Hey,
What an incredible week. Yesterday 80 copies of issue 600 arrived at our doorstep. It’s a knockout.
I also received a copy of the new Tattoo book by Billy Tinney and he’s headed to a major Tattoo Convention this weekend, the Houston Tattoo Convention at the NRG Center.
Also, George Christie’s latest novel was mailed this week for our review. The old HA is hanging in there making his way after post-club days.
We are kicking off the Easyriders Youtube channel this week and studied what and how we need to handle it. I finally hired a Youtube editor, who is very much a part of the industry.
This news is going to be packs with action. I’m trying to center myself around a couple of thoughts to share, but my feeble brain is over-loaded. Think about your brain as a tool.
You may wake up in the morning, your mind full of hate. But you need to realize your brain is just a wrench. You can make it build cool shit and help folks, or you can burn daylight thinking negative waves. Just stop yourself for three large breaths. You can reconfigure your brain to do good in a matter of seconds.
Here’s another thought to ponder: Motorcyclists Rights. I have supported the Rights community for 55 years. Unfortunately, the effort is dwindling. The brothers who run the organizations are constantly looking to engage more and younger riders. You’ll find the news is full of legislative issues.
I have always promoted joining your local rights organization. But I get it. Life is a busy place and I wish there was a solution. I just read a piece by one of our contributors about Daytona Bike Week. It was packed full of passion, action and excitement. So, check the news and all the shit our lovely government is trying to throw at us, while we pack our shit and ride to another killer event.
Let’s hit the news:
The Bikernet News is brought to you by our resilient team: The Redhead, Wayfarer, Danial James, Sturgis Vicky, LA Laura, Palma, and Freak Show Kendra.
H.R. 1566, known as the REPAIR Act (full name: Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act), is a bipartisan bill in the 119th Congress (2025-2026) aimed at creating a national “right to repair” framework for motor vehicles.
What the Bill Does
It requires vehicle manufacturers to provide vehicle owners and independent repair shops with access to the same vehicle-generated data, diagnostic tools, repair information, and maintenance resources that are available to the manufacturers themselves or their authorized dealerships.
Key goals include:
Promoting consumer choice in where and how vehicles are serviced.
Enhancing competition in the automotive aftermarket (independent shops vs. dealership networks).
Removing technological or contractual barriers that could limit independent repairs.
The bill focuses on repair and maintenance data (e.g., diagnostic codes, calibration tools) while including protections for data privacy, cybersecurity (via parity in security measures), and manufacturer intellectual property. It applies to both light-duty and heavy-duty/commercial vehicles in its scope.
Current Status (as of mid-April 2026)
Introduced: February 25, 2025, by Rep. Neal P. Dunn (R-FL-2), with Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) as a key cosponsor. It has garnered 30+ bipartisan cosponsors.
Latest Action: On February 10, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a markup session and forwarded the bill to the full Committee by voice vote (after discussion of potential amendments, which were withdrawn).
Current Stage: Still listed as Introduced overall. It has not yet been considered or marked up by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee, nor has it passed the House or moved to the Senate.
A companion bill, S. 1379, exists in the Senate (introduced by Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Josh Hawley (R-MO)), but progress there has been less prominent in recent updates.
The bill is sometimes discussed in the context of broader surface transportation reauthorization efforts (due by September 2026), though it is advancing on its own track for now.
Support and Opposition
Supporters (e.g., aftermarket groups like Auto Care Association, MEMA, independent repair advocates, NFIB): Argue it levels the playing field, lowers repair costs for consumers, preserves competition, and reflects strong public demand (polls show 80-85%+ bipartisan support among voters). They emphasize secure, owner-authorized access limited to repair purposes.
Opponents (e.g., National Automobile Dealers Association – NADA, some dealer and union stakeholders): Claim the bill goes beyond repair by potentially enabling broader data access/sales (including real-time in-vehicle data), could create cybersecurity/safety risks, allows aftermarket parts makers to reverse-engineer components, and imposes unnecessary regulatory burdens. They argue much of the needed information is already available and that 75% of post-warranty repairs already occur outside dealerships.
For the most up-to-date details, check Congress.gov (search for H.R. 1566) or TrackBill/LegisScan for actions and text. The full bill text is available there and outlines the specific requirements for data access on a “parity” basis.
DELHI, INDIA BANNING FOSSIL FUEL MOTORCYCLES—Going Electric No new petrol two-wheelers will be registered in Delhi from April 2028.
New proposal pending legal status.
Delhi is India’s capital and has the largest movement of politicians and elected officials all using four wheelers along with entourage of police vehicles and other security forces vehicles allocated as per designation or stature.
Apparently it is two-wheelers which consume large amounts of fuel.
Delhi has released its draft Electric Vehicle Policy 2026–2030, proposing phased bans on petrol two-wheelers from April 2028 and CNG auto-rickshaws from January 2027. The policy offers subsidies, scrapping incentives, and full road tax waivers for eligible EVs, alongside mandates for fleet electrification and expanded charging infrastructure. Public feedback is open until May 10 before finalisation.
Wayfarer@Bikernet.com and MSN.com
SUPERCROSS WINNER--Hard Work Pays Off For Dylan Ferrandis Who Leads Team to Milestone Finish in Nashville on the Desmo450 MX
Under perfect, warm conditions in Nashville, Tennessee, Round 13 of the AMA Supercross Championship delivered a milestone evening for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team. Competing on a challenging, rocky, hard-pack dirt surface in the heart of country music, Dylan Ferrandis and the team showcased determination, progress, and performance, earning their best Supercross result to date in the United States.
Ferrandis entered the night show with consistent qualifying performances, finishing 10th in both sessions with times of 53.084 and 52.629, which secured 10th overall. Carrying confidence and making slight adjustments to his setup, he lined up for the heat race ready to contend.
In the heat race, Ferrandis launched from the gate in approximately 8th position and completed the opening lap in 7th. Demonstrating strong pace and consistency, he moved into 6th and steadily closed the gap to 5th. Using effective lap times throughout the middle portion of the race, he advanced to 5th place. While challenging for 4th, a small bobble and a line choice in the sand section briefly halted his momentum, but he maintained composure and finished 5th.
The main event saw Ferrandis cross the holeshot line in 7th before settling into 10th on the opening lap—an all-too-familiar position this season. However, his pace quickly became evident as he climbed to 8th within the opening laps. Building momentum, he advanced to 7th by lap 9, then to 6th two laps later. With calculated, precise passes, Ferrandis pushed into 5th place, continuing to close the gap to the leaders.
After a brief off-track excursion that cost him a position, Ferrandis regrouped and fought back to reclaim 5th before the checkered flag. Despite crossing the line in a top-five position, a post-race penalty for reentering the track resulted in a final classification of 6th overall.
“Best finish for the myself and for the team this season, so it was great and I was still closing the gap on guys in front of me, so it was awesome,” said Ferrandis. “The position dock is annoying because going off the track I did lose a position and lost time but the good thing is the changes, time, and work we put in this week was the right direction and we are making progress. We put this bike in a top five position, so we achieved that goal and now we can aim for something higher and do even better.”
Even with the penalty, the result marks a historic achievement for Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, representing the team’s best Supercross finish in US racing. With clear progress and momentum building, the team looks ahead to the upcoming rounds with confidence and ambition to push even further up the standings.
Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team Sponsors:
DIRECT FROM THE BILTWELL BARRACKS–Classic Bars & Risers
Chromoly handlebars and investment-cast risers were some of the first hard parts we created twenty years ago. Proof that substance never goes out of style, these designs live on and still work great on custom motorcycles of all kinds.
Apes Handlebars
These timeless bars are constructed with seamless CNC mandrel bent 0.120” wall 4130 chromoly tubes. Our Apes work with modern Throttle-By-Wire controls and with regular, cable-operated throttles. Slotted on each side for stock H-D hand controls and an exit slot in the center for internal wiring. Perfect for Wide Glide equipped big twins of all eras.
–Biltwell
LANE SPLITTINE UPDATE–Progress remains mixed and state-specific:
Utah: A new law (HB 190, effective January 1, 2026) bans lane splitting and imposes license suspensions for violations, responding to rising motorcycle accidents and deaths.
Minnesota: Lane splitting and filtering became legal on July 1, 2025, with restrictions (e.g., no more than 15 mph over traffic speed when moving, or when traffic is stopped/slow).
Virginia: A lane-splitting bill advanced in the Senate in early 2026 but faced scrutiny in the House Transportation Committee.
California remains the primary state for broad lane splitting; a handful of others allow limited “lane filtering” (e.g., Arizona, Montana, Colorado). No major new federal movement here.
BEER MEETS FLAT TRACK-– Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to announce that 805 Beer has been named the presenting sponsor of the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track. The event will now be officially titled the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track presented by 805 Beer, scheduled for April 25 at Ventura Raceway.
The partnership brings together one of California’s most recognizable craft beer brands with one of the most anticipated stops on the Progressive AFT calendar. Known for its laid-back coastal roots and strong connection to motorsports culture, 805 Beer is a natural fit for the Southern California event.
In addition to its role as presenting sponsor, 805 Beer will enhance the fan experience with the introduction of the “805 Pit Party,” a premium ticket add-on designed to elevate race day hospitality.
Available for $75, the 805 Pit Party provides guests with access to a dedicated hospitality area featuring a variety of beverage options, along with snacks available throughout the event. The add-on also includes a pit pass, giving fans a closer look at the teams and riders, all within a relaxed, social atmosphere just steps away from the on-track action.
The event will deliver an action-packed evening of bar-to-bar racing on April 25, complemented by an engaging fan environment that reflects the spirit of both the sport and its partners.
Tickets and event add-ons are available now at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769.
Next Up
Progressive American Flat Track heads to California for two weeks of racing action, beginning with the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track presented by 805 Beer at Ventura Raceway on April 25. The series then travels north to Chico, CA, for the Silver Dollar Short Track on May 2.
For Ventura tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track
HELMET LAWS AND REPEAL EFFORTS--Maryland: In January 2026, safety advocates strongly opposed Senate Bill 195, which would repeal the state’s universal motorcycle helmet law. Opponents cited increased fatalities, injuries, and healthcare costs from similar repeals elsewhere. The effort appears stalled or defeated for now.
Broader context: A March 2026 study on Michigan’s 2012 universal helmet law repeal found a 26% increase in average hospital costs per motorcycle crash patient (about $5,785 more per case), reinforcing arguments against weakening mandates. As of April 2026, helmet laws vary widely: 17 states + D.C. require universal use for all riders, 30 have age-based rules, and a few (like Iowa and New Hampshire) have none for adults.
Racing side note: New FIM 2 (FRHPhe-02) helmet standards became mandatory for most professional motorcycle racing in 2026, with stricter visor locking and impact requirements.
NASH LEATHER BELT BOGO–Handcrafted and made from high-quality U.S. domestic leather.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK– Riding life one mile at a time – Fueled by freedom, leather, and open roads Living the biker’s code: ride hard, live free, respect all
–Sam Burns
Federal Motorcycle Definition (H.R. 3385)
This bill seeks to update the federal definition of a “motorcycle” to a modern standard: a vehicle with motive power, astride seating, no more than three wheels in contact with the ground, handlebar steering, and handlebar/foot controls, capable of speeds over 30 mph. Critics (including some in the autocycle/trike community) argue it could sideline certain three-wheeled vehicles by reclassifying them. Motorcycle rights organizations have linked it to broader access and regulatory issues. It remains in the legislative process.
RED LIGHT CAMERA STORY–Introducing Guilty by Design
A woman in Washington, DC received a notice for a red light violation.
The image showed her car in the intersection. The timestamp was clear. The fine was $100.
What the notice did not show was the moment before the image was captured. Traffic had stopped abruptly. She entered the intersection legally and cleared it as best she could. The camera recorded the final frame, not the full context.
Her appeal was denied.
Cases like this are not rare. They are a feature of how automated enforcement works.
A system captures a moment. It does not capture judgment. It does not account for nuance. It produces a record, and that record becomes the basis for a conclusion.
From that point forward, the process is no longer about observation. It is about confirmation.
Across the country, these systems are expanding. At the same time, license plate reader networks are growing rapidly. Companies like Flock Safety have deployed tens of thousands of cameras nationwide, creating databases that can track vehicle movements across jurisdictions. According to public reporting from agencies using these systems, billions of scans are collected each year.
This is not theoretical.
It is an infrastructure that now exists.
And it operates on a simple premise. Collect more data. Process more violations. Resolve more cases.
The question is not whether technology can do this. It clearly can.
The question is whether the systems being built are balanced.
When citations are issued without direct observation, when liability is assigned without confirming the driver, when appeals are structured in ways that discourage participation, the burden shifts in ways that most people do not fully see.
Until they experience it.
That is why we are launching our Guilty by Design campaign.
Because this is not about one ticket or one technology. It is about a broader shift in how motorists are treated and how enforcement is structured.
At the National Motorists Association, we are working to challenge systems that bypass due process, examine the expansion of surveillance infrastructure, and advocate for policies grounded in fairness and real safety outcomes.
This work requires persistence. It requires research, legal analysis, and public engagement.
And it requires support.
If you believe drivers should be treated fairly, if you believe enforcement should be accountable, and if you believe these trends deserve closer scrutiny, we are asking you to stand with us.
Because once systems like this become fully normalized, they do not scale back on their own.
They scale forward.
–The National Motorists Association
EASYRIDERS COVER SHOOT TO COME–
Just a snapshot from Monday’s shoot, so you get an idea. I was wrong, she is tiny, just 5’4″. Overall, the shoot went well despite getting a speeding ticket on the way, having a run-in with a park ranger who threw a fit when he found us off the pavement in the desert and having to talk fast to get us out of the $400 fine he wanted to write up.
Always an adventure.
–Flea
IT NEVER ENDS–
But ya gotta admit the whole notion of choppers is all sex, romance, creativity, passion and adventure. Part of the passion is fighting for our freedoms.
This week, sorta every week is all motorcycle for me. I don’t have a day job or a family taking me away from motorcycles. If I’m not writing about choppers, I’m helping a brother fix his or helping a producer with his bike show.
Irish Rich and I went to Panhead John’s to fire his Panhead. It fired, but when we took it off the lift it wouldn’t kickstart so he didn’t receive his exclusive trophy.
I’ve been on a couple of test rides with the King Bike. After each one there’s adjustment. I’m trying to decide whether to make it a regular rider or build another bike.
I kicked the Dicey Knucklehead with a mag and it fired right up, so I took it for a ride. That puppy is amazing. It inspired me to move from bike to bike starting and riding.
Here’s just a taste of yesterday’s projects:
Ellen, Christian and Licensing Expo arrangements
Revising logo
Patches
Shirts for Licensing Expo,
Images for Brendon’s piece.
Bob V. on Diablo Run
Merch
Online shop products and descriptions
Switching tech tips
Flea’s cover shoot
Youtube interview, progress, organization, editor
Lisa on writing styles
Jack on his Daytona piece, blog pieces and Youtube
Several discussions with Jeff Najar on the youtube channel
Actually, we dove into our newsstand sales program. We set it up so any shop can carry Easyriders Magazine. We ran into issues, solved them, but then staff members questioned some of the policies. Then they threw the project back at me. It’s happening goddammit or I’ll die trying.
I’ve had this metal sign for 30 some years. Serious rusted but I hit it with the rust inhibitor paint. Hell, I don’t know. I crawled up a ladder to install it over the shop door.
It’s all nuts, then we die.
I try to think about kids today and all they must deal with. A brother said, “Some have never opened a magazine or sat on a motorcycle. It’s all about their phone.” He had a plan. Hang on!
In the meantime, ride fast and free forever!
–Bandit
