Hey,
Is life nuts or what. While 2 percent want to destroy everything, 98 percent keep the faith and struggle to survive. For once, most of us are in the 98 percent group. We believe in freedom, order, even in law enforcement. We have brothers and sisters who are fire fighters, veterans, on active duty and cops.
The rest of us grubby bikers are just trying and hoping to survive whatever happens next. We will. We won’t ever give up or give in. Even when our peers are afraid to stand up to the tyranny we won’t stop.
So, fuck it. The 85th Sturgis Rally is coming and we’re going to party like there’s no tomorrow.
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.
THE FAUX SCIENCE OF OUTLAWING FOSSIL FUELS–By Dr. Bruce Everett and Gordon Tomb
The recent Nature article, “Carbon Majors and the Scientific Case for Climate Liability,” tries to further the alarmists’ dream of pinning alleged harms of “extreme” weather on the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels.
Christopher W. Callahan and Justin S. Mankin, both at Dartmouth College when their article was prepared, accept – without substantiation – climate activists’ position that industrial emissions of carbon dioxide cause catastrophic warming and perpetuate the demonization of oil and gas companies as global villains. Instead of casting light on the climate issue, the authors attempt to provide a blueprint for a “‘coming wave of climate legal action’ for which courts are woefully unprepared.”…
–CO2 Coalition
We are about publish this entire report on Bikernet. Everyone should read it. –Bandit
THIS JUST IN FROM THE LOWBROW GANG–
First produced in 1928, Model A tail lights are a true classic at almost 100 years old!
These ones from No School Choppers are some of the nicest ever made, with a stainless steel housing, stainless bezel, cork gasket & glass lens.
They also feature a license plate light on the underside to keep you legal. Bolt one right up to a Gasbox axle-mount License Plate Bracket and Bob’s your uncle.
There are also various sissy bars that have Model A mounting brackets integrated and ready-to-go.
These 1928-1932 and 1933-1936 style lights are also now available in LED versions as well!
Janus Motorcycles at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
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.
Join group rides with our team and fellow Janus riders through the stunning Black Hills.
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.
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–
She never had any paint but, She’s Still Beautiful, the Miles and the Memories!
The original brand new 4-gallon tank split open on my way to Fort Hood area, for a New Year’s party. That’s the three girls in the van story!
–RFR-FXR Life & Rigid Frame Shovels 2
CONGRESSIONAL RIDE TO WORK DAY THIS WEEK–June 10, 2025 – Washington, DC
Monday, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) joined several other members of the Washington, D.C. motorcycling community to celebrate the annual “Ride to Work Day.” To kick off the evening, members of Congress rode to the U.S. Capitol to cast votes on several pieces of legislation before joining a larger ride to Mt. Vernon, home of our first president, George Washington.
2025 is the second year the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus has hosted the event, which is growing in popularity! This year, eight members of Congress attended the event, six of whom led the ride. We are most grateful to the United States Park Police, with a Motor Unit established in 1917, for escorting the ride. The MRF thanks Representatives Tim Walberg (MI), Don Bacon (NE), Troy Balderson (OH), Mike Bost (IL), Mike Collins (GA), Warren Davidson (OH), Claudia Tenney (NY) and Derrick Van Orden (WI) for joining the festivities.
The MRF joined with representatives from the American Motorcyclist Association, BMW, Buell Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Indian Motorcycle for this fantastic event. Working with like-minded motorcycle organizations is important for achieving our legislative goals.
In the words of Congressional Motorcycle Caucus Chair Tim Walberg, “Today was a great day!” We at the MRF couldn’t agree more. Any day you can get on a motorcycle and ride with others who truly want to make things better for all riders is indeed a great day.
NEW RV SITES–Expansion Completed for 2025 Rally
New RV sites are ready, but don’t wait to book!
We’re offering remaining full-service RV sites, in very limited quantities.
To reserve yours, reach out to Sandy in the campground office via email or phone as these brand-new RV sites are not available to book online:
Email: info@steelponycampground.com
Phone: 1-866-90-BIKER (1-866-90-4537)
The Steel Pony Campground Team
QUICK STUDY, LUCK OF THE DRAW–
Article on luck: The greatest circus conceptualizer and its showman — P T Barnum in one of his books mentioned how we should not discount “Luck”. That even though we may be very scientifically minded and modern — there may be something we overlooked and that aspect can thus be temporarily called as bad luck or jinx etc. That there may not be any such thing as luck — but for lack of identifying the cause of repeated failure — we can call it luck for now — and avoid the place or person or business.
Example — There may be a reason for a person’s failure in generating good income as a novelist — i can call it luck until i pinpoint the cause of this continued failure.
Luck, hard-work and perseverance
Luck definitely plays a role, as many talented, skilled and hardworking individuals have never found success in various professions across industries, despite their best efforts.
However, dedication and smart choices can help shape one’s own luck. When you combine multiple small aspects of career or lifestyle–it all gives the right synergy to create an ecosystem within you which is destined for success. Luck is one factor, then there is skill development, hard-work, perseverance, strategic actions and maybe also a support system of friends or family or both — which often makes a significant difference.
Consider the life and success of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. They have the right habits stuffed into them through “family” and the environment they grew up in.
I would say–some element that can be labelled as luck in lieu of scientific accuracy is true. If suppose, lot of things are technically favorable and still a specific location of office or shop faces losses no matter who rents that place–maybe there is some unknown or unnoticed element that is causing the failures among its tenants. Maybe we call it luck because we have not figured out what’s the cause of series of failures.
Same can be said of a person or an organisation.
Just ignoring it won’t make it disappear as it lingers still, invisibly as before with its haunting presence. Disbelieving it won’t stop its effects from repeating.
Also — the best measurement of luck is habit — those who cultivate the various factors that make a person or business successful — make it a habit to keep cultivating and nourishing these factors, balancing them out and making the most of limited ability to harness or improve them.
Maybe some part of these habits may give you insight into any bad luck plaguing you or someone you know.
Does it matter ? Luck matters is my conclusion–whether you consider luck in the traditional sense or more as an abstract structure yet to be identified as one of the commonly known factors that is in poor form causing failure or loss to persons or businesses.
—-Wayfarer
Introducing the brand new HPT496 Cam for M8 Models!
This all-new cam will be available in chain and gear drive versions, and it is everything you have wanted in a bolt-in cam! The idle lope sounds racy, under power it really starts to sing, and, best of all, it makes significant power jumps.
Designed to work with stock or S&S rocker arms and springs, the HPT496 is a very straightforward install. Bolt it in and really wake up your M8! How awake? Well, when we installed it in a 2023 ST117, there was a 29 hp gain and a 7.8 lb-ft torque gain. When installed in a 2022 Touring 114, we saw a gain of 47 hp and 22.9 lb-ft of torque. For transparency, both of these bikes have an S&S air cleaner and exhaust. But who bolts in a cam and leaves the airbox and exhaust stock?
Is this REALLY a bolt-in cam? We know that the internet-certified mechanics will tell you that the HPT496 won’t work in your stock M8, but they are wrong. The stock rocker arms have different ratios of allowance from our upgraded S&S Cycle Rocker Arms. If you choose to leave them stock (we’re not sure why you would, but you could) the HPT496 will have a lift of .485, which is the limit for bolt-in lift. With our S&S Cycle Rocker Arms the HPT496 has a lift of .496 (hence the name). Either way you are looking at a HUGE upgrade over stock performance!
Find more information and order yours at the link below or your local S&S Cycle dealer today!
Chain and Gear Drive Versions available.
CHOPPERS MAGAZINE GROWS– Issue 20 Pre-Orders Available Now
Now 100 Pages!
Issue 20 of Choppers Magazine brings the heat from every corner of the chopper world, packed with 96 pages of stories, builds, and brotherhood. We kick things off deep in the desert with The Prowl in Bisbee, Arizona, then take a hard look at helmet laws in Here’s the Thing. From the raw bones of Skeletor to Rocco’s timeless Panhead and Clay’s hot rod-inspired ripper, this issue dives into builds that ride as good as they look.
We head overseas with IL Sogno Di Mirko, a killer Italian Evo chop, and check in with Hero and his Hills Angels tearing it up in Malaysia. The Lolo Run brings us back stateside with the Boise crew, while Family Tradition and Craftsmanship Matters remind us what it’s all about—keeping the torch lit and metal American.
We also sit down with Photographer Liam Kennedy, go full throttle at the Hellraiser Invitational, and wrap it all up with Slim’s old-school wisdom in The Time Machine. Whether you’re in it for the bikes, the art, or the stories in between, Issue 20 delivers.
Pre-order now!
TWO MAJOR OMNIBUS BILLS– passed during a special legislative session in Minnesota include key exemptions secured by the MIC, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and industry partners after months of targeted advocacy.
SF 3 contains language exempting youth-model off-highway vehicles and their components from the state’s PFAS restrictions on juvenile products – a clarification critical to ensuring continued access to youth powersports vehicles and parts. HF 4 includes a three-year grace period for ignition keys containing lead or cadmium, allowing current designs to be sold through July 2028. Both bills have cleared the legislature and are awaiting the Governor’s signature.
“Many months of educating Minnesota officials have paid off with our concerns being addressed in the final language,” said Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the powersports associations. “Without these exemptions, youth powersports vehicles and components were swept into broad product bans. This outcome gives manufacturers the clarity they need while still supporting the state’s long-term environmental goals.”
As states continue to develop broad chemical and materials regulations, the MIC remains focused on ensuring the unique technical requirements of powersports companies are understood and addressed.
–MIC
ANOTHER BAND ANNOUNCEMENT–Coming late in the news.
But for Now Your
Wardrobe Woes Solved.
Get 2024 Designs For Just $15. Or buy the 5-Ball Real Deal Bedroll available at the Chip online store. You’ll need it.
–Bandit
Meet the Harley you may have never known you wanted…
Wish you had a big twin Harley chopper but without having to sell everything you own to do so? Well, we have a solution for you!
Enter… Evo Softails!
Wait… what?
The best selling Harley-Davidson of all time is the Sportster (and they are an excellent bike and platform for a Sportster chopper), but the best selling Big Twin Harley of all time is the Softail.
Here at Lowbrow we have been working on some parts (such as our Softail Mounting Kit for WX Gas Tanks) to help you easily transform that Softail into a killer custom bike, or full-blown chopper.
In our video, Tyler shows off our 1994 Softail shop bike and discusses some of our latest parts, others that are in development now, and the many paths you can take when building your own Softail chopper!
BEACH BOYS LEADER–Brian Wilson Dies
Beach Boys cofounder and singer Brian Wilson has passed away at 82, his family announced yesterday. Wilson was the creative force behind the group in the mid-1960s—the most popular American rock group at the time.
Wilson formed the Beach Boys in 1961 in his hometown of Hawthorne, California. The band included his younger brothers, Dennis and Carl; cousin Mike Love; and friend Al Jardine. Hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “I Get Around,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” and “California Girls” helped propel the group to its initial successes. Their orchestral 1966 album “Pet Sounds” is considered by many critics to be the first-ever rock concept album. It included singles “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows,” which Paul McCartney called the greatest pop song ever written. The group made the Billboard Top 40 list 36 times in 36 years.
Wilson suffered from schizoaffective disorder and drug addictions, often leading to career setbacks.
–1440 Daily Digest
BANDIT’S EMPORIUM ROLLING TOWARD THE 85TH-–
We are working on the some limited edition 85th merch, including a Danial James art inspired pin based around this unit.
I’m thinking about having them made from solid brass.
They will only be 100 made and numbered. We are also going to print a limited number of sweatshirts for men and women sporting the pin art and another amazing Danial James 85th art piece.
We will also sell the lastest issue of Easyriders magazine. It features Danial’s Art and the history of the Easyriders Streamliner, plus the move to the Sturgis Museum. Hang on for more reports from 1008 Main St.
–Bandit
MONSTER ENERGY– The Official Energy Drink Partner of X Games Osaka 2025,
Heads to Japan with Roster of Top Competing Athletes
73rd Edition of World’s Premier Action Sports Competition to Feature World’s Best
BMX, Moto X, and Skateboard Athletes at Kyocera Dome from June 20-22, 2025
OSAKA, Japan – June 10, 2025 – X Games Osaka is almost here! The world’s premier showcase in action sports competition will return to Japan in a few days. From June 20-22, X Games Osaka 2025 will stoke fans with history-making performances across BMX, Moto X, and Skateboard disciplines inside Kyocera Dome stadium.
Monster Energy, the official energy drink partner of X Games, is ready to send its team of world-class athletes to X Games Osaka 2025. This press release announces the official line-up of competing athletes for the event, ready to Unleash the Beast in Japan.
X Games Osaka 2025 marks the 73rd edition of X Games since the contest’s inception in 1995. It’s the fourth consecutive edition of X Games in Japan. After three successful events in Chiba, the spectacle now moves to the bustling metropolis of Osaka.
Across three days at X Games Osaka 2025, a confirmed 82 athletes from 13 countries will compete for 36 medals in 12 events in BMX, Moto X, and Skateboarding disciplines. All competitions will be streamed live on the official X Games YouTube page.
Monster Energy is ready to shine in this invite-only event with an elite team of riders, including defending X Games gold medalists, upcoming rookies, and Olympic medalists. Look out for the following Monster Energy athletes in key events at X Games Osaka 2025:
Saturday at X Games Osaka 2025 will kick off with the highly anticipated Women’s Skateboard Vert competition. All eyes will be on the global phenomenon, 15-year-old Arisa Trew from Palm Beach, Australia. Known for pushing the boundaries of women’s vertical skateboarding, Trew most recently clinched gold in Skateboard Vert at X Games 2024 and gold in Skateboard Park at X Games Chiba 2024 – bringing her gold count to five(!) medals. She will be facing heat from hometown hero and Monster Army rider Asahi Kaihara from Osaka, owner of two bronze medals in the discipline. And don’t count out reigning Women’s Skateboard Park World Champion Raicca Ventura (Monster Army) from Brazil in an explosive final.
Switching gears into BMX Park, the Monster squad is stacked with heavy hitters: Leading the charge, Kevin Peraza from Tucson, Arizona, is looking to improve on his silver medal in the discipline from X Games Ventura 2024 and expand his collection of 11 X Games medals (7 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze). Prepare for an intense battle with Olympic gold medalist and three-time X Games medalist Jose Torres from Argentina. Also shooting for X Games glory, look out for multiple BMX Park World Champion Anthony Jeanjean from Béziers, France alongside two-time BMX Park gold medalist Daniel Sandoval from California. Don’t miss it!
Next up, the Women’s Skateboard Street final will see 16-year-old Liz Akama from Miyagi, Japan, face the world elite of the sport. Despite her young age, Akama already owns six X Games medals, including bronze from X Games Chiba 2024, alongside silver from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. But the tech skating master really wants her first X Games gold – will this be her moment?
Speaking of X Games gold, the Men’s Skateboard Vert event will showcase 25-year-old Tom Schaar from Malibu, California, looking for his second gold in the event – and he’s hungry after claiming bronze at X Games Chiba 2024. His competition includes New York’s Elliot Sloan with 16 X Games medals to his name (7 gold, 7 silver, 2 bronze) as well as Japanese style icon Moto Shibata from Osaka battling for his tenth X Games medal. A classic in the making!
For another classic battle, tune into the BMX Park Best Trick event where defending gold medalist Daniel Sandoval is the rider to beat. Top contenders include Kevin Peraza after taking gold at X Games Ventura 2024 alongside the silver medalist from Chiba 2024, 28-year-old Jeremy Malott from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Also never rule out previous BMX Dirt Best Trick winner Ryan Williams from Sunshine Coast, Australia, together with six-time X Games medalist Mike Varga from Canada, and California’s Bryce Tryon looking for his second X Games medal in an epic progression session that will stoke the fans!
The first day of X Games Osaka 2025 will end on a high note in the Moto X Best Trick final. Get ready for boundary-pushing moves courtesy of seventeen-time X Games medalist Jackson Strong from Lockhart, Australia, hungry for gold after taking silver at Chiba 2024. Also dropping into the session, Japanese Moto X legend Taka Higashino earned bronze at the previous X Games in Japan. Meanwhile, Julien Vanstippen from Ophain, Belgium, and Japan’s Genki Watanabe want to lock in their career-first Best Trick medals. And will the youngest competitor on the roster, 24-year-old Australian Ben Richards, finally rise to the X Games podium?
The final day of X Games in Osaka starts with the BMX Street event – and a stacked Monster Energy roster: After sweeping the podium in the discipline at X Games Ventura 2024, gold medal winner Kevin Peraza, silver medalist Jordan Godwin from Cardiff, Wales, and bronze medalist Lewis Mills from Terrey Hills, Australia, are back for more. German tech pioneer Felix Prangenberg comes in hungry after settling for fourth place at X Games Chiba 2024. He will duel with 2023 gold medalist Boyd Hilder from Australia. Anything can happen!
Don’t miss the action at X Games Osaka 2025 when the Monster Energy team proceeds to Unleash the Beast!
Visit www.monsterenergy.com for exclusive updates from X Games Osaka 2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOMECOMING FESTIVAL WILL REV AND ROCK MILWAUKEE JULY 10-13–
Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr. Set to Headline at Veterans Park
In just a month the annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival will shake the Milwaukee area with the rumble of revving engines and a foot stompin’ celebration of music and moto-culture July 10-13, 2025. The festival kicks off with a free opening concert headlined by Buckcherry at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Thursday, July 10. Festival concert headliners Chris Stapleton (July 12) and Hank Williams Jr. (July 11) will take over the Harley-Davidson Stage at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront. Other Harley-Davidson Homecoming events and activities will be held at both free and ticketed venues across the Milwaukee area, including Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Headquarters on Juneau Ave., Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations in Menomonee Falls, and at local authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Veterans Park
At the heart of the festival are two full days of live music across two stages headlined by Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr. at Veterans Park, Friday and Saturday, July 11-12 (Ticket required.) Friday support acts include Treaty Oak Revival, Charles Wesley Godwin, Ole 60, Giovannie and the Hired Guns, and more. On Saturday, Turnpike Troubadours, Seirra Farrell, 49 Winchester, The Droptines and ÖOF TATATÁ, among others, will play throughout the day. Visit HDHomcoming.com for a schedule of musical acts.
Veterans Park also features two days of mototainment and festival experiences, including:
Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross Shows featuring pro riders Axell Hodges and Takayuki Higashino.
Flash tattooing by famed artist Luke Wessman in the Monster Energy Tattoo Parlor, alongside the Monster Barber Shop.
Good times and great brews from Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee neighbor Molson Coors at the Beer Hall.
Chances to win Reward Play and other great prizes from VIP Area presenting partner Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee.
Summer vibes and fun carnival games at the Smirnoff ICE Flavor Fair.
Enter for a chance to win a new H-D Street Glide® motorcycle at the Pure Kick High Octane Hydration station.
Stop for delicious new flavors and exclusive swag at the BeatBox BeatBus.
Experience a chainsaw woodcarving exhibition by Perry Carlson presented by STIHL.
A custom Bike Build Off Reveal by Unknown Industries, with live pinstriping from Taylor Schultz.
Get up close with the Fastenal x Harley-Davidson NASCAR #17 RFK Racing show car.
Mission Foods will showcase their Harley-Davidson King of the Baggers racing partnership along with sampling motorcycle-shaped tortilla chips.
Free motorcycle parking provided by Harley-Davidson Insurance.
Friday only, a chance to meet some of the most dynamic personalities shaping the culture within Harley-Davidson’s community at the largest H-D Creators Meet & Greet of 2025.
Tickets for the Veterans Park venue are on sale now at HDHomecoming.com. Ticket holders can experience Veterans Park with 2-Day and 1-Day General Admission (GA), GA+, or an ultimate VIP experience presented by Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee to enjoy all day music, entertainment, local food, beverages, and more. Admission is free for children 10 and under (General Admission only. One child per GA-ticketed adult.)
Other Ticket Options (while supplies last)
Complete details on ticketing options, venues, entertainment, scheduled events and Harley-Davidson facility tours are available at HDHomecoming.com, where visitors can also sign up for H-D Homecoming updates. Follow the @hdhomecoming festival social media handle and @harleydavidson for updates.
THE AMAZING STURGIS RALLY GUITAR RAFFLE!–
Includes an Epiphone 1959 candy red ES-355 electric guitar, an Epiphone 1963 classic white SG Custom electric guitar, and an Epiphone J-200 Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss acoustic guitar
We’ve teamed up with Gibson/Epiphone Guitars to bring you Three quality guitars to win during this years 85th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!
We’re always so happy to be able to help different charities and Gibson/Epiphone has partnered with us to raise money for not one, but two Children’s charities this year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! All raffle tickets can be purchased at our shows during Sturgis and the winner will be drawn on Saturday, August 7th at our show at Kickstands Campground. (But if you can’t make it to Sturgis this year…don’t stop reading. You can still get in on this)
Here’s a little about why we are doing this:
Last year we gave away 10f Epiphone Les Paul Guitars to our Street Team members to promote our new album “Attitude is Everything” and one very sweet 11 year old boy named Wyatt just happened to be the winner of one. Wyatt is a pretty inspirational little dude living in South Dakota and decided one day to start a pop-up lemonade stand at age 7 years old, to pass out free lemonade in exchange for donations to one of his favorite charities “St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital”. If you don’t know about St. Jude’s, they offer free care and even housing to children and their families who are battling childhood cancer and leukemia. All costs are covered by donations. It’s a major thing and has helped so many families through unfathomable horrors. No one likes to see a child suffer. Up to this point, Wyatt has managed to donate tens of thousands of dollars to St. Jude’s with his tiny little lemonade stand with the help of tens of thousands of motorcycle riders there for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
When Wyatt won our guitar giveaway last year, he swore that he would learn how to play it, as he’s always wanted to be a little rockstar! So we thought..what a perfect way to bring him onstage with us and jam a little AC/DC song! He’s been practicing hard and now he wants to jam for you as we link arms and raise money together.
Gibson Guitars was thrilled to hear of this idea and donated 3 top notch instruments for us to raffle off after the show on Thursday, August 7th. You’ll have the chance to win a 1959 Epiphone ES-355 in cherry red and gold hardware, a 1963 Epiphone SG in classic white and gold hardware, and an Epiphone J-200 Aged Vintage Sunburst Gloss acoustic guitar. We’ve checked them all out and we’re incredibly excited about them. The 2 electric guitars sell for about $1500 and the acoustic is about $1000, but all it costs you is $5 to get in the drawing! We have agreed to donate half of all donations to St. Judes and half to Gibson Gives…another Children’s charity!
For anyone wanting to donate and enter the raffle, tickets are $5 each or you can get 5 tickets for $20. If you order through our website, we’ll put your name and contact information on the tickets and hold them for you and throw your name in the hat! You don’t need to be present to win! Just click here to grab those tickets (must be in the United States).
WE WILL START TICKET SALES ON JULY 1ST!
And to see Wyatt jam with us at Kickstands Campground, join us on August 7th for our show and make sure to stop by his lemonade stand during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! Exit 40 off I-90 an half a mile down Sturgis Road. Look for the flag. If it’s out there…so is Wyatt!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK–
“I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.” — John Locke
Epoch Times
YAMAHA OUTDOOR ACCESS INITIATIVE— Awards More Than $387,000 in Q1
Funding Dedicated to Building and Protecting Motorized Access Across the U.S., With Focus on Oregon and Georgia
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, awarded more than $387,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) in the first quarter of 2025, supporting efforts to protect and improve off-highway vehicle (OHV) opportunities across the country, with a particular focus on large-scale projects in Oregon and Georgia.
“Yamaha continues to support a range of projects that address challenges to outdoor recreation, and we’re eager to partner with those who share our passion for building and protecting access to the spaces we all enjoy,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director. “It’s gratifying to see these collaborative efforts evolve into large-scale projects that help make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone.”
This quarter’s Yamaha OAI grants supported 12 projects, including major investments in OHV riding areas and trail systems in Oregon:
The Great Outdoors Fund (supported by Florence Motorsports) was awarded funding for Phase Two of an OHV educational signage project across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, promoting messages of safety, stewardship, regulations, and recreation opportunities.
The Rogue Valley SxS Club (supported by Waterworld Boat and Powersport) will use its grant to support trail clearing and maintenance on the 270-mile Prospect OHV trail system, with a focus on removing downed trees to keep riders on designated trails.
OHV Construction and Conservation (supported by Power Motorsports) will develop a loop trail around the outer edge of the Tillamook State Forest OHV area. The “Tour of the Tillamook Powered by Yamaha” project encompasses 49 trails, comprising 17 double-track, 13 4×4, and 19 single-track routes, and includes trail development, restoration, maintenance, tree removal, and trail signage.
In Georgia, the Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association (supported by Cycle Specialty) will use its grant to maintain more than six motorized trails and riding areas throughout the state. Work will include bridge repair, culvert installation, and signage.
Yamaha OAI grant funds also will protect California’s historic Perris Raceway (supported by Langston Motorsports) and continue supporting the All Kids Bike program, which teaches kindergarteners nationwide to ride bicycles as part of their physical education curriculum.
Additionally, Yamaha OAI provided grants to the following organizations in Q1 2025:
Burbank Police Department
Everything Outdoor Fest – D2 Powersports (Spartanburg, SC)
Riley Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation – Brooks Yamaha Inc. (Manhattan, KS)
Stewards of the Sierra National Forest Inc – Clawson Motorsports (Fresno, CA)
Truckee Dirt Riders – Michael’s Reno Powersports (Reno, NV)
The Yamaha OAI continues to accept grant applications on a quarterly basis, providing timely resources to address urgent access issues and land rehabilitation efforts. While project types vary, Yamaha OAI prioritizes initiatives that promote safe and responsible OHV use, perform essential trail and land maintenance, and protect, restore, and expand sustainable access to public lands.
The application deadline for the second quarter of 2025 is June 30. Yamaha invites public land managers, riding clubs, and stewardship organizations to apply. Submission guidelines and applications are available at YamahaOAI.com.
Follow Yamaha Outdoors on social media @YamahaOutdoors and tag your adventures with #Yamaha, #YamahaOAI, #REALizeYourAdventure, #ProvenOffRoad, and #AssembledInUSA.
PRE-FLAG DAY SALUTE–US Flag Code “The US Flag ——- is itself considered a living thing!”
Participants present will share feelings & significance of our United States flag & motorcycling.
WORLD FLAG & MOTORCYCLE RECORDS REVEALED
“EVERY-DAY A FLAG SALUTE “
News conference 10-11am Thursday June 12th, in
front of HARLEY-Davidson Museum,400 West Canal Street Milwaukee.
The general public can be enlightened thru both the earned media —newspaper, radio & TV to discover the uniqueness & value of the motorcycle movement.
–Dave Zien
S&S STEPS UP–Major V-Twin and Aftermarket Manufacturer Offers Emissions Expertise
Many motorcyclists know S&S Cycle as the builder of a wide variety of powerful V-twin engines found in countless cruiser and custom bikes – and would instantly recognize the iconic teardrop air cleaner cover. But the nearly 70-year-old company has special relevance right now for enthusiasts, builders, and the entire industry as they confront ever-tightening emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
“We’re in a time where no matter how much we want to bury our heads in the sand, emissions compliance is a factor,” said Howard Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for S&S Cycle. “If the aftermarket industry shows CARB and the EPA that we’re going along with the program, we have our compliant products for the road and we have our race-only products, that we’re going along with it, then they’re going to see we’re taking it seriously.”
The 578-page 2025 catalog from S&S Cycle states that the company is “aggressively pursuing new and innovative emission compliant components and engines.” Emissions and performance expertise at S&S Cycle was a key message for the company at AIMExpo 2025, the largest gathering of aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers in North America. Kelly said that having regular dialogue with other powersports people and knowledge-share is most important, the majority of which is handled by Jan Smith and Hunter Klee, who manage the emissions lab.
“That’s absolutely huge and S&S fully understands where the industry is going with compliance,” he said. “We opened our own emissions lab in 2007, thanks to a push from Sam and Margie Scaletta. Margie is founder George Smith Sr.’s daughter, and Sam has served with S&S in multiple strategic roles and now is on the board of directors. We’ve been working on emissions compliancy ever since – not only for our products. The fact that we do that for other people in the industry, including competitors, says everything about the commitment of S&S Cycle to the industry. We’ve been around a while and we know that if the industry doesn’t prosper, neither does S&S.”
–Howard Kelly
See the whole story on Bikernet Now!
–Bandit
THE KATMANDU EXHIBIT–
Check out my FB page for the pictures from the Echo Gallery of the Ocean Center in Daytona, Florida.
Only the biggest place in Daytona!
It was very cool to be recognized like that!
–Catherine “Katmandu” Palmer
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK– 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special for Sale
Superior Blue
This Shark is ready to terrorize the roads. Don’t let this pass you by. Come on into Lifestyle Cycles and take her home.
Stock# 14511
2015 Harley Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special with only 6,952 miles!
This Road Glide Special has great curb appeal as well as a ton life left in her. Come on in and take her for a test ride, I know without a doub you’ll be wanting to riding her home!
** Noteworthy items on this bike include an amazing bright chrome Mini Ape 8″ handle bar set along with a beautiful matching custom chrome 21″ front wheel along with matching front chrome rotors! **
107 Cubic Inch Twin Cam Engine
6 Speed Transmission
Chrome Switch Housings
Chrome Slotted Levers
Custom Chrome 21” Front Wheel
Dual Chrome Matching Brake Discs
Chrome Grips
Chrome Forks
Chrome Front Axle Covers
Chrome Harley Davidson Bar & Shield Foot Pedal
Chrome Rider Footboards
Chrome Heel & Toe Shifter
Harley High Flow Intake
Stretched Saddlebags
TBR Slip On Exhaust With A Great Exhaust Note!
Chrome License Plate Frame
This bike is only $18,995.00
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.
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/
HAMMER TIME! DON EMDE WINS TRAILBLAZERS TOP HONORS–
#FlashbackFriday TrailBlazers M/C has been meeting annually since 1940 (back when it was known as the “Old Timers”), however this year’s event was even more special than usual… at least to those of us at Dealernews and the Class of 2025 inductees that is. Daytona 200 winner, former publisher and current president of the TrailBlazers, Don Emde was honored with the club’s highest honor, the Dick Hammer Award. However it was a toss-up between Speedway legend Fast Eddie Castro and the Flander’s Lifetime Achievement honoree Howie Zechner who was more stoked to be at the Carson Center in March for the annual Hall Of Fame banquet.
NEW BAND ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE CHIP TODAY–
No one wants to go home after 10 days at The Best Party Anywhere
So we’re sending you off with
One last poppin’ performance before it’s a Rally Wrap with…
Hit your nostalgia button and rock your system as part of 9 nights of entertainment in the Chip’s Amphitheater
Nickelback, Jason Aldean, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, ZZ Top, Stone Temple Pilots, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Kiss’ Gene Simmons, Buckcherry, Hinder, Josh Ross, Saliva, Pop Evil, Citizen Soldier, and STIL RUNNIN, just to name a few.
FORTUNATELY, IT’S ALL GOOD—
Only because brave folks made positive moves all over the country. Lot’s of brothers and sisters are stepping up to help. Maybe it’s a movement to be involved in our future. Like a brother recently explained. In order to make our lives complete we need family and community or religion. We need to know and support a higher calling. Without these elements we’re lost.
I learned about this early on, when Lou Kimzey gave me the job of the manager of ABATE. Through the fight over helmet laws I learned what it meant to support my community. Whether it’s making stands to display the Easyriders Streamliner for the Sturgis motorcycle Museum, supporting racing during the rally or dreaming of a world class museum for Sturgis and the industry it cements my direction.
Ron made the trapezoid shapes. I drilled the holes and made angle iron chalks for the wheels. Then I mixed some wonderful Valspar metal paint to reach a light gray.
I used protein powder cups to measure two scoops of black paint against six scoops of pure white. This is what I came up with.
Danial James came up from Denver. We are working on several pieces of art.
We took several shots of the VLXAFL. Hang on for that art. We took a break at Jakes for dinner.
You’re going to love this. Ride to Work day happened this week and I needed to ride. The Indian wouldn’t budge, so I fired the 1969 Panhead and rode to sturgis. It fired right up.
I rode to Sturgis for a meeting with Marilyn Stemp about the Museum and marketing. The bike fired easily and buzzed to the Emporium and then I rode to Charlie’s on the way home. Not starting as quickly I pulled away and it sputtered and coughed all the way home. I thought crap in the fuel and called Charlie. He ran the gamut from points, to plugs, and finally fuel.
Wednesday I faced three missions. First, fix the bikes and then finish the Streamliner Wheel Stands. I replaced the Indian battery and once I found my keb fob, it fired. I pulled the Pan plugs, checked the points and fuel filter. Then it dawned on me to check the carb adjustment. The high speed jet loose, it vibrated closed cutting the fuel. Fixed, I took test rides.
Next, the Knuckle needs to come off the lift and start the Eddie Trotta break-in procedure. Never dull.
Stay focused, believe in a brighter future and don’t give up.
Ride forever free…
–Bandit
