Hey, This week something Iconic happened in Sturgis, SD. I’ve often said Sturgis needed two things to truly come alive and step into the future. We needed a Sturgis Harley-Davidson franchise and a world class museum. I want riders all over the world to know they are welcome any day of the year in Sturgis and the motorcycle epicenter is waiting for them. From the left Tim Sutherland the new General Manager, Dan Ostermann the new Pan Am owner and Kevin Forrester the new Mayor of Sturgis. Well, two months ago, at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum board meeting, Tim Southerland stood up and told us about the first Sturgis Harley-Davidson Dealership on Junction. The boutique would expand into a full-on Dealership, with bike sales and service. Amazing news! Now a brother can buy a a Sturgis Harley-Davidson. So on Tuesday, I went to lunch with Tim and the first motorcycle buying customer, Dan Ostermann, a Hamster, who bought a new Pan Am. Let’s hit the news. The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, 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. GARD HOLLINGER AND KEAUNU REEVES STAR IN VISIONARIES— Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger are kindred souls with a bond built on a love of motorcycles and an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. In 2011, they founded ARCH Motorcycle to reimagine what a motorcycle could be. To them, ARCH is a mindset, a lens through which to see the world. This is a journey of curiosity, to understand where human creativity comes from and to shine a light on the visionaries who are pushing the bounds of innovation and changing our world. Starring Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger in eight episodes. OPEN LETTER TO DICK ALLEN— I know you’re out there I’ve worked with this line artist, master for a couple of decades, but recently we lost touch. If anyone knows him, ask him to drop me a line. Thanks, –Bandit Bandit@Bikernet.com THE LATEST FROM GREASE AND GEARS TV–Hey , We’re stoked to announce the release of our latest video, How it Was Built – The 2024 FXRTea Episode 6: Customizing Fiberglass Saddlebags, Part 1! We can’t wait for you to check it out. You can watch the video now on Grease & Gears TV – please help spread the word and share the news of this new drop on your social media. Tell them you saw it on Grease & Gears TV. Ride Safe & Be Cool!Chris and Heather Callen A DAY IS HISTORY—February 16th, 1923 Archaeologist opens tomb of King Tut On February 16, 1923, in Thebes, Egypt, English archaeologist Howard Carter enters the sealed burial chamber of the ancient Egyptian ruler King Tutankhamen. Because the ancient Egyptians saw their pharaohs as gods, they carefully preserved their bodies after death, burying them in elaborate tombs INNOVATION OF THE WEEK— Builder     Sergey MaltsevOwner     Sergey MaltsevLocation  MoscowBikes name Moscow –Sam BurnsTech EditorBikernet.com TEXAS WEATHER REPORT– The all in one cam bearing tool from Fuel Moto arrived yesterday and it worked fine!  Plus it’s a bit more financially suited to a Garage Troll such as myself.  The folks at FM are friendly, knowledgeable & helpful, especially if ordering a cam or one of the cam packages.  Which includes Wood cams, S&S lifters, Fuel Moto pushrods (which work with the factory tubes), cam bearings and a complete gasket set. The only thing I was a bit surprised at was the 15mm drive on the collet, but it didn’t hurt my feelings any.  What did bring a little tear to my eye was putting the factory cams back in the engine, I really wanted to purchase the Wood Performance 555 package deal!  And was ready to pull the trigger too, but with no way to remap it, she would have ended up back against the wall, but with cooler parts! I unfortunately wasn’t able to procure a tuner back in 2019 when I purchased the Dyna before the redhead threw me out!  Which was sad in its on right, as I had set up my corner of her barn nicely for motorcycle repair and there was a redhead too, a package deal! While it might be a while or never before I use the Fuel Moto bearing tool again?  It’s found its place of prominence in the motorcycle tool drawer of my tool box.  However I believe the Snap On digital timing light from my 90s Corvette era is about to be evicted.  RFR-FXR Life & Dyna 2–RFR SOUTH DAKOTA SB116– The senate passed the Bill as Amended 116B. It was referred to the House Transportation Committee but doesn’t look like it’s been scheduled for hearing yet. The Committee didn’t meet yesterday. You probably already have it but the Amended Bill is attached in case not. –Greg Congressional Motorcycle Caucus This week, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation participated in a reception for the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus. The event played host to several lawmakers, including the Co-Chairs of the House Motorcycle Caucus: Rep. Tim Walberg (Michigan), Rep. Troy Balderson (Ohio) and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin). The Chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, Senator Gary Peters (Michigan) also attended. Additional legislators present included newly elected Representatives Dave Taylor (Ohio) and John McGuire (Virginia). These two caucuses are made of legislators from both parties who have an interest in supporting motorcyclists and the motorcycling lifestyle. The event also included several Capitol Hill staffers and other motorcycling groups, including the American Motorcyclist Association, Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the Motorcycle Industry Council. Growing these motorcycle-focused organizations is a priority for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Events like this one and the annual “Ride to Work Day” on Capitol Hill are great ways to connect with elected officials and their staff in a less formal setting and build relationships that can help impact our legislative agenda. With your help, we can continue to grow these groups and spread the word about motorcycling priorities to the folks in our nation’s capital. –MRF Saddlemen Racing Team 2025: Ready to Trump MotoAmerica Saddlemen has announced its 2025 MotoAmerica race team, gearing up for an exciting season in the Mission King of the Baggers and Mission Super Hooligans series. Building on the momentum from their successful 2024 season, Saddlemen is bringing back talented riders Cory West (#13), Jake Lewis (#85), and Travis Wyman (#10). The team will be piloting custom-built 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide® Limited motorcycles for the King of the Baggers series, while the Super Hooligan series will feature innovative Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 bikes with custom modifications and cutting-edge carbon fiber bodywork. Saddlemen’s partnership with Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle, Mission Foods, and other key sponsors ensures they are well-equipped to take on the competition. With a focus on testing new products through racing, Saddlemen aims to maintain its reputation as “Gel Seat Experts” and continue providing riders with the best in comfort and performance. 2025 could be an exciting year for Saddlemen Racing in both the King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan series. Caveat Emptor: You may not be glued to your seats watching them in this racing season. –Wayfarer WHEELS THROUGH TIME MUSEUM–Opening Day Is Almost Here! We open for the 2025 season on April 3rd, and this month you have a chance to win a trip to join us for opening weekend. Third Annual Founders Day On Saturday, April 5th, we will celebrate our third annual Founders Day. We created this day to honor our Founder, Dale Walksler, and his vision and passion that made Wheels Through Time what it is today. Join us as we fire up some of his favorite bikes and share our favorite “Dale” stories. We’re excited to announce an opportunity for you to join us for a VIP experience on opening weekend in April 2025! This month, with your purchase of the “Greater Deal” package or higher, you will be entered to win a 3-day, 2-night expense-paid trip to Wheels Through Time’s 2025 opening day. Be our guest as we unveil new exhibits, introduce a whole host of new machines, and fire some of the rarest machines as we celebrate our 2025 season opening! Want To Support The Museum? One of the best ways to support the Museum, AND win a classic piece of history is through our Annual Raffle! This year’s Raffle Bike is the stunning 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead finished in year-correct HD Factory Teak Red and Brilliant Black and hand-striped with chrome accents. Wheels Through Time SupportWheels Through Time62 Vintage LaneMaggie Valley , North Carolina 28751 QUOTE OF THE WEEK– Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.” – Athenaeus –Epoch Times MORRIS MAGNETO IS ALIVE– INTRODUCING: 6 in 1 Condenser  Our latest product features four individual solid-state condensers that can be turned on or off with the flick of a switch! One advantage of this is if you think you have a bad condenser, you can flip it off and turn another one on – three times! Turn two on at once for a Racing condenser, for higher RPM and longer lasting points. More on is not always better, the more you have on the harder to get spark at low RPM. The Six In One Condenser can be used on Magneto or conventional battery points systems. SHOVELHEAD OF THE WEEK—From Barnett Harley-Davidson, 1967 –Sam BurnsBike Feature EditorBikernet.com INDIAN MOTORCYCLE BEGINS NEW CHAPTER FOR ITS HISTORIC WRECKING CREW WITH 2025 MOTOAMERICA® KING OF THE BAGGERS® THREE RIDER LINEUP French Road Racer & MotoGP® Veteran Loris Baz Joins Reigning Champion Troy Herfoss & Two-Time Champion Tyler O’Hara for 2025 Race Season Aboard the S&S® Indian Challenger Cameron Petersen & Kyle Ohnsorg to Pilot Additional Privateer Rides, While Indian Motorcycle Racing Commits More than $80,000, Along with Brand-New 2025 Indian Challenger Dark Horse, for Privateer Contingency MINNEAPOLIS (FEBRUARY 13, 2025) – The Indian Motorcycle “Wrecking Crew” is one of the most iconic aspects of American motorcycle history, thanks to the dominance of the original Wrecking Crew in the 1950s and the modern flat track Wrecking Crew, led by Jared Mees, from 2017-2024. Now Indian Motorcycle is embarking on a new bagger-racing chapter in the Wrecking Crew story. Today, Indian Motorcycle announced the expansion of its Indian Motorcycle-S&S® Cycle factory team, adding French MotoGP® veteran Loris Baz to the lineup, joining 2024 King of the Baggers® Champion Troy Herfoss and two-time King of the Baggers® Champion Tyler O’Hara. Once again, the team will do battle aboard the Indian Challenger, powered by the unparalleled overhead-cam, liquid-cooled PowerPlus motor. After another historic season in 2024, highlighted by the rapid emergence and dominance of Herfoss, the three-time Australian Superbike champion, Indian Motorcycle is putting even more emphasis and momentum behind its bagger-racing program for 2025, expanding the team and effectively creating the newest iteration of its historic Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew. “The Wrecking Crew has long been a cornerstone of our brand, synonymous with the racing DNA that has been a part of our company since it was founded by two racers back in 1901, and we’re thrilled to continue that historic legacy with our factory team in the King of the Baggers series,” said Gary Gray, Vice President of Product Technology, Racing, and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Loris Baz is a proven winner, with experience at the highest levels of global road racing, but with critical experience in MotoAmerica and the tracks we run throughout the season. He’s been impressive on the Indian Challenger in our early testing sessions, and we’re excited by the notion of now having three amazing riders aboard the Indian Challenger at every race this season as we collectively chase another championship.” Armed with the ultimate performance bagger platform, the Indian Challenger, Indian Motorcycle is proving that there is indeed a replacement for displacement. Thanks to sophistication of the overhead cam, liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112 motor, Indian Motorcycle is the first brand to win three King of the Baggers championships, consistently outpacing bigger-bore competitive motors with larger displacement. Its contemporary design, a 60-degree V-Twin featuring four valves per cylinder, delivers high horsepower and high torque – optimizing acceleration across the entire rev range. The 2025 Indian Motorcycle-S&S® Cycle factory team includes the following riders: TROY HERFOSS, No. 1 Returning to defend his King of the Baggers crown is Indian Motorcycle-S&S® No. 1 rider Troy Herfoss. In his first year piloting the S&S® Indian Challenger, the three-time Australian Superbike champion podiumed all but three races in 2024, securing a class-leading seven wins, seven second-place finishes, and one third-place finish. TYLER O’HARA, No. 29 Returning for his sixth season aboard the S&S® Indian Challenger is No. 29 Tyler O’Hara. A two-time King of the Baggers champion, O’Hara won the class’ inaugural race in 2020 and repeated as champion in 2022. O’Hara’s fearless approach and seasoned experience racing baggers makes him a fierce competitor in this year’s King of the Baggers field. LORIS BAZ, No. 76 Rounding out the Indian Wrecking Crew is French road racer Loris Baz. Baz’s dynamic riding style and proven resume makes him a formidable force on the track. The Frenchman has competed in premier series such as MotoGP®, World Superbike, and most recently within MotoAmerica’s Superbike class. He’s earned a reputation as a versatile and skilled rider, known for his adaptability. Baz has achieved success across various racing disciplines, including his time in the European Superstock 1000 Championship, where he clinched the title in 2008. With his international pedigree and history of success, Baz is set to make a powerful impact in King of the Baggers. “The King of the Baggers series has had my attention since it began, and to be a part of it as a member of the legendary Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew is truly an honor,” said Baz. “Racing Superbike, I’ve seen first-hand what Troy and Tyler have accomplished aboard the S&S® Indian Challenger, and I’m thrilled to be joining this championship team as we chase another title together in 2025.” Adding to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is supporting two satellite teams for 2025. Steve Delorenzi has enlisted Cameron Petersen to pilot the SDI Racing Indian Challenger, while Kyle Ohnsorg will compete on the TAB Performance Racing Indian Challenger. For 2025, Indian Motorcycle is offering more than $80,000 and a brand-new 2025 Indian Challenger Dark Horse for its privateer contingency. Championship: $20,000 + 2025 Indian Challenger Dark Horse (MSRP: $28,499) 1st: $3,000 2nd: $1,000 3rd: $500 Indian Motorcycle Racing welcomes S&S® as title sponsor and is presented by Progressive Insurance® and Mission® Foods, with additional support from  Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties®, Performance Finance, and Min Hsiang. The King of the Baggers season begins March 6 at the Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the 2025 King of the Baggers series, visit MotoAmerica.com. For information about Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. THE LAW TIGER CLAWS AT LANE SPLITTING– Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Tennessee? When motorcyclists are stuck in traffic, they may be tempted to move between rows of traffic, a behavior known as lane-splitting. While it might seem to save time, the question remains: Is lane-splitting legal in Tennessee? Short answer: no; lane-splitting is not legal in Tennessee. If caught lane-splitting, you could be subject to fines and license penalties. So, motorcyclists should ensure they stay in line with other traffic on the road. Lane-Splitting Laws in Tennessee Sec 55-8-182 of the Tennessee Code explicitly prohibits motorcycles from overtaking vehicles in the same lane and operating between lanes of traffic. It also prohibits motorcyclists from riding more than two abreast in the same lane. Police officers performing their official duties are the only party exempt from these rules. Lane-splitting in Tennessee is a moving violation and can incur fines and up to a three-point penalty on your driver’s license. Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Get Into an Accident While Lane-Splitting? The answer to this question is a bit tricky. Typically, if you get into an accident while violating a traffic rule, negligence per se applies, and insurance companies and courts will judge you at fault for your accident. However, there are still some circumstances where you can recover compensation, even if lane-splitting was involved in the accident. You may not have actually been lane-splitting. For instance, you may have just been changing traffic lanes or moving out of the way of a dangerous vehicle in front of you. These types of maneuvers are not lane-splitting, even if they may result in your sharing a lane with a vehicle for a moment.  The fact that you were lane-splitting might be irrelevant to the accident. If a chain sprocket fails while riding and causes an accident, it wouldn’t matter whether you were lane-splitting as it didn’t contribute to the accident. In this case, you may be able to recover damage from the bike part manufacturer. The other driver may have been negligent and partially responsible for the accident. Tennessee uses a modified comparative negligence standard, so accident victims can still partially recover damages provided they are less than 50% at fault for an accident. What Should I Do If I Am in a Lane-Splitting Accident in Tennessee? If you are in a lane-splitting accident in Tennessee, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. Your injuries need immediate treatment, and you will need medical documentation if you plan to file a claim. Next, contact a motorcycle accident attorney like Law Tigers. They understand how motorcycle liability works in Tennessee and can help build a case to minimize your responsibility and maximize your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries. EPA STOPS THE RIP-OFF– EPA administrator Zeldin demands return of $20B in taxpayer money wasted by Biden administration Zeldin said his team found $20 billion in taxpayer money ‘parked at an outside financial institution’ The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Lee Zeldin said Wednesday that his team has located $20 billion in tax dollars that the Biden administration purposely wasted. “An extremely disturbing video circulated two months ago, featuring a Biden EPA political appointee talking about how they were ‘tossing gold bars off the Titanic,’ rushing to get billions of your tax dollars out the door before Inauguration Day,” Zeldin said in a video posted to X, citing another video from December. “The ‘gold bars’ were tax dollars and ‘tossing them off the Titanic’ meant the Biden administration knew they were wasting it.” Zeldin said the EPA has plans to recover the “gold bars” that were found “parked at an outside financial institution,” which he does not mention by name. He said that “this scheme was the first of its kind in EPA history, and it was purposefully designed to obligate all the money in a rush job with reduced oversight” before Inauguration Day. Zeldin said “there is zero reason to suspect any wrongdoing by the bank,” but he thinks an agreement with the institution “needs to be instantly terminated” and all the money should be immediately returned. He says the EPA needs to resume responsibility for all of these funds, adding that his team will “review every penny that has gone out the door.” “The days of irresponsibly shoveling boatloads of cash to far-left activist groups in the name of environmental justice and climate equity are over,” Zeldin said. “The American public deserves a more transparent and accountable government than what transpired these past four years.” He also said that he would be referring this matter to the inspector general’s office and that he would work with the Department of Justice to assist President Donald Trump in regaining control. –Fox News LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2010 Harley Davidson Road King Classic 37,430 Miles * Black and Orange Paintjob * 96 Cubic Inch Harley Twin Cam Motor * Stock Air Cleaner with Chrome Cover * Dual Disc Front Brake * Two-Up Harley Touring Seat * Stock Rider Floorboards * Stock Passenger Foot Pegs * Chrome Engine Guard * Stainless Steel Cables * Docking Hardware * Vance and Hines Twin Slash Round Slip-Ons * Leather Tool Bag * 4-Inch Chrome Handlebars * 20-Inch Clear Windshield ONLY $9,995 Stock # 14294 Life always presents us with many choices. “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” — Denis Waitley As we begin this day, let us recognize that life is filled with choices—big and small, seen and unseen. The most important choice we make is who holds the power over our day—ourselves or someone else. The past has no power over the present unless we allow it. The same is true for the future and for the opinions or actions of others. Only what we give power to can influence us. Today is a gift, an opportunity to rise to a higher level of consciousness, to express our true selves, and to live fully. We have learned from the past, not to repeat it, but to create a better now. When we step into this awareness, the Universe responds, aligning with our consciousness and supplying us with what we choose. As challenges arise, let us pause—if only for a moment—and turn inward, calling upon the Infinite Power within. In that sacred space, the answers come, and we know the solution is already ours. Today, affirm: I choose to live fully in the gift of the present. I have learned from the past so that I may create a better today. I will not allow anything or anyone to take me away from my consciousness of living my highest vision. I move forward with confidence, embracing new choices and new experiences fearlessly. I am thrilled to witness the infinite good unfolding in my life. I give thanks, knowing that my life is my choice and that Spirit unconditionally supports me in every moment. I now choose to express my good in new and wonderful ways. And so it is. Namaste. “Alice came to a fork in the road. ‘Which road do I take?’ she asked. ‘Where do you want to go?’ responded the Cheshire Cat. ‘I don’t know,’ Alice answered. ‘Then,’ said the Cat, ‘it doesn’t matter.’” May we all move forward today with clarity, purpose, and the joyful knowing that our choices shape our reality. –Yale Gelfant Gibas Finds Nitro Groove with Snow Outlaws at Spirit Lake February 19, 2025 for immediate release Snow Outlaws snowmobile drag racing series race coverage report event: STM Powersports Snow Outlaws Shoot-Out on Spirit Lakewhen: February 14-15, 2025where: Three Lakes-Brule River Trails at Spirit Lake, 1426 State Highway 32 in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, USA The STM Powersports Snow Outlaws snowmobile drag racing series made their first trip to Three Lakes, Wisconsin, for the Shoot-Out on Spirit Lake, hosted by Three Lakes-Brule River Trails on February 14-15. The result was exactly what one would expect when the most extreme sleds on the planet show up for 500 feet of explosive racing action. Outlaw It’s been over two long years since Alec Gibas saw the screw-charged nitro future displayed by Jeff Ratzlaff’s Hypersports-built “The Grinch” and showed up for Outlaw racing with his own nitro “Hulk.” It wasn’t exactly success at first hit, but after a season of learning and last year’s warmed-out season of sitting, Gibas found his nitro groove at Three Lakes. Racing luck is always part of winning, and Gibas—qualified second with a 3.80—found some when The Grinch broke a chain in E1. The Hulk then raced past Rice Lake winner Matt Musselman on the sharp, retro Hypersports-built “Sno-Twister” to face R. Dustin in the final. Proving that turbos also mix well with nitro and alcohol, Dustin qualified number one with a 3.69. That Friday night performance made for a fairly easy Saturday for Dustin, who had an unscheduled bye when Chris Connelly’s “Problem Solver” (with Jeremy Hannen riding) failed to make the call. A big wheelie bent the frame and left that team with an unsolvable problem for the weekend. Dustin then had a scheduled bye in the semis for a clean shot to the final against Gibas. Inspired by having a sled alongside, Dustin nailed the light for an early advantage. “We were out by two (lengths) at 100 feet,” said R (that’s really what he goes by). And then Gibas drove around. “We spun hard and had to lift. That’s racing…” CUSTOM BIKE OF THE WEEK— From Cycle Boyz –Sam BurnsFeature Bike EditorBikernet.com Got your Milwaukee party plans locked down?– Thursday: the Official Mama Tried / Flat Out Friday and Lowbrow Keg Party @ NEW LOCATION HiHat / Garage! Come drink some free beer courtesy of Lowbrow! Friday: Flat Out Friday Saturday & Sunday: Mama Tried Motorcycle Show If you need more than that, you are high-maintenance! Check out our videos and show coverage from past Mama Tried weekends, get psyched, and make your plans! You can’t miss Lowbrow booth on the main floor of the show at Mama Tried, so come on by, say hey, and check out the bikes we brought! See you this weekend! PS – Some Lowbrow Keg Party banners will be hung up as well… do us a favor and wait to steal them until the end of the party! DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS AND THE BONNE BELLE— Making and intake for a super E to fit. “The secret to its success is the taper from 1 7/8-inch to 1 1/2-inch,” Brian said. “We will taper the outside and make the plumbers fittings for the head and weld it all together.” –BrianDeparture Bike WordRichmond, VA Our Bonne Belle Logo… ROGUE SMRO FLORIDA REPORT– The fliers state the FMSP Goals. I am seeing a lot of trinkets like kickstand pucks, tote bags, neck warmers, pens etc given away at booths at local motorcycle functions I need to look into what else the FMSP is doing to cut down on vehicles running into motorcycles I did stop by their tent at Daytona Speedway last year and was not very impressed with the information I got. Maybe this year will be different. You can talk to the motorcycle people all you want and give them trinkets and what ever BUT what are you doing to get the attention of the operators who are running into us. I realize that a Vulnerable Road user bill was passed in 2024 that increased penalties for those injured and or killed a motorcyclist or other vulnerable road user. I have not heard of anyone being charged with this. I have talked to some local police, and the ones I did, did not know there was even a new law. You can get all the laws you want passed But if people are not being arrested and tried for them, what good are they? I have seen some Good Changes in the New ABATE, especially at the Lagoon Chapter, which is the one in my area. YO just a little time and rambling on, and trying to keep you up to date on what I can. RIDE FREE –RogueSenior EditorBikernet.comMotorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005www.bikerrogue.com BABE OF THE WEEK—B-TOWN –Sam BurnsTalent ScoutBikernet.com BACK OF TRACK– Named Official Charity of the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track Season  –CameronAmerican Flat Track THAT’S NEVER THE END– I’m pondering the action for the weekend. There’s a major bike and car show in Rapid City. Ah, but then there are Outhouse races in Nemo, SD snow or sun. Fortunately it’s warming slightly. The other night on the way back from the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum board meeting it was 20 below, fresh. I’m working with Danial James, the Talented one, on our art pieces to support our first raffle effort for the Sturgis Museum. We’ve grappled with legal isssues and may only be able to produce the raffle within the South Dakota borders. I’m still working on it. Fortunately the motorcycling world is coming to the Black Hills for the rally this summer. We will have posters to sell and if you want to support the effort as a sponsor don’t hesitate to reach out. Back to the weekend. Saturday is leg workout day and I would like to wrap up my Life and Times article for 2024. The year was nuts as you will see, if you have time to read it. I’m also working with Rogue on a book about his life and the first chapter haunts me. Let’s cut a dusty trail. No matter what I do, it will be a blast. So, ride fast and free and don’t forget to join the MRF or your local motorcycle rights organization. They need your support and involvement, plus they are a great bunch of folks and you’ll learn stuff beyond your wildest dreams. –Bandit The post THE ICONIC BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for February 20th, 2025 appeared first on Bikernet Blog - Online Biker Magazine.

Photo by Greg Drevenstedt The grass is growing, the birds are singing in the trees, and motorcycles are emerging from hibernation in search of sun-warmed pavement or dirt. The start of a fresh riding season also means it’s time for a Spring Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide. Motorcycle manufacturers, aftermarket companies, and tour operators are filling their lineups with new motorcycle gear and services, providing riders plenty of options to help them make the most of their plans for the upcoming riding season. Your support and the support of our advertisers allows us to keep bringing you “Motorcycling At Its Best” year-round. The companies in this guide believe in our mission and help us to continue printing and posting the stories you look forward to each month. You can help pay that forward by picking out items from this guide to add to your gear wardrobe or attach to your motorcycle. And if you’re really looking for an adventure, don’t skip the 2025 tour catalogs. We’ll see ya on the road. Click here to subscribe to Rider Cortech Aero-Flo 2.0 Jacket This jacket is designed for both touring and everyday riding. It features a 600-denier polyester and poly mesh shell that is resistant to abrasion, impacts, and tearing. It comes with Armanox shoulder, elbow, and back armor. It features rolled shoulders, pre-curved and rotated sleeves, and four-way stretch fabric at the shoulders and elbows. The jacket also includes hook-and-loop waist adjusters, hidden arm snaps, a waterproof internal cell-phone pocket, and zippered hand and chest pockets. Available in sizes S-3XL in black, blue, gray, or silver for $169.99. Shop for Cortech Aero-Flo 2.0 Jacket Bridgestone Battlax Sport-Touring T33 Tires Bridgestone’s Battlax Sport-Touring T33 radial tires offer improved performance and mileage compared to the T32s. A newly designed compound and optimized tread pattern and construction increase mileage by a claimed 47%. The tread pattern is said to provide confident grip, stability, and handling. The front tire uses a new cross belt, and the rear uses a mono-spiral belt and a high-strength wear-resistant compound. These tubeless tires are available in various sizes with W or V speed ratings. Visit your dealer for pricing. Shop for Bridgestone Battlax Sport-Touring T33 Tires IMTBike 2025 Tour Calendar IMTBike Motorcycle Tours has released its full 2025 calendar. Destinations include Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Alps, and Morocco (see page 36), along with MotoGP tours and Global tours in Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Many of IMTBike’s tours feature new and improved routes for 2025, and the company’s fleet of more than 240 BMW motorcycles has been updated with the latest models. Established in 1997, IMTBike has been running outstanding motorcycle tours for the past 28 years. Visit the IMTBike website to find tours, dates, and details. Register early to secure your spot.  Browse IMTBike 2025 Tour Calendar Arai Classic-V Helmet This vintage-style three-quarter helmet by Arai features a Peripherally Belted Complex Laminate Construction shell and a one-piece multidensity EPS liner. The wide, stitched faux leather trim adds to the helmet’s classic look. It features Arai’s hidden ventilation system with three forehead intake channels, an internal multistage channel, and a rear exhaust. The Classic-V also includes a button-closure goggle-strap holder and an intermediate-oval fit. For 2025, four new color options include Metashine Red, Blue, Green, or Brown. Available in sizes XS-2XL for $489.95. Shop for Arai Classic-V Helmet HeliBars Horizon Multi-Axis Adjustable Handlebar Designed specifically for the Indian Scout, this handlebar system offers three axes of adjustability. It’s made of DOM high-strength tubing, alloy steel clamps, and pivots made from CNC-machined billet aluminum. The bar rotates up and down, forward and backward, and inward and outward, giving riders options for adjustability. This system is taller and more rearset than the standard handlebar for improved leverage and handling. It uses factory cables, hydraulics, and wire looms, and the tubes are pre-drilled for stock controls. Available for $599. Shop for HeliBars Horizon Multi-Axis Adjustable Handlebar SW-Motech Legend Gear The SW-Motech Legend Gear line of products receives extensive upgrades for 2025, from new materials to refined features. For better organization, SW-Motech adds interior contrast colors and additional zippered pockets. One new product in the line is the LR4 Tail Bag (shown), which fits on any style of bike and features a sissy-bar attachment. The LA9 and LA10 Accessory Bags now include MOLLE. For the first time, the LT3 Tank Bag will have SW-Motech’s Pro Tank Ring System for added convenience. Visit the SW-Motech website to view the full lineup of Legend Gear products. Shop for SW-Motech Legend Gear Michelin Road W GT Tires Designed for use on Honda Gold Wings and similar motorcycles, this sport-touring tire offers extended mileage, wear resistance, and reliable wet-weather performance for riders who enjoy long rides. Michelin’s Radial X-Evo, Aramid Shield, and Silica technologies are used in the tires’ construction to provide trustworthy handling in a variety of weather conditions, and special water sipes on the front tire enhance traction. These tubeless tires have an H speed rating and are available starting at $279.95 for front tires and $367.95 for rear tires. Shop for Michelin Road W GT Tires Edelweiss 2025/26 Tour Catalog Edelweiss Bike Travel has released its full program of motorcycle tours for 2025-26, including new tours. The new Fascination Yunnan – Ride the Dragon tour takes riders on a deep dive into China’s culture and landscape. The Andalusia tour explores sunny southern Spain through mountains and along the Mediterranean coast. The Adventure Mongolia tour travels through untouched and vast landscapes. Also included are four new Destination Yamaha tours throughout Europe. Request a free print copy or download a digital version of the catalog on the Edelweiss website. Browse Edelweiss 2025/26 Tour Catalog Nelson-Rigg Trails End RiggPak  New for 2025, this bag is part of Nelson-Rigg’s Rigg Gear Adventure line and is engineered with durability and functionality in mind. The RiggPak is made of UltraMax fabric and guarantees maximum UV protection. It’s built to withstand the harshest riding conditions and fits a wide variety of vehicle applications. Mounting options include hook-and-loop straps or adjustable quick-release buckles, and it can quickly be mounted onto your crash bar or used as a tailbag. It includes a MOLLE system for gear attachment and has a capacity of about 7 liters. Available for $59.95. Shop for Nelson-Rigg Trails End RiggPak  National Cycle VStream Windscreen National Cycle’s VStream windscreen for the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT/GT+ offers excellent wind protection. The patented V shape and advanced dimensional contours push wind away from the rider and passenger for a peaceful, quiet ride. The screen is made of polycarbonate for better optics and 23 times the impact strength of acrylic, and it also includes a Quantum hardcoat for scratch resistance. The Low/Dark Tint (21.5 inches tall) is available for $159.95, the Mid-Size/Light Tint (23.5 inches) is $179.95, and the Tall/Clear (25.25 inches) is $199.95. Shop for National Cycle VStream Windscreen Aerostich Elkskin Roper 2.0 Gloves Aerostich’s Elkskin Roper gloves are made of natural tan medium- to heavyweight elkskin, which is thicker, stronger, and more abrasion resistant than deerhide and lasts much longer. The Elkskin Roper 2.0 gloves have been updated with an adjustable hook-and-loop wrist strap to more securely tighten the gloves around your wrist. Or keep the strap loose and fasten the snap for a roomier fit to allow more sleeve airflow on hotter days. Elkskin can be safely washed using warm water and mild soap. Available in sizes 7-13 for $93. Made in America. Shop for Aerostich Elkskin Roper 2.0 Gloves Adriatic Moto Tours 2025 Tour Brochure Adriatic Moto Tours specializes in guided and self-guided motorcycle tours throughout Europe. New for 2025 is the French Riviera to Barcelona tour, which immerses riders in the region’s rich culture and travels thrilling roads through the Pyrenees, French Alps, and Provence. Returning for 2025 is the popular Norway Tour with inspiring landscapes and pristine roads. Discover all of AMT’s 2025 tours and destinations by ordering a brochure through the AMT website. AMT’s fleet includes models from BMW, Suzuki, Ducati, Yamaha, and Honda. Browse Adriatic Moto Tours 2025 Tour Brochure Airoh Spark2 Helmet This full-face helmet features a thermoplastic HRT shell in two shell sizes and was engineered using a wind tunnel to optimize shape and performance. It features an extra-wide faceshield that is ready to accept the Pinlock anti-fog lens included inside the box, and the faceshield is also scratch resistant. The inner lining is removable and washable. It also features a drop-down UV-resistant sunshield, and it’s ready for installation of a Bluetooth communications system. Available in sizes XS-2XL in Cement Gray Gloss, White Gloss, Black Matte, or graphics starting at $299. Shop for Airoh Spark2 Helmet Continental ContiAttack SM 2  The all-new ContiAttack SM 2 is the best choice for riders seeking high performance and durability. These tires offer up to 28% longer mileage than their predecessors and feature BlackChili Compound for superior grip and faster warm-up times, even in wet conditions. The GripLimitFeedback technology enhances safety by providing precise feedback at extreme lean angles. Designed for lightweight, midsize sportbikes and supermotos, these road-legal tires excel on the street and track, making them a versatile and reliable option for sport-riding enthusiasts. Visit your dealer for pricing.  Shop for Continental ContiAttack SM 2  The post 2025 Spring Motorcycle Gear Buyers Guide appeared first on Rider Magazine.