Sturgis is almost here, and the Cycle Source crew is already deep into rally mode.
This episode of ShopTalk brings together a little bit of everything that makes the Black Hills worth the trip: motorcycle history, industry stories, vintage bikes, major events and a live check-in from Sturgis before the rally fully comes to life.
Law Tigers CEO Ari Levenbaum joins the show to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary and tell the story behind one of the most recognizable brands in the motorcycle community. Later, Billy Grotto from Twisted Tea reports live from Sturgis with an early look at the rally setup, upcoming concerts, motorcycle events and what riders can expect once the crowds arrive.
Watch the full episode on YouTube to hear the complete conversation with Ari Levenbaum and get the full Sturgis 2026 rundown.
Law Tigers CEO Ari Levenbaum Joins ShopTalk
Law Tigers has spent 25 years building a presence at rallies, bike shows, motorcycle shops and events across the country. But the company’s story did not begin with a corporate branding plan or a marketing agency looking for an empty category.
It began with Ari’s father, a lawyer, rider and entrepreneur who understood that motorcyclists tend to look out for one another.
During the episode, Ari shares how his father built Law Tigers from the ground up, how the brand grew through relationships inside the motorcycle community and why family, integrity and participation still matter to the company today.
Ari also explains that his own path into the family business was not automatic. Before taking a leadership role with Law Tigers, he attended law school and later spent years working as a middle-school science teacher. That experience helped shape the way he leads people today, particularly when it comes to communication, patience and setting clear expectations.
The full conversation goes much deeper into the company’s early struggles, the people who helped it grow and the lessons Ari learned while stepping into the CEO role.
More Than a Motorcycle-Law Brand
One of the biggest themes in the interview is trust.
Law Tigers did not enter the motorcycle world and immediately earn acceptance. The company had to prove that it intended to support riders, shops, builders and motorcycle events rather than simply advertise to them.
Ari talks about the importance of showing up year after year, supporting the community and building relationships without expecting every sponsorship or contribution to produce an immediate return.
That approach helped Law Tigers grow through partnerships with local law firms and become a familiar presence throughout the motorcycle industry. The company now works across 35 states, but Ari says its central purpose remains the same: support riders and be available when someone needs help after a motorcycle crash.
The episode also looks ahead at what comes next for the company, including plans to create more motorcycle lifestyle content focused on safety, rides, events, insurance and the culture surrounding two wheels.
Vintage Motorcycles and Bucket-List Rides
The conversation is not all business.
Ari has been riding since childhood and has built a motorcycle collection that includes Harley-Davidsons, customs, FXRs, vintage machines and modern European bikes.
He shares stories about some of his favorite motorcycles, the custom bike that still means the most to him and the machine he would buy if money were no object.
The crew also gets into bucket-list rides, including overseas destinations that would test any rider’s willingness to pack light and point the front wheel toward unfamiliar roads.
Those stories are best heard directly from Ari, especially when the conversation starts moving from motorcycles he owns to the ones he still dreams about.
Motorcycle Safety and Self-Driving Vehicles
The episode also tackles a subject that is becoming harder for riders to ignore: autonomous vehicles.
Ari lives in Arizona, where self-driving vehicles are already a common sight. That raises serious questions for motorcyclists, particularly when it comes to responsibility after a crash.
Who is accountable when an autonomous vehicle hits a motorcycle? Is it the owner, the manufacturer, the software company, the rideshare operator or the insurance carrier?
There are no simple answers yet.
Ari discusses the potential safety benefits of the technology while also recognizing the legal and practical problems riders may face when several companies are involved in a single vehicle’s operation.
Billy Grotto Reports Live From Sturgis
Later in the episode, Billy Grotto from Twisted Tea joins the show live from Sturgis.
Billy had already been in town for roughly two weeks, helping with banners, venue coordination and Twisted Tea’s rally setup. He gives an early look at the Black Hills, the heat, the roads and the work happening behind the scenes before hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive.
He also previews Twisted Tea’s Sturgis schedule, including major concerts and the upcoming reveal of the Twisted Tea Sweepstakes Chopper.
What Else Is in This Episode?
The show also includes a custom motorcycle built with vintage pieces, including a 1921 Brooks bicycle seat and a 1927 Pyrene fire extinguisher repurposed as an oil tank.
The Cycle Source crew also previews a packed Sturgis schedule featuring the Cycle Source Custom Bike Show, S&S Burnout Drags, Run to the Line, Baker Drivetrain racing, Biker Olympics and the $2,000 Mini Bike TT.
There is plenty happening in the Black Hills this year, but the motorcycles still need to remain at the center of it.
Head over to YouTube now to watch the full ShopTalk episode with Ari Levenbaum, Billy Grotto and the complete Sturgis 2026 preview.