• Pagan’s and Demons of Hell Indictments: On January 23, 2026, five members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club and the Demons of Hell (a Hells Angels support group) were indicted in New York for a violent September 2024 brawl. The clash at a gas station involved stabbings and beatings with hammers and baseball bats, including an assault on a 76-year-old alleged Hells Angel.
  • Official details: Suffolk County DA Indictment Release.

• Indiana Judge Shooting Plot: Authorities revealed that a high-ranking member of the Phantom Motorcycle Club (Indiana Chapter) allegedly conspired to murder Tippecanoe County Judge Steven Meyer to derail a domestic abuse trial. Five individuals were charged on January 23, 2026, in connection with the shooting.
  • Full story: NBC News Report.

• Bandidos Crackdown in Australia: On January 17, 2026, Western Australia Police charged 18 patched members of the Bandidos OMCG after a high-speed freeway pursuit. The convoy allegedly rode recklessly and ignored police sirens before being intercepted on the Kwinana Freeway.
  • Police Statement: Western Australia Police Update.

Thug Riders Guilty Pleas: As of late January 2026, 10 members of the Thug Riders MC have pleaded guilty to charges including racketeering and assault following a multi-state investigation into club-related violence in Ohio and Kentucky

Legislative & Rights News

• Utah Lane Splitting Ban: Effective January 1, 2026, Utah’s HB190 officially bans lane splitting and wheelies on highways. The law distinguishes between “lane splitting” (illegal) and “lane filtering” (legal under specific low-speed conditions).
• MRF 2026 Legislative Agenda: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has finalized its 2026 priorities, focusing on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization, protecting internal combustion engines, and opposing profiling of motorcycle club members.

Industry & Market Trends

• KTM/Pierer Mobility Restructuring: Following its financial struggles, KTM owner Pierer Mobility is reportedly cutting approximately 500 jobs as it refocuses on core brands and moves some production to Bajaj Auto in India.
• Market Sales Data: New data shows UK motorcycle registrations dropped by 19.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, leading to industry discussions on the rising cost of biking.
• Unconventional Sponsorships: In a notable shift for the industry, pro freeride biker Carson Storch announced Kubota (a construction equipment company) as his title sponsor for 2026, signaling a new trend as traditional bike brand funding tightens.

Manufacturer News & 2026 Models

• Harley-Davidson “Chapter Two” Reveal: Harley-Davidson officially unveiled its full 2026 lineup, including 13 new models. Key highlights are the heavily updated Road Glide Limited and Street Glide Limited, featuring the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 engine and the new 12.3-inch TFT Skyline OS. The launch also included a new “Enthusiast Collection” Liberty Edition to celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary.
• Honda CB1000 Hornet Recall: Honda UK has issued a major safety recall for all CB1000 Hornet and CB1000 Hornet SP models sold since late 2024 due to excessive oil consumption. The issue is reportedly tied to piston ring specifications and has also delayed the production of the new CB1000F until mid-2026.
  • Read more at Motorcycle News (MCN).
• Triumph Middleweight Power Boost: Triumph announced significant 2026 updates for the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660. Both bikes now feature a 14 hp increase (to 94 hp) thanks to a move from single to triple throttle bodies. The Tiger Sport 660 also gains a larger 18.6-liter fuel tank for improved touring range.
  • Full specs at Triumph Motorcycles News.
• Indian Motorcycle’s 125th Anniversary: Indian launched its “Never Finished” campaign and a new Chief Vintage cruiser powered by the Thunderstroke 116 V-twin to celebrate its 125th year.

• THROTTLE TALK Weekly Biker News Wrap-up- January 19–25, 2026,
• Anti-ICE Crazies Show Up at Biker Bars
• The Psychology of Motorcycle Riding What Makes it so Addictive
• PHANTOMS MC REVENGE SHOOTING
• Gut-Buster’s Wisconsin Cheesehead Clusterfuck