Hey,
We are living in truly strange times. There’s a bleak side of society trying to destroy the country. How about the whole climate doom business. But last weekend my buddy Don Whalen and his entire family drove their ICE vehicle to the Petersen Museum to celebrate Father’s Day and enjoy the exhibit of 29 100-year old motorcycles he curated with his partner Richard Bunch.
It blows my mind. Top Fuel drag racing is still a thing and maybe 400,000 riders will storm into Sturgis for the Rally. Hell, just last week President Trump signed a bill to repeal all the mandatory California legislation trying to kill our engines, when we really need more CO2.
Flat Track Racing is booming and I just received my registration forms for Bonneville. Doomed? What a scam. Thanks to the CO2 Coalition, Patrick Moore, Ed Berry, Marc Morano, thousands of Clintel scientists and President Trump is rapidly changing the perception with the truth.
Let’s hit the news and I’ll explain the Changing Easyriders, the Changing City of Sturgis, the Changing board at Harley-Davidson and more.
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.
MEET 2025 CHIP POSTER MODEL—Denaye
Bold, beautiful, kind, funny and full of fire–Denaye Austad caught the judges’ attention during the 2025 Sturgis Buffalo Chip Poster Model Search.
You’ll have plenty of chances to meet her at the Chip during the rally.
But no need to wait—click through for an exclusive look at her shoot with photographer Aaron Packard.
Meet Denaye!
THE CHANGING PERCEPTION OF THE STURGIS 85TH RALLY—
This Rally will celebrate the history of motorcycling, bike racing and freedom like never before. Hang on. Steve Piehl just returned from vacation and is working on a wild press release to highlight the action coming to the Sturgis with the 85th.
We will bring you all the action on Bikernet, which may be partnering with Easyriders in the near future.
–Bandit
THE CHANGING FACE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON–Member of the California Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Speaks Out
Will One of These Candidates be Harley’s Next CEO?
Three former Harley-Davidson executives and the former leader of powersports manufacturer Polaris Inc. are among the individuals who dealers and others are speculating could be considered as replacements for CEO Jochen Zeitz.
Harley-Davidson’s board is working with executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles to recruit a new CEO, with Zeitz saying he plans to retire this year.
The Milwaukee motorcycle company declined to discuss potential candidates, with a spokesperson saying “the company does not comment on rumors or speculation.”
To be sure, some or none of the four candidates touted by dealers may be on Harley’s list: Dealership owners’ ideas of qualifications for the CEO position could very well not be an exact match for what Harley’s board is seeking.
That said, the dealers play an influential role in the company’s ecosystem, with several vocally pushing for change at the iconic company.
Here’s the names that have surfaced most frequently:
Rod Copes
Rod Copes has remained busy since leaving Harley in November 2012 as senior vice president of global sales and customer service. He returned to the motorcycle business from July 2014 until February 2020 as president of India-based manufacturer Royal Enfield’s North America business based in Milwaukee.
From March 2020 to December 2021, Copes was chief operating officer for electric-vehicle manufacturer Rivian, and since March 2022 has served as executive chairman of Slate, a Michigan electric vehicle startup.
While Copes declined to comment on whether he is a candidate for Harley’s CEO, he laid out multiple points that the company’s next CEO needs to address.
“The incoming CEO will have a very large task,” Copes said. “They really need to re-set Harley Davidson.”
That includes improving its relationships with employees, labor unions, dealers, suppliers and the communities where Harley does business and evolving the iconic brand’s identity, he said: “The stereotype (of riders) is 70-year-old ZZ Top-looking guys. That’s unfortunate.”
Harley should target former riders and younger riders, he said, including by re-introducing its iconic and less-expensive Sportster model with updated technology.
The LiveWire electric motorcycle business, which has lost millions of dollars and failed to succeed in generating sales, should be shut down, he said, while the historic corporate headquarters on Milwaukee’s near west side should be reopened.
“The dire straits that Harley is in right now require people to be working together,” Copes said.
Mike Kennedy
One of the candidates favored by multiple dealers, Mike Kennedy spent 26 years at Harley-Davidson, culminating in a role as vice president and managing director of the Americas before leaving in November 2017.
After Harley, Kennedy served as CEO of Vance & Hines, a manufacturer of aftermarket motorcycle performance parts for almost five years. At the end of 2023, he became CEO of powersports dealership group RumbleOn (Nasdaq: RMBL), which has a portfolio that includes a number of Harley dealerships.
Kennedy left RumbleOn in January.
He declined to comment.
Mark Van Genderen
Former Harley executive Mark Van Genderen is president and CEO of Milwaukee-based snowplow manufacturer Douglas Dynamics Inc. (NYSE: PLOW), a company he joined after working for Harley-Davidson for 21 years.
His LinkedIn profile includes photos and videos of him ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange in 2007 for Harley’s 100th anniversary, welcoming guests in 2011 to a Harley event in Rio de Janeiro celebrating the company taking the lead in Brazil distribution and introducing Harley’s new apparel line in 2015 on stage in Las Vegas.
During his time with the motorcycle company, he led Harley-Davidson’s stand-alone Latin America subsidiary and headed up its retail operation. He left the company in late 2019 before Zeitz was named CEO.
Van Genderen declined to comment.
Scott Wine
Former Polaris Inc. CEO Scott Wine is one of the most speculated-about candidates, with dealers and others familiar with Harley-Davidson saying he could be a good fit based on his tenure at Polaris (NYSE: PII), which revived the Indian Motorcycle brand that competes with Harley.
After the board in late March deadlocked 4-4 on an undisclosed candidate supported by dissident shareholder H Partners Management, several sources said they believe Wine was the candidate.
He served as Polaris CEO for over 12 years ending in December 2020 and then was CEO of agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer CNH Industrial from January 2021 through June 2024.
Wine couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Courtesy of the Milwaukee Business Journal
— John Paliwoda, Executive Director
BONNEVILLE MOTORCYCLE SPEED TRIALS ARE COMING–Registration Open for BMST 2025!
Things you need to be ready to race……
To be ready to race you need to complete a few items, like picking a motorcycle number and renewing your AMA Membership. Details for these and other items can be found on the entry page. FIM forms have been updated also. For the latest details check the entry page at BonnevilleMST.com for details.
How can you support BMST?
Early Access Pass
Early Access Pass offers participants, early access to set up your pits and grab your paperwork a day earlier than everyone else. The Early Access Pass is available to purchase with your Motorcycle Registration.
Be a VIR
Our Very Important Racer Sponsorship offers some unique advantages. Get your team name on the 2025 T-Shirt, early access to set up your pits and grab your paperwork a day earlier than everyone else. VIR Sponsorship is available to purchase with your Motorcycle Registration.
Be a Sponsor
Sponsorship helps us keep entry fees as low as possible for participants. Click here to see how you can contribute, or pass it along to someone you know who might want to be involved. We are also looking for equipment sponsors (display your company e-z up!) and other items that are needed out on the salt!
Be a Volunteer
As an all-volunteer organization we understand that this doesn’t happen without the help of a dedicated crew. We’re always looking for volunteers, without who we would not be able to race! Looking for a front row seat to the action? Volunteering is a great way to have an active role at BMST! Check out our Volunteer Page for more details!
Dates to mark on your calendar:
July 14th Pre-Entry discount Closes, FIM Entries due
July 21st FIM Licensing and Applications due
August 15th- Online Entry Closes (Entry on the salt still available after deadline)
August 22nd – Early Access Pass & VIR Pits Open
August 23rd – General Entry Pits, Registration & Scruineering Open
August 24th- 28th – Racing
August 28th- Awards Party.
Keep Posted to our Web & Social Media pages for updates!
on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @bonnevillemst
NEW FROM GREASE AND GEARS TV—
We’re thrilled to announce the release of our latest video, RK’s ’61 S&S Build Episode 2 – Fab And Mockup! We can’t wait for you to see it.
You can watch the video now on our website Cycle Source TV – please feel free to share it. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it. Thank you for your continued support!
–Chris and Heather Callen
BIKERNET, DANIAL JAMES, 5-BALL AND THE EMPORIUM–Supports the 85th Sturgis Rally.
We collaborated with Danial James Fine Art to create three limited edition merch pieces for the 85th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He killed it with the art and Kenny from SilverSkulls Jewelry will cast them in solid brass. We’re only making 100 and they will be numbered.
We are also making 100 all-class ceramic coffee mugs for the Rally with Danials art on the front and the back.
And finally we will screen print light sweatshirts for women and our highest quality sweatshirts for men. The art is killer and the event historic. Stop by the emporium when you’re in town.
–Bandit
A REPORT FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–Motorcycle Tax Credits
Monday, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) sent letters to leaders in the U.S. Senate supporting motorcycle ownership provisions in the House passed H.R. 1, better known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The letters were sent to Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota and Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho.
The provisions make interest on loans used to purchase American-made personal vehicles, including motorcycles, tax-deductible. There is concern that this provision may be changed in the Senate, applying the tax deduction only to automobiles. This change would not allow those purchasing new, American-made motorcycles that same benefit.
The MRF believes that by making the interest on loans for American-made motorcycles deductible, more money will be put back in the pockets of U.S. middle-class riders while further strengthening U.S. manufacturing, U.S. dealers and after-market repair and mechanic shops, ensuring a solid, safe, and strong motorcycle industry.
Expanding opportunities for Americans to purchase motorcycles is a good thing! The MRF is proud to support the efforts of companies like the Harley-Davidson Motor Company as they seek to grow the community of riders.
Letter to Senator Thune
The Honorable John Thune
Senate Majority Leader
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C 20510
June 13, 2025
Dear Majority Leader Thune:
On behalf of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), we want to express our support for the interest rate tax deduction on the purchase of new American-made motorcycles included in the legislative language included in the House-passed H.R. 1, section 110104, the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The MRF is a national organization focused on providing leadership at a federal level for state motorcyclists’ rights organizaƟons, motorcycle clubs, and individual riders. The MRF is concerned with national and international issues that impact freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists, while also supporing the efforts of our state partners. We are committed to being national advocates for advancing motorcycling and its accompanying lifestyle and work in conjunction with a variety of partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers.
As you well know, motorcycling is something enjoyed by nearly 10 million Americans and over 121,000 South Dakotans. As such provisions like this, that promote motorcycling, are important to riders from coast to coast including those in South Dakota.
Over half of new motorcycle buyers are hardworking middle-class consumers who are likely to finance a portion of their new motorcycle purchase. By making the interest on motorcycle loans deductible for American-made motorcycles, you will be putting money in the pockets of U.S. middle-class riders while further helping strengthen U.S. manufacturing, U.S. dealers and U.S. repair and mechanic shops, ensuring a solid, safe and strong motorcycle industry.
American motorcycles are cultural icons, economic drivers, and a vital mode of transportation for many Americans. Allowing loan interest deductibility for motorcycles would make ownership more accessible, promote responsible borrowing, and support small businesses serving riders across America.
We urge you to support this pro-rider, pro-consumer, pro-America measure that encourages continued investment in the U.S. motorcycle industry and U.S. automotive supply chain.
Sincerely,
–Kirk R. Willard
President, Chairman of the Board
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
COVERED ON THE GEORGE CHRISTIE PODCAST–
VERY complimentary… I’ve always been impressed with George and felt he’s a pretty straight up guy. He seems to have a ‘functioning’ logical brain unlike a lot of those guys.
–El Waggs
LATEST FROM THE BURLY CLOSET–
Get ready to transform your ride with Burly Brand’s Stiletto Shocks, now available in 13″ for Harley-Davidson Touring models from 1997-2025! Engineered in the USA, these high-performance shocks feature a dual-rate spring design—soft coils for a plush ride over small bumps and a main coil to handle big hits and prevent bottoming out. With adjustable preload and a sleek black/red finish, they deliver attitude, comfort, and corner-carving precision. Perfect for riders seeking enhanced suspension travel and a bold stance, Stiletto Shocks elevate every mile, from city streets to open highways.
Visit burlybrand.com to shop now and upgrade your Touring bike’s performance and style. Don’t wait—stock is limited, so grab yours today and hit the road with confidence!
#KEEPITCUSTOM with Burly Brand’s Stiletto Shocks!
FEATURING:
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- Enhanced Ride Quality – Reduces road noise and vibrations for a smoother, more comfortable experience.
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NEWS FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING—The Early Model Supplier
We’re proud to help keep your bike running strong with the reliable, high-quality parts you trust.
Behind the scenes, we’re hard at work expanding our offerings, always with the same dedication to craftsmanship and respect for the machines that brought us all together.
Coming soon: We are adding VL frames and Castings to our catalog, offering options to fit later model power plants, such as knuckleheads and flatheads. Additionally, we will offer a full line of Peashooter castings, front ends, and complete chassis built to go.
Thanks for being part of this community and for keeping the ride alive with us.
STURGIS 85th RALLY RACING UPDATE AND THE CHANGING FACE OF THE CITY–
On March 15, 2024, a referendum petition was filed with the City Finance Officer asking voters whether the Host Agreement approved by the City Council should be rejected. Pursuan to law, the question was placed on the ballot at the general municipal election held April 9, 2024. Sturgis residents overwhelmingly rejected the Host Agreement in a 1,031-437 vote.
C. Co-Host Agreement
Following the referendum, executives from AMA Pro Racing and AFT-E spent a considerable amount of time in Sturgis meeting with citizens, community leaders, and business owners to better understand the concerns of the Sturgis community related to the proposed race. On May 14, 2024, AFT offered a new proposal to the City.
Under the new proposal, AFT-E would serve as the City’s co-host of the race—a partner that would ensure the success of the event from both an operational and financial standpoint.
Under the new proposal, AFT-E represented that the City of Sturgis would not have to write a check in 2024 because “[a]ll expenses [would] be covered by sponsorships and activations already pledged from AFT sponsors, motorcycle manufacturers, and industry partners.”
Black Hills Pioneer reported that the Co-Host Agreement “presented a new, no-risk plan to the city.”
Following a public discussion and a two-hour executive session, the city council approved the Co-Host Agreement in a 7-0 vote, and the race was held on August 11, 2024.
When I assumed the duties of mayor on January 9, 2025, one of my primary objectives was to oversee the completion of this final reconciliation so that the city council and citizens would understand whether the race made or lost money.
In January 2025, AFT-E provided the City with a Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) indicating the 2024 race generated $235,343.78 in revenue and $749,172.57 in expenses, leaving net income of -$513,828.79. AFT-E also provided some general transaction level detail to further explain the P&L.
First, regarding the City’s and AFT-E’s different interpretations of the provisions of the Co-Host Agreement, AFT-E explained that its position was that the City bore all the risk for an unprofitable event. AFT-E sent the City an invoice demanding payment in the amount of $501,694.04 due and payable January 1, 2025. This expectation was not and is not consistent with the City’s interpretation of the Co-Host Agreement or the representations AFT-E made to the community or the city council when the agreement was being considered.
During our conversations, it became clear that the City’s and AFT-E’s differing interpretations of the Co-Host Agreement were irreconcilable. However, AFT-E indicated it was interested in pursuing a modification of the arrangement to change the venue of the race to the City’s historic half-mile track at the fairgrounds. While the 2024 race lost over half a million dollars, AFT-E indicated its belief that the 2025 race could still be profitable if it was held at the fairgrounds. AFT-E and the City jointly agreed to temporarily set aside their differing interpretations of the arrangement to engage in discussions related to the possibility of changing the race venue and revising the agreement.
On April 21st and 22nd, several representatives of AFT-E (Managing Director Bob Deislinger, CEO Gene Crouch, Director of Industry Sales Cameron Gray) and Brett Winsell from the Jackpine Gypsies met with me, City Administrator Aaron Jordan, and City Attorney Eric Davis at city hall for several hours each day discussing the history between the parties, the race, and the basics of AFT-E’s proposal. On May 12th, AFT-E emailed me a proposal whereby:
● The City would provide AFT-E a firm repayment schedule for the $501,694.04 deficit from the 2024 race;
● AFT-E would release the City from the second year of the Co-Host Agreement; and
● AFT-E and the City would pursue a long-term lease agreement for the fairgrounds property, where the Jackpine Gypsies and AFT-E would begin conducting the Sturgis Half-Mile on the Wednesday of Rally Week each year, beginning with this year’s 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
E. Analysis and Recommendation
First, as a practical matter, even if AFT-E was to make a firm proposal to lease the fairground property, there is not sufficient time for that to be considered and approved by the city council in time for this year’s race.
Second, AFT-E has represented to the City that conducting the Spirit of Sturgis TT race downtown again in 2025 would likely result in financial losses similar as those accrued from the 2024 race, unless there were significant commitments from new and existing sponsors, which was not expected. Further, AFT-E represented it “would certainly not be able to repeat last year’s scenario of delivering a world-class event and face another year of non-payment from the City.”
There being no time to consider a new proposal (even if AFT-E were to make one), it is my recommendation and request that the City Council cancel the 2025 Spirit of Sturgis TT to mitigate damages and refer any outstanding contractual claims to the City’s legal counsel for resolution.
–Kevin
Mayor, City of Sturgis
Between the above, another deal gone bad with a commercial building owner and the City cutting various events, the city’s vibe toward the 85th is lackluster. Some brothers are stepping up to help.
–Bandit
The Progressive Suspension Quik Preload System (QPS) Upgrade Kit makes adjusting the preload on PS 444 Series and 944 Series shocks easier than ever before. With the QPS Upgrade Kit*, it’s no longer necessary to take saddlebags off to adjust the sag when going from a single rider, to a two up riding configuration, and then back to a solo riding experience. This means the suspension can be set up for changes in weight load in less than a minute ensuring a perfect ride every time. With 30 complete turns of fine-tuning preload adjustment, the maximum performance of the suspension can be dialed in with a few twists of an 8mm socket.
The QPS Upgrade Kit utilizes a sealed gear drive to smoothly adjust preload and offers the same range of preload adjustment as the original 444 or 944 series shock when it comes from the factory. As with the 444 and 944 Series shocks, the QPS Upgrade Kit comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty.
FEATURING:
- Compatible with 444 and 944 Series shocks with Standard, Heavy Duty, and Super Duty spring rates.
- Sealed gear driven preload adjuster with 17mm of adjustment
- Make quick preload adjustments without removing saddlebags
- 30 complete turns of preload fine adjustment
- Adjusts with 8mm socket wrench (not included)
- Improves comfort and performance
- Black Anodized finish
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
QUICK, CALM YOURSELF AT THE BIKERNET THOUGHT TEMPLE–Today I Live Fully in the Present
“Yesterday is a canceled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is legal tender—spend it wisely.”
As I awaken to the sacred gift of this day, I pause.
I pause and gently bring awareness to where my thoughts are. I take a moment to center myself in the here and now. I release anything or anyone that may be blocking the natural flow of good in my life. Life’s lessons tend to repeat until we truly absorb their wisdom—and I have listened, I have learned.
I remind myself that now is the only time I can act, heal, love, or create. The past is gone. The future is not yet here. All that matters is this moment. I embrace it fully, knowing it is rich with possibility and power.
Eckhart Tolle wrote, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.”
No matter what darkness yesterday may have held, today I rise into the light. The limitations of the past dissolve into the nothingness from which they came.
Fear is replaced by faith.
Sadness transforms into joy.
Doubt gives way to confidence.
Lack becomes abundance.
Sickness surrenders to perfect health.
Negativity bows before the power of positive thought.
As Zig Ziglar wisely said, “I’m having a check-up from the neck up and getting rid of my stinkin’ thinkin’.” That is exactly what I choose today. Every lingering negative thought is now swept from my consciousness.
Today’s Affirmation:
As I embrace the gift of this moment, I pause.
I enter my sacred space—my God-space—and in this stillness, I feel the presence of Divine Love. I am comforted, centered, and uplifted.
I release any thought that denies the Truth of who I am.
I am living fully in the Present.
I realize, with complete certainty, that I am a perfect expression of life, surrounded by perfect conditions, and divinely connected to all that is good.
I am guided.
I am guarded.
I am abundantly supplied.
I am grateful for this Truth—my Truth. And what I know for myself, I know for all.
And So It Is.
Namaste.
“With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.” – Emerson
Questions for Reflection
What anchors or distractions pull me out of the present moment?
How does my life shift when I choose to be fully present, even briefly?
In what ways can I let go of the past and lovingly release its hold?
How can I trust more deeply that this moment holds everything I need?
What daily rituals or pauses help me return to the now?
–Yale
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM RAFFLE EFFORT—
Do us a favor and share this info with everyone and step up and buy a ticket or 20!
https://www.sturgismuseum.com/registration
Thanks for the Museum, the staff, the Rally, the city and the Motorcycle Industry.
–Bandit
CUSTOM OF THE WEEK—Indian in the Woods.
–Sam Burns
Feature Bike Editor
Bikernet.com
CHANGING FACE OF JESSE JAMES–
His Austin, Texas facility expanded. He’s forging guns and still building Copper Bikes but way more refined than the original.
Watch for his rendition of this early Indian four. It’s going to be amazing.
–Bandit
MAYBE THE CHANGING FACE OF BIKERNET–
Over the last six months I’ve been trying to help save Easyriders and a new opportunity surfaced, which might place me directly in the center of the operation. There’s the reason behind the ER logo between articles.
A partnership between the magazine and Bikernet might help, coupled to a some other helpful industry entities. Print struggles to survive, but there’s hope. Easyriders represented a great deal to young riders in the ’70s. Can we make it as vibrant to today’s younger riders? Can we make it represent freedom, creativity, romance and adventure once more. Hell yes!
The new roof is up and happening. Of course it hailed the other night. The black line is the new heavy gutter, but how do the folks get on the roof? I’ll quiz the Roofer.
Jim Horn set up on the street during Deadwood’s ‘Gold Pan weekend’ weekend. He comes from 600 years of American Indian families. A brilliant guy, he will hang out in the Emporium soon when we have a bike night.
Had my first test ride on the VLXAFL. All went fine and then it didn’t. The front end started to bind and I ended the ride. I’m removing the springer to find out what’s the issue. I’ll report back.
In the meantime let’s save everything including Easyriders Magazine.
Ride Fast and Free Forever!
–Bandit
