFT Singles class is still capable of springing a surprise winner at times.
Tadman did it twice in 2025, and, as noted above, Pfanders pulled off an upset of his own earlier this year.
A win by Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) might not even register as a surprise, considering how close he’s come on multiple occasions before.
Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) was strong here a year ago, while Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) has made himself a regular up near the front at times this season.
We haven’t yet gotten a chance to see how rookies like Jack Brucks (No. 113 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) and Jett Katarzy (No. 117 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) will fare at a Super TT, but we can trust that long-time Supermoto ace Bronson Pearce (No. 132 A1R Racing/FRA Trust Yamaha YZ450F) will be at the top of his game.
Party Like You’re at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is regarded the world over as one of the planet’s ultimate party destinations, and the revelry will be overflowing at the track and throughout the town. NASCAR legend Mike Skinner will serve as Grand Marshal to help cement the event’s elevated status.
And along with the world-class race action, the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will host the V-Twin Visionary Ride-In Bike Show, a Strider race for kids, big-screen viewing, an abundance of food and beverage options, and more.
Act Fast to Secure Your Seat
A limited number of General Admission tickets for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT and the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are available for just $25 each round. General Admission Grandstand tickets are only $53 per round (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) with Reserved Grandstand tickets available for $64 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID.
The Harley-Davidson VIP Experience ($135, all ages), delivers H.O.G. members an unforgettable evening that includes exclusive H-D seating, a rider meet-and-greet, an infield tour complete with podium photos, and Harley swag.
Finally, an exclusive offering – limited to just 30 guests – is access to the AFT Hospitality Tent, which provides prime sightlines along with food and drinks all day for $125 (all ages).
And if you act fast, you can save $5 off the gate price and be one of the first 500 who’ll snag a free seat cushion.
Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302 to reserve your seats for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT.
And visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954 to reserve your seats for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.
Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
For more information on Progressive American Flat Track, visit https://www.americanflattrack.com
How to Watch
FloRacing
For those who can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Chromecast.
FOX Sports
FOX Sports provides national television coverage of select Progressive American Flat Track events throughout the season, featuring in-depth race coverage, rider features, and onboard cameras. The 2026 Progressive AFT television schedule is available at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.
MOTORCYCLE MISSIONS SERVES UP FREE– “Pancakes & Pistons” During Harley-Davidson’s Military & First Responder Day at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 11th
Before the flyover, before the ceremonies, and before thousands gather to honor those who serve, the griddles will be hot and the coffee will be flowing as Motorcycle Missions welcomes veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders to its annual Pancakes & Pistons breakfast during Military & First Responder Day, presented by Harley-Davidson and the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, Motorcycle Missions volunteers will serve a free pancake breakfast until noon at Harley-Davidson Rally Point (1201 Main Street, Sturgis). More than just breakfast, this is Motorcycle Missions second year hosting Pancakes & Pistons and has become a requested event by attendees —a place where those who have served can gather, reconnect, share stories, and experience the camaraderie that defines both military service and the motorcycle community.
The entire event—including the Pancakes & Pistons breakfast—is free and open to the public. While everyone is invited to enjoy breakfast and the day’s activities, Military and First Responder attendees will also receive special appreciation gifts from Harley-Davidson, including a commemorative T-shirt and challenge coin while supplies last.
“Pancakes & Pistons is about much more than serving breakfast,” said Krystal Hess, Founder of Motorcycle Missions. “It’s about creating a place where veterans and first responders feel seen, appreciated, and connected. Around the breakfast table, friendships are formed, stories are shared, and healing begins. That’s what Motorcycle Missions is all about.”
Following breakfast, Rally Point will transform into a day-long celebration of service, patriotism, and the motorcycle community with activities for attendees of all ages.
Event Highlights Include:
9:00 a.m. – Noon: Pancakes & Pistons hosted by Motorcycle Missions (Free breakfast for all attendees)
Harley-Davidson commemorative T-shirt and challenge coin giveaway for military and first responders
Veteran resource organizations and community exhibitors
Live broadcast of The WISCO Sports Zone with Bill Michaels
Motorcycle Showcase featuring:
Tim Duffy’s legendary 9/11 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
Harley-Davidson ridden through all 50 states by R Dub
2025 Let’s Ride Challenge Diamond Winner motorcycle
Harley-Davidson Military Custom Build
Live music by Sal Gonzalez, courtesy of Wounded Warrior Project
Military & First Responder Recognition Ceremony
The annual 2:00 p.m. Flyover, one of the Rally’s most anticipated traditions
City of Sturgis Presentation featuring speakers, a flag presentation, and the National Anthem
The celebration will also feature an outstanding lineup of special guests, including Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Brand Ambassador and Special Advisor to the CEO; Tim Duffy, FDNY firefighter, founder of 1 Soldier, 1 Dog, 1 Team, and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshal; Rob “War Warrior” Carlo (R Dub), Jesse James Dupree, lead singer of Jackyl; Justin “Danger” Nunley; and Bill Michaels, founder of The Big Unit Foundation.
Military & First Responder Day is made possible through the partnership of Harley-Davidson, the City of Sturgis, Motorcycle Missions, 1 Soldier 1 Dog 1 Team, The American Legion, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, Wounded Warrior Project, and numerous veteran-serving organizations committed to supporting those who have answered the call to serve.
Whether you’re coming for a stack of pancakes, to connect with fellow veterans, explore valuable support resources, see legendary motorcycles, or witness the patriotic flyover, Military & First Responder Day offers something for everyone while paying tribute to those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Event Details
Military & First Responder Day
Tuesday, August 11
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Harley-Davidson Rally Point
1201 Main Street, Sturgis, South Dakota
Admission is free and open to the public.
FLORIDA ALERT--I realize that the rally is going on and a lot to post on it, But this is very important and I would appreciate it if you would post it.
As it states Florida is the highest state in the country for motorcycle injury and deaths.
IT HAS TO STOP
By motorcyclist showing up in court and demanding something be done about people being let off with a slap on the wrist or a small fine.
Thing about MADD Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and what they have done.
Motorcyclist and motorcycle rights organizations around the country should be doing the same thing
THANKS
–Rogue
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
HERE’S JUST ONE OF THE STORIES YOU’LL RUN ACROSS AT THE EASYRIDERS EXPERIENCE–Easy Rider and Easyriders
In 1969, America was a chaotic powder keg and Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper lit the fuse in their film, Easy Rider. Two ex-carnies move drugs from Mexico to Hollywood, make a fortune, and go on a road trip to oblivion. The hit movie was about getting the easy ride and selling out. In fact, the term “easy rider” is southern slang for the boyfriend or husband of a hooker because he gets the easy ride.
As the editor of Easyriders magazine, I had heard that Fonda was less than pleased that we were using the name of his film for our rowdy biker rag and went to meet him. I explained that his movie had touched many thousands of people who decided motorcycles offered a way to ride off in search of a little freedom. While Easy Rider inspired many to embraced the biker lifestyle, our magazine gave them a podium and a voice.
Peter dug what we were doing and he and I became fast friends. He even appeared on the cover of the January, 1999 issue of Easyriders (#307). He passed away on August 16th, 2019, at the age of 79 from respiratory failure due to lung cancer. But I have to tell you something about Peter Fonda. He knew how to live and any time you spent with Peter was a damned good time. He was the symbol of my generation.
–Phantom
SPEAKING OF CAPTAIN AMERICA—
1999 Captain America Chopper Replica Motorcycle #22 of 100 Memorabilia Included. Commission by PETER FONDA. Up for sale is an exceptionally rare 1999 Captain America Replica Chopper Motorcycle, inspired by the iconic motorcycle from Easy Rider. This is #22 of approximately 100 replicas produced in 1999. Asking $29,999!
This motorcycle has been a display piece for years and has an incredible story behind it. According to the owner:
Only 7,291 original miles
Ridden only during the summers
Started regularly to keep it in running condition
Displayed at Fat Boys Bar in Flandreau, South Dakota
Includes Easy Rider memorabilia
Includes the framed display placard and additional historical items related to its ownership and display
Features
Captain America patriotic paint scheme
Extended front forks
Chrome V-twin engine
High-back king/queen seat with American flag sissy bar
Authentic 1999 replica built to honor the legendary Easy Rider motorcycle
Included with the Sale
Motorcycle
Framed display sign
Memorabilia
Historical Easy Rider
Display history from Fat Boys Bar
Condition
This motorcycle has primarily been a display piece. It is started regularly and ridden sparingly. Buyers are encouraged to inspect the motorcycle or request additional photos before bidding.
This is an outstanding opportunity for:
Easy Rider collectors
Motorcycle collectors
Americana collectors
Museums
Private collections
High-end motorcycle enthusiasts
Sold As-Is.
Buyer is responsible for shipping or pickup arrangements.
Contact Dewey 605-310-2625 for more information.
THEN WHAT--It’s just non-stop around here. I had to build some security posts for the Emporium. Since the Grease Monkey is just down the cracked and dinged alley, folks drive down the alley and park anywhere.
So, I made these posts using old truck brake drums scored from Freak Show Customs. Danial James had a length of red rope. It turned out to be absolutely perfect. I tied the rope to the clips and bada bing the parking secured.
Remember the ridiculous price of this can of oil, like $500 bucks. What the fuck. Too rich for my blood, I traded Freddie Cuba for a couple of old Harley cans. He brought them from Nebraska and we did the deal in the back of Bob’s seedy garage.
I’ve been searching for this old Laidlaw’s license plate frame and found it. Greg Lew from Fox products sent us four of these champagne glass reflectors. It’s sort of ridiculous story, but whoever made this Captain America sissy bar should have mounted the license plate 1.5 inches higher. Because they didn’t the fasteners are jammed against the sissybar. These narrow fastener reflectors worked sorta, some massaging required.
And of course we’re scrambling to prepare for Bonneville and I ordered T-shirts yesterday, in the nick of time to have them by the middle of the month.
If you’re coming to the rally, stop by. Ride safe and feel the freedom this state offers.
–Bandit
