Kymco

Kymco reveals LiveWire-based RevoNEX

By Ben Purvis

Kymco has been promising a high-performance electric motorcycle since revealing the original RevoNEX concept bike back in 2019 - and while the latest version shares the same name it's a completely different vehicle that's much closer to production reality.

In fact, it's the third time Kymco has used the RevoNEX name. The original was a rather heavy-looking electric bike that took the unusual measure of featuring a conventional manual transmission. A second, completely redesigned concept arrived in 2022, looking slimmer and featuring completely new underpinnings that replaced the heavy manual gearbox with an electronic simulation of a manual - there was still a clutch lever and foot shifter, but the 'shifts' were programmed into the electric power delivery rather than real, mechanical changes of ratio. 

The latest Kymco RevoNEX concept is completely different to previous iterations, but retains the idea of an electronically-simulated gearshift to give an extra layer of control and familiarity for riders brought up on ICE motorcycles. However, it's a much more viable production bike than its predecessors because under the radical, semi-transparent bodywork lies the chassis and powertrain of the LiveWire S2 platform.

It's not unexpected. In late 2021 Kymco and LiveWire announced it was investing in the Livewire SPAC and that they were working together on future bikes, including machines based on the S2 'Arrow' platform that's since been launched in LiveWire's S2 Del Mar and S2 Mulholland models, and a smaller, cheaper 'S3' platform for lower-performance future bikes. 

Kymco expects the latest RevoNEX to reach production in late 2026, and while we can expect some elements of the concept bike to be replaced with simpler or lower-cost parts the overall look and chassis design is essentially locked-in at this stage.

For the latest concept Kymco has delved into the high-end components bin, using the tried and tested combination of Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes, along with some less familiar elements including a forged carbon fibre material for the seat unit and that red-tinted transparent fairing. Whether those parts make the cut for the production version will depend largely on Kymco's intended price point.

Kymco partnership leads to LiveWire's first scooters

Before the Kymco RevoNEX reaches production the company - along with LiveWire - has developed two electric maxi-scooters based on the same S2 Arrow platform that are set to wear LiveWire branding when they reach dealers in early 2026.

Details are thin on the ground, but renderings of the two machines show one is an adventure-style model, with fat, knobbly tyres and an array of luggage racks and crash bars covering almost every panel, while the other is a low, sleek design that's clearly intended as a city-oriented machine.

Both are notable for their long wheelbases and appear to show a new level of adaptability for the S2 Arrow platform. It was always designed to be scalable, allowing different battery sizes and motors to be fitted, and thanks to bolt-on front and rear subframes, the geometry can be easily changed. 

Power, performance and range are unknown at this stage, but the two bikes are likely to be officially launched in 12 months' time ahead of production in the first half of 2026.

News Briefs

PSB reports that Textron-owned snowmobile and ATV manufacturer Arctic Cat has announced that some 65 employees have been laid off at its Thief River Falls, MN facility (Nov 13, 2024), with many of its hourly production workforce employees also being furloughed "until early next year" when production is expected to resume. A company quarterly report states that "lower anticipated consumer demand" for specialized vehicles and canceled projects were factors in the company’s decision to "reduce operating expenses through headcount reductions."

Finally, some good news as the decade-long saga of the demise of the ill-starred Stuart Garland Norton motorcycles era continues to cause ripples in the UK. BDN has reported that pensioners who lost money from the Norton pension schemes have finally been compensated. More than 200 people who had been defrauded after former Norton brand owner Garner illegally invested their pension assets in Norton Motorcycle Holdings have had their money refunded by the UK's Pension Protection Fund, with more that £9.4m (approx. $12m) refunded.

Data from ACEM (Brussels) shows electric new motorcycle registrations (all L-Category vehicles) down by -25% for the first ten months of 2024 at 21,165 units. Germany is down by -45.8% (4,327 units) and Italy is down by -29.9% at 4,999 units YTD. Of Europe's 'Big Five' national markets France is the largest and is the only one holding on to demand - though still down YTD by -2.0% with 6,750 units sold. Registrations of L-Category electric mopeds are down in each of the 'Big Six' markets for those types of PTWs at -21.8% (38,681 units). These are the low cc equivalent Powered Two Wheelers and the 'Big Six' are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Belgium is the largest of the six, with France second and the Netherlands third. This data excludes E-assist cycles - which is a much larger market in Europe, in unit terms, and one that is still believed to growing. The data gathered for that sector is 'patchy' at best though as there are not many markets where conventional registrations are required and retail sales data, where available, is not reliable.

In terms of motorcycles of 250 cc and above, exports of motorcycles made in the 'Big Four' domestic Japanese based motorcycle brand factories have been softening in Europe as 2024 has developed, having staged somewhat of a comeback in the prior 24 months, but have rallied impressively to the USA. The latest available data (through September 2024) from JAMA (the automotive trade association in Japan, which includes representation of motorcycle manufacturers among its membership) shows exports to USA up by +27.59% at 67,179 units YTD. In contrast exports to Europe were down by -16.58% at 147,817 units. Global Japanese made motorcycle exports were -7.57% at 271,269 units, with total Global PTW (Powered Two-Wheeler) exports down by -9.86% at 332,841 units. For the record, annual worldwide Japanese made motorcycle and moped exports (all PTW) fell off a cliff in 2009 to 583,879 from over one million in 2008, having peaked at 1,641 million units in 2000. They have continued to decline most years since then, in large part as the Japanese brands have invested in production capacity elsewhere. However, the majority of higher value, larger displacement Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki models continue to be made in Japan. In 2023 they were at 518,259 units (+6.46%). European motorcycle imports from the Japanese factories were at +17.26% (247,187 units) in 2023; they were down by -1.34% to USA in 2023 at 132,218 units.

Parts Europe has added Ohlins suspension parts to its burgeoning inventory. The arrangement is to start with Harley-Davidson aftermarket cruiser/custom fitments, with parts for all other brands and segments following soon after. Ohlins was sold recently, with Apollo owned, $18bn turnover US conglomerate Tenneco accepting a € 370m offer from Brembo in Italy. The news came hard on the heels of an announcement that PE had also added the Italian made Zard H-D application exhausts, and the Denali brand of LED lights and related products. Founded by Northeastern US distributor Twisted Throttle, Denalli and TT were bought by Washington State based lighting specialist Vision X. Vision X/Denali were subsequently bought by Brown Wilson International in Australia, which in turn was bought by the giant Australian Amotiv group (formerly GUD Holdings). There's always a bigger fish! 

Harley sold 297 units in Sweden for the first nine months of 2024, for ninth spot (3.95%) in market share terms in the spiritual home of the Chopper. That was down from a 5.52% share (533 units) in the same period of 2023. Yamaha is market leaders in Sweden, followed by BMW, Honda, KTM and Kawasaki.

Owned by Vision X in Washington State, USA, the Denali brand of LED electronic accessories is now available for dealers in Europe through Parts Europe in Germany. Products include "a complete lighting and visibility package that includes the lights, light mounts, auxiliary brake light and a single intelligent plug-n-play controller to provide effortless installation and integrated control of all your accessories"; denalielectronics.com, visionx-europe.com, parts-europe.com

The IMF reports that global public debt is forecast to exceed $100tn by the end of 2024. IMF reports that the major economies' plans to stabilise borrowing will "fall far short of what is needed" - leaving advanced and emerging economies perilously exposed to the risks of global economic collapse.

Following the news that American owned, Italian electric sportbike manufacturer Energica is bankrupt, another high-profile e-bike brand has gone into bankruptcy. New York based Fuell Motorcycles has now joined the ever-growing list of electric PTW start-ups that are not, in fact, going the start up anymore. Fuell was the brand backed by former sportbike and H-D man Erik Buell. 

AIMExpo

AIMExpo: New Digital & Tech Hub for Dealer Solutions

In its ever-evolving search for compelling content, AIMExpo (Las Vegas, February 5-7, 2025) has announced a new Digital & Tech Sector Hub - a dedicated space for brands and vendors offering the latest technical and digital solution "to help dealers take their businesses to the next level."

Here, dealers can easily visit a nexus of companies "offering the latest innovations" and can take part in Tech Talks - small-group discussions with tech leaders who can help them approach opportunities and challenges from a new perspective.

Chris Yeloushan, VP of Dealer Development at Rollick. Along with Bob Lettis Sr. VP of Business Development at 700Credit, they approached AIMexpo with the Digital and Tech Hub concept.

"Every day, technology plays a greater role in making businesses more efficient, more profitable, and more sustainable," said Cinnamon Kernes, Vice President, Market Expansion, at the Motorcycle Industry Council. 

"We're inviting all attendees to stop by The Digital & Tech Sector, centrally located on the show floor, and visit with some of the country's leading digital solution providers and take advantage of fireside-chat style Tech Talks."

Kearns said that the concept of a Digital & Tech Sector was created when Bob Lettis, Sr. VP, Business Development & Partnerships at 700Credit, and Chris Yeloushan, VP of Dealer Development and Industry Relations at Rollick, Inc., approached the AIMExpo team after the 2024 show with the idea of curating such a space to make it easier for dealers to connect with this important, fast growing market segment.

"We listened to direct dealer feedback, which led us to seek an easy way to create a digital tech hub that would feature the top digital solutions companies in the industry," said Yeloushan. "By consolidating these innovative partners in a single place and providing Tech Talks, dealers have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation and problem-solving sessions with one another and with our panel speakers. AIMExpo provides the perfect platform for this experience, given its impact in the industry by recognizing the role technology plays in today's dealerships."

Bob Lettis added "technology is driving the industry, and it's important for dealers to adapt and adopt new innovations so they don't get left behind. Since dealer needs are not all the same, we wanted to make it easier for dealers to quickly see how some of the latest software can help them enhance their sales processes, and having this central hub allows them to quickly evaluate multiple options and offerings.

"We thought AIMExpo would be the perfect place to showcase The Digital & Tech Sector because it is the premier event for the powersports community to connect and learn."

Brands already slated to be participating in The Digital & Tech Sector include: 700Credit, Accelerate2Compliance, AppOne, Auto Data Direct, Avonbrook Software Solutions, Cycle News - Digital Throttle, Cycle Trader, Data Here-to-There Inc., Dealer Spike, FlexPath DXP, Horsepower Financial, Impel, LeadHelm, Lightspeed, Podium, Rollick, Inc., Service Manager Pro and ZPlan, Spader Business Management/NCM Associates, Statistical Surveys, Inc. and The Accounting Guys .

Arlen Ness

Mid-Control Kits, Jagged Rotor Options and Chain Drive Conversion

Arlen Ness' custom mid-control kits for FLT Touring models bring the foot controls to a mid-control position - increasing ground clearance and putting the rider in a more aggressive riding position.

The innovative control design utilizes the factory foot control (floorboard) mounts on the frame, instead of mounting to the engine, which allows for less vibration and, in most cases, eliminates the chance for engine case damage in the event of an accident. Mid-control positioning is slightly more forward than standard mid-control setups, providing a more aggressive riding position while maintaining comfort on longer rides. 

Mid controls­

Each control arm is CNC-machined from billet aluminum, while each control mount is made from CNC-bent steel for durability and factory-like fit. The kits include both brake and shift side foot control assemblies (no pegs or shift pegs included) and accept any male mount style footpegs or H-D big twin shift/brake peg on 2014-2023 FLT Touring/Bagger models (except 2023 FLHXSE & FLTRXSE). They accept any male mount footpeg set and H-D big twin shift/brake pegs.

They are a bolt-on installation for factory exhaust/headers and aftermarket pipes. The company says that "extensive R&D and road testing has shown that they deliver an improved smooth shifting and braking function. Installers will need to separately buy footpegs, shift peg and brake peg - allowing the rider to add their preferred style or color of pegs." 

Jagged big brake rotors

Also seen here, Arlen Ness Jagged rotors took the industry by storm when they were first introduced, offering an economical, high performing 420 stainless steel rotor in 11.8" and 11.5" options. 

"Over the years, we've grown this line into a powerhouse of braking options. It now includes the       2024 FLT 320MM spoke mount rotor, 15" rotor for Dyna, Sportster, Softail, 14" rotor for FLT models, 11.8" replacement rotor, 11.8" rear replacement rotor and 11.5" replacement rotor.

"All the kits are sold separately, finished in polished, black or gold, and include the caliper relocation brackets and pair nicely with our newest line of titanium Holeshot rotor hardware. Floating rotor kits include (5) titanium floating bolts and (5) spring washers; rotor to hub kits are either (5) 5/16" or (5) 3/8" hub-mounting bolts."

Additional features include CNC-machined finishing on every surface and edge for a smooth feel and better performance, 420 stainless construction, engineered for optimum performance and heat dispersion, with spoke-mount style rotors available in 320 mm diameter. 

Fitments include 2024-later FLT Touring/Bagger front wheels equipped with factory 320 mm spoke-mount type rotors.

Finally, and brand-new to the Arlen Ness range, this new Jagged chain drive conversion for 2009-2024 FLT Touring models converts from belt to chain drive, with each kit featuring specially designed front and rear sprockets that allow for bolt-on installation, eliminating the need for grinding the inner primary for clearance.

The 27-tooth front sprocket and 57-tooth rear sprocket retains the factory gear ratio, with both sprockets featuring a drilled out Jagged design style that is both heated-treated and coated for long-term durability.

Jagged cush drive chain conversion kit

The cush drive assembly is CNC-machined from billet aluminum and finished in black anodize. The use of 530 chains that are 130 links long is required, with the chain (sold separately) needing to be cut down to size. The kit works with both factory and aftermarket cush drive rear wheels.

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

www.arlenness.com

Custom Chrome Europe

Custom Chrome Europe - Additions

Müller Power Clutch 2.0

The combination of adjustments to Müller's Power Clutch and its additional new progressive action 'Clutch Control' offers the best possible clutch performance. No slipping, 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 required clutch lever force and effort by an average up to 45-50% making it easier to adjust and delivering an improved pressure point. Suitable for the cable clutch transmission on '21-'24 Touring, '18-'24 Softail, and '21-'24 Trike. 

Ultima Transmission for 6 Speed Twin Cam 'A'

Ultima's 6-Speed transmissions are the ultimate upgrade for the early model Twin Cam 'A' engines. These transmission cases are designed to be a stronger stock replacement case that are packed with new features that meet or exceed standards expected of much higher priced transmissions.

The gears and shafts made from hardened 8620 steel for years of service with big inch engines. There are pro-cut lead-in ramps for positive shifting, hardened steel forks for durability and longevity, a roller detent gives smooth, positive shifting action, and there's a billet trap door and the case is machined from permanent mold A356-T6 Aluminum.

There is a close ratio 2.94 low gear set and the whole package is assembled by professionals and bench tested. Additional features include improved spring material composition, cable operated clutch release, an extended oil filler that is cast into the case to allow clearance for longer starters and it is designed to use OEM style speedometer sensors.

It is available with Black or 'Raw' housing with chrome covers for '01-'05 Dyna and '01-'06 Touring.

Rick's 'Club Style' Pullback Risers

These versatile 'Club Style' Pullback Riser program options from Rick's in Germany are available as kits for top or bottom mounted round speedometers, or for models with dash-mounted instruments.

The angle of the precision CNC machined speedometer housings is adjustable, and they ship with the Rick's 'Torque Bar' handlebar clamp for optimal stiffness, riser screws and riser-rigid mounting kit with four stainless steel bushings.

Designed for a clean and stylish look that complements the popular 'Club Style' that many riders seek, internal routing through covered cable channels down the risers and clamp top cover mean no visible cables. 

They are suitable for Low Rider S OEM speedometers but do not fit with the OEM speedometers on Fat Bobs. They are available in 7, 8.5, 10 and 11.5" heights with 1 1/4" clamp diameters for '22-'24 FXLRS, '18-'20 FXFB, '18-'20 FXFBS 114, '19 FXFB 114 and '21-'24 FXFBS.

New Style Latch Covers

Designed by legendary master customizer Fred Kodlin, these new style latch covers feature the kind of precision and craftsmanship and new styling that riders appreciate.

Made from aluminum with a high-end finish they fit with OE the mounting material and saddlebag lock on '23-'24 FLHXSE, '23-'24 FLTRXSE, '24 FLHX, '24 FLTRX and '24 FLTRXSTSE; available in Black Satin or Chrome.

CUSTOM CHROME EUROPE

www.custom-chrome-europe.com

Freedom Performance

Fishtails for Touring and Softail Models

Corona, California based Freedom Performance "Original Gangster, no Baffle Fishtail" exhaust features an outer diameter of 1 7/8 inches and is available in lengths of 33", 36", 39", and 42".

It is straightforward to install and produces the "aggressive 'brap brap' that embodies the original, classic, authentic LA aesthetic." Available in chrome or black finishes - "these exhausts are the real deal," says CEO Martin Arteaga.

Freedom offers specialized mounting brackets for its touring Shark Tails and Fishtails, allowing dealers and riders to adjust the slip-ons left and right, as well as up and down, to keep them perfectly centered.

They are available on pre-order now with an estimated 4 to 6-week delivery.

FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST

www.freedomperformexhaust.com

Hawg Halters

HHI Dominator Billet Swingarm 

Georgia based Hawg Halters has added to its Dominator Swingarm program with this Dominator billet swingarm for FXR and early model FL Touring bikes.

First seen for Baggers at Daytona in March 2024, the precision machined 6061-T6 aluminum swingarm features a lightweight chromoly hollow axle, with a multi-point shock mount system that is designed to work with 10" to 15" shocks and a positive lock adjustable position axle locator system that delivers 2.5 inches of adjustment.

The HHI Dominator swingarm utilizes an interlocking three-piece design that incorporates a massive high strength keying feature with thermal shrink fitting to ensure precision alignment, maximum strength, and permanent construction.

Subtle additions like a keyed axle locator plate and an innovative HHI exclusive stainless steel inner swingarm axle protector allow for maximum axle installation torque and prevents damage to the inner billet swingarm faces.

A new product design that had been in development for more than 12 months at the time of its Daytona launch, it is an advanced design available at what Hawg Halters described at the time as "very aggressive" pricing (in a good way!).

Builders such as Hoffman Designs, So Flo Cycles, Unknown Cycles, Deadwood Custom Cycles have already built with the Dominator, showing at Daytona. Now several, including the mid-control exhaust specialist SPF Fab and others are looking forward to working with the FXR version. 

It ships fully assembled, including pre-installed bearings and sleeves, and is a complete time- and cost-saving ready-to-install kit. The design is said to reduce weight by over 20% compared to a stock swingarm. 

"The main swingarm is a three-piece assembly and one of the unique design innovations we have incorporated with a massive interlocking hi-strength, thermally press-fit keying feature that provides precision alignment and permanent construction."

Assembled with 4 high strength 1/2" diameter 12 pt polished stainless steel, heavy flange ARP bolts, it has a positive lock-adjustable position axle locator system, provides 2 inches of full axle slot adjustment (2.5 times greater than stock) and a keyed axle locator plate that eases axle installation.

There are exclusively designed and made stainless steel inner swingarm axle protector plates, and the design allows maximum axle installation torque, promotes positive axle position and prevents damage to swingarm billet inside faces.

A multi-point shock mount system allows the swingarm to go from stock to +1/2" height - a unique design that, among other benefits, allows installation of most shock absorber brands without spacing. 

The "extreme strength, lightweight hollow axle is made from 150 ksi heat-treated medium carbon steel alloy," says Mark, "which has been precision machined for close tolerance fit and nickel plated for long lasting durability."

Additional features include a stainless steel 36 mm hex axle nut with stainless steel stock type H-D retaining rings supplied as standard. 

The HHI Dominator FXR Swingarm ships fully assembled, with pivot bearings and sleeves installed. IT is available in in Machine, Black and Inca Gold.

HAWG HALTERS INC.

www.hawghalters.com

Klock Werks

Klock Werks' 10" Flare for 2023.5-2024 Street Glide (FLH) Models

Mitchell, South Dakota based Klock Werks has added to its popular Flare Windshields program with this new 10" Flare application for Harley-Davidson 2023.5-2024 FLH models - "providing Street Glide riders with an upgraded solution that continues to deliver style, stability, and enhanced comfort".

Brian Klock, founder of Klock Werks, says: "this 10" Flare Windshield for the Street Glide was developed to reduce turbulence around the rider and give that secure, planted feeling - even at highway speeds. The response from our test riders has been outstanding, and we're confident Street Glide owners will appreciate what this windshield brings to their riding experience."

The ideal choice for taller riders or those who sit higher in the saddle, it offers increased coverage over the current 8" option and features Klock Werks' signature "hips and flips" design, "significantly reducing turbulence and buffeting."

Upgraded brackets have been designed to ensure a secure and stable fit for easy installation and added reliability. "It retains the streamlined profile that Street Glide riders love, with added height for superior wind protection without compromising aesthetics." It is made in high-quality polycarbonate and available in Dark Smoke and Tint finishes.

KLOCK WERKS

www.getklocked.com