Harley hire Jim Federico

Harley hire Jim Federico from GM

HARLEY-Davidson has hired former General Motors engineer Jim Federico as its new Vice President of Engineering. Federico had spent nearly 36 years at GM and retired as the company's Executive Director of Global Vehicle Integration in May this year.
Federico has worn many hats during his time at GM, but he has been in the news recently as GM's "champion" of an airbag failure investigation that resulted in a team of GM engineers he was appointed to discovering an ignition switch defect - a fault that has been linked to 13 deaths since 2004, and prompted the recall of more than 2.6 million Chevrolet, Saturn and Pontiac vehicles.

Harley-Davidson spokeswoman Maripat Blankenheim is reported to have told a Milwaukee newspaper that Harley had been talking to Federico “for some time” before the announcement was made. 

GM has said that Federico made his own decision to retire from the auto maker, and that the decision was not directly related to the switch issue. GM has recently split its engineering department into two divisions, and John Calabrese, GM Vice President of Global Vehicle Engineering, also retired during the change.
As part of his most recent role as GM’s global director of global vehicle integration, Federico was the lead engineer behind many current products including the Buick Regal/Opel Insignia, Buick Encore/Opel Mokka, Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic and Spark.

World Champs entry forms

World Champs entry forms available online
 
THE official entry form, rules and class definitions for the 2014 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building are now available online.



Being staged at INTERMOT for the first time, in Cologne, Germany, from September 30th to October 5th 2014, 'Early Bird' competitors can scoop a €100,00 entry fee discount - bikes entered prior to June 30th will be able to enter for €100,00 (fee exemptions apply to 2013-14 Affiliate Show winners and previous World Championship prize winners).



All competitors also receive the AMD World Championship 2014 special edition 'Competitor Logo' for use in all their own advertising, marketing, print, website and social media activity, in addition to a free of charge studio-grade photo-shoot set of pictures of their bike.

There will be five classes at the AMD World Championship in 2014 - the now traditional and highly acclaimed FreeStyle class from which the 11th annual AMD World Champion Custom Bike Builder will be chosen, plus four further classes to recognize specific sectors of the custom motorcycle market.



The Retro/Modified Class will showcase customs based on engines manufactured before 1984.



The Modified Harley-Davidson Class will feature stock frame geometry customs with engines (minimum stock cases) from 1984 and up.



The Street Performance Class will showcase custom design and engineering work where the primary objective is to improve the performance and handling of streetable customs.



All new for 2014, a Cafe Racer Class for 50s/60s inspired road race bikes.



One change from previous years is that no run-testing will take place at the event itself, so video evidence of each bike being ridden must be submitted prior to arrival at the Cologne Exhibition Centre (Koeln Messe) on Monday September 29th (set-up day) for the bike to be eligible to win a prize.

For further information or for any clarifications contact the World Championship program Director Neil Blaber at neil@amdchampionship.com 

To enter, follow this link: www.amdchampionship.com/worldchamps

28th Biker Fest, Italy

Inglourious Basterds Cycles win AMD's Italian Affiliate event



THE 3rd annual Italian Motorcycle Championship took place at the 28th Biker Fest in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Udine, Italy, from May 15-18. The Italian Championship is the culmination of a 10 event network of custom bike shows held throughout Italy and promoted by Italian custom magazine Bikers Life.



Staged again on the impressive Terrazza a Mare, 55 bikes from across Italy plus visitors from the Czech Republic, Romania and Ukraine competed in Freestyle, Modified Harley-Davidson, Metric, Streetfighter, Cafe Racer and Scrambler classes with the three Best in Show winners receiving 1,000 Euro expenses towards competing at the 11th annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at INTERMOT, Cologne, Germany, from September 30 to October 5, 2014. 



This year’s winner was the reigning AMD Retro Modified World Champion, Inglourious Basterds Cycles of Italy, with “Madiba”, a heavily modified Benelli 600 Sport Cafe Racer.



In second place was Lari Motori with a Harley-Davidson Fatboy, and in 3rd place PDF Motociclette - the new shop formed by the “Abnormal Cycles” crew after splitting from Abnormal Cycles owner Samuele Reali. Their third placed bike, “WR Hazard”, is based on a Harley-Davidson WLA frame and engine, with many hand-made parts.

Polaris' European Factory

Polaris' first factory in Europe

PANATTONI Europe, a leading industrial property developer, has completed the first European factory for Polaris Industries Inc. The 33,000 sqm facility (355,000 sq ft) was built in Opole, at the Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone Invest-Park in Poland. 

Production of vehicles is expected to commence as early as September.
The production hall takes up 25,600 sqm of the facility (275,000 sq ft), the rest being warehousing and offices; construction work started at the beginning of August 2013.

"This is the manufacturer's first European factory. Up to 25 thousand quads and small all-terrain vehicles per year will be made for delivery to Europe, Middle East and Russia. Some 350 jobs will be created initially, with that number expected to grow in the future" said Boguslaw Dawiec, Plant Manager.

“Our Opole, Poland, plant is right on schedule for start up later this year,” Polaris President and COO Bennett Morgan said during Polaris’ first-quarter conference call in April.

Zodiac Racing

Zodiac Racing ready to defend European Championship

EUROPEAN Champion Zodiac Racing is about to start the 2014 season with one goal in mind, to defend the European crown. This year started with the good news that all their major sponsors will continue their support for the coming race season. 

Zodiac General Manager Vincent Pels said "it became even better when long time Zodiac partner S&S Cycle, the “Industry Leader of Proven Performance Products for Harley-Davidson”, decided to team up and support our racing efforts.

"With a rich racing heritage of more than 55 years, the support and knowledge of S&S Cycle is more then welcome, not the least because of the Hubba Hubba supercharged Top Fuel Harley-Davidson. This bike was the first V-twin to exceed 200 mph in the quarter mile in 1995, under the leadership of George Smith Jr., an accomplishment that Zodiac Racing's team principal Ton Pels did himself one year later, as the first European."

So in addition to S&S Cycle and distributor Zodiac International as naming rights sponsor, "Godfather VII" will again be supported by the likes of Spectro Oils of America, SuperTrapp, Accel Motorcycle Products and Kibblewhite Precision Machining Inc.

Pels says that "the team is also going to rely on valuable parts from supporters such as National Cycle for their 220 mph tested V-Stream wind screen, and Eriks/Gates, who helped to develop a new blower drive system for this coming season.

The formation of the team will be the same as last year, with former Zodiac General Manager Ton Pels as team principal, his son Vincent Pels as Crew Chief and Norwegian Ronny Aasen as rider.

The first outing of the year will be the first round of the FIM Europe Super Twin Top Fuel championship at Santa Pod Raceway in the UK. Ton and Vincent Pels (T&V Racing) have made some major changes in the fuel system of the 1000+HP nitro-methane breathing machine, to be able to control the extraordinary fuel delivery of over 12 gallons per minute better.

The rest of the changes made over the winter are mostly for consistency, like a new blower drive, newly designed CP pistons and a titanium 9-stage clutch. They expect to need one or two runs to dial-in the bike and get their base line setting back, but from then on the plan is to run hard, so Ronny can take on the elite of European
V-Twin racers in the only true European Championship. 

www.zodiac.nl

Firebrand Exhausts

Former V&H engineers launch new exhaust company

JOHN Peck and Leigh Crawford have announced the launch of Firebrand Design LLC, which will manufacture and design aftermarket products for motorcycles. The two industry veterans said they are "focusing initial efforts on manufacturing exhausts for Harley-Davidsons," but that they "also plan on expanding the line with other products and for additional vehicle brands."

The company's first products are Loose Cannon Slip-Ons for Harley touring models. "Products for Sportster, Softail and Dyna are currently in production and will be available this summer," the company announced.

Firebrand’s new ‘Loose Cannon’ exhausts are available in chrome or black ceramic. The company uses what it is describing as a ‘flash-suppressor’ end treatment and a “race inspired” high performance baffle which features dual density muffler packing and is designed to “maximize stock and high performance motors.”

Firebrand products are being distributed by HardDrive Parts, a division of Boise, Idaho based distributor Western Power Sports (WPS).

Peck, President of Firebrand, is the former Vice President of manufacturing at Vance & Hines. “We saw an opportunity for a company that could combine the experience and production capabilities of the large corporations, with the passion and creativity of the custom shops,” he said. Peck will manage day-to-day operations.

Crawford, taking on the role of Vice President of Development at Firebrand, is the former R&D manager at Vance & Hines.

“We don’t want to be just another exhaust company,” Crawford said. “As an enthusiast, I am creating products that not only push the limits of style and design, but provide riders a tremendous value.”

www.firebrandmotorcycle.com
www.hdtwin.com

Wunderkind Custom

Adjustable foot controls

COMPLETELY CNC-machined from aluminum, these new foot controls by respected German parts and accessory manufacturer Wunderkind (the custom parts brand of ABM) offer multiple adjustment possibilities, with the distance of the brake and gear levers able to be adjusted individually to the rider.

The variable positioning of the controls means the rider can also choose his or her individual design in black, with or without chrome-look inserts. The surface is coated with high quality BLACKPearl Eloxal.

The system is available for all H-D Dyna and Sportster models, with VRSC V-Rod versions being released soon.

WUNDERKIND-CUSTOM
Breisach, GERMANY
Tel. +49 (0)7667 9446-11
info@wunderkind-custom.com
www.wunderkind-custom.com

Tucker Rocky / MAG "merger" deal completed

Tucker Rocky / MAG "merger" deal completed

Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice and Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) have announced that their previously announced "merger" has now been completed.

As planned the combined company will operate under the MAG name, John. A. Lacy, President and CEO of Indianapolis based Lacy Diversified Industries (LDI, Ltd., the majority shareholder of the combined company) as the Chief Executive Officer.
Brian Etter will continue in his role as President of MAG’s "branded product, media and online retail operations," with Dan Courtney continuing as President of Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice.
The former MAG majority owner, the Los Angeles based equity investor Leonard Green & Partners and other "legacy MAG shareholders" as they are being described will retain a "significant minority interest in the combined company."
Best known as the owners of Vance & Hines, Performance Machine, Kuryakyn, Progressive Suspension, J&P Cycles and a number of other high profile specialist motorcycle industry parts and accessory brands, manufacturers, retailers and media outlets MAG is being toted as having "merged" with the Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice operation.
However, industry talk of an arising likelihood that the deal implies some kind of upcoming 'integration' plan between the two aftermarket giants appears to be wide of the market.

J A Lacy is the fourth generation of his family to head up Indianapolis based Lacy Diversified Industries (LDI) and will become CEO of the combined company which will operate under the Motorsport Aftermarket Group name (MAG).

Following the retirement of Steve Johnson at the end of 2012 Dan Courtney became president of Tucker Rocky and will continue in that role following the merger

Brain Etter continues in his role as President of Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) the parent company of well known parts and accessories brands such as Vance & Hines, Kuryakyn, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, J&P Cycles and UK based offroad specialist Renthall

The deal in fact appears to be a lot simpler at this stage, with Tucker Rocky's parent company LDI simply making a strategic acquisition which, in effect, sees them taking an ownership position as an alternate investor to Leonard Green & Partners or acquisition by some other equity investor.
It would appear that Leonard Green had decided that the interests of the investors in fund through which their ownership of MAG was held and funded would now be better served by realising value at this time, rather than continuing with its ownership.
In this context industry insiders are pointing to LDI as being an excellent ownership candidate for MAG as the company has both the resources and the pedigree to be a beneficial long-term owner of a power sports industry business, as proven by their established track record as owners of Tucker Rocky.
At the time that the plan was press released some seven weeks before this completion announcement LDI stated that it had "been a major participant in the power sports industry for 25 years through its ownership of Tucker Rocky/Biker’s Choice", and referenced their business ownership strategy as being one of "build and hold".
That said, rumors about consolidation and potential "merger" of operations were rife at the time, fuelled in part, it would appear, by LDI also stating that “long-term success for the company will be built by bringing enhanced selection, service and solutions to power sports dealers in order to drive retail sales growth.” A statement that appears to presage leveraging of  combined ownership and Tucker Rocky / Biker's Choice resources in a rather more "integrated" way than a simple investment holding company strategy might suggest.
While those rumours have died down since, and with all concerned remaining tight-lipped about details, there nonetheless is widespread relief that MAG ownership will reside "within" the industry and a growing sense that this particular chapter in the story of aftermarket consolidation brings opportunity for dealers with it.
At the time MAG Chairman, shareholder and original founding partner Arnie Ackerman was quoted as saying that “the strategic merit for this combination stems from the highly complementary product and service offerings of each of these businesses.”
Lacy Diversified is somewhat of an American institution, certainly an Indianapolis institution, owing its origins to a business founded there in 1912 by Howard Lacy. The Lacy Diversified name was adopted in 1972 to reflect the evolution of the group and now, 102 years since it was founded, it is still owned and operated by the Lacy family, with Andre Lacy as Chairman and his son, John A. Lacy, representing the fourth generation of the family to be involved in the ownership and operation of the group.
Famously, Tucker Rocky owes its origins to Texan Ed Tucker's 1967 wholesale motorcycle oil business and subsequent expansion and diversification following Bob Nickell's purchase of the business in 1972.
The business became Tucker Rocky (TR) in 1986 following the purchase of Rocky Cycle, and was acquired by Lacy Diversified Industries in 1989. NEMPCO, a specialist New England based Harley aftermarket parts business (founded in 1971 by Larry Coppola) was bought by Tucker Rocky in 1992 in order to give the group strength in a then fast developing custom parts industry that had already seen the emergence of several strong specialty distribution brands.
TR re-branded NEMPCO as Biker's Choice (itself a NEMPO own brand) in 1998; the business is a strictly wholesale operation that claims it sells over 100,000 products to all sectors of the motorcycle and wider power sports market, through seven domestic US distribution centers.
MAG was founded in 2000 by Arnie Ackerman and his partners in a San Francisco based equity investment fund managed by Duff Ackerman and Goodrich (DAG). The specific intention of the fund was to acquire, finance and develop leading motorcycle aftermarket parts and accessory brands and manufacturers.
As the man who had largely guided the acquisition strategy and driven development of the Group, Ackerman retained a shareholding in MAG in 2006 when DAG's interest was acquired by Leonard Green & Partners - a Los Angeles based equity investor with current involvements in well known consumer brands such as Petco, The Sports Authority, J Crew, Top Shop, Lucky Brand Jeans and the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Though details are confidential it is being assumed that Ackerman and former MAG company owners such as Terry Vance, Byron Hines, Tom Rudd, Perry Sands, John Parham and others are among the "legacy" shareholders referred to by LDI, thus meaning, given the deal and holding company structure that has been announced, that they now, in effect, have a (albeit modest) stake in ownership of Tucker Rocky.

www.ldiltd.com
www.maggroup.com
www.tuckerrocky.com
www.bikerschoice.com

Zodiac Old Skool bike

Old Skool DIY kit bike from Zodiac

Words: 'Grizzly'   Pictures: Zodiac

ZODIAC is not known for embracing every little thing just because it happens to be fashionable, rather they wait and watch carefully to see what happens before deciding to include new parts in their catalog. And that philosophy has worked for Zodiac for more than 30 years. They not only sell Chopper and custom parts, but continue with the core of their business, providing parts for the maintenance and repair of Harleys, parts that are, according to the company, equal or better than stock. Zodiac prefers to sell practical parts, and with that in mind has put together its Old Skool kit bike.
Bobbers and early Choppers are currently popular, but are they practical, the company asked itself. “Considering the age of most builders and riders nowadays, you can seriously doubt it. A hardtail without shocks is not exactly comfortable, and an original stock old Harley motor needs to be wrenched on every now and then. With H-D drum brakes the need to anticipate traffic is very real,” Zodiac’s Vincent Pels explains. “That’s why we developed this kit, with which you can build a technically sound bike, a bike that stops when it needs to, a bike that does not kill your back on a long run. Of course, we realize that for some diehards there is no substitute for a real hardtail, and we can cater for that customer too, but to suffer voluntarily is not the dream of every Chopper and Bobber owner.”

The base of this kit, which can be built by customers or Zodiac dealers, is a Kraft Tech Softail frame. At the front end Zodiac decided to use a Narrow Glide, creating a look that resembles the chops of the late Indian Larry. The brakes are modern disc brakes; the front has a Billet Six caliper from Harrison. The combination of this front end and a frame with suspension and modern brakes assures a well handling, comfortable bike with sufficient braking power. The wheel combination is a classic one, a 16in wheel at the back and a 21in at the front. Tires, however, are modern again, for the best road holding.
The motor for this particular kit offered by Zodiac (there are more) is a 1,340cc S&S Evo. Gearbox is an up to date six-speed, the drive chain a Tsubaki. Instead of a kicker, this bike starts with the help of a powerful electric starter and the primary drive contains a slim-line Primo belt.
For the bodywork a ribbed Mustang gas tank is fitted, and the oil tank is the traditional chrome cylindrical style. The ribbed style of the gas tank can also be found following through on to the front fender. The rear fender has been bolted directly to the Softail style swingarm instead of the frame, using old fashioned but sturdy struts. “This way the bike resembles a hardtail more. For that reason the preferred seat is a sprung pan, and the necessary gap between seat and moving fender won’t look awkward,” says Vincent.
The Zodiac kit is 99 percent complete, all it needs extra is some wiring and paint. Almost everything can be bolted on. The other work involved is drilling holes for the gas tank and making the fender mounts. Motor and gearbox come entirely assembled, just like the fork legs and the clutch.
Beside this (the most affordable kit), Zodiac also offers the same bike with a 1,565cc motor, and also a kit with a 1,855cc Euro-3 motor and exhaust. Last but not least, and also the most expensive kit, Zodiac offers one that has an S&S Knuckle motor. This kit comes with a Springer instead of a telescope front end and a fat 16in front wheel instead of that slim 21in wheel. 

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL
Mijdrecht, NETHERLANDS
Tel: +31 (0)297 288 621
sales@zodiac.nl
www.zodiac.nl

W&W Cycles

New additions to W&W product line

W&W now has reproductions of the Cannonball MAG-12 design wheels popular on drag racing cars in the ‘60s. Although destined for use on cars, and only available in 15in and 18in diameters, the wheels were taken on by early chopper builders.

These new versions of the design are cast using modern aluminum alloys, and they also feature a changed hub design that allows for the installation of common H-D drum and disc brake systems, and that is compatible with a variety of Harley sprocket set-ups. Certified to take loads of 350kg per wheel, they are available sizes in 16 x 3in and 19 x 2.5in sizes, and a choice of barrel polished or finely bead-blasted finish to achieve a dull magnesium-like appearance.
All Cannonball MAG-12 wheels, which are certified by TÜV and JWL (JASO) approved, are supplied with a universal use hub and require a specific brake drum mounting kit or double flange adapter kit with bearings.

Easyriders short Bobber fenders can now be purchased through W&W. Designed for use on Sportsters 2004 onward, the fiber reinforced plastic, gel coat finished fenders mount to the original struts, which have to be shortened.  A custom taillight and relocation of turn signals is also required when fitting the fender. 

A new product at W&W is the Antigravity Micro-Start XP-3, which is an ultra-small and extremely powerful Lithium-Ion power source. Despite its small size it is said to be capable of jump starting any motorcycle, with its 200A jump starting ability. It can also be used to power or charge electronic devices such as iPads, cell phones, GPS, GoPro cameras, MP3 players and anything else that can be charged via a USB Bus.
The Micro-Start XP-3 features two power ports (a jump start port and a USB 5V output for charging or powering electronic devices); an LED flashlight with two flash patterns; over-charge and over-discharge protections; detachable mini jumper clamps and universal USB cable with three common tips: iPhone 4, USB 2.0 Mini-B and USB Micro-B. The Micro-Start XP-3 by Antigravity measures just 130 x 74 x 24mm.

Among the Roland Sands Design parts now being stocked by W&W are the Traction grips. Featuring deeply knurled and contoured rubber over a CNC machined aluminum body, the ends of the grip bodies also accept a choice of rippled or RSD logo inserts. The Traction grips are available in a choice of chrome, Black-Ops or polished finishes.
Traction shifter pegs are also available through W&W. The pegs, in billet aluminum in either chrome or black anodized finishes, or in brass, all have a rubber covering. 

A feature of the Atlas Shrugged Z-bars from Pangea Speed is the use of 45 degree slash-cut lugs. The 1in diameter bars are open at the lower end to allow for internal wiring. Designed for use with ’81 and later controls, the Atlas bars are 11cm high, 60cm wide and have 11cm pullback.

 

W&W CYCLES
Wuerzburg, GERMANY
Tel: +49 (0)931 250 61 16
(01149 931 250 6116 from the US)
sales@wwag.com
www.wwag.com

Renegade Wheels

New designs offered by Renegade

CALIFORNIAN custom wheel specialist Renegade Wheels has brought new machining process to the world of custom billet aluminum motorcycle wheels with its ‘asymmetrical machining’ procedure, which it says allows deep surfacing that cannot be achieved on traditional symmetrical designed wheels.

The new technology is being used in the production of two wheel designs; the Baxter and Tulsa. The Tulsa’s simplistic design looks like a classic split five-spoke wheel, but has unique full 3D effect on both sides. Also said to be a first from Renegade, the Phantom-Cut finish (shown) Baxter is made in the USA and CNC machined from forged lightweight billet aluminum with the hand polished highlights accenting the black anodizing. 

Renegade is also offering further new wheel designs with the launch of its Bridgeport and Warwick wheels. The Bridgeport is offered, like all Renegade Wheel rim designs, in diameters from 16in up to 30in, and a choice of Phantom-Cut or black powder coated finishes. Manufactured from forged aluminum billet, which is CNC machined, the wheel, which has 14 interlaced spokes, can be combined with matching rotors, sprockets, pulleys, derby covers and air cleaners.

Bridgeport

The Warwick, which features a swept five-spoke design where each spoke appears to be three uniquely layered blades on top of each other, is also offered in sizes 16in-30in and a range of finishes. The finish options include not only chrome and black powder coat but also the company’s Phantom-Cut that features hand polished highlights accenting black anodizing. Renegade has matching rotors, sprockets, pulleys, derby covers and air cleaners available too. 

Warwick

RENEGADE WHEELS
Orange, California, USA
Tel: 714 998 7241
sales@renegadewheels.com
www.renegadewheels.com

Spectro Oils of America

Spectro launch Victory and Indian
model-specific oil

LAUNCHED at the V-Twin Expo, the Golden 4 20w40 viscosity oil is a
semi-synthetic specifically targeted at Victory and Indian motorcycle owners to meet the viscosity requirements of those particular brands including JASO MA2 for wet clutch compatibility. 

Formulated to meet the demands of air and oil cooled American V-twin engines, Golden 4 semi-synthetic 20w40 is batch blended using Spectro’s G4 Technology, which is said to offer a longer drain interval and the highest shear stability.
“Victory dealers have been asking for this product, and coupled with the strong launch of Indian and continued Victory growth, it should be a good seller,” said Ken Ciocci, Foreign Sales Manager at Spectro Oils.
“Based on the successful formulation of Spectro’s iconic Golden 4 20w50, customers who use Spectro Golden 4 20w40 will also experience smoother shifting and clutch action.”
Spectro’s G4 Technology refers to the company’s 100 percent Pure Group IV Platinum Full Synthetic, which is crafted from modern Group IV PAO (polyalphaolefin) synthetic base stocks. The PAO molecules are assembled to provide superior strength and endurance. The Group IV synthetic molecule is said to be engineered to better resist being sheared in the gears, and to fight degrading oxidation due to high temperatures.

SPECTRO OILS OF AMERICA
Brookfield,
Connecticut, USA
Tel: 203 775 1291
jjhsells@aol.com
www.spectro-oils.com

Le Pera Outcast GT

Outcast GT with color match options

LE PERA has taken its already popular Outcast saddle and reworked it to create the brand new Outcast GT. 

With the new Outcast GT the customer has the option to customize the seat by choosing the color and material used for the inlay center strip and ‘Speed Stripes’, while increased rider comfort is offered by the deeply contoured, newly formulated Marathon foam foundation. The seat also has a matching and removable rider backrest.
Le Pera is making the Outcast GT available for ’08 and later Touring models. 

LE PERA ENTERPRISES
North Hollywood, California, USA
Tel: 818 767 5110
info@lepera.com
www.lepera.com

Ride Wright Wheels

Three-piece modular billet hub

RIDE Wright Wheels, well known for their extensive range of spoked motorcycle wheels, have been building a reputation for also now manufacturing forged billet wheels, and have taken that technology to create their new three-piece modular billet hub for their wheels. Ride Wright states that it is the first company to offer the new design of 6061-T6 aluminum hubs and that it will be offering them on its entire range, including the new forged line. 

With the new hub design dealers need to carry less stock, as one wheel can be used for different applications with a simple change of hub ends. 

RIDE WRIGHT WHEELS
Anaheim, California, USA
Tel: 714 632 8297
sales@ridewrightwheels.com
www.ridewrightwheels.com

Hawg Halters

Hawg Halters and AirFX launch joint distribution initiatives for complete suspension systems

IN new product terms it has been quite a year for Hawg Halters, the Georgia, USA based manufacturer.

41mm front and rear suspension kit

Touring Bike Rear Shock Kit

New versions of its popular X23 triple tree, designed for maintaining the correct steering geometry on 2014 touring models with 23” wheels, were followed by a new Neck Rake Builders kit for 2014 tourers fitted with 49mm front ends.
Historically the company has been best known for its brake products and is offering differential bore 4 and 6 piston direct bolt on calipers in black or chrome for stock 11.5” and  11.8” stock rotors and performance upgrades for both 13" and the newest 18" sizes, all with matching True Floating Brake Rotor Kits in chrome, phantom cut.
Another new addition to their product line this year are complete touring bike front end kits as part of a complete front end program that “delivers a fully assembled bolt-on package to HHI dealers and custom builders.”

41mm Front Cartridge Inserts

-------------------------------------------------

Hawg Halters’ complete front end program delivers a fully assembled bolt-on package from a flexible modular range of options including triple trees, lower legs and suspension configuration

Softail Rear AirFX  shock kit

Owner Mark Thompson went on to say that “this exciting new assembly includes our choice of triple trees, starting with the innovative X23 for stock frame upgrades, or one of our complete range of triple trees for those building a big wheel bagger using a full neck kit.
“Currently we are offering triple trees for custom builds from the 23” wheel to the 30/32” big wheel kits.
“Then there is a choice of ‘Bomber’ or ‘Torpedo’ billet lower legs in single or dual disc configuration, in chrome or black finish, with a hidden axle, and our 4-bolt fender mount brackets. Our complete front end kits are currently in 41mm, but we’re looking to add 49mm packages this season.
“Finally a variety of shock absorber treatments, including stock or lowered ride height, with a further choice of performance shock inserts or a complete air system can be ordered.”
The air system, by Indianapolis based AirFX, is the result of a joint distribution program effective this year that “combines the two company’s highly engineered suspension components.”

HHI's 25,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Dahlonega, Georgia employs 32 people

HHI's brand new Okuma CNC milling center - 39,000 lbs of production capacity ready to go!

This new distribution agreement will see the two manufacturers offer AirFX 41mm front air suspension kits in conjunction with HHI’s triple tree and complete front end line.
HHI is already delivering their 49mm triple trees for 2014 bikes, and the new 49mm AirFX kits are due to become available shortly as a complete builders program that includes everything from front and rear kits, 2.75” travel Softail rear shocks, air tanks, switch harnesses, controllers, 'Instant Up kits', Air Fill Kits, remote controls and three different switch configurations including an integrated kit to work with HHI hand controls.

www.hawghalters.com