topbanner ad

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Motorsport Aftermarket Group

TR/MAG in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Filings; has new owners

-    Motorsport Aftermarket Group implements debt recapitalization
-    Over $300 million of debt to be eliminated
-    Operations unaffected, customer services continue uninterrupted


The following is the full, unedited text of a press release received at the AMD office at 17:30 hrs EST Wednesday November 15, 2017


COPPELL, Texas, Nov. 15, 2017
Motorsport Aftermarket Group (“Company” or “MAG”), a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of branded aftermarket products and online retailer for the powersports industry, today announced it is implementing a comprehensive, consensual recapitalization to eliminate approximately $300 million in debt through a debt for equity exchange supported by in excess of 90 percent of the principal amount of the Company’s prepetition first lien secured lenders, and its asset-backed lenders.
“Through this process, which we have been working very hard on with our key lenders to accomplish over the past month, we will de-lever our balance sheet allowing us to more effectively compete in today’s evolving powersports market. MAG’s businesses will continue to operate unaffected and the Company has sufficient liquidity to fund operations. Customer service and sales will continue, employees will receive wages and benefits as before, and vendors and suppliers will be paid in the ordinary course of business going forward,” said CEO Andrew Graves.
To implement the recapitalization, the Company and certain of its affiliates have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware. The Company expects to move through the process quickly, and emerge in the first quarter 2018 as a stronger, better capitalized and competitive company.
To support operations through this process, MAG has secured up to $135 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from certain of its current secured lenders.
“The U.S. Powersports market has been in persistent decline for the past few years. In response, MAG has been working diligently to adjust to the changing landscape and has implemented many initiatives to parallel today’s market. Unfortunately, the Company’s long-term debt continues to be an impediment to success,” added Graves. “As such, we believe that by availing the Company to the chapter 11 process, MAG has chosen the most efficient and expeditious way to right-size our balance sheet for the long term so that we remain an industry leader for many years to come.  We and our key creditors are committed to what will hopefully be a short bankruptcy case.”
Key Elements of the Recapitalization:
•Employee wages and benefits will be paid in full in the ordinary course without interruption.
•Customer orders will be fulfilled consistent with past practice without delay or disruption.
•Vendors and suppliers will be paid timely and in full going forward.
•Company will emerge with new owners and a new board of directors.


Monomoy Capital Partners, BlueMountain Capital and Contrarian Partners will lead the new owners group, and have deep experience in consumer products and lifestyle companies including distribution, retail and manufacturing. “We are encouraged to have access to the resources the new owners bring, by their passion for the powersports industry, and for their shared vision for MAG’s future. Looking forward, MAG will be able to more aggressively capitalize on market and growth opportunities given our strong balance sheet post recapitalization,” said Graves.
“Importantly, MAG is very appreciative of its employees who have remained committed and professional during what has been a challenging few years. Moreover, we are grateful to our valued vendors and suppliers who have remained our partner, and we thank our customers who continue to trust and rely on us. We look forward to continuing to work together for many years to come,” added Graves.

MAG CEO Andrew Graves - “Through this process … we will de-lever our balance sheet allowing us to more effectively compete in today’s evolving powersports market. MAG’s businesses will continue to operate unaffected and the Company has sufficient liquidity to fund operations.”

Indian Motorcycle

Indian Motorcycle honors Flat Track “Wrecking Crew” at EICMA with Scout FTR1200 Custom unveil
 

Indian Motorcycle has recognized its championship-winning American Flat Track race team, the Wrecking Crew, with a custom-built Scout FTR1200 street bike.
The Scout FTR1200 Custom “takes inspiration from the Scout FTR750’s purpose-built flat track race bike that Indian’s “Wrecking Crew” piloted throughout a dominating championship season in the 2017 American Flat Track series. Built in partnership with Indian’s race team, the one-off custom houses the Scout’s street legal 1133cc V-twin engine.
“As well as honoring Indian’s race team of Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Brad Baker, the Scout FTR1200 Custom serves as an exploration of how Indian could expand brand perception around the world, with exciting new offerings that are relevant to a wider ranging consumer set.”



Out of the 18 flat track races that took place in 2017, the “Wrecking Crew” took 37 of the 54 podium positions available, including six podium sweeps and 14 race wins, bringing Indian the manufacturer’s title and Mees his fifth AMA Grand National Championship.
Not only that, Mees, Smith and Baker swept the 2017 AFT Championship, placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
Mees tallied 10 wins out of 18 races and set a new single-season record of 17 finishes on the podium, while Smith was on the podium nine times, with four wins, three runner-ups and two third place finishes. Baker tallied 10 podiums, despite being out with an injury and unable to compete in the final two races. He earned five runner-ups and five third place finishes.



At EICMA, President of Motorcycles Steve Menneto, said: “We built this bike to celebrate the FTR750’s dominant performance in American Flat Track and Indian’s return to racing. To come up with this one-off custom, we worked closely with the Indian Motorcycle Racing team to execute a vision of what a bike could look like if we brought the FTR platform to the street.
“We’ve built a strong foundation in the Cruiser, Bagger, Tourer (CBT) segment over the past five years, and we are excited by the positive feedback on the FTR750 and the opportunities to grow the brand globally in the years to come,” Menneto continued.
Following EICMA, the Scout FTR1200 Custom will go on a world tour and be exhibited at events throughout 2018 to help the brand continue to expand its reach.
With Indian Motorcycle targeting 50 percent of its sales to be outside the United States, its VP/GM in Europe, Grant Bester, said that he was excited to see the reaction to this custom bike in the European market: “While the US has the American Flat Track series, we too have seen a growth in flat track racing right here in Europe. Numerous Indian Scouts have been modified for flat track racing and the sport is becoming increasingly popular across Europe. This custom build will gain some attention as it goes on world tour, and we will be really interested in the consumer feedback.”

Harley-Davidson

All-new Sport Glide Softail model debuts at EICMA motorcycle show in Milan

Harley-Davidson has added a ninth new Softail to its 2018 line-up and taken another step in its pursuit of the 100 new models in ten years ambition announced by CEO Matt Levatich in January 2017, with the unveil of the new Harley-Davidson Sport Glide motorcycle.



In response to disquiet about the disappearance of the Dyna Glide platform, Harley had hinted that something with an FXR look and feel might appear in November, and with some of the primary Dyna characteristics now migrated to the new, stiffer, lighter chassis Softail platform, the detachable fork tube-mounted sport style fairing, directional wheels, detachable saddlebags and aggressive stance may well be the option alluded to by company insiders.


With Harley targeting 50 percent of sales to be from markets outside the United States and over 50 percent of September 2017 unit shipments already being “international”, choosing the “Milan Show” for the unveil may also be a nod towards the enduring popularity of the legendary FXR in Europe.
“The new factory-custom cruiser is a versatile quick-change artist, ready to transition in just minutes from aggressive cruising to weekend touring duty”, according to Dave Latz, Senior Product Planning Manager at Harley-Davidson.
“The Sport Glide offers the thrilling dynamic capability of the new Softail platform with features that make it suited for both commuting and light touring. Its factory-custom design speaks to modern performance and contemporary style.”
Harley’s release says that “the Sport Glide’s new fairing is shaped to deflect wind away from the rider’s chest, while leaving the rider’s head in a clean stream of air. The fairing is secured to the fork tubes with quick-release clamps, making removal or installation fast and easy. The new, lockable, rigid saddlebags feature a sleek clam shell design and can be removed in seconds, leaving behind mounting points that are barely visible. New ‘Mantis’ cast aluminum wheels feature sweeping spokes and are the first directional wheels on a non-CVO model.”
Using the 107 inch rigid-mounted Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin powertrain, a “broad and supportive saddle sets the Sport Glide’s seat height at just 25.7 inches, with forward-mounted foot controls contributing to a rider triangle designed to fit a broad range of riders.” Additional features include ‘Daymaker’ LED ‘halo’ style headlamp, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic cruise control, a USB charging port, keyless ignition and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System as standard.

Barnett Clutches & Cables

Extra-plate clutch kit for 2014-17 Indian Chief/Roadmaster

The latest addition to Californian manufacturer Barnett Clutches & Cables’ line of Indian clutch components is this extra-plate clutch kit for the 2014-17 Chief/Roadmaster.
This kit includes 8 Kevlar friction plates, 7 tempered steel plates, a set of 5 heavy-duty springs and is said to provide increased clutch capacity and performance.
The segmented Kevlar friction plates are designed for more oil flow, resulting in cooler operating temperatures and a smoother, more positive clutch engagement. All kits are measured for proper stack to ensure proper fit and performance right out of the box.

BARNETT CLUTCHES & CABLES

www.barnettcables.com

Brass Balls Cycles

Defender air cleaner cover, grips and muzzle style brake pegs

When Dar Holdsworth, a former AMD Production class World Champion custom bike builder, started his Brass Balls Cycles off-shoot in 2006, he had no idea his hobby of building motorcycles in his free time would turn into a full-time bikes and parts design business.

Now, 10 years later, with Biker’s Choice as his distributor, Dar’s range of designs is growing fast. He has designed an air cleaner cover said to be “inspired by the hot-rodding culture, defending the streets.
“This performance air cleaner cover is a no nonsense, bad ass upgrade,” says Dar. Machined from 6061-T6 aircraft grade billet aluminum with carbon fiber inlay included, it is available in black anodized or natural machined finish.
“If you already have a round 5.5" diameter air cleaner with center mount and would like to upgrade the look, you can simply replace the existing air cleaner cover with the Defender. If you do not have a 5.5" round air cleaner, we offer the Defender cover paired with the S&S Stealth air cleaner.”
 


Also seen here is the latest addition to Brass Balls’ ‘Knurled’ series – knurled stock top clamp replacements CNC-machined from aircraft grade 6061-T6 billet aluminum.
Offered in a natural brushed finish or in black anodized, the “simple lines and precision knurled surface complement most all bike styles,” says Dar. Available for '74-later XL, FX, FXR, FX Dyna and FX Softail models with 1.0" diameter handlebars. 


Finally, these pegs are “inspired by the cool design of muzzle brakes, with the inclusion of essential grip on top to keep you connected to the bike,” he says.
Precision-machined from aircraft grade 6061-T6 billet aluminum, they are designed with an adjustable chrome plated steel clevis included, are lightweight and very strong, with the Brass Balls logo machined on the underside.
They measure 4.06" L x 1.38" W x 1.14" tall, fit all H-D models and ship complete with two pegs, two H-D male clevis and two socket head cap screws
Brass Balls products are available through Biker's Choice.

BRASS BALLS CYCLES
www.brassballscycles.com

Russ Wernimont Designs (RWD)

Russ Wernimont’s OEM compatible “school of cool”

There are two new items here from Russ Wernimont Designs (RWD) of Murrieta, California.

This black LED taillight, turn signal license plate kit for OEM and custom fenders is made in cast aluminum with “brilliant starburst optics”

The black LED taillight, turn signal license plate kit is made in cast aluminum with “brilliant starburst optics” for OEM and custom fenders and various custom applications.
The three-color LED light system features red running/brake light, amber turn signals and white license plate light. The unit measures 5 1/2" H x 7" W and accepts most 4" x 7" license plates.
It uses OEM plugs or can be spliced into an existing wiring harness and requires the use of separately available mounting pockets.

Sleek low-profile natural finish cast aluminum dash - accepts all OEM components

Also seen here, this sleek low-profile natural finish cast aluminum dash replaces the bulky stock dash and accepts all OEM components; it includes a chrome pop-up gas cap and rubber edging.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com

JIMS

M-8 camshaft needle bearing remover/installer

Tool and performance specialist JIMS have stepped up again. The new M-8 engine returns to the single cam design, which requires a new tool for accurate replacement of the camshaft inner needle bearing.  JIMS have created a remover that uses the “JIMS Style” collet as well as a fine threaded installation driver for correct and accurate replacement. They have incorporated a new removal hole that works as a window and allows you to see what you’re doing while using the tool. Simple and time saving - so JIMS!
JIMS, USA, www.jimsusa.com

Chopper Kulture

3D billet Shovelhead split rocker boxes


Designed by award-winning custom bike builder Mario Kyprianides, Chopper Kulture authentic premium quality 3D billet Shovelhead style split rocker boxes are available in brass or aluminum and have all nine mounting hole options retained. Mario thinks he is the only manufacturer in the world to do that – especially where his brass rockers are concerned.
Chopper Kulture, Germany, www.chopperkulture.com

Accutronix

Stock-mount custom floorboard options for Harley and Indian

New from Phoenix, Arizona based Accutronix are a range of these extended front floorboards for ‘84-up FLH and FLT Baggers and ‘86-up FLST, replacing the stock OEM front floorboards “for a more custom look.”


Knurled Drilled Original – direct stock replacements, seen here with a ‘Night Series’ finish

Seen here is a selection of four of the wide range of styles available, each in “Drilled” or “Knurled Drilled”, solid black or remachined for a black anodized and raw aluminum contrast finish.
Depending on the design, they are either stock length or extended 2-1/8” or 2-1/2” at the front and 3/4” and wider and 1” or 2-1/2” longer in the rear and mount like stock with the stock hardware. 

Drilled Instigator, seen here with a ‘solid black’ finish
Extended ‘Drilled Vintage’, seen here in ‘Night Series’ finish

They are also available for the ‘14-up Indian Chief, either in stock or a similar selection of length and width, depending on the design chosen.
Machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, the top portion of the board has a raised hole feature inspired by racing pedals, with a multi-directional, slip resistant machined pyramid-top knurled design or pyramid-top rubber insert lower area.

ACCUTRONIX MOTORCYCLE PRODUCTS
www.accutronix.com

Legend Suspensions

TÃœV approved Legend Aero
suspension for FLH


Custom Chrome Europe is offering TUV approved Aero suspension kits by South Dakota manufacturer Legend Suspensions for 2017 FLH applications. 

Redesigned with Aramid fiber air spring technology, Legend air springs provide adjustability that maximizes wheel travel to any desired wheel height. The hard anodized machined aluminum bodies and spherical mount bearings at the top and bottom make for robust and durable 12” and 13” fitments.
The Legend AERO-A features six external rebound settings for optimum tuning to rider and load weight and riding style preferences.
Also available for 1999 and up FLH and 2015 and up Roadglide applications, low-friction seals eliminate ‘stiction’ (static friction) and the high-flow piston reacts quickly for improved fluid flow management.
Deflective disc valved damping self-adjusts to frequency to ensure controlled and consistent performance. The kit includes a pre-wired air compressor and model-specific mounting, with complete, installed three Deutsch connection wiring harness and OEM looking black handlebar mounted control for “on-the-go” adjustability.
Legend also offers optional chrome handlebar-mounted controls, fairing-mounted matching gauges and back their suspension products with a lifetime guarantee.

CUSTOM CHROME EUROPE
www.custom-chrome-europe.com

Kuryakyn

Kuryakyn updates luggage program

In addition to selling the T-Bags luggage program that MAG sister company Tucker Rocky acquired from founder Terry Lovett in 2012, Somerset, Wisconsin based Kuryakyn launched its own XKursion luggage brand in 2014.

Momentum Freeloader duffel bag - a wide top-roll sealed design “offering easy access to a cavernous main storage compartment,” separate bottom zippered compartment and multiple quick-stash pockets (2,375 ci capacity)

This year Kuryakyn has moved to further strengthen its position in the crowded motorcycle luggage market with updates to the XKursion range and the launch of the ‘Momentum’ luggage collection – a new “value” program.
Described as having “versatile packing capabilities, hassle-free mounting and rugged utilitarian styling”, Kuryakyn describes the Momentum Collection as developed to leverage the trend towards “increased functionality and convenience for today’s riders.”
Made in UV-rated, weather resistant 1200 denier textile material with a variety of quick-mount designs to offer convenient mounting and removal on virtually any motorcycle, each Momentum bag includes rain covers, integrated external stash pockets, MOLLE modular attachment options of the kind commonly found on tactical and recreational equipment, and low-profile carrying handles.


Momentum Hitchhiker trunk rack bag – “hands down the most versatile tour trunk rack bag in the business with easily accessible main storage, external bungee storage options and shape retention”

The first offers in the Momentum value line include the Freeloader duffel bag and Hitchhiker trunk rack bag.
The all-new premium XKursion line-up boasts “improved styling and features - a completely redesigned line-up of bags combining the highest quality materials with advanced storage solutions for virtually any motorcycle or riding style.”

Manufactured in durable UV-rated, weather resistant 1680 denier textile material, with “premium thermoformed construction and storage components that offer strength, security and shape retention,” range features include laser-cut MOLLE modular attachment points, discreet reflective accents for enhanced visibility, premium lined interiors with multiple pockets/compartments, glove-friendly and weather resistant zippers, ergonomic carrying handles and multiple heavy-duty welded and overmolded mounting D-rings.
XW Arsenal, an airplane carry-on sized roller bag with 2,772 ci capacity

The range includes the XW Arsenal, an airplane carry-on sized roller bag with 2,772 ci capacity; the midsize XS Cube with removable base pad for mounting convenience; the XB dispatch backpack; XB Fast Lane throw-over saddlebags and XT Co-Pilot tank bag.

Fast Lane throw-over saddlebags


KURYAKYN
www.kuryakyn.com

Monday 6 November 2017

AIMExpo presented by Nationwide Insurance

‘Custom Culture’ speaks to
a “New Gen” future


AIMExpo presented by Nationwide Insurance closed its doors on Sunday, September 24th after four great days at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio, that brought a stronger V-twin market dealer and consumer attendance than had been seen in the four years the show was staged at Orlando, Florida, and an exhibitor presence headlined by Indian Motorcycle and Harley-Davidson.



With backing from Columbus, Ohio based AD Farrow (Harley’s oldest authorized dealer in America) and Iron Pony Powersports (who organized a 300 plus consumer ride-out to the show), the stage was set for AIMExpo to start building critical mass for the “Custom Culture” program it had unveiled at Orlando.

The mission is to provide the existing custom market with a new opportunity, a forum, through which the new generations of riders and builders could connect with the industry of the Boomers, and for that industry to be able to understand how to connect with “New Gen” custom builders and riders.


In addition to the Championship of the Americas, Custom Culture powered by BMW Motorcycles also housed the Simpson “Paint Slinger” Shootout. Here, 20 Simpson M30 Bandits were custom painted by some of the most talented artists. The winner was Kacey Elkins of Krossover Customs in Stanford, Kentucky, whose design will become a limited edition run of 400 helmets.

Quite apart from the economic challenges faced by both the existing and the emerging markets, there is much else that unites the long-term interests of the future of our industry with its past. Industry veteran Bob Kay has been building the ‘Custom Culture’ concept and a range of initiatives under that “brand” with one primary premise at its core – that cooperation and collaboration will top isolation every time.
With the backing of the MIC, channels are being created that will provide a platform for industry outreach to a future that faces regulatory challenges, technology changes, and social and demographic landscapes in which the concept of the two-wheel lifestyle is largely unproven. Such channels are of critical importance to the future viability of the wider powersports industry, not just the custom motorcycle market.
Manufacturers such as Polaris, BMW, Yamaha and Honda are doing a great job of evolving the technology that future generations of motorcycle consumers will want to be able to take for granted, but in order for the parts, accessory, performance, gear and apparel sectors to be able to “get with the program”, first of all someone, somewhere needs to start creating that program.
A program of dialog and understanding of shared aims that will help the undoubted energy, enthusiasm, creativity, craftsmanship and engineering genius of emerging custom business owners to build a market in the way that the established generation of vendors has been able to do.
Kudos to the MIC and AIMExpo, and to the emerging cohort of future leaders that ‘Custom Culture’ is able to speak to, for striving to be a part of the solution and not ignoring the problems.
As America and the rest of the developed world heads towards a future in which urbanization and all the associated transport and infrastructure issues that brings with it will dominate and drive consumer transport and leisure Dollar spend choices in the future, ‘Custom Culture’ needs to be embraced as a showcase through which future generations of consumers can be inspired and motivated to make the two-wheel experience one that they want to make their own.

Gas Axe Chop Shop wins FreeStyle Class AMD World Championship prize at COTA/AIMExpo

The final day of AIMExpo saw the results announced for the Championship of the Americas – the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building United States affiliate custom design and engineering competition that offers the FreeStyle Class winner an expenses paid trip to compete at the ‘INTERMOT Customized’ staged ‘AMD’ at Cologne, Germany, in October 2018.



Tim Dixon of Gas Axe Chop Shop, Tennessee, will be travelling to ‘INTERMOT Customized’ in 2018 with his customized 1959 Panhead ‘Pennie Lane’

Second place, FreeStyle class - Matt Olsen, Carl’s Cycle Supply

Third place, FreeStyle class - Wayne Burgess, Deathtrap Cycles

The win this year was taken by Tim Dixon of Gas Axe Chop Shop in Tennessee.
Voted for by the competitors themselves, Dixon took the win with a 1959 Panhead engined, hand- crafted chopper called ‘Pennie Lane’. Custom designed, using a Model A front axle/reverse shock set-up with a Model A front spring for the rear swingarm, all the work was done in-house by Dixon with most of it on manual machines with silicone bronze welding.

The engine has an Andrews cam and the magnesium front wheel is from a 1960s dragster; all the brass/copper pieces were handmade.
The People's Choice prize went to the BMW Alpha built by Salt Lake City machinist Mark Atkinson, inspired by a concept created by Turkish designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem.
The Street Custom Class win went to Dusty Pine/Dawg’s Chop Shop with the hardtail framed 1200cc 1993 Sportster that gave him the K&N Filters sponsored Modified Harley Class win at the Cleveland round of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show series that is staged each winter at the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows (IMS).
Pat Patterson of Led Sled fame took the Performance Custom class win (goose neck rigid framed 1200cc Sportster), with Shelby Griffin and Austin Andrella (Austin Martin Originals) scooping the ever-popular Retro Custom class win with a hard tailed 1972 Yamaha XS650.


The People's Choice went to the BMW Alpha built by Salt Lake City machinist Mark Atkinson, and inspired by a concept created by Turkish designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem.

J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show

J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder custom bike shows

The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is stopping at seven cities across the USA, and will be awarding $70,000 in cash and prizes at Chicago in February 2018.
Organiser Jeff Najar (Biker Pros) said that “Jeff Holt from HOT BIKE, Chris Callen from Cycle Source Magazine and Pat Jansen from Sin-Central will be helping to hand out all the goodies.”
The four paying classes are FreeStyle, Modified Harley (presented by Harley-Davidson), Modified Retro (presented by Royal Enfield) and Modified Custom.
Being staged at United Business Media’s Progressive Suspension sponsored International Motorcycle Shows (IMS), this season sees the cut-down seven city itinerary of 2016/2017 essentially being repeated, with three timings changed (*).

 
Long Beach, CA: November 17-19, 2017
New York, NY: December 1-3, 2017
Minneapolis, MN: December 8-10, 2017*
Cleveland, OH: January 26-28, 2018
Dallas, TX: February 2-4, 2018*
Chicago, IL: February 9-11, 2018
Washington D.C.: February 23-25, 2018*


The 2017 ‘King of the Builders’ was Nick Beaulieu of Forever Two Wheels, Windham, Maine, with “The Hate Machine”, an S&S 111” engined custom chopper with a custom-made girder front end, hand-made frame with pentagram downtube and axle blocks, one-off pentagram wheels, handmade exhaust with pentagram exhaust tips, custom tail section and aluminum gas tank and Baker 6-speed, featuring a BDL belt drive.
In 2015/2016 there had been 10 venues – for last year Portland, Sacramento, Miami and Phoenix were dropped, with a return to Washington DC added. UBM says that research has shown that “31 percent of the IMS  2015/2016 tour attendees purchased a new or used vehicle within 12 months of attending a show. 

“This will be the 37th season for the IMS series since its inception in 1982 and will see a return for the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, with builders competing for a cash and prize fund valued at over $100,000 in total during the Tour, with $70,000 of that being awarded at the Chicago finals.”


Wild 1

‘Outlawz’ Chubby extra thick 1-1/4" bars

These 1-1/4” ‘Outlawz’ Chubby handlebars by Huntington Beach, California based manufacturer Wild 1 are 25 percent thicker than stock and have been precision-machined (not swage formed) at the control mounts, “providing perfect fit, form and unsurpassed looks.”


Designed with fluid bends at precise angles for maximum comfort and control, they have been pre-drilled for internal wiring, have polished welds and are diamond knurled for safety and a reliable, robust install.
They work with hydraulic clutch, stock and most custom controls, stock Springer risers and top clamps, and are available in show chrome finish or Blackout series featuring a semi-gloss black finish to match OEM black switch housings.
All handlebars work with throttle-by-wire as well as cable applications and with Harley heated grips.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com

Brass Balls Cycles

Leather wrapped grips

Brass Balls’ leather wrapped grips are “designed and engineered for style and performance,” according to Dar Holdsworth - “your customers will absolutely love the way they look and feel.” They start out being CNC-machined from billet aircraft grade aluminum with a recessed knurled surface to ensure the leather will not slide or turn. 



The leather is laser-cut to shape, then the pattern embossed and the leather is dyed and airbrushed. Finally, the grips and leather have bonding agent applied and the leather is glued and hand-stitched around the grip. They fit 1” diameter bars, and H-D dual pull cable (throttle by wire) versions will be available soon. Brass Balls products are available through Biker’s Choice.

BRASS BALLS CYCLES
www.brassballscycles.com

Ride Nice

‘Platinum Black’ brakes by Ride Nice 

Californian designer and finish specialist Ride Nice say their “Platinum Black” brake discs have a “corrosion-protection finish that is actually zinc plated.” 



President Jon Reed explains that “our zinc coating process is an extensive, hand-applied operation that is not sprayed onto the rotor, like other inferior coatings. Each ‘Platinum Black’ brake disc is immersed in different solutions during the coating process. The final result is a thick, protective coating with a black mirrored look.” 
Pictured here for 2014-2017 Touring models and available soon for 2013-2017 Dyna models, Ride Nice offers a range of products with an ‘M8’ logo, including their ‘Milwaukee Breather’ air cleaner.

RIDE NICE
www.ridenice.com

Compu-Fire

Spyke Super Torque starters and digital electronic advance ignition system kits

Spyke has announced Super Torque starters for 2007 and up Big Twin Harleys that have been specifically designed to provide more cranking torque without having to change the stock battery. 


The company says these starters will deliver 46 percent more cranking torque compared to stock starters by using a specially designed double wound armature. Spyke Super Torque starters have 4.44: 1 gear reduction and “use nothing but the best quality components, including a super-duty clutch supported by high tension springs.” Available in chrome and black. 


Also seen here, Compu-Fire’s electronic advance ignition system kits for 1970 to 1999 Big Twins and 1970 to 2003 Sportsters.  The digital ignition uses advanced Hall-Cell triggering and surface-mount technology with convenient built-in “Accu-ray” static timing LED.
This ignition has 8 selectable advance curves for a variety of applications and can be used with either dual or single fire coils. It also has an rpm limiter and V.O.E.S. adjuster. Compu-Fire reports the ignition uses extended temperature and low voltage operation that increases performance and reliability.  Their soft start circuitry allows easy starting under low battery conditions. This kit is supplied with a single fire coil and plug wires, making it a complete ignition kit.

PERTRONIX PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS
www.pertronix.com
www.compufire.com

Ridewright Wheels

“Fat 30-Round-02s” beefy 30-spoke steel rim wheels

Ridewright Wheels describe their premium “Fat 30-Round-02s” 30-spoke custom motorcycle wheels as a “solid investment that now come as standard with our real steel Omega rims. The steel format is intended for professional builders and for those who want to customize their motorcycle using the strength and reliability of American steel.”
Made in-house by Ridewright at their Anaheim, California facility, their MHEs (Modular Hub Ends) are said to allow them to rapidly assemble a wheel so dealers can enjoy “one of the fastest turn-arounds on custom wheels in the industry.” The end caps of the hubs are the interface between the bike and the hub, so they can quickly and simply make sure that the wheel precisely fits the motorcycle by keeping a large, permanent inventory of these MHE hubs. 


These same MHEs allow customers to keep their wheels if they sell their motorcycle, and to modify the rotor configurations (single/dual) or sell their Ridewright wheels in the future.
Ridewright offer a lifetime structural and 6-month chrome warranty and a wide range of custom color options and upgrade options for all components and spokes, with 8 popular house colors and custom options by Tiger Coatings and Prismatic Colors.

RIDEWRIGHT WHEELS
www.ridewrightwheels.com

Belt Drives Ltd.

BDL introduces clutch kits for
Rivera Primo drives



Belt Drives Ltd has just released a comprehensive line of replacement clutch plate kits specifically designed for Rivera Primo “Pro Clutch” and belt drive units. There are 14 kits in the series and all are direct replacements for OEM components. Kits feature pre-measured stack height for easy installation and include new friction and steel plates along with new diaphragm clutch spring.  All parts are proudly made in the USA. 


Belt Drives Ltd.

www.beltdrives.com

Custom Dynamics

4 1/2” passing lamps and fairing LED kit option

Youngsville, North Carolina based Custom Dynamics have these 4 ½” passing lamps with LED halos, featuring 10 watt CREE XML LEDs and lightweight polycarbonate lenses surrounded by LED halo rings.

Said to be 5 x brighter than stock with a 5800K light color temperature, they are BCM compliant and have plug ‘n play 081 connectors. Sold in pairs, passing lamp harnesses that allow passing lamps to remain on when the headlamp is switched to high beam are available separately.


Also seen here is an optional LED light kit for the fairing vent trim. The white, forward facing kit features plug ‘n play installation and two 9-LED TruFLEX strips.

DRAG SPECIALTIES
www.dragspecialties.com

Hogtunes

‘Wild Boar Audio’ by Hogtunes

Canadian audio specialist Hogtunes says it “has taken it to the next level in a serious way” with the introduction of their ‘Wild Boar Audio’ brand 6.5” and 6 x 9” speaker options featuring “real carbon fibre woofer cones, extra large magnets, external crossovers and high power amplifier solutions.”


Available for 2014 and up Harleys, ‘Wild Boar Audio’ by Hogtunes owner Mike “PEZ” Pesdirz says: “We have been wanting to offer a line of high-end products done right for a long time, a big power offering with the safety of the bikes charging system in mind. This is a game changer in the motorcycle audio world!”




Hogtunes has been designing, engineering and manufacturing aftermarket audio components from the ground up for use in the motorcycle environment (at speed!) since 2004 and are exclusively distributed by Drag Specialties.

HOGTUNES INC

www.hogtunes.com