Kick Bikernet publishes weekly bulletin for August 6, 2026

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• Scenes from the rally: busy streets and behind-the-scenes prep
• Lawsuit alleges faulty installation led to fatal crash outside Keystone
• Racing: Tom Drane chases history at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT
• Community and military-focused events draw crowds
• Politics and advocacy: nominee advanced, NRA voice of support
• Letters and local concerns
• Marketplace and memorabilia
• Notes from the column

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is in full swing and organizers, vendors and racers are racing to keep pace — while a series of legal and community stories unfold alongside the parties. From a fatal crash tied to aftermarket parts to big-name racing and free events for veterans, the rally week is mixing celebration with serious developments that matter to riders and local residents alike.

Scenes from the rally: busy streets and behind-the-scenes prep

Rallies around Sturgis are drawing steady crowds, with daily rides, shows and parties keeping schedules tight for vendors and staff. Easyriders magazine and its partners have been finalizing the Easyriders Experience — securing parking, setting up displays and finishing last-minute building work as the event ramps up.

At local shops, conversation ranges from turbo trikes to family matters. One builder noted he is caring for his 91-year-old father, who recently received a pacemaker in Rapid City.

Small logistics are also taking priority: organizers are installing security posts, sorting merchandise and finishing vehicle prep for Bonneville and other upcoming events.

Lawsuit alleges faulty installation led to fatal crash outside Keystone

A California motorcycle parts supplier that operates as Progressive Suspension is facing federal lawsuits that allege faulty installation of an aftermarket suspension kit played a central role in a multi-vehicle crash during last year’s Sturgis Rally.

The lawsuits say Robert “Bob” Amerson and his girlfriend, Jennifer Sanford, brought Amerson’s 2019 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special to the rally from Meridian, Idaho. On Aug. 1, 2025, Sanford alleges Amerson purchased a suspension kit from Performance Machine — doing business as Progressive Suspension — at the Harley-Davidson dealership in Sturgis, and company technicians installed the kit.

According to Sanford’s complaint, the kit required removal of the bike’s front end and replacement of fork components. The next day, while riding westbound on Highway 16A, the motorcycle began to wobble in a sweeping curve, tipped onto its right side, crossed the center line and struck three eastbound motorcycles. Amerson suffered fatal injuries; Sanford and others were thrown into oncoming traffic, the suit says. The incident was captured on video, the filings note.

Three riders from the eastbound group — John Bianco and James and Melody Bardsley of Cumberland, Rhode Island — have filed separate suits alleging injuries from the crash.

Post-accident inspection by a licensed engineer is cited in the complaints. The engineer reportedly found the left fork pipe misaligned at the top bracket and evidence that the fork moved in the clamp, with bolts not tightened correctly. The plaintiffs allege those installation failures caused the wobble, loss of control and subsequent collisions.

Performance Machine declined to comment to The Dakota Scout. The complaints, which assert negligence and product liability, were filed in federal court. Sanford’s counsel is Derek Nelsen and Eric Preheim of Fuller, Williamson, Nelsen & Preheim in Sioux Falls. Bianco is represented by Tyler Haigh of Evans Haigh & Arndt; the Bardsleys are represented by Michael Bornitz of the Cutler Law Firm, both in Sioux Falls.

Racing: Tom Drane chases history at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT

The Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled as Round 12 of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, with action set for Saturday, August 8. Reigning KICKER AFT Singles champion Tom Drane arrives on a remarkable streak, having recorded five consecutive victories.

Drane now holds several class records, including most career wins and the longest run of consecutive podiums. He needs one more victory to tie the longest consecutive-win streak in class history. Despite his dominance, Drane has relatively limited success in TT-format events, with a single TT win among his 26 career victories.

Chase Saathoff, who won last year’s Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, is among those poised to challenge Drane. Saathoff sits second in the championship and has been consistently on the podium this season but is still seeking his first win of 2026.

Other riders to watch include Kage Tadman, Bradon Pfanders — who secured his first AFT victory earlier this year at Daytona — and Trevor Brunner, a former title contender seeking to rebound after a run of lower finishes. The field also includes contenders such as Tarren Santero, Jared Lowe and Walker Porter, along with rookies Jack Brucks and Jett Katarzy. Long-time Supermoto competitor Bronson Pearce is expected to be competitive in the TT setting.

Race weekend programming will include fan activities from the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, a V-Twin Visionary Ride-In bike show, family Strider races for kids and live entertainment. Ticket options include General Admission and Grandstand seating; limited hospitality packages and VIP experiences are also offered. For fans who cannot attend in person, FloRacing streams Progressive AFT events, and FOX Sports airs selected races nationally.

Community and military-focused events draw crowds

Several Sturgis events combine celebration with community outreach. The Miss Buffalo Chip pageant will return to the Wolfman Jack Stage, featuring nightly rounds from the International Bikini Team as contestants vie for the 2026 title.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Motorcycle Missions will host its annual Pancakes & Pistons breakfast during Military & First Responder Day. Volunteers will serve a free breakfast beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Harley-Davidson Rally Point, 1201 Main Street in Sturgis. The event is intended as a gathering place for veterans, active-duty service members and first responders to reconnect and access resources; organizers say the day also includes a military recognition ceremony, a 2:00 p.m. flyover tradition, live music and displays of notable motorcycles.

Event partners listed by organizers include Harley-Davidson, the City of Sturgis, Motorcycle Missions, 1 Soldier 1 Dog 1 Team, The American Legion, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and Wounded Warrior Project. Scheduled guests and special appearances include Harley-Davidson Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson, Tim Duffy, R Dub (Rob “War Warrior” Carlo), Jesse James Dupree and Bill Michaels.

Politics and advocacy: nominee advanced, NRA voice of support

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced President Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Todd Blanche, sending the nomination to the full Senate. Supporters, including the National Rifle Association, praised Blanche for actions they say rolled back certain regulations affecting gun owners and for creating a Second Amendment Section within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

Those views were reported in a column urging readers to contact senators in support of Blanche; the piece frames the confirmation as consequential for enforcement priorities and constitutional adherence, but it does not provide independent analysis of the nominee’s record.

Letters and local concerns

A reader letter highlighted safety concerns in Florida, noting the state’s high rate of motorcycle injuries and deaths and urging riders and rights groups to press for tougher accountability in traffic cases. The author compared potential organizing efforts to advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and called for motorcyclists to attend court hearings when offenders receive light penalties.

Marketplace and memorabilia

Several notable listings and sales were mentioned during rally week. A 1999 Captain America chopper replica — commissioned by Peter Fonda and described by the seller as one of about 100 replicas — is being offered for $29,999. The seller reports the bike has 7,291 miles and includes Easy Rider memorabilia and a framed display placard. The listing is presented “as-is” and prospective buyers were advised to inspect the motorcycle.

Also highlighted was a used 2018 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim with roughly 10,280 miles, listed at $11,995. The bike’s advertised features include a 107-cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine, six-speed transmission, Vance & Hines slip-on exhaust and a Mustang two-up seat. The mention described the motorcycle as having passed a multi-point mechanical inspection but noted it is sold without warranty.

Notes from the column

The Easyriders team credits a broad crew for compiling their weekly news: staffers and contributors identified in the column included The Redhead, Wayfarer, LA Laura, Viscous Vickie, Danial James, Freak Show Team, Sturgis prospect Kendra, Paul Davis, Agent Zebra and Berry Wardlaw.

Personal observations from longtime columnist Bandit touched on rally logistics, small repairs and the hunt for vintage parts and collectibles. The column closes with an open invitation to rallygoers to stop by the Easyriders presence in town and a reminder to ride safely while enjoying the freedoms the event celebrates.