Hey, I like to say, you can do anything because we live in the best of times. That’s true. We have access to the best technology, the best scientific info, you name it. Unfortunately, there’s one really bullshit glitch in the ultimately positive program, and I don’t get it for two reasons. Folks are lying to us like crazy. They will say anything to attack the other guy, without any consideration for the truth. They will lie for power, money, you name it. That’s bad enough, but why doesn’t the greater good call them out. Maybe they are paid off, maybe for political reasons, or maybe they are bullied into submission. But think about it. How shallow is that? What’s more demeaning than a supposedly respected government official telling the public a bold-faced lie. When I was a kid, I would have been immediately slapped… Let’s hit the news. You’ll run across a couple of examples. The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Agent Zebra, 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: Easyriders Magazine, Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. FLYING PISTON HEADS TO DAYTONA— Ryan Evans Named Featured Artist for 2026 Flying Piston Benefit presented by Motorcycle Safety Lawyers Custom Skate Deck to Debut March 2nd at Teddy Morse’s Harley-Davidson The Flying Piston Benefit is proud to announce Ryan Evans, head painter and graphic artist at Count’s Kustoms, as the Featured Artist for the 2026 Flying Piston Benefit presented by Motorcycle Safety Lawyers, taking place Monday, March 2, 2026, at Teddy Morse’s Harley-Davidson in Daytona Beach. Best known to millions as the paint mastermind behind Counting Cars on the History Channel, Ryan Evans has earned his reputation as Danny “The Count” Koker’s “main man” when it comes to custom paint. Evans began his career working alongside Shannon Aikau in the bike shop and quickly rose to become the go-to artist for Count’s most high-profile builds, renowned for bold concepts, flawless execution, and unmistakable style. “As the title sponsor, we’ve truly valued the camaraderie of the breakfast and, more importantly, the opportunity to support an effort that gives kids a skill they’ll carry for life,” said David “Vegas” Shuman, CFO of Motorcycle Safety Lawyers/Shuman Legal. “Helping young people build confidence, responsibility, and safety awareness is something we’re proud to stand behind.” For the 2026 Flying Piston Benefit, Evans will bring that same signature creativity to a one-of-a-kind custom-painted Skate Deck, created exclusively for the event. The skate deck is featured and auctioned to support All Kids Bike, a national nonprofit that teaches kindergarteners how to ride bikes in P.E. class, helping kids gain confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love for two wheels. “Ryan’s paint tells a story the moment you see it,” says Flying Piston Benefit co-producer Marilyn Stemp. “Having him as our Featured Artist, courtesy of Motorcycle Safety Lawyers, is huge. His work represents the very best of custom culture, and this Custom Skateboard Deck will be something truly special.” The Flying Piston Benefit is a high-energy charity breakfast and auction held annually during Daytona Bike Week, bringing together legendary builders, artists, and motorcycle enthusiasts to raise funds for causes that support kids and veterans. The 2026 event continues that tradition—where art meets horsepower with purpose. Event Details What: Flying Piston Benefit Breakfast & Auction When: Monday, March 2, 2026 Where: Teddy Morse’s Harley-Davidson, Daytona Beach, FL Featured Artist: Ryan Evans (Count’s Kustoms / Counting Cars) Beneficiary: All Kids Bike More details, including auction items and ticket information, will be announced soon. FLHLT Street Glide 3 Limted HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEBUTS NEW 2026 GRAND AMERICAN TOURING, TRIKE, ADVENTURE AND CUSTOM VEHICLE OPERATION MOTORCYCLES New Enthusiast Collection – Liberty Edition Models Celebrate 250th Anniversary of USA Harley-Davidson yesterday revealed on H-D.com 13 new models joining its 2026 motorcycle portfolio and debuted the “Model Year 2026 Reveal – Chapter Two – January 14th” new-product launch video on its YouTube channel. FLHXSTSE CVO Street Glide ST FLTRXSTSE CVO Road Glide ST New models announced today include the Street Glide Limited and Road Glide Limited motorcycles offering a dramatic evolution of the Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring platform. The new Street Glide 3 Limited and Road Glide 3 models elevate to a new level the style, performance and comfort of three-wheel motorcycling. The versatile Pan America 1250 Limited is a new expedition-ready Adventure Touring motorcycle. Three Enthusiast Collection – Liberty Edition models celebrate with exclusive paint and graphics the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. To complete the 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycle line-up the collection of limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) motorcycles includes five models offering super-premium paint and performance features. These exciting motorcycles will be available soon at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally. NEW YEAR’S CHAIRMAN ICMS REPORT– Happy New Year everyone!! Last year ICMS made a resolution to attend as many Motorcycle events as possible. I am proud to say either myself and/or other Board Members attended 99% of all events posted by other Motorcycle Organizations/Clubs. We wanted to show support from ICMS as all motorcyclists need to support each other. I am a little sad to say, it was not reciprocated. Hopefully this year will be different as we should all ban together to support each other in all causes, whether it be locally or state-wide. It is especially important for our Legislators to see us banding together on Legislative issues. As the saying goes, “United We Stand – Divided We Fall.” As most of you know, not only do I have the honor of representing ICMS as the Chairman, I have the honor of representing Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) as the State Rep. ICMS is an Idaho State Legislative Organization. MRF is a Federal level Motorcycle Rights Organization. Both are important to join. As I had said at least a million times last year and currently, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS. The bigger the numbers, the louder voice we have for legislative issues. Being a member of ICMS and MRF has its perks! Stay up to date on issues affecting Motorcyclists/Clubs statewide and nationwide. Being a member doesn’t mean we will hound you to volunteer at events, (unless you want to do so.) It means when we walk up those Capitol steps, we can show our Legislators we mean business and we VOTE! Please take some time to see what ICMS and MRF represent. (click on links below) Also, please make it a point to join both this year. I am sure we all spend more money on Apps, Amazon and other sites. It is a small price to pay for your freedom on how you want to live, wear and ride. ICMS membership $25 single/$35 couple. MRF membership $35 single/$60 couple. You will find it is the best money you will spend this year and I can guarantee you will be shocked at what is really happening to motorcyclists across the USA and around the world (which does affect us here in the states.) Visit https://idahobikerrights.com MRF website https://www.mrf.org JASMINE CANE SAYS, “BE THERE!”–Daytona Bike Week 2026 Dates Announced! Today is a massive day! We are announcing all our show dates for Daytona Bike Week 2026 and WOW…we have some pretty exciting news! Along with our regular home base at Dirty Harry’s on Main Street Daytona Beach for 5 shows, we have added a Sunday evening at The Doghouse Daytona! But proving that you can have your cake and eat it too, we are returning to the place that made us The Rally Band of Daytona Bike Week to see otherwise known as the World Famous Iron Horse Saloon! I won’t be stage diving like I used to do (lawyers), but I will be rockin’ the hell out of that stage for NOT ONE, BUT TWO SHOWS! Check the schedule below and mark your calendars if you’re going to be in the area. Start planning your week now and we’ll see you in Daytona Beach on February 27-March 7! WINTERNATIONALS AND DONNIE SMITH SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT– For those of you attending Winternationals and Donnie Smith Bike Show & Birthday celebration; on the itinerary that was emailed out, we regretfully forgot to add the open house at Gabriel’s Fallen Angel Tattoo on Friday, March 27, from 1pm-5pm. If you’re in St. Paul for this exciting weekend, please check out the open house at Gabriel’s Fallen Angel Tattoo Friday afternoon, Gabe always has a really nice open house for our group! –Laura WEEKLY GUN NUT REPORT–Crisis Management in the Land Down Under: All Roads Lead to Gun Control, Buybacks After the terrorist attack on December 14th at Australia’s Bondi Beach, it was revealed that one of the two alleged perpetrators, Naveed Akram, had come to the attention of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in October 2019 for ISIS-related links. He was alleged to have been under law enforcement investigation for several months while living in the same house as his father, the other alleged attacker, “but there was an assessment that he posed ‘no ongoing threat.’ His father Sajid, who was shot dead by police at Bondi Beach, had legally owned six firearms.” In the wake of the attack, the national and New South Wales governments hurried to fix the blame on insufficient gun control laws. Three days after the tragedy, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quoted as saying, “We can’t get around the fact that a fellow was able to get a gun license, have six guns, four of which were used in this attack.” A press release Mr. Albanese issued soon after shifted the focus away from addressing the poisonous extremist ideology motivating the alleged perpetrators and onto the weapons involved. He announced that a new “National Gun Buyback Scheme to purchase surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms” would be established, “the largest since the Howard Government[’s] in 1996,” because the “deadly ISIS inspired antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach highlights the need to finish the job the Howard Government started on gun reform.” The Australian government will introduce legislation to partially fund the mandatory buyback, with the costs to be split 50:50 with the states and territories. “Consistent with the approach taken in 1996, the Government propose[s] that states and territories be responsible for the collection, processing and payment to individuals for surrendered firearms,” with the federal police overseeing destruction of the surrendered firearms. The government also proposes that “states and territories agree to ambitious new gun law reforms no later than March 2026; and that reforms [be] legislated no later than 1 July 2026,” while signaling that the federal government would support limits on the number of firearms an individual could possess and limits on “open-ended firearms licensing and the types of guns that are legal;” requiring Australian citizenship as a condition of firearm licensing; accelerating work on the National Firearms Register; and authorizing “additional use of criminal intelligence to underpin firearms licensing.”   Rushed legislation was enacted soon after by the New South Wales (NSW) parliament. Premier Chris Minns called the measures, introduced on December 22 and passed two days later “the toughest gun laws in the country.” The omnibus law, Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, included a hodgepodge of amendments on firearms, the freedom of public assembly, and the public display of “prohibited terrorist organization” symbols and was imposed after little consultation or engagement with stakeholders.   The new law caps the number of firearms an ordinary individual may own at four (with an upper limit of ten for certain occupations); reclassifies and restricts ownership of “straight-pull/pump action and button/lever release firearms;” reduces magazine capacity for certain classes of gun licenses and prohibits firearms using belt-fed magazines; cuts the general term for a firearms license from five years to two; and curtails appeals from refusals to grant a license. Licenses and permits held by non-Australian citizens generally “cease to have effect,” with no compensation payable.   Previously, Australia’s 1996 gun control and National Firearms Agreement included a ban on possession and use of automatic firearms, and restricted (based on magazine capacity) self-loading centerfire rifles, self-loading and pump action shotguns, and self-loading rimfire rifles to government agencies, occupational (professional) shooters and primary producers. The firearms now being restricted (elsewhere called “high risk” firearms) are “button/lever release firearms” (legally described as “a self-ejecting, lever, button or similar release repeating firearm that operates using the energy of the firearm discharge to perform some of the cycle of operation”) and “straight pull/pump action firearms” (“a straight pull or pump action repeating rifle, shotgun or other firearm in which the action is cycled using a linear motion using the shooter’s hand on a handle, bolt or other part, and that does not require rotation during unlocking and locking as in a traditional bolt action repeating firearm when cycling the action”). The NSW Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party and the NSW Nationals led the opposition to the new gun law. Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Mark Banasiak of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party said “[l]icensed firearm owners did not radicalize the [alleged] offenders,” yet the government “chose to point the finger at 260,000 law-abiding firearm owners [in NSW], Australians who do the right thing every single day, farmers, sporting shooters, hunters, collectors, regional Australians, people who comply with the law, people who submit to background checks, to inspections, to licensing requirements, to ongoing scrutiny, people who are already the most regulated citizens in this state.” Besides legitimate objections that the knee-jerk legislation misses the real problem, questions are being asked about how the buyback of hundreds of thousands of guns will be paid for. The 1996 mandatory “buyback” and amnesty resulted in 659,940 shotguns and semi-automatic rifles being surrendered, along with accessories and ammunition. The government of the day increased the Medicare levy (a tax on income) from 1.5% of income to 1.7% to raise the AUD$367 million needed to cover the cost. As the latest buyback is to be funded on a 50:50 cost split between the Australian government and the states and territories, it remains to be seen whether the Medicare levy will again be used to cover the government’s share and which state-based taxation mechanisms will be used for the remaining contributions. The extent to which the scheme will burden individual Australian taxpayers overall is another unknown. The Shooting Industry Foundation Australia (SIFA), representing Australia’s lawful shooting industry, estimates that the new gun buyback would conservatively cost AUD$15 billion, but could be as much as $20 billion. Graham Park, the president of Shooters Union Australia, a national advocacy group for sporting, recreational, and occupational shooters, observes that the government “could build five, six regional hospitals with that money and actually save lives,” but instead, the “Prime Minister wants to use that money to buy guns from people who don’t commit crimes.” Meanwhile, a Sydney law firm, McDonald Law, is reportedly raising funds in preparation for a legal challenge to the NSW law. Although Australia does not have constitutional protection of firearm rights, a spokesperson for the firm explains that responsible gun owners are being treated “as (if) they were responsible for the Bondi attack” and that the issue is more broadly framed as one of government overreach. “The challenge is about whether the state can actually implement these law reforms in a way that is jurisdictional, procedurally fair, and consistent with the constitutional and administrative law constraints that protect every person from arbitrary executive power and erosion of democratic freedoms and the separation of powers.” Unfortunately for Australia’s law abiding gun owners, all signs point to still more gun bans and restrictions. NSW Premier Minns has already warned that his government is “not done with reform and we’re not going to be done until we’ve done everything possible to keep the people of this state safe.” Australia’s Sporting Shooter news source predicts that “similar laws are now likely for most Australian states and territories.” If the goal of terrorism is to use fear, intimidation, and violence to turn a population against each other and abandon its values and freedoms in a desperate bid for safety and appeasement, it appears the perpetrators of the Bondi Beach atrocity can claim “mission accomplished.” The Australian government has found its scapegoat in the law-abiding gun owner, with norms of culpability, due process, vested rights, fairness, and proportionality additional collateral damage in the scheme. Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org and your email inbox for NRA-ILA alerts on the latest action items. NRA-ILA will keep you updated on Second Amendment and hunting-related legislation. LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2015 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide for Sale The feeling of riding a Wide Glide is enough to make you lose your mind! Stock# 14627C 2015 Harley Davidson FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide with only 18,192 miles! You’re not dreaming, this bike is in our store and yes, it can also be in your driveway! * 14-Inch Black Meathook Style Handlebars * Stage 1 Air Cleaner with Black Cover * Denim Black with Hot Rod Flames Painjob * Two Brothers 2 into 1 Comp-S Exhaust * 103 Cubic Inch Harley Twin Cam Motor * 6 Speed Transmission * Solo Seat with Detachable Passenger Seat Pad * LED Rear Tail Lights * Passenger Foot Pegs * Forward Controls * Black Flo Motosports Clutch and Brake Levers * 21-Inch Front and 17-inch Rear Black and Chrome Spoke Wheels This bike is only $9,995.00 Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 103-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available! Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week. 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/ THE LATEST FROM GREASE AND GEARS TV– Hey , We’re stoked to announce the release of our latest video,Black Velvet Bobber Episode 6 – Trim & Torque: Sprocket Cover Chop & Custom Chain Guard ! We can’t wait for you to check it out. You can watch the video now on Cycle Source TV – please help spread the word and share the news of this new drop on your social media. Tell them you saw it on Cycle Source TV.  Ride Safe & Be Cool! REJECTING CLIMATISM–Trump Withdraws from UNFCCC and 66 International Organizations By Steve Goreham Originally published in MasterResource. The Trump administration has issued an executive order that withdraws the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other international bodies. The order pulls the US back from organizations pursuing climate policies and other efforts that the administration does not consider to be in the national interest. The US abandonment of world climate groups may accelerate a pushback against climate and net zero energy policies. The Trump memorandum issued on January 6 was titled, “Withdrawing the United States from International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States.” It orders the US government to end participation and funding of 66 international organizations, including the UNFCCC and 30 other UN organizations. The UNFCCC, an organization and treaty that was first established in 1992 at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, has grown to include 198 nations. The UNFCCC is the UN organization tasked with supporting “the global response to the threat of climate change.” The withdrawal leaves the US as the only nation not part of the UNFCCC. Since the 1980s, the United Nations has used the ideology of Climatism, the fear of human-caused climate change, to pursue three objectives: 1) establish the UN as a world environmental leader, 2) strengthen efforts to establish a world government, and 3) redistribute wealth from the world’s advanced nations to the developing nations. The UN has become the world’s leader in what is called the world’s biggest environmental issue. International climate events are held every month of the year, culminating in the COP (conference of the parties) event at the end of the year, with more than 50,000 people attending. The COP31, the 31st annual COP, will convene in November of 2026 in Antalya, Turkey. The multi-nation COP meetings led by the UN serve as a form of world government, placing demands on individual nations in the name of fighting global warming. Former French President Jacques Chirac stated that the Kyoto Protocol climate treaty of 1997 was “the first step toward global governance.” Each year, the leadership at COP meetings demands that hundreds of billions of dollars be redistributed from the US and other wealthy nations to developing nations. The trump order also withdraws the US from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC has been the UN body responsible for “assessing the science related to climate change.” The IPCC issued six assessment reports from 1990 to 2023, each warning that humans were responsible for global warming. With the withdrawal, the US will no longer participate in the IPCC or fund IPCC efforts. The recent executive order continues Trump administration efforts to withdraw from global climate efforts. This follows a February 2025 order withdrawing the US from the 2015 Paris Climate Accords, which will take effect next month. –Thanks to WUWT.com Steve Goreham is a speaker on energy, the environment, and public policy and author of the book Green Breakdown: The Coming Renewable Energy Failure. TEXAS HANDLING REPORT– It is amazing this bike handled as well as it did, I possibly mentioned the previous owner lost out to a west Texas deer strike.   I’ve always been curious if the tubes were bent, I’d say tweaked just a little.  Plus front engine mount was split and swing arm pivot on the primary side angled downward some. I can’t wait to ride an actual properly maintained and adjusted FXR! RFR-FXR Life MOTORCYCLE CULTURE ICON– Athena “Chickie” Ransom Takes “ATHENA After Dark” on the Road for Landmark 26-Episode Season The vibrant essence of motorcycle culture is about to take center stage with the thrilling new season of “ATHENA After Dark,” hosted by the experienced builder and storyteller, Athena “Chickie” Ransom. This enthralling on-the-road interview series, led by the owner and matriarch of Vagabond Chopper, will consist of 26 bi-weekly episodes that truly capture the spirit of the motorcycle community. “ATHENA After Dark”: A Journey into Motorcycle Culture “Gear Up, for an immersive journey into the core of motorcycle culture,” Ransom states. “We’re going beyond the pavement to connect with the individuals, stories, and unfiltered passion that fuel this community. I’m thrilled to hit the road and share these incredible experiences.” Each episode promises a rich tapestry of narratives featuring influential figures from the motorcycle realm, unsung heroes, and everyday riders who have left a lasting mark on the culture. From custom bike builders to event organizers and more, “ATHENA After Dark” will shine a light on the diverse voices that contribute to this dynamic community. In addition to the main episodes, the show will feature special segments highlighting the history and evolution of motorcycles, exploring the unique artistry and craftsmanship that define these machines. From vintage classics to cutting-edge designs, each episode will delve into the passion and innovation that drive the industry forward. athena@athenaafterdark.com ARIZONA ABATE ACTION–Motorcycle Rights, Safety, and Transportation Policy Legislative Update Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session January 11, 2026 The current Arizona legislative session presents a mixed but navigable environment for motorcyclists. Unlike sessions dominated by overt restrictions, this cycle reflects a quieter but more consequential trend. Transportation, licensing, and public safety bills increasingly reshape the conditions under which motorcyclists access the road, obtain licenses, and interact with enforcement regimes. For ABATE of Arizona, the strategic task remains consistent. Support measures that improve rider safety and awareness without converting safety into gatekeeping. Oppose or amend proposals that shift regulatory burdens onto riders without corresponding infrastructure, training access, or due process safeguards. This update focuses on legislation with direct or indirect impact on motorcyclists, including licensing timelines, distracted driving enforcement, motorcycle awareness education, registration requirements, fuel formulation studies, and criminal statutes that disproportionately affect riders during traffic stops or enforcement encounters. Positions designated as Support, Watch, or Monitor reflect ABATE’s historical commitment to rider rights, access equity, and evidence-based safety policy. Priority Support Bills HB 2109 – Distracted Driving; Penalties; Motorcycles Primary Sponsor: Teresa Martinez Position: Support Priority: High HB 2109 directly addresses one of the most persistent and well-documented threats to motorcyclists on Arizona roads. Distracted driving by motorists remains a leading contributing factor in motorcycle crashes, particularly at intersections and during lane changes. This bill prohibits the use of portable wireless communication devices while driving, subject to limited hands-free and emergency exceptions. Of particular relevance to ABATE members, the bill imposes enhanced civil penalties when distracted driving results in a motorcycle accident. This differential recognizes the disproportionate vulnerability of riders compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. The bill also establishes statewide preemption, preventing a patchwork of local distracted driving ordinances that would complicate compliance and enforcement. The requirement for standardized signage at interstate and U.S. highway entry points strengthens notice and uniformity. From an advocacy standpoint, this is a defensible safety bill grounded in empirical crash data rather than speculative risk. ABATE support should remain firm, with messaging centered on accountability for inattentive drivers rather than punitive framing. HB 2111 – Driver License Examination; Motorcycle Awareness Primary Sponsor: Teresa Martinez Co-Sponsors: Matt Gress; Consuelo Hernandez Position: Support Priority: High HB 2111 requires that Arizona driver license examinations include a mandatory motorcycle awareness component consisting of at least five questions. This measure addresses a longstanding gap in driver education. Many motorists receive minimal instruction on how motorcycles operate, stop, accelerate, or occupy lanes. The bill allows examinations to be administered by the department or authorized third parties and recognizes completion of approved driver or motorcycle training programs. This flexibility reduces administrative friction while reinforcing awareness outcomes. For ABATE, this bill represents a structural improvement rather than a symbolic gesture. Awareness testing at the licensing stage reaches every new driver, not only those who voluntarily seek rider education. Advocacy should emphasize that this requirement does not burden motorcyclists. It places responsibility where it belongs, on the broader driving population that shares the roadway. HB 2114 – Motorcycle Registration Requirements; Safety Fund Primary Sponsor: Teresa Martinez Co-Sponsors: Matt Gress; Consuelo Hernandez Position: Support Priority: High HB 2114 conditions motorcycle registration on at least one registered owner holding a Class M license or proof of enrollment in an approved motorcycle training program, with a temporary 30-day registration available during training enrollment. The bill also establishes a dedicated motorcycle safety fund supported by a one-dollar registration fee. The fund structure merits close attention. Up to seventy-five percent of funds are allocated to voluntary motorcycle education and awareness programs, with up to twenty-five percent reserved for scholarships targeting rural or low-income riders. Importantly, the bill includes safeguards against diversion of funds for unrelated purposes, addressing historical misuse concerns that have undermined rider trust. The principal risk lies in access. Rural Arizona continues to face shortages of certified training providers. ABATE’s support should remain coupled with technical advocacy aimed at ensuring that training availability expands in proportion to new compliance requirements. The presence of a temporary registration exemption partially mitigates this concern, but implementation will matter. Licensing and Youth Access HB 2003 – Driver License Instruction Permit; Age Primary Sponsor: Nick Kupper Position: Support with Monitoring Priority: Medium HB 2003 lowers the age for certain instruction permits and extends permit validity periods, including changes affecting Class M motorcycle licenses. Permit durations are extended, and the minimum holding period before licensure is increased to nine months. Supervised training requirements are expanded. From a safety standpoint, longer supervised periods may reduce novice crash rates. From an access standpoint, extended timelines may delay licensure for responsible youth riders, particularly in rural areas where training programs are limited. The bill does not include funding or capacity expansion for motorcycle training providers. ABATE’s position appropriately balances support with technical engagement. Advocacy should focus on implementation details, including coordination with ADOT and MVD to prevent the creation of barriers that disproportionately affect rural families. Without expanded training access, longer permit periods risk becoming a gatekeeping mechanism rather than a safety improvement. Fuel and Infrastructure Policy HB 2014 – Fuel Formulations; Modeling; Study; Appropriation Primary Sponsor: Lisa Fink Position: Support Priority: Medium HB 2014 directs the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to conduct air emissions modeling for various gasoline blends and requires a feasibility study on alternative fuel formulations. The bill appropriates funding for technical analysis and explicitly avoids imposing regulatory mandates. Motorcyclists have long experienced the unintended consequences of boutique fuel blends, including supply volatility, higher costs, and mechanical issues affecting carbureted and air-cooled engines. This bill creates an opportunity to introduce empirical data into future fuel policy discussions. The risk lies downstream. Studies often become the foundation for regulatory action. ABATE’s engagement during the study phase is essential to ensure that motorcycle engine characteristics and rider impacts are included in modeling assumptions. Support for this bill should remain tied to formal inclusion in stakeholder processes. ABATE’s influence is strongest when it engages early, provides technical feedback, and frames rider issues within broader transportation systems rather than niche advocacy. Legislators respond to specificity. Data, implementation pathways, and unintended consequences carry more weight than generalized appeals. Be active on the Request to Speak system. Weigh in on the bills as they move to committee. –Michael Infazon MOUTHWATERING COLLECTION– of historic machines grabbed in drug raid What’s in the $40 million haul of classic race bikes seized in Mexico? Over the end-of-year holiday break, the FBI released some jaw-dropping images of a huge collection of historic race bikes grabbed by Mexican authorities claiming they belong to fugitive former Olympian and alleged drug boss Ryan Wedding. Wedding, who represented Canada as a snowboarder in the 2002 Winter Olympics, entered the FBI’s top ten most wanted list last year, accused by the DOJ a list of felonies including drug trafficking and murder, and while he remains at large, his motorcycle collection, stashed in Mexico, has been revealed after it was seized. At first the $40 million valuation placed on the bikes might seem excessive, but a closer inspection of the pictures reveals just how valuable the bikes are: these aren’t just exotic machines but unique pieces of history, and few museums could claim to have collections as extensive. In one picture alone, showing the bulk of the collection, around 60 bikes can be seen, many of them racers from the MotoGP or WSBK grids that would be near impossible to replicate. Looking at that shot, here’s what we can spot: Starting with the bikes closest to the camera, there’s an easy intro with what appears to be a Ducati Paul Smart Replica, with a Hailwood Replica sitting alongside it, both side-on to the camera. But that’s just an amuse-bouche for the main course that sits behind them. Starting at the right, by the wall, there’s an ex-Jorge Lorenzo Ducati Desmosedici GP18, sitting next to an unidentified vintage bike. Alongside that there’s a Ducati Supermono, one of around 65 made in the mid-90s, and a Suzuki GSX-R750RR from around 1989. Next comes another Ducati, possibly a 750 F1, and what looks like a Ducati 888 SP, sitting next to an Aprilia RS125 race bike bearing the number ‘46’. An ex-Rossi bike? If so, it’s not the only one of the Doctor’s machines in the collection. See the whole story at Cycle World MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION PRIORITIES–Center Stage Just two weeks into 2026, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is already seeing key priorities move into the spotlight on Capitol Hill. On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will hold a hearing titled “American Automotive Safety, Affordability, and Leadership.” This is a critically important venue for addressing issues that impact motorcyclists, as it brings together lawmakers who shape federal policy on vehicle standards, consumer protections, and emerging transportation technologies. Sixteen bills are listed for possible discussion during the hearing. While it is unlikely that each proposal will receive the in-depth attention it deserves, the sheer number of measures under consideration signals that this powerful committee is paying close attention to the future of American mobility. Of particular interest to riders is H.R. 3385, legislation to update the federal definition of a motorcycle, along with H.R. 1566, the REPAIR Act, which focuses on the right of consumers to repair and modify their vehicles. Also included are informal legislative drafts addressing autonomous vehicle policy, an area the MRF continues to monitor closely as these technologies increasingly share the road with motorcyclists. The MRF has been in active contact with our champions on Capitol Hill, as well as congressional committee staff, regarding the hearing and the bills under review. These conversations are essential to ensure the unique needs and safety concerns of America’s motorcyclists are understood as lawmakers debate affordability, safety, and innovation in the automotive space. The message is clear: even at the very start of the year, MRF priorities are at the forefront in the halls of Congress. We will closely track the hearing and keep our members informed about the discussions, outcomes, and next steps as they unfold. QUOTE OF THE WEEK– “Realize that persistence—not permission—creates opportunity.” -– Wayfarer THAT’S NOT ALL–Hey, There’s lots going around the Easyriders campfire these days. Seems like every time I come up with a bright idea, I piss off the bookkeeper, and the girls jump my case. As you know nothing is simple these days. But don’t get me wrong, tough or simple, we push on, finish projects and bring you the news. Someone told me no baggers in Easyriders. I immediately tossed the notion in the trash. This is Tim Southerland’s custom flyer. Nice piece and we will feature it soon. He’s the sales boss at Sturgis and Black Hills Harley. He’s the guy who hooked my friend up with a late-model Road King for a grand, crazy. Barry Wardlaw called about a holster for a .44 magnum and wanted my belt sizes. I’ll bring you some shots of it. I’ve been trying to have the stock replaced by Stoney in Sturgis. I told him I smell a gunfight. Maybe it helped. We will see. How about a green Triumph? It’s sorta wild. We are wrapping up my second issue. It’s going to be sharp and interesting, but then the next issue is #600, so hang on. In the meantime, ride fast and free. –Bandit The post THE TRUTH BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 15th, 2026 appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.