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

Comment by Editor-in-Chief, Robin Bradley

H-D in MotoGP Circuit Test - That Way Madness Be!

H-D Factory Racing put the performance of its race-prepared 2024 Road Glides on display in a test conducted in conjunction with DORNA, FIM's Madrid, Spain based MotoGP rights holder, at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain in November - a week after the EICMA 'Milan Show' in Italy.

The test took place on November 18, just 24 hours after the 2024 MotoGP season finale. Originally slated for Valencia, the final round of the 2024 MotoGP Championship had been postponed due to the disastrous floods and loss of life just before the race had been due to be held in Valencia.

Barcelona was pressed into action at short notice as an alternate venue where the MotoGP teams "raced for Valencia instead of racing at Valencia". It was set up as a flood relief fund raiser and saw Harley donate a Road Glide for a charity auction.

The test was designed as a Bagger Racing 'proof of concept', with some of the great and the good of past and current MotoGP grids finding out for themselves what all the Bagger Racing Hype was about. By all accounts all involved were very positive about the experience of lapping a course that will often see speeds of over 210 mph (340 km/h) on an albeit much lightened and race-prepared proverbial 800 lb Gorilla from Milwaukee.

The test was the first European MotoGP race circuit appearance for the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide motorcycles that are raced in the United States. H-D Factory Racing riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli piloted their bikes on a tight, fast 4.657 km (2.894 m) 14-turn circuit that is notoriously attritional - hard on men and machines both.

Additional guest riders included former MotoGP and World Superbike pilots, Simon Crafar, John Hopkins, Randy Mamola, and Marco Melandri among others.

"We were riding alongside our heroes and were able to share our body of work with people we respect so much," said Wyman. Rispoli added, "What an amazing day for Harley-Davidson. To be on track at the same weekend as MotoGP was incredible. And to share this project with some legends of the sport was unreal. Their reactions after riding our bikes were priceless."

After Wyman and Rispoli had warmed the bikes up, Crafar, Hopkins, Mamola, and Melandri each took sessions on them and were impressed with the power and performance of the Bagger racing motorcycles.

Mamola in particular reported: "the torque is amazing, and the smoothness. This is why I've loved motorcycles since I was 12 years old. It's a motorcycle. And it's a freaking race bike. Everything is so sweet about the bike. Everything is in the right place. It stops really well, the transmission is insane, and it's smooth. The only difference is she's a big bike."

Marco Melandri said "my laps got better and better as we go. Once I tested the lean angle, I felt much better. It's not so heavy, and not so big when you ride it. And the engine and the torque is amazing." Okay, fair enough, all good.

While overcast and cool conditions prevented outright lap time attacks, Wyman and Rispoli reached measured top speeds of over 171 mph (275 km/h) on the fastest sector of the track. For a Harley, that is really very, very good. Though, for reference, the all-time MotoGP record for the same track was set in the summer of 2024 at 221.46 mph (356.4 km/h).

However, whether carried away on a wave of excitement, or on a wave of fundamentally flawed brand hubris, Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson appears to have something spectacularly foolish in mind.

"Racing is a core pillar of the Harley-Davidson brand, showcasing our commitment to performance and innovation," he said. Fair enough. Yes, sure, it somewhat is in the brand DNA but mostly on ovals or drag strips. Nonetheless, Harley's press release on the event went on to quote him as stating that "partnering with Dorna/MotoGP, we aim to expand our racing footprint globally, fueling the passions of our customers and fans. This MotoGP Test is a pivotal step in realizing these ambitions and demonstrating our dedication to racing excellence."

To judge by further remarks reported from the event, it sounds like the man who made (theoretically) abandoning direct race team operation in favor of supporting dealers one his first decisions on becoming CEO, is now seriously considering trying to engineer the most spectacularly expensive and ill-advised volte face in motorcycle manufacturer racing history.

He appears to be serious (at this stage) about trying to find a formula and deal whereby Harley Baggers can race in Europe and globally in a World Championship series staged at MotoGP rounds. Presumably at select rounds, not all 22 of them, or in all the 18 countries that the series visits (including some that Zeitz pulled Harley out of), but either way the word 'ambitious' doesn't even go near it.

Far-fetched though this might all sound, with MotoGP now coming under the US control of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media, and Liberty Media having not been slow in talking about its desire to see MotoGP "re-Americanized", anything is possible, I guess.

But has anybody told Zeitz how many additional motorcycles Harley would have to be able to make, and then sell, in order to liquidate the investment before it liquidated them? Down the decades, MotoGP has been a mountain where many much better equipped OEMs have gone to die. It's a financial graveyard.

For a man who is said to be a 'Brand Genius' it might also help if they had something more that just T-shirts that the MotoGP demographic might actually like and be able to buy. If this is a trojan horse to bring the low-cost Harley badged bikes built and sold in Asia into Western markets, then great, sure, then there could be an argument.

But nothing like the argument that Zeitz would have to face having with his dealers and existing customer base. Please, someone enrol him on a 'Capitalism 101' course before he is allowed to finally crash the brand completely.

Priority number 1, 2 and 3 right now, the Alpha and Omega of priorities, should be getting serious about helping his dealer network stay in business and his employees staying in work. Not following KTM into potential oblivion.

News Briefs

Ed Morse Automotive Group has acquired Renegade Harley-Davidson in Springfield, Missouri, the group's sixth 'Bar 'n Shield' store, joining locations in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Grand Junction, Austin, Alamo City, and Beaumont.

Despite a € 1m equity investment by Indian electromobility company Motovolt in 2023, German                                                                                                            "human-hybrid" two-wheeler concept designer eRockit Systems GmbH (Hennigsdorf, Brandenburg) has filed for bankruptcy. The news follows that of the failure (in bankruptcy or with production otherwise suspended) in 2024 or earlier of  E-Mobility GmbH/Kumpan (Germany, 2023), e-scooter startup 'UNU' (by EMCO, Berlin, 2023), Energica (Italy), Cake (Sweden), Canadian electric snowmobile and PWC manufacturer Taiga Motors (bought by UK entrepreneur, Stewart Wilkinson in October 2024), Juiced Bikes (San Diego, USA), Onomotion (Berlin), vanMoof (NL - mostly e-Cycles, subsequently acquired by McLaren F1 in UK), Arc Motorcycles (UK - at one stage financially connected to Jaguar Cars, who, BTW, have now fully abandoned ICE automotive production in favour of Electric - it won't end well!), Sondors/Metacycle (USA) the Erik Buell conceived Fuell Motorcycles (USA) and a number of other ePTW projects around Europe and elsewhere. Harley-Davidson is losing a lot of money on its LiveWire operation after a largely failed SPAC flotation and has its fingerprints on two prior e-PTW bankruptcies in the San Francisco Bay area in the form of Mission Motors (2015) and Alta Motors (2018). Some Alta staff had left to found Damon Motorcycles of Vancouver (of well-regarded 200 mph HyperSport fame). Damon recently concluded a fund-raising SPAC vehicle IPO on the NYSE (Ticker:DMN) but at the time of writing (November 20, 2024) shares were trading at less than $2.00, well below their a target price of $12.00 having opened at around $5.00 at the time of the flotation. Its tough out there for the electric motorcycle sector.

LiveWire Chief Technical Officer Vance Strader has announced that he is retiring from Harley-Davidson and LiveWire. An important figure in the development of the S2 'Arrow' platform, the modular, scalable architecture that was developed from the ground up, without yet being sure of any specifics, he also said that he is "not done". Speaking to the achievements on his watch he said that "designing and owning all the hardware and software, fully understanding how it all works, and being able to change anything anytime should be a real competitive advantage. And though I'm admittedly biased, having ridden hundreds of different ICE and EV motorcycles over the years, I'm especially proud of the 'secret sauce' we put into every LiveWire that I believe enables them to deliver some of the best riding experiences on two wheels."

Respected Cycle Source Magazine and Grease & Gears TV publishers and owners Chris and Heather Callan have moved their business from Pittsburgh to drop anchor further west, with Brian and Vanessa Klock at their Mitchell, SD Klock Werks 'campus'.

For the first ten months of 2024, the Benelli TRK 702/X is the top-selling motorcycle in Italy with 6,226 units sold in a market that was +6.13%. The BMW R 1300 GS was second with Honda's Africa Twin in third. Total scooter sales were 167,539 units (+4.34%).

For the YTD through October 2024, H-D sat in 7th spot with a 4.94% market share in Germany, having sold 6,085 units. The top-selling model was the Street Bob 114 in 49th spot with some 663 units sold for a 0.54% German market share. LiveWire was the fifth best-selling electric motorcycle with just 44 units sold (3.36% of a very small market) - less than one each week in what is supposed to be progressive, environmentally conscious market. In order to boost international profitability, four years ago Harley reduced the number of international markets it sells into, including the number of markets the HDMEA subsidiary operates in. A recent financial report in Europe estimated that their HDMEA subsidiary is losing money for the Milwaukee balance sheet. 

Bagger Racing League

2024 Bagger Racing League (BRL) Championship Finals

By racer Carl Schlacht

The 2024 Bagger Racing League (BRL) season came to a dramatic close on November 16-17 with the final two rounds at the legendary Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California. Known as "The Fastest Road in the West," Willow Springs, with its 2.5-mile, 9-turn road course, provided a perfect setting for the high-speed, high-stakes competition. 

Credit: Casey Horner

The iconic track's mix of elevation changes and sweeping corners tested the skill and endurance of every racer, solidifying its reputation as a favorite among motorsport enthusiasts.

Saturday's races were met with intense winds, creating challenging conditions for riders and teams. The gusts added an extra layer of difficulty, especially in the track's open sections, where maintaining stability was crucial. Despite this, racers demonstrated remarkable control and determination, pushing through the adverse weather to deliver an electrifying day of racing.

Sunday brought a reprieve from the harsh winds, treating fans and riders to classic California weather - sunny skies and ideal racing temperatures. With the improved conditions, lap times dropped, and the competition intensified as racers fought for their final points of the season.

Barnett Clutches Super Street Bagger

Champion: Jake Masters (Performance Machine, Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson)

P2: Shawn Hoffman (DP Brakes, Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson)

P3: Carl Schlacht (Hawg Halters Inc., Speed Farm)

Andrews Products Bagger GP

Champion: Ruben Xaus (Feuling Goeleven Team)

P2: Samuel Guérin (Original Garage)

P3: Jesse Janisch (Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson, SlyFox)

DP Brakes Liquid Twins

Champion: Andrew Berkley (Underground Team Racing)

P2: Cory West (Saddlemen)

P3: Vincent Wilson (Alloy Art)

Zipper's American Twins Unlimited

Champion: Carl Schlacht (Hawg Halters Inc., Speed Farm)

P2: Anthony Bangma (Broene's Furniture)

P3: Vincent Wilson (Alloy Art)

Pirelli Pro Stock Bagger

Champion: Cody Gilmore (Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson)

P2: Arnie Wells (Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson)

P3: Tony Sollima (Frankie Dean Racing)

Air-Cooled Twins

Champion: Jake McGuire (Harley-Davidson Bowling Green)

P2: Chris Rivas (Rocket Performance)

P3: Anthony Bangma (Broene's Furniture)

Superbike Classes Champions

Lightweight Superbike: Brett Folkerts

Middleweight Superbike: Jamie Hanson (L2M Racing)

Open Next Generation Superbike: Jamie Hanson

Unlimited Superbike: Brett Folkerts

AMA Sidecar

The Sidecar division provided a unique spectacle as Bernard/Kevin took the top spot in Round 6 with a standout lap time of 1:38.819, navigating the track's technical sections with precision and teamwork.

Metric Bagger

Champion: Arnie Wells

Kawasaki

Kawasaki Demonstrates Hydrogen Superbike

By Ben Purvis

The world's first high-performance motorcycle with a combustion engine fueled by hydrogen was demonstrated in advance of the Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race in July when Kawasaki allowed its prototype supercharged machine to lap the circuit.

Hydrogen might have some significant drawbacks as a potential power source for motorcycles, but in Japan the HySE research project, which involves all four major motorcycle manufacturers as well as Toyota and Kawasaki, has been charged with the task of developing engines capable of running on hydrogen as part of the effort. The company has previously shown prototype engines and sketches of a motorcycle built to house it, but this is the first time the bike has been seen in action by the public.

The downside of hydrogen as a fuel is immediately apparent. The bike looks like a large tourer with huge side cases, but it's really a single-seater with minimal luggage space. Those panniers are packed with cylinders that carry the hydrogen, compressed to around 700 bar (10,000 psi), and even so the prototype's range is believed to be significantly less than a conventional petrol-powered machine would manage on a normal tank of fuel. 

"supercharged four-cylinder was run at Suzuka"

But fuel systems and storage aren't Kawasaki's role in the HySE project, and it's clear that its part of the deal - to create a combustion engine that will run on hydrogen - is largely complete.

According to Kawasaki, the prototype's chassis has been designed specifically to make space for all the hydrogen tanks, but the engine is derived from the existing 998 cc, supercharged H2 motor. 

Forced induction is a key element to getting good performance from a hydrogen combustion engine, helping to get as much air as possible into the cylinders. It's paired with direct fuel injection that adds the hydrogen to the combustion chambers after the inlet valves have closed.

Although the prototype is running and Kawasaki reports that hydrogen actually provides improved responsiveness compared to petrol, it's still a long way from production. The company believes that it might become "one carbon-neutral option for riders in the early 2030s".