Zodiac International

Zodiac International - Additions

Zodiac Front Forks By Maselli

Italian suspension specialists Maselli developed the ultimate front suspension for American V-twin motorcycles and produces these exclusively for Zodiac. Improved handling and damping characteristics are the benefits of these precision-made units, which feature chrome-moly fork tubes, machined aluminum alloy sliders, hard anodized damper rods and smooth clear or black anodized top tubes and wheel axle clamps. 

The triple trees are machined from billet aluminum with a mirror shine polished finish, and then black anodized. Forks feature integrated caliper brackets (left and right) for use with 2000-up Harley style calipers (except radial type) designed for use with 11 1/2" (292 mm) discs. These completely new design and style of Zodiac's upside Down forks feature smoothed 54 mm aluminum top tubes; 43 mm chrome-moly inner tubes with a hard chromed or black hard DLC coated finish; completely newly developed damper units; 5 1/2" (140mm) travel; individual fork spring pre-load adjustment; hidden mount 25 mm wheel axle. 

These forks are for custom fitment in the following chassis: all 4-speed Big Twin, FXR, Evolution Softail, Twin Cam Softail, Evolution Dyna, 2000-2005 Twin Cam Dyna, all pre-2004 Sportster. For street use light weight SAE 10 oil. For heavy bikes, extreme or race use SAE 12.5 or 15. 

Handlebar damper rubbers and bushings must be shortened for correct fit. They are available as complete forks with 0, 3 or 6 degrees raked billet aluminum Wide Glide 9.85" (250 mm) pitch triple trees and 25 mm wheel axle; select fitments available in 75, 80, and 86 cm lengths. Black anodized or polished fender bracket sets are optionally available.

Le Pera Tailwhip for Touring

This 2-up version of Le Pera's popular Tailwhip seat is said to deliver more comfort for the passenger than any other platform. The whipped-up tail provides support, the Standard and Daddy Long Leg seat versions give the driver a 12 1/2" (32 cm) wide seating area, and the passenger 7 1/2" (19cm) wide. 

The Daddy Long Legs version puts the driver 2" (5 cm) further back in the seat; the Up Front version gives the driver a 11 3/4" (30 cm) wide seating area. It fits all 96, 103, 107 & 114 CI Touring 2008 to present and all 117 CI Touring 2018-2023. It is available in a range of seat finishes including Basket Weave, Pleated, Double Diamond and Chestnut Double Diamond stitch. Tailwhip fits all 121CI Touring 2023 to present and all 117CI Touring 2024 to present.

Simplified Air Suspension For M8 Softail

This SAS Air Suspension has no compressor to mount, no hoses to run, no fittings to fail and is completely plug and play. "Absolutely the easiest install and allowing you to raise and lower the rear end at the touch of a button. Add air pressure to improve ride quality, during changing road conditions or while hauling added weight. Add extra air to compensate for your passenger and then release some for solo riding. You can also release all of the air and park your bike down on the ground. Adjustable air pressure makes for a smooth comfortable ride under any condition. No more bottoming out"! 

It comes with a black handlebar switch and a remote filtered air breather that keeps the compressor clean and dry. It also comes with a 5-year parts warranty and the machined parts are warranted for life. Fits all 2018 to present Milwaukee Eight Softail. An optional chrome pre-wired two-button handlebar switch is also available.

ST Style Fairing 

This ST Style fairing is an OEM replacement for 2022 and up FXLRST & FXRST. It comes with all the mounting hardware and brackets, except the lower support bracket (47200898). The fairing is shipped in gloss black ABS and comes with a smoke windshield.

Inner Fairing Trim Kit for Road Glide

This chrome kit contains six trims that are formed exactly to the stock gauge, radio and speakers shapes. They feature an adhesive backing for permanent installation. Fits FLTRXSE 2018-2022, FLTRX & FLTRXS 2015-2023, FLTRU 2016-2019, FLTRK 2020 to present and FLTRT 2023 to present.

ZODIAC INTERNATIONAL BV

www.zodiac.nl

Harley-Davidson

Hero Extends Harley-Davidson Deal

By Ben Purvis

Harley-Davidson struck a licencing deal with Indian bike-making behemoth Hero back in 2020 that allowed Hero to develop, manufacture and market a Harley-badged motorcycle in its home market. Now that deal is being extended to cover additional bikes and international sales in certain markets.

The original Hero-made Harley was the X440, launched in 2023 and sold alongside other Harley-Davidson models in India, where Hero also took on the US brand's sales network after H-D decided to close its own Indian subsidiary back in 2020. 

Now the deal with Harley has been expanded to include more Hero-developed machines, with the Indian company issuing a press release stating: "The Company has extended its partnership with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. in order to expand the Harley-Davidson X440 into new variants as well as to develop a new motorcycle for both domestic and select international markets."

The addition of 'select' international markets will be of interest to Harley-Davidson dealers who have been crying out for a more affordable, entry-level model to tempt customers into the fold. The recent success in Europe of bikes like Triumph's Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, as well as bikes like Royal Enfield's affordable singles, shows that there's a strong market for such bikes, with many of the customers being existing riders either trading down from larger bikes or adding an additional machine to their garage. The Triumphs, like the Royal Enfields, are made in India, and were developed with the help of KTM business partner Bajaj. Their success shows that customers aren't afraid to spend their money on Indian-made machines.

While Hero's focus has been on India, where it sold the vast majority of the 5.9 million bikes it made in 2024, the brand has started to turn an eye to international markets - already having an R&D facility in Munich, Germany, and announcing its intention to expand into Europe and the UK in the second half of 2025. It makes its own variant of the Harley X440, the Mavrick 440, sharing an identical SOHC, air-cooled single and a similar chassis. If that bike proves to be an export success, it's clear that the Harley X440 could also be appealing to customers outside India.

The additional variants of the X440 will use the same engine but the company's announcement that it will also develop a 'new motorcycle' suggest it has another power unit on the way - perhaps one that will fill the void in the range between the X440 single and Harley's smallest homegrown engine, the 975 cc V-twin in the Nightster now being produced for all global markets in Thailand. 

News Briefs

November 2024 saw Arctic Cat announce layoffs and a production pause at its Thief River Falls ATV, UTV and Snowmobile facility in Minnesota. The company said at that stage that it planned to restart production in Q1 2025 and stressed that it is not shutting the plant down permanently. However, only a month later parent company Textron stated that "upon completion of limited production runs to satisfy consumer commitments, production of powersports products will be paused indefinitely in the first half of 2025" with the owner looking for a buyer for its entire Arctic Cat subsidiary. This would likely also involve the St. Cloud Mn. facility. Hobbled by excess inventory, Arctic Cat sold to Textron for $247m in 2017. In January 2025 Textron reported 2024 sales of $13.7bn and forecast $14.7bn for 2025. Historically best known as a defence contractor, Providence, RI based Textron additionally owns brands such as Bell Helicopters, Cessna and Beechcraft.

The MRF reports that an important study has been released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) regarding high-visibility clothing. According to the IIHS, "clothing that makes pedestrians stand out to human drivers may make them invisible to automated crash prevention systems." Test dummies wearing clothing with features like reflective strips were invisible to technology designed to prevent crashes. While the tests were conducted using pedestrian test dummies, it's not hard to extrapolate what these findings might mean to motorcyclists. Some bikers choose to wear high-visibility clothing, in an attempt to make themselves more visible.

Based in southern California since 1959, Honda Motor Co. Inc. is among the motorcycle industry businesses that have stepped up to support those who have suffered in the devastating LA fires, donating $500,000 in disaster relief funds to the American Red Cross.

Despite its present difficulties (as a subsidiary of KTM) Varese, Italy based MV AGUSTA is still trying to keep its flag flying - marking the 80th anniversary of its founding as a motorcycle manufacturer in January 1945. Banned from returning to the airplane manufacturing industry in which it had made its name during the inter-war years, the company became a legendary presence on the racetracks of the 1950s and 1960s. MV has an unmatched record of 75 world titles to its name (38 riders), the first MV Agusta-branded motorcycle was officially launched in the fall of 1945 and went down in history as the MV 98. Count Domenico Agusta had a knack for selecting the best riders, many of whom became motorcycling legends: Franco Bertoni, MV Agusta's first rider, followed by Arcisio Artesiani, Carlo Ubbiali ("The Flying Chinaman"), Leslie Graham, Cecil Sandford, Fortunato Libanori, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Gianfranco Bonera, Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read. The partnership between MV Agusta and Giacomo Agostini remains one of the most famous in motorcycling history: during his MV career "Ago" won 13 world titles, 18 Italian championships, and 10 Tourist Trophies, becoming the most successful rider in motorcycling history.

December 2024 saw Senators James Risch (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduce the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Full Funding Act of 2024 to correct inadequate annual program funding - increasing it from $84m to $281m. The AMA helped create the RTP in the early 1990s. It uses federal gasoline tax revenue attributed to motorized off-highway recreational vehicles (OHRV) to fund, develop, and maintain trail infrastructure across the USA. As of 2023, the program has awarded over $1.6bn to over 25,000 trail projects across the US over the three decades - despite the fact that OHRV enthusiasts have paid nearly $9bn in gas tax during the same period. As at late January 2025, it is unclear whether this is one of the $2tn of Federal funding streams that have been suspended pending review. 

Brembo preliminary results report revenues "stable" at € 3,841.2m with EBITDA at € 661.6m (17.2%). The results are in line with market guidance.

ShiftFX

ShiftFX develops second-generation semi-auto

By Ben Purvis

Semi-automatic transmissions are finally coming of age with manufacturers including KTM, BMW and Yamaha adding them for 2025. Now a company that was a pioneer in the field is developing a simplified design that could make semi-autos cheaper for manufacturers to adopt.

Canada's ShiftFX has been working on the idea of automated manual transmissions for the best part of two decades. It has created a system similar in concept to those being adopted today by BMW and Yamaha - with electro-mechanical actuators for the clutch and shift drum, operated by its own control unit - as far back as 2017. 

To do so, the company developed a unique, fast-acting, high-force linear actuator for the clutch that has been adopted in other industries, leading to the creation of a subsidiary company, Kinitics Automation, to supply them. It also developed an advanced system to monitor the feedback from the motor operating the shift drum, allowing ShiftFX to accurately position the drum without the need for the ratcheting system used in a conventional manual transmission.

"simplified transmission from a pioneer in the field"

Now the company has patented a new version of the idea that eliminates the need for a clutch actuator entirely, adopting a centrifugal clutch and modifying the gearshift to provide a 'neutral' position between every gear, to allow for perfect rev matching before the next ratio is engaged.

While KTM's new AMT transmission also does away with the clutch actuator and uses a centrifugal clutch, its system appears to act more like a conventional up/down quickshifter - interrupting the ignition and modulating the throttle to help slip between ratios. 

ShiftFX's new design makes that happen more easily and smoothly. A normal gearbox uses a star indexer cam, which has a detent for each gear position and a peak between them to prevent the gearbox hitting false neutrals between ratios. ShiftFX's new design modifies this star indexer to have an additional detent between every gear to intentionally allow the box to briefly stop in a neutral halfway through each gear shift. 

Combined with the company's clever monitoring of the DC shift motor's position, it means the box can stop in a neutral for exactly the time needed for the input and output speeds of the next ratio to be matched, letting the transmission slide into the next gear more smoothly.

ShiftFX isn't intending to sell the system to individuals, but to act as supplier to manufacturers, and it's possible we'll see the system adopted on a production bike in the not-too-distant future.

S&S Cycle

MK-Series 'B' Crankcases for M-8 Softail Models

Another recent addition to the S&S Cycles family of Crankcase upgrades for M-8 engines, these 'biggest yet' beefed up precision machined power-builder designs are their new MK-Series 'B' Crankcases for "building massive power, reliably."

Designed to be paired with S&S 136" cylinders and a 4 5/8" Stroker Crank they scrape more oil that the stock case designs they upgrade - with a large volume oil pump and large volume sump - allowing for the installation of larger bore kits yet fitting the stock frame without modification.

"Baggers aren't the only M-8s pushing massive performance numbers - Softails are right on their heels and doing it in a lighter, more agile chassis. These built engines are begging for a stronger base to build from, and our MK-Series 'B' cases are just the solution."

The stock deck height and close-fitting oil scraper are machined - the stock design that these replace are cast.

S&S CYCLE INC.

www.sscycle.com

Arlen Ness

Arlen Ness - More Additions

FLT Touring Mid Controls

These Custom Mid Control kits for FLT Touring models bring the foot controls to a mid-control position, which increases ground clearance and gives the rider in a more aggressive riding stance. The innovative design utilizes the factory foot control mounts on the frame instead of mounting to the engine, which means less vibration and, in most cases eliminates the chance for engine case damage in the event of an accident.

Mid control positioning is slightly more forward than standard mid control setups, this provides the aggressive riding position while maintaining comfort on longer rides. Each control arm is CNC machined from billet aluminum, while each control mount is made from CNC bent steel for durability and 'factory like' fit. The kits include both brake and shift side foot control assemblies (no pegs or shift pegs included - they can be chosen and separately ordered from a wide range of Ness design options).

They accept any male mount style footpegs or H-D big twin shift/brake peg; fitment is for 2014-2023 FLT Touring and 2000-2007 FLT Bagger models. Choose from high quality, durable Black, Gold, Red or Blue anodized finish.

Stage 2 Oval Air Cleaners

Featuring an oval shape and open face filter design for maximum airflow, the performance black pre-oiled air filter features a high flow pleated top and perimeter to take in airflow from all directions for increased performance

The low-profile design of the washable and reuseable filter means the housing has been machined for improved ergonomics as well as increased airflow - the low-profile design delivers better legroom. 

The Radius design backing plate is engineered for improved horsepower and torque through unobstructed airflow. Each kit includes the backing plate assembly, air filter, outer cover assembly, and necessary hardware. Choose from high quality, durable Black, Gold Red or Blue anodize and 'Contrast' finishes; fitment is for 2024-2025 Touring, 2017-2023 M-8 Engines, 2008-2016 FLT, 2016-2017 FBW models and 2000/ 2017 Twin Cam (CARB Executive Order D-639-13).

 

Diamond Mini Floorboards

These Diamond Mini Floorboards feature a cut through diamond pattern design with titanium inserts for increased foot traction. Each floorboard is CNC machined from aircraft grade billet aluminum. The durable, grip friendly high strength titanium 'spikes' are CNC machined from solid titanium.

This is a performance design that is short in length for added ground clearance. They accept the factory floorboard mounts and matching grips and footpegs are available separately. Choose from high quality, durable Black, Gold Red or Blue anodize and 'Contrast' finishes; fitment is for 1999-up FLT Touring models (Bagger).

ARLEN NESS ENTERPRISES

www.arlenness.com

Klock Werks

iOmount Essentials Kit

Mitchell, South Dakota based Klock Werks' iOmounts are an innovative and secure magnetic on-bike device mount system of secure mounts and accessories. The range is a broad as it is ergonomic.

Seen here is the company's new Essentials Kit - "the ultimate solution for magnetic phone mounts, featuring a diverse array of universal iOmount products tailored for versatile use. This deluxe 'chocolate box' style kit is packed with all the essentials for seamless device integration through magnetic technology, perfect whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go."

The iOmounts Essentials Kit includes the iOmini Black Stand that raises the phone 6 inches off any flat surface for the perfect viewing angles, the iOtraveler - a suction phone mount for most smooth, flat surfaces and iOpop - a Pop Socket adapter provides for a secure grip while texting with one hand.

The iOkwik is a universal magnetic mount that is designed to quickly attach to any magnetic surface. Common locations include gym equipment, toolboxes, metal posts, metal panels. Nomad is the "perfect universal mounting choice for powersports applications. With its flexible strap mount, the nomad is quick and easy to install." 

The 'Tether' is a strong durable strap that lays in a phone case and adds a sense of security - it can be anchored to the mounting system secure points. A two pack of iOdiscs is included in the kit - these are the razor-thin (0.025") steel adaptors that adhere to any device and connects to the Klock Werks Phone Mount.

KLOCK WERKS

www.getklocked.com

Jekill & Mr. Hyde

Nightster - J&H Adjustable Exhaust Sound Management

The recent news that Netherlands based electronic exhaust sound management specialist Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde has carved itself a niche in Harley-Davidson's P&A program has seen a slew of new model fitments endowed with "official availability."

Recent launces have included a brand-new 4.5" electronically adjustable exhaust system for H-D Touring CVO 121 models, pre-order model-specific exhaust availability for the 2024 Touring 117 models, the 'Nomad' for 2024 Pan America models (including Special and CVO), availability for Sportster S and, completing its 'Sport' range for Harley applications, the 'Lux' for Nightsters.

"We have developed an exhaust that gives riders the possibility to adjust the exhaust sound 'to the moment' by choosing a different sound mode for every situation - from the handlebar. The 'Nomad' is electronically adjustable, which makes it perfect for comfortable long-distance touring or urban areas."

J&H systems are delivered with new software and hardware to ensure compliance with R41.05 regulations. The company has invested in "our own state-of-the-art test lab with the most up-to- date and advanced testing equipment and methods to provide the ultimate sound experience for our customers.

"This includes our new active Smartbox and fast responding valve to guarantee an enriched sound experience from future-proofed engineering." Backed by a four-year warranty, it is compliant with the latest Euro norms "and we are well prepared for Euro 5 plus R41.05." Online exhaust configurator available.

THE JEKILL AND HYDE COMPANY

www.jekillandhyde.com

www.jekillandhyde.us