S&S Cycle

S&S Announces 131 ci Kits for 2017-up M8

This S&S Cycle 131 kit for 2017 and up M8 models "is the perfect sleeper package." Dealers and their customers can boost engine performance with a bolt in kit to "pump up the cubic inches" with a Bore and Stroke of 4.250" x 4.625" and bring compression to 11.0:1 without any machine work for installation.

The cylinder finish matches the stock colors, so unless you install the included 131" badge, no one can tell. All necessary gaskets are included, and the kit retains stock engine height.

With the S&S HPT590 cam the stock 114" horsepower has been seen to go up from 81.07 hp to as much as 146.62 hp with torque from 111.71 to 145.45 ft. lbs with the 131" stroker kit, CNC heads, Big Bore Throttle Body, High-flow Stealth Air Cleaner kit and a 2-into-1 exhaust system.

The kit works with the stock crankcases and original engine serial numbers are retained. The powder coat finish matches the factory finishes - there are three options, for choice of Wrinkle Black with or without highlight and Black Granite with highlight.

S&S CYCLE INC.

www.sscycle.com

News Briefs

Widely touted as a success during its debut in 2025, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum's 'Pearl's Jam' will return on Monday, August 10. "This powerful day celebrates the incredible women of the motorcycle world while honoring the legacy of Pearl Hoel, the First Lady of the Sturgis Rally."

V-Twin Visionary's Route 66 Centennial Ride will celebrate the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66, known worldwide as the "Mother Road." Established on November 11, 1926, the 2,448-mile highway from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA. Taking the 'backwards' route. The ride will set off from the Santa Monica pier at 12:00 noon on July 13 and head through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois ending up in Chicago; www.vtwinvisionary.com. 

The MIC reports that tariff changes could reshape the outlook for motorcycle industry. The Trump administration revised its Section 232 tariff structure for steel, aluminum, and copper in a proclamation that took effect April 6, removing certain finished motorcycles from the derivative-product list and excluding those products from Section 232 duties. "This appears to create more favorable treatment for some finished motorcycles, but aftermarket and replacement parts are still likely to be captured at 25%," said Scott Schloegel, Senior VP Government Relations for MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA. 

Called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the MIC says that new battery and packaging laws being enacted state by state could require manufacturers, distributors, and/or dealers to fund and manage recycling programs for products they sell. The policy model behind these laws shifts some end-of-life management costs from governments to producers, and in practice can mean mandatory participation in stewardship organizations, reporting requirements, registration with state agencies, and financial contributions tied to covered products.

Despite making it onto the statute books in some other states, notably in Kansas, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) vetoed the bipartisan-supported Right-to-Race bill that had passed in the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate. As elsewhere in the United States, the AMA supported Bill aims to protect existing motorsports racetracks from nuisance claims. It is estimated that the measure would help support the wide variety of racetracks throughout the state that are said to provide $2.46bn in total economic impact as well as provide 10,601 jobs in the state.

The inexorable march of automated-clutch convenience technology sees the Honda E-Clutch extended to the 2026 Transalp - the middleweight adventure becoming the fifth Honda model to come with the tech. (the announcement also includes CRF300L Rally dual-sport model).

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show outdoor recreation continued to play a significant role in the U.S. economy in 2024, with powersports ranking among the sector's largest activities. According to the agency's latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, outdoor recreation generated $1.3tn in economic output in 2024, supporting 5.2 million American jobs and accounting for 2.4% of U.S. gross domestic product. The sector grew 2.7% in real terms (inflation-adjusted) over 2023, reflecting continued demand for outdoor experiences throughout the nation.

The FIM H-D Bagger World Cup got underway at the MotoAmerica race weekend at Austin, Tx. (COTA Circuit) in March - the first (and first ever) of six rounds in 2026. Archie McDonald (Joe Rascal Racing, Australia) claimed victory in Race 1, with Jake Lewis (Saddlemen Race Development) second and Filippo Rovelli (ParkinGO Team, Italy) secured third. Race 2 saw Spaniard Oscar Gutiérrez (Niti Racing, Indonesia) taking the win, ahead of Eric Granadoto (Brazil) second with Archie McDonald demoted to third due to a three-second penalty track limits. Heading into the next round at the Mugello International Circuit during the MotoGP Grand Prix of Italy, May 29-31, Archie McDonald (AUS) heads the standings from Oscar Gutiérrez (SPA), Jake Lewis (USA), Eric Granado (BRA), and Filippo Rovelli (ITA) fifth, Cory West (USA), Travis Wyman (USA), Cody Wyman (USA) and Dimas Ekky Pratama (INA) ninth. 

BRP has announced that it is suspending its full-year FY27 guidance following the effective April 6 amendment of Section 232 tariffs on Steel, Aluminum and Copper imports into the U.S. The amendment mainly leads to a 25% tariff on the total value of imported snowmobiles and the majority of ORV models, replacing the previous 50% tariff on applicable metal content only. The Company currently estimates the potential incremental tariff cost related to this amendment to be in excess of $500m for the remainder of the year, before any mitigation measures that could partially offset these impacts.

Zodiac International

Zodiac International - Additions

Cult-Werk V2 Custom Front Fenders

New from Austrian custom parts specialist Cult-Werk, this new front fender is designed to help create a sportier look for most on most models. It is shorter and narrower than stock and clears the view of the front wheel. 

There are three air inlets on each side that have been adapted to complement the sportier look, with glue-in grilles included. A 100% ABS plastic custom-fit part (not cheap GRP), no adjustment work is necessary and the high quality surface finish means minimal painting effort.

 

Micro Speedometer Gauge

For those who just want the bare essentials rather than a forest of handlebar clutter, this Micro-Speedo measures 59 mm x 22 mm x 14 mm. The housing is available in polished and black anodized aluminum. The easy-to-use pushbutton allows the speed to be adjusted to the wheel circumference and access functions such as total mileage and trip meter. 

The four LEDs on the outside indicate neutral, high beam, indicators and oil pressure. Debouncing by the software allows the use of almost all common wheel sensors. Also available as a module only so you can create your own housing for it.

 

The Cure for Wet Sumping

HD.M.G.I. came up with the cure for wet sumping in pre-2000 style engines. The steel ball doesn't always seal off the feed hole in the oil pump, which causes the oil tank to drain into the crankcase when the engine hasn't been running for a long time. The cure is a special ball made out of FKM 70 +-5 Shore (Viton) material, which can withstand oil and temperatures from -25 to +230 degrees Celsius. The complete kit consists of the ball with a special spring and aluminum adapter that comes between the spring and the ball.

 

Unibat Sealed AGM Batteries

These maintenance-free advanced AGM technology batteries are 100% sealed and completely leak-proof. They deliver superior starting power (compared to traditional AGM batteries), high reserve capacity and longer lasting life. The tightly packed construction and calcium reinforced grids plates prevent plate separation and guard against vibration damage. There's no need for electrolyte water since they are already charged and ready to use.

 

Arlen Ness 21" Pro Sport Carbon Fiber Front Fender

This 21" Arlen Ness carbon fiber front fender features a short length and custom double window design. Each fender is made from premium pre-preg carbon fiber with CNC machined billet aluminum molds. They are finished with high gloss, UV-resistant clear coat for long term durability. Engineered to allow clearance for up to 14" oversized brake rotors. Direct bolt-on fitment does not require additional brackets. Accepts all 130/60-21 width front tires.

 

S&S Cycle Primary Chains

S&S primary chains are a direct replacement for OEM applications but offer up to 11% additional strength. They fit almost every big twin ever produced. It is the perfect upgrade to go with an S&S heavy duty compensator ramp, ensuring trouble free primary operation as you build a powerhouse motor.

 

Rick's Gear Sensor Cover

This colorful cover for the OEM gear sensor - as used on CVO Touring 2023.5, Touring 2024 to present and Softail 2025 to present - tidies up and brings a custom accent and much needed protection to an otherwise vulnerable critical component. They are designed in Germany by Rick's Motorcycles.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV

www.zodiac.nl

Müller Motorcycle

Müller Power Clutch 2.0

The combination of adjustments to  Power Clutch and its additional new progressive action 'Clutch Control' offers "the best possible clutch Performance available," says owner Fabian Müller. 

"No slipping and no problems when adjusting and a properly separating clutch. This update solves all the clutch control and gearbox management challenges of the M-8 models, offering outstanding smoothness and improved performance."

It replaces the OEM part and reduces the required clutch lever force and effort by an average up to 45-50% - "making it easier to adjust and delivering an improved pressure point." 

It is suitable for the cable clutch transmission on '21-'26 Touring, '18-'26 Softail, and '21-'25 Trike.

MÜLLER MOTORCYCLE AG

www.m-motorcycle.de

Baker Drivetrain

Primary Chain Adjuster Shoes

Haslett, MI based Baker Drivetrain has designed this precision machined, racetrack tested primary chain adjuster shoes specifically for riders looking for maximum engine response from their high-performance Harley-Davidson.

Unlike the stock adjuster shoes, that are often molded, these new replacements are precision CNC-machined from billet Nylon 6-6. This superior manufacturing process ensures they are stronger and more durable than OEM factory parts - "making them ideal for demanding performance applications where reliability is non-negotiable."

These American-made components offer increased service life with reduced wear and are perfect for "high output engines or vehicles that travel a substantial number of miles each year." The design has been rigorously tested and meets the highest standards of V-Twin builders and race tuners.

"From quarter mile passes to long haul touring, we design and develop our products with performance and durability in mind," said Bert Baker, co-founder of Baker Drivetrain. "We build parts with a purpose, and these adjuster shoes are the same. We tested them on the track, including on my own race bike, and the results were clear: they're stronger, they last longer, and they do the job the way they're supposed to."

Engineered as a high-strength, low-friction wear surface, these low-cost upgrade shoes help control chain motion and reduce parasitic power loss, delivering efficient torque transfer from the engine to the transmission. 

They are direct replacements for H-D part numbers 39976-65B (1965-2000 Big Twin models) and 39976-01 (2001-2006 Big Twin models, excluding the 2006 Dyna) and offer a high-quality solution now that OEM production has ended. 

BAKER DRIVETRAIN

www.bakerdrivetrain.com

Custom Dynamics

Brighter. Bolder. Shark Demon LED Fog Lights

Custom Dynamics has added to its Shark Demon lights lineup with these patents pending high-output LED fog lights. "Engineered for riders who demand maximum visibility, aggressive styling the offer factory-clean integration on Harley-Davidson motorcycles."

Features include premium gloss black housing and ultra-tough polycarbonate lens. They output 4140 'Raw Lumens' (2080 effective lumens the pair) and a daylight-white (5800-6500 k) clear lens delivers "maximum detail and clarity in fair weather.

For fog, rain and snow, a 'selective-yellow' (2900-3100k) yellow lens "slices through bad weather delivering strong contrast with minimal glare."

They are SAE and ECE compliant, IP67 waterproof rated, and the adjustable beam aims exactly where the rider needs it with vertical or horizontal mounting. 

An effortless 22 AWG wiring harness and in-line 5-Amp mini fuse make installation straight forward, and there is an integrated on/off push button soft switch (with 5 ft of wire lead) lets the rider control these 'fogs' directly through the factory infotainment system on 2023–2025 Street Glide & Road Glide models. "No extra switches. No clutter. Just clean, OEM-style control."

CUSTOM DYNAMICS LLC

www.customdynamics.com

Harley-Davidson

Harley's Artie Starrs Era Strategic Plan - 'Back To The Bricks' 

Following the introduction of a new 'RIDE' marketing platform last month, the 'MoCo' used the occasion of its Q1, 2026 Fiscals release to confirm an outline framework and some details of the new Strategic Plan that will come to define the Artie Starrs era.

Described as 'Back to the Bricks', the simple common-sense brand and balance sheet management it encapsulates could equally well be described as 'Back to Basics'. For the record the 'Bricks' that it references are the bricks with which the iconic Juneau Avenue, Milwaukee HQ was built.

The company first occupied the site on what was then called Chestnut Street in 1906. Following major expansions in 1910-1913, the iconic red-brick, multi-story factory was finished around 1926. 

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, "Bricks" is the employee colloquial for that building and at a time when the decision has been taken to have staff return to office working and re-populate the building, 'Back to the Bricks' is both the sentiment and mission behind a statement unifies legacy values and planning for growth.

A strategy that is intended to "restore performance and deliver profitable growth" by leveraging "Harley-Davidson's competitive advantages to restore volumes and build a platform for value creation - targeting over $350m of HDMC EBITDA in 2027."

Artie Starrs, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson went on to state that "having defined the motorcycle industry for more than 123 years, Harley-Davidson remains one of the world's most iconic and respected brands. 'Back to the Bricks' builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders. 

"This next chapter in Harley-Davidson's evolution is already underway, and early momentum reinforces our confidence in the significant opportunities ahead. As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand - while delivering meaningful value to the Company for our riders, dealers, and shareholders alike."

Quoted directly from their May 05 release, 'Back to the Bricks' is built on five key pillars:

A deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson's competitive advantages and legacy: The Company's iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.

Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson's dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.

Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has the right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company's new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.

Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.

Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.

Financial Targets

The Company is targeting more than $350m in EBITDA in 2027 for Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), with additional future upside through execution against Harley-Davidson's strategic priorities.

Defined by Artie Starrs as a three-to-five-year timeframe, over the medium term, Harley-Davidson is targeting:

Mid-single-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for HDMC retail unit growth - namely, rather than trying to make more from less, Artie Starrs wants to make more from more.

HDMC gross margin of 25-30%; mid-single-digit CAGR for HDMC Parts & Accessories and Apparel & Licensing growth; HDMC operational expenditures of less than 20% of sales and an HDMC EBITDA margin of 10-12%.

Highlights of that strategy will see a big win for dealer demand with an MY 2027/2028 return for an air-cooled Sportster (starting at $10k), with domestic US units being made at the York, Pa. Facility.

Before then will be a much-anticipated debut for the Sprint. Still expected to be based on the Hero MotorCorp, India developed X440cc oil-cooled single, it is slated for release at some stage of the 2027 model year and while it is thought likely to have a sub $10k entry level price-point, giving it breathing room beneath the pricing of the new Sportster, it is not now expected to hit the sub $6k mark that Jochen Zeitz had projected last summer.

Harley will build on the recently announced new 'RIDE' marketing platform with a focus on accessibility (Starr's preferred way of referencing a more nuanced affordability concept).

He is also keen to emphasise dealer profits, especially through parts and accessory revenue streams that will no longer the 'Cinderella' but a major source of opportunity for Harley, for dealers and for riders alike.  

Indeed (with what, in the May 05 Investor Call appeared to be confirmation that aftermarket P&A will get a fairer shake when it comes to authorized showroom access and inventory), and customizing with a recalibration of "blank canvas" model offers to stimulate P&A and individual personal expression.

The re-focus on the importance of the dealer network is something that Artie Starrs has flagged ever since he first visited Maverick Harley-Davidson in Carrollton, Texas in mid-2025. Long before news of his impending appointment had started to circulate, he enrolled in their Riding Academy Motorcycle Training Course, earned his license, and purchased his first Harley from that dealership.

Ensuring that the dealer network is financially healthy and has the right number of the right motorcycles in a broadened and deepened product offering is being widely welcomed. Starrs has stated that in recent years Harley's dealers have had to inventory "too many of too few motorcycles" on their showroom floors.

The recalibration of what unit "lifetime value creation" looks like makes this is a strategic plan whose time has come. Starrs also added that he and his team are "relaxed" about the mixed network they have inherited and are happy to see family-owned stores thrive alongside the chains. 

News Briefs

Harley-Davidson plans to spend $6.8m on exterior work at its historic Milwaukee HQ as it prepares for employees to return to work from its offices. It is embarking on an "envelope restoration" for its campus on Milwaukee's near west side, according to a commercial alteration permit application filed by Milwaukee architectural firm HGA. The permit covers work at its headquarters as well as structures at 3800, 3900 and 4000 W. Juneau Ave. In 2025 the company initiated the process of pursuing historic tax credits with an application to the National Register of Historic Places. The tax credits could enable Harley to defray up to 40% of the costs of a restoration project. Harley already attained historic status for the campus in 1994. However, the company filed an updated application in early 2025 and additional information in October 2025 as the basis for seeking an updated historic designation. In December 2025 it was announced that it will require white-collar employees to return to working from its offices starting from March 2026 - six years after it largely closed the property during the Covid-19 pandemic. Employees who live within a 50-mile radius of the headquarters were told that they will start working at the office three days per week in March and then four days a week starting in September/MBJ.

Where there were three, now there is one. Masterminded by Performance Brokerage Services, February saw an announcement that Hampton Roads H-D (Yorktown, Va.) and Southside H-D (Virginia Beach, Va.) were to be consolidated at the Portsmouth, Va. Location of Bayside H-D. In March long-time Bayside owner Maurice Slaughter sold the combined business to Michael Veracka's MOD Enterprises conglomerate, the largest dealership group owner in the USA. The combined business has been renamed Ironclad Harley-Davidson. Employees from all three stores have been offered employment within the new structure. PSB commented that for Veracka the move "reinforces a multi-store strategy focused on scale and operational efficiency. The group also operates Riverside Harley-Davidson, known as the world's top-volume Harley-Davidson dealership by new unit sales."

In the context of recent changes to tariff policy, Polaris has stated that, excluding potential refunds, the revised Tariff structure "will not have a material impact to the Company's 2026 full year guidance."

S&S Cycle, in collaboration with Motorcycle Storehouse, is bringing its rider contingency program to the 2026 BRL Europe Race Series. With a € 14,000 prize fund, the program underlines S&S Cycle's continued commitment to racing and performance development both in the US, and Europe. The S&S Cycle BRL Europe contingency program will run throughout the 2026 race season, rewarding performance, encouraging participation, and continuing to build the link between the racetrack and the street.

BRP has reported Full-Year 2025 revenues of $8,442.7m, an increase of 6.8% compared to 2024, driven by a favorable ORV product mix, as well as higher ORV and PWC shipments. BRP North American Powersports retail sales increased by 12% compared to 2024, resulting in market share gains in North America for ORV and Snowmobile. 

Harley-Davidson's blue-collar headcount continues to shrink, with production workforce posts down by about 800 positions from 2022, and further headcount reductions expected. CEO Artie Starrs told analysts in February that the company had hired an outside consultant to conduct "a rigorous, end-to-end review of the company's cost base and operating expenses," with plans to announce a strategic "reset" for Harley in May. Overall employment at Harley hit a recent peak of 6,400 as of year-end 2023 with 2,400 hourly unionized employees at its plants in Menomonee Falls, Tomahawk and York, Pennsylvania, where combined unionized employment peaked at 2,500 in 2022. In 2024, year-end total employment decreased to 5,900 and unionized employment fell to about 2,000. Then in 2025, overall employment was 5,500 at year-end with 1,700 positions in the unionized workforce. Harley listed 200 employees in the electric motorcycle LiveWire Group from 2022 through 2024 but reduced employment there to 150 as of year-end 2025/MBJ

Daytona RideNow dealerships are said to have defied trends with "record breaking" sales during Daytona Bike Week 2026. "Despite changing attendance in Daytona during Bike Week, the enthusiasm at the Indian dealership was at an all-time high. The team increased new unit sales of Indian motorcycles by 40% over 2025. RideNow Daytona Beach, a sister store to the Indian dealership increased sales by over 32% during the rally as well."