Hey,
The next issue, Nov/Dec is about to hit the streets. The Jan/Feb issue is my first complete issue and it’s going to shake shit up to the core.
But wait, here are a couple of other items on my plate. We are moving all of the Easyriders archives to Sturgis, SD. That lead to buying a building in Sturgis. Ouch, nothing is easy. There are only like three buildings available and one is for sale. Turns out, it’s a train wreck built on tilting land fill.
Okay, so we need to coordinate all the internet properties. We need a licensing deal, maybe a merch license with my grandson, new logos and a Youtube Channel.
Then there’s the events and saving the rodeos. Should we produce Bike shows. How about planning for the next rally.
Wait a minute, there’s the next editorial package for issue #598 or the Jan/Feb issue. Hang on for that. May touch on it at the end of the news. Every element of the issue is about to change. Hang on!
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.
TRANSAM ACTION REPORT–One Month from the Finish Line + Meet the Wolfpack!
Can you believe it? We’re just one month out from the finish line! I can’t believe how fast it’s gone; it feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at the same time.
A quick reminder that registration is now open for the next run!
Eligible bikes: 1929 and earlier
Spots available: 75 total
Priority: 2025 riders get first dibs, after that, it’s first-come, first-serve!
Register here!
Now, if you haven’t met them yet, let me introduce you to one of the most unforgettable teams on the road, The Wolfpack. This crew is all about four-cylinders, passion, and teamwork. From Hendersons to an Ace, they’re the ones who bring the rumble, the reliability, and the late-night wrenching sessions that keep everyone inspired.
Their story is one of grit, knowledge, and camaraderie, and it’s exactly what makes the TransAm so special.
Read the full story of The Wolfpack here!
Peace, Love, and Antique Bikes,
-Kelsey
Tesla investigated over self-driving cars on wrong side of road
Tesla is being investigated by the US government after reports the firm’s self-driving cars had broken traffic laws, including driving on the wrong side of the road and not stopping for red lights.
It said it was aware of 58 reports where the electric cars had committed such violations, according to a filing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
An estimated 2.9 million cars equipped with full self-driving tech will fall under the investigation.
—-Wayfarer@Bikernet.com
Associate Editor, Bikernet.com
MOTORCYCLE MISSIONS VET SUPPORT–Monthly Support. Lifelong Change.
Your recurring donation is more than just a contribution—it’s a lifeline. By choosing to give monthly, you help veterans and first responders battling PTSD find healing and purpose through the power of motorcycling.
Every ride, every build, every mile shared in our community is fueled by supporters like you. A monthly donation provides the steady support needed to keep our programs running, offering consistent hope and connection to those who need it most.
Together, we can continue changing lives—one ride at a time.
Become a Monthly Donor
www.MotorcycleMissions.com
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2004 Harley-Davidson FLHT/FLHTI Electra Glide Standard for Sale
Vivid Black •
Used Motorcycles
Stock# 14625C
2004 Harley Davidson FLHT/FLHTI Electra Glide with only 46,559 miles!
With miles and style there’s no bike that can compare to the longevity of the Electra Glide!
* Dual Disc Front Brakes
* 95 Upgraded Cubic Inch Harley Twin Cam Motor
* 5 Speed Transmission
* Black Engine Guard
* Stock Rider and Passenger Floorboards
* Stock Air Cleaner
* Two-Up Seat
* Stock Handlebars
* Black, Blue, and Green Flames Paintjob
* LED HEadlight and Spot Lamps
* Rinehart Racing Dual Chrome Exhaust
This bike is only $6,995.00
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 103-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.
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Huge selection of Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!
We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory,
Please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/
EASYRIDERS MAGAZINE MANTRA–Goddammit,
If no one is going to try to save this country, who will?
Easyriders Will!
–Bandit
HANG ON FOR THE ROOT CAUSE– of our leading institutions’ bias against fossil fuels
Our leading institutions are operating on an “anti-impact framework” that causes them to view fossil fuels, which are inherently high impact, as intrinsically immoral and inevitably self-destructive.
Why are leading institutions so biased against fossil fuels?
Because their operating “anti-impact framework” causes them to view fossil fuels, which are inherently high impact, as intrinsically immoral and inevitably self-destructive.
An Anti-Human Moral Goal and Standard
Our knowledge system’s opposition to fossil fuels while ignoring their enormous benefits can only be explained by it operating on an anti-human moral goal and standard of evaluation that regards benefits to human life as morally unimportant.
Outside the realm of energy, an example of an anti-human moral goal at work is the scientists who, operating on the anti-human moral goal of animal equality, oppose animal testing for medical research and disregard its life-saving benefits to humans.
Eliminating Human Impact
The primary moral goal of our knowledge system that operates on energy issues is the anti-human goal of eliminating human impact on the rest of nature—a widely-held goal that is often disguised as merely eliminating only human-harming impacts.
Our leading institutions attempt to disguise their goal of eliminating all human impacts as eliminating only human-harming impacts by using vague terminology such as “going green,” “minimizing environmental impact,” “protecting the environment,” and “saving the planet.”¹
Pro-Human Environmental Terminology
On the human flourishing framework, we don’t use the vague and covertly anti-human terminology of “saving/protecting” “the environment/planet” (from human beings) but rather “improving” “our environment/world” (for human beings).
On the human flourishing framework, rather than evaluating only man-made actions by their level of impact on nature, we evaluate both man-made and non-man-made environmental factors by how conducive they are to human flourishing.
The Wild Potential Premise
On the human flourishing framework, the relationship between human beings and the rest of nature is “wild potential”: Earth is naturally dynamic, deficient, and dangerous, and the human beings who impact it are fundamentally “producer-improvers.”
Full-Context Evaluation
On the human flourishing framework, we engage in full-context evaluation, which means carefully weighing the benefits and side-effects of different alternatives in relation to human flourishing.
The Human Flourishing Framework vs. the Anti-Impact Framework on CO2 Emissions
On the issue of fossil fuels’ CO2 emissions, the human flourishing framework evaluates them in the context of all their benefits, while the anti-impact framework views them as intrinsically immoral.
My Project
The project of Fossil Future is to achieve a pro-human, full-context evaluation of what to do about fossil fuels by using the human flourishing framework to synthesize the best research about fossil fuels’ benefits and side-effects.
–ALEX EPSTEIN
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ENTERS– Third Week
The federal government shutdown has now lasted 15 days, with many agencies still operating under contingency plans and reduced staffing. MIC continues to encourage businesses to keep detailed records of any communications with federal agencies and to reach out with questions or concerns as impacts arise.
–MIC
9999
POLARIS SELLS INDIAN!
Polaris Inc. just announced its decision to “separate Indian Motorcycle from its portfolio and into a standalone business.” According to the media release, “The Company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a majority stake in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, an independent private equity firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Indian Motorcycle contributed approximately $478 million, or 7.0%, of Polaris’ revenues for the trailing twelve-month period ended June 30, 2025.”
According to my Son, this spells doom for the Indian brand once more. “Well like I said from what I learned private equity firms acquire big companies then sell them off piece by piece getting what they can out of them.”
I’ve got to believe Indian is doing very well and by separating from the giant Polaris machine with costly infrastructure, they can refine the operation. They will cut the fat and overhead and be able to focus on the brand. The machines are already near perfect.
We will see. Time will tell and shit will smell.
–Bandit
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–
Getting her ready for BF4 maybe? Now the “As The World Turns” question is, will Henry show? And if so will he be on his 22 Stage 3 Roadglide or the never registered 23 Low Rider S he just picked up? He has a sickness, his FXRP is in pieces all over the shop, the Dyna he bought because the RG is a bit heavy with his bad knee currently. It’s in pieces all over the shop as well & of course you can’t just ride the new Low Rider S without putting the T parts on it!
And will RFR ever get a hold of Dennis Punt for a set of LEDs?
RFR-FXR Life
LEGEND AIR-A
Precision-Tuned Air Suspension, Built to Perform
The Legend AIR and AIR-A Rear Suspension Systems are meticulously engineered to deliver unmatched comfort, control, and versatility in any riding condition. Utilizing exclusive Aramid Fiber air spring technology, these systems provide a wide range of adjustability and exceptional compliance throughout the entire travel range, ensuring a smooth, controlled ride every time. Designed for optimal performance at a 12″ ride height, the AIR and AIR-A maximize wheel travel and allow riders to fine-tune spring rate and ride height on the fly. Each system includes a handlebar-mounted control for convenient, on-the-go height adjustments and a prewired compressor with model-specific mounting for seamless installation. The AIR-A model enhances this foundation with a six-position rebound adjustment knob on each shock, allowing riders to precisely control rebound speed and fine-tune their suspension for personal preference, rider weight, and style—whether cruising comfortably or riding aggressively. Constructed from Type III hard-coat anodized machined aluminum with low-friction seals, spherical bearings, and deflective disc valving, the AIR-A ensures long-lasting performance, superior fluid management, and the smoothest ride possible—all hand-assembled in Sturgis, South Dakota, and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
Made in the USA – Hand-assembled in Sturgis, South Dakota and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
KICKSTARTS & CHRONICLES–Scale of the American Motordrome
Article from Archive Moto
Motordromes were a natural evolution stemming from the well-established sport of bicycle racing at the turn of the century. The major forces behind these thrilling new stadiums and the sport which they developed, the builder and promoter Jack Prince, Indian’s competition-driven engineer Oscar Hedstrom, and many of the motordrome stars themselves all came from the cycling world of the decades before. In the simplest view, Prince essentially just scaled the wooden velodromes with which he had found much success once both the motorcycle’s capability and public interest in seeing such machines compete directly naturally came together by 1908. At first, his design was simply a beefed-up velodrome, oval in shape, wide enough for maybe two machines at most to run at a time, and banked more in the corners than on the straights. Prince’s stadium at Clifton in 1908 was still more a bicycle venue than a motorcycle venue, but it became the catalyst.
Shortly thereafter, Prince set off for Los Angeles in early 1909, determined to build the world’s first motorcycle racing stadium, but again the design followed the lines and construction techniques of his earlier efforts in the velodrome business. It was on a plot of land in Springfield, MA., provided by Indian co-founder George Hendee, where the oval-shaped, banked-corner design issues in LA were ironed out later that same year when Prince built the first circular, continuously banked drome. That design would be repeated on a larger scale back in Los Angeles at Playa Del Rey in 1910, and again in Salt Lake City later that same year, by which time the sport matured and exploded in popularity. In 1911, four more tracks were built, in Oakland, Denver, and Chicago, each more technically refined with new features like safety fencing atop the track, arc lighting for night races, and sections of covered grandstand seating along the top rim, and each one featured an experiment in increasing the banking angles.
1912 marked the grand explosion of the Motordrome Era in America with a boom of track construction that would produce the majority of American motordromes over the next 2 years. Each of these new tracks followed the formula refined by Prince in the years since 1908, a 1/3 or 1/4 mile circular track, banked over 45 degrees with all of the modern touches of a top-level sporting venue for the time. The St. Louis Motordrome, as seen in this photo, was constructed by Jack Prince in Priester’s Park at the intersection of Grand Ave. and Meramec St. in September of 1912. A part of the F.A.M’s American League Circuit, it was the 7th he had built that year and the 14th that he had built since his first in Los Angeles 3 years prior. The St. Louis saucer measured 1/4 mile around with a 24-foot tall track surface banked at 62 degrees, making it the steepest to have ever been built in the history of the sport. It featured several rows of grandstands along the top rim, which was capped by double-layer chainlink safety fencing and lined with electric arc lights every twenty feet or so.
Eleven more motordromes would be built after the track in St. Louis, one in Dallas just a month later, eight more in 1913, and the final two in 1914, the twilight of the motordrome age. A multitude of factors led to the eventual decline of the venues; maintenance issues and expenses, weather interference, mounting safety concerns, decreasing factory interest, increased preference for dirt track and long-distance racing, and the highly emphasized public distaste for what was often a brutal and violent sport. In 1915 Jack Prince would return to Chicago to build his newest vision in track design, a massive concept nearly 10 times larger than his motordrome and 3 times as wide, built of steel, concrete, and as always timber planks. A massive oval superspeedway, Prince’s immense track at Maywood would mark a new era in the sport and drive the final nail into the coffin of America’s sensational motordromes, the few that remained.
–CD
AND THERE’S MORE–There’s so much going on, but sometimes you gotta stop and take care of a brother. Irish Rich and I jumped into the 5-Ball Racing van and pealed to Carson City, Nevada last weekend.
We wanted to hang with Ron Paugh and the Paughco team. This getting old crap is a drag and we needed to spend some time with Ron, and we discovered some wild connections with Easyriders in the early days. Check the interview with Ron in the next issue.
We wanted to cover the Billy Bike the staff is building for Ron to go with his Captain America Bike. His bike contains some original components from the movie bike.
We discovered Paughco is working with Donnie Smith to build a state-of-the-art girder. We might build a bike using one of these girders once they are dialed into perfection. They road-tested one recently.
They are always up to something new. Check the Mustang knock-off tanks with the ignition switch mounted in the tank.
We decided to take an alternate route home and ate Mexican food in Ely Nevada, the stop anytime we headed to Bonneville.
It was a blast and we returned with more chopper knowledge, fantastic memories and connections.
Good to be back on the Sturgis range and slammed with Easyriders projects. Hang on.
Ride fast and free forever,
–Bandit
