ShopTalk, Weekly Motorcycle Talk Show Podcast!

What happens to the V-Twin industry when racing changes direction?

Harley-Davidson’s move away from its factory King of the Baggers program gave us the perfect reason to bring four very different racing perspectives together.

Rob Buydos of Bagger Racing League, Mark Hendrix of Tobacco Road Harley-Davidson, Mike Beland of A1 Cycles Racing, and flat track legend Jared Mees join Chris and Heather to talk about where motorcycle racing stands today, what’s working, what isn’t, and why competition still matters.

From baggers and road racing to drag racing and dirt track, we get into the relationship between racing, motorcycle development, dealerships, manufacturers, aftermarket parts and the culture that keeps the whole thing alive.

Plus, there’s an FXR from Logic Cycles, a look at the BST Forged Fusion carbon-fiber fuel tank from Brock’s Performance, and plenty of the usual ShopTalk bullshit along the way.

ShopTalk is Powered by Dennis Kirk.

Nick Fahringer of Cycle Electric joins Chris and Heather on ShopTalk to talk motorcycles from two very different sides of his life: the race course and the family business.

Nick has spent years competing at a national and international level in off-road motorcycle racing, but these days he's also part of the next generation behind Cycle Electric, a name V-twin riders and builders have relied on for generators, stators, regulators and charging systems.

We talk about the history and future of Cycle Electric, growing up around the motorcycle business, lessons learned from racing, American-made motorcycle parts, and what goes into building components riders can actually depend on.

And because it's ShopTalk, there's plenty more along the way, including a feature bike, a product from the Motor Company and all the two-wheel bullshit we can squeeze into one show.

ShopTalk is Powered by Dennis Kirk.

This week on ShopTalk, we sit down with Jake Hindes, founder of Prism Supply, to talk about how a garage hobby grew into a motorcycle parts business and eventually helped create The Congregation, the custom motorcycle and car show in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jake takes us back to his early days around motorcycles, the beginnings of Prism Supply, how The Congregation came together, and what he and the team look for when choosing bikes for the show.

We also take a look at Curtis Hoffman’s kit for installing an M8 drivetrain into a stock Harley-Davidson FXR frame, check out the River Rat Panhead chopper, and hear Nate Beck’s first impressions after riding the 2026 Harley-Davidson Super Glide.

The episode begins on a more serious note as we remember a member of the Motor Drome racing community following a tragic loss at Lake Erie Speedway. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, fellow racers, and everyone affected.

This week on ShopTalk, we’re talking vintage motorcycle racing, the new Motordrome series at Lake Erie Speedway, Stacy McCleary’s Orange Crate chopper, and one unforgettable SmokeOut weekend.

Tom Banks, eBay Jake, and Erik Lund take us inside the first Motordrome race and explain what it takes to push nearly 100-year-old Harley-Davidson and Indian-era motorcycles around a wide, banked asphalt track. They break down race strategy, gearing, board track motorcycles, the Hot 45 and Hot 61 classes, and the riders expected to fight for the win.

Stacy McCleary also shares the story behind his Orange Crate chopper—a custom motorcycle inspired by a legendary 1950s drag car and built to be ridden, not simply displayed.

Then the Cycle Source crew recaps SmokeOut, including the Garage Build-Off, Dirt Drags, Burnout Pit, rain-soaked concert, infamous broken key, and the people who made the weekend possible.

Best of all, SmokeOut raised more than $12,000 for Meals on Wheels Rowan—enough to provide over 1,200 meals for food-insecure seniors.

Listen and subscribe to ShopTalk for conversations about custom motorcycles, vintage racing, choppers, motorcycle builders, events, and the people preserving motorcycle culture.

SmokeOut 26 is almost here, and this episode of ShopTalk brings together one of the most powerful stories we’ve had on the show, along with custom motorcycles, Garage Build-Off updates, new parts, and the final countdown to Salisbury.

Chris, Mark, and Heather sit down with Tim Duffy, the retired FDNY firefighter and Navy veteran whose motorcycle became part of one of the most recognized photographs from September 11, 2001.

Tim shares what happened that morning, how he made his way to Ground Zero, what he experienced there, and how motorcycles became part of his life in the years that followed.

He also talks about One Soldier, One Dog, One Team, the organization he founded to help pair veterans with companion and support dogs while giving rescue dogs a second chance.

Also in this episode, Cabana Dan shows off his aged 1915 Harley-Davidson board tracker, we draw the final keys for the 1995 Heritage Softail giveaway, and the remaining builders in the SmokeOut Garage Build-Off check in as the deadline gets close.

Plus, we take a look at the Brock’s Performance Attack Swing Arm for late-model baggers, talk about the upcoming MotorDrome race program, and cover what’s ahead at SmokeOut 26.

SmokeOut 26
September 10–13, 2026
Rowan County Fairgrounds
Salisbury, North Carolina

Event details, tickets, builders, and more at SmokeOut.com

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.