There’s nothing quite like the post-Sturgis hangover. Even if you didn’t actually pack your bags and head to South Dakota this year, you can still feel it in the air. Personally, I had to sit out the madness in the Black Hills and watch the rally unfold from the sidelines here in Minnesota. Let me tell you, scrolling through everyone’s epic ride photos from the couch definitely stung a bit. However, just because the biggest rally of the year is in the rearview mirror doesn’t mean the V-Twin news cycle is slowing down.
In fact, things are heating up fast. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that 2026 is a massive milestone for Indian Motorcycle. They are gearing up for their 125th anniversary, and they are definitely pulling out all the stops. Even under the new ownership of Carolwood LLC, Indian is proving they haven’t forgotten their roots. Recently, they dropped the 2026 Chief Vintage, a bike absolutely dripping with old-school nostalgia. With those sweeping valanced fenders and a classic solo seat, it looks like it rolled straight out of the post-war era. Meanwhile, it still packs that modern, torque-heavy Thunderstroke punch we all love. On top of that, they unleashed a limited-run Scout Bobber 125th Anniversary Edition that looks mean as hell right off the showroom floor. Honestly, seeing this fresh iron rolling out makes me appreciate what Indian is doing, even if I’m perfectly content racking up the highway miles on my own 2019 Chieftain.
On the other hand, Harley-Davidson isn’t about to let Indian H.O.G. (see what I did there) all the spotlight. After a rocky stretch in the market, the Motor Company hit the reset button with their new “RIDE” campaign, putting the focus squarely back on the core riders who built the brand. Because of this shift, we are finally seeing some absolute legends return to the lineup. Harley announced they are bringing back the beloved 883 Sportster and the iconic Super Glide. For those of us who cut our teeth twisting the throttle on raw, stripped-down cruisers instead of rolling tech-heavy spaceships, this is a massive breath of fresh air. Furthermore, they are keeping one foot in the future, recently picking up the startup Dust Moto to expand their LiveWire electric off-road division.
Ultimately, both of the big American heavyweights are leaning hard into their rich heritage, and that’s a huge win for the entire V-Twin community.
As we roll toward September, the temperatures here in Minnesota are going to start dropping fast. Before the thermometer dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect time to give your bike a solid garage-day once-over. Check those tire pressures, top off your fluids, and double-check that the firmware on your helmet Comm Unit is up to date before your next weekend run. Before you know it, the snow will be flying, and we’ll all be counting down the days until Daytona Bike Week.
So, what’s your take? Are you throwing a leg over the new Super Glide or that Chief Vintage?
Sound off in the comments below.
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