Every Sunday night, motorcycle fans around the country tune in for ShopTalk—the show where the two-wheel community comes together for news, stories, and a good dose of camaraderie. Episode 319 packs all that and more, bringing the heat with event updates, garage build challenges, and an exclusive look at Harley-Davidson’s next chapter.
If you love the raw and real side of motorcycle life, buckle in for interviews, wild road stories, and a deep-dish serving of biker culture, all straight from the crew at Cycle Source.
The ShopTalk Welcome: Kicking Off with Community Vibes
Every episode starts like a reunion at the best bike night in town. The host, Chris Callen, sets the pace, shouting out longtime friends like Big D (in the guest seat this week) and the folks who never miss a broadcast. With all the familiar banter and a rolling tally of 319 episodes, the show has built not just an audience, but a real community.
Fans drop in from across the country, chiming in through chat and social media. The host encourages everyone to hit like, share, and set their reminders, making it clear: this is as much your hangout as it is ours.
This week’s show teases some standout topics:
- Harley-Davidson’s new CEO and what it could mean for the brand
- Four Corners Rally—inside scoop with promoter Chip Lyle
- The thrills, spills, and struggles in the runup to the SmokeOut Garage Buildoff
For anyone who’s ever been elbows-deep in grease, breaking down on the side of the road, or crowding around clamps in a friend’s garage, ShopTalk keeps it grounded, unfiltered, and welcoming.
Road Trip Drama: When Everything That Can Go Wrong… Does
If you ride—or even haul bikes—you know: breakdowns and mishaps aren’t a matter of if, but when. Chris Callen shares a wild 48 hours that’s as much a cautionary tale as it is a rallying cry for the “Calamity Callins.”
Here’s a quick look at the chaos:
- Day 1: Wisconsin Dells
- Van goes into limp mode just outside Chicago
- Differential starts leaking; required a roadside fix
- Realization: The one socket needed is missing, right as a tornado rolls in
- Soaked clothes and rear-end grease everywhere, leading to an impromptu shower at a truck stop
- Day 2: Near Albert Lea, Minnesota
- Trailer hitch fails on the highway at 1 a.m.—sparks flying
- Jury-rigged with a ratchet strap and limped off the road at 3 mph
- Sun comes up; trailer is empty, thankfully saving tens (or hundreds) of thousands in potential bike damage
Community support comes through—friends answer calls, walk him through roadside repairs, and keep spirits up even as everything seems set on fire. It’s gritty, frustrating, and hilarious in equal parts.
If you’ve ever tried to fix a blown differential in a rainstorm, or nudged a broken rig off the highway just to make the next rally—this is for you. It’s not just about the miles. It’s about the stories.
Industry News: What’s Shaping the Motorcycle World
Harley-Davidson’s New CEO: Who Is Arty Stars?
The reign of the “tennis shoe king” ends and a new chapter begins as Arty Stars steps up as Harley-Davidson’s President and CEO this October. The big news? He’s got chops from entertainment and international brands, but no industry baggage.
Artie Starrs’ Resume:
- CEO at Topgolf International—led transformation to a sports entertainment success
- Extended Pizza Hut’s footprint to 18,000+ locations in 110 countries
- US President and later Global CEO at Pizza Hut (Yum! Brands)
- Leadership roles at Rave Cinema and roots in investment banking
First Impressions from Chip Lyle’s Meet-up:
- Humble, approachable, and genuinely interested in both staff and customers
- Spent real time listening, not just talking, at local dealerships
- Respects Harley’s heritage and the weight the brand carries in American culture
What’s on the Community’s Mind?
- How will corporate culture change, if at all?
- Will Arty Stars steer Harley toward more affordable bikes for newcomers?
- Can the brand reconnect with younger riders and keep old-school loyalists happy?
People want to see if Stars brings something fresh, or if it’s just new paint on an old tank. There’s optimism, but also hope for more transparency and investment in the motorcycle community itself.
Billy Joel’s 20th Century Cycles Closes: An Era Ends
News hits hard for motorcycle and music fans alike: Billy Joel must shutter his beloved 20th Century Cycles in Oyster Bay, New York, after nearly 15 years, due to a brain disorder diagnosis.
“A once-in-a-generation entertainer with a collection just as unique,” the hosts note. The shop has served as both a public exhibit and a private haven, featuring rare customs—some crafted by Kiwi Mike. The closure marks both a personal and cultural loss for enthusiasts.
Harley’s Bagger World Cup: Taking American Iron International
Harley’s not done shaking things up. The show dives into the announcement of the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, the first global racing series for high-performance baggers.
Key Facts:
- Six-round race series launching across the US and Europe next year
- 26 total races on legendary circuits
- Strategic push to boost big bike sales overseas, especially in markets favoring smaller motorcycles
- Overcomes European license and displacement restrictions—will it shift buying trends?
The hosts weigh in—can bagger racing charm Euro crowds, or will the events just be a stateside spectacle abroad?
Sturgis 85th Anniversary: Did It Live Up to the Hype?
This year’s Sturgis Rally was pegged to be massive. On paper, traffic was up 11.3% over the five-year average. But ask anyone who went, and the sentiments are mixed.
Sturgis 2023 Fast Facts:
- 85th Anniversay rally
- Over $700,000 in reported numbers (dubious, says the crew)
- Most attendees say turnout felt solid—busy but not quite legendary
Old-timers recall when a crowd of 50,000 was impressive. Now, with venues like Full Throttle morphing into mini-cities, even seasoned hands are stunned.
Any year you make it to Sturgis is a great year—after all, it used to just be a keg in a field.
Is an Affordable Harley Around the Corner?
As Harley-Davidson seeks new riders, hopes are high for a motorcycle under $6,000. Past classics like the Sportster Hugger let young folks trade up after a year, fueling the next wave of Harley fans.
But with current base models, like the Nightster, starting at $9,999, those days seem distant—though anything to help new riders jump in is welcome.
Will Harley Make the $6,000 Bike Real?
- Younger customers need affordable, smaller displacement motorcycles
- Trade-in & upgrade programs are remembered fondly
- Real success will depend on how Harley positions and supports these entry-level bikes
Feature Bike Spotlight: Moltey Blue by Brian Klock
It wouldn’t be a Cycle Source show without a standout custom to ogle. This week, it’s Moltey Blue, a 2022 Indian Super Chief built by Brian Clark of Clockworks.
Clark’s build speaks to experimentation and group inspiration:
- Started with a Super Chief for its 116 cubic inch engine and chrome accents
- R&D on custom fenders for compatibility with Indian forks
- Debated (and eventually embraced) a set of Viking bags that fit perfectly after initial doubts
- Painted frame and the first-ever polished Indian Chief motor—a nod to craftsmanship
- Reinhardt slip-ons kept the sound and style on point
Shelton and the R&D team pushed Clark to innovate, and the shop pushed through to deliver a true one-off. As Clark says, “For me, it’s emotional. I love building cool stuff. Everything we do at the track shapes what we build for the street.”
It’s that fine balance between practicality and showmanship that defines real custom culture.
SmokeOut Garage Buildoff: Trials, Tribulations, and Triumph
How the Buildoff Works
The Garage Buildoff at SmokeOut Rally celebrates builders new and old. From first-time chopper creators to folks who wrench after hours, the show pulls together homegrown talent and gives them a stage—with banners, wall displays, and a supportive crowd.
Big D’s Build: Fun First, Fancy Last
Big D, a staple of the ShopTalk family, hails from Morango, Illinois, and proves you don’t need a fat wallet to play. His approach is simple: use what’s around, adapt what doesn’t fit, and don’t let perfection get in the way of fun.
Big D’s Project Highlights:
- First bike build, working largely with leftover parts
- Modified springer front end from a BSA (didn’t fit at first, but help is on the way from Pittsburgh Bearing Company)
- Focused on getting the bike done in time to race, not just show
- Values the community over the trophy
His mantra is straightforward: “I just want to bring something to have fun.” In a scene where competition sometimes overshadows participation, it’s a potent reminder.
Chris Keith: Welder Blues and Late-Night Epiphanies
Chris Keith brings a different flavor—having already built a flat track hooligan bike but tackling his first chopper for the Garage Buildoff.
He keeps it honest about the hurdles:
“Keeping my welder working. When I plug mine in, the electric portion is already engaged. You gotta watch moving it around and watch what you’re doing.”
Like many, he collects parts for years “just in case,” and finds those odds and ends finally falling into place. The build is both a personal and creative journey, and he admits the process is “kind of therapeutic.”
Both Big D and Chris Keith show that you don’t need a massive garage or pro shop to build something cool—you just need time, persistence, and a sense of humor.
Four Corners Rally: Promoter Chip Lyle Spills the Details
How Chip Lyle Got Involved
Chip Lyle bought a local bar in Durango, Colorado, in 1999. Years later he teamed up with Trevor Bird from the local Harley dealership to take Four Corners Rally to the next level.
For the past four years, Chip’s focus has been on rebuilding the event’s reputation and making it a cornerstone for both riders and the local community.
What to Expect at Four Corners Rally
This isn’t a music fest with bikes tossed in—Four Corners Rally keeps motorcycles front and center.
Key Attractions:
- AMA-sanctioned flat track racing on Saturday night
- Sons of Speed vintage racing (a first this year)
- Multiple days of bike shows, vendor marketplaces, celebrity appearances, and riding events
- Superb local roads: Million-Dollar Highway, routes to Moab and New Mexico
The rally also serves as a fundraising engine for local nonprofits, with special attention on youth initiatives and community support.
Meeting Harley’s New CEO: An Insider’s Perspective
Chip spent three hours with Arty Stars and his family during a dealership visit. His impression?
- Arty is friendly and approachable, spending quality time with staff and customers
- Intense focus on listening and taking notes
- Quickly zeroed in on dealer challenges and brand heritage
Chip and the ShopTalk crew agree—the new CEO “gets” why Harley matters to riders, not just investors.
Rally Roots and Rider Connection
The conversation shifts to the importance of keeping motorcycles the star. While some events shift to music or spectacle, Four Corners builds on unique rides and bike culture, mixing old school and new.
As Chip puts it: “When people come to our rally, it’s about the ride. Everything else is just icing.”
The event draws veteran bikers and a fresh wave of younger riders who want more than just a place to park—they want full participation, from racing to wrenching.
Rally and Event Calendar: What’s Up Next
Motorcycle life never slows down. Here’s what’s coming up, as mentioned on the show:
- Deadbeat Retreat: August 22–24, Blackthorn Resort, NY. Find details at Deadbeat Customs.
- Virginia City Roundup: Supported by Choppers Magazine and Harley-Davidson
- Four Corners Motorcycle Rally: Labor Day Weekend, Durango, CO. Visit the official website for info.
- Kentucky Moto Fest: September 26–28, run by the Shade Tree Boys
And don’t forget: SmokeOut Rally final countdown is underway. Shakedown Ride is Thursday, September 4 at noon. This year adds arm wrestling, new contests, and non-stop fun.
Mark your calendars and get those bikes (and beards) ready.
Community Shout-Outs: Health and Support
This week, the ShopTalk crew sends love and prayers to friends in need:
Health Updates:
- Paul: Still in the hospital, a key figure in keeping SmokeOut’s electrical systems running
- Ricky: In good spirits and recovering well after a tough accident
- Roy: Recovering from a serious crash and hospital stay in Sturgis
If you’ve ever camped at a rally, parked in an RV with working power, or just needed a friend when times got rough—take a second to send good vibes their way.
Wrapping It Up: The ShopTalk Spirit
Another week, another whirlwind episode in the books. Listeners are reminded to set reminders, tell friends, and check out past episodes on YouTube.
The final word is simple: spend time with people you like, tell them what they mean to you, and savor every mile—because the road is never promised.
The countdown to SmokeOut is on, but wherever you ride, the stories you make and the people you meet are what turn trips into legends.
Keep the wheels turning, and keep being good to one another. See you next Sunday, same chopper time, same chopper channel.