ShopTalk, Weekly Motorcycle Talk Show Podcast!

Sturgis 2026 is almost here, and this episode of ShopTalk brings together motorcycle history, industry insight and a live report from the Black Hills. Law Tigers CEO Ari Levenbaum joins the show to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary and share the family story behind one of the most recognized brands in the motorcycle community. Ari talks about how his father built Law Tigers from the ground up, the importance of integrity and community involvement, and how the company plans to serve riders over the next 25 years. The conversation also covers Ari’s vintage motorcycle collection, bucket-list rides, motorcycle insurance, rider safety and the growing concern surrounding self-driving vehicles sharing the road with motorcycles. Later, Billy Grotto from Twisted Tea checks in live from Sturgis with an early look at the rally, the Black Hills, the weather and Twisted Tea’s schedule of concerts, bike shows and events. Plus, the crew features a custom motorcycle built with vintage pieces, including a 1921 Brooks bicycle seat and a 1927 Pyrene fire extinguisher, and previews the Cycle Source Custom Bike Show, the $2,000 Mini Bike TT, Baker Drags, Run to the Line, the Twisted Tea Sweepstakes Chopper and more.

Eric Mauer joins the Cycle Source Shop Talk crew for a candid conversation about motorcycles, Sturgis, custom bike culture, and the relationships that have shaped the industry. Chris Callen, Heather Callen, Mark Persichetti, and Eric look back on his journey through motorcycle media, his years with Turn 14 Powersports, Bonneville, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Eric shares the unforgettable moment during Sturgis 2005 when he realized he was living a life most riders only dream about, along with stories about the people and experiences that made it possible. The crew also covers the return of the Baker Drags at Thunder Road Raceway, the 20th Annual Cycle Source Custom Bike Show, Riding For Warriors, MotorDrome racing, Tankful 2026, Brandon Buckmire's Evo-powered build, Milwaukee Leather's NextG performance rain gear, and another key giveaway for Smokeout 26. If you're passionate about Harley-Davidsons, custom motorcycles, choppers, motorcycle history, Sturgis, or the people who continue to keep this culture alive, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Garage-built motorcycles aren't just surviving—they're driving the future of custom motorcycle culture. This week on Shop Talk , Chris Callen sits down with Dan and Rhino from the Low Life Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about building motorcycles the right way, learning through experience, DIY fabrication, paint, punk rock, and the community that continues to keep chopper culture alive. The discussion takes a deep dive into the Idle Hand Show , exploring how a grassroots idea evolved into one of the country's premier garage-built motorcycle competitions. Dan and Rhino explain why builders who fabricate, paint, wrench, and finish their own bikes are at the heart of the event, and why helping another competitor get to the finish line matters more than taking home the prize. Chris and the crew also break down Harley-Davidson's renewed focus on motorcycle culture with the introduction of the 2026 Deadwood Bobber , discuss the launch event at Harley-Davidson headquarters, preview everything happening at SmokeOut 26 , and spotlight Jay Souza's incredible Indian Four chopper headed to the Legends Gallery. The episode also features Chuck Garrick's internationally inspired Shovelhead, the return of the Gunstock Hill Climb in Laconia, SmokeOut giveaway updates, and a preview of upcoming events in Sturgis, including the Cycle Source Custom Bike Show, AMCA Vintage Day, Run to the Line, and the Mini Bike TT. Whether you build motorcycles in your garage, ride every weekend, or simply appreciate the people preserving custom motorcycle culture, this episode delivers honest conversation, industry news, and plenty of the two-wheel bullshit that makes Shop Talk America's favorite motorcycle talk show. Topics Covered: • Dan & Rhino from the Low Life Podcast • Garage-built choppers and DIY fabrication • The Idle Hand Show and the $10,000 builder competition • Harley-Davidson's 2026 Deadwood Bobber • SmokeOut 26 updates • Jay Souza's Indian Four chopper • Chuck Garrick's custom Shovelhead • Gunstock Hill Climb returns • Sturgis motorcycle events • The future of custom motorcycle culture Visit CycleSource.com for motorcycle news, features, and event coverage, and watch every episode of Shop Talk exclusively on Cycle Source TV .

Fresh off the America 250: Two Wheels, One Nation ride, Chris, Heather, and Mark return to the Shop Talk studio to reflect on an unforgettable cross-country motorcycle adventure before welcoming longtime friend and master builder Aaron Green . The conversation begins with stories from the road, including memorable people, historic landmarks, and the unexpected moments that reminded the crew why motorcycles have a unique way of bringing people together. They also revisit the America 250 journey and share what stood out most after thousands of miles across the country. Aaron then joins the conversation to discuss the NorCal Chopper Show , his lifelong passion for building motorcycles, performance choppers, nostalgia drag racing, and the experiences that shaped his career. From learning on a Honda Trail 90 to working alongside legendary builders like Mondo Porras, Kendall Johnson, Paul Cox, and Billy Lane , Aaron offers an honest look at the craftsmanship and relationships behind custom motorcycle culture. The episode also explores handcrafted fabrication, stainless and bronze exhaust systems, vintage Harley-Davidsons, the legacy of Blood, Sweat & Gears , and the builders who helped define modern custom motorcycles. Also in this episode: • America 250 ride reflections and updates • Meeting Emily during the journey • Cardo Packtalk communication systems • Performance choppers and motorcycle fabrication • Carmine DeRosa's beautifully restored 1962 Harley-Davidson Panhead • The upcoming NorCal Chopper Show • Cycle Source's 20th Annual Custom Bike Show during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Whether you're into custom motorcycles, Harley-Davidsons, motorcycle history, fabrication, road trips, or the people who make this culture special, there's something here for every rider. Thanks for listening to Shop Talk from Cycle Source Magazine. If you enjoy the show, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another rider.

Chris and Heather check in from Buffalo, Wyoming during the America 250: Two Wheels, One Nation motorcycle journey for a laid-back roadside edition of Shop Talk. Recorded live while crossing the country, this episode covers everything from elk burgers and huckleberry ice cream to long days in the saddle, unforgettable small-town America, and the experiences that are shaping this once-in-a-lifetime ride. The conversation looks back on highlights from the trip so far, including Casey, Illinois, the Rabbit Ranch, Mount Rushmore, and Chamberlain, South Dakota's incredible Fourth of July celebration. Along the way, Chris and Heather answer questions from listeners, share stories from the road, and talk about the people they've met who continue to make this adventure so memorable. They also discuss riding the 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited, compare it to Chris's well-traveled 2002 Twin Cam, review the Cardo Packtalk Edge communication system, and share practical tips for staying comfortable during 600- to 800-mile riding days. Naturally, the conversation wanders into food, travel, motorcycle gear, and a spirited discussion about Rocky Mountain oysters before wrapping up with a look at the road ahead toward Yellowstone National Park and the Santa Monica Pier. If you enjoy motorcycles, road trips, American travel, and authentic conversations from the road, this episode is for you.

If you're into real choppers, killer fabrication, and motorcycles built the right way, you won't want to miss this one. This Sunday at 9PM EST, we're joined by Drew Huddleston of Evolution Cycles 618 from Alton, Illinois. Drew has built a reputation for turning out some of the cleanest custom choppers and handcrafted parts in the country, with bikes that have been making waves everywhere from Mama Tried to custom shows across the nation. We're talking about his builds, his shop, what's driving the next generation of custom motorcycles, and a whole lot more. 🔥 Bring your questions. 🍻 Grab a cold one. 📺 Tune in LIVE at 9PM EST. See you Sunday night! #ShopTalk #CycleSource #CycleSourceMagazine #EvolutionCycles618 #DrewHuddleston #Chopper #Panhead #Shovelhead #HarleyDavidson #CustomMotorcycles #GarageBuilt #HandBuilt #MotorcycleLife #RideChoppers #LiveShow

A storm knocked out the feed, the conversation got real, and Padre Sequoia delivered one of the most memorable interviews we've had on Shop Talk. In this episode, we sit down with Padre Sequoia—rider, writer, priest, and founder of the Remnant Sons—to talk about the roads that shaped his life. From growing up around motorcycles to finding purpose through recovery, faith, and service, Padre shares an honest look at the power of community and the bonds formed through riding. We also dig into Harley-Davidson's controversial Boat Tail, the state of custom motorcycle culture, biker churches, Party at the Pen, Tankful at SmokeOut, and why authenticity matters now more than ever in the motorcycle world. Whether you're a lifelong rider, a builder, a club member, or someone searching for purpose and connection, this conversation offers insight, humor, and a reminder that motorcycles have always been about more than machines—they're about people.

This week on Shop Talk, we're diving into one of the most debated topics in motorcycle culture: What is a custom motorcycle? Before the debate begins, we're joined by Kirk Willard of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and Bob K from the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket to discuss the latest issues affecting riders and motorcycle businesses across America. Topics include motorcycle rights, right to repair legislation, anti-profiling efforts, and the ongoing work being done to protect the freedoms riders often take for granted. Then the conversation shifts into a spirited discussion about custom motorcycles. What separates a stock bike from a modified bike? Where does a resto-mod fit in? Does a motorcycle need fabrication work to be considered custom, or can bolt-on parts and personal vision be enough? The crew shares stories from years of building bikes, attending motorcycle shows, judging events, and living within motorcycle culture. Along the way, they discuss fabrication, aftermarket parts, show classes, judging criteria, and how the definition of "custom" has evolved over the decades. We also stop in with Mid USA Motorcycle Parts for a look at one of the industry's longtime suppliers before returning to one of the most entertaining debates we've had in a while. If you're into custom motorcycles, choppers, motorcycle rights, bike building, motorcycle culture, and the people who keep this industry moving, this episode is for you.

Here’s a tighter, more podcast-optimized version with stronger flow, cleaner SEO, and better listener engagement: Chris Callen sits down one-on-one with Mike Kennedy for a hard-hitting conversation about the future of Indian Motorcycle after the split from Polaris Inc.. From racing and dealer support to aftermarket partnerships and American manufacturing, nothing is off limits in this deep dive into one of America’s most iconic V-twin brands. Kennedy opens up about his 35 years in the motorcycle industry, why Indian is doubling down on motorcycles, and how the company plans to simplify the lineup without losing the riders who already believe in the brand. The conversation also covers King of the Baggers, the future of Spirit Lake manufacturing, the new ARRO performance division, custom culture, and the growing relationship between OEMs and the aftermarket. If you care about American motorcycles, racing, dealer networks, performance parts, or the future of V-twins, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. #IndianMotorcycle #ShopTalk #CycleSource #KingOfTheBaggers #MotorcycleRacing #AmericanVtwin #VanceAndHines

Tonight’s episode is a powerful tribute to Milwaukee Mike — a friend, road brother, connector, and one of the most loved people in motorcycle culture. The Shop Talk crew comes together with riders, builders, and longtime friends from across the country to share stories from Sturgis, Daytona, Mama Tried, BMR, The Shed, and countless miles on the road with Mike. What starts as a remembrance quickly turns into a celebration of the friendships, chaos, loyalty, and brotherhood that define this life. There are stories about packed hotel rooms, late-night phone calls, cross-country rides, parties at The Shed, and the moments Mike showed up exactly when people needed him most. The conversation also reflects on Sarah, Taylor, Mike’s family, and the importance of staying connected to the people who matter. Whether you knew Milwaukee Mike personally or are hearing these stories for the first time, this episode captures the spirit of real motorcycle culture and the kind of people who keep it alive.

This week on Shop Talk 341, the crew dives headfirst into motorcycle culture with rally stories, Harley-Davidson news, custom bike talk, and a deep conversation with Luke Morris from Party at the Pen. Chris, Mark, and Heather recap Thunder Beach, break down the latest Harley-Davidson recall issues, and talk about rumors surrounding the return of the air-cooled Sportster. The show also takes a minute to remember outlaw country legend David Allan Coe and his connection to biker culture through decades of music and road stories. Luke from Party at the Pen joins the show for one of the most interesting interviews we’ve had in a while, talking about building a motorcycle and hot rod event inside a historic prison facility. From vintage bikes and custom culture to inmate art programs, charity builds, and veterans outreach, this conversation goes far beyond a typical event promotion. We also feature Hunter Heinger’s 2006 Sportster build, spotlight a Lowbrow Customs ignition setup, and run through upcoming motorcycle events happening around the country. If you’re into Harley-Davidsons, choppers, motorcycle rallies, garage-built customs, road stories, and the people keeping real motorcycle culture alive, this episode is packed.

Shop Talk 340 jumps straight into the Smokeout Garage Buildoff as four more builders step up and bring serious ideas into the mix. From a knucklehead in a ’63 Pan frame to a dirt-style Harley concept and a long-running Sportster build, this episode gets into real shop life, deadlines, fabrication, and what it takes to show up ready. There’s also a feature bike from Brent Law, key numbers four and five pulled for the ’95 Heritage giveaway, and a Mother’s Day Milwaukee Leather vest giveaway. Add in motorcycle news, industry updates, and a rundown of upcoming events, and this one covers a lot of ground without losing the edge. If you’re into choppers, custom motorcycles, garage builds, and the people still doing the work, this episode delivers.

Shop Talk 339 dives straight into the grassroots side of custom motorcycle culture. Chris Callen, Mark Persichetti, and Heather Callen break down motorcycle news, upcoming events, and what’s already taking shape for Smokeout 2026. The Garage Buildoff is officially underway, with four of thirteen builders stepping up to show early progress. From a Buell-powered supermoto Sportster to a dirt drag chopper, the range of builds shows just how serious this year’s field is getting. This episode also previews coverage from Mama Tried Motorcycle Show, features a 1986 FXR from Speed Dealer Customs, and highlights parts from Lowbrow Customs. It wraps with a look at major events including Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, Tennessee Motorcycle and Music Revival, East Coast FXR Jam, Motoblot, and Smokeout 2026. If you’re into choppers, custom Harley builds, garage projects, and the people keeping this culture alive, this one hits.

Spring’s on and Shop Talk is back with a full throttle episode covering motorcycle news, builder stories, and the culture that keeps it all alive. We kick things off with Harley-Davidson’s new Ride program, then dig into the story behind Dennis Stemp’s unfinished Panster project—a piece of motorcycle history that still has more to say. There’s also a look at a screen-used Harley from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny heading to auction, along with a quick hit on current industry news. From there, it gets into the heart of it. Bernie Sebesta of Ruthless Cycles USA and Tommy Sandegard from the Iron and Chrome Collective join the show to talk about building bikes instead of buying parts, what separates choppers from customs, and their push to bring real-deal chopper culture back to Thunder Beach. We also feature Irish Rich breaking down the Chrome Nun from Sturgis, a spotlight on a Gasbox stainless air cleaner cover, and a rundown of upcoming events including Thunder Beach, Chop Suey 3, TMMR, Motoblot, and the SmokeOut Rally. If you’re into vintage motorcycles, custom builds, chopper culture, and the stories behind the machines, this episode delivers. 0:00 Intro – Shop Talk 338 Motorcycle Podcast 0:46 Spring Kickoff – Custom Motorcycle Season Begins 2:18 Harley-Davidson Ride Program – What It Means for Riders 3:54 The Panster Project – Dennis Stemp’s Vintage Harley Legacy 8:51 Screen-Used Harley from Indiana Jones Motorcycle Auction 10:12 Royal Enfield Electric Motorcycle News Update 12:44 Triumph Recall – What Riders Need to Know 14:16 Feature Bike Introduction – Custom Motorcycle Spotlight 15:06 Irish Rich’s “Chrome Nun” – Sturgis Chopper Breakdown 21:05 Thunder Beach Rally – Bringing Back Real Chopper Culture 25:46 Iron & Chrome Collective Interview – Chopper Builders & Culture 1:00:43 Gasbox Air Cleaner – Performance Motorcycle Parts Spotlight 1:08:35 Motorcycle Events 2026 – Rallies, Shows & Ride Calendar 1:19:12 Outro – Shop Talk Sign-Off

Alicia Noori’s story is the kind that sticks with you. In Episode 337 of ShopTalk, the 2026 Cycle Source Reader’s Woman of the Year opens up about loss, grit, motorcycles, and motherhood—and how a life-changing crash led to the creation of Peripheral Apparel, a brand riders actually want to wear. This one goes deeper than business. It’s about resilience, rebuilding, and staying true to yourself in a culture that demands authenticity. On top of that, Chris and Heather break down the latest in motorcycle news, spotlight a killer 1952 Panhead chopper built by Clinton Wallace, and pull more Smokeout giveaway keys live on the show. If you're into custom motorcycles, rider-built brands, biker rights, and the people keeping this culture honest—this one’s worth your time. 00:00 – Intro 02:15 – Motorcycle News Roundup 10:40 – Alicia Noori Interview Begins 18:30 – The Crash That Changed Everything 27:45 – Building Peripheral Apparel 39:10 – Motherhood & Motorcycles 48:20 – 2026 Woman of the Year 55:00 – 1952 Panhead Chopper Feature (Clinton Wallace) 1:02:30 – Smokeout Giveaway Key Pull 1:08:00 – Closing Thoughts

ShopTalk is back with Episode 336—and this one hits hard. We’ve got the crew behind the 2026 S&S Cycle Independence Tour in the house— Dave Perewitz, Jason Mook, Jeff Zielinski, Cory Ness , and Howard Kelly from S&S —talking real-deal custom motorcycles, what’s coming this year, and why the Independence Tour still matters in a sea of copy/paste builds. This isn’t theory. These are the guys actually shaping the scene. We’re also breaking down Joe Mielke’s Naked Softail that turned heads at Cycle Showcase—stripped-down, no filler, just raw motorcycle the way it’s supposed to be. And like always… we’re loading this episode up with shop talk, industry insight, and whatever chaos shows up once the mics go hot. If you’re into: Real custom motorcycle builders V-twin performance and fabrication S&S Cycle builds and the Independence Tour No-BS conversations from inside the industry 👉 This is your episode. 👍 Like what you hear? Follow / Subscribe so you don’t miss the next drop Download the episode to support independent motorcycle media Drop a comment and tell us who you want on next

Pipes Gilliland of Gilliland Customs and Brock Davidson from Brock’s Performance join ShopTalk to break down a race-ready, naturally aspirated Softail ST built for the Donnie Smith Show. We dig into the parts, performance strategy, and the builders behind the project, plus check out a killer chopper from Ed Spurlock at Mid-USA and cover the latest motorcycle industry news.

Motorcycle history meets full-throttle showmanship in this episode of ShopTalk. The Ives Brothers join us for a deep dive into the Globe of Death and the Wall of Death—sharing stories from their circus upbringing, life on the road, close calls, and the split-second trust it takes to ride inches apart at 30 mph on vertical boards. This is the real side of motorcycle stunt culture, straight from the people living it. We also feature a hard-nosed 1979 Shovelhead from Destroyer Garage, highlight Custom Tech hand controls, and kick off the Smokeout bike giveaway with the first key draw. Add in motorcycle news, shop talk, and upcoming events, and you’ve got one packed episode for anyone who lives for choppers, vintage iron, and the traditions that keep this culture moving. Listen in and ride along with us. Timestamps 0:00 Pre-show banter 5:38 ShopTalk intro 11:20 Motorcycle news 18:37 Feature bike – ’79 Shovelhead 27:00 Ives Brothers interview 57:30 Open-door Wall of Death story 1:26:20 Product spotlight – Custom Tech 1:28:41 Smokeout key draw 1:33:04 Events rundown 1:36:02 Closing

Welcome to ShopTalk, America’s first and favorite motorcycle talk show. This episode, we pull up a chair with Bubba Boswell of Boswell Harley-Davidson—a name that carries real weight in the motorcycle industry. We dig into racing, the current state of Harley-Davidson, and what’s ahead for Bubba and his team as the Motor Company continues to evolve. No PR polish. No corporate script. Just straight talk from someone who’s been in the trenches and earned his stripes. Plus, we crack open Cycle Source Issue 318 and take a hard look at a killer Triumph chopper fresh off the presses. We break down the details, the style, and exactly why this build hits different. Same ShopTalk. Same honesty. Tune in. 🔥 Harley-Davidson industry insight 🔥 Racing & shop-level experience 🔥 Custom motorcycles & chopper breakdowns 🔥 No filters. No fluff. Just bikes.

ShopTalk Episode 331 brings the heat with special guest Danger Dan Hardick —motorcycle lifer, shop owner, podcast host, and all-around solid human. As the voice behind Danger Dan’s Talk Shop and the founder of MC ShopT’s , Dan knows the grind of shop life, the culture behind the builds, and what it takes to survive in the motorcycle industry. We also break down a killer custom motorcycle built by Jesse Srpan of Raw Iron Choppers , dive into shop culture, custom bikes, the business side of motorcycles, and stack the episode with the kind of unfiltered, no-BS conversation that’s made ShopTalk America’s first and favorite motorcycle talk show. If you’re into custom choppers, real shop talk, motorcycle culture, and unscripted conversations , this episode is built for you. 🔥 Custom motorcycles & choppers 🔥 Motorcycle shop life & industry insight 🔥 No scripts. No filters. Just bikes.