THE NEW ERA BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 24th, 2025

What’s it going to look like? Where is it headed? One thing for sure it will follow the Code of the West. We’ll get into this topic later in the News. Right now the Sturgis 85th Motorcycle Rally is just a week away and we are kicking off the rally with a party at Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium where Easyriders Magazine is exclusively sold. The party celebrates a new Danial James 85th fine art piece painted for Ari the boss of Law Tigers.

If you can make it, you will witness the unveiling, meet the master and the boss of Law Tigers on Main street in Sturgis.

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.

BABES RIDE OUT PARTNERS WITH H-/D RIDING ACADEMY–

Becoming a rider is one of the most powerful things we have ever done. It’s made us more confident, independent, and brought incredible lifelong friends into our worlds. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get your M1, know of someone who has always said they want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, or want to become a better motorcyclist with training? This is the perfect opportunity! We’ve teamed up with Harley-Davidson Riding Academy to offer $100 off their Riding Academy course for our extended friends and family. Be one of the first 500 participants to enroll before August 31, 2025, using code HDRABRO2025 to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Class must be completed by December 31, 2025.

Here is how to do it:

Step #1: Tap the link below

https://riders.harley-davidson.com/s/?language=en_US&crsLvl=NRC

Step #2: Search for classes via your location to take between now and December 31, 2025

Step #3: Enter code HDRABRO2025 at check out to take $100 off

Step #4: HOLY SMOKES! You just did the hardest part and we can’t wait to cheer you on!

So, let’s break it down…What’s this like?

Classroom: There are a variety of schedules. This example of a typical weekend course will give you a feel for what to expect. The first class meeting typically runs a few hours: You’ll get a tour of the dealership, fill out all the class paperwork and get to know your peers and coaches. During the paperwork session, you will hear a lot about counseling and being on time and having all the gear. Don’t fret, it is just to set clear expectations for everyone. Being that an endorsement waiver can be earned through this class, it has some structural aspects that the state requires to allow for licensing. A review of the eCourse will be next, which gives you a chance to better understand important points of what’s covered in class. Jump in there and participate! Then the class will turn to new material – an activity to help demystify motorcycle controls and their use will be held, as well as an activity to help understand important aspects of riding gear.

The Range: A typical course will include two days on the range. Here is what to expect. Your first range day will focus on getting to know the motorcycle, how to properly start it up, move it from point A to point B, and shut it off. You learn the fundamentals of clutching and shifting, turning and stopping. From there you learn the skills of riding on the second day: cornering, swerving and maximum braking. Expect two exercises back-to-back with a ROADBOOK (inside class time) break in between on each day. Overall, it’s extremely relaxed and you’ll get a ton of help.

Any tips? YES! Get a good night sleep and relax, this is the best decision you made for yourself. If you are still a little anxious, we are HERE for you. Email ashmore@babesrideout.com if you have any questions about getting into motorcycling and we will help you boost that confidence.

NASA Removes the National Climate Assessment

NASA has begun a process of correcting the blatant politicization of climate science by removing all of the existing National Climate Assessments from its website.

The assessments’ conclusions were politically driven, lacking a scientific basis. Their removal is consistent with requests by the CO2 Coalition and others to restore integrity to the work of government agencies and with President Trump’s executive order, “Restoring Gold Standard Science.”

Issued in May, the Trump order states that the government had promoted scientific information in a “highly misleading manner.”

As recently as June 11, the CO2 Coalition and Protect the Public’s Trust (PPT) formally asked the Trump administration to fix the many flaws they say are in existing National Climate Assessments.

The organizations’ letter was sent to Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which advises the White House on scientific, engineering and technological aspects of national policy. PPT and the CO2 Coalition argued that the National Climate Assessments are “riddled with violations of the principles” expressed in Trump’s order.

In a July 15 statement, NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens said:

“The USGCRP (the government agency that created the assessments) met its statutory requirements by presenting its reports to Congress. NASA has no legal obligations to host globalchange.gov’s data.”

That means no data from the assessment or the government science office that coordinated the work will be on the NASA website.

CO2 Coalition executive director Gregory Wrightstone issued the following statement:

“We applaud the brave leaders at NASA who are taking the bold steps needed to begin the process of bringing the scientific method back into government scientific agencies. For far too long, real science has been replaced by political science, consensus science and blatant misinformation.”

THE MRF’S MEETING OF THE MINDS IS CENTER COURT–Nobody wins from the sidelines.

AND PRESSING HARD!

The MRF Meeting of the Minds Conference is back, and it’s going to be BIG! Hosted by ABATE of Louisiana, this is THE event you do NOT want to miss!

When: September 25-28

Where: Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport, Louisiana

WHY ATTEND?

Get the REAL Facts! Cut through the noise and get the straight talk from people who are on the frontlines.

Fuel Your Passion! Riders’ lives, laws, and freedoms are changing fast. Be in the know and be ready to take action!

Riders of All Kinds! Whether you’re into baggers, cruisers, sportbikes, or anything in between, this event is ALL about the motorcycle community, protecting your rights, and the future of motorcycling.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

National Advocacy: This is where the real action happens! Join like-minded riders, club members, and motorcyclists’ rights activists to shape the future of our rights.

Establishing Priorities – Setting the Legislative Agenda for Bikers Inside the Beltway 2026!

Top-Shelf Speakers & Presentations: Get the inside scoop from Capitol Hill, industry leaders, and advocates pushing for rider’s rights.

Information-packed workshops: Sixteen workshops geared toward building an even stronger national grassroots network.

Networking: Meet and connect with ol’ school freedom fighters, “new school” influencers and motorcyclists’ rights advocates from around the country.

EXCLUSIVE DEALS?

Early Bird Registration: Lock in your spot TODAY and save big! Time is running out!

First Time Attendees between 18-35: Receive a 35% conference registration discount.

The sidelines are full of a lot of talk. DEFEND Your Rights! Your voice matters in the fight for motorcyclists’ rights. This is where policy is shaped and laws are influenced. It’s time to get off the sidelines and be part of the action. See you in Shreveport!

–MRF
www.mrf.org

FLYING PISTON SILENT AUCTION SHOWCASE–

“The Gospel of Grit: Barry Wardlaw’s Tiny Bike Revival at the Flying Piston Benefit”

Buffalo Chip. Sunday, August 3rd. 8:30 AM.

Some men ride. Some men wrench. And then there’s Barry Wardlaw—who walks into the temple of torque and slaps God in the face with a crescent wrench.

It’s early. Real early. The kind of early where the dew clings to chrome and coffee burns like sin. Somewhere between the last whiskey and the first roar of a Big Twin, a crowd gathers at the edge of madness: The Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast, Sturgis style. Tents, trailers, tattoos, and torque. But this year? It ain’t just about the motorcycles. It’s about legacy on two tiny wheels.

Enter: Barry Wardlaw, the high priest of horsepower, rolling deep with a machine that doesn’t purr, it growls.

He calls it the Flying Piston Knucklehead Dragster.

It’s lean. It’s low. It’s a stripped-down sermon in steel. Built on a Strider balance bike chassis, this micro-monster is loaded with attitude and detail straight out of a ‘50s hot rod fever dream. It’s got pinstripes hotter than Georgia asphalt and a stance that screams “don’t f*ing touch it!”

But Barry didn’t stop at the bike.

No, he brought the whole damn story. Dragging it behind isa 1951 Murray sad face “Woody” station wagon pedal car. Original. Restored. Sinister. It ain’t cute, it’s cool.

The kind of cool that wears Ray-Bans at night and steals your girl while you’re still kick-starting your Shovel.

This ain’t no coincidence. This is destiny. Built for the Flying Piston Benefit, a righteous cause funding All Kids Bike, Barry’s creation is more than a build—it’s a love letter to the next generation of rebels on two wheels.

So here’s the pitch, biker brother:

You show up. You eat. You bid. You walk away with a piece of outlaw art.

All while putting a balance bike under a kid who’ll one day ride the highways you’re carving today.
Breakfast tickets-
https://www.tixr.com/groups/sturgisbuffalochip/events/sturgis-buffalo-chip-2025-110043?col=4483&a=L&sid=1175720

Meet the Builders. Eat the Breakfast. Bid on the Bikes.

·        Sunday, August 3rd
·        Buffalo Chip Campground
·        8:30 AM Sharp
·        Tiny bikes. Big hearts. Full throttle.

And if you miss it?

Well… that’s on you, cowboy.

INTERMOT 2025 gears up for the next round: More event. More action. More experience.

Cologne, July 2025 – Under the banner of “INTERMOT – the event. A new motorbike experience,” INTERMOT will return to the Koelnmesse trade fair grounds in Cologne from 4 to 7 December 2025. The trade fair promises to be more innovative, more experience-driven and closer to the motorcycle community than ever before. With its planned extension into an additional exhibition hall and the new PLAYGROUND event area, the trade fair team are focusing on growth, attractiveness and further thematic development for the event’s 2025 edition.

More space for the motorcycle scene and the market

Following INTERMOT’s relaunch in 2024, the trade fair team is looking beyond further enhancements to the event’s format for this year’s edition. They are also planning to expand the exhibition area into Hall 6 in addition to Halls 7 and 8. The planned larger area will create new opportunities for showcasing, experience areas and brand presence. Leading manufacturers such as BMW Motorrad, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, Suzuki and Triumph as well as key players in the accessories market such as SW-Motech, Wunderlich, Shark, Nolan and Wilbers have already confirmed that they will be appearing. With this line-up of major names, Cologne is set to be the centre of the motorcycle world once again.

NEW: the PLAYGROUND – the stage for adrenaline-packed action and test rides

One of the special highlights at the forthcoming edition will be the new PLAYGROUND in the outdoor area: This is where adrenaline meets showtime. Stunt pros, creators and brands will reveal what really defines the motorcycle experience as they perform live runs, wheelie shows and drifts. The event area will allow manufacturers to create an active presence at the trade fair and transform their brand into an emotional experience. The PLAYGROUND is set to be a hotspot for brands that are aiming for visibility, social media reach and active visitor engagement.

Content meets community: new experiences, new target groups

The INTERMOT team has a diverse, experience-focused line-up planned with formats such as the 125cc KICKSTARTER, the CREATOR LOUNGE, the BIKER MEET-UP, the RACING AREA, the #motorradazubis Mechanic Contest for apprentice motorcycle mechanics and the INTERMOT live stage powered by Bering. The formats are designed to appeal to both die-hard motorcycle fans and those new to the saddle as well as target groups in urban areas.

INTERMOT’s successful track record in creator marketing offers companies immense potential: Goal-oriented collaborations with high-reach influencers create authentic content and new partnerships whose impact extends beyond young communities and also reaches dealers and decision-makers. In a challenging economic environment, these new target groups will be crucial to growth and brand commitment – now and in the future.

INTERMOT 2025 is Germany’s platform, marketplace and community hub for the whole world of motorcycles.

Don’t forget! Janus is at Sturgis’ 85th Anniversary

August 1-10, 2025

Janus Motorcycles is hitting the road for the 85th anniversary of the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and we’re bringing something special with us.

From August 1–10, we’ll be camped out at The Legendary Buffalo Chip®—the heart of the rally action. You’ll find us right on-site at 20622 Fort Meade Way, Sturgis, SD 57785, where we’ll be celebrating not just the biggest rally in the country, but also the 10th anniversary of our flagship 250 line.

To mark the occasion, we’re unveiling a limited-edition, Buffalo Chip-themed Halcyon 250, created in collaboration with the campground itself. This exclusive build captures the spirit of Sturgis with hand-crafted details, vintage charm, and that unmistakable Janus soul.

Rally-goers can:

Take a test ride on one of our lightweight, classic machines—right from the campground.
Score Sturgis-only deals on new bike orders and custom upgrades.
Grab exclusive merch available only during the rally.
And for existing Janus owners? We’ve got free exclusive swag waiting for you—just stop by and say hello!

Come find us at the Chip, take a ride, and help us toast to ten years of craftsmanship, adventure, and the road less traveled.

HANDMADE RALLY AUCTION ITEM–

To support the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Well after 80 handcrafted hours it’s done! All handmade, no CAD work.

I’ll be shipping it out this Tue. I hope you all enjoy it and it brings in big money for the Museum.

–Lee Wimmer

OLD SCHOOL MEMORIES—

I saw this picture today, you realized we are the only ones left… See you at this years Sturgis. I have to see your shop and see if I can find the vintage racing.

cheers,
–John Reed

KRAUS x INDIAN FORGED–

Kraus Moto was selected as one of the builders for Forged, Indian Motorcycle’s custom build series. With deep roots in high-performance custom bikes, Kraus went all out to craft a Chieftain that matches the aggressive yet precise style of UFC fighter and former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt.

This wasn’t just about one bike. A large part of this project was designing components that will lead to a full product line. That means development takes priority—there’s no ETA or confirmed fitments yet, but the process is underway.

BONHAMS AUCTION– at Autumn Stafford Sale 2025

Event Details: The auction will take place October 11–12 at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Stafford, UK.

Star Bikes for Sale:

1937 Vincent-HRD Series-A Rapide: One of only 78 ever made, restored to original specs. Estimated price: £180,000–240,000.
1929 Brough Superior SS100: Previously owned by Kenneth Neve and Alain de Cadenet. Estimated price: £160,000–200,000.
2000 MV Agusta F4 750 S: Owned by motorcycle journalist Alan Cathcart. Estimated price: £9,000–12,000.

Special Collections:

Neil Redley Collection: Features rare Velocette motorcycles, including the first production 1956 Venom and limited-edition Indian-Velocette models.
Richard Johns Collection: Includes a replica AJS 780cc V-Twin built for speed records and other vintage AJS bikes.

Other Highlights:

1955 Vincent Series-D Black Prince: One of only 132 made, professionally restored. Estimated price: £50,000–60,000.
Veteran Motorcycles: Early 1900s bikes like the 1909 Chater Lea-JAP and 1910 Bradbury with wicker sidecar.

The auction showcases some of the most iconic and historically significant motorcycles ever built, many with fascinating backstories and meticulous restorations.

Refer particulars at Bonhams website – click here.

—Wayfarer
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com

FULL THROTTLE EXPANDS— for the 85th Rally with Its Biggest Concert Lineup, Custom Culture Events, and Next-Level Experiences

“I feel so at home here. This place has the best entertainment, facilities, and amenities I’ve ever seen in Sturgis. We are having the best time!” – Jason George – Pappy Hoel Camper Since 2021

Full Throttle Sturgis, the Rally’s fastest-growing entertainment venue and travel destination, is gearing up for its most exciting year yet for the85th Sturgis Rally. After a record-breaking 2024, Full Throttle is turning up the throttle again with its biggest lineup of headlining concerts, custom culture events, and next-level experiences from Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 10.

“We’ve seen massive interest and growth since we built our new, 13-million-square-foot-plus campground, saloon, concert and events facility,” said Michael Ballard, creator and owner of Full Throttle Sturgis. “Both rallygoers and tourists are eager to experience our world-class facilities, amenities, entertainment and atmosphere. People don’t just stop — they stay, play and immerse themselves in the experience. We’re not just the biggest party at the Rally — we’re the new standard.”

Expect unfiltered, full-throttle energy every night on South Dakota’s largest stage with a stacked concert lineup featuring:

Night Ranger – Saturday, Aug. 2
Hank Williams Jr. – Sunday, Aug. 3
Tesla – Monday, Aug. 4
Disturbed – Tuesday, Aug. 5
Gretchen Wilson – Wednesday, Aug. 6
Jackyl – Thursday, Aug. 7
Insane Clown Posse – Friday, Aug. 8
Pam Tillis – Saturday, Aug. 9

Single-day, multi-day and VIP upgrade passes are available at www.fullthrottlesaloon.com.

LOOK WHO STOPPED BY THE EMPORIUM IN STURGIS—

Famous Sturgis Sculpture Sorenson reported in. Some kids messed with this sculpture and he brought it back to his studio for repairs. His featured art is on display all around Sturgis. His unique style with stainless steel shines like chrome.

He’s a master craftsman.

We now have 85th over sized 15 ounce Black Ceramic custom mugs in the Emporium and they will be in our Bikernet Shop shortly. They are just $18.95 plus shipping.

Our 5 by 7-inch 85th stickers came out killer. They are just 5 bucks a piece plus shipping from our shop.

We came across some special 5-Ball apparel items. They will be allowed sizeable discounts during the rally.

COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING FRAME CASTINGS—

Complete 1919-1924 J Model frame castings made from 316, Iron and nickel blend.

These are 3D scanned from the originals then made here in our facility using additive manufacturing methods. These will Braze and Weld the same as any other type of 316 stainless.

No Machining Required Ready to use!

100% made here in house in the USA.

Meet the 2025 Miss Buffalo Chip Contestants

Get ready to meet the bold, beautiful and badass women vying for the title of Miss Buffalo Chip 2025! The International Bikini Team is rolling into Sturgis, and these smokin’ hot contestants will turn up the heat on the Wolfman Jack Stage every night of the rally. Don’t miss your chance to cheer them on during three rounds of the world-famous Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant every night of the festival!

MEET THE MASTERS–Pre-register for this amazing event now!

Starting at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts @ 2415 Lazelle Street in Sturgis. Across from McDonalds. Monday August 4, 2025

Free Breakfast starting at 9:30 with KSU at 11 am for the ride to Cadillac Jacks in Deadwood where mimosas and light fare will be waiting for you along with a charity auction benefiting Meals on Wheels. There will be some cool stuff up for grabs while supporting a great cause.

All paid participants get a commemorative T shirt too!

Ride and chill with all the Masters along with our newest 2025 Master……Nick Trask!

Pre Register $45 per person Day of Ride $55 per person

More Info on the poster. See you all out there!

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM RAFFLE EFFORT—

EASYRIDERS HISTORIC STREAMLINER FINDS A NEW HOME

In the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Just last week the World’s Fastest Motorcycle for 16 years found a new home dead center of the Sturgis 85th Motorcycle Rally. Along with a gang of local bikers I had the pleasure of installing it in its new home and it now shines in this historic Museum. Stop by and check it out.

Help support the Museum’s first fund-raising raffle effort. One of the top prizes is a giclee print of one of David Mann’s Streamliner paintings. Other prizes are an original Danial James painting celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Sturgis Rally and a fully polished, diamond cut S&S engine.

Just $10 per ticket, you don’t need to be present to win, and you’ll be supporting the coolest Motorcycle Museum on the planet, proudly sponsored by Easyriders Magazine.

Swing over to the website www.SturgisMuseum.com to buy a ticket or 20 or call the museum (605-347-2001) and the staff will take care of it all. All proceeds go directly to keeping a roof on the Museum and the Easyriders Streamliner polished.

We’re looking forward to an unforgettable rally.

–Bandit

Do you have the July/August issue of Easyriders? If so, you hold in your mitts the first time this land speed record setting Streamliner painting by David Mann has ever been in Easyriders Magazine! And the NEXT issue has a bonus included for subscribers, too! Order at Easyriders.com by July 25th to get the Sept/Oct issue delivered to your mailbox! Just $30 for 6 issues.

You don’t wanna miss it!

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO EASYRIDERS MAGAZINE

Get ready, Sturgis, Progressive American Flat Track is coming in hot for three days of flat track action!

Join us at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club on August 4, 5, and 8 for bar-banging, dirt-slinging, edge-of-your-seat racing. You’ll feel the thunder as the sport’s top riders go handlebar to handlebar at one of the most historic tracks in the country. From high-stakes drama on the track to unbeatable fan access in the paddock, there’s no better way to kick off your rally week.

August 4 & 5 will feature the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II and on August 8, get ready for the Super TT!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK–

“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.”

–Richard Feynman, Theoretical Physicist

CO2 Coalition

BIKERS FOR THE STURGIS RALLY—

There’s another side to the Sturgis Rally. Some of the locals don’t like the Rally and wish it cut a dusty trail. That’s ridiculous, but the city council folks need to respect even the angry citizens. Rich Johnson and a couple of diehard rally supporters started meeting at the local coffee shop to discuss how we can work with the city to more openly support the rally. “It’s like moving to Pasadena and not liking Parades,” Rich said.

We’ve engaged with some of the council folks and are trying to stay on top of the issues.

–Bandit

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2007 Harley-Davidson XL 1200R Sportster for Sale

Black Pearl • Used Motorcycles

XL1200 R is A rear find here at Lifestyle!

Stock# 14488

2007 Harley Davidson XL1200R with only 16,104 miles!

This Sportster R is definitely one you rarely find here at Lifestyle Cycles so if you’ve been looking this is your opportunity, don’t miss it !

* Black & Tan, not a Bass & Guinness just the color

* 1200cc Engine

* Mid Controls

* Dual Disc Front Brakes

* 14″ Rear Suspension

* Hypercharger Intake

* Vance & Hines Mini Grenades Exhaust with a blemish

* 2 Up Seat

* Rubber & Chrome Handgrips

* Black Sportster Scripted Mirrors

* Black Mirrors

* Stock Handlebars and Risers

This bike is only $5,995.00

Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 92-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING FELLOW VETERANS– like Yusuf Henriques.

While serving as a combat medic in the Army, Yusuf completed tours in Korea, Germany and Bosnia. But six years of service took a toll on Yusuf’s body — his knees are bone-on-bone, he has a traumatic brain injury and he was exposed to harmful toxins.

When Yusuf left the military, he found he needed help getting the disability benefits he had earned through his service. That’s when he turned to DAV.

‘Luckily, DAV came to the rescue. They fought for me, the same way that I fought for my country.’/ Yusuf Henriques, Army veteran

DAV helped Yusuf get the full disability benefits he’d earned. And today, Yusuf is paying it forward for his fellow veterans. With help from DAV’s employment services, Yusef started two health care technology companies that are working to improve the lives of veterans everywhere.

–DAV
https://help.dav.org/page

KURYAKYN, TWIN POWER AND BIKER’S CHOICE—

Unite to Showcase New Product, Connect with Riders at the 85th Sturgis Rally

Sturgis, SD – July 23, 2025 – Motorcycle enthusiasts attending the legendary 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will have a prime opportunity to engage with three of the most iconic names in the V-Twin world: Kuryakyn, Twin Power, and Biker’s Choice. These three powerhouse brands are proud to announce their joint exhibition at this year’s rally, located in the J&P Cycles parking lot, a critical destination for riders seeking performance, style, and innovation for their bikes.

The exhibit will feature product showcases, live installations, exclusive giveaways, and opportunities to speak directly with product experts.

“Sturgis is an annual pilgrimage for so many riders in the V-Twin community and we’re excited to connect face-to-face with our customers from all over the country,” said Bob Schuetz, President of Turn 14 Powersports. “We’re thrilled to be back at Sturgis, teaming up three of our iconic brands with J&P Cycles, right in the hub of the rally.”

From Wednesday, July 30 to Saturday, August 9, rally-goers can explore the latest products and meet the product designers and the experts who developed some of these companies’ industry-defining products. The display at J&P Cycles will have many of the newest parts in stock and ready for riders to take home with them.

Riders can check out Kuryakyn’s newest accessories including the Enygma collection and the Sturgis debut of Kuryakyn Leathers by River Road. For those who demand more from their ride, Twin Power will showcase its legendary performance parts. Biker’s Choice will feature gear and hard parts trusted by dealers and riders alike for over four decades.

Eric Maurer, Marketing Manager, added, “Sturgis is incredibly important for these brands. It’s about our product experts meeting and talking directly with riders, hearing their feedback, and understanding what they truly need.”

The Sturgis Rally runs from August 1 to 10, 2025. This is the 85th rally, started by local motorcycle dealers Pappy and Pearl Hoel as a gathering of friends.

SALES OF EVERYTHING SMALL IS BIG
—by Wayfarer

Everyone likes to say, I told you so — and the market leaders hate to hear those four-worded taunts.

Well, Wayfarer said so — twice –

1. The Financial Weightage of Light-Weight Motorcycles
on May 7, 2023

The Financial Weightage of Light-Weight Motorcycles

2. Friggin’ Economies of Scale
August 29, 2023

Friggin’ Economies of Scale

Yet, while the previous nobodies of the modern era — KTM and Triumph are roaring ahead in sales and revenue — the half-hearted and home-derided small capacity engine motorcycles of Harley-Davidson have fared poorly in competition to its peers.

This was a golden opportunity thrown in the mud by the grand old father of American motorcycling companies. It is severely disappointing to worldwide fans of the most wanted brand of motorcycles, even as American fans of the brand probably feel happy that the small engines, manufactured offshore, failed to deliver its promise. They miss the premise. The world has less space, less money, less fuel and less time for recreation on two-wheels. It has more rules, more laws, more features and technology and complications and conflicts. Not to mention…tariffs.

Harley-Davidson got the two best partners it could get overseas — Qianjiang in China and Hero MotoCorp in India — both, vastly well-proven international corporations, with tech centres, established facilities, showrooms and production scalability. Yet, if the promoter is not keen, there is not much the recipient of the franchise can do to drum up interest, sales, — or more importantly aesthetic design and performance-driven engineering for that matter — all four lacking in these two international collaborations.

Meanwhile, competing motorcycle brands zoom ahead….

KTM joins the fun

In the first half of 2025, KTM sold 100,391 motorcycles to customers worldwide, with an additional 50,286 units delivered to dealers and importers. While this marks a decline from previous years—147,496 units in 2024 and 187,158 in 2023—it still exceeded internal expectations amid restructuring and production challenges and paying off large debts.

The company’s smaller displacement models, particularly the 390 series, played a pivotal role in sustaining momentum. These bikes, produced in India by Bajaj, continued uninterrupted despite KTM’s Austrian factory disruptions.

Demand remained strong globally, especially in North America, which accounted for 24% of total sales in 2024.

KTM also made strides in customer engagement. Initiatives like the “Orange Board”, a 15-member rider advisory panel, and the Dealer Excellence Center aim to improve feedback loops and service quality. CEO Gottfried Neumeister emphasized that KTM’s resilience stems from its passionate community and dedicated workforce, noting that the brand is now actively hiring again.

Despite financial headwinds, KTM’s focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and global reach has helped it stay on track. The orange brand’s comeback story is unfolding—one throttle twist at a time.

Triumph tops Harley-Davidson in getting big by growing small

Triumph’s Historic Sales Surge in 2024

Triumph Motorcycles shattered its previous benchmarks in 2024, selling 134,635 units globally—a staggering 64% increase over the prior year. This marks the first time in the brand’s 122-year history that annual sales crossed the six-figure threshold. The achievement is part of a five-year streak of record-breaking growth, with total sales up 123% since 2019.

The driving force? Triumph’s strategic expansion into new segments. The Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, developed with Bajaj Auto, proved wildly successful, especially in India, which alone accounted for 29,736 units. These models offered premium styling and performance at entry-level prices, attracting a new generation of riders. The main competition for Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X was the Harley-Davidson X440 launched during the same time as Triumph’s small engine productions.

Triumph also ventured into motocross with the TF 250-X and unveiled the TF 450-RC, broadening its appeal in competitive off-road markets. Meanwhile, updates to core models like the Rocket 3 Storm, Tiger 1200, and Daytona 660 kept longtime fans engaged.

With a dealer network now spanning 950 locations across 68 countries, Triumph’s global footprint is stronger than ever. CEO Nick Bloor credited the brand’s success to bold innovation and a passionate team. If 2024 was Triumph’s breakout year, 2025 looks poised to be its victory lap.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passes away aged 71

Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, whose larger-than-life presence shaped an entire era of sports entertainment, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71, as confirmed by WWE.

Hogan is survived by his beloved wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick. He had previously shared chapters of his life with Linda Claridge and Jennifer McDaniel.

According to reports from TMZ, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s Clearwater Beach home following a cardiac incident. Despite immediate medical attention by local fire and rescue teams and treatment at Morton Plant Hospital, Hogan tragically could not be revived.

Hogan began his roaring wrestling journey in the late 1970s, but it was during the transformative wave of the 1980s that he became a household name. Under Vince McMahon’s vision, Hogan helped elevate the then-WWF from a regional spectacle into a national powerhouse, redefining the scope of sports entertainment.

Adored by millions, Hogan’s charisma and unforgettable persona made him a symbol of strength and optimism.

His trademark red-and-yellow gear, thunderous entrance music “Real American,” and catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do, when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” captured the hearts of fans worldwide. To many, he wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a hero.

Though his in-ring style was straightforward, it resonated deeply. Fans cheered as he rallied from near defeat, “hulked up,” and ultimately triumphed—a storytelling formula that turned arenas electric and etched him into pop culture forever.

As Hulkamania spread across generations, Terry Bollea became more than a performer. He was an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and belief in oneself. His legacy will forever live in the hearts of those who saw him not just as a champion—but as a force of hope.

“Hulk Hogan’s” iconic bout against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 was most memorable. Though the two had crossed paths in the ring before, this showdown at the packed Pontiac Silverdome carried an emotional weight and cultural significance that transcended the sport itself. For fans around the world, it wasn’t just a match — it was history being written in real time.

Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 under the banner of his NWO “Hollywood” Hogan persona. At WrestleMania 18, he clashed with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a match that wasn’t just technically impressive — it was a generational handshake, passed between two icons.

Departing WWE again in 2003, Hogan’s passion for the ring never waned. He continued to perform across numerous promotions, including TNA/Impact, keeping his legacy alive and adapting to new arenas while holding onto what made him irreplaceable.

In later years, Hogan made touching appearances at WWE’s major events — WrestleMania, anniversary specials — moments where the roar of the crowd welcomed him back like an old friend. Each entrance was more than just nostalgia; it was a testament to the enduring love between Hogan and his fans.

His career wasn’t just a series of matches — it was a journey shared with millions. A symbol of grit, showmanship, and connection. The echo of “Hulkamania” lives in wrestling arenas around the world.

—Wayfarer
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com

WHAT’S NEXT?–Hang on, shit gets more exciting by the minute.

In fact, life is so packed with action I doubt I’ll make it to Bonneville this year. My busted shoulder impacted the tough decision, but it also opened opportunities to take the Salt Torpedo to a wind tunnel for important testing somewhere in the South with Berry Wardlaw from Accurate Engineering. We will meet with Berry where he will test the Assalt Weapan once more.

Action starts this weekend with the Flag Raising at the Buffalo Chip. Next week I will meet in a dark alley with Heidi the executive director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum to discuss pulling the winning raffle tickets on the last day of the Rally.

Everything fires up on Friday with our event at 1008 Main, when Danial unveils a special fine art piece commissioned by Ari, the boss of Law Tigers.