Harley-Davidson

Harley Confirms Zeitz 'Retirement'

Harley-Davidson's hand has been forced with what is likely a sooner than intended announcement that Chairman, CEO and President Jochen Zeitz is to retire.

With calls for him to do so (or for him to be fired) growing ever louder in the past six months, there are reports that Harley had already identified three 'preferred' candidates for one or another combination of the roles, but the board has been unable to agree on a selection that would unify some greatly differing views about the problems the company faces and its best way forward.

Harley-Davidson has announced the upcoming retirement of Chairman, CEO and President Jochen Zeitz.

Essentially, the board is split. This led to an announcement confirming that Zeitz is in the departure lounge, as the company became forced into embarking on a broader and much more public executive search.

The fact that the board disagreed over who and how the vacancies should be filled emerged as board member Jared Dourdeville exposed disagreements over policy in an acrimonious resignation letter in early April.

Dourdeville was the board member (since 2022) representing New York investment firm H Partners, which owns some 8 or 9 percent of Harley's stock, making it the second largest shareholder. In his resignation letter (released to the SEC in heavily redacted form) Dourdeville accused Harley's leadership, including Zeitz, of making decisions that have damaged the Harley brand.

His concerns included (but were not limited to) the company's work-from-home policy, a failure to deal with dealer inventory issues, a perceived neglect of the entry-level motorcycle market, poor handling of the attacks on its DEI policies (not least the politically motivated attacks by right wing activist Robby Starbuck), a failure to focus on dealer profitability and poor leadership by certain of Harley's independent directors.

Specifically, he called for the resignations of longtime directors Sara Levinson and "Presiding Director" Tom Lineberger, the Lead Independent Director in addition to the replacement of Jochen Zeitz.

Dourdeville had written to the board expressing his concerns on April 1, following that up with a formal resignation letter on April 5. He stated that it had been "an honor" to serve as a board member and that Harley-Davidson is a "rare company with a meaning that stretches beyond its immediate stakeholders".

However, even though the SEC filing of his letter was heavily redacted, it was clear that he was 'pulling no punches'. That said, there is much about this incident that 'sounds' disingenuous. Dourdeville had hitherto been a loyal board member, voting without fail for board approved decisions and positions and even agreeing that the present directors should extend their service.

He was appointed to Harley's board in 2022 when H Partners expressed concern about Harley's corporate governance, the composition of the board, and how much money its board members were making from the gig. 

Dourdeville's observations about Harley's management failures are far from lacking merit, not least where a failure to implement the planned reduction in dealer inventory, boost dealer profitability, protect brand reputation, protect Harley-Davidson Inc profitability and attract new customers with 'entry level' product are concerned. 

Indeed, the focus on reduced numbers of ever more expensive motorcycles has, in particular, put Harley in the position of waving goodbye to the zeitgeist of the contemporary motorcycle industry as it disappears in the opposite direction in their rear-view mirror. Righteous death is still death.

It is safe to assume that this story is a "work in progress" so rather than trying to unpick the 'he said, she said' details of an internecine dispute among members a clearly dysfunctional board (one that that is clearly and increasingly adrift from where motorcycle sales are to be found in the years ahead), look for a further update in the upcoming May edition of AMD Magazine.

Meanwhile, whatever it has taken to shake up Harley's senior management, hurrah. The company's market cap is now below the $3bn mark, with its share price circling the $20.00 drain - making Harley-Davidson seriously vulnerable to hostile take-over bids and acquisitions by rivals.

The May edition of AMD Magazine is due to 'go live' at www.amdmag.com by April 20. 

QJMotor

QJMotor Adds Three More Cruiser Models - V4 and Parallel Twins on the Way

By Ben Purvis

The latest batch of new model type-approval documents published by the Chinese government includes a trio of as-yet unlaunched QJMotor machines that are set to make the company's fast-growing model range even larger.

Only launched in 2020, QJMotor is now the flagship brand of parent company Qianjiang's group of manufacturers, with a vast array of models on the market in China - more than 100 of them at the last count. They're rapidly spreading around the globe, too, with QJMotor importers across Europe and even in the USA.

QJ600-12F

The new cruisers demonstrate the company's intention of filling ever imaginable niche. The company already offers three 600 cc-class cruisers - a V4, a V-twin and a parallel twin - so another three will bring the total to six, alongside a mind-boggling array of 125 cc, 200 cc, 250 cc, 300 cc, 350 cc, 400 cc, 500 cc, 550 cc, 700 cc and 900 cc cruisers in its range.

Of the new models, the most interesting is codenamed QJ600-12F and borrows the 67 hp, 561 cc V4 engine from the existing SRV600V. It also appears to use the same frame and tail bodywork as the SRV600V, but adds a fixed front fairing with a distinctive rectangular headlight. A range of different exhausts appear to be similar to those on the larger QJ Motor V4 in the SRV900V.

The second model is codenamed QJ600-12E and also uses the 561cc V4 engine and the same chassis, but with much more traditional, rounded styling including a circular headlight. Unusually, at least in the west, it has cowled forks that mimic the look of girder suspension. That's something of a trend at the moment in China, with models from rival companies Benda and Cyclone also adopting the same idea in recent months.

Both the new V4 bikes have the same 178km top speed and 1580mm wheelbase, with the faired model weight 5kg more than the naked 223 kg.

The third bike, codenamed QJ600-11D, takes a different approach, with a parallel twin engine instead of a V4, and a peak power of 60hp. It's engine, which actually measures 554cc, is shared with several other models in an array of capacities, and the frame appears to be similar to the QJ-made Harley-Davidson X500 that's sold in Asian markets, as well as the related Benelli Leoncino 500.

Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited Spring NVP Product Expo Part 2

2025 Spring NVP Product Expo

Louisville, Kentucky, January 2025

Hawg Halters: The prolific Georgia based manufacturer's new product blitz has continued unabated into 2025. Recent additions include two new X-21 Bolt-On Triple Tree kits for Street and Road Glides with a 21" x 130 mm wheel/tire installation. One is a 49 mm conventional fork model bolt-on raked triple tree kit for the 2024 and up Standard FLHX Street Glide and FLTRX Road Glide (49FL24-AX21), the second (62FL24-AX-21) is for the 2023.5 and newer CVO FLHXSE Street Glides and FLTRXSE Road Glides with 62 mm inverted front ends. The 5-degree triple tree rake results in stock trail geometry, delivering the necessary clearance for a full wrap fender. Described as producing "responsive and stable handling at all speeds, the X-21 bolt-on triple trees perform as well or better than stock, with improved feedback and precision, positioning the front wheel forward by approximately one inch." They are a genuine, fully reversible, modification free bolt-on install; www.hawghalters.com

DP Brakes: The originators of sintered brake pad technology for motorcycles, DP manufactures "quality sintered metal brake pads for replacements and performance upgrades for every riding application, including racing, sport, touring, and cruising." All made in-house at the company's UK headquarters facility; www.dp-brakes.com

Darkhorse Motor Company: Founded in 1980 and best known for its legendary Man O'War Crankshafts, President John Dahmer told AMD that: "we engineer all of our Darkhorse Pro products and procedures to support engine longevity and increased horsepower in the foundation of every American-made performance motor configuration. Our focus is straight and true. We provide you with long term solutions to short comings in OEM production-based products. Two years ago, the Man O-War premium connecting rods were released after a year of inhouse testing.  This chromoly h-beam style rod was engineered utilizing all historical data accumulated in the first four years of research and testing in the M8 platform. That same year saw V&H win the King Of The Baggers National Championship utilizing Darkhorse' full race prepared crankshaft. Late last year, the innovative Total Indicator Run-out Tool was released to the industry, definitively changing how technicians measure run-out on both the pinion and sprocket shafts of all big twin H-D models back to 1970"; www.darkhorsemoco.com

Performance Machine: Having successfully completed the transition into new manufacturing space alongside sister company Vance & Hines (Santa Fe Springs, California) last year, Monoblock calipers and Drifter Floorboards are among recent strong sellers. Block-Ops style Race Line thermally efficient cover series - Cam, Clutch, Transmission, Derby and Rocker Box - have also established themselves with dealers and customizers since first being introduced 24 months ago; www.performancemachine.com

Hogtunes: Keeping it simple, keeping it clear and keeping it pure motorcycle are the Hogtune's touchstones. "Whether you're looking to add four or six speakers, speakers in your lids, multiple amplifiers or just a simple upgrade of two speakers in your fairing, we've got what you need to improve your riding experience through music." For '14-'23 models the company offers Hogtunes branded products or upgrades to 'Wild Boar Audio' for more power, better bass response and noticeably superior performance.  "Everything we do is specifically designed for a motorcycle and easy-to-install." Check out the ergonomic, award winning Wild Boar Audio and Hogtunes retro cut-in lid kits - "from a cutting template that reduces the chance of error, to a design that actually allows for water drainage, to the speakers pointing in the right direction - we took everything that was wrong with other cut-in kits and made it better." For '14-'23 H-D bikes with factory saddlebag lids"; www.hogtunes.com

TecMate: The international battery charger and maintenance specialist recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and sells exclusively through Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties and Parts Canada in North America. Helping dealers to help their customers to choose the right charger for their needs has always been important for TecMate's mission to 'Spread the Word' about battery care best practices. TecMate has created a rider-friendly webpage that lists the 2025 range of OptiMate battery chargers for powersport applications that is designed to specifically to help riders make the right choice. The OptiMate range is organized into three levels - Easy, More and Best - according to function, popularity and the rider's battery knowledge. At the top of the range the Gold series OptiMate 4 Quad program has all the features of the Easy and More groups, combined into a single smart battery charger with four selectable programs to save, charge, test and maintain 12V Pb/lead-acid (flooded, VRLA, AGM & GEL) or a 12.8V/13.2V LFP lithium (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate/LiFePO4) batteries directly, in or out of the vehicle, or charge, test and maintain via the CAN bus controlled 12V socket where applicable. TecMate CEO Martin Human says that "no matter the choice made by the rider, all OptiMates in the line-up share features such as 'no supervision required' automatic operation, 'connect and forget' 24-7 battery maintenance and eco-friendly efficient power conversion technologies that reduce electricity usage, keeping the rider's battery in tiptop shape at the lowest cost"; www.tecmate.com

Kodlin USA: A massive new product launch for 2025 includes new fitments for 2023.5 and up VVT H-D Touring models. New parts include Saddlebag Latch Covers, Kodlin Trackbars, Ascent Riser, water reservoir cover, horn relocation kit, NXL Derby Cover and Kodlin x Mustang Squareback seat - oh, and not to forget the new Kodlin Oval Air Cleaner (49 state EPA compliant) that has been measured at delivering up to a 12 hp increase on a 2024 stock Street Glide with V&H pipe and Thundermax Auto Tune ECM; www.kodlinusa.com

Honda

Honda Adds Electronic Clutch to Rebel 250

By Ben Purvis

Semi-automatic transmissions are a fast-growing trend, with Japanese, Chinese and European manufacturers all jumping on the user-friendly tech - but Honda is both a pioneer and an outlier in the field, is taking its own distinct direction.

The company's complex Dual Clutch Transmission, in production for more than 15 years in a variety of different models, was well ahead of the trend towards semi-auto solutionsand remains a leader in the technology, offering genuinely seamless shifting thanks to the two clutches. However, the development of quickshifters and simpler, cheaper and lighter automated manual transmissions like BMW's 'ASA' (Automated Shift Assistant) and Yamaha's Y-AMT (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) has led to recent growth in the field.

Honda's response is the E-Clutch, initially launched on the CB650R and CBR650R, which automates the operation of the clutch during starts, stops and gearchanges, while retaining the standard clutch lever for riders who'd prefer to have complete control themselves. While not able to offer a fully-automatic mode, the E-Clutch is far cheaper than other automated manuals and offers many of the same benefits. Since the technology is largely incorporated into a small unit,  attached to the clutch cover, it's simple for Honda to adapt it to almost any conventional bike in its range.

The Japanese market Rebel 250 cruiser has become the second platform to get the E-Clutch option, and while currently only offered in Honda's home market at this stage, its engine shares most of its parts with the global Rebel 300, as well as machines like the CRF300L, CRF300 Rally, and CB300R. That means the E-Clutch components used on the 2025 Rebel 250 should be directly compatible with those machines, opening the door to a host of new models with the technology in the near future.

Unlike DCT, which adds around 11 kg of weight to every bike fitted with the system and requires a completely different set of gearbox internals, the E-Clutch uses a standard gearbox and the electronic actuator and control computer for the system adds only 3 kg to the weight of the Rebel 250.

SP Concepts

SP Concepts - 'Elsinore' Stainless Steel 2-1 for M8 Softails and Touring

Lake Elsinore, California based exhaust manufacturer SP Concepts (SPC) debuts its new stainless mid length exhaust - the 'Elsinore' 2-1. The Elsinore's current lineups include the M8 Softails '18-'25 and all M8 Baggers '17-'25. 

They feature hand tig-welded stepped headpipes, a custom cone body into a muffler body, and a perforated core - all designed for maximum torque and horsepower. "All of our exhausts are setup for wideband 18 mm O2 sensors and include adapters for the stock 12 mm bungs," says company President and Co-Founder Greg Miranda.

"Our flagship exhausts, the Big Bore 4.5 and the LaneSplitter still continue to crush sales across the world. But we've found additional demand - customers are always looking for something different, something that separates them from the rest of the pack. 

"While longer exhausts typically make great power and the dyno charts show a more linear powerband, it's still too traditional for the new era of 'performance builds'. This is where the Elsinore shines. Putting up great numbers, this exhaust is way EDGIER than its full-length predecessor." 

Delivering an aggressive deep sound it is made with premium grade stainless steel and welded by hand in house at the company's factory in Lake Elsinore, USA.

SPC is headed into its third year in business and the company has grown consistently ever since it opened its doors. "It's the tremendous success that we are having in the in the Harley exhaust market that's driving it.

"It's still incredibly humbling to hear customer feedback about seeing us everywhere and disrupting the scene. Our business philosophy is simple, make killer stainless-steel exhausts, and back what you sell. 

"It doesn't hurt that the products we back also happen to be some of the most badass systems available in the stainless steel 2-1 exhaust market today. 

"As a business we are focussed, dedicated and skilled. We stay in our lane, take extreme pride in our craftsmanship, we really, genuinely are good at what we do, and we continue to push ourselves to innovate. It really should be that simple and as far as building the reputation of the SPC brand? We make sure it stays that simple."

SP CONCEPTS

www.spcexhausts.com

Triumph

Triumph Launches New Speed Triple 1200 RS and Bobber TFC

By Ben Purvis

Triumph's steady flow of new model launches is continuing with the unveiling of two 2025 machines over the Christmas and New Year period in the form of the latest Speed Triple 1200 RS and the exclusive Bobber TFC.

Of the two, the Speed Triple is the more significant addition to the range, with a wide-ranging update that reestablishes the bike as Triumph's highest-performance offering and brings a level of technology unseen on its predecessor. 

Speed Triple 1200 RS

While the power increase for 2025 is a modest 3 hp over the 2024 variant, it's enough to bring the Speed Triple's output from 177.5 hp to 180.5 hp, jumping ahead of the latest Rocket 3 Storm's 180 hp - even if only fractionally - to make the latest Speed Triple the most powerful mass-produced bike in Triumph's history.

The increase comes courtesy of a new exhaust, part of a set of changes to meet the latest Euro5+ emissions rules, along with revised crankshaft balancing and changes to the engine electronics. The peak comes at the same 10,750 rpm as before, accompanied by a maximum torque of 128 Nm at 8,750 rpm - up 3 Nm and arriving 250 rpm lower in the rev range compared to the old bike.

More important is the addition of new Öhlins semi-active suspension, with the company's latest third-generation SmartEC3 technology. That's an upgrade over the passive suspension of the previous model and even compared to the second-generation Öhlins semi-active kit used on the Speed Triple 1200 RR.

The suspension gives control over seven parameters of front and rear damping, including firmness, acceleration reaction, initial acceleration reaction, cornering and cruising, while the latest electronics package also includes adjustable front wheel lift control and a brake slide assist for track use. Five riding modes, cornering ABS and traction control, and a standard quickshifter also feature in the bike's array of technology.

While the visual tweaks are subtle, the 2025 machine gets new, lighter forged wheels, a revised pillion seat cowl, and an Öhlins steering damper under the lower yoke to mark it out from its predecessor. Inside, a lithium-ion battery helps offset the weight of the new suspension and exhaust, so the new bike is only 1 kg heavier than the old model at 199 kg ready-to-ride.

Triumph has also launched the Bobber TFC as the latest in its line of high-end Triumph Factory Custom models. It's the second time the Bobber has been given the TFC treatment, having originally been offered in 2019, and the latest variant follows a similar route. Changes compared to the standard bike include a 19-inch front wheel instead of a 16-incher, as well as low, clip-on bars and a smattering of carbon fibre components. 

Öhlins NIX30 forks and a matching rear shock are allied to Brembo M50 radial calipers, representing a substantial upgrade over the stock Bobber, while the engine map gains a Sport mode alongside the standard Road and Rain settings. Max power is unchanged at 77 hp, as is the peak torque of 106 Nm, but both appear a little lower in the rev range than before.

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2025

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride - 2025 Global Launch

Registration is officially open for the 2025 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) which, this year, is set to take place in over 1,000 cities around the world on Sunday, 18 May, 2025.

This iconic global motorcycle event, renowned for bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts dressed in their finest attire to raise awareness for men's health with 'Movember', is set to be bigger than ever.

For the 12th year running, Triumph Motorcycles is the Official Motorcycle Partner, "bringing together the passion of its staff, dealers and riders of modern classic motorcycles, to grow and enhance the global DGR community." There's no question that Triumph's valuable support plays a key role in building the event's global reach and encouraging riders from all walks of life to participate.

"We knew we needed to do more for men's health," says Mark Hawwa, Founder of The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. "That's why we partnered with the world's largest men's health charity, 'Movember', and with Triumph Motorcycles. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of all our partners and enabling us to support men's health on a global scale, in supporting the critical causes of prostate cancer and men's mental health. Together with our community, we are proud to continue riding dapper for men's health."

Triumph's Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud added: "This is Triumph's 12th year as Official Motorcycle Partner for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, which brings riders around the world together to raise awareness and funds to support men's mental and physical health. 

"As well as raising even more funds for research through our involvement, we hope to increase awareness and encourage men to talk more about their health, helping them seek timely advice and support. It's also a chance for all of us to simply enjoy some time together in May, bonding over our shared passion for vintage and modern classic motorcycles."

To date it is estimated that the DGR program has raised more than $50m for men's mental health and Prostate Cancer causes.

www.gentlemansride.com

White Motorcycle Concepts

White Motorcycle Concepts and Pininfarina Reveal Joint Venture Design 

By Ben Purvis

The work of White Motorcycle Concepts in the United Kingdom caught the world's attention in 2021 with the WMC250EV electric land speed record challenger - demonstrating an extreme interpretation of the company's idea for a through-bike air duct that allows a hugely reduced frontal area and drag coefficient without compromising the riding position. 

Since then WMC has turned its attention to a three-wheeled scooter that shows the system's effectiveness at low speed, and a concept developed with Zero to incorporate the idea into the Zero SR/S electric sports bike. However, its latest collaboration in is with Italian automotive legend Pininfarina - to explore how the duct can be made attractive as well as effective.

The essential idea of the through-bike duct is to rearrange components in the bike to clear space for air to pass directly from the high-pressure area in the nose to the low-pressure zone at the back. Wind tunnel and computer testing has shown substantial potential improvements in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, with even the version of the duct used on the WMC-modified Zero SR/S achieving a 10% reduction in drag - despite the need to maintain the standard bike's chassis and other main parts as well as most of the external styling. 

WMC's work has attracted the attention of Pininfarina, the legendary design house that's inextricably connected to Ferrari in most minds but also has its own R&D and production facilities, including a wind tunnel with its own place in motorcycling history - it was used in the 1970s to sculpt the shape of the BMW R100 RS, the world's first full-faired production bike. 

As a result, Pininfarina's designers have sketched out a pair of bikes with WMC's patented duct layout, with the designs presented at an event marking Pininfarina's 95th anniversary and the company's connection with motorcycles, dubbed 'Design and Performance In Motion - Shaping Two-Wheeled Aerodynamics.'

The machines share the same central core, a composite version of the WMC duct that doubles as the main frame structure. At the front there are four air intakes, with the duct split around the forks and steering head, combining into one channel that exits under the seat. Below it hangs an powertrain that's described as a small-capacity combustion engine with forced induction, paired to an electric hybrid system to maximize efficiency. 

Pininfarina's designs show one version of the bike as a naked roadster, the other as a part-faired version with a more aerodynamic front mudguard and an extensive bellypan that unusually encloses more of the rear than the front.

Robert White, CEO and founder of White Motorcycle Concepts, said: "It has been a true pleasure collaborating with Pininfarina on these initial imaginings of how our patented duct could be incorporated into a new motorcycle design with a compact forced induction hybrid powertrain. I am particularly proud of how we have managed to make the duct both a structural and style feature on a faired and naked concept. 

"The duct concept has always been about improving efficiency no matter the fuel source, but this collaboration has taken this to the next level showing how the duct can provide functional performance as well as be an aesthetic feature for future motorcycles."