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- Sturgis evening: a cross-Atlantic moment
- SEMA expands to include motorcycles
- A market snapshot: nearly 11 million motorcycles in use
- Dealer news: 7 Hills Harley‑Davidson to close
- Sydney cracks down on illegal high‑speed ebikes
- AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducts six for 2026
- Legislative spotlight: the E15 ethanol debate
- Global ethics forum focuses on responsible AI
- Policy and veterans: administration directs VA changes
- Community bulletin: publications, promotions and local projects
- How to stay connected
This edition brings a mix of on-the-ground scenes from Sturgis, industry updates from SEMA and the Motorcycle Industry Council, and policy headlines that could affect riders and businesses — from ebike enforcement in Australia to a contentious ethanol vote in Washington.
Sturgis evening: a cross-Atlantic moment
A late Sunday ride ended at Mike Kane’s home in Sturgis, where local enthusiasts and visiting members of the AMCA — including riders from France — gathered for dinner. The host’s garage, linked to his workshop by an enclosed tunnel, houses a collection of historic Knuckleheads, Pans and Indians. Guests celebrated when one of the French visitors produced a photograph showing his appearance in the July/August issue of Easyriders; copies were shared and signed before everyone rode off into the night.
SEMA expands to include motorcycles
Harley‑Davidson will anchor a new Powersports Pavilion at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, reinforcing organizers’ push to emphasize the link between powersports and the automotive aftermarket. SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso said Harley’s participation brings an “iconic name and a passionate enthusiast base” to the section.
The 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders will introduce a dedicated Motorcycle category, the Bike Builder Shootout, staged on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Central Hall. Judges from the motorcycle industry will assess entries on craftsmanship and design, with a Top 10 field deciding the Top 3 and the overall champion. Builders aged 29 and under are eligible for the BFGoodrich Young Guns category and may compete for virtual Golden Tickets that can include travel and transport assistance.
Entries and details are available at https://semashow.com/botb. Organizers list Mike Ausec as the contact for questions.
A market snapshot: nearly 11 million motorcycles in use
The Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2026 Motorcycle Statistical Annual reports that almost 11 million motorcycles were in use in the United States in 2025. The annual compiles data on motorcycle population and sales, dealership footprints, owner characteristics and riding patterns to help industry stakeholders track trends across model types and regions.
MIC Director of Research and Statistics Buckner Nesheim described the report as a one‑stop reference for understanding how sales, retail networks and usage fit together — useful context for business planning and strategy. The data also notes more than 10,600 franchised and non‑franchised outlets nationwide.
Dealer news: 7 Hills Harley‑Davidson to close
The Loomis family announced that 7 Hills Harley‑Davidson will close permanently, with September 12 named as the final day of business. The store has served Greater Cincinnati riders in various forms since the 1970s.
Sydney cracks down on illegal high‑speed ebikes
Police on Sydney’s northern beaches seized dozens of modified, high‑powered electric bicycles in an enforcement operation backed by the New South Wales government. The crackdown follows new powers that permit police to destroy seized ebikes that exceed legal speed limits or that fail to cut power assistance at 25 km/h.
Owners have a 14‑day window to report if a seized bike was stolen; after that period, officials say the machines may be “crushed.” The government has purchased portable dynamometer units to test power output. NSW reported 226 ebike‑related injuries in 2024 and, in the first seven months of 2025, recorded 233 injuries and four deaths.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducts six for 2026
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, presented by Yamaha Motor Corporation, welcomed six inductees at a ceremony in Pickerington, Ohio. The Class of 2026 includes Russell Bobbitt, Damon Bradshaw, Eraldo Ferracci, Jake Johnson, Gary Sellers and Dale Walker. Each received Hall of Fame rings and ceremonial gold jackets during the September 10 event.
Motocross standout Broc Glover was honored as an AMA Legend, a designation recognizing achievements that transcend a single discipline or era. The organization also remembered seven Hall of Famers who died over the past year, including George Barber and Jeff Smith. The AMA credited partners including Yamaha, Dunlop, Ducati North America and others for supporting the ceremony.
Legislative spotlight: the E15 ethanol debate
After removing an E15 provision from the Farm Bill, lawmakers are advancing a standalone measure to permit year‑round nationwide sales of E15. Advocates expect Congress to resume consideration in mid‑May; Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association said he expects a vote on May 13.
RFA leadership argues the change would expand corn demand significantly — estimates cited in industry briefings project an additional 7 billion gallons of ethanol demand over several years, translating to more than two billion extra bushels of corn ground. The bill also includes provisions for small refinery exemptions in demonstrable cases of imminent closure, and a capped RIN category for certain emergency situations, as explained by Geoff Cooper of the RFA.
Supporters say the measure has broad bipartisan backing, while some agricultural stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic given past setbacks.
Global ethics forum focuses on responsible AI
The 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held September 14–17 in Riyadh, gathered international representatives to discuss how ethical principles can be translated into governance and practice. Under the theme “Transforming Global Cooperation for Ethical AI Governance,” the forum addressed the balance between innovation and human rights, dignity and fairness as AI deployment spreads worldwide.
Policy and veterans: administration directs VA changes
A White House directive reported by the Daily Caller aims to accelerate veterans’ access to benefits and employment by reducing case backlogs and targeting fraudulent claims. The initiative is described as streamlining adjudication and connecting veterans with jobs tied to manufacturing and infrastructure projects. The report frames the effort as intended to shorten delays that have kept compensation from eligible veterans.
Community bulletin: publications, promotions and local projects
Writer Koz Mraz is promoting a 99‑cent special on his HOKA HEY supernatural thriller series, which follows protagonists through settings from Idaho to Alaska and touches on themes of corruption and environmental stakes. Readers can download the e‑book and are encouraged to leave reviews.
Wheels Through Time is offering a limited promotion: the first 50 orders of a specified package will receive a free ’46 Knucklehead Tin Sign, with the offer expiring September 13 or when supplies run out. Separately, Morris Magneto highlighted its M5 impulse‑coupled magneto designed to improve cold starts, and Lifestyle Cycles listed a 2023 Harley‑Davidson Softail Street Bob with 5,175 miles priced at $12,995 plus fees.
Other community notes include event promotion from Rusty Savage and restoration projects among local builders. One longtime contributor turned over a Bonneville build to a fellow racer and is refocusing on a 1913 boardtrack project, while another correspondent tipped toward tracking down a 1969 Sportster that holds personal history.
How to stay connected
This edition’s reporting draws on industry releases, association reports and on‑the‑ground accounts from riders and builders. For SEMA Battle of the Builders entry information visit https://semashow.com/botb, and for more about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame see MotorcycleMuseum.org.
